We very much enjoyed the walk through the interesting and beautiful landscape of Galicia on the way to Santiago de Compostela. The combination of hiking and overnight stays in very pleasant and high Standard Hotels and Paradors left excellent memories on the Camino in our memories.
Embark on an enchanting journey through the heart of Spain as you explore the cultural wonders of Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, and Granada. This meticulously crafted itinerary promises a rich tapestry of history, art and architecture, providing you with an immersive experience into the diverse and vibrant heritage of the Iberian Peninsula.
Begin your adventure in Madrid, where the energy of a modern metropolis seamlessly intertwines with centuries of regal history. As you venture south to Cordoba, immerse yourself in the city's rich blend of Moorish, Christian, and Jewish influences. Explore the mesmerizing Mezquita-Catedral, a breathtaking mosque-cathedral showcasing the city's complex history.
Your journey culminates in Granada, where the crowning jewel is the Alhambra, a palace-fortress that captures the essence of Islamic art in Spain. Then Seville, a city brimming with passion and tradition, awaits with its flamenco rhythms and architectural marvels. This unforgettable journey promises a kaleidoscope of cultural experiences, leaving you with indelible memories of Spain's rich and diverse heritage.
In 6 amazing days, visit the 3 most beautiful UNESCO sites in southern Italy! Explore Matera, Alberobello and Castel del Monte in addition to the cities of Bari, Ostuni, and Lecce, all in a single organized tour that includes tour guides, hotels, and transfers. Learn more about the culture, history, and region, and recharge your batteries in the open air, while hunting for authentic wonders.
This tour is perfect for couples, solo travelers, and for those who prefer a great quality, comprehensive, organized trip. If you would like an unforgettable holiday but without the worry of doing all the organizing, or if you simply don’t want the stress of driving, this holiday is for you! Make it easy on yourself and worry-free.
This tour departs from Bari every Saturday and finishes in Lecce.
Very well organised trip. Logistics were excellent, accommodation was comfortable and central to all amenities of the towns. Hike maps and notes were extremely detailed. I would highly recommend them and am considering another trip in the near future.
A self guided walk along the original Camino trail used by pilgrims walking to Santiago de Compostela. The pilgrim's trail to Santiago de Compostela is one of the great historical 'long distance footpaths' through Europe. According to legend, it all began in the 9th century when the bones of the apostle St James, beheaded in Palestine, miraculously appeared in a village in what is now Galicia. Word spread around the Christian world, reaching (among others) King Alfonso II of Asturias. He undertook the pilgrimage, travelling through dark woods and daunting mountains, from Oviedo to Lugo to Santiago and invited fellow kings and noblemen to follow in his footsteps. The 'original' route became very popular in the early Middle Ages when areas south of the Cantabrian mountains were continuously at war. Walked by millions of 'peregrinos' over the centuries, this self-guided walk reveals the beautiful natural settings, captivating historical monuments, gorgeous rural farmland and authentically friendly villages of northern Spain. Near Lugo, the 'Camino Primitivo' joins the more popular French route.
Escape the crowds with remote mountain walking exploring northern Tuscany. The Apuane Alps are a remote area of northern Tuscany - a world away from the towns and rolling hills of the south. There are few other walkers and the villagers make you feel truly welcome. This walk has many attractive ingredients, from wide mountain vistas, to remote hamlets surrounded by forest and mountain scenery. From the small unassuming town of Fornaci di Barga you'll enter the Apuane forests, climbing up through chestnut woods and dropping down through vineyards to the ancient village of Verni, home to an impressive series of limestone massifs rising up to 2000m. The Apuanes are famous for their scenery of white marble towers, abysses and the largest cave system in Italy. During the walk you'll explore remote chapels, climb Monte Forato (1223m) and visit the 'Grotta del Vento' with its subterranean lakes. You'll also have the option to ascend Pania della Croce (1860m) before visiting the hermitage at Calomini.
NB : On this tour there is a maximum of 2 single rooms available.
Perigord is one of the largest and most picturesque areas in France. It is divided into two by the River Dordogne which founded the historic frontier between France and England during the Hundred Years War (1337-1453). Along its banks you'll find over a thousand castles steeped in legend and history, and witness to centuries of conquests and conflict. Today the rich and varied culture of this land is still here for you to discover. You will meander along paths that follow the twists and turns of the valley and you will climb through fields and shaded woodland to hilltop towns and fortified strongholds with impressive views.
