This holiday was made extra special for us by the professionalism and kindness of the Headwater reps - Tony & Ludmilla. The one day when we got soaked, they came to our rescue and collected us early with no no fuss whatsoever. Apart from that one day the weather was kind and the walks spectacular
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.
Embrace the spirit of ‘friluftsliv’ (Norway’s beloved outdoor lifestyle) on this immersive week-long adventure hiking, biking and kayaking through fjord country. Take the world-famous Flam railway, then cycle beside glacial streams, goat farms and waterfalls. Spend a day paddling the glassy waters of Naeroyfjord in the UNESCO World Heritage park, exploring corners that only tiny boats can access. Then, hike in the mountains from small villages to viewpoints high above the fjords for some time away from the crowds. Starting and ending in Bergen, where world-class restaurants and a walkable historic wharf awaits, you’ll experience Norway just as the locals do – spending nights in cosy cabins and indulging in locally sourced food from the fjords and surrounding farms.
Take in the tranquil beauty of the Austrian Alps as you conquer the highest peak, roam on two wheels with your bike and even take to the air on a tandem paragliding trip. Cap it all off in style with trips to local restaurants, and the chance to kick back with your Contiki crew at our luxury Haus Schöneck - a Special Stay worthy of the name with an on-site bar and cosy lounge area.
Discover the beauty and history of the Balkans on an eight-day Premium adventure that travels from Croatia through Bosnia and Herzegovina to Belgrade. Walk the medieval Old Town of Dubrovnik, sample excellent Balkans wines, learn about the war years in Sarajevo, stop by the famed Old Bridge of Mostar and discover Tara National Park’s spectacular scenery on foot. Ride the rails on a historic steam train, then if the night is calling, discover the lively nightlife of Belgrade – your knowledgeable local leader is always on hand with the best suggestions. Combine battle zones, beaches, bunkers and bars on a comfortable adventure that melds past with present and travel with a small group of like-minded travellers.
Travelling at your own pace, you'll combine the elegance of eternal favourites like Ravello, Positano and Sorrento with discoveries most travellers never make such as farmers harvesting olives, fishermen crouched over brightly painted boats mending their nets and the bird's eye view of the entire peninsula from the Path of the Gods above Positano.
From Ravello, whose exotic formal gardens at Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone seem to float ethereally between sea and sky, your route takes you first to Positano's chic pastel houses and enticing pebble beach. It's then on to Marina del Cantone, and the hidden shingle coves few visitors ever find. Finally you reach cliff-top Sorrento. With balcony views over Vesuvius, it's a great base to visit Pompeii or Herculaneum by train, or Capri or Ischia by boat.
A fantastic nine day trip through a beautiful section of the Dordogne, riding between hotels and visiting historic chateaus and towns along the way. The accommodation was excellent, the food was wonderful and the self-guided trip allows you to proceed at your own pace.
While the scenery and the Greek experience were great, the trip was made by a great CEO - Spy! She was amazing.
Make sure to pack the following since they're not listed on the pack list: gloves, hiking poles, a sleeping bag liner, a fleece/windbreaker, and a beanie for the cold Mt Olympus climb. Also be prepared to use squatty potties for a day at the Mt Olympus refuge!
Set off on a seven-day hiking adventure through Madeira’s dramatic coastlines, volcanic landscapes and lush forests. Hike renowned trails such as Vereda do Fanal, Pico do Ruivo, Levada do Norte and the scenic loop from Jardim do Mar through Vereda do Jardim and Levada da Calheta. Along the way, visit nearby villages like Santana (famous for its traditional thatched houses), as well as Prazeres and Seixal. Take a dip in volcanic rock pools, sip Madeira’s signature Ponch and visit a local rum distillery. With its mild year-round climate and diverse terrain, Madeira offers the perfect active winter escape.
Explore Iceland’s rugged landscapes as you hike the Laugavegur Trail from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork. See the rainbow-coloured mountains, black sand deserts and birch forests and stay in cosy mountain huts along the way. Soak in nearby geothermal hot springs, indulge in traditional Icelandic cuisine and, depending on the weather, maybe set off along the Makarfljotsgljufur Canyon for panoramic views of the neighbouring icecaps.
Get your heart racing on an active trip across four countries, showcasing some of the best of the Western Balkans. Hike through the Dinaric Alps from Italy through Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and Albania. Watch the sunset on an evening hike in Blidinje Nature Park and spend a day exploring Sarajevo at your own pace. Take a scenic ferry trip to Koman, follow the Valbona-Theth trail and see glacial lakes as you wander through Durmitor National Park in Montenegro. With history, culture, nature and adventure combined, this is a journey you won’t want to miss.
This was a really great tour of the Amalfi coast. Our tour guide Enrico was amazing and knew so much about the area, restaurants and more! He made sure everyone was ok and had what they needed. Every day we walked to a different town. Be prepared... Hundreds of stone steps.... But all so beautiful!
Excellent way to get a beautiful tour of key cities travelling by trains, luxury bus, funiculars, cog trains, and a 2 story gondola. We saw everything Switzerland is known for and tasted excellent food and stayed in 5 star hotels. Tour guides and bus driver were so friendly, helpful, courteous, patient and became like part of the family by the time we finished. You don't want to miss this tour of Switzerland.
