It’s about having fun

Hamming it up in Greece

Forget the beautiful views, the great food and the nice hotels, if you don’t have a laugh and a giggle during the tour, you won’t come back. It really is all about having fun, and enjoying the company of your travel companions and guides. There are only a few things that we can do to make this happen, the most important of which is to have wonderful people guide your tour.

When I hire a guide, I hire them first and foremost for the quality of their company. They have to be enjoyable to be with. They have to be the best travel companions, ever. The rest they can learn!

Marco looks after a Vespa rider

The second thing that we can do to ensure that you have a great time is of course to provide a great tour at all levels. The hotels, restaurants, transfers, and special events all have to work seamlessly. You need to feel that you are getting good value for money as well as a great experience, and once you realize that we have looked after everything, and that your guides are both professionally skilled and wonderful company, then you can relax and have FUN!

We have fun all over the place

He’s hoping for more fun…Tuscany by Vespa	Guides Claire and Sagra: Tuscany by Vespa
Thumb fun Greece	Dancing in the streets, Symi, Greece
Malik and Luca: Algeria Sahara Walk	Guides Claire and little Mary: Guide conference
Sharing smiles with the locals. Turkish Walking Tour	Turkey. The Turks are lovely people.
Usually grumpy bike shop owner in Monopoli succumbs. Southern Italy Bike Tour.	More fun in Puglia.
We are not having fun, we are working.Guides Brett and Claire keeping it togetheron the job in Turkey	Our Amalfi Coast Walking Tourwill make you smile.
Chorus Line,  Turkey	Duet. Siena. Tuscany Walking Tour – Chianti
Our Cinque Terre Walking tourwill make you laugh.	The Customwalks team. Left is Operational Manager Carol, top is Luca Manager of the Bike Programme, bottom is Claire – Master Guide, and right is Eve, the boss of the boss. Guide meeting.
New friends. Cinque Terre Walking Tour	Old friends on Turkish yacht

Custom Tours 2012

Customwalks specializes in designing customized trips for private groups. Let us put together a personalized tour for you and your family or friends..

There are many advantages to a custom trip as it allows you to go where you want, with whom you want and when you want. Cost is also an important consideration. With a customized trip you can have Europe’s finest hotels and cuisine or choose a mix of more affordable hotels and B&Bs. Do you prefer gentle strolls or invigorating hikes? It’s your trip, so you set the pace.

Click any image for larger view

We help you develop a trip around your schedule and according to your wishes. You may book any one of our regularly scheduled departures or choose dates that better fit your schedule. Or we can create a trip to suit your private group. You decide the type of accommodations, the difficulty level of the walks/rides, and of course where and when you would like to travel. We do everything else for you so you don’t have to worry, before and during your trip.

We can customize a trip to incorporate special events such as cooking classes, winery tours and tastings, visits to local artisans and artists, and guided visits of historical towns, villas and chateaux.

FOOD AND WINE: Great food and wine are an integral part of European life, so they naturally play a starring role in all of our trips. We go to great lengths to ensure that you experience authentic local cuisine as well as the best dishes that a particular chef has to offer. Sometimes tasting the food and wine is not enough! You maybe curious to know the history and background of regional dishes and wines and may even want to recreate these wonderful meals at home. This is why we organize cooking lessons both with professional chefs and local grandmothers so you can learn their secrets. Wine also has a fascination for many, so tours and tastings at famous wineries and local wine bars are part of every trip.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF US! WE HAVE BEEN EVERYWHERE!

Unlike many other travel companies, we actually live full-time in Italy and France. Between Brett, Carol, Luca, Claire and our guides we have led literally HUNDREDS of trips throughout Europe and Turkey. If there is a place you want to go somewhere in Italy, France, Greece, Spain, Turkey or Croatia, chances are we have already run trips there. This means we already know where to go, and also what to avoid! Take advantage of our knowledge and experience. Pick a destination and drop us a line, letting us know what you want, and we will be more than happy to develop a customized tour for you. We have run trips in all of the destinations listed below.