What a fabulous week we had walking in Andalucía, Spain in and around the National Park of Grazalema. Everything worked perfectly: from collection at the train station, great accommodation, transference of baggage and taxi collection between villages. Our hosts where helpful and the accommodation of an excellent standard. And then there was the walk - sublime! A diverse range of tracks through magnificent landscapes, over rocky mountains, across high plains, along paths lined with wild flowers taller than me, and beside rivers. As we were walking in June, there were no other walkers, so if you are planning to walk and socialise, pick a cooler time of year. Would do it all again in a heartbeat!
The Loire is famous for its chateaux with over 300 in total to discover. This easy paced, gentle walking holiday balances peaceful, off-the-beaten-track discoveries, with the splendour and opulence of some of the finest Renaissance chateaux in France. There's no tough climbing but you're still rewarded with beautifully unspoilt landscapes and enchanting views at every turn.
You follow a linear route from Blois, passing quiet hamlets and wine villages, before continuing alongside the River Cher through Montrichard, Chenonceaux and Montlouis. Then, you'll enjoy wonderful walks through open fields and sprawling vineyards - with opportunities for wine-tasting - and on to Leonardo da Vinci's bustling town of Amboise. Along the way you'll take in some of France's most impressive chateaux: Chenonceau mesmerises with its iconic arches over the River Cher (be sure to taste the chateau's wine and enjoy a scenic riverside walk); the majestic Chateau d'Amboise is a former royal residence and also houses the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci; while Chateau de Chambord is set in a majestic nature reserve.
The places you'll stay in have been hand-picked for their superb locations, atmospheric charm, excellent cuisine and warm, friendly owners. As well as chateaux, the Loire prides itself on its delicious local cuisine and wine and we've included 2 evening meals - given the fantastic variety of restaurants on your doorstep, we thought you'd appreciate us leaving the choice to you.
The final stage of the picturesque French Way of St James through Basque country and the foothills of the Pyrenees. Traverse the centuries of time and the borders of Europe on the medieval pilgrim trail of Compostela. 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.
Walking from Aire sur l'Adour offers an insight into the contrasting Béarn and Basque regions of France which have a unique culture, language and cuisine. The landscape is inspiring as you walk between woods and open fields, past a multitude of chapels and historic sights and take time to absorb the history of the villages passed, once resting points for thousands of pilgrims during the Middle Ages. Arriving into St Jean Pied de Port through the Porte Saint-Jacques is a highlight and a rewarding end to the journey along the Via Podensis.
Aire-sur-l'Adour, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, The Way of St. James, Aire Sur L'adour, St Jean Pied De Port, Miramont-Sensacq, Fichous-Riumayou, Arthez-de-Béarn, Sauvelade, Aroue, Saint-Palais, Ostabat-Asme
A rewarding walk from the mountains of inland Corsica to the rose coloured Calanques of Piana high above the sea. A veritable mountain in the sea, Corsica is the most geographically diverse of the Mediterranean Islands. It offers such a variety of landscapes from snow topped mountain peaks to fine sandy beaches. Age old paths link the high mountain plains with their shepherd huts through to the picturesque Mediterranean Coast. This itinerary starts in the central valley and crosses the Grand Randonnee 20 (GR20), the challenging long-distance route running most of the length of Corsica. On foot you'll discover scented pine forests and the pretty mountain village of Evisa, known for its chestnuts, and explore the deep Spelunca Gorge. From Porto you can explore the unique jumble of rose granite pinnacles including the famous Calanques of Piana before visiting Corsica's capital Ajaccio, birthplace of Napoleon.
On this self-guided, hotel-to-hotel walking holiday, you'll explore the beautifully tranquil Langhe region of Piedmont, a gastronomic gem quietly tucked into Italy's north-western corner. Recently recognised by UNESCO, the countryside is a glorious mix of gently rippling, wave-shaped hills cloaked by layers of vines, sunflowers and oak forests, crowned with honey-hued hamlets and majestic Savoy castles.
Your route starts and ends in Benevello, nestling in the hazelnut-clad Alta Langa hills, from where you follow the limpid Tanaro River before climbing through a string of hamlets to your hotel in Fontanafredda, a renowned wine estate that was once owned by the first king of Italy! It's then on to La Morra, an atmospheric wine village known as the balcony of the Langhe for its stunning panorama over the surrounding rolling landscape. As you approach beautiful Monforte d'Alba, whose ochre-coloured houses seem to cling enchantingly to the hillside, you visit Barolo, home of the revered eponymous wine. This rich and fertile land produces some of Italy's finest food and wine, from robust Barolo and sweet Moscato to aromatic white truffles (exclusive to Alba), crunchy hazelnuts and tangy cheeses.
