Fabulous trip. My nine year old and I had a wonderful time! I hope they offer more like it as I would definitely go to another. The scenery was stunning, guide fantastic and donkeys a highlight.
The Camino Frances, starting from St Jean Pied de Port in France and ending in the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela, has featured on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1993, a total distance of 790km / 490 miles. Known as one of the most challenging sections of the pilgrimage, many see this section as also the most rewarding, with pilgrims traversing the Pyrenees from France into Spain, a dramatic and incomparable landscape.
During this stage of the Camino Frances, you will visit the ancient medieval towns of St Jean Pied de Port, Roncesvalles and Puente la Reina, experience the challenging, scenically stunning walk across the Pyrenees and wander through the beautiful countryside, passing through towns and villages, each with a long history intertwined with this most famous pilgrimage. The cities of Pamplona and Logrono are filled with places of interest to visit, examples of Gothic and medieval architecture, cathedrals and palaces. Logrono is the capital of the Rioja wine region, so be sure to take in some wine tasting here, but don't forget to collect your stamp for your Pilgrim Passport!
This two week tour of Spain and Portugal sets off from Madrid, visiting Porto, Lisbon, Cordoba, the Costa del Sol and more. Cruise the Douro River and taste local Port wine in a Porto wine cellar. Visit the mosque-cathedral of La Mezquita in Cordoba and the second-largest cathedral in the Catholic world in Seville. Admire the mountains of Andalusia and the beaches of the Costa del Sol, sample organic local olive oil and explore the Alhambra palace in Granada. Watch a traditional Flamenco show, visit the ruins of Merida and end your journey back in the Spanish capital.
Uncover the Alps in all their glory as you spend eight days hiking the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc. Following a circuit route from Chamonix in France, come face to face with dizzying peaks, glittering lakes and rolling pastures, passing through Switzerland and Italy on the way. Each day ends in charming accommodation, and your luggage will be transported for you to lighten the load. With a highly qualified International Mountain Leader as your guide who will not only ensure your safety, but also show you what makes this part of the world so special, you can focus on the gorgeous natural scenery!
This is a world-class trek that takes you through beautiful wooded valleys, along cold, clear mountain rivers, and into the soaring, snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. The trek culminates in a climb to the high mountain glacial region of Everest Base Camp. The trek is justifiably famous for being both challenging and rewarding, and yet remains open to most who have the stamina and determination to make it.
You start this tour in Kathmandu where you meet your trekking guide to travel by road to Salleri where your trek to Everest Base Camp begins. Starting in Salleri means you avoid the flight into Lukla and instead add 3 beautiful days of trekking through the foothills of the Himalays in areas with few other tourists. This is a lodge-based trek, which gives you the chance to spend time meeting and talking with other trekkers and guides in the evenings, as well as enjoying a little more comfort at the end of each day and ensures you contribute to the local economy.
From Salleri the trek spends the first few days climbing gradually through the Himalayan foothills, crossing several deep, wooded river valleys before following the Dudh Khosi up to Namche Bazaar, an historical Sherpa trading centre of the Khumbu Region. From here you enter into the Sagarmatha National Park area, and tremendous mountain scenery surrounds your trail as you make your way towards the high mountain glacial region of the Everest Base Camp. Several acclimatisation days are built in en-route to ensure you ascend safely.
Beyond Lobuche, snow-capped mountains close around as you follow the Khumbu Glacier up to Gorak Shep (5,288m), and ascend Kala Pattar (5,545m). The view of Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Everest, from the summit of Kala Pattar, is truly breathtaking. The following morning, you trek up to the Everest Base Camp area, from where so many expeditions have begun. From Base Camp you retrace your steps back to Lukla, along the way appreciating spectacular views of peaks from angles you may have missed on the way up.
From Lukla you catch the morning flight back to Kathmandu where you have a little free time to do some last minute shopping or a little more sightseeing around the city and surrounding valley.
All those joining our Classic Everest Trek will receive free trekking pack hire (normally costs $45), containing a down jacket and sleeping bag; suitable for the season in which you are travelling.
If you prefer a slightly shorter trek, you may consider our 15 day Everest Base Camp Trek, which starts with a flight to Lukla.
Embark on an extraordinary journey from Jerusalem to Jordan’s marvels, exploring the legendary Petra and mesmerizing Wadi Rum. Discover the ancient archaeological wonders of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and traverse the stunning desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, often called the Valley of the Moon. This immersive adventure includes guided tours, camel rides, and a Bedouin camp experience under starry skies. Perfect for history buffs and thrill-seekers, this tour promises unforgettable memories and captivating tales of Jordan’s natural and cultural gems.
I really enjoyed this trip. It provided the right blend of organisation and flexibility to suit my preferences. All of the hotels were excellent and everyone was friendly and helpful. When I needed support, the response was swift. The walking instructions were usually clear and the downloaded GPX files allowed me to double-check when I was unsure. For me the estimated times were more than enough for breaks and photos. I would happily use them for any other walking holidays. Thanks!
Excellent holiday, thoroughly enjoyed the week. Five hikes with a variety of sights and different terrain. The Chalet Savoy is a perfect base for this trip and size of group. Food was fantastic (thanks Elaine) and wonderful tour guide Oliver (except the jokes).
With its crystal-clear emerald lakes, picture-perfect castle and fairytale island at the foothills of the Alps, Bled is the perfect spot to base your eight-day active adventure in Slovenia. Hike lush trails on Mt Vogel in Triglav National Park, go cycling next to the Radovljica River and hold on to your helmets on an exhilarating white water rafting trip on the Soka River with expert guides. Walk the Vintgar Gorge boardwalk, discover the secrets of Ljubljana and see the little village of Ribcev Laz. Along with all this adrenaline, there’s plenty of free time to discover bled at your own pace – kayaking or ziplining, anyone?
Basically a perfect week in a beautiful part of the world, good food, great companions, great walks, excellent guide, great weather and fantastic views and experiences...
We knew nothing at all about this area in advance - other than the Exodus write up. If anything, we were a bit apprehensive, because Alicante and Benidorm get a bad press in the UK. Why do we never hear of this unspoilt, fantastic scenery just inland?
My boyfriend and I had an absolutely fantastic time, with great walking and good company in a beautiful setting. The Cortijo was very neat and tidy, and superbly run by Bill, Anne, Maria, Rocio, Anna and Juan. The food was fantastic, even the packed lunches with rolls the size of your head! Roger was a star leader: very knowledgeable and always game for a laugh. All in all, a perfect balance of sightseeing, exercise in the fresh air, relaxation and indulgence. We would happily return to do it all over again!
