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Portugal Explorer - Food & Wine
Explore Portugal's highlights and lesser visited sights
Your chance to - Discover Porto and the UNESCO Douro wine region
- Enjoy a cookery experience with locals
- Visit a small rural community
10 days fr€1775
land only
Once a powerful kingdom that dominated the world sea routes, Portugal today is one of the friendliest and most laid back countries in Europe, though the legacy of its former wealth can still be found in its historic cities. Starting from the colourful Porto, the country’s second city and a UNESCO site, our journey follows the verdant valleys and rolling hills of the Douro wine region, before heading to the more undiscovered and rural regions of Centro and Alentejo. Here we visit some remote villages and wonderful towns full of culture and history, including Coimbra, Viseu and Evora, before reaching vibrant Lisbon, Europe's second-oldest capital.
At a glance - Travel by private air-conditioned minibus and train
- Sightseeing on foot
- Group normally 6 to 18, plus local leader. Min age 16 yrs
- 8 nights in 3-star hotels and 1 night traditional guesthouse
- All breakfasts, 1 wine tasting and 2 dinners included
Itinerary
Day 1 Start Porto. Day 2 Morning guided sightseeing in the UNESCO historic centre; free afternoon for optional river cruise or wine tasting. This morning starts with a guided tour through the historic centre of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage site. As we amble leisurely along the ancient streets and mediaeval lanes we will visit some of the most important monuments such as the St. Bento Station, a neoclassic jewel, and the cathedral. In the bustling and colourful squares and the traditional, highly unique cafes, we will discover the authentic heart of Porto. We also include a guided visit to the majestic Bolsa Palace and discover one of Portugal’s prime gems, the Arab Room. The afternoon is free for further individual sightseeing. Those who wish can take an optional leisurely panoramic cruise along the Douro River and/or visit the historic Port wine cellars. Overnight in Porto.See more images and videos Day 3 Drive to the Douro Valley; visit the Douro museum, take a scenic train ride along the river and visit a local winery; overnight in Sabrosa. Today we travel to the heart of the famous UNESCO Douro Valley, the world’s first officially designated wine region renowned not only for the excellent Port wine but also for the postcard-pretty landscapes made of steep terraced vineyards carved into mountains along the river. We start with a private transfer to the town of Regua (approx. 1h 30 mins drive) where we visit the interesting Douro Museum, an ideal place to learn about the history, culture and identity of the UNESCO World Heritage Douro wine region. Regua also marks the point at which the historic Douro Railway, built in 1887, turns from a good route into a great one, sticking closely to the river and clinging to the precipitous rocks as the river passes through the Douro gorge. We will have the opportunity to experience this scenic landscape made of terraced vineyards and olive groves as we travel by train to our next stop, the small Port-producing village of Pinhão. After some free time for lunch and relaxation, we explore Quinta da la Rosa, a family-run wine estate dating back to 1902, located in a stunning panoramic setting. We will have a guided tour of the winery grounds and enjoy a wine tasting before we transfer to our accommodation near the village of Sabrosa (approx. 1h).See more images and videos Day 4 Transfer to the university city of Coimbra; stop en route in the charming city of Viseu; overnight in Coimbra. Today we head south into the central region of Portugal. Our final destination is the mediaeval town of Coimbra (approx. 2 hrs) but we will stop first in the pretty town of Viseu. Set on a plateau high in the hills of Beira Alta, the regional capital of Viseu retains a fascinating mediaeval feel within what was once a walled centre and an important crossroads since Roman times. The city’s name is believed to derive from the Roman term 'viso', which means ' good view', and from its highest point Viseu offers indeed some beautiful vistas. The cathedral dominates the town with its two imposing towers and of special interest is also the Museum Grão Vasco, housed in a beautiful 16th century building, containing a vast collection of work by the great 16th century Portuguese painter Vasco Fernandes. We reach Coimbra in the afternoon and enjoy some time at leisure to wander around the town's historic centre or to relax in one of the many delicious local restaurants and cafes. Overnight in Coimbra.See more images and videos Day 5 Guided sightseeing of Coimbra and its UNESCO University; afternoon transfer to rural mountain village; hands-on cookery experience with friendly locals. Day 6 Drive to the UNESCO town of Evora in the Alentejo region; guided city tour including entrance to the famous Bones Chapel. Today is the longest drive of the trip as we head south to the town of Evora, one of Portugal’s most beautifully preserved mediaeval towns and capital of the Alentejo region (approx. 