Discover the beauty and magic of Southwestern Europe with this 9-day tour of Portugal! Your journey will begin in Lisbon, a captivating coastal city known for its colorful buildings, famous landmarks, and twisting cobblestone streets. From there you will take a flight to the beautiful archipelago of Azores. Wander through the historic streets of Ponta Delgada while enjoying Manueline-style architecture. Uncover the tales and beauty of Sete Cidades and its twin multi-colored lakes, located inside a massive volcanic crater. Taste the delicious pineapple liqueur, made from the tropical fruit that grows in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Discover the tranquil villages of Fogo Beach and Povoação, while admiring the dramatic views of the island and observing active volcanic phenomena. Explore Gorreana, the oldest and nowadays the only functioning tea plantation in Europe, here you will be able to sample the tea that has been produced there since 1883. Walk around the hot springs and mud geysers of Terra Nostra Park. From there you will make your way to Lisbon and end your tour filled with extraordinary memories! This is one of our best Small-group Portugal tours.
Day 1:
Early morning pick up from city center hotels and transfer to airport in Istanbul for flight to Cappadocia. Meeting at Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport and transfer to Cappadocia to meet with the group and guide.
Departure and walk through the “Fairy Chimneys” in Devrent Valley, Paşabağ (Monks’) Valley, practice pottery production with the ancient technique in Avanos. Visit to Göreme, the "open-air museum“ holding the earliest churches and chapels carved in fairy chimneys presenting finest examples of frescoes. Uçhisar Castle, the highest point in the region.
Lunch will be during the tour.
Dinner and overnight at a 4* hotel in Cappadocia
Day 2
Departure after breakfast for panoramic view of the Hospital Monastery. Walk into the “wonderland” at Kızılçukur (Red Valley) and the village of Çavuşin with rock-cut dwellings. Underground City of Kaymaklı, rock-cut city beneath the earth up to 8-9 levels where early Christians used to hide from Roman and Byzantine persecution. Explore the rock formations in Çatalkaya. A fantastic overview of the fairy chimneys from Esentepe. Pigeon Valley, greatest collection of pigeon nests in the world
Evening transfer to Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport for flight back to Istanbul. Arrive to Istanbul Airport and transfer to hotels
Experience the freedom of the open road as you journey through Iceland’s most awe-inspiring natural landscapes on this unforgettable self-drive tour. Navigate scenic routes that wind through dramatic coastlines, rugged lava fields, vast glaciers, and thunderous waterfalls—each bend revealing a new wonder to explore. This carefully crafted itinerary takes you deep into Iceland’s remote wilderness as well as to its most celebrated landmarks. Discover the untamed beauty of the countryside, where few travelers venture, and immerse yourself in the island’s rich history, unique culture, and warm local hospitality. Travel along the iconic South Shore to witness majestic sights such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, Reynisfjara’s black sand beach, and the extraordinary Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs of all shapes and sizes drift silently across the water. Just nearby, walk along Diamond Beach where crystal-clear ice shards shimmer against volcanic black sands. No Iceland journey is complete without exploring the legendary Golden Circle. Stand in awe at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where tectonic plates drift apart. Feel the earth’s power at the erupting geysers of the Geysir geothermal area, and marvel at the mighty Gullfoss waterfall as it plunges into a dramatic canyon. From iconic highlights to hidden gems, this self-drive adventure showcases the very best of Iceland—offering a perfect balance of independence, discovery, and unforgettable moments in nature’s raw embrace.
