From the beautiful Baroque churches of Budapest to the haunted castles of Transylvania, this ten-day journey across Eastern Europe provides a fascinating insight into an intriguing region. Learn about the failed Turkish invasion of Eger and take a wine cellar tour in the Valley of the Beautiful Women. Become acquainted with traditional Romanian culture and customs in Maramures. Tour the medieval churches of Brasov, including Bran Castle and dine with a local family on an overnight homestay in Viscri. Visit Bucharest's 12-storey Palace of Parliament and enjoy free time to explore your favourite sites further. This jam-packed journey perfectly introduces two Eastern European treasures, soaked in fascinating history and featuring modern-day delights.
Travel across the border from Belgrade through the heart of Transylvania to Bucharest on this 11-day Premium adventure. From medieval fortresses and fairytale castles to vampiric lore and cobbled Old Towns, this journey will reveal Romania’s top sights and lesser-known charms. Travel through endless mountain scenery, visit multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites, descend into an otherworldly salt mine, tour a winery known for its sparkling rose, wander through Transylvanian Saxon villages and spend a night in the Szekler Mansion.
Wind your way down through some of Mediterranean Europe’s most charming towns, beaches and islands on this journey from the Adriatic to the Aegean. Start off with a tour of Dubrovnik’s enchanting walled city before heading south along the spectacular Dalmatian coast to Montenegro. Venture off the tourist trail for a taste of old-time Balkans in Albania and Macedonia, take time out in provincial Syros, and then eat, drink and sunbathe your way through the good times on offer in Mykonos and Santorini. A region of breathtaking scenery, legendary history and ever-enticing cuisine, this journey through Eastern Europe serves up a slice of the Mediterranean with a Balkans backdrop.
This European adventure combines the must-sees of the Balkan region and the lesser-known glories of North Macedonia and Albania – creating the perfect balance between old and new. Hang out in Dubrovnik's Old Town, cruise around Lake Ohrid, hike the foot hills of Mt Olympus and in Pelister National Park, and sample some regional specialties in Greece's capital. You’ll experience the Adriatic coastline and the Balkans interior on a 15-day regional wrap from Dubrovnik to Athens. With a curated selection of inclusions and plenty of free time, this slice of Europe is all yours to explore.
A great trip I would highly recommend to those interested in this style of travel, made all the more enjoyable thanks to the skill & dedication of our wonderful tour leader!
The Budapest to IstanbulTour through less visited countries in Europe was great! Romania was a highlight with beautiful scenery and great character. The opportunity to travel through more remote/ countryside destinations throughout Hungary Romania Bulgaria was wonderful. It would be difficult to do this trip by yourself.
A bite of the Balkans, a dash of Central Europe and a slice of the Mediterranean – on this 17-day adventure, you’ll get a sample of Europe’s diverse delights. Wander through Dubrovnik’s World Heritage-listed Old Town, set on the shores of the Adriatic, then explore Plitvice Lakes National Park near Zagreb. Travel up the Dalmatian Coast and cross into Slovenia, where adventure junkies can get their fix biking, hiking, canyoning or caving. Head on to Italy and live out your grandest gondola and tiramisu fantasies in Venice, stroll the twisting trails between Cinque Terre's towns and see the artworks that inspired the Renaissance in Florence. Then, end it all in Rome – an epic hotspot with so much to see and do (including one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Colosseum)!
Journey through ancient ruins and Greek Ottoman villages on this 15-day island adventure from Turkey to Greece. Visit ANZAC Cove in Canakkale, join your local leader on a walking tour of Istanbul and learn about the archaeological and mythological sites in the Greek Islands like Delos. Discover the ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus, explore the small coves outside Ermoupolis and indulge in traditional dishes and local wine at an authentic Greek Ottoman village in Sirince.
Get your Turkish delights on a 15-day adventure from Istanbul. This trip is a mix of ancient ruins and modern cities, Islamic history and Ottoman influence, inland discoveries and coastal cruising – and everything in between! Discover Gallipoli on a guided tour that will teach you about its significance during the First World War, unlock the secrets of the ancient city of Ephesus, admire Oludeniz’s Blue Lagoon from high up on the Lycian Way and swim in the Mediterranean on a traditional gulet cruise from Kas. From the winding laneways of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar to the bizarre landscapes of Cappadocia, you'll discover the local’s side to Turkey.
I so appreciated the leadership of Nela, and the skills of Bozo for this trip. I really like having local guides, who know their culture and language as well as knowledge and flexibility with routes, and different individuals needs and requests. We were supported well by these two leaders, and the ACE-Adventure company.
All cyclists agreed that the group worked and played really well together, bonding quickly in the eight day experience. To me this reflects good leadership and sound planning of infrastructure.
Information from Explore was clear, and helpful.
This trip provides the opportunity to walk a beautiful long distance path, led with skill and charm and with excellent accommodation along the way. I had a wonderful experience.
Very enjoyable week of walking on the scenic lycian way. The walks were all as descibed on the explore itinerary - some challenging, all rewarding. Our guide zep was great, informative on the history and culture without overloading us and with a fun personality. All very professionally run. Accommodation generally good and as described, though the last hotel in kas had no wifi in the rooms.which was irritating. The food throughout was excellent with generous amounts provided where it was included and good restaurant recommendations where it wasn't. The optional dune sunset trip at Patara was well worth doing, and the boat trip on the last day was a great, relaxing activity to finish on.
The crew and tour leader were fantastic. There were many stops along the way for swimming. The history learned and walking through the many historic towns was illuminating.
The lower cabin is very very spacious and quiet.