'Walking Lake Como' was an amazing trip - booking and the pre-trip organisation was efficient and seamless, information about the trip was detailed and accurate (although it does help to read it properly so you don't end up waiting at the wrong terminal at Malpensa Airport wondering where everyone is!), our tour leader, Peppe, was brilliant - kind, considerate, super well-organised, funny and we felt very safe with him in charge. The Hotel Regina was comfortable and the staff without exception very friendly and helpful, and the views of the lake are fantastic. Sitting on the terrace with a prosecco or Aperol spritz after a challenging day's walking, as the sun slips behind the mountains, was a real treat. I found the walks maybe a bit more challenging than I expected (some of the descents were quite steep, but nothing that a good pair of boots and poles couldn't handle), so you do need a decent level of fitness and walking experience, I think. Overall, a great experience and we'll definitely be looking at other, similar trips.
Get active in the Ionian Islands of Greece with the family on this fun multi-activity adventure. On board a two-masted wooden motor yacht, cruise the Ionian Islands along the west coast of Greece. From Corfu with its Venetian-style Old Town, the trip takes in the islands of Lefkas and Cephalonia. On Meganisi and Paxos, an island covered in olive trees and where time seems to have stood still, we gain an appreciation of traditional Greek island life. During the trip there is ample opportunity to explore the unique islands and coastal world by boat, kayak, bike and on foot. This family-friendly cruise offers flexibility with ample time for swimming, relaxing on the beach or on board, exploring sites and relaxing in tavernas. The level of activity each day is up to you. Our guide on board will offer advice and make suggestions and has plenty of knowledge about the fascinating history of Greece which they are always keen to share.
You'll walk on panorama paths through picturesque mountain scenery, and take breaks along the way in pretty little mountain huts where you can enjoy a typical snack ('Brotzeit') and a cool glass of beer. In the valleys lakes Tegernsee and Schliersee are perfect for a dip into the refreshing waters.
Discover cloud forests, volcanoes and plantations on this exotic Spanish island. Your first view of the great volcano Mount Teide (3718m, 12188ft) will probably be from the aeroplane window. A day or two later you will be there, walking across the Cañadas del Teide, a massive crater of 16km diameter to arrive at the unrivalled Parador Las Cañadas del Teide, your overnight stop (2200m).
Mount Teide is Spain's highest mountain and the third tallest volcano in the world. Tenerife is the highest island in the Atlantic and is the largest of the Canary Islands at 1275 square miles, 2053 km2. Walking on North Tenerife is hugely varied and our aim is to show you as much as possible. After the Cañadas del Teide adventure, you explore the north west of the island with its own mountain range, the Teno and views across the sea to the island of La Gomera and down the cliffs to the impossibly located village of Masca. Finally, there is a walk in the rugged Anaga Peninsula - its top is covered in dripping ancient 'laurisilva' woodland. Descending past fertile cultivated fields, tiny villages, then dry cactus strewn valleys, you'll reach the rocky coast of this stunning Canary Island.
This is an island walking adventure like no other.
This hike could be combined with the 8-day La Gomera walk (code JG8) to make a fabulous two-week Canarian walking holiday.
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.
Georgia offers spectacular mountain scenery and a rare cultural adventure, far off the beaten path. Combine both with the hiking itinerary which Explore arranged and you won't be disappointed! Our local leader, Levan, was knowledgeable, experienced and competent; in a word, excellent.
Photos are posted here:
https://www.diverkevin.com/Miscellaneous/East-Europe-West-Asia
Andorra is well known for its unique mountain walking, offering unforgettable views over vast lakes and lush countryside with its highest mountain Coma Pedrosa, standing at a sizeable 2943 metres! This intriguing landlocked principality situated high in the Pyrenees offers all the spectacular views of ever-changing scenery a walker could wish for, some of the most dramatic in all of the Pyrenees. Boasting isolated refuges, medieval villages, soaring mountain passes and the beautiful tranquillity of a thousand lakes.
