Small budget, small window of time, big list of Must Dos? The European Encounter should do the trick. Make your way through 8 countries, catching some rays on the Italian Riviera, downing pizza in Rome & exploring castles in Prague. If you know a better way to spend just under two and a half weeks, we need to hear about it!
Based in two centres, starting in Padstow then spending the second half of the week in Charlestown on the South coast. Our tour leader, Will, and his colleague Gaby, were prepared to go to any lengths to make sure we were fully supported. The walking required a decent level of fitness, the rating of 3 (moderate) is an accurate assessment, and my phone recorded 51 miles during the five days of walks (and 137,700 steps!).
The hotels were both good, although don't expect a sea view, and Will was always able to find us somewhere to eat despite COVID meaning there were a lot more tourists there than usual, and staffing was challenging for many of the restaurants.
The scenery is really lovely, both on the coast and inland, and lots of photos were taken and shared.
Trekking and HikingAdventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Take a one-of-a-kind trip to the ancient Roman city of Bath, enjoy a private pint-pouring masterclass at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin and experience the majesty of Holyroodhouse Palace in Edinburgh. This 22-day tour of Britain and Ireland is brought to life by Local Experts, with an arsenal of immersive experiences. Visit Orkney Islands for a glimpse of Britain’s furthest northern reaches and the 1000-year-old Kirkwall Town. Visit Ireland’s medieval city of Kilkenny and it's castle. Cross England’s Salisbury Plains to prehistoric Stonehenge where a tour unlocks some of the secrets held by these 5000-year-old megaliths, while the Viking city of York charms all with its maze of narrow streets and close quarter homes.
Explorer
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
London, York, Oxford, Glasgow, L
London, York, Oxford, Glasgow, Londonderry, Sligo, Limerick, Killarney, Ring Of Kerry, Cork, Dublin, Liverpool, Stratford-upon-Avon, Cardiff, Plymouth, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Wick, Orkney Islands, Isle Of Skye
Wonderful tour, from the coach and drivers to the tour guides knowledge of each place we visited, plus the abominations and hotels were great experience
AdventureCity sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
London, Killarney, Waterford, Ca
London, Killarney, Waterford, Cardiff, York, Edinburgh, Inverness, Windermere, Liverpool, Dublin
Find me... sipping espresso in a sunlit piazza, wandering the colourful stalls of Barcelona’s markets, indulging in buttery croissants on a Parisian terrace and strolling along the pebbled beaches of Nice.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Great tour! Got upgraded to newer bigger boats. Was a little disappointed by the islands visited much rather enjoyed being on the water! Great range of countries visited loved Dubrovnik and Prague
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Discover the country’s most iconic sites and the stories behind them on this tour of England. Explore London’s landmarks, walk through university towns like Oxford and Cambridge, and visit the landscapes that inspired legends from Robin Hood to Harry Potter. Travel through the Peak District, stop in market towns and enjoy local flavours along the way. You’ll find yourself on an unforgettable journey through the heart of England.
Experience the best of Scotland, from its dramatic Highlands and rugged islands to its rich cultural heritage, on a journey thoughtfully designed to support the environment, local communities and heritage preservation. With more MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences and sustainable partners than ever, this tour ensures your travels have a positive impact. Meet a descendant of Robert the Bruce at his ancestral home; visit the Balmoral Estate, a royal favourite of King Charles; and explore the revival of tartan at Prickly Thistle, Scotland’s first B-Corp certified textile mill. Search for seals, whales and seabirds in the pristine waters off Dornoch Bay and the Isle of Mull, supporting conservation-focused local operators. Unwind in luxury at Cameron House on the edge of Loch Lomond, where you can glide across the loch on an elegant champagne cruise—all while embracing a new era of responsible, high-end travel.
This was my first trip with Explore but I hope it will not be my last. The trip was great, the food and accommodations were better than expected, and the guides were exceptional.
City sightseeingWalking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Inverness, Ullapool, Cul Mor, Ga
Inverness, Ullapool, Cul Mor, Gairlochy, Isle of Skye