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.
My frst trip with Explore and it didn’t disappoint. Massimo our guide was very good and all the events were excellent. I particularly loved the farm visit to see Mozzarella being made and the olive oil & wine tasting. I also loved the walks! The accomodation was ok but not always comfortable and I personally would have liked just a bit more time between activities as it seemed very rushed! I will certainly look at booking Explore again in the future!
From Madrid’s dynamic energy to the elegance of Paris, the 'Spain, Burgundy, Alsace and Black Forest' tour presents a 10-day group adventure tailored for seniors desiring an easy yet enriching sightseeing experience. Traverse both Spain and France with guided city tours, staying in comfortable hotels and enjoying inclusive meals and transport. This itinerary stands out by weaving together the heritage of Madrid, the culinary delights of Burgundy, the old-world allure of Alsace, and the enchanting forests of Germany. For those who appreciate effortless travel with a sophisticated mix of destinations, this tour package offers a memorable European mosaic.
Venture from the heart of London to the romance of Venice on the 'Spectacular Europe End Venice' tour, a 16-day city sightseeing trip tailored for seniors. Travel through Milan, Lyon, Zurich, and several other European gems, enjoying comfortable hotels, organized transport, and included meals throughout.
From historic landmarks to cosmopolitan energy, each destination offers its own flavor of European culture and charm. The easy activity level ensures that every traveler enjoys the journey at their own pace, with plenty of opportunities for relaxation and exploration.
This tour’s unique highlight is its cross-continental reach—connecting England and Italy through a thoughtfully curated itinerary that celebrates Europe’s enduring beauty.
We saw a lot on the trip. The itinerary gave a good taste of Prague, Germany and Amsterdam. This gave us an idea of where we would like to return for a longer visit. Our guide and driver were excellent and the bus was new, so very comfortable. Unfortunately, we had a large, loud group on board who did not feel the need to listen to the guide. This made it difficult for others to hear her and get the information she was giving us throughout the tour. The hotels were located a long way from the tourist areas so did not make it easy to get around on your own if you chose to do so. The hotels, while not 5 star, were very clean and had decent amenities. We only had breakfast and they were pretty good, some better than others.
Journey through history on the "Moroccan Capitals, Seville and Madrid" tour, specially curated for seniors seeking a comfortable yet comprehensive exploration of North Africa and Spain. Over 11 days, traverse the bustling markets of Casablanca, marvel at the Andalusian flair of Seville, and finish with the grandeur of Madrid. With all logistics covered, you can focus on soaking up the culture, cuisine, and architectural beauty at every stop. The unique highlight of this city sightseeing tour is the effortless blend of Moroccan and Spanish influences, providing a fascinating look at the crossroads of two worlds.
From Prague’s cobbled streets to Amsterdam’s canals, the 'Refined Sentiment' tour is a 13-day city sightseeing trip ideal for seniors seeking a cultured, unhurried adventure. Visit eight destinations across five countries—including Zurich and London—with all accommodations, transport, and meals provided. The highlight of this package is its sophisticated itinerary, which weaves together major art, history, and architectural sites for a truly enriching travel experience. Seniors will value the gentle pace and inclusive approach, making this journey both comfortable and memorable.
Make your way to the Mediterranean to discover all the natural beauty, warm hospitality and cuisine Italy and Sicily have to offer. On this 17-day adventure, you’ll travel from Rome to postcard-perfect Venice. From visiting one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the Colosseum – to driving up the flank of Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, this trip goes the extra mile to deliver experiences that go beyond the guidebooks. Visit the famous spots like the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain, then go off the path to a local’s favourite restaurant. Get ready to tuck into local eats, explore iconic sites and brush up on your ancient history, all with an experienced local by your side.
This was my first trip with Explore. Enjoyed the walks. The hotels were satisfactory. Our tour guide, Damir, was exceptional. He was extremely knowledgeable, and made every effort to make the trip special for us.
Overall the trip was well organized, planned out, and I felt I got to explore some great gems of north Albania. Our group was on the smaller side and I liked that. I can’t imagine doing it with a larger group. Some of the accommodations were basic but still were decent. I wouldn’t have minded a bit more hiking options as well but was very pleased with the ones we did.