DESTINATIONS:

In France: Alsace, Brittany, Burgundy, Champagne, Conque and Lot, the Dordogne (Dordogne Walk, Dordogne Bike), Haute Savoie, the Loire Valley, the Alps, Provence (Provence Walk, Provence Bike), Medoc wine country, Normandy, the Basque country, and our new trip to the island of Corsica.

In Italy: the Dolomites (Dolomites Hike, Dolomites Family), Tuscany (Tuscany Walk, Tuscany Bike), Umbria (Umbria Bike), Venice and the Veneto (Venice to Bologna Bike), Italian Lakes Walk, Ligurian Coast (Cinque Terre Walk), Barolo & Piedmont (Piedmont Bike), Puglia (Puglia Bike, Puglia Walk), the Amalfi Coast (Amalfi Walk), Sicily, and the Aeolian Islands.

In Spain: Andalucia Walk and the historical Camino de Santiago walk along the pilgrimage trail.
Other: hike and sail on our Turkey & Istanbul; hike and sail the Dalmatian islands of Croatia; and we now have three tours in Greece (bike the Peloponnese, hike the Cyclades Islands, and hike and sail the Dodecanese islands).

Sample of Customized Tours

Very private, customized fancy dress tour.	Custom tour for Esther Williams fan club.
Customized walking while photographing tour.	We thought this was going to be easysince they said they just wanted tobe pointed in the right direction…
Customized “Get over your phobia” tours	Custom Rock and Roll bike tours. Bring your own drugs.
Vegan Culinary Tours are always popular .	Renewal of vows customized bike tour. (however, we recommend a walking tour instead of a bike tour for the honeymoon component!)
New niche markets: Custom Croatia hike forNarcolepsy society of Canada.	Custom Turkey for N.N.S.A.N.Z.: Narcoleptics Not So Anonymous New Zealand.

Algerian Sahara Walk

Duration: 9 Days/8 Nights (*depending on flight times)
Dates 2012: Private departures. Contact us for more information.
Departing from:  Paris airport on Day 1
Tour finishes: Paris airport on Day 9 (*or on Day 8, depending on flight times)
Price: €1,600 euros per person. No single supplement. The flight from Paris to Djanet (about €500) is not included.

The Sahara is one of the largest and most beautiful deserts in the world. On this trip you will explore a small part of it, the Tadrart. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982, it is part of the National Park of “Tassilli des n’ajjers” (Plateau of Chasms), a mix of canyons and stone forests that make up this prehistoric landscape. Located in southeastern Algeria near Niger and Lybia, this “tassili” is only 250 km long and 50 km wide, but it harbours an outstanding landscape of the central Sahara.  The Tadrart is also home to one of the most important collections of prehistoric cave art in the world, offering a permanent open-air art exhibition on rocks and in caves.  There are some 10-15,000 rock paintings that depict hunting scenes, with elephant, giraffes, lions, and both human and spiritual beings. Come and witness what this 9,000-year-old civilisation tells us about human history in this part of the world.

Southern Algeria is the heart of Touareg territory. This nomadic tribe numbers some one million people, scattered throughout various parts of the Sahara. The men wear an indigo-coloured fabric which stains their skin and has earned them the name of “Blue People of the Desert.” They will be our guides during our 4×4 and trekking tour. They will drive us through an ever-changing landscape, from fantastic volcanic mountains to rolling sand dunes and deep canyons, and from beautiful sunrises to flamboyant sunsets.  We camp each night under the Saharan sky and share simple food with our local guides and hosts.
(Luggage is transferred by 4×4 and our local Touareg guides set up camp and prepare all of our meals. The tour begins and ends in Paris, then once we are in the desert we sleep out under the stars.)

Day 1 – Meet your guide, Virginie, at the Paris “Charles de Gaulle” airport and depart for a 3-hour flight to Djanet (a former military airbase in the middle of the desert). There you will be met by your Touareg guides, who will load your gear into the 4×4 and then set off on a 3-hour drive. The first 30 minutes is on a paved road, then we turn onto a track which leads into the Tadrart National Park, a UNESCO World Biosphere preserve. We stop for lunch in the shade of a hardy acacia tree. After lunch we have another transfer to the start of our first walk. A two-hour walk over a ridge leads us down to the campsite which the boys have set up for us in the lee of an enormous limestone escarpment. Dinner by campfire light.

