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.
Our guide takes you from your hotel/seaport to visit most visited places of istanbul. To go to visiting points we use public transport/taxi or walking.
We start our tour by Hippodrome , which at one time was the center of Byzantine social and recreational life. A few parts of this spectacular site remain, including the Obelisk of Thutmose III and Serpent Column.
Near the Hippodrome is the Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. Its exceptional architectural design features 1 main dome, 8 secondary domes, 6 minarets, and a vast number of blue tiles – hence the name.
And from here we go the Topkapi Palace, which dates back to 1459. It served as the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 4 centuries. In 1924, the palace was officially declared a museum.
And you will take a break and enjoy a lunch of delicious Turkish dishes
Afternoon we continu on our tour with Hagia Sophia, which served both Christianity and Islam at different times in history. When it was first built in 537, it was an Eastern Orthodox church.
In 1453, coverted to an imperial mosque. Approximately 5 centuries later, Hagia Sophia was converted into a museum.
We finalize our tour with Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, comprising 61 covered streets and more than 3,000 shops offering almost anything you might need. The bazaar is a part of the walled city and was built during the years 1455-1461.
At the end of the tour we drop you back to your hotel/seaport.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In 6 amazing days, visit the 3 most beautiful UNESCO sites in southern Italy! Explore Matera, Alberobello and Castel del Monte in addition to the cities of Bari, Ostuni, and Lecce, all in a single organized tour that includes tour guides, hotels, and transfers. Learn more about the culture, history, and region, and recharge your batteries in the open air, while hunting for authentic wonders.
This tour is perfect for couples, solo travelers, and for those who prefer a great quality, comprehensive, organized trip. If you would like an unforgettable holiday but without the worry of doing all the organizing, or if you simply don’t want the stress of driving, this holiday is for you! Make it easy on yourself and worry-free.
This tour departs from Bari every Saturday and finishes in Lecce.
Discover top attractions and famous landmarks across the British capital on this private 3-hour London walking tour. Follow a private guide through the ancient streets of London and gain insight into centuries of British history. Along the way, hear the chimes of Big Ben and take in key sites of interest such as Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, China Town and Trafalgar Square. Soak up the atmosphere in Piccadilly Circus and see the royal soldiers at Buckingham Palace.
This is a private tour and includes pickup from central London hotels. We then travel on the tube to the starting point.
'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.
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.
