Excellent trip, highly recommended. Enjoyable hikes, some great wild swimming and seeing whales and dolphins was amazing.
We had a super group and fantastic guide Tania, who went above and beyond every single day to ensure that we had the best possible experience. Even more impressive when she was faced with some poor weather conditions, a cancelled flight and some health issues within the group.
I hope to visit The Azores again one day. It's a wonderful place.
It was a great trip and the Tour Director was on top of everything. The drivers were both professional and friendly. Just an FYI Scandinavia has a high cost of Living
The Flying Carpet Tour is a captivating 15-day journey through Western Turkey, blending history, culture, and natural beauty. From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, Troy, and Pergamon, this tour takes you on a fascinating exploration of Turkey’s most iconic sites.
Travel through time as you walk among the remnants of powerful empires, from the grandeur of the Ottoman palaces in Istanbul to the well-preserved ruins of Roman cities. Witness the moving landscapes of Gallipoli, where history and heroism are deeply intertwined. Experience the ethereal beauty of Pamukkale’s cascading travertines, the hidden churches of Cappadocia’s cave dwellings, and the pristine shores of Fethiye and Antalya.
Beyond its breathtaking sights, this tour also offers immersive cultural experiences, such as a traditional cooking course in Cappadocia and a wine tasting in Sirince, allowing you to connect with Turkey’s rich traditions and flavours.
Make your way through the Balkans with this fascinating tour of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Slovenia! Your journey will begin in Zagreb, the northwestern capital of Croatia, known for its remarkable 18th and 19th-century Austro-Hungarian architecture. From there you will travel to Maglaj, a 14th-century town, where you will see incredible views of the Bosna River. Cross the border into Bosnia and Herzegovina to visit the Tunnel of Hope in Sarajevo, constructed between March and June 1993 amidst the Bosnian War. Your next destination will be in Mostar, where you can see the Stonebridge that separates the Orthodox, Muslim, and Catholic communities and explore the sacred pilgrimage destination. See the Kravice Waterfalls before you explore Dubrovnik, one of the most beautiful Croatian cities in Europe famous for its strong stone walls. Next, you will travel to Split, known for its gorgeous seascapes, where you will visit the Diocletian’s Palace. Pay a visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a World Heritage Site in Croatia, and explore Opatija, known for its captivating coastal views. Enjoy a scenic boat ride on Bled Lake before you travel to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, steeped in deep culture and art. Your next stop will be Maribor, a Slovenian city that was highly influenced by Austrian culture. See the beautiful cathedral and castle before you make your way back to Zagreb where your tour of Croatia, Bosnia, and Slovenia will come to an end!
Discover two of the most beautiful countries in Northern Europe with this self-drive tour of Ireland and Scotland! Your journey will begin in Dublin, the capital city of Ireland, known for its museums, churches, and galleries. From there you will drive to Connemara, famous for its beautiful lakes and mountainous scenery, and visit Galway, one of the most breathtaking cities in Ireland. Explore the Ring of Kerry, unraveling the beauty of mother nature as you come across powerful panoramic views, and drive around the Dingle Peninsula before you explore Limerick, a magnificent medieval city oozing with history. From there you will board a flight to Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, and drive to Stirling, to see one of the most beautiful castles in the country. Discover Loch Lomond, the largest lake in Great Britain, and drive to Oban, a holiday resort town with delicious seafood. See the Isle of Skye, the largest and most beautiful of the Hebridean Islands. See if you can spot Nessie at Loch Ness Lake and travel to Perth. Finally, you will travel to Fife, a captivating coastline brimming with fishing villages, and make your way back to Edinburgh, where your 16-day self-drive tour of Ireland and Scotland will come to an end on a magnificent note!
Hi there, I thought another day in Scotland would have been better. Maybe gone to Glasgow and then combined the last 2 days in the UK together. The last 2 days were a wee bit of a disappointment compared to the first part of the trip. Our TD was wonderful she is so knowledgeable and really knows her stuff.
The tour days were not strenuous nor too laid back. Meals supplied and on your own were well apportioned based on the tour day's activities. We had a good opportunity to try the local cuisines of the three countries visited which is important to me since I'm a foodie and the wine tastings were interesting as well.
Being well taken care of at all times, tour agent & local guides were excellent in telling us history of Spain’s & Portugal’s castles & churches wherever we went! Hotels were satisfied, daily schedules well arranged except optional dinner was a bit over priced 😜
It was a great experience with many highlights throughout our tour. We particularly enjoyed the many immersive stops (i.e. wine tasting, weaving, truffle hunting, pasta making, etc.) in addition to our guided tours. Our tour guide, was very well versed, knowledgeable, and helpful and provided good insights and tips throughout our trip. I can't imagine someone else doing a better job than she did! The local experts were also on top of their games.
Very much enjoyed our cycle ride in Sardinia. The bikes and accommodation provided were of a good standard. The route and distances provided a moderate challenge which was expected. Plenty of points of interest to visit along the way including the beautiful beaches for swim breaks.
The Dolomites are a beautiful part of the world and this trip didn't disappoint!!!
From airport pick up to drop off, I felt in safe hands.
Our hotel was perfectly placed near the centre of town and only a short distance from the bus station. Food at the hotel was delicious and we had 5 courses every night, just what you need to fuel a good hike!
Our walks gave us the opportunity to take in the stunning views of the mountains and lakes. Around every corner was another WOW!!!! We tackled a range of terrain from woodland and meadow to the rocky paths around the Tre Cime.
Nigel, our guide, was fab. He made sure we all got on and off buses, offered alternatives so people could tailor the walks to their ability and was very knowledgeable about the region & it's history. Best of all, he kept us entertained with myths & legends about dwarves, princesses and of course marmots!!!
Thanks Nigel & Explore! for a fantastic holiday!
