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.
Ascend Mount Ararat (5137m), considered to be the resting place of Noah's Ark. Agri Dag, or Ararat as it is known in the west, reaches a height of 5137m. Tucked away near the borders of Iran and Armenia, Turkey's highest mountain is considered to be the place where Noah's Ark came to rest after the Great Flood. Proof of that is rather elusive but trekking to the summit is more realistic. This spectacular, permanently glacier-capped mountain is a great one week challenge for the seasoned walker. Our fully supported trek with experienced, licensed mountain guides will ensure your adventure will be memorable. Weather permitting there are fabulous views towards Armenia, Georgia and the high Caucasus Mountains, home to Mt Elbrus (5642m).
Croatia's Istrian Peninsula is one of Europe's best kept secrets. Buckets of historical charm, endless rolling hills, pretty medieval villages and delectable cuisine. Combined with dramatic coastal scenes, pristine wilderness preserved in national parks with impressive waterfalls, endemic flora and a maze of walking trails, this is an ideal destination for active travellers. On this week long walking holiday, discover the Venetian styled village of Motovun with its striking hilltop setting, surrounded by vineyards and truffle forests. Explore Brijuni (or Brioni in Italian) National Park where ancient pine forests meet with the azure coastal waters and the Ucka Nature Park where an ascent to Mount Vojak (1401m) will reveal sweeping views of the Istrian Peninsula from the snowy peaks of the Dolomites to the Adriatic. During the trip there are plenty of opportunities to swim, relax in small cafes and experience the local culinary specialties, while at night stay in handpicked hotels and pensions specially chosen for their great atmosphere.
This is a wonderful walking/sailing holiday where you can see places in Turkey that you wouldn't see on a typical tour. It was amazing to be hiking and stumble across ancient ruins in many places -- and not see a single other person. I imagined that I was walking in the footsteps of Homer.
