The awe inspiring architecture is clearly evident, especially in the UNESCO world heritage site of Valletta, Malta's capital city. With so many rich and colourful traditions and excellent gastronomy, there is plenty on these islands to tantalise your tastebuds.
This holiday gives the perspective on two different Maltese islands, Malta being the largest of the two, only 27km long and 14.5km wide so you'll see plenty of breath taking sea views with dramatic sandstone cliffs, time worn salt pans and perfect fishing villages where the traditional and colourful Luzzo boats can be seen bobbing around in the bays. In Malta you are based just outside Valletta in St Julian's, your 7 day bus pass allows you to make the most of your time on the islands enabling you to access the start of the walks and return at the end. Walk around Malta's 'fish tail' where the watch towers along the coast are evident of its history and where there are stunning views across to Gozo and Comino. Enjoy the sites of the capital Valletta, the smallest capital in Europe and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's full of narrow streets, impressive architecture, fountains and ancient city walls, however if you need a rest, there are plenty of cafes, restaurant and bars in which to stop and watch the world go by.
Your hotel in Malta is based in the quieter side of St Julian's just 350m away from the front at Balluta Bay and is tucked away in a quiet, narrow alley. A modern and contemporary hotel with striking decor, it's rooftop infinity pool is a perfect place to relax after a days walking. Your stay here is on a B&B basis as there are so many excellent restaurants nearby for you to find the best spot for dinner. Valletta is also just a short taxi ride away should you wish to spend an evening in the capital.
On day 5 of your holiday you are transferred to Gozo to discover your second island and the second largest of the three Maltese islands. At only 14km by 7km at its widest point, nowhere in Gozo is too far away, making it the ideal choice for a walking holiday. The slow pace of life along with the air of tranquillity also makes Gozo the perfect place to relax. Rich in history and culture you there is plenty to see on your walks around the island taking in exceptional coastal views as you go. The walks guide you around the island's impressive coastline and through the cobbled streets of the traditional towns and villages.
Its rugged landscape ensures spectacular views including Fungus Rock, a natural stone outcrop in the centre of Dwejra Bay, and the Inland Sea. Between autumn and late spring, the countryside bursts into life, revealing an incredible wealth of flora and fauna, with colourful wildflowers and scented herbs.
Your hotel in Gozo is based in the capital Victoria. An elegant hotel in which you can relax, however being in the heart of Victoria there are a plethora of bars and restaurants to entertain you. Explore the medieval citadel with impressive walls and be enchanted by the far reaching views from the top across the entire island.
This was an lovely wander from Vineyard to château to hilly forest and medieval village and small town. A combination of relaxation, good walks and moderate challenge. The accommodation was comfortable and welcoming.
Want to explore Tuscany without a rushed itinerary? Want a small group? Want to hike to wineries and hill towns? Stay in interesting hotels that are hundreds of years old? A wine and food buff? Then this is for you.
I had a great time on this trip. Had a full day in Sienna and a nice orientation tour of Florence (I spent a few extra days) Plus to get to visit lesser known towns that the big companies overlook. My favorite was Pienza. A nice little town that also had my favorite hotel and great places to eat. And yes, we tasted wonderful Italian wines, as well as the best cold cuts and cheeses I’ve ever tasted. And did I also mention hiking to wineries and hill towns? Wonderful sights, with spectacular views. One hike it rained towards the end, but that didn’t dampen our spirits.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Florence, Pisa, San Gimignano, T
Florence, Pisa, San Gimignano, Tuscany, Pienza, Montalcino
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.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
12-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Nicosia, Akamas, Kakopetria, Mar
Nicosia, Akamas, Kakopetria, Marathasa Valley, Droushia, Agios Georgios Tis Pegeias, Baths Of Aphrodite, Akamas Peninsula
The trip was well organised from the start. The app was excellent and provided all the information that was needed as well as getting us safely from one place to another.
The communication with the company was also very good, especially in the planning stages where we amended some of the stays and distances travelled. The variety of accommodation places was interesting and each stay had its own character. Breakfasts did vary a lot, some much better than others.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Aumont-Aubrac, The Way of St. Ja
Aumont-Aubrac, The Way of St. James, Le Puy-en-Velay, Golinhac, Conques, Cahors, St Privat D’Allier, Saugues, Les Faux, Nasbinals, St Chely D’Aubrac, Espalion, Estaing
The earthy scent of saffron, the kaleidoscope of colourful carpets, mountains, mosques, mayhem - this is Morocco. Let us guide you through the chaos of the medinas, bustling squares and sprawling palaces, getting you under the skin in ways you just couldn't manage alone. From the magical mayhem of Marrakesh through to iconic Casablanca and Rabat, we'll then head into the desert to stay with some Berber people and enjoy dinner in the royal tent.
Take off on an unforgettable journey down Italy’s rarely visited heel, getting to know another side of this beautiful country. See the beauty of Amalfi, unwind in style among the sophisticates of Trani and tour the Roman ruins, baroque churches and whitewashed alleyways of Lecce. Wander among the peculiarly shaped houses of Alberobello, wander the hillside dwellings of Matera and discover the Old Town’s life surrounding Bari's Basilica di San Nicola. Head down and say ciao to Italy’s southernmost slice of the Adriatic.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
We had a great time on our walk. Everything went as described, including detailed information pre-tour, accomodation and luggage transfers. The Camino Norte was phenomenally beautiful although was harder physically than we had expected. It was our first multi-day trek and the more training you can do pre-trip (especially hills) the better. Day 2 was particularly hard but then your body adjusts and you get into a rhythm of the day. We are already planning our next trek.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Sebastian, Northern Spain, G
San Sebastian, Northern Spain, Getaria, Deba, Markina-Xemein, Gernika, Lezama, Bilbao