Fall is a great time to explore southern Europe - the crowds have dissipated, autumn weather brings crisp mornings, bright sunny days and lovely evenings, the harvest of olives and grapes is in full swing and everywhere you go are those lovely villages and towns, waiting for you to explore.
Here are some lesser known trips in the Mediterranean region, all waiting for you to have a marvelous holiday.
Sierra Nevada & Granada 8 days from $1,765 Rated moderate, 3 out of 10 The Sierra Nevada is Europe’s second highest mountain range and towers over southern Spain. Much of this dramatic landscape is a protected biosphere reserve, rich in wildlife and home to many endemic plant species. Here, and in the neighbouring Alpujarra region, we are rewarded with some of the finest walking in Andalucia; from ancient chestnut forests to lavender and broom-clad moorland and white-washed Moorish villages. A night in the city of Granada, home to the magnificent Alhambra Palace, is the perfect end to the week. Ask us about this tour
Food Lover's Catalonia 9 days from $3,590 Rated introductory to moderate, 2 out of 5 While the focus is on the food, this trip could also easily be described as the best of Catalonia. Travel from the vibrant city of Barcelona to the beauty of the Pyrenees and along the famous Costa Brava, to absorb the local food and wine traditions all while taking in some of the best walks the area has to offer - complete with rich history, breathtaking scenery, art and architecture to boot. Ask us about this tour
Cycle Andalucia 9 days from $2710 Rated moderate, 3 out of 5 Ride through lush valleys, wide meadows and even abandoned tunnels on an adventure across southern Spain’s rich landscapes. Breeze through delightful white villages, dine on hearty Andalucian cuisine, marvel at centuries-old Moorish architecture, and luxuriate in car-free arterials on this classic European cycling adventure. Ask us about this tour
Mountains & Villages of Corsica 8 days from $1,485 Rated moderate, 3 out of 10 Caught between France and Italy, yet with its own cuisine, culture and language, Corsica is a land of dramatic beauty. With the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean just 40km from the island’s pink granite peaks, Corsica offers a range of different terrain in a small and diverse island full of surprises. Based in the village of Bocognano, the quaint mountain railway gives easy access to some of the island’s best walking routes, covering mountain passes, rockpools and pine forests from the central highlands to the sea. Ask us about this tour
Cycle the Canal du Midi 8 days from $2,245 Rated moderate, 3 out of 10 Cycle the Canal du Midi and discover the stunning vineyards, chateaux and waterways around one of the most picturesque parts of France. Our route passes through quintessential French villages such as Laure-Minervois and Homps where you will feel the 'douceur de vivre' as you soak up the sun and sample local wine from Les Corbieres region. From bridge to bridge, from lock to lock, this trip offers a wonderfully relaxed cycling experience as you wind your way along the Canal du Midi towards the enticing Mediterranean Sea. Ask us about this tour
South Italy Real Food Adventure 8 days from $3,130 Rated introductory, 2 out of 5 Discover why the southern Italian regions of Abruzzo, Puglia, Basilicata and Campania are the newest foodie hot spots everyone's raving about. Dine on a converted fishing platform on the Adriatic Sea, savour Apulian classics in a fortified farmhouse, sample burrata cheese and sip limoncello while soaking up the charming surrounds of Sorrento. Ask us about this tour
Sicily Grand Tour 15 days from $3,985 Rated leisurely to moderate, 2 out of 10 The variety and richness of Sicily's heritage is unparalleled - nowhere else have the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Spanish and Italians left such an indelible historical legacy. On this incredible journey we sample the island's best UNESCO heritage sites, impressive archaeological treasures, quaint villages and its diverse landscape. With so much to see and do, a two week itinerary is ideal for those who want to cover the whole of the island at a reasonable pace. With sufficient time on our hands, we can also venture inland into the heart of Sicily, for a visit to the world famous UNESCO mosaics of Piazza Armerina. Ask us about this tour
