A very busy itinerary in which we saw and walked some of the Greek islands, however at any point there were options to arrange to do your ‘own thing’. As a guide overall we walked 125km throughout the whole holiday.
The guide tells you so much which makes the trips so much more interesting and enjoyable. Some of the optional trips are chargeable.
The hotels were varied but all were clean. The breakfasts were adequate and were the same in most hotels. With such a busy schedule you need a good sleep but we did find the mattresses were too firm for us, waking with a few aches and pains!
Sirma was terrific. She took us to little out of the way places (like the Kommittee bar) and really gave us a good overview of the city, Tirana history, etc. We wanted to sample some local cuisine and we definitely did (yum, barek). Highly recommend!
It was a very inclusive trip. I felt I really got to know the cuisine and culture. We explored the different regions and the countryside is stunning. The picture is the view from my hotel balcony.
Our Ireland trip was amazing, thanks to our phenomenal travel director, and our expert driver. enthusiasm and knowledge made every moment special, with fantastic suggestions for free time that led us to charming local spots and unforgettable experiences. skillful driving ensured we traveled safely and punctually, navigating the scenic routes with ease. The country itself is breathtaking with lush green landscapes stretch endlessly, from rolling hills to dramatic cliffs, the Atlantic Ocean views along the coast are simply awe-inspiring, and the enchanting drive through Killarney National Park, where the forest’s misty, towering trees and serene lakes felt like stepping into a fairytale. This tour was a perfect blend of Ireland’s natural beauty and a top-notch team. I can’t recommend it enough!
Meticulous attention to details, comprehensive itinerary for us to follow., excellent private tour guides and activities. Just a wonderful experience!! Highly recommend.
Oh my word, fantastic. Great bikes, super luggage service, accommodation superior to my expectations given we were cyclists with the potential to turn up muddy and wet. So safe, cycle routes and paths. Beautiful scenery, very friendly locals, brilliant breakfasts too. My experience of continental breakfasts did not prepare me for the quality and level of choices. Kate kept me fully informed. Nothing was complicated. I took this holiday as a gamble, having not done anything like it before or even considered it; will definitely look to their other options. The perfect weather was a bonus
I honestly do not know if my words can truly describe how incredible this trip was and the exceptional, first-class service our guide, Traian, provided. We saw so many amazing castles, citadels, and fortified churches and did so much in four days that it is difficult to pick any one favorite. Peles Castle is truly the most beautiful; Bran (Dracula’s) Castle, the most eerie and intriguing; and Corvin Castle comes straight out of a fairytale. As for the citadels, I have to say that I favor Cetatea Rupea and for the churches, The Black Church, Biserica and Biertan held their own fascinating unique history of how they provided protection to their villagers. For the nights, we stay in the beautiful towns of Brasov, Sighisoara (birthplace of Vlad Dracula), and Sibiu. We enjoyed delightful outings walking the streets, seeing all the shops, the people, and enjoying the local foods. It was our wedding anniversary during our stay in Sibiu, and with the help of our guide, Traian, he secretly (unknown to my wife) arranged dinner at a wonderful restaurant for my wife and me. There was even a surprise anniversary cake with candles. Oh, and the hotels that we stayed at each night were amazingly distinctive to the town and culture. And, finally, on the last day, we traveled through the Carpathian Mountains along the famous Transfagarasan Road witnessing the beautifully breathtaking, winding, scenic route on our way back to Bucharest. We even had quite a few photo shoot opportunities of brown bears along the roadside. While I am sure that I have missed much, I just have to say that you must experience this marvelous adventure for yourselves. You will be astonished.
Start your day with a pickup from your European-side Istanbul hotel, and travel to the port where your ferry awaits. Cruise south across the Sea of Marmara to Yalova, and then continue your journey by air-conditioned minivan. After just over two hours of traveling, arrive into Bursa, the first capital city of the Ottoman Empire.