3 hrs). After a leisurely lunch we take a guided walk through the historic centre of town which is listed World Heritage by Unesco. A true city-museum, Évora has its origin in the period of the Roman Empire and was marked by the Arabic occupation between the 7th and 12th Centuries. The city extends itself over a hill at the golden plain of Alentejo, and guards its historic centre with a vast outer wall. Walking through the narrow, winding lanes we have the opportunity to admire some striking architectural works: an elaborate medieval cathedral, a roman temple, the famous Giraldo square and the Church of S. Francisco (Saint Francis), one of the best-defined examples of the Gothic-Moorish style. Our tour also includes entrance to the macabre but unique 16th Century Bones Chapel, decorated with bones, skulls, and entire bodies hanging from the walls - not for the faint hearted! Overnight in Evora.See more images and videos Day 7 Morning easy walk in the Alentejo countryside and visit the impressive megalithic site of Almendres Cromelech; free afternoon. This morning we visit the impressive sight of Almendres Cromelech and walk through the Alentejo countryside (approx. 5km– easy level). Located in the surroundings of Évora, the Almendres Cromelech is one of the most impressive testimonies of Iberian Megalithic civilization and one of the most important megalithic monuments of Europe. It dates back to the Neolithic period, 5 millennium BC and consists of slightly concentric lines of dolmens, 95 in total, drawn in a 70x40m land surrounded by olive trees and wheat fields. Some of these dolmens still reveal vestiges of paintings or drawings that archaeologists believe to be related with ancient star and earth cults. In the afternoon we return to Evora where we have some free time for further individual sightseeing or relaxation. Overnight in Evora.See more images and videos Day 8 Transfer to Lisbon; guided city tour of the best sites and monuments. After breakfast we drive the romantic capital city of Lisbon (approx.1hr 30mins), our final base of the tour. Europe's second-oldest capital (after Athens), and once home to the world's greatest explorers like Vasco da Gama, Magellan and Prince Henry the Navigator, this city was once the centre of an empire spreading over all continents, from South America (Brazil) to Asia (Macao, China; Goa, India). An afternoon guided tour will allow us to discover and admire some of the best areas and monuments of the city including Amoreiras, Belém Tower, the Monument of the Discoveries, Alcântara and Praça do Comércio. We will also walk through the oldest and most picturesque quartes of Alfama and Restauradores. The tour does not include entrance to the iconic UNESCO Jeronimos Monastery (which is closed on Mondays; it can be visited the following day - optional) but includes a visit to the fantastic Ajuda National Palace instead. The evening is free to enjoy some traditional specialities in one of the many delicious restaurants in town recommended by the tour guide.See more images and videos Day 9 Half day excursion to Sintra; visit the UNESCO National Pena Palace; afternoon at leisure and farewell dinner with Fado music (included). Today we take a half-day excursion to Sintra (30mins drive each way), the ancient royal town of Portugal and old residence of kings, nobles, poets, painters and artists. Sintra's beautiful surroundings of forested hills are the perfect frame to the town's collection of elegant palaces, castles and museums. Classified as World Heritage by UNESCO, Our guided tour will include a visit to theiconic National Pena Palace, the most complete and notable example of Portuguese architecture in the Romantic period. The palace lies in a picturesque setting, perched on one of the rocky peaks of the Serra de Sintra, and blends in a surprisingly fortunate manner with its natural background of greenery and crags, testifying to the aesthetic potentialities of the project. Fanciful to an extreme, the architectural fabric of Pena finds much of its inspiration in the Moorish, Gothic and Manueline motifs of Portuguese art. We return to Lisbon after lunch, where we have time for further individual sightseeing or relaxation. In the evening we enjoy a group farewell dinner accompanied by live Fado, the traditonal and world-famous melancholic style of Portuguese folk music.See more images and videos
To book this trip or for more info call 01 8047153
For more trips visit the adventures section of our website
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Last Journey of the Tsars - Culture
Exciting journey across Russia in the footsteps of the Tsars
Your chance to - Explore some of Russia's lesser known cities
- Travel on the Trans-Siberian Express
- Visit cathedrals, monasteries and mosques
9 days fr€1445
land only
On the night of the 17th July 1918, the Tsar of Russia and his family were executed in Yekaterinburg, Russia's fourth largest city just east of the Ural Mountains, the gateway to Siberia and a whole other Russia. As the 100th anniversary of one of the 20th century’s most famous events approaches, our journey follows their final footsteps.