Days 2 – 8 – A typical day: You open your eyes and wake to a clear, pale blue sky. There is no tent to obscure your views as you turn your head and take in the dramatic landscape of immense rock pillars that seem to grow out of the surrounding undulating dunes. The air is fresh, there is a slight breeze as you get out of your sleeping bag.  You have a half-litre of water with which to wash, so you wander off to find some privacy and do your ablutions.  Instead of making like a bear in the woods, I guess you make like a jackal in the desert. Everyone eventually reconvenes around the breakfast fire where our cook Haled has stoked the fire and made some tea or coffee. Breakfast is toast, cereal and fruit. We then pack up our bedrolls and prepare for our morning walk. The air is quickly getting warmer so you change out of your fleece and into a T-shirt. Grab your backpack, water and camera, and follow Mohamed out of camp as he leads you on a morning of discovery. The desert is vast, but it is certainly not empty. Wadis (dried lake beds), rock caves, escarpments, and deep water supplies lie  hidden amongst the limestone rocks. Ancient paintings and engravings only appear when revealed by your guide. After a couple of hours of walking, we arrive at the lunch stop that the cook and drivers have set up. They always manage to find a shady spot. The fire is going again and a welcome cup of tea is offered. Lunch can be salad, fruit, cheese, couscous etc. After lunch we always enjoy a siesta. Some people fall asleep, others take the time to read a book or update their journal.

Depending on the day, we may have an hour transfer to the beginning of our late afternoon walk. Sundown is about 7 p.m. so the heat of the day is waning, and the light is magical as it plays off the soaring dunes whose colours range impossibly from gray to gold, to yellow, to orange. We often walk in bare feet up the dunes, the south faces are hot to warm while the north-facing sand is positively cold to the touch! We wind our way to the new campsite; time to have a quick wash, and change into warm clothes. As the sun sets the temperature drops quickly. Soon we are all sporting long trousers, fleeces, and woolen hats, surmounted by headlamps. We gather around the fire where our Touareg guides prepare the meal while chatting amongst themselves. Dinner is always delicious, partly because the day’s exercise combined with the cool night air gives one a good appetite. We enjoy a small glass of the impeccably prepared and delicious tea that our Touareg hosts offer us after the meal. Now it is time for riddles and stories around the campfire, or music! The Touaregs are fabulous musicians. Moulay brings his 12 string lute with him and plays to himself and anyone else who wants to listen. The other boys invariably lay down a percussion beat by clapping or beating on an upturned pot or empty water tank. Their melodic songs may well act as a lullaby. When it is time for bed you can find a good spot close to the fire or in the lee of the sheltering rocks, or you can wander out into the desert and plunk your mattress down and enjoy an unobstructed view of the heavens. And what a view it is. You have never seen so many stars in your life. You close your eyes and go to sleep, nestled in your warm sleeping bag.

Your Guides – Besides the stunning beauty of the desert landscapes, what really makes this trip so special are the local guides. The Touareg are a nomadic people who for centuries traded using camel caravans. Your guides continue to live as nomads, only now using 4X4s to ply the desert. They have a way about them that is very appealing. They love a good story or joke, do everything in the time it takes, with patience and efficiency. When they cross paths with another caravan smiles break out all around. Being with them around the campfire, hearing their stories, sharing their recipes, and listening to them sing, you get a glimpse into a totally different world. Everything is different, but the basics remain the same. Friendship and family is what counts. But I am getting carried away! They also look after us and lead us unerringly through the desert for a week with good humour and patience.

Mohamed, our walking guide, knows the land like the back of his hand. He leads us to 10,000 year old cave drawings and engravings from a time when the Tadrart was a temperate climate teeming with wildlife. Elephants, tigers, crocodiles, and giraffe were painted and engraved on the rock walls by the Touareg’s ancient ancestors.