Find out what makes London really swing in a restored classic Mini Cooper with your very own passionate local guide to bring the city to life. See not only the iconic sights of the capital but also discover the hidden gems that are often overlooked
London is BIG. With 9 million locals, 50,000 streets, 30,000 restaurants and 250 museums, how can you ever decide on what to do?! Most people do not want to trawl through a guide book for hours to find the really good stuff, so you don’t have to either. See the capital through the eyes of a Londoner. You will be picked up in a restored classic Mini Cooper and have your very own private local guide to show you the sights and sounds of this great city. See world famous landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, St Pauls Cathedral and The Shard, but also the hidden gems that so often get missed –Street Art in the Leake Street Tunnel, quirky back streets of Covent Garden and local markets like the Borough Farmers Market
Thank you very much for creating such a fantastic and unforgettable experience for us in Turkey. Veysel's companionship and guidance truly made a difference. He's not just a great guide, but a wonderful person who made us feel like family. Thank you again. If we ever return to Turkey, it will be through you guys.👍👍
Head on the trip of a lifetime with this all around self-drive tour of Ireland! You will see the famous landmarks, coastal landscapes, and legendary sites of Western Ireland as you travel down the Wild Atlantic Way, a magical route stretching from Donegal to the Celtic Sea Coast. Your journey will begin in Dublin, the Irish capital and a fascinating medieval city that is known for its ancient buildings, historical sites, and legendary landmarks. Then, Head south to Cork and visit the historic English Market, St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, and Blarney Castle. Drive to Killarney and explore the picturesque town before Taking a scenic drive along the Ring of Kerry, passing through stunning landscapes and quaint villages. Next, explore the rugged beauty of the Dingle Peninsula, with its stunning cliffs, beaches, and colorful villages. Drive to Limerick where you can Take a stroll along the River Shannon and enjoy the city's cultural scene. Next stop will be Galway, known for its lively arts, colorful stareet and music scene. Continue through Connemara to Sligo and dicosver its beautiful beaches and landscapes and then drive to Donegal and vist it’s Castle. Finally, proceed to Derry in Northern Ireland and explore the historic city walls and learn about the city's troubled past. Next before heading back to Dublin you will get to explore Belfast and explore the city's vibrant cultural scene and historic landmarks such as Titanic Belfast and Belfast Castle. Your journey will come to end with the drive back to Ireland via The Boyne valley is without a doubt the most historical region of the whole island.
With endless architectural jewels, fascinating cultural sites and glistening seaside towns – this is the best of Turkey. On this nine-day Premium trip, explore the world-famous mosques in Istanbul, walk in the footsteps of ancient rulers in archaeological sites like Pergamon and Ephesus and see (almost) every inch of Cappadocia with an experienced and knowledgeable local leader by your side. Cruise the Bosphorus Strait on a private yacht, join a cooking class in Sirince and spend a night in your Feature Stay in specially restored cave suites.
Discover Amsterdam's Lake IJssel and numerous Dutch highlights by bike. Numerous highlights are packed into this carefully planned cycling route through Amsterdam and the old fishing villages and trading towns situated around Lake IJssel, the closed-off freshwater lake in the central Netherlands bordering the provinces of Flevoland, North Holland and Friesland. As you pedal through classic Dutch landscapes, cycling below sea level at times, you will visit the star shaped fortified town of Naarden and "Amsterdam Castle" (Muiderslot), along with Edam, famous for its cheese, the fishing village of Volendam, the island of Marken and the historical towns of Enkhuizen and Hoorn which flourished during the Golden Ages with the VOC (United East India Company). Explore the lakes of Friesland and the Weerribben-Wieden National Park with their rich birdlife, take in the Hanseatic city of Kampen and the old fishing village of Harderwijk. If you plan to do just one cycle tour of Holland, this itinerary provides the quintessential Dutch experience.
Calling all sun-seeking adventurers! Take an eight-day trip to Sicily and explore dramatic cliffside villages, soak in the Sicilian sunshine and take in the scenic views of clear waters (did we mention the deliciously fresh seafood?). From the volcanic valleys of Mt Etna to the timeworn streets of Syracuse and the Baroque wonders Ragusa, get ready to discover the varied sides of Sicily. Take a step back in time as you explore the ruins of the Valley of the Temples and learn of the rich anti-Mafia history in Palermo. Eat good food, drink local wines and learn about the region with a handy local by your side – there's a reason everybody loves Italy!
