I was very happy with our trip It was very good and our tour guide, Julio, was very informative and helpful Europamundo did a very good job with the execution of our trip in order to provide us with a quality experience in Spain
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.
The best. It suited me. Lovely walks, lovely food, historical locations, wonderful guide. I loved the local input - visits to the farms, bakery. A visit to a working Truli house would have been a plus ( very touristy visit to Alberobello) and the last walk could have been more varied scenically. Could have stayed much longer in Matera! Altogether it was the best trip I’ve done with Explore. It helped having a lovely group too.
Where next?
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.
DELUXE SAILING HOLIDAY: Set off on a beautiful Adriatic adventure onboard a deluxe ship. From Dubrovnik explore the beautiful islands of Mljet, Korcula, Vis and Hvar before finishing in Split on the mainland. Take in guided walking tours along the way and enjoy lots of local produce sampling.
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.
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.
Lovely trip to a beautiful country. Wild flowers in the mountains were a particular delight.
The guide Ivica was great. Very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about everything he showed us as well as being interested to learn from the clients as well.
All in all the trip surpassed expectations.
