This 5-day Greece tour is ideal for travellers looking to get a taste for the history and beauty of Greece in a short time and in comfort but on a reasonable budget.
Starting in the Greece's historical capital of Athens, we'll make our way to some of its top attractions, such as the Panathenaic Stadium - the world's only fully-marbled stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, the Parliament, Constitution Square, the National Library and the Acropolis - which is home to a selection of Greece's most significant architectural monuments.
After spending some time in Athens, we'll travel to Delphi, exploring its archaeological site which is home to the last remains of the sanctuaries of Apollo and Athena Pronaia. We'll also travel to the small town of Kalambaka - which is often known as the gateway to Meteora. We spend time exploring the spectacular mountain scenery of Meteora, visiting some of the monasteries which are perched on mountaintops and on the sides of cliffs, some seeming completely inaccessible.
This is a 'seat on coach' departure, shared with other operators. Extensions to the tour are available if you’d like to head into the Aegean Sea to visit a Greek island or two. Please contact us for details.
Pseudo (only sailed a bit because the main mast was broken) sailing the Aegian islands was a wonderful way to visit the area and meet new people. My overall experience other than a few things regarding cleanliness and upkeep of the vessel (sails, stains, smells) was excellent and I am left with many wonderful memories.
Itinerary was very full of wonderful activities and sights to see! You're up and going early every day but it's well worth it to get going to be first in line ahead of the many other tour groups that follow.
Welcome to the Iberian Peninsula, home to some of the world's freshest seafood, finest wines and most flavourful local produce. On this 17-day trip across Northern Spain and Portugal, tingle your tastebuds as you eat and drink your way through cities and towns made famous by their cuisine. Hop from taperias to wine bars, learn how to cook authentic and delicious local meals, explore ancient wine cellars and fresh food markets and wander the fields of a farm before sitting down to a home-cooked meal. From sweet Portuguese tarts to savoury Spanish jamon, delight all your senses on this food-forward adventure.
Immerse your taste buds in a symphony of Sicilian treats, each bite a testament to the region's culinary prowess. Wander through coastal towns adorned with medieval castles, and let the ancient Greek ruins whisper their stories to you. Witness the sunsets that paint picture-perfect seaside villages in hues of gold and pink. Marvel at the commanding presence of towering volcanoes, and discover even more hidden gems along the way. This five-day escapade promises an unforgettable immersion into the heart of Sicily's unparalleled beauty and cultural richness
Taste all the punchy flavours of incredibly diverse Georgia on an eight-day food adventure. Begin the journey among the charming facades of Tbilisi, where the snow-dusted peaks of the Caucasus are the backdrop for a culinary adventure. Get hands-on with cooking classes and kick back on included tastings, mingling with the locals and gaining an insight into Georgian culture along the way. Explore underrated sites like Narikala Fortress, Mtskheta (one of Georgia's oldest cities) and the Ananuri Fortress Complex (which must be seen to be believed). Spend the night with descendants of the original highland Chechens in Pankisi Valley and wander the lush grounds in the dense foothills of the mountains. On this foodie adventure, you’ll enjoy the region’s most iconic and celebrated dishes and wash it all down with a delicious array of Georgia’s famous local wines.
Excellent tour venues . The tour director Francis was very knowledgeable and accommodating to all. The Driver and local guides were amazing. A couple of hotels were substandard but the optional tours were were mostly worth it
Portugal, one of the oldest countries in the world, is a food and wine paradise. The Portuguese are the original foodies, and food and wine have been an integral part of Portuguese culture for centuries. Excellent seafood and cured meats (sausages and ham), delicious bread and pastries, and a deep understanding of flavors put Portugal at the top of the gastronomy ladder.
Portugal is also a cultural haven. Lisbon and Porto are magnificent cities, overwhelmed with timeless magic and great places to visit any time of the year. See the spectacular architecture, visit the monuments, and tour historical buildings. A walk through the streets brings to life the culinary traditions of the Portuguese kitchen.
On this eight-day tour, explore the food, culture, and cuisine of Portugal via Lisbon and Porto. Through cooking classes in unique settings, all run by accomplished chefs, you will be able to bring these traditions back home.
Book your culture and cooking vacation in Portugal now!
Everyone in the Explore office was knowledgeable and helpful - they went above and beyond to give details of the trip and discuss its suitability and logistics. And a great bonus - the phone was answered quickly without endless waiting.
I had been apprehensive about my ability to walk quite so far for the full 6 days, but it was perfectly paced and plenty of time for coffee and lunch stops. The scenery was varied and the villages delightful.
The highlight of the trip was having our guide, Spiros, who spoke great English, was passionate about his island and the trail, hugely knowledgable about the local flora and fauna, and on top of all that, funny and kind and intent on ensuring that everyone had a great time.
Experience the winter wonderlands of Europe like never before, with stunning views of Lake Lucerne from the peak of Mt. Pilatus and immersive tours of Munich and Salzburg. An Insight Choice experience in Innsbruck lets you choose between a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Alpine scenery or a visit to the world of Swarovski Crystal. Your Austrian adventure continues with an exclusive Salzburg market tasting experience, where locals serve goblets of Glühwein and freshly baked Lebkuchen, fragrant with ginger and cocoa. Across the border in Germany, Rothenburg, nestled alongside the River Tauber, offers an abundance of 16th-century charm, while in Munich, foaming steins of beer beckon at the city’s famous beer halls.
Taste the essence of Portugal and Spain as you wander through historic cities with rich culture and vintage wines. Explore Lisbon, where narrow Moorish streets meet expansive squares and a castle that overlooks a vibrant, cultural scene below. Walk the scenic Ribeira waterfront in Porto, a Portuguese harbor city and home to Port wine. Enjoy a relaxing 2-night stay on the grounds of a winery in the Douro River Valley. Visit the lively city of Salamanca, before touring Bilbao and San Sebastián and get up close with the local culture of the Basque Country, one of the most renowned Spanish regions for food and wine. Savor this journey along rolling hills, distinct cultures, curving coasts, and twisting vines.
Check the Czech cuisine! Learn how to cook a traditional Czech meal in a fun and interactive way in the largest cooking school in the Czech Republic. Each class is taught by one the Chefparade chefs, who will lead you through the whole food preparation.
As part of the program, participate in a market tour guided by our chef. Take in the atmosphere of shopping for fresh local products, find out interesting facts about Czech cuisine and stop for several tastings.
Itinerary:
09:00: Market tour
10:00-12:30: Cook 3 dishes in a hands-on cooking class. You will be the one tasting, eating and drinking.
13:00: End of the class