Explore some of Europe’s highlights in Spain and France, without the hassle of airport queues or long driving days, with this rail-only eight-day trip from Paris to Madrid. Only using public transport, you’ll get a unique insight into Paris, Nimes, Barcelona and Madrid, with a local leader who knows all the best hidden spots. You’ll taste croissants, tapas and churros, wander through hidden walkways for excellent panoramic views only locals get to see and witness the interesting past of human creative genius with stops at popular landmarks like Sagrada Familia, and Puerta del Sol. Choose to extend your journey and start in the UK, with the optional Eurostar transfer from London to Paris (it only takes 2.5 hours!).
Spain and Portugal in low season offer sunny winter holidays, sand and scenery without the crowds and none of that extreme summer heat! This 12-day Spain and Portugal guided tour visits top cities, UNESCO-protected towns and seaside gems to erase your winter blues. Soak up the rays in Costa del Sol and the Algarve. Taste Port wine in Porto and traverse Lisbon’s vibrant streets. Visit Granada (home to the Alhambra), journey through the UNESCO-protected city of Salamanca and do the Flamenco in Seville! Expat Explore’s low season tours offer exciting experiences plus free time in top destinations.
Discover a land of medieval chateau, ancient monasteries, vineyards and charming villages. A great trip for food and wine buffs, with walking that is gentle to start with and progressing to moderate grade as the week unfolds. Burgundy's natural riches and its complex history bear testimony to its fine heritage. It is a beautiful and fertile land where farmers, foresters, and above all wine growers skills have nurtured the landscape for more than a thousand years. The reputation of Burgundy's cuisine has travelled the world and the very word Burgundy is synonymous with the finest wines. Burgundy is a multifaceted landscape just waiting to be explored, and, as elsewhere in France, the best way to savour it, is to explore on foot its peaceful lanes and byways. Travellers will discover a fabled land of mediaeval chateaux, ancient monasteries and fragrant breezes where the art of living is pursued to near perfection at a gentle unhurried pace. Beaune is the hub of Burgundy’s wine industry, at the heart of a cluster of prestigious vineyards such as the Cote d’Or, Cote de Beaune and Cote de Nuits and is the obvious place to start our trip. The first walking day is just 3 hours on foot to Meursault; a gentle start allowing time to visit the sights in Beaune and sample some wine in the village of Pommard on route. Don’t miss the imposing mansion of the Dukes of Burgundy, the basilica of Notre Dame and the most famous of all the sights in Beaune, the steep pitched patterned roofs of the Hotel Dieu. A circular walk to Saint Romain includes a ruined chateau and a 12th century church as well as some beautiful scenery and a great restaurant for lunch. A steady climb from Meursault, to join the ‘Grande Randonnee’ paths, takes in mature oak forests before descending to the village and stunning chateau of La Rochepot, unfortunately closed at the present time. From there you will be walking on to Nolay, a village of fine mediaeval buildings, narrow streets and half-timbered houses. The second half of the week is a little more taxing and involves walking an average of just over 18km per day and ascents of about 500m climbing onto the escarpment and hilltops for glorious views as far as the Alps. There is still time however to enjoy the delights of Rully, the ancient Chateau of Montaigu, the produce of the Cotes Chalonnaises and many more sleepy hamlets and villages. The landscape is a mix of vineyards on the lower slopes, woodlands on the edge of the plateau, and pastures and arable land above 380m on the plateau. Conditions underfoot are good with many of the tracks through the vineyards surfaced even though there is little or no traffic; lightweight boots are all you will need.
Explore Turkey's iconic wonders with a captivating journey through Ephesus and Pamukkale. Discover ancient ruins, including the majestic Temple of Artemis, and marvel at Pamukkale's stunning white travertine terraces. Unwind in thermal hot springs and delve into the rich history and culture of this mesmerizing region. Perfect for history buffs and nature lovers, this tour promises unforgettable experiences and Instagram-worthy moments. Book your Turkey adventure now for an unparalleled blend of ancient marvels and natural beauty.
Explore Croatia's stunning coastline with an unforgettable sailing adventure from Split to Dubrovnik. Dive into crystal-clear Adriatic waters, discover charming historic towns like Hvar and Korčula, and indulge in delicious local cuisine. With a mix of vibrant nightlife and serene landscapes, this journey offers the perfect balance of relaxation and excitement. Highlights include visiting secluded bays, exploring lush national parks, and experiencing the rich culture of Croatia's most beautiful islands.
Begin an unforgettable 11-day journey through Spain and Portugal, starting in vibrant Barcelona, where you’ll marvel at Gaudí’s masterpieces and the Sagrada Familia. After enjoying a Welcome Tapas Dinner in Madrid, explore its historic gems, including the Royal Palace. Discover Porto’s charm with a Douro River cruise and a fado dinner, then wander the picturesque canals of Aveiro and visit the stunning Batalha Monastery before concluding in beautiful Lisbon. This small group adventure offers a rich tapestry of culture and cuisine that will leave you enchanted!
Hit the road from Ljubljana to Sarajevo with a crew of like-minded adventurers and dive into the best that Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina have to offer. Take scenic walks through lush national parks with jaw-dropping lakes and waterfalls, explore historic landmarks that tell centuries of stories, and savour every bite of the local gastronomy. From stunning nature to rich culture, this 21-day journey across three incredible countries will leave you with endless memories and a heart full of adventure.
Take a one-of-a-kind trip to the ancient Roman city of Bath, enjoy a private pint-pouring masterclass at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin and experience the majesty of Holyroodhouse Palace in Edinburgh. This 22-day tour of Britain and Ireland is brought to life by Local Experts, with an arsenal of immersive experiences. Visit Orkney Islands for a glimpse of Britain’s furthest northern reaches and the 1000-year-old Kirkwall Town. Visit Ireland’s medieval city of Kilkenny and it's castle. Cross England’s Salisbury Plains to prehistoric Stonehenge where a tour unlocks some of the secrets held by these 5000-year-old megaliths, while the Viking city of York charms all with its maze of narrow streets and close quarter homes.
Take a ten-day rail-only adventure from Paris to Rome. You’ll start in the City of Lights, then you’ll zoom to Switzerland for a mountain getaway. In Lausanne, see the iconic Cathedral and maybe visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Vineyard Terraces of Lavaux for a wine tasting, then head to Lucerne for incredible views of the lake and surrounding Alps on Mount Pilatus. Take the Gotthard Panorama Express to the city of Bellinzona, where you’ll hop on another cable car for more mountain views. Make your way to Rome, where you’ll have plenty of free time to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World and sit down to a fresh lunch with an Intrepid Foundation partner, Cooperativa Coraggio.
On this 15-day adventure traversing Europe from Paris to Istanbul, use local trains to follow the historic routes once used by the Orient Express’ carriages in the 19th century. Travel by train all the way from Paris to Budapest, with stops to explore the historic quarters and modern offerings of Strasbourg, Munich and Vienna. Then change lines and follow another historic route from Belgrade to Istanbul, riding local trains to experience Nis, Sofia and Plovdiv as you go. With plenty of free time to explore at each stop, and a passionate local leader on hand to point you in the right direction, there isn’t a moment you’ll want to miss on this rail adventure.
Discover the very best of Valencia and Barcelona. Enjoy a 4-day tour from Madrid where you will experience high-speed train travel on the first part of the tour and then continue by a guided bus trip.