We were very satisfied with the arrangements made for our trip which we only booked very close to the proposed departure date. Accommodation was very good and the arrangements for transfer of luggage and ourselves between departure points for the walks worked without a hitch. App for walk was easy to use and accurate. Would use the same organisation again for future walks.
Most of our walking takes place in the north of Slovenia in the Julian Alps. This range forms part of the Southern Alps which extend into Austria. The spectacular mountains in this area are predominately limestone, and their jagged forms produce stunning vistas wherever you look. The area is softened by beautiful, tranquil lakes in the valley bottoms and amongst the rocky crags. Two of the largest lakes, Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, feature on our 7-night walking holiday.
The beauty of Lake Bled attracts world-wide visitors. It is a natural mineral spa lake with its medieval castle, island with church and the surrounding Alps as a stunning back drop. Nearby is Lake Bohinj, a lake set amongst the higher mountains of the Julian Alps in the Triglav National Park. The valley floors are full of picturesque villages whose inhabitants still rely on farming and its agricultural products for their income. The Slovenes are deeply proud of their way of life, and undoubtedly you will be tempted by their food which offers a host of national dishes many influenced by the cuisine of neighbouring countries. Slovenia also produces excellent wine.
There is walking in Slovenia to challenge the most demanding of walkers as well as those who require more gentle routes. The limestone peaks give many opportunities for ridge walking with stunning vistas of local peaks and lakes. You can walk to the top of Mount Vogel (1922m) with its commanding views all the way to Italy and Austria. Helpfully, some of these high walks can be assisted by the use of a cable car.
Experience routes through the mountains built by soldiers in the First World War as supply routes for Italian and Austro-Hungarian armies fighting in the area. Explore mountain paths through Alpine meadows. Take mountain routes over rocky paths; discover deep gorges and spectacular waterfalls where for most of the year, you may be the only visitor.
There are also several routes linking beautiful, unspoilt villages either on the valley floor or on the mountain slopes. They often follow fast-flowing mountain rivers which will make their way to the Danube and the Black Sea. There is plenty here to satisfy all grades of walker.
We offer a choice of hotels on this holiday, the standard price is based on the 3 Star Hotel Tripic in Bohinj Bistrica with the possibility of upgrading to the 4 Star Hotel Jezero in Ribcev Laz.
Start off the week in the Troodos Mountains and the stone-built village of Kakopetria, with its narrow, cobbled streets and the nearby 11th century painted church, Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis, one of ten that make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site of Painted Churches in the Troodos Region. Enjoy fabulous views across the Solea and Marathasa valleys to the sea as well as the northern slope of Mount Olympus - the highest point in Cyprus and home to both a long-range British radar installation and a ski resort in winter.
The next part of your trip heads towards the Northwest and Droushia with walks across the Laona Plateau with its picturesque stone-built villages. There's also the possibility of visiting a local winery. Enjoy fabulous panoramic views as you head towards the coast at delightful Lara Beach and the dramatic Avakas Gorge Nature trail. As your luggage is transported to your final hotel, you'll walk from Droushia to the Baths of Aphrodite cave, enjoying spectacular views of Cyprus's Northwest coast with the whole of Chrysochous Bay laid out before you, from the northwest tip of the island at Cape Arnaoutis, all the way to Pomos village in the northeast. You'll also walk stretches of the Smigies, Adonis and Aphrodite Trails with stunning views from the Moutti tis Sotiras peak and enjoy a walk along the North coast, visiting some of the best beaches and coves including Fontana Amoroza, the Blue Lagoon, Manolis Beach and more.
The hotels in Madrid (praga) and Seville (alcora) were very bad. There was bad air conditioning..was hot in the room. We complained but nothing was done by hotel. The wi fi was only working on the common area..no connection in the room. Hotel prga breakfast was also quote bad and so was alcora. These are hotels that cater to large groups and that takes away from the comfort and experience of the trip. This was the only criticism of the their trip. Bad hotels provided.