See a few of Europe’s best cities on a 15-day adventure from Barcelona to Amsterdam, full of fun, flexibility and free time to explore each destination at your own pace. Join your local leader on orientation walks, wander the streets of Dijon and see Gaudi’s architecture in Barcelona. Explore the medieval walls of Girona, learn the history of gladiators in the Roman amphitheatre of Nimes and visit Europe’s largest seaport in Rotterdam. This trip balances the leisure of free time with curated, local experiences that offer a deep dive into the history of Western Europe.
A mixture of coastal and moorland walking The Cleveland Way. Walkers familiar with Wainwright’s Coast to Coast path will already be well acquainted with a couple of spots along the rolling Cleveland Way such as The Wainstones, Urra Moor and Robin Hood Bay. In fact it shares about 10 miles of routing with the ‘C to C’. Maybe they will be intrigued enough by their flirtation with the trail to don their boots once again and take up the challenge of the 110 mile Cleveland Way route from Helmsley to Filey in its entirety. What stands out is the experience of half a walk over hill and scarp edges and half along the hilly coastline of the Yorkshire seaside. There is much to enjoy for those interested in history, those ‘collecting’ National Trails and for aficionados who wish to enjoy arguably the best Fish ‘n’ Chips in England at Whitby Bay! This is the second of the ‘National Trails’, dating from 1969 and is rooted in the North York Moors National Park / Yorkshire Heritage Coast. Along its length there are contrasts in walking between field - quilted farmlands, forest patches, dramatic sandstone rock scarps, bleak moorlands and the highly eroded coastline, punctuated by beautiful little fishing villages, clinging to the cliffs. It is an area that has been threatened by the expansion of the Tyne – Tees Conurbation on the one side and by the encroaching North Sea on the other. However apart from busy coastal towns such as Scarborough, it remains a tranquil area, bolstered and protected by the presence of the National Park of which about 80% of the walk occupies. Highlights of the Cleveland Way include, the remains of the Norman Rievaulx Abbey, and 13th century Whitby Abbey (but dating from the 7th century!), the Captain Cook Monument and Robin Hoods Bay with it's cliff-hanging cottages. Most of the route follows well sign-posted footpaths, which generally have good surfaces and are easy to follow. The exception to this is along the coastal path, which, in some places, is overgrown and uneven underfoot. The amount of daily ascent and descent is moderate, with much of the walk being on level or gently sloping ground. There are a number of steep ascents along the section from Osmotherley to Urra Moor and at some places along the coast, but these are generally of no more than one or two hundred metres at a time.
Self guided, hotel-based walk exploring the peaks and passes of Austria's stunning Lake District. Welcome to beautiful Upper Austria in the hinterland of Mozart’s city of Salzburg. The beauty of the area embraced by the Dachstein Mountains and the Hallstattersee is truly inspirational especially in the crisp, stable weather that this region often acquires during the period of this tour. There are people who claim that once you have walked here you will have experienced the best ‘typical’ alpine hiking in Europe. The tour gets off to a cracking start at Bad Goisern, a small market town lovingly embedded in the Goisertal Valley. You can opt to do a walk onto the high trails of the ‘Goiserer Hohenweg’ with some spectacular viewpoints over the Dachstein peaks before heading to Gosau via the Goiserer Hutte at nearly 1600m below an optional peak called Hoch Kalmberg 1833m. Gosau has a more pastoral feel to it and the broad valley here attracts thousands of cross-country skiers in the winter. From Gosau a circular walk will take you to the Alpine Lakes of the the Gosausee and Hintere Gosausee with some spectacular mountain panoramas to the Gosaukamm mountains, or you can do some walks along the forest edge above the valley. The next walk takes you via the flanks of Mount Plassen to perhaps the real gem of the tour, for two nights at the ancient town of Hallstatt. This is a village of some 1,200 people, wonderfully remote, squeezed between the base of Mount Plassen and the waters of Lake Hallstattersee. It grew rich from the ancient and modern trade in salt which is plentiful in the surrounding mountains. The town is almost traffic-free and it is also a UNESCO world Culture and Natural Heritage site. A tiny ferry glides between the nearest train station across the fjord-like lake and drops you off on the town’s storybook square. Clinging to its lakeside ledge under the mountains, Hallstatt seems smaller than it really is; ivy-covered guesthouses and cobbled lanes surround its pint-sized square. Its spectacular setting, at the foot of cliffs and facing the often mist-cloaked Halstättersee, is right out of a picture postcard. The local museums and churches are certainly worth a visit. The charnel house in the graveyard contains bones, including painted skulls, of the local dead whose graves were dug up after 12 years to make room for new clients. If you get tired of walking here, a funicular can whisk you up to the ‘Salzwerk’, or salt mine in a valley above the town or if you like you can hike up in an hour or so. You may prefer to take the funicular up to the mine and then walk back down to the village after the tour and go on to visit nearby Obertraun for a tour of the ice caves.
