We really enjoyed the cycling in Istria. The roads were in great shape for road bikes and had very little traffic except getting in and out of Pula which is to be expected. There were lots of places to stop for cappuccino, snacks and lunch, bikes were a perfect way to visit so many villages in the hills and on the coast. The hotels were great with variety from resort style hotels to boutique hotels in the old towns. The luggage transfer was smooth. We were given maps, an app and gpx files so we were never in danger of getting lost.
Let the charm of the Cyclades wash over you on this 9-day Premium island adventure in Greece. Start off in the storied city of Athens, explore the villages of Paros, uncover ancient riches in Naxos and soak up the views in Santorini. Hike a caldera, tour wineries, sample local kitron and take a cooking class with organic ingredients. Travel with a passionate local leader who’s eager to share the magic of their country as you discover fascinating histories, incredible food and welcoming locals.
BeachChill out
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
See some of the most popular destinations in Turkey during this guided, nine-day trip. Discover the myths and legends surrounding Ephesus and snap pictures of white travertine pools in Pamukkale. Explore one of the most popular tourist cities in Turkey, Antalya, and stay in a cave hotel in Cappadocia.
Included in this trip are eight nights of accommodation, most meals, museum entry fees, transportation and domestic flights. Simply sit back and enjoy exploring some of most famous destinations of Turkey. Please note that we do not operate big bus tours with 40 people in one bus. We operate small-group tours of up to 15 people.
The flights from and to Istanbul that we generally use are listed below. However, this may vary due to availability reasons.
From Istanbul: Departure between 07:00 am & 07:30 am, landing in Izmir between 08:00 am & 08:30 am.
From Cappadocia: Departure between 19:00 to 21:30 and landing in Istanbul between 20:30 & 23:00.
Are you looking for something unique out of Istanbul? This seven-day West Black Sea Tour offers an amazing route, which will take you away from the stressful city environment.
Starting from amazing Sile, we head to Agva to discover its pure natural beauty. Then, we will drive east along the West Black Sea toward Akcakoca, enjoying the beautiful scenery on the way. We will visit the old city of Akcakoca and other local attractions, including Genoese Castle.
Next up in our destinations are Bolu, home to the beautiful Lake Abant, and then the town of Safranbolu, famed for Ottoman architecture. The last stop of our tour is Amasra, a beautiful Black Sea port town, where we will tour its local attractions before returning to Istanbul to end our trip.
Sightseeing ToursWalking tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
1-85 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Istanbul, Black Sea Region, Ağva
Istanbul, Black Sea Region, Ağva, Akcakoca, Lake Abant, Safranbolu, Amasra
For travelers interested in discovering the key highlights of Turkey in less than a week, this is the tour for you. Included in this itinerary is a comprehensive exploration of Cappadocia (including both its northern and southern parts) as well as trips to the ruins of Ephesus and the ethereal travertines of Pamukkale.
Book this itinerary for an unforgettable holiday in Turkey and leave it to us to plan your accommodation, transportation and other services. The flights from and to Istanbul that we generally use are listed below. Please note that this is subject to availability and may vary depending on weather and other factors.
From Istanbul: The flight leaves between 07:00 to 07:30 am and arrives in Izmir between 08:00 and 08:30 am.
From Cappadocia: The flight leaves between 7:00 pm and 10:00 pm and arrives in Istanbul between 9:00 pm and 11:50 pm.
Get your hiking boots on! This tour is designed for experienced trekkers looking to explore exciting new places. You will spend overnight in two national parks, hike the well-known trails on Velebit Mountain, and enjoy the preserved nature and the views from the most beautiful summits of Croatia.
The routes you will pass through are some of the most exciting stages of the Via Dinarica trail on Velebit. From easy and moderately difficult to somewhat more demanding stages, this trail is perfect for advanced hikers searching for new excitement. Lace your hiking boots, prepare your backpack, and embark on a journey to Croatia.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Eco Lodge, Hostel, Hut, Lodge
Age Range
18-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Donja Klada, Northern Velebit Na
Donja Klada, Northern Velebit National Park, Paklenica National Park
Santorini and Naxos are two of the most beautiful islands in the Cyclades but here is where the similarity ends. Santorini feels like no other place on earth: an ancient island that endured one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history. Here everything is bright like the whitewashed cube-shaped houses, the lapis lazuli sea and the sunsets that light up the caldera. Whilst the towns and beaches are understandably popular, the walking opportunities on the island are numerous, through volcanic landscapes and along spectacular cliffs along a series of mule tracks. Naxos on the other hand is the largest of the Cyclade islands with some of Greece's best white sand beaches, a smattering of ancient ruins and a lively town. Away from the coast, life has changed little in the last century. Traditional farming practices abound in a landscape of fertile valleys home to 1000 year old olive groves and impressive mountains beckoning to be climbed. One day is spent ascending the highest mountain of the area: Mt Zas. From its summit enjoy breathtaking views of olive-orchards set in sharp contrast with the deep blue Aegean Sea. The pace of the holiday is dictated by you, with plenty of opportunity after the walks to swim in the sea or hotel pool, wander through markets in the small towns and relax at a taverna to watch the sunset.