We have carefully selected our routes to ensure you truly experiences the best the Andorran Pyrenees has to offer. With its independent character, wildflower meadows and towering peaks, Andorra offers some of the finest paths in the Pyrenees making it a walker's paradise. The variety and quality of paths is quite exceptional.
Our two centres have been chosen for their accessible locations, high standard of hotels and of course the quality of the surrounding walks. You will first be based in Encamp, a lovely parish located on the stunning Valira d'Orient River with good bus links. You can then opt to either walk or be transferred to your second centre in El Serrat. The walking is more mountainous in this village and has a surplus of beautiful wildflowers framing deep lakes.
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.👍👍
A classic walk through the old Armagnac region and the Gers with its landscape dotted with bullrings, bastides and castles interspersed with fields of sunflowers and corn. Traverse the centuries of time and the borders of Europe on the medieval pilgrim trail. In the 9th century, the tomb of the apostle St James was unearthed in Compostela. The site became the focus of a pilgrim trail beginning in France, and crossing northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela. This journey, along the Via Podiensis, the French Way of St James, takes pilgrims from Le Puy en Velay to the Pyrenees at St Jean Pied de Port. The route passes a multitude of churches and monasteries, resembling a travelling museum of Romanesque art. Six stages of this historic trail are included in our self-guided walking program in France.
This stage between Lectoure and Aire sur l'Adour takes you through the heart of the Armagnac region. Leaving the limestone coloured landscapes surrounding Lectoure, the trail weaves through the Gers with its open farmland interspersed with historic villages dominated by their cathedrals and churches, bullrings and bastides. Markets with an abundance of local products and fields of corn and vines lay testament to the areas deep connections to the land and the strong gastromomic traditions of the region.
Our longest Ireland tour, staying in upgraded 3-star hotels! Take in the the best of Northern Ireland, including a Belfast city tour and free time to roam the Titanic Quarter, plus visits to the magical Giant's causeway and Derry. In the Republic of Ireland, uncover natural gems including the Burren, Cliffs of Moher, Achill Island and Connemara National Park. Taste authentic Irish whiskey, see the colourful houses of Dingle and visit the home of Irish nationalist Daniel O'Connell. Explore Blarney Castle, spend three nights in pretty Killarney and discover the best of Galway at leisure.
A charming walk off the beaten track in the Massif Central in France. Facing the Alps across the broad valley of the Rhone lies a walker’s paradise of hills where the Ardeche, Loire and Haute Loire regions meet. This is a watershed for some of France’s great rivers, a land of steeply terraced slopes, half-hidden valleys and tumbling streams, largely absent from the guidebooks. Massive ruined farmhouses seem to have grown from the landscape and the bleat of goats and call of a wild bird are often the only sounds you will hear.
From the first walk at Le Crestet take an ancient drove road, partly through orchards, to the market town of Lamastre, set amongst hills covered with ancient chestnut trees of enormous girth. Turn north now and climb to the old spa-town of Lalouvesc, perched at 1100m above the Rhone valley, with views East as far as the snow-covered Alps on a clear day. Skirting the Haut-Vivarais, looking down on tiny red-roofed hamlets clinging to steep grassy slopes, continue to the hill-village of St. Bonnet le Froid; then south through fields yellow with wild daffodils in late spring and orchids in early summer, skirting the Lac de Devesset (good for a possible dip on a warm day) to St Agreve. Set against the backdrop of Mt. Mezenc & Mt. Gerbier de Jonc, the source of the mighty Loire River, this small market town is a centre for cross-country skiing in winter. Its narrow main street is crammed with old-fashioned shops, selling Le Puy lentils and Rhone wine from the barrel. This 8-day circular walk then goes south past the mighty, ruined Chateau de Rochebonne overlooking the River Eyrieux. Continue to the narrow valley town of St. Martin de Valamas and then back to St. Agreve. On the way back to Lamastre, the circuit goes west along an ancient mule-road, the “Voie des Marchands”, with breathtaking views of the meticulously terraced slopes of the Haut Vivarais to the north.
