Europe is a continent that continues to fascinate me. Having written about the Top Experiences in Europe in a previous post, here is my selection of the best trips in Europe.
Iceland
Dubbed the "Land of Ice and Fire", Iceland is a country of glaciers, volcanoes and rugged beauty. The contrast between the lush coast and the stark volcanic deserts of the interior is astounding. See all of the sights on our 15-day Grand Tour of Iceland. If you would rather spend less time and see the highlights, check out the 8-day Discover Iceland. And for those who love being active, the Iceland Walking Explorer is a fabulous trip.
Scandinavia & the Arctic
Norway is a country of stunning fjords, well worth exploring on foot on our Walking the Fjords. For those wanting to see the glorious countryside as well as some of the cultural highlights of Scandinavia, our 2-week Scandinavia Explorer is a great trip. And if you really want to get off the beaten track, and experience the High Arctic and its wildlife, Spitsbergen is the place to go.
Russia & the Baltics
Russia is an enormous country, but if you only have one week, you can do worse than exploring the highlights on our Russia Highlights tour. But if you can find an extra week on your busy agenda, consider doing the extended Russia Experience trip. In the Baltics, where the three capitals each are so different, don't forget to also include the countryside for its beauty and its history. The best trip through Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania is Discover the Baltics. And if you'd rather be active, the countries are great cycling territory: Cycle the Baltics.
Greece and Turkey
Steeped in classical history, Greece and Turkey may be sworn enemies, they also share a lot of heritage. See the best of Turkey on our Treasures of Turkey trip and all of Greece on our Complete Greece tour. For a combination of both the Greek Islands and the highlights of Turkey, check out Classical Turkey and the Greek Islands. If you'd rather be active, consider Walking the Greek Islands or the Lycian Activity Week.
Croatia
With its varied history, pretty towns and beautiful coastline, Croatia keeps drawing many visitors. See Dubrovnik and the coastal towns or cycle the Dalmatian Coast. If hiking is your thing, Croatia has plenty to offer. With Venice having dominated the Adriatic region for centuries, our Jewels of the Adriatic make for a fantastic choice.
Italy
Birthplace of the Renaissance, land of glorious food and home to the Eternal City. What can be said about Italy that has not been said already. Check out my post on the Best trips in Italy.
France
Many years ago I lost my heart in France. I love the food, I love the people, and heck, I even love trying out my two words of French. Cycle the Chateaux of the Loire Valley, discover the delights of Provence, Hike the Highlights of Mont Blanc, taste truffles in the Dordogne, or simply see the Best of France. Not one for group tours? France is probably the country where we have the most self-guided trips. Just e-mail me!
Spain & Portugal
From the splendours of Andalucia, to the spiritual path of the Camino, Spain is a land of contrasts. See the best of Spain and Portugal, walk the forgotten villages of the Sierra Nevada or enjoy the great wines of Rioja while cycling this undiscovered region. The Atlantic Islands of Madeira and the Azores draw walkers from all over the world to discover volcanic landscapes and lush coastal scenery.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Best trips in Italy
Having written about the Highlights of Italy in an earlier post, here is my selection of the best trips in Italy. For more great trips in Europe, check out the post Best trip in Europe.
Spirit of Amalfi - walking trip
On this enchanting walking adventure, we go beyond the crowds to experience the hidden treasures and authentic culture of this Italian paradise. Highlights include a hike along the stunning Sentiero degli Dei (Footpath of the Gods), the mysterious Valley of the Mills and the spectacular village of Positano. Included is a visit to Pompeii and a day trip to the Isle of Capri. We are also based for four magnificent days in a wonderful hotel right on the waterfront in the village that lends its name to this glorious coast – Amalfi.
Colours of Tuscany - walking trip
The deep green of cypresses in rows. The glowing ruby of a waiting glass of Sangiovese. The burnt orange of terracotta rooves, mottled brown village piazza and the gold of endless fields. These are the colours of Tuscany you’ve dreamed of, and the colours we’ll show you.
Mouth watering feasts, undulating landscapes, rustic villas and a network of scenic trails – Tuscany is the walking adventure you’ve been dreaming of.
Secrets of Italy - sightseeing trip
The best of Northern Italy in one great 10-day tour. Experience Venice from the water, walk the Cinque Terre, see the leaning tower, live the Renaissance in Florence, discover hilltop towns in Umbria and end this fabulous trip in Eternal Rome.
Highlights of Italy - sightseeing trip
Venice, Florence, Rome and Naples need no introduction as historically fascinating and architecturally impressive cities. Still, it isn't all about romantic canals, legendary monuments or religious heritage, as the best of Italy is in the family atmosphere of a traditional agriturismo where we enjoy some renowned warm hospitality. Travelling by train through Italy's beautiful landscapes makes for an unforgettable experience as we can absorb the incredible views of Lake Como, the Apennine Mountains and the stunning Mediterranean coastline. Optional visits to Capri and Pompeii should not be missed but the included visits to Verona, Pisa and Lucca add to a truly memorable holiday.
