'Every known superstition in the world is gathered into the Carpathians, as if it were the centre of some sort of imaginative whirlpool.' So says the narrator of Dracula, the late 19th century English novel of Victorian superstitions that used this area of Romania to represent something on the edge of civilisation.
A trip to this part of the world is to enter a maelstrom of natural sensation. There is everywhere a bewildering mass of flora and fauna. Profusions of trees and flowers and grasses are barely touched by agricultural exploitation. Be alert, however, for roe deer and chamois and hedgehogs and rodents, plus the sight and sound of the area's 190 bird species. Transylvania is a region full of beauty of every kind, sometimes little towns or castles on the top of steep hills.
This trek rises daily through Carpathian lower reaches, a green land full of forests and woods, with here steep hills crowned with clumps of trees, and there villages newly built in a riot of colour and style. Smile and say Boo Naa (Hello) and you'll meet open-faced strangers who say all the country people show 'hospitality, flexibility, honesty'. The message is that tourists are welcome.
Embark on an enchanting journey through the heart of Spain as you explore the cultural wonders of Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, and Granada. This meticulously crafted itinerary promises a rich tapestry of history, art and architecture, providing you with an immersive experience into the diverse and vibrant heritage of the Iberian Peninsula.
Begin your adventure in Madrid, where the energy of a modern metropolis seamlessly intertwines with centuries of regal history. As you venture south to Cordoba, immerse yourself in the city's rich blend of Moorish, Christian, and Jewish influences. Explore the mesmerizing Mezquita-Catedral, a breathtaking mosque-cathedral showcasing the city's complex history.
Your journey culminates in Granada, where the crowning jewel is the Alhambra, a palace-fortress that captures the essence of Islamic art in Spain. Then Seville, a city brimming with passion and tradition, awaits with its flamenco rhythms and architectural marvels. This unforgettable journey promises a kaleidoscope of cultural experiences, leaving you with indelible memories of Spain's rich and diverse heritage.
El Hierro is the least known, and most westerly, of the Canary Islands. In fact, it was the most westerly point of the 'old world'. El Hierro has escaped mass tourism and with a population of just over 6,500 it has a very different feel to the other Canarian islands. The Herrenos are fiercely proud of their island and are very welcoming towards visitors who come to appreciate the environment, such as walkers.
Like its neighbours, El Hierro was formed by volcanic activity along an offshoot of the mid-Atlantic ridge. There has not been an eruption on the island since the 18th century, but the cones of ash and old lava flows are a prominent feature of the island. The small central plateau, at 1000m or more, offers a mixture of volcanic scenery, pastures (cattle, sheep and goats provide fine cheeses), and the beautiful Canarian pine woodlands. To the north the lowland of El Golfo resembles a huge bite taken out of the island, and the impressive bordering escarpment, reaching 1500m in altitude, features in our walks. On the lower land of El Golfo vines, bananas and pineapples are grown. The islanders have preserved a number of local traditions and some of their sites are included in our routes. Overall, there is a surprisingly rich variety for such a small area!
The walking is designed to pass through the variety of landscapes on the island and to seek out the most spectacular views and a number of locations of cultural and historical significance to the islanders. No two days are the same. Your El Hierro experience begins in the small town of Valverde up on the plateau- the official capital of El Hierro. For early arrivals there are short walks locally to help you to get the feel of the island. From Valverde the route winds across the plateau, down to El Golfo and up again, then across to the far west of the island before heading back again across the plateau to descend and finish by the east coast.
You accommodation is a mix of simple and charming apartments and hostels, to 3 star hotels. All have restaurants either on site or very close by and so we have included half board for you on this holiday.
Very happy with how tour was conducted. My wife had booked it told me we may have to change buses a few times that we had a full itinerary. As Id just got out of hospital before the trip nearly 70, both worried it may be too much but it wasnt at all had plenty of rest on bus in between hours at cities lots of free time so it was all good never felt rushed at all. Would do again
The tour was very hecticly scheduled
Although 4 star hotels were sought however all hotels were not 4 star and not properly equipped
Guide Ajit singh and Louis and Anna. interaction and tour management was very good however guide Esther was pathetic and she delayed departures at every destination due to poor management
On questioning the Inordinate delays , Esther teamed up with other tour manager DAVID and threatened that we will not be allowed to board bus and delays have to be accepted
As a customer if tour agency behaves in this manner despite of paying in lakhs for the tour it is pitiful
Owing to poor tour management by some tour guides future opting of europomondo is not preferred
The threatening shall be raised in all social
Media forums also
Amazing is the only way to summarise this trip.
The people, the places, the pictures.
I saw so much and needed so much more time to see it all.
I had the most amazing guides; Marina, Maria and Amán. Knowledgeable, friendly, willing to help, excellent bilingual explanations.
Very safe drives; Pepe, Julian and Jose.
I loved the hotels, the amount of walking, the local guides were charismatic.
I will definitely be booking another tour with this agency, and soon ??
Europamundo itinerary is great, so many places included and full information on the places to visit is given. Will get another Europamundo Tour again, and will definitely recommend to friends.
This is your ticket to explore the best of Italy in just 15 days. From the ancient sites of Rome and visiting one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the Colosseum – to staying in the rolling vineyards of Tuscany to visiting the site of Pompeii with a local guide, this trip encompasses some of Italy's must-do experiences. You’ll visit ancient monuments, lively cities and sprawling vineyards, indulging in delicious traditional cuisine. Kick back on sparkling coastal beaches, get to know the locals and visit lesser-known spots with your knowledgeable local leader – what more could you ask for?
