Discover the beauty and history of the Balkans on tour that travels from Split in Croatia through Bosnia and Herzegovina and into the lively nightlife of Belgrade in Serbia, an exuberant European city on the up. Along the way you’ll soak in scenic beaches, 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 and ride the rails on a historic steam train. Bursting with culinary delights and cultural wonders, the Balkans will surprise you with its diversity of experiences.
The Camino Frances, starting from St Jean Pied de Port in France and ending in the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela, has featured on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1993, a total distance of 790km / 490 miles. Known as one of the most challenging sections of the pilgrimage, many see this section as also the most rewarding, with pilgrims traversing the Pyrenees from France into Spain, a dramatic and incomparable landscape.
During this stage of the Camino Frances, you will visit the ancient medieval towns of St Jean Pied de Port, Roncesvalles and Puente la Reina, experience the challenging, scenically stunning walk across the Pyrenees and wander through the beautiful countryside, passing through towns and villages, each with a long history intertwined with this most famous pilgrimage. The cities of Pamplona and Logrono are filled with places of interest to visit, examples of Gothic and medieval architecture, cathedrals and palaces. Logrono is the capital of the Rioja wine region, so be sure to take in some wine tasting here, but don't forget to collect your stamp for your Pilgrim Passport!
Follow old trails through ancient hamlets and past impressive castles on the Francigena Way, the Italian Camino, between Ivrea and Pavia. From Canterbury in England to Rome in Italy, the 1900km "Francigena Way" dates back to the 11th century when pilgrims travelled across Europe on foot to visit the site of Martyrdom of St Peter and St Paul in Rome. With the modernisation of Europe and the shifting of borders the route became obsolete, until a recent revival of the pilgrimage making it one of the most exciting pilgrimage trails in Europe today. This section travels through the plains of Piedmont. From March to May the rice fields are flooded and treat you to a wonderful view of the "chequered sea". At other times of the year you will spot herons and egrets. The trail continues into the Lombardy region before ending in Pavia. Here you can enjoy the artistic wealth of Pavia's old town, while reveling in the vivacity of the student quarters.
We loved how quiet and well marked the trails were, along with the detailed trail descriptions provided. The small towns we visited were an unexpected treat as well. For a coastal walk, there was an amazing amount of variety from cliffs, to beach, and through fields. The ability to easily take a bus or tram from place to place if desired, was an added benefit. The accommodations were nice (especially those rooms with a sea side view!) and the people friendly.
Traverse from top to toe of Italy's 'boot' and explore ancient ruins and iconic sites. Eat your weight in pasta and tuck into giant piazzas as you get lost in Venice and find yourself in the Tuscan countryside. This 24-day trip will take you to all the best spots and teach you all the most important parts of Italian culture – like how to roll pasta like the pros! Visit Mount Etna, as you drive up the northern flank of the volcano and take a walk through the spectacular Valle del Bove. Visit a family-run winery, learn about ancient Pompeii, visit Rome’s famous sites and write home about your three amazing Feature Stays – all with a local leader by your side.
The story of Anne Frank is known around the world thanks to her diary describing the period that she, her family and 4 others spent in a secret and hiding from Amsterdam’s German occupiers. This tour goes beyond that and will tell you about her time before and after; as a complete story of her life.
Because of many movies, theatre plays and books, the part of her life in hiding in the hidden Annex is very well known. Less known is her life as a young girl that moved from Frankfurt am Main. This happened because of the upcoming anti-Semitism. Her father, Otto Frank, moved his family to the (what he believed to be) safe Amsterdam. They arrived in 1933 and settled on the square Merwedeplein. Anne Frank spent her happiest moments at this square and its surroundings.
During this walking tour we will take you back to the places that were important to Anne Frank in her childhood. We show you where she went to school and the bookshop where she bought her famous diary. Explore the area where she played outside and discover the house where Otto Frank’s secretary and most important helper; Miep Gies lived for many years. Miep Gies handed the diary over to Otto Frank after the war. She also saved a number of the family’s personal belongings after the Germans raided the house.
Otto Frank was reluctant to publish the diary a first, but when he read in the diary that it was his daughter’s wish to publish it, he allowed to publish the diary in June 1947.
The tour takes place in the south of Amsterdam, where you will have the opportunity to become acquainted with an area of the city that you would otherwise not see as a tourist. This area was constructed in the 1920-30ties and was based on revolutionary ideas of city planning, architecture and social housing.
THIS TOUR DOES NOT VISIT THE ANNE FRANK HOUSE IN THE CENTER OF THE CITY
Experience the best of Spain and France on the 'Spain, South of France, Burgundy and Alsace' tour, designed for mature travelers seeking a leisurely yet immersive trip. Starting in Madrid and concluding in Paris, this 8-day guided group tour connects the vibrant Spanish capital with the famed regions of Burgundy and Alsace, with all accommodations, transport, and meals included. Gentle city sightseeing and a relaxed itinerary make this tour particularly appealing to those who want to savor each destination’s unique character without the rush. The standout feature here is the seamless blend of Spanish and French cultures, offering a journey rich in both flavors and history.
Take a 24-day adventure into the heart and mind of Central America – hitting all the must-see spots, as well as hidden gems, in Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala and Belize. See the crater lake and cloud forest of Mombacho Volcano, tour Maya ruins at Copan archaeological site and Tikal National Park, cruise on Lake Atitlan and learn all about the fascinating deity San Simon. There are colourful markets to visit (via chicken bus, of course), historic cities to wander and nature reserves to revel in. Explore optional activities in Antigua, learn some Spanish so you can chat to the diverse locals and then kick back in Caye Caulker, where you end the journey on white sands surrounded by snorkelling opportunities and lazy, beach lifestyles.