Classic Dolomites - hiking trip
The week is based at Hotel Adler, a lovely 4-star hotel with wellbeing centre and indoor swimming pool in the small village of Villabassa. Nestled close to the Austrian border and sandwiched between the spectacular, jagged limestone peaks of the Dolomites, our base offers an excellent choice of wonderful routes with the opportunity to relax in comfort at the end of a day's walking.
Cycle Cilento & the Amalfi Coast - cycling trip
The Cilento National Park is largely undisturbed by the 21st Century and we cycle through quaint fishing villages where the traditional way of life is still very evident. Cycling is a great way to navigate this peaceful place and our route take us through the Greco-Roman city of Paestum, with its three major Doric style temples, before heading to the lovely town of Minori on the Amalfi Coast. In order to appreciate the area, we spend two days here, visiting beautiful towns such as Positano and of course Amalfi itself. All that cycling will help build your appetite for the fine food that the area is famous for.
Treasures of Sicily - sightseeing trip
Sicily has to be one of the most fascinating islands in Europe. It has an incredibly diverse history, thanks to the different marks left by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans and Spanish civilizations. On this comprehensive tour, we explore the island through its picturesque villages, well-preserved archaeological sites and splendid scenery. Of course no trip to Sicily is complete without trying the local delicacies and we have plenty of opportunities to sample its mouth-watering cuisine and world-renowned wines.
Spirit of Amalfi - walking trip
On this enchanting walking adventure, we go beyond the crowds to experience the hidden treasures and authentic culture of this Italian paradise. Highlights include a hike along the stunning Sentiero degli Dei (Footpath of the Gods), the mysterious Valley of the Mills and the spectacular village of Positano. Included is a visit to Pompeii and a day trip to the Isle of Capri. We are also based for four magnificent days in a wonderful hotel right on the waterfront in the village that lends its name to this glorious coast – Amalfi.
Colours of Tuscany - walking trip
The deep green of cypresses in rows. The glowing ruby of a waiting glass of Sangiovese. The burnt orange of terracotta rooves, mottled brown village piazza and the gold of endless fields. These are the colours of Tuscany you’ve dreamed of, and the colours we’ll show you.
Mouth watering feasts, undulating landscapes, rustic villas and a network of scenic trails – Tuscany is the walking adventure you’ve been dreaming of.
Secrets of Italy - sightseeing trip
The best of Northern Italy in one great 10-day tour. Experience Venice from the water, walk the Cinque Terre, see the leaning tower, live the Renaissance in Florence, discover hilltop towns in Umbria and end this fabulous trip in Eternal Rome.
Highlights of Italy - sightseeing trip
Venice, Florence, Rome and Naples need no introduction as historically fascinating and architecturally impressive cities. Still, it isn't all about romantic canals, legendary monuments or religious heritage, as the best of Italy is in the family atmosphere of a traditional agriturismo where we enjoy some renowned warm hospitality. Travelling by train through Italy's beautiful landscapes makes for an unforgettable experience as we can absorb the incredible views of Lake Como, the Apennine Mountains and the stunning Mediterranean coastline. Optional visits to Capri and Pompeii should not be missed but the included visits to Verona, Pisa and Lucca add to a truly memorable holiday.
Classic Dolomites - hiking trip
The week is based at Hotel Adler, a lovely 4-star hotel with wellbeing centre and indoor swimming pool in the small village of Villabassa. Nestled close to the Austrian border and sandwiched between the spectacular, jagged limestone peaks of the Dolomites, our base offers an excellent choice of wonderful routes with the opportunity to relax in comfort at the end of a day's walking.
Cycle Cilento & the Amalfi Coast - cycling trip
The Cilento National Park is largely undisturbed by the 21st Century and we cycle through quaint fishing villages where the traditional way of life is still very evident. Cycling is a great way to navigate this peaceful place and our route take us through the Greco-Roman city of Paestum, with its three major Doric style temples, before heading to the lovely town of Minori on the Amalfi Coast. In order to appreciate the area, we spend two days here, visiting beautiful towns such as Positano and of course Amalfi itself. All that cycling will help build your appetite for the fine food that the area is famous for.
Treasures of Sicily - sightseeing trip
Sicily has to be one of the most fascinating islands in Europe. It has an incredibly diverse history, thanks to the different marks left by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans and Spanish civilizations. On this comprehensive tour, we explore the island through its picturesque villages, well-preserved archaeological sites and splendid scenery. Of course no trip to Sicily is complete without trying the local delicacies and we have plenty of opportunities to sample its mouth-watering cuisine and world-renowned wines.
Friday, April 25, 2014
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