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JourneysFascinating journeys through some of Europe and Morocco's most dramatic landscapes SpainDelightful Inns of Northern Spain• explore timeless Asturias & La Rioja • spend a night in Bilbao • characterful inns, good food • 12 nights self-drive
This justly popular itinerary features four very special inns in four enchanting corners of northern Spain. Over the years, we have discovered
some wonderfully atmospheric inns, where the owners have carefully restored
old buildings and brought them back to life as hospitable, welcoming small
hotels. You journey deep into rural Asturias - explore
the rugged coast and the dramatic Picos de Europa Mountains from two delightful
bases - and into the famous wine-growing region of La Rioja, where beautiful
stone villages stand amid the vineyards. You finish with one night in
Bilbao, giving you time to visit this flourishing city. On the Trail of Columbus in Southern Extremadura• visit Huelva & Seville • gentle walking in the Aracena Sierra • see where Columbus set sail • 8 nights fly-drive
This extraordinary journey combines relaxed walking routes with visits to historic towns, and takes in many of the cultural influences which helped to shape this enchanting landscape. Beginning in the Andalucian port of Huelva, at the very site where Columbus set sail for the New World, you gradually travel north, taking in some memorable walking routes in the little-known Aracena Sierra – a real gem with rich gastronomic traditions. On entering Extremadura and reaching the town of Zafra, you uncover echoes of turbulent events spanning five centuries: the expulsion of the Moors, the growth of a noble family and the loss of Spain’s Jewish community. Finally you reach Seville, treasury for Spain’s American gold and architectural symbol of her imperial era. On the Trail of the Conquistadors in Northern Extremadura• stay in two paradors • discover a little-known corner of Spain • handsome monuments • 7 nights fly-drive
Two very different faces of northern Extremadura are brought together in this touring holiday, which mixes opportunities for excellent walking in varied landscapes with visits to acclaimed historic and ecological sites. Sitting on the southern plains are the ancient, honey-coloured towns of Trujillo and Cáceres, containing perfectly preserved noblemen’s houses and churches – a legacy of conquistador wealth. Just an hour away is the graceful monastery of Guadalupe, where Columbus brought many Native American slaves to be baptised, and beyond this the Monfragüe Natural Park, home to the Iberian lynx and an internationally important centre for bird life. With four nights at the parador in Trujillo and three nights at the parador of Jarandilla de la Vera, your accommodation is another wonderful highlight. A Trail of Three Cities• visit Seville, Córdoba & Granada • detailed notes for walking tours of each city • stylish hotels • 6 nights fly-rail
This beguiling tour takes you to three of
Spain’s most enigmatic and beautiful cities - Seville, Córdoba and Granada - with two nights in each city. Our
detailed notes guide you through the
historic streets on a
walking tour that
includes all the
famous heritage sites,
as well as many overlooked corners
and delightful lunch stops. Travel by rail
to the heart of the cities and stay in our
hand-picked, stylish hotels, each one a
beautifully restored mansion representing the essence of the
city, and all within walking distance of the major sights. ItalyThe Treasures of Eastern Sicily• walk or explore at your leisure • visit UNESCO-protected Baroque towns • elegant hotels of character • 8 nights fly-drive
Boasting a wealth of historical treasures and some
beautiful walking country, including the Etna
and Nebrodi Parks, eastern Sicily is one of
those regions in which each day brings a new
discovery. On this fly-drive holiday,
you have the freedom to walk or to
visit places of interest as the mood
takes you, Mount Etna’s cone and other
landmark peaks framing almost every view.