Get to know Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, on a day trip from Istanbul! With a private guide at your side, travel by minivan and ferry to the city and then visit some of its landmark monuments. Gaze in awe at the colorful grandeur of the Green Mosque, and then learn of the city as an Ottoman-era silk powerhouse on a trip to Bursa Silk Market and the Koza Han building. After lunch, ride to the top of Mt Olympus (Snow Hill) by cable car and some impressive city views.
Ottoman Empire was one of the largest empires in the history. Bursa was its first capital. The city that is settled on the northwestern slopes of Mount Uludag is known as "Yesil Bursa" (meaning "Green Bursa") from its beautiful parks and gardens located throughout the city. This fourth largest city of Turkey is also known for its peaches, chestnuts, and silk industry.
Departure by ferry-boat via Yalova, enjoying the lovely countryside view. Drive to Bursa, former Ottoman Capital and lunch of famous "Kebap of Alexander The Great". Climb to Uludag, the legendary Mount Olympos, by Teleferik (Cable Car), visit to Ulucami (Grand Mosque), the Green Mosque and the Green Mausoleum, the old Silk Market in the Covered Bazaar. Late evening return to Istanbul and transfer to hotels.
The city is frequently cited as "Green Bursa" in a reference to the beautiful parks and gardens located across its urban tissue, as well as to the vast forests in rich variety that extend in its surrounding region. The city is synonymous with the mountain Uludağ which towers behind the city core and which is also a famous ski resort. The mausoleums of early Ottoman sultans are located in Bursa and the numerous edifices built throughout the Ottoman period constitute the city's main landmarks. The surrounding fertile plain, its thermal baths, several interesting museums, notably a rich museum of archaeology, and a rather orderly urban growth are further principal elements that complete Bursa's overall picture.
This eight-day, private tour is a great combination of guided trips to Slovenian towns and cities, such as Ljubljana, the greenest capital in Europe; the alpine town of Bled; and medieval Piran, a city with a strong Venetian influence. Additionally, you will also get the chance to see beautiful alpine glacier lakes, gorgeous mountains, emerald rivers, some of the biggest caves in the world and the blue Adriatic.
Join us as we explore the best that Slovenia has to offer while enjoying opportunities to hike or bike through its beautiful landscape. Start your trip from Ljubljana. Visit the famous Postojna Caves and soak up the beauty of Lake Bled. Drive to the heart of Triglav National Park, where Bohinj Lake is located, and ascend to the top of Mt Vogel to enjoy the scenery. You also have the option to go rafting in the Soca River or experience one of most remarkable ziplines in Europe.
With our knowledgeable guides by your side, you will get the chance to meet the locals and learn more about their customs, traditions and way of living. For more details, please scroll down.
Explore Turkey like never during this private, guided, 13-day tour. Take in the sights and sounds of Istanbul with your tour guide during two full-day tours before heading for Cappadocia, the land of fairy chimneys and ancient churches.
Uncover the myths and legends surrounding Christianity in Ephesus. See its ancient ruins, including the House of the Virgin Mary. Continue to Pergamon, yet another historic destination and home to one of the Seven Churches of Asia according to the Book of Revelation. See the calcium terraces of Pamukkale before heading for the coastal city of Bodrum, the final destination in the itinerary.
Unlike most other Turkey tours, this trip includes a visit to Prince's Islands in Istanbul. Domestic flights are included in the tour price. Please note that we can also customize the itinerary as per your requirements.
Great trip that we thoroughly enjoyed. The programme leaves little free time, so to maximise sight-seeing it is full-on. Trip to natural park is a nice break at the right time. We visited end Aug / early Sept, where the heat builds up (to 36 C) in the afternoon, but less crowded. Food was outstanding (try tapas), but hostels basic. Buses are good and did the job, but make sure to pre-book some optional trips, such as cathedral rooftop in Seville. Alcazar in Corboda as good. Worth booking extra night in Seville, but you might to go for a bit of luxury in choice of the hotel.