Explore one of the most fascinating corners of the Dordogne on this varied and flexible, walking, cycling and canoeing holiday. The Perigord Noir, arguably one of the most attractive parts of the Dordogne, is named as such for its rich dark oak and chestnut forests which fill the very heart of this region. The area offers spectacular scenery with ancient chateaux perched high above the rugged cliffs overlooking the entire valley. You'll find mediaeval villages full of character and a plethora of historical sites including the Benedictine Abbaye Sainte-Marie in Souillac, founded during the 12th century and which suffered badly during the Hundred Years' War.
On foot, bike and by canoe, venture through the Perigord experiencing what this picturesque region has to offer. You have total flexibility with the choice of either walking or cycling routes when you're not canoeing. The canoeing is safe and undemanding, and we will give you a lesson in handling your canoe before you set off. Your journey starts in Rocamadour, a spectacular cliff-clinging town and home to one of France's most venerated sites, before moving on to Meyronne, on the banks of the Dordogne. From here you pick up your paddle, canoeing downstream to Souillac and on to Beynac with its hilltop castle, captured by Richard the Lionheart in 1179, finally arriving in medieval Sarlat.
'Walking Lake Como' was an amazing trip - booking and the pre-trip organisation was efficient and seamless, information about the trip was detailed and accurate (although it does help to read it properly so you don't end up waiting at the wrong terminal at Malpensa Airport wondering where everyone is!), our tour leader, Peppe, was brilliant - kind, considerate, super well-organised, funny and we felt very safe with him in charge. The Hotel Regina was comfortable and the staff without exception very friendly and helpful, and the views of the lake are fantastic. Sitting on the terrace with a prosecco or Aperol spritz after a challenging day's walking, as the sun slips behind the mountains, was a real treat. I found the walks maybe a bit more challenging than I expected (some of the descents were quite steep, but nothing that a good pair of boots and poles couldn't handle), so you do need a decent level of fitness and walking experience, I think. Overall, a great experience and we'll definitely be looking at other, similar trips.
What a fantastic trip. Iceland is so full of natural wonder its hard to know what to highlight. The first thing is our guide; a passionate Icelander who brought everything to life and told us all about the detail we might otherwise miss.
We saw blue sky, sunshine and a dusting of snow for the first 3 days then overcast and finally rain and blasts of strong wind. Nothing the weather could throw at us could marr the beauty and splendour of Iceland.
Everything from dormant and dead volcanic craters, thermal baths, glaciers and their iceburgs, larva fields, waterfalls....the list goes on and on.
Lastly, the public - open air - swimming pools and their hot tubs are a must. They refresh you, offer you the chance to wind down and relax and are absolutely wonderful. Do go!
From enchanting mountains to impressive beaches, natural scenery, above to the gastronomic escapade. Join our 15-day tour and discover the gems of the awe-inspiring Spanish and Portuguese heritage. Architectural exposure in Madrid opens this spectacular journey, continuing to Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia to unveil the myths and legend about the supernatural presence of elves and witches and to get a feel of the delightful local gastronomy. Spiritual visit of the Holy Virgin Mary in Fatima, wine tasting in Oporto and vivid walks around the old Lisbon city centre will take you to know the Portuguese essence of their Mediterranean way of life. Spain will conquer your heart by its rich history, and gastronomic experience in Portugal will fill this trip with the life-time memories.
Embark on an immersive 7-day journey through Turkey's most captivating historical and natural wonders, starting from Kuşadası! Uncover the ancient grandeur of Ephesus and marvel at Pamukkale's dazzling white terraces and therapeutic hot springs. Travel the ancient Silk Road to Konya's Mevlana Museum before being enchanted by Cappadocia's surreal lunar landscapes, fairy chimneys, and underground cities. Your adventure culminates with a visit to Ankara's significant Anıtkabir, offering a comprehensive and unforgettable immersion into Turkey's rich heritage. This expertly guided tour concludes in vibrant Istanbul, leaving you with lasting memories of Turkey's diverse beauty.
Very comfortable hotel with excellent food, especially breakfast buffet. Knowledgeable and personable guide who was able to adapt the itinerary depending on weather conditions. Great walking trails with varied features eg forest, lakeside, waterfalls and well planned breaks for a coffee, cake etc. Efficient travel arrangements. Locality beautiful with some shops and good restaurants for free evenings. Very enjoyable trip.