One of the first destinations in the world to be awarded the special certificate as a Biosphere Reserve, the landscape is unique and awe inspiring, with magnificent volcanic craters, stark lava fields displaying a myriad of different colours, and beaches, ranging from white sands to volcanic black dust.
The island is very easy to drive across, the journey from the northern tip of Orzola to the beaches of Papagayo in the south takes just over 1 hour drive, giving you plenty of opportunity to explore.
Some of the best food and wine in the Canaries can be found here, so make sure you try the local specialities, Canarian potatoes, mojo sauce, estofado stew and the delicious boquerones, (anchovy fillets), perhaps accompanied by a locally produced wine, the widely regarded Malvasi - again the result of the rich volcanic soil.
This self-guided, single centre holiday highlights the best of Lanzarote; from its pretty inland villages with verdant terraces and fields, to the varied coastline and beaches, the exquisite volcanic landscape, and the gently pervading influence of Cesar Manrique. Whatever you decide to do either taking a slow and relaxed tour of some of the best locations, or a varied itinerary of walking, swimming and cycling on La Graciosa, there is something for everyone here.
Your week is based at the Rural Finca La Florida in San Bartolome. Originally a family home, the 15 spacious rooms of this delightful hotel with its superb on site restaurant, provide the perfect base for your holiday. The hotel has everything you will need including a fabulous restaurant, swimming pool , sun terrace and even spa treatments for a bit of downtime!
The awe inspiring architecture is clearly evident, especially in the UNESCO world heritage site of Valletta, Malta's capital city. With so many rich and colourful traditions and excellent gastronomy, there is plenty on these islands to tantalise your tastebuds.
This holiday gives the perspective on two different Maltese islands, Malta being the largest of the two, only 27km long and 14.5km wide so you'll see plenty of breath taking sea views with dramatic sandstone cliffs, time worn salt pans and perfect fishing villages where the traditional and colourful Luzzo boats can be seen bobbing around in the bays. In Malta you are based just outside Valletta in St Julian's, your 7 day bus pass allows you to make the most of your time on the islands enabling you to access the start of the walks and return at the end. Walk around Malta's 'fish tail' where the watch towers along the coast are evident of its history and where there are stunning views across to Gozo and Comino. Enjoy the sites of the capital Valletta, the smallest capital in Europe and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's full of narrow streets, impressive architecture, fountains and ancient city walls, however if you need a rest, there are plenty of cafes, restaurant and bars in which to stop and watch the world go by.
Your hotel in Malta is based in the quieter side of St Julian's just 350m away from the front at Balluta Bay and is tucked away in a quiet, narrow alley. A modern and contemporary hotel with striking decor, it's rooftop infinity pool is a perfect place to relax after a days walking. Your stay here is on a B&B basis as there are so many excellent restaurants nearby for you to find the best spot for dinner. Valletta is also just a short taxi ride away should you wish to spend an evening in the capital.
On day 5 of your holiday you are transferred to Gozo to discover your second island and the second largest of the three Maltese islands. At only 14km by 7km at its widest point, nowhere in Gozo is too far away, making it the ideal choice for a walking holiday. The slow pace of life along with the air of tranquillity also makes Gozo the perfect place to relax. Rich in history and culture you there is plenty to see on your walks around the island taking in exceptional coastal views as you go. The walks guide you around the island's impressive coastline and through the cobbled streets of the traditional towns and villages.
Its rugged landscape ensures spectacular views including Fungus Rock, a natural stone outcrop in the centre of Dwejra Bay, and the Inland Sea. Between autumn and late spring, the countryside bursts into life, revealing an incredible wealth of flora and fauna, with colourful wildflowers and scented herbs.
Your hotel in Gozo is based in the capital Victoria. An elegant hotel in which you can relax, however being in the heart of Victoria there are a plethora of bars and restaurants to entertain you. Explore the medieval citadel with impressive walls and be enchanted by the far reaching views from the top across the entire island.
Embark from Rome to Naples, uncovering the ancient city's treasures. Visit the legendary site of Pompeii, frozen in time by the cataclysmic eruption of Mount Vesuvius over 2,000 years ago. Continue your journey with a full-day tour to the idyllic Italian island of Capri, and later, unwind in the enchanting town of Sorrento on your Amalfi Coast getaway, with ample free time for independent exploration
La Gomera is the second smallest Canary island and remains a largely undiscovered destination. It’s a stunning island with at least 50 dramatic deep cut barrancos that slice through the landscape from 1500 metres altitude down to the sea.
The island is indeed a walkers paradise offering lush vegetation, impressive landscapes, fantastic path networks and beautiful mountain villages with outstanding views. It is home to Garajonay National Park which was declared a World Heritage site by Unesco in 1986.
Our guided walking tour takes you on a spectacular journey through the island, walking from village to village with baggage transferred throughout.
We use a mix of small hotels and apartments located in lovely villages along the way and have dinner in local restaurants so you are immersed in the culture and traditions of the friendly Gomeran people.
Budapest, especially Pest has never been homogeneous – thinking of the all ethnic groups and the architecture. During the Habsburg times, there were more German-speaking inhabitants living in today’s downtown than Hungarians, let alone other nationalities. Later on the ratio changed, but all these different eras left their mark on the buildings. In one street you can see Classical, Art- Nouveau, Socialist style as well we few modern buildings. But buildings here are not made of stones, they are made of STORIES and formed by PEOPLE.
Sights included in this tour are:
St Stephen’s Basilica (interior + dome)
Parliament building (outside)
Opera house (outside and hall)
Andrassy avenue
House of Terror (outside)
Academy of Music
Heroes’ Square
Széchenyi bath
City Park
Danube bank
Shoe Memorial
Market Halls
Hungarian House of Photography
Hungarian House of Art Nouveau