From Moscow we travel by train across this historically fascinating, yet almost unknown region of Russia. Visiting ancient Suzdal and Vladimir, Kazan; capital of the Republic of Tartarstan - the centre of Russia’s Muslim culture; the once closed city of Gorky – now known as Nizhny Novgorod. Finally, on day 7 we will reach Yekaterinburg a city overflowing with history and culture.
At a glance - Travel by private mini bus and sleeper train
- Normally 6 to 16, plus leader. Min age 16 yrs
- 8 nights hotels all en suite, 1 night sleeper train
- St Petersburg pre-extension available - see trip notes
- All breakfasts and 1 dinner included
Itinerary
Day 1 Start Moscow Arrive in the early evening and transfer to our centrally located hotel in Moscow. The journey takes approximately 1 hour from Sheremetyevo Airport yet during peak season this can be longer due to traffic. The closest subway station to our hotel is Arbatskaya on the blue line (the only station where all four lines meet). After dinner we recommend an evening walk onto Red Square.See more images and videos Day 2 Full day sightseeing tour of Moscow. Evening train to Suzdal This morning we enjoy a walking tour of Moscow, surely one of the most iconic cities in the world. Our route takes us across Red Square, with time visit Lenin's Mausoleum, St Basil's Cathedral and the ornate GUM Shopping Centre. We then hop aboard the marvelous, efficient Metro system, for a short tour of some of the most beautiful stations. After lunch we will tour the Kremlin - a city within a city. It is still the seat of much political power and contains many of Russia’s greatest treasures. We visit the magnificent Cathedrals of St. Michael the Archangel, the Annunciation and the Assumption, as well as the Tsar Bell and the golden domes of Ivan the Great Bell Tower. In the early evening we transfer to Kurskaya Train Station for the train to Vladimir. With an onward transfer to Suzdal. It's an interesting run, firstly though the suburbs of soviet blocks and then the pretty countryside that surrounds the Russian capital.See more images and videos Day 3 Guided tour of Suzdal and wooden architecture museum. Suzdal is sometime call the diamond in the Golden Ring - a ring of ancient towns and cities of historic and religious importance surrounding Moscow. This small town of cute wooden cottages, and fine churches once served as the capital of Russia, when Moscow was not much more than a cluster of cowsheds. It transformed into a major monastic centre in the times of Ivan the Terrible as well as an important commercial hub. Our morning walking tour will take in all the main sights, including the Kremlin and the Nativity of the Virgin Cathedral. After a lunch stop we'll visit the Museum of Wooden Architecture, where buildings from all over the region were brought to protect them from redevelopment. The museum really gives us an idea of how the locals of the past lived. The 'village' includes houses, workshops and even two whole churches. In the evening we visit a local family and enjoy an traditional evening meal with them.See more images and videos Day 4 Transfer to Vladimir; sightseeing and free time. Evening train to Nizhny. Today we return to Vladimir, somewhat more industrial than Suzdal, due to it's location on the Trans-Siberian Railway, but no less significant. The town is another former capital of Russian and home to several UNESCO protected architectural masterpieces, including the Golden Gates, St Demetrius’ Cathedral and the Dormition Cathedral. In the late afternoon we board the east bound Trans-Siberian Express bound for Nizhny Novgorod arriving in time for a late dinner.See more images and videos Day 5 City tour of Nizhny Novgorod; optional afternoon excursion to Makaryev Monastery. Overnight train to Kazan. Nizhny Novgorod, known as Gorky until 1991, was once a 'closed city' to foreigners to safeguard the security of Soviet military research and production facilities. It was also home to the exiled nuclear physicist Andrei Sakharov an activist for disarmament, peace and human rights. With these dark days behind it, Russia fifth largest city is now home to a beautiful restored cliff-top Kremlin looking over the confluence of the Volga and Oka rivers. After a morning tour of the main sights, there is free time or you may wish to take an optional excursion along the Volga River, to the 15th century Makaryev Monastery. After an early dinner back in the city we once again board the Trans-Siberian Express, this time into cosy 4 berth cabins for the overnight journey to Kazan the capital of the Tatarstan Republic.See more images and videos Day 6 Full day in Kazan, Russia's Tartar Capital. Kazan is sometime referred to the 'Istanbul on the Volga', a city where East meets West, and the Orthodox domes and spires compete with the minarets to form the most unique skyline of any Russian City. This is the capital of the Tatarstan Republic, autonomous, oil rich, but still firmly under Moscow's control. Since 2000 vast sums of money have been spent cleaning up the