You stay at some high-quality hotels which are as
atmospheric as the towns themselves. Eastern Sicily's Treasures• atmospheric hotels • ancient sites & Baroque cities • choice of walking routes • 6 nights fly-drive
Eastern Sicily's wealth of architecture and fine countryside offer much of beauty and historic interest to explore from your starting point close to the imposing snowy cone of Mount Etna. With the freedom of a hire car and two nights at each hotel you have time to explore your surroundings at your own pace. Using our notes, choose from easy strolls to more challenging walks; admire the Baroque architecture and atmospheric ruins, particularly peaceful in autumn and spring. Then return to relax in the quiet of our delightful hotels, each of them offering an individual charm and elegance, sometimes echoing features of the island's history and culture. Western Sicily• delightful hotels • wealth of cultural & historical interest • hire car included • superb walking in the Zingaro Reserve & beyond • 7 nights Experience for yourself the unique character of western Sicily on this holiday which combines walking and sightseeing. There is certainly plenty to intrigue and captivate - Greek and Roman monuments, rugged inland hills, medieval towns, a richly coloured patchwork of fields, Saracen watchtowers and a surprisingly diverse flora and fauna, particularly in the nature reserves along the coast. Make use of your hire car and the detailed walking and cultural notes we provide to explore at your own pace. With their endlessly changing views, the wide, quiet roads were seemingly made for leisurely discovery, but the winding paths will prove even more tempting. Castles, Caves, Mountains & Coast of Basilicata• medieval Matera • wild & dramatic National Park • rare flora & fauna • contrasting scenery • hire car included • 7 nights The deeply traditional region of Basilicata is astonishingly varied, with both Ionian and Tirrenian coastlines, and an interior of rugged mountains scattered with remote Greek ruins, medieval abbeys, Norman castles and hill-top towns. There is a typically southern warmth and hospitality here, and your hosts treat you to regional dishes and seafood that are full of flavour and are perfectly complemented by the renowned Aglianico del Vulture wines.This new journey takes you across varied and magnificent landscapes in Italy’s warm and hospitable south. Staying in a pleasant mix of hotels, you begin in Puglia close to the medieval wonder of UNESCO-protected Matera with its unique sassi houses built into the rocks before continuing into the heart of Basilicata for some wonderful walking in the Pollino National Park. You then head westwards to where the mountains shelter many tiny coves ideal for swimming as they plunge into the Tirrenian Sea at Maratea. Verona, Bologna & Venice• two nights in each fascinating city • discover hidden treasures on foot with our detailed notes to guide you • 6 nights fly-rail
Explore three of Italy’s most important northern cities, each with its own fascinating character, as you gorge yourself on gastronomic delicacies and look longingly on beautiful works of art, leaving you with memories to cherish forever. Following in the footsteps of heroes, warriors and artists, our detailed walking notes guide you through the historic streets on walks that take you from one magnificent monument to the next. Dining out each evening is part of the holiday experience - enjoy all that Italy’s famous cuisine has to offer at our especially recommended restaurants.
CroatiaDubrovnik & the Dalmatian Islands• stay in Dubrovnik & on two islands • walking notes for gentle routes provided • 8 nights fly-drive
The southern Dalmatian Coast is Croatia at its most beguiling. Dubrovnik is justly famed for its splendid architecture and jumble of medieval houses topped by terracotta tiles. North-west of the city, we have found two equally captivating islands. The first, Korčula, combines pretty coves, sleepy villages and rolling hills clad with olive groves and vines to wonderful effect. But if Korčula is idyllic, then Mljet, with its forests and glistening lakes, is spellbinding in its beauty – and its tranquillity. Touring by car, you can take things at your own pace, choosing walking or sightseeing as the mood takes you. Istria's Islands & Coast• high-quality hotels & cuisine • wonderful walking in varied landscapes • hire car included • 8 nights • 4-centre holiday The regions of Istria and Kvarner are the westernmost points of Croatia, extending from the borders of Slovenia to the Bay of Rijeka, where the idyllic islands of Cres and Losinj sit amid a glistening sea. The interior landscape is one of green rolling hills, mountains, secluded valleys and fertile plains while the spectacular jagged coastline offers lagoons and islands, quiet coves and long sandy beaches. MoroccoCity & Sahara Experience• experience the unique atmosphere of Marrakesh • see the fabulous sights of the sub-Sahara • journey by camel into the dunes for a night in the desert • 7 nights by air
Morocco is a tapestry of colours. In Marrakesh, these range from the brilliant green, blue and white tiles of the mosques to the earthy ochre of the ramparts, and from the rich reds of the rugs to the deep pinks of the flowers in the gardens. Even the food is colourful, featuring courgettes, aubergines and red peppers. Beyond the city, enjoy the surprisingly lush greenery of the nearby Ourika Valley, followed by the spectacular and ever-changing colours of the desert, on our memorable journey by 4WD vehicle and camel into the sub-Saharan dunes for a night in the desert. SwitzerlandThe Glacier Express• dramatic rail journeys on the Glacier Express • 4-star hotels • majestic mountain scenery • 7 nights fly-rail
This glorious journey centres on the famous Glacier Express, travelling from the well-kept secret that is the Engadine Valley in the east, to the high mountains surrounding chic Zermatt in the south via the dramatic Oberalp Pass (2,033 metres) and the beautiful Goms Valley. We provide suggestions for rewarding walks from each of our high-quality hotels, though you may prefer simply to sit back and enjoy your surroundings, or to take advantage of the included travel pass to explore further afield (our documentation suggests a variety of worthwhile excursions). Bustling Cities & Serene Fjords• stay in Bergen & Oslo • travel on the famous Flåm Railway • experience the splendour of Sognefjord • 7 nights by air
This
is a holiday of great contrasts - the bustle of Oslo and Bergen, and the
serenity of the enchanting Sognefjord - and dramatic journeys. The journey
begins with two nights in Oslo, after which you travel by train into the
highlands, where you take the spectacular Flåm Railway past ravines
and waterfalls to the fjord below. You have a total of three nights amid
the splendid scenery of the Sognefjord before another fine journey by
boat along the fjord and down the west coast to the fjord capital, Bergen.