Departure – Day 8 or 9 (*depending on flight times): Emerge from the desert. Stop at the hammam in Djanet for a wash before boarding your flight back to Paris (or, spend the night and fly out tomorrow morning).

General Information

Qualifications: This trip is rated moderate, but with some challenging climbs up the dunes. We usually walk 3-5 hours per day, evenly divided between morning and afternoon. Some days have a shorter option.4×4 support and luggage transfers: We will be accompanied by at least 2 Toyota Land Cruisers and drivers. They move camp for us each day and transfer our luggage.  They also set up a lunch site and then the final campsite in the evening. This also allows you the possibility of taking a morning or afternoon off to relax. Trip Cost Includes: 7 nights “accommodations” (7 nights sleeping out under the stars! There are no tents. Camping mattresses are provided); 7 breakfasts, lunches, and dinners; at least one Customwalks guide, a local Touareg walking guide, a cook and two drivers.  Two 4×4 Toyota Land Cruisers;  pick-up and drop-off at Tamanrasset airport. Getting there: this will redirect you to our “Getting to the Trip” page.  Basically, you need to get to the Paris “Charles de Gaulle” airport. Booking: e-mail us to receive a booking contract (or use the “Reservation” page). Insurance: We highly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance. We recommend “Travel Guard” to our American clients, just click on the logo below, while Canadian residents can click here.  Australian, New Zealander, and British travelers, please consult your insurance brokers. We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime!

Duration:  8 Days/7 Nights
Departures 2012: May 19, Sept 22, Oct 13 and private departures.
Departing from:  Naples 9:00 a.m. on Day 2.
Tour finishes: Naples train station at 10 a.m. on Day 8.
Trip Price 2012: €2,250 per person based on double occupancy.
Single Supplement €260.
 
Spread along the shores of the sparkling Mediterranean, the Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful in Europe. It offers an extraordinary palette of colors, with bright azure skies, white limestone cliffs, deep blue seas, and green citrus orchards lit by the dazzling Mediterranean sun. We hike ancient paths from bustling coastal towns through rustic woodlands and up along the cliff-side trails to villages perched atop craggy outcrops. We take you beyond the crowds to experience the hidden treasures and authentic culture of this Italian paradise.

The trip starts with your arrival in Naples, where we spend one night in the historic center. The next day we have a guided visit of Pompeii, the incredible Roman site preserved in time by the ashes of Mount Vesuvius, followed by a lunch at a beautiful winery on the slopes of the ancient volcano.  We stay two nights at a lovely family-run hotel in Minori with majestic views over the sea. On Wednesday we find ourselves high in the hills in the village of Ravello, famous for its gardens and villas. We have two beautiful walks in the area. At our final destination, Praiano-Positano, we join Angela and her husband Catello (a professional chef) in their home where they show us how to prepare some local dishes made with fresh ingredients from their garden. We all dine together, eating what we have prepared. We celebrate our last of day of hiking on the “Path of the Gods” with a final meal together on the shores of a small cove just below our hotel.

(Luggage is transfered by van. 1 night Naples, 2 nights each Minori,  Ravello, &  Praiano-Positano. End Naples.)

Day 1 -Saturday – arrival Naples: Independent arrival in Naples. You are pre-booked into the hotel Chiaja which is located in the heart of historic Naples, only 20 meters from the Piazza del Plebiscito  and many great cafés, restaurants, and shops. Overnight Naples. Hotel included. Dinner not included.

