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.
For an Aussie, it's a step back into the past. I was enriched just to see the decorated buildings and the statues, each signifying memories. The
natural beauty of the countryside was also worth seeing. I really loved understanding the influence of different religions and peoples over the centuries - especially the evidence we saw that at times they accepted each other instead of trying to destroy.
Discover the mesmerizing beauty of Turkey with an unforgettable small group tour that takes you through Istanbul's vibrant streets, the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, and the ancient ruins of Ephesus. Delight in hot air balloon rides, traditional Turkish meals, and guided historical explorations. This carefully curated journey combines cultural immersion and stunning scenery, ensuring an extraordinary travel experience. Uncover Turkey's hidden gems and iconic landmarks for an enriching adventure you'll cherish forever. Book now for a seamless, enriching cultural experience!
Ride along the German Rhine and a section of the Alsace Wine Route in France to discover one of the most culturally rich regions in Europe. Explore the Rhine River from both the German and French sides to indulge in the very best this enchanting region has to offer. With seemingly endless picture perfect landscapes lining the meandering Rhine, dedicated bike paths for safe and easy cycling and a swathe of beautifully preserved villages to inspire you each day, there are few cycle trips that offer so many 'bells and whistles'. From the EU capital of Strasbourg to the art city of Frieburg, traditional Colmar to the moated, UNESCO World Heritage listed town of Neuf-Brisach, the Romanesque and Baroque architecture as well as medieval castles will keep you captivated. The gastronomic delights are plentiful in this part of Europe and you can sample some of the regions finest produce as you cycle through undulating farmland, orchards and vineyards. This itinerary soaks up the relaxed and jovial atmosphere of one of the most picturesque parts of the Alsace Wine Route, which can only be described as a wine-lovers' wonderland, taking in the routes most famous villages of Eguisheim, Turckheim, Kaysersberg and Riquewihr, where you will witness delightful examples of traditional half-timbered Alsatian architecture. With so many highlights your pedals will seem to turn themselves during this simply stunning ride along the Rhine River and its various valleys in Germany and France.
It was great traveling with other women. I felt some days were too busy, especially the miles we went one day for 45 minutes at a spare. Really enjoyed the meals.
Cycle and cruise the Lycian Coast between Bodrum and Fethiye. There are few coastlines which offer the appealing combination of sublime landscapes, rich cultural history and legacies from ancient civilisations found on Turkey's Lycian Coast. We spend a week discovering the coastline and backcountry between Bodrum and Fethiye with our three-masted motor yacht. Our charming and stylish vessel is built to the highest of standards. Accompanied by our guide you will discover the unique natural wonders and historical cities which grace the area. Admire the famous tombs of Dalyan, which were cut into the cliffs between 4 and 2 BC by the Lycian coastal inhabitants, and the spectacular Saklikent Canyon. Spend your evenings relaxing on board in the deserted bays or make the most of the nightlife in the port cities and their many cafes and bars.
Discover the royal splendour of Paris and the Seine Valley by bike and barge. France's Seine Valley is a region rich in royal history. With so much to see, do and absorb, the ideal way to explore this fascinating part of France is by bike and barge. From the lights of Paris to the beautiful medieval towns of Ferriers and Chateau-Landon, you'll experience a diverse range of sights during this week long cycling tour. The magnificent Fontainebleau Chateau, with its perfectly symmetrical Royal Gardens which the French kings had their royal architects design for them, is a fine example of the regions regal past. Cycling along the river in the company of your expert guide, through woodlands and small villages, ensures you'll gain a unique insight into this beautiful region. Cities, canals and cosy French towns - this trip will provide you with a truly magnificent French experience.
Walk the southern half of the the most challenging long distance walking trail in Europe, the GR20. The southern section of the GR20 is considered slightly less challenging than the northern route, however the landscapes are equally stunning. During the 6 days of hiking you will gain an appreciation for the rural communities who live in the region and the rugged wilderness that characterises the route. Your main luggage is transferred, allowing you to walk with just a day pack. From the forest of Vizzavona to the Needles of Bavella and on to Conca, the full GR20 experience is encapsulated in the daily views ranging from alpine meadows where sheep graze, to views to the sea as far as the Italian island of Sardinia. The sixth day is the longest on the GR20 if you take the upper route, and your legs will remember it long after you have left Corsica but the satisfaction of completing this section of this epic walk makes it all worthwhile. On arrival in Conca you can celebrate at the sign marking the end of the GR20!
Note: for safety reasons this trip can not be operated for one person / solo traveller. Minimum two people are required.
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.
Explore Sicily and see how much this island in the heart of the Mediterranean has to offer. Join an expert local leader on a fully immersive 10-day Premium journey – with a sprinkling of Arab, Norman, Greek and Roman influence, this region is a hive of history and culture. See intricate mosaics, towering palaces, crumbling ruins and marble-lined laneways. Head out of the main hubs to discover Mount Etna – Europe’s largest active volcano. Taste Genovesi, arancini, local dishes like caponata and cannoli, and take a traditional cooking class to get the most out of Sicily’s celebrated cuisine. With Exclusive Experiences and a gorgeous Feature Stay in the countryside, what are you waiting for?
The only thing I would change is that the first day - coming right after most people had taken trans-oceanic flights and still had jet lag - was too demanding (flying to Luxor, touring Karnak before checking into ship). It would have been better to have a lighter Day One to allow for rest and time zone adjustment, and do Karnak on the way back.
The all-women's tour group and the Tour Director were outstanding and hugely enhanced the experience.
Tipping became a constant irritant and would be better if Tour Director handled tips and Insight appropriately raised the package cost, to alleviate that daily chore (ensuring correct currency & denominations, ATM visits, etc.). PS - bring American dollars in small bills.
Overall, a fascinating country, knowledgeable and constantly helpful Tour Director, and a good balance of historic and current experiences. Aswan (and the Cataract Hotel) was a definite highlight, and don't pass on Abu Simbel. It is worth the cost; as is the Aswan boat tour of the Nile (two options worth doing).
It was a great trip. Very good guides, well organised, great food and good company. It was also so good to be able to visit the family of the Morrocan guide and receive their wonderful hospitality.
Our tour director was phenomenal! Without her we would have never been able to experience all that we did. She knew the insights of Greece and Turkey so well and made it so easy to navigate these places. The tour was great. Santorini and Mykonos took my breath away. We also loved swimming on the hotels rooftop pool while glancing at the Parthenon in the distance. Seeing the monastery up in the mountains was extraordinary, the local guides were incredibly knowledgeable and so welcome and to top it off the food was delicious! We also enjoyed the cruise. The cabin was beautiful and the boat had a ton of activities to enjoy. Best trip ever and very budget friendly.