city, adding bilingual street signs and building a stunning new mosque all an attempted to keep the Sunni population loyal to Moscow. Kazan really is like no other city in Russia. Our morning tour includes the Kremlin, The Qul Sharif Mosque, Khan’s Mausoleum and Temple of All Religions, the afternoon is free to enjoy the city at your leisure. Overnight in KazanSee more images and videos Day 7 From Europe to Asia, cross the Ural Mountains. After breakfast we start out final journey by rail to Yekaterinburg. Boarding the Trans-Siberian Express we head east, leaving Europe behind and moving into the Asian region of the colossal nation that is Russia. Our 14.5hr journey goes through dense forest of pine, small industrial towns, wooden villages and the rolling foothills of the Urals, the journey really give us a sense of what most of Russia is actually like and an idea of just how vast and empty the country is. This is a day to relax and watch the world go by, before reaching our final destination late in the evening.See more images and videos Day 8 Morning tour of Yekaterinburg; free afternoon. Our final destination on this epic journey is Yekaterinburg, a city that has played a huge part in the recent history of Russia. Here, on the 17th June 1918 the Romanov Family met their fate, having been taken here from St Petersburg (then Petrograd) in April of there same here. In a the dark cellar of a modest house they were shot and stabbed by Bolshevik troops, changing the course of European history forever. Today the house no longer stands, having been pulled down in 1977. Today the Church on the Blood sits on the same site. As well a city tour we visit the Museum of The Royal Family. We have a free afternoon to enjoy the city, you may choose to visit the Museum of Military Glory, or maybe just relax with a coffee in one of the cities many cafes.See more images and videos
To book of for more details call 01 8047153
For more trips visit the adventures section of our website
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Coastal Ecuador & Amazon - Wildlife
Ecuador's coastline and the heart of the Amazon
Your chance to - Visit Isla de la Plata - mainland Ecuador's mini Galapagos
- Discover Machalilla NP & Isla Corazon
- Stay at Sacha Lodge in the Amazon Rainforest
12 days fr€3935
land only
Isla de La Plata is widely known as mainland Ecuador's ‘little Galapagos’. This stretch of coastline harbours many of the same wildlife species that you’ll find in the Galapagos, but without the crowds. In season the warm coastal waters become a breeding ground for Humpback whales with their impressive behaviour. Further inland, the Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve is a bio-diversity hotspot, with its vast bird count and some 20 different species of hummingbird. And that just leaves the famous Sacha Lodge in the heart of the Amazon, where days are spent paddling in dug-out canoes looking for wildlife and soaking up the rainforest ambience.
At a glance - Travel by minibus, internal flight, boat and canoe
- 8 nights comfortable hotels and lodges, 3 nights standard hotels and lodges
- Whale watching season: June to September
ItineraryDay 2 Transfer to Puerto Lopez via Ayampe. Day 3 Boat excursion to Isla de la Plata. Day 4 Full day to discover Machalilla N.P. Day 5 Visit Pacoche to observe Howler monkeys. Day 6 Visit Isla Corazon; to Bellavista Cloud Forest. Day 7 Birdwatching at Bellavista Cloud Forest; to Puembo. Day 8 Walk in Antisana N.P. to look for the Andean Condor. Day 9 Fly to Coca; to Sacha Lodge in the Amazon Rainforest. Day 10 Two full days exploring the Amazon Rainforest.
To book this trip or for more info call 01 8047153
For more trips visit the adventures section of our website
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Love Food?...
Piedmont & Parma Food Adventure
Fantastic wines and mouth-watering cuisine in two gastronomic regions of Italy
Your chance to - Discover Italy's "Food Valley"
- Visit producers of Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma and Barolo wine
- Take part in a traditional truffle hunt
8 days fr€1715land only
Italy is inseparable from its food. On this culinary journey, you’ll venture off the main tourist trails, to its so called "Food valley" a region characterised by vineyards and crowned with castles, nestled between the snowy shoulders of the Italian Alps and green slopes of the Apennines. You’ll find culinary specialities such as the prosciutto di Parma, Parmiggiano Reggiano and home made tortellini. But you won’t just taste them, you’ll get to see how they’re made to traditional recipes the way they have for generations, and even cook with them yourself. The undeniable highlight is the chance to join an authentic truffle hunt for the day. This ancient tradition has barely changed for centuries and it’s a rare privilege to be allowed to accompany them. You’ll join a local trifolao and his canine companions to hunt for this prized ingredient in the towering, ancient woodlands – an unforgettable day for any gastronomic globetrotter!