Island Hopping in the Bay of Naples 8 days from $2,375 Rated leisurely to moderate, 2 out of 10 Not far off-shore from the Amalfi Coast, Ischia and Capri have long been the summer playground of the rich and famous. However, away from the yachts, glamorous piazzas and exclusive boutiques, the stunning natural landscape of these islands also offer breath-taking walking opportunities with their great variety of quiet coastal trails, secluded sea coves and pastel-coloured villages. Starting from the blissful Sorrento peninsula, we sail through the blue waters of the gulf, walking on the world-famous Capri and Ischia, plus the island of Procida - one of Italy’s best kept-secrets - and ending in the vibrant Naples. Perfect for first timers as well as the Amalfi Coast aficionados, this trip is definitely one for the bucket list! Ask us about this tour EX-TDE
Croatia Coastal Cruising - Dubrovnik to Split 8 days from $3,017 Rated easy, 1 out of 5 Croatia’s Dalmatian coast is home to plenty of impressive beaches – we’re talking the official second cleanest in Europe. Imagine the sun warming you while you lean over the side of a boat – just peacefully watching the clear ocean wash against limestone cliffs and pebbly shores as you pass on by. This eight day cruise offers plenty of that idle relaxation, broken up with exciting activities like a river cruise and a dip in the waterfalls of the the Krka National Park or expeditions like a winery trip near romantic Korcula to for those who find relaxation at the bottom of a wine glass. Get a taste of what the Dalmatian Coast has to offer on this exciting and varied cruise adventure. Ask us about this tour
Croatia: Islands & Mountains 8 days from $1,845 Rated moderate, 3 out of 10 Enjoy the very best of Croatia; the coast and islands, the beautiful towns, near-perfect national parks and spectacular mountains. Starting in the fascinating UNESCO city of Dubrovnik, we begin our journey along the coast where the crystal clear sea forms the backdrop for many of our early walks, followed by the peaceful sound of waterfalls as we head into the national parks of Paklenica and Krka. Here we have a chance to visit Skradinski buk waterfalls and enjoy walks through spectacular gorges, forests and mountain scenery. Ask us about this tour
Local Living - Southern Dalmatia 7 days from $1801 Rated light, 2 out of 5 For Old World charm and medieval splendour, it’s hard to beat Croatia. Now imagine living there like the locals do – with full access to local wine and olive oil, a farm villa to reside in, and day trips to Dubrovnik and the Adriatic Sea among other legendary locales. All this and more is waiting for you on this weeklong sojourn to rural Croatia, where you’ll walk, bike, and sail all over Dubrovnik before retiring to your rustic villa home for the evening. Seize the opportunity to live the Croatian way and make memories that will last a lifetime. Ask us about this tour
Greece: Zagori & Meteora 8 days from $2,085 Rated moderate to challenging, 4 out of 10 Unknown to most of the world, both beautiful and unspoiled, the Zagori area is one of the best walking regions in Greece. Learn more about the myths and stories of the area, observe the unique flora and fauna and taste the delicious local cuisine. Walk amongst traditional stone made villages, arch stone bridges, gorges, mountains and pristine natural landscapes in Vikos-Aoos National Park. Follow this with the chance to visit the UNESCO Worldwide Heritage Site of Meteora, exploring the trails of the ancient monks and clifftop monasteries. Ask us about this tour
Santorini to Crete Guided Walk 8 days from $1,650 Rated introductory to moderate, 2 out of 5 The islands of Santorini and Crete provide the perfect combination for walkers looking for a week of stunning walks steeped in Greek history and mythology. On Santorini, walk via Ancient Thira to the highest point on the island at Pyrgos. Enjoy a spectacular walk to the postcard-pretty village of Oia before taking a ferry to Crete. Discover relatively unspoiled parts of Crete at Loutro, the Samaria Gorge National Park and the remote fishing village of Hora Sfakion, where the swimming, walking and seafood will fill your days with the Greek Islands' magic you've always dreamed about. Ask us about this tour
Mountains & Villages of Evia 8 days from $1,675 Rated leisurely to moderate, 2 out of 10 The delightful island of Evia is a real hidden treasure, with old stone paths connecting quaint villages tucked away in the mountains. This walkers’ paradise offers unique history and an authentic atmosphere in the local towns and villages. Roman quarries, aqueducts and Byzantine churches are visited and in the summer there is plenty of opportunities for swimming at a deserted beach or a tucked away cove. Traditional tavernas and waterfront ouzo-meze shops make eating and drinking here a wonderful experience. Ask us about this tour