On this self-guided, hotel-to-hotel walking holiday, you'll explore the beautifully tranquil Langhe region of Piedmont, a gastronomic gem quietly tucked into Italy's north-western corner. Recently recognised by UNESCO, the countryside is a glorious mix of gently rippling, wave-shaped hills cloaked by layers of vines, sunflowers and oak forests, crowned with honey-hued hamlets and majestic Savoy castles.
Your route starts and ends in Benevello, nestling in the hazelnut-clad Alta Langa hills, from where you follow the limpid Tanaro River before climbing through a string of hamlets to your hotel in Fontanafredda, a renowned wine estate that was once owned by the first king of Italy! It's then on to La Morra, an atmospheric wine village known as the balcony of the Langhe for its stunning panorama over the surrounding rolling landscape. As you approach beautiful Monforte d'Alba, whose ochre-coloured houses seem to cling enchantingly to the hillside, you visit Barolo, home of the revered eponymous wine. This rich and fertile land produces some of Italy's finest food and wine, from robust Barolo and sweet Moscato to aromatic white truffles (exclusive to Alba), crunchy hazelnuts and tangy cheeses.
This tour will open up your appetite and invite you to sensory pleasures. The vines may provide a beautiful setting, but they also produce an excellent wine that can be enjoyed all along this trip.
From Dijon to Beaune the walks provide a wonderful balance of quiet country lanes, vineyard tracks and woodland trails taking in sleepy, unspoilt villages, and majestic vine-clad hills. Sample fine wines in 13th century cellars and enjoy lunch in a selection of medieval towns including world-renowned Nuits-St-Georges. Walk the historic streets of Dijon and Beaune, hunt for truffles, taste local cheese in a rural manufactory, learn about blackcurrant liquor and enjoy a wine tasting at the majestic wine estate Chateau Clos Vougeot.
In this region known for its epicurean finesse, you can really enjoy fine dining. There will be excellent local dishes such as Beef Bourguignon, Oeufs en Meurette, Poulet de Bresse a la Creme, Perche aux Noix and of course exquisite cheeses like the pungent Epoisses de Bourgogne, to pair with the region's incredible Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines.
This tour will stimulate all your senses.
Frolic in France and Monaco on this 14-day guided tour. In spectacular Saint-Tropez, a Local Expert will guide you along the coastal town’s ancient walls for stunning views of the sea below. See three architecture styles beautifully combine at the Aix-en-Provence Cathedral. Slide into the passenger’s seat of a vintage car for a drive through the countryside, then sip on wine at a countryside winery. Savour the 18th-century elegance of Château de Fonscolombe in the heart of Provence in a 3-night luxurious stay. In Paris, admire the glittering Eiffel Towel and the majestic Arc de Triomphe.
The Loire is famous for its chateaux with over 300 in total to discover. This easy paced, gentle walking holiday balances peaceful, off-the-beaten-track discoveries, with the splendour and opulence of some of the finest Renaissance chateaux in France. There's no tough climbing but you're still rewarded with beautifully unspoilt landscapes and enchanting views at every turn.
You follow a linear route from Blois, passing quiet hamlets and wine villages, before continuing alongside the River Cher through Montrichard, Chenonceaux and Montlouis. Then, you'll enjoy wonderful walks through open fields and sprawling vineyards - with opportunities for wine-tasting - and on to Leonardo da Vinci's bustling town of Amboise. Along the way you'll take in some of France's most impressive chateaux: Chenonceau mesmerises with its iconic arches over the River Cher (be sure to taste the chateau's wine and enjoy a scenic riverside walk); the majestic Chateau d'Amboise is a former royal residence and also houses the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci; while Chateau de Chambord is set in a majestic nature reserve.
The places you'll stay in have been hand-picked for their superb locations, atmospheric charm, excellent cuisine and warm, friendly owners. As well as chateaux, the Loire prides itself on its delicious local cuisine and wine and we've included 2 evening meals - given the fantastic variety of restaurants on your doorstep, we thought you'd appreciate us leaving the choice to you.