Discover the grandiose beauty and charming chaos of Istanbul and delve into history while commemorating the fallen on Anzac day at the shores of Gallipoli. Visit ancient cities of Troy, Pergamon and the fascinatingly well-preserved Ephesus with your expert local guide. Soak in the healing waters of Pamukkale and witness the incredible white pool terraces from up close. Embrace Rumi’s timeless philosophy under the charm of the whirling dervishes of Konya. Roam among fairy-chimneys of the otherworldly Cappadocia, and explore the capital city, Ankara, where stands the mausoleum of Ataturk, the founder of the Modern Turkish Republic.
Please Note: This tour is operated by Ciconia Exclusive Journeys, a Travel Talk Adventures brand specialising in premium travel experiences.
Uncover the rich heritage of the British Isles with the "Stories and Legends: United Kingdom, Scotland, and Ireland" tour, a 16-day adventure designed for seniors who appreciate easy-paced exploration. Starting and finishing in London, this guided group tour seamlessly weaves through England, Scotland, and Ireland, offering comfortable hotel stays, reliable transport, and inclusive meals. The experience is thoughtfully curated for those who value leisure and cultural immersion without the demands of strenuous activity. The unique selling point lies in the captivating stories and legends interwoven throughout the journey, providing insight and depth to each historic site. For travelers eager to combine relaxation with meaningful discovery, this trip promises both comfort and cultural enrichment across some of the UK’s most memorable destinations.
Very well organised trip. Logistics were excellent, accommodation was comfortable and central to all amenities of the towns. Hike maps and notes were extremely detailed. I would highly recommend them and am considering another trip in the near future.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the captivating landscapes and vibrant cultures of Türkiye and Greece. Begin you journey in Istanbul, where you’ll explore stunning palaces, lively bazaars, and the iconic Blue Mosque. Journey east to Ankara to visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk, then be amazed by the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, with its distinctive volcanic rock formations—perfect for a hot air balloon ride. Discover the natural hot springs and striking white limestone terraces of Pamukkale and explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis before heading to Izmir, the gateway to Ephesus. Then, fly to Greece, where your Greek journey kicks off in Athens. Visit the Acropolis and the renowned Odeon of Herodes Atticus. From Athens, sail to Mykonos to experience its vibrant nightlife and pristine beaches, then head to Santorini to witness its breathtaking sunsets, explore picturesque villages, and unwind on its beautiful beaches. Finally, return to Athens, completing an incredible island-hopping journey through two of the world’s most historically rich and visually stunning countries.
For seniors who wish to explore Germany in depth, the "Tour of the Heart of Germany" offers a relaxed nine-day adventure through the country’s most iconic regions. Starting and ending in Frankfurt, this guided group trip provides quality accommodations, inclusive transport, and insightful sightseeing. The itinerary’s unique selling point is its comprehensive yet accessible approach, giving travelers the chance to experience Germany’s rich history and vibrant culture without the challenges of a strenuous schedule.
Let Poland’s historic cities and scenic wonders unfold before you on the "Polish Triangle" trip—a 6-day guided group tour designed with seniors in mind. Starting and ending in Warsaw, this easy-paced journey covers Warsaw and Gdansk, with accommodation, meals, and transportation included. The itinerary is tailored for those who appreciate culture and comfort, offering insight into Poland’s past and present without the demands of strenuous activity. The trip’s unique highlight is its efficient route, allowing you to experience Poland’s cultural triangle in less than a week.