My frst trip with Explore and it didn’t disappoint. Massimo our guide was very good and all the events were excellent. I particularly loved the farm visit to see Mozzarella being made and the olive oil & wine tasting. I also loved the walks! The accomodation was ok but not always comfortable and I personally would have liked just a bit more time between activities as it seemed very rushed! I will certainly look at booking Explore again in the future!
We had the best time on the Greek Caique Cruise. The itinerary was fantastic and Thanos knew everything and everyone. We swam off the boat every day and when we docked in various ports Thanos was able to point us to the best places to go, organise taxis for us if necessary and in the evening recommend the best restaurants.
Experience the ultimate adventure in Sicily with our 7-day tour. Your journey starts in Palermo, the cultural, economic and tourism capital of Italy, and ends in the town of Taormina on the east coast of Sicily. In between, you will also explore other popular destinations, such as Agrigento, Ragusa, and Noto.
In Palermo, explore the rich cultural heritage of the city, marvel at the intricate Norman architecture of Monreale Cathedral, savor local delicacies and wines on a historic winery tour, and enjoy a sensorial experience like no other. Continue your journey to Agrigento, where you will be transported back in time as you explore the ancient Greek monuments and ruins at the Valley of Temples. Next discover the stunning Baroque palaces and churches of Ragusa Ibla and Noto, before visiting the largest active volcano in Europe, Mount Etna. Finally, relax and unwind in the romantic town of Taormina.
Don't miss out on the adventure of a lifetime!
La Gomera is the second smallest Canary island and remains a largely undiscovered destination. It’s a stunning island with at least 50 dramatic deep cut barrancos that slice through the landscape from 1500 metres altitude down to the sea.
The island is indeed a walkers paradise offering lush vegetation, impressive landscapes, fantastic path networks and beautiful mountain villages with outstanding views. It is home to Garajonay National Park which was declared a World Heritage site by Unesco in 1986.
Our guided walking tour takes you on a spectacular journey through the island, walking from village to village with baggage transferred throughout.
We use a mix of small hotels and apartments located in lovely villages along the way and have dinner in local restaurants so you are immersed in the culture and traditions of the friendly Gomeran people.
Embark on an unforgettable Icelandic adventure with Bamba travel, exploring the stunning Laugavegur Trek. Discover vibrant geothermal areas, imposing glaciers, and the breathtaking Landmannalaugar hot springs. This guided trek offers an unparalleled experience in Iceland’s Highlands, perfect for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike. Traverse colorful rhyolite mountains and lush valleys, witness majestic waterfalls, and enjoy river crossings under the Midnight Sun. Secure your spot for a journey through one of the world's most awe-inspiring landscapes!
Our fantastic North West Highlands Walking Tour takes in ascents of some of the most iconic mountains in this stunning part of the Northwest of Scotland including Suilven, Stac Pollaidh and Cul Mor. The landscape in the area is incredible, with views from the mountain tops taking in hills, sea and islands, being some of the best to be found in the whole of the UK.
The area is home to truly fascinating Geology and there is always the possibility of spotting wildlife on our walks. We also visit and hike to some of the most unspoilt and remote sandy beaches that compare with anywhere across the globe, boasting white sands and turquoise seas.
We are based in the delightful village of Ullapool which lies on the edge of beautiful Loch Broom. Here we stay the whole 7 nights in good quality B&Bs which allows us to settle into our accommodation and get acquainted with all this lovely village has to offer.
Ullapool has various bars with live folk music most nights as well as being home to art galleries, bookshops, quirky gift shops and a Saturday market selling locally made produce and crafts. The village centre also has several eating establishments which includes the unique and award-winning Seafood Shack.
Your base for this holiday is Kandersteg, one of the last surviving picture-postcard Swiss villages in the heart of the Bernese Oberland. It's incredibly pretty (with streets full of cuckoo-clock style houses) and very much unspoiled. The combination of high trails and wonderful open plateaux make it a superb cross-country ski choice for all ages and abilities.
As your trip is self guided, our ski programme is both varied and flexible. The glistening trails are beautifully marked, easy to follow and incredibly picturesque. They undulate through snowy pines by the hotel and extend up to the sunny plateaux at Oeschinensee and Sunnbuel, which are easily reached by chairlift or cable car. You are free to explore the local area at your leisure, however, if you prefer we can arrange tuition at a local ski school to get you started.
We've included unlimited free rides on the local bus network, giving you the opportunity to extend your skiing further from the hotel, which is situated on the edge of the village and offers real 'home from home' comfort levels. If you visit Kandersteg in January you can step back in time over 100 years during Belle Epoque week (Please enquire for dates), there are period costumes, sledging and bob-sleigh races and an afternoon tea dance!