Norwegian Highlights• journey by ship from the Lofoten Islands to Bergen • experience the fjords • high-quality hotels • 14 nights by air
Norway is a land of many faces, each one seemingly more extraordinary than the last. If the western fjords, where mountains plunge into ink-blue waters, are incomparable, then the Lofoten Islands are incredible, with jagged peaks that seemingly rise straight out of the ocean, leaving room for only tiny slivers of sand. Between these lie mile upon mile of rugged coastline, wild moorland and high green valleys, and, to the south, the bustling, friendly cities of Oslo and Bergen. On this truly unforgettable journey, you discover all this and more over the course of just 13 days, leaving you with memories of awe-inspiring landscapes quite unlike any other in Europe. The dramatic journeys by rail and boat are an integral part of the experience. GreeceHighlights of Crete• classical sites • spectacular scenery • bays beaches & gorges
The island of Crete has been subject to myriad cultural influences over the centuries, from Minoans and Greeks, to Romans and Venetians, all of whom have left their mark. Classical ruins are scattered across the flower-covered plains and along the rugged coast, giving you the opportunity to explore amid magnificent scenery. Your discovery begins in Archanes, an award-winning traditional village, considered to be where King Minos had a summer palace allowing you to explore in the early morning or late afternoon without the crowds! After two nights here, you drive the 70 kilometres to Istron, although it is worth exploring the island’s capital, Heraklion, on the way. Another worthwhile detour is to the Monastery of Saint George Selinari located on the road to Agios Nikolaos from Sissi, after which you can enjoy the local souvlakis for which the surrounding tavernas are famous. Classical Tour of the Peloponnese• enthralling classical sites • timeless landscapes • wonderful hotels
Classical Greece conjures up images of ancient temples and statues, and this tour will not disappoint. Taking in the ancient sites of Athens, Delphi and Olympia, you will visit many classical monuments for which this land is justly famed. You will discover awe-inspiring scenery as you travel from bustling Athens, along the Gulf of Corinth, down the rugged coast and through the mountains of the Peloponnese. You have two nights in the vibrant, noisy, colourful city of Athens before setting out on the scenic three-hour drive to your hotel in Delphi and the Temple of Apollo. After two nights in Delphi, you head along the Gulf of Corinth to the charming fortified town of Nafpaktos where you cross the awe-inspiring Rio-Antirio Bridge - the longest cable-stayed suspension bridge in the world - to the northern coast of the Peloponnese and onwards to Olympia, the home of the Olympic Games. Lesvos - Island of Surprises• explore the whole island • inspirational walking to delightful bays • wonderful archaeology and bird life to discover • 7 nights' car hire included This is an island which is just waiting to be explored. With its two large gulfs that reach in towards the centre, Lesvos resembles a jigsaw piece, each quarter different in character, from the petrified forest in the west to authentic Mytilini in the east, from the bird watcher's paradise of Skala Kallonis in the centre to the picturesque fortified town of Molyvos in the north. All over the island are 14th-century castles, examples of Ottoman architecture, and ancient temples and monasteries.
Discovering the DodecaneseThe twelve major islands of the Dodecanese archipelago lie in the idyllic azure waters of the southern Aegean Sea where the hot summer sun shines down on communities of surprisingly different character. This is certainly true of our three chosen neighbouring islands - Kalimnos, Leros and Patmos - which all have their very own distinct character and attraction and on this holiday you walk through history in three very different landscapes on three very different islands of this beautiful archipelago.
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