Day 2 – Sunday – Pompeii: Today we have a morning transfer to Pompeii for a guided tour of this outstanding archaeological site. In 79 AD, a massive eruption at nearby Mt. Vesuvius buried the city under a 6-meter blanket of ash and rock. Due to its fine state of preservation, the excavations now give us an extraordinarily real image of daily life in a Roman city.  We spend a half day visiting the site with a specialized guide, seeing the villas, temples, theaters and markets that once bustled with life in ancient times. We then have a private transfer to a winery on the fertile slopes of  Vesuvius. Gaetano will welcome us to his family estate and offer us a visit of the winery, a tasting, and then lunch. We then continue on to Minori village where we stay at the  Palazzo Vingius, a family-run three-star hotel with gorgeous views over the sea. We offer an optional afternoon walk for those who want to stretch their legs. We meet at a seaside café for an aperitivo before dinner at a local trattoria. Overnight Minori. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and hotel included.

Day 3 – Monday – Convent of San Nicola: After breakfast on the terrace, depart by private shuttle to the village of Maiori where we begin our hike up into the mountains overlooking the shimmering Mediterranean. Our path is lined with holm oaks and chestnut groves, opening out onto a long ridge that traverses the mountainside, offering breathtaking views of the coastal villages and bright blue sea below. We stop at the Convent of San Nicola for a picnic lunch and then slowly descend down into Minori. Optional visit of a remarkable Roman villa (from the 1st century AD) nestled in the heart of this maritime village. Overnight Minori. Breakfast, dinner and hotel included.

Day 4 – Tuesday – Amalfi and the Valley of the Mills: A short bus transfer along a spectacular coastal road brings us to the famous village of Amalfi, which was an important naval power from the 8^{th -}12^th centuries. You will have some free time this morning to explore Amalfi and put together a picnic lunch before we hike through the “Valley of the Mills.”  For almost a thousand years Amalfi was renowned for the production of fine paper made from cotton cloth that merchants brought back from the Middle East. It was used throughout Europe by kings, nobles and popes. Our path leads us past crumbling ruins which give mute testament to an industry that thrived during medieval times. We make our way into the mountains on an ancient path that is still used today by woodsmen and their donkeys to access the remote valleys and woods of this ruggedly beautiful area. Our walk ends in Ravello, our home for the next two nights. You have free time to visit the lovely gardens, villas, convents and churches of this serenely beautiful town. Overnight at the Hotel Giordano. Overnight Ravello. Breakfast, dinner and hotel included.

Day 5 Wednesday – Valle delle Ferriere: Today we start our walk directly from the hotel, walking to the nearby village of Scala and then down through  the beautiful Valle delle Ferriere, one of the most important protected areas of the region. The trail passes by streams, woods, and old ruins and ends in the village of Pogerola. A quick flight of steps down takes us into Amalfi where we’ll have free time this afternoon. A local bus to Ravello brings us home and then you’re free to dine as you like tonight. Overnight Ravello. Breakfast and hotel included. Dinner not included

Day 6 Thursday – Furore: Today’s hike is lined with caves on one side and stunning sea views on the other. Our destination is the tiny fishing village of Furore where we stop at a small café’ for a light snack (or picnic lunch) before continuing along a path dedicated to the “Crazy Fox”.  This evening is special because we meet Mamma Angela and her family for a wonderful cooking class in their home above Praiano. Angela’s husband Catello also helps out, and he is a professional chef.  The lesson will be followed by dinner, and of course you will enjoy the fruits of your labor!  Overnight Praiano.  Breakfast, dinner and hotel included.

Day 7 Friday - Footpath of the Gods: Today we head to Positano via the beautiful  Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods). This spectacular four-hour hike takes us through stands of cypress forest,  fields of wildflowers, and past ancient stone huts. We traverse the hillside along narrow trails high above the coast. The views are unforgettable.  At the village of Nocelle our path takes us into a deep gorge with striking limestone walls to eventually emerge at the quaint village of  Montepertuso. From here we take old steps down through olive groves and vineyards to world-famous Positano. Some consider it the most beautiful — and now the most fashionable — town on the Amalfi coast. The town sits in a protective bay, its brightly painted houses covered in bougainvillea. Share a final seafood feast tonight to celebrate a great week of hiking. Overnight Praiano. Breakfast, dinner and hotel included.

Day 8 – Saturday – Departure: We leave at 8:30 a.m. for the Naples train station, arriving around 10:00. Breakfast included.