This short break, gentle and unhurried cycling holiday follows a triangular route through the heart of the great Loire Valley. Highlights include the majestic chateaux of Amboise and Chambord, and the rich Renaissance splendour of Chenonceau. You'll pass vineyards, sunflowers fields and pretty, sleepy villages, before pedalling gently along shady riverbanks and out through open countryside abundant with wildlife.
On each cycling day, you'll have the opportunity to taste dozens of different wines - stopping at big wineries or village vineyards as the mood takes you - in a wine region more varied and diverse than any other in the world.
Enjoy the sweet and peaceful 'Art de Vivre' in boutique hotels and relax with a glass of local wine by the pool.
Head on the ultimate trip to discover one of the most beautiful regions in Italy with this 10-day self-drive tour of Tuscany! Your journey will begin in Catania, from where you will grab your car and set off to explore the Etna Area. Taste some local wines in a beautiful vineyard before you drive to Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. From there you will explore Taormina, a gorgeous city known for its natural landscapes of the sea, city, and rocks. Your next stop will be in Syracuse, the largest and most powerful Greek colony in Sicily. Discover the ancient Greek ruins dating 2,700 years back in time, such as the Teatro Greco and the Temple of Apollo, as you bask in the beauty of the deep blue Ionian Sea. Travel to Noto, known for its beautiful churches, extravagant palaces, and iron-wrought balconies. Unwind on the beautiful beaches of Marzamemi, a mesmerizing Italian village known for its bright blue waters. Visit Ragusa, famous for its late-baroque Sicilian style architecture, and explore Agrigento, one of the oldest cities in Sicily home to the Valley of the Temples, an area that preserves 11 Doric temples from the 5th century BC. From there you will drive to Alcamo, an area where many fine Italian wines are produced.Travel down the Western Coast through Marsala, a famous destination known for its stunning beaches and wide range of wines, before you explore Palermo, the capital of Sicily and a city that magnificently blends Norman-Arab, baroque medieval, and gothic architectural styles. See the Arab-Norman Cathedral among many other famous monuments and get a taste of the local cuisine with an astronomic walk-through Palermo before your tour of Sicily comes to an end! This journey captures the essence of Exclusive Italy tours, where culture, cuisine, and history are seamlessly woven into a luxurious travel experience.
You start and finish your holiday in Logrono, on the banks of the river Ebro and the capital of La Rioja region, it is famous for its quaint historic city centre and its pinchos bars - Northern Spains equivalent of tapas bars. On your first cycling day you ride along a section of the pilgrims route, 'El Camino de Santiago' before reaching the beautiful town of San Millan de la Cogolla famed for its UNESCO World Heritage twin monasteries, Suso and Yuso.
Explore this wonderful wine growing region passing through medieval walled town of Laguardia, mountain village of Ezcaray, past ancient churches and visiting the regions wine capital of Haro, where there are opportunities aplenty to enjoy the regions most famous export.
CHRISTMAS TOUR: Spend a white Christmas in the remote area of Kuhmo, Finland. An authentic Christmas stay with plenty of Finnish Christmas traditions for the whole family to enjoy, visit Santa and his elves, snowshoe into the snowy Taiga forest and much more - guaranteed to be a Christmas to remember!
This gentle and unhurried cycling holiday follows a triangular route through the heart of the great Loire Valley. Highlights include the majestic chateaux of Amboise and Chambord, and the rich Renaissance splendour of Chenonceau. You'll pass vineyards, sunflowers fields and pretty, sleepy villages, before pedalling gently along shady riverbanks and out through open countryside abundant with wildlife.
On each cycling day, you'll have the opportunity to taste dozens of different wines - stopping at big wineries or village vineyards as the mood takes you - in a wine region more varied and diverse than any other in the world.
Enjoy the sweet and peaceful 'Art de Vivre' in boutique hotels and relax with a glass of local wine by the pool.
Explore the rich history of Classical Greece on a 8-days tour departing from Athens. Led by an expert guide, see UNESCO-listed sites such as the Sanctuary of Asclepius and discover the Delphi Archaeological Museum.