At a glance - 8 days land only / flight inclusive
- Travel by private and public bus
- Groups normally 4 to 14 plus local leader. Min age 16 yrs.
- 7 nights premium hotels
- All breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners included
ItineraryDay 2 Visit the vineyards of Barolo and take part in a truffle hunt Day 3 Alba and Serralunga sightseeing Day 4 Explore the vineyards of Alba and afternoon cooking class Day 5 Transfer to Castell' Arquato Day 6 Day spent in Parma with Parma ham tasting Day 7 Visit Parmigiano Reggiano dairy
For more trips visit the adventures section of our website
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Into the Deep ...
Whale & Dolphin Watching in the Azores Spectacular varied scenery on three Portuguese islands in Azores
Your chance to - Enjoy spectacular varied scenery on 3 islands in Azores
- Experience whale and dolphin watching tours
- Visit Sete Cidades Crater lakes and Fire Lake
8 days fr€1715land only
Azores is a true paradise for nature lovers with blue lakes smothered in flowers, deep verdant craters of dormant volcanoes and breathtaking landscapes from the mountains. Each island of the Azores is home to a myriad of cultures and traditions that will leave a lasting memory. Our itinerary includes some excellent opportunities to see whales and dolphins off the coast of three islands in the archipelago of Azores and we learn about various conservation projects from the knowledgeable locals. During out time on Faial Island, we also have the opportunity to learn more about the various bird species attracted to this island thanks to its diverse landscape formed from volcanic activity. Finally we end our experience on the 'Green Island', or Sao Miguel, where lush colours of verdant pastures surround us on our visits to renowned Sete Cidades Crater and Fire Lakes.
At a glance - 7 nights in comfortable 4-star hotels
- Travel by air-conditioned private minibus, boats and internal flight
- All breakfasts and 5 lunches included
- Greater chances of Blue whale sightings in June
ItineraryDay 1 Fly to Ponta Delgada on Sao Miguel Island. Day 2 Fly to Pico and transfer to Faial Island and take guided tour of Horta; visit Scrimshaw Museum and evening briefing on whale watching activities from local biologist. Day 3 Whale and dolphin watching tour between Faial and Pico Islands (depends on sea conditions). Day 4 Visit islets and coast of Faial Island to observe land and sea birds; evening walk down to the coast to hear the famous Shearwater songs. Day 5 Free day to see wilderness of Pico Island and try some of their famous wine or go swimming with dolphins (all optional). Evening fly to Sao Miguel Island. Day 6 Visit the crater lakes of Sete Cidades and the Fire Lake, situated inside the crater of an extinct volcano. Day 7 Enjoy a boat trip to southern part of the island for our final whale watching tour; then transfer to Furnas Valley to visit the hot springs.
To book this trip or for more info call 01 8047153
For more trips visit the adventures section of our website
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The Call of Africa ...
Gorillas & Masai Mara Fantastic wildlife viewing in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda
Your chance to - Enjoy one precious hour in the company of Rwanda's Mountain gorillas
- View fantastic wildlife in the famous Masai Mara
- Enjoy game drives in Lake Nakuru National Park
15 days fr€3425land only
The Masai Mara, a vast grassland teeming with animals, has an astonishing amount and mixture of game, including lions, cheetahs and at certain times of the year, the wildebeest migration. Lake Nakuru National Park has an incredible variety of birds as well as a healthy population of White and Black rhinos. The highlight of the trip is undoubtedly the Mountain gorillas in the foothills of the Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda. This close-up encounter is arguably the most sensational wildlife experience of them all.
At a glance - 4 nights full-service camping in a variety of campsites (some quite basic), 6 nights in permanent tented camps with shared facilities and 4 nights in hotels with en suite facilities
- Travel by specialist overland vehicle, 4WD and on foot
- Some drives on rough roads
Itinerary Day 1 Start Nairobi; overnight in hotel. Day 2 To Masai Mara; late afternoon game drive. Day 3 Full day in the Masai Mara. Day 4 Drive to Lake Naivasha. Day 5 To Lake Nakuru N.P.; afternoon game drive. Day 6 Morning game drive; camp near Eldoret. Day 8 Free day for optional activities. Day 9 To Lake Mburo N.P.; guided afternoon walking safari. Day 11 Free day at Lake Bunyoni. Day 12 To Ruhengeri, Rwanda. Day 13 Trek to see the Mountain gorillas in Parc National des Volcans. Day 14 To Kigali; visit the Genocide Museum; free afternoon.
To book this trip or for more info call 01 8047153
For more trips visit the adventures section of our website
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