The walks in Amalfi, though not long in terms of distance, can be strenuous at times as we ascend or descend mountain paths or a series of old stairways that have been used for years to link the villages of the region. We have designed the trip so that there is always some free time in the late afternoon so you can relax, read, swim in the hotel pool or venture down to Amalfi’s beaches for a dip in the sea. Breakfast is included every day, and dinners reflect the excellent traditional food of the region. Daily distance between 8 and 14 kms. (Click on these photos to the left to view the typical staircases that are part of the trails. We often climb or descend a staircase for 10 or 15 minutes, at our own pace, and then traverse on an a more open path.)

Useful links – Amalfi Coast: general information, weather forecast, photos, history, and more.
Pompeii Archaeological Site: official site of Pompeii, with good maps, photos, history of the excavations, etc.
Pompeiana: more serious website devoted to current research on the site
Mount Vesuvius: Wikipedia has a great site
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Italy has more sites in the list than any other country!

General Information

Qualifications: This trip is rated moderate with some challenging climbing. We usually walk 4-5 hours per day, divided between morning and afternoon. Some days have a shorter option. The paths are sometimes steep, ascending and descending ancient stone staircases linking one village to the next. Note: There are a lot of stairs. Trip Cost includes:  All accommodations (7 nights in 3- and 4-star hotels); 7 breakfasts and 5 dinners; all luggage transfers starting from pick-up at the Naples hotel to the final drop-off at Naples train station; entrance and guided visit of Pompeiii with licensed guide; winery visit and lunch; cooking class; bilingual Customwalks guide(s); all van, bus, and boat transfers as noted in the itinerary.Getting therethis will redirect you to our “Getting to the Trip” page)Booking: e-mail us to receive a booking contract (or use the “Reservation” page). Insurance: We highly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance. We recommend “Travel Guard” to our American clients, just click on the logo below, while Canadian residents can click here.  Australian, New Zealander, and British travelers, please consult your insurance brokers. We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime!

Cinque Terre Walk

Duration: 7 Days/6 Nights
Departures 2012: May 13, May 27, June 3, June 17, Sept 2, Sept 9, Sept 23 and Oct 7
Departing from: Santa Margherita Ligure, 2.30 p.m. on Sunday, Day 1
Tour finishes: La Spezia train station, 10 a.m. Saturday, Day 7
Price 2012: $3,199 USD per person based on double occupancy.
 
 
Our trip starts in Santa Margherita Ligure, where we spend two nights at the three-star Hotel Jolanda. We walk isolated cliff-side paths that provide stunning views over the Golfo di Tigullio. Sights include the 12th century Abbey of San Fruttuoso nestled below in a blue bay and the pastel-colored houses of Portofino.

Day 1 – Sunday: Arrive in Santa Margherita and transfer to our hotel on your own. Santa Margherita, known for its orange blossoms and beach-front promenade, is a lovely coastal town on the Ligurian Sea approximately twenty miles southeast of Genoa. Please plan to arrive early in the day, as you will be meeting your trip leader and traveling companions at 2:30 p.m. for a 2 hour warm-up hike to Portofino .  Our pick-up time of 14:30 means that you can depart Rome or Milan this morning and arrive in Santa Margherita in time for the hike. If you wish to arrive a day early please let us know and we can book an extra night for you at our trip hotel. Hotel and Dinner included.

Day 2 – Monday: After breakfast we begin our first full day of hiking along dramatic seaside cliffs, from Camogli to Portofino. Along the way enjoy a swim and look back onto the 13th century Abbey of San Fruttuoso. Our hike ends amongst the pastel-colored houses and gleaming super-yachts which decorate the harbor of Portofino.  Overnight Santa Margherita. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.