"Thanks for making this trip memorable with my family. Well organised trip great services. Great team coordinator who is in constant contact with us. Well-experienced drivers with comfort cars. All tour guides were very professional with fluent English speaking with history knowledge."
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
1-85 yrs
Operated in
English
Destinations
Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, P
Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Kusadasi, Şirince, Laodicea, Ankara
Glories of Türkiye 15 day tour
This small group (in our case just 8 people) tour was excellent and provided a perfect introduction to this country. The first thing that stands out is how clean everywhere is. Not so much as a candy wrapper anywhere, city streets or country by-ways. The Turks are hospitable, polite and friendly people, eager to please everywhere you go. English is spoken in many places and commnication is never a problem. Our escort and guide, Fatih, was both knowledgeable and informative about the many sights; but also thoughtful and concerned for the well-being of his group members. Highly organized and experienced, he had everything under control. Our fellow travelers were all delightful company.
Istanbul is a vibrant city with a history dating back thousands of years. Divided by the Bosphorous, it is both in Europe and in Asia. The Kadikoy district, on the Asian side, is not part of the tour but should be. If possible try to spend a couple of additional days there.
The ancient sites are all interesting and cover thousands of years of history, including Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and many associated with biblical writings. This is also a good opportunity for non Muslims to learn about the Islamic faith.
Dining was always a pleasure. Although the Turkish population is almost entirely of the Muslim faith, it is politically secular. As a result, alcoholic beverages are widely but not universally available. Tap water is generally avoided, but bottled water is available everywhere.
Prices in stores and dining establishments were significantly cheaper than Europe or North America.
There was no sense anywhere of a threat to personal safety. Indeed we saw no signs of homelessness or drug or alcohol abuse or criminality. Toilets were clean and fresh everywhere.
In summary, Turkey was a wonderful vacation experience, and the Glories of Türkiye 15 day tour met and exceeded our expectations.
Art and architecture
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Istanbul, Pamukkale, Ankara, Ant
Istanbul, Pamukkale, Ankara, Antalya, Cappadocia, Canakkale, Izmir, Ephesus, Bodrum
Amazing Trip!! Accommodations, and transport from island to island were amazing. Food was spectacular. Even the weather was cooperating. I have never seen such blue skies and water. Totally captivating
City sightseeingChill out
Tour Type
Independent TourTypically a private tour undertaken by one or two travelers
This is the 10th Explore holiday, we have covered places like Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Vietnam, Cambodia, Cuba, India and this just covers 5 holidays.
These are not for everyone, as some are very full on, but the two Balkan trips were easy, although some of this group had not read the itinerary properly and this was a bit too much for them!
The Cuba and South America were what I call, sanitised back packing, as sleeping out in the open and you can have very early starts, around 4 am and late finishes.
However, you really see the place and interact with the local people. This is why we love Explore tours.
If you want total comfort and not really interact, then Saga or like is for you, as you do have to rough it on some trips.
One trip in particular was India, two days going up the Ganges on a wooded raft, inches from the water and sleeping on the bank at night with the snakes and wild dogs, just an amazing experience, and you know you are alive!
Another was in the jungle of Cuba, no tent, just under the stars, but I did get attacked by the smallest ants in the night, but still a fantastic experience, one I won’t forget!
Our tour guides have all been very good, but on this trip, Constantin went beyond the norm.
The only criticism on this trip was no local experts and Constantin had to do it all, which makes it very difficult for him to become an expert in every area, town etc.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel, Villa
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Bucharest, Sofia, Black Sea Regi
Bucharest, Sofia, Black Sea Region, Kaliakra, Transylvania, Sibiu, Belgrade
We were looking for a customized, small group tour. We just returned from our trip and are more than highly pleased and satisfied of our experience. They planned an amazing itinerary, booked amazing hotels and transfers and tour guides went above and beyond to please us. We are already planning another trip next year and will be using these guys.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Independent TourTypically a private tour undertaken by one or two travelers
