My first cycling trip was a great experience ! All the accommodations were top notch. The sites visited and routes taken were fantastic. Riding level was challenging but never excessive... enough coffee and strudel breaks to keep you energized ! The tour leader made this trip so good, as did the diverse group of cyclists all sharing this common interest!
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Venice, Mestre, Merano, Bolzano
Venice, Mestre, Merano, Bolzano, Lake Caldaro, Lake Garda, Verona
Excellent from start to finish. Everything was so well organised, each day flowed seamlessly. Met a great bunch of people who I soon felt at home with and our tour leader, Fabio, went the extra mile to ensure everyone was happy and well catered for. As for the cycling, it's quite hilly in places so don't expect an easy ride (apart from the last day) but with the encouragement of Fabio and the rest of the group, I managed to get up most of them! Well done Explore for providing such a great trip!
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
We had a wonderful time on this cycling trip in Sardinia!
It was a great route with lots to places to stop along the way. So much good food, and all the accommodation was wonderful. Some of the roads were a bit busy for my liking, not sure if I would be comfortable taking children on those roads but for adults it was fine. A very enjoyable week- a highlight of our month in Italy!
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Sardinia, Pula, Sant'Antioco, Sa
Sardinia, Pula, Sant'Antioco, Sant Anna Arresi, Chia
Discover Barletta starting with a visit to the medieval castle of the eleventh century, founded by the Normans and expanded by the Spanish in the sixteenth century.
Among the sculptures preserved in the castle, you can visit the bust of Emperor Frederick II Hohenstaufen of Swabia limestone, dating from the thirteenth century.
Next, visit a historic winery, called the "House of Poison", is the building now known as the "Winery of the Challenge".
It was here that was launched the challenge to a duel from 13 italian knights vs 13 French knights, fought in the countryside of the neighboring town of Trani.
After the winery, you will discover the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore of the twelfth century, the most important church in Barletta.
The cathedral is divided into two parts, the front is typically Romanesque architectural style of the twelfth century, while the final part is of Gothic architectural style of the fourteenth century.
The tour will end with a visit outside the palace of baroque architecture called "Della Marra" with paintings of the painter Giuseppe De Nittis and the visit of the bronze giant named Heraclius next to the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre.
The trip was fabulous -beautiful places , lovely hotel and friendly warm staff , excellent food wine and our leader Veriano was so kind engaging fun and made the trip even more enjoyable and our group was fabulous. Would go back tomorrow! Highly recommend it!
Trekking and HikingBeach
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut, Villa
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Amalfi Coast & Campania, Bomeran
Amalfi Coast & Campania, Bomerano, Atrani, Sorrento, Mount Vesuvius, Conca Dei Marini, Naples, Amalfi
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.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Lombardy & the Lakes, Pavia, Ivr
Lombardy & the Lakes, Pavia, Ivrea, Viverone, Santhia, Vercelli, Mortara
Head on the ultimate trip to discover one of the most beautiful regions in Italy with this 10-day self-drive tour of Tuscany! Your journey will begin in Catania, from where you will grab your car and set off to explore the Etna Area. Taste some local wines in a beautiful vineyard before you drive to Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. From there you will explore Taormina, a gorgeous city known for its natural landscapes of the sea, city, and rocks. Your next stop will be in Syracuse, the largest and most powerful Greek colony in Sicily. Discover the ancient Greek ruins dating 2,700 years back in time, such as the Teatro Greco and the Temple of Apollo, as you bask in the beauty of the deep blue Ionian Sea. Travel to Noto, known for its beautiful churches, extravagant palaces, and iron-wrought balconies. Unwind on the beautiful beaches of Marzamemi, a mesmerizing Italian village known for its bright blue waters. Visit Ragusa, famous for its late-baroque Sicilian style architecture, and explore Agrigento, one of the oldest cities in Sicily home to the Valley of the Temples, an area that preserves 11 Doric temples from the 5th century BC. From there you will drive to Alcamo, an area where many fine Italian wines are produced.Travel down the Western Coast through Marsala, a famous destination known for its stunning beaches and wide range of wines, before you explore Palermo, the capital of Sicily and a city that magnificently blends Norman-Arab, baroque medieval, and gothic architectural styles. See the Arab-Norman Cathedral among many other famous monuments and get a taste of the local cuisine with an astronomic walk-through Palermo before your tour of Sicily comes to an end! This journey captures the essence of Exclusive Italy tours, where culture, cuisine, and history are seamlessly woven into a luxurious travel experience.
Food tours
Tour Type
Independent TourTypically a private tour undertaken by one or two travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
English
Destinations
Palermo, Catania, Syracuse, Sici
Palermo, Catania, Syracuse, Sicily, Mount Etna, Agrigento, Alcamo
Journey by foot through the little-known region of Tuscany between Pontremoli and the walled town of Lucca along the Via Francigena, the Italian Camino. The Via Francigena has experienced a recent revival and is now one of the most exciting pilgrimage trails in Europe. This section of the trail takes you through a little-known region of Tuscany. Starting in Pontremoli, in the heart of the Lunigiana region where the green hills are dotted with fine castles, you will descend to the sea in Versilia. Enjoy the coastal scenery as you walk along the sandy beaches and during the warmer months you can happily stop for a swim en route. Leaving the coast behind, you will head back toward the Tuscan hills. You can visit the fascinating artists' workshops in Pietrasanta, known as the Italian Athens, which rests at the foot of the Apuan Alps. The highlights continue as you reach the walled town of Lucca, one of the most captivating old town centres of Tuscany.
Discover the medieval town built during the Holy Roman Empire, enter the historical center from one of the ancient gates to the town and discover the architectural beauties of the churches of St. Blaise, St. Nicholas, Greek Church and the Cathedral of Altamura, the only church built by Emperor Frederick II Hohenstaufen in the Middle Ages.
The lovely walk continues through the typical squares of the old town
and made to carry you smell good in the little streets of the old town in search of old wood-burning ovens where even today the cooking bread and focaccia.
Bread and Focaccia's final tasting.
Immense yourself on this captivating self-driven odyssey from Rome to Amalfi, traversing scenic routes, this journey unfolds amidst picturesque landscapes and historic marvels. Departing Rome's vibrant cityscape, the drive leads through charming villages and past ancient ruins, offering glimpses into Italy's rich heritage. As the road winds along the dramatic cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, the azure expanse of the Tyrrhenian Sea provides a breathtaking backdrop. Experience the charm and beauty of Amalfi, a coastal gem with colorful architecture, a storied cathedral and a relaxed atmosphere. Admire the stunning cliffs, azure waters and picturesque villages. Explore Iconic landmarks like Positano and Ravello which epitomize Mediterranean charm. This self-drive experience encapsulates the essence of Italy, blending cultural richness with natural beauty.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Independent TourTypically a private tour undertaken by one or two travelers
The tour was expensive and we were in a mediocre hotel with flaky internet.
But the tour leader was exceptional in all areas. Her presentations were faultless, her interest beyond compare and nothing was ever too much trouble for her. An excellent part of the holiday
Would l travel with Explore again? Probably not they're too expensive. Without Lara's input l'd be asking for a refund.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort, Villa
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Catania, Giardini Naxos, Mount E
Catania, Giardini Naxos, Mount Etna, Lipari, Taormina, Syracusa
