My husband and I brought our entire family on this vacation to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. Great trip, the best way to see much of Italy in a short time - 8 days. The country, food and people are wonderful in Italy. Our tour guide was great! I highly recommend.
Embark on your own grand tour of discovery on this 10-day journey of Greece, taking us from ancient Athens to Thessaloniki through the sanctuaries, monasteries, monuments, and stunning landscapes at the heart of this cradle of Western civilization.
The enduring phrase ‘la dolce vita’ (the good life) truly captures the essence of Italy. On this trip, you’ll spend eight days discovering the heart of all things Italian on a culturally rich adventure from the piazzas of Rome to the canals of Venice. Take in the crumbling ruins of Rome, board a scenic train ride to Bologna and discover the maze-like canals of Venice with your local leader. Visit the Leaning Tower in Pisa, learn how to make pasta by hand in Bologna and indulge in delicious local cuisine and a couple (or two) glasses of vino – ah Italia!
Excellent every day. Accommodation was varied and comfortable. Towns were interesting-some more touristy than others. Great eating advice from the hotels.
Turkey is a land of contrasts, with a vibrant modern culture following a long history showing the marks of several different civilisations which have left a wealth of incredible ancient sites to explore. The scenery also varies hugely, from the dramatic Bosphorous strait in Istanbul, to the beautiful Mediterranean coastline, forested hills and mountains further inland and special highlights like the surreal landscapes of Pamukkale and Cappadocia.
This comprehensive 19 day tour takes all this in and more. Starting and finishing in Istanbul, the tour learns about modern history at the war memorials and ANZAC cemeteries at Gallipoli before developing deeper into the past with tours of some of the region's most important historic sites at Troy, Ephesus, Hieropolis, Aphrodisias, Aspendos and Side. There are plenty of stops to relax and enjoy the seaside at the coastal towns of Kusadasi and Fethiye and Antalya, with a 12-island boat cruise also included in the Gulf of Fethiye.
The tour then heads inland, following the ancient Silk Road trading route to see the Sultanhani Caravansary at Konya before heading south east to see Lake Van, Biblical Mount Ararat, Kars and the ruins of ancient Ani.
There are a wealth of opportunities to taste traditional and modern Turkish cuisine and to pick up souvenirs and learn more about this fascinating country along the way. Accommodation is in a mix of 4-5 star and boutique style properties, either on a breakfast only or half-board basis depending on the location and other options available nearby.
Embark on an immersive 7-day journey through Turkey's most iconic historical sites and natural wonders! Begin in Istanbul, exploring its magnificent Old City, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace, with an optional Bosphorus cruise. Journey to the poignant Gallipoli battlefields and unravel the myths of ancient Troy before discovering the grandeur of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities. Marvel at Pamukkale's stunning white calcium terraces and therapeutic hot springs, gaining insights into local crafts. This captivating tour seamlessly blends deep historical insights with breathtaking beauty, concluding conveniently in the vibrant resort town of Marmaris.
The Fire of Anatolia Tour is an 11-day journey through Turkey’s most iconic historical sites, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cultural experiences. This immersive tour allows travelers to walk in the footsteps of ancient civilizations, experience the legacy of empires, and pay tribute to the heroes of Gallipoli. Your adventure begins in Istanbul, where you’ll explore the UNESCO-listed Old City, visiting landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. A Bosphorus Cruise offers a stunning perspective of the city, where East meets West. Flying to Cappadocia, you’ll marvel at its otherworldly landscapes, cave dwellings, and underground cities. In Konya, the spiritual heart of Turkey, you’ll visit the Mevlana Museum, dedicated to Rumi. A delightful wine-tasting experience in Sirince adds a special touch to this cultural immersion. This tour is perfect for travellers who want to dive deep into Turkey’s history and witness spectacular natural wonders.
Discover the heart of Turkey on our captivating 9-day "Turkey Classics" tour! Begin in Istanbul, exploring its iconic Old City gems like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace, plus a scenic Bosphorus cruise between continents. Marvel at Cappadocia's unique lunar landscape, fairy chimneys, and ancient underground cities, with an optional folklore evening. Journey along the Silk Road to Konya and its Mevlana Museum, then witness Pamukkale's dazzling white travertines and the ruins of Hierapolis. Your adventure culminates in Ephesus, exploring its grand Library of Celsus, the Temple of Artemis site, and enjoying a wine tasting in Şirince. This expertly guided tour is perfect for experiencing Turkey's most celebrated historical and natural wonders.
Fabulous week aboard the MS Isidorus. Swimming in crystal clear water and visiting lovely Greek villages. The Explore guide was excellent and conveyed his enthusiasm for Greek history, culture and food. Evia in June was beautiful- the gorge walk was a highlight- not at all crowded and much better value than the more well known islands.
Three of us girlfriends decided it was time for an Italian cultural recharge, and we picked the rail tour to hit the highlights with ease.
We explored Rome and saw the Coloseum as we opted for an optional tour. Florence was also beautiful.
Venice was pure magic. Our shared gondola ride under the Bridge of Sighs (with just six in the gondola) felt cozy and unforgettable . We spent afternoons discovering boutique shops and colorful squares.
For us, this tour struck the perfect balance. Relaxed evenings with wine and laughter. The train travel was a breeze, everything was well-coordinated.