Day 3 – Tuesday: We transfer by train this morning (your luggage is transferred separately) to Monterosso a Mare, the first of the famed “Cinque Terre” villages. Our hike takes us along the ancient footpath joining the five villages of the Cinque Terre: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and finally to Riomaggiore.  The path is well marked, so you can go at your own pace, enjoy the breathtaking views and have time to explore the villages. Indeed, if you have had enough hiking and find yourself happily lost in a sunny piazza overlooking the sea, your guides can help you get a train or ferry back to Levanto at your leisure. The walk ends in Riomaggiore. We usually all take the train back together to Levanto and check into the hotel Villa Stella Maris or Villa Margherita. The first is a Liberty Villa located in the heart of the old town, the other is also a Liberty Villa perched on a bluff overlooking the sea.  Meet up for a tasting of regional wines and local produce before dinner. Overnight Levanto. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included. ( May 13, May 27, Sept 23 & Oct 7 at  the Villa Stella Maris. June 3, June 17, Sept 2 & Sept 9 at the Villa Margherita.)
Day 4 – Wednesday: We leave Levanto on foot today and walk to Monterosso. The walk takes us gradually up and over a peninsula, rewarding us first with fine views over Levanto’s medieval walls and and tiled roofs, and eventually the whole stretch of the Cinque Terre coast is laid out before us. We arrive in Monterosso in the early afternoon so you have plenty of time to discover this little village. Return to Levanto by train or ferry. Once back in Levanto you can enjoy a swim at the sandy beach or relax in the villa’s garden, or wander through the quaint streets to find a pleasant cafe where you can watch the world go by.  Tonight we have a casual and fun cooking demonstration before dinner. Overnight Levanto. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.

Day 5 – Thursday: Today’s destination is  Portovenere. Our walk takes us past a medieval sanctuary and finally down past the Genoese fortress that once protected Portovenere from marauding corsair pirates. We check into our hotel in late afternoon and have some free time to explore the cobbled streets and narrow alleys of this picturesque seaside village. Dramatic cliffs plunge into the blue waters of the Mediterranean in a setting so beautiful that Byron, Shelly, and D.H. Lawrence all fell to its charms. Check into your hotel (either the hotel Belvedere or the Paradiso, depending on the departure) and then head out on your own tonight for a “free night” dinner.  Overnight Portovenere. Hotel and breakfast included. Dinner not included.

Day 6 – Friday: Our final day starts with a boat ride around Palmaria Island to the smaller islands of Tino and Tinetto. Both islands and Portovenere itself were elected UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1997 for their beauty and historical importance. We then walk around the island on a wooded path, passing marble quarries, a neolithic cave, and abandoned Napoleonic and WWII fortifications.  We’ll return to Portovenere mid-afternoon and have some free time before dinner to explore the village or go for a swim in the “Poet’s Grotto.” Tonight we’ll drink a toast to our lovely week together, then enjoy a final dinner together. Overnight Portovenere. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included

Day 7 – Saturday: After breakfast, the tour ends with a transfer to the La Spezia train station, arriving around 9:45 a.m. Please do not schedule rail departures prior to 10:00 a.m. Breakfast included.

See all our tours by DESTINATION and ACTIVITY
See all our tours by date: TOUR CALENDAR 2012

The walks in the Cinque Terre, though not long in terms of distance, can be strenuous at times as we ascend and descend steep paths or stone stairways that have been used for years to link the villages of the region. We have designed the trip so that there is always some free time in the late afternoon so you can relax, read, or have a dip in the sea. Breakfast is included every day, and dinners reflect the excellent traditional food of the region. Daily distance between 8 and 14 kms.

Useful Links

City of Portofino: website in English from the gem of the Italian Riviera
Gulf of Tigullio: some background on this park around Portofino
San Fruttuoso: interesting site on this beautiful abbey
Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre:  basic information on the park and villages
UNESCO World Heritage Site: check out all the wonderful places in Italy!

 General Information

Qualifications: This trip is rated moderate with some challenging climbs. Each day’s walk starts at sea level and climbs as high as 500 meters (1,500 feet) before returning to sea level. This means there are some long sustained uphills and downhills. Note also that people who suffer from severe vertigo may be affected on some stretches of the trail as we often have wide-open vistas over the sea. Trip Cost Includes: All accommodations in superior 3 star properties (2 nights Santa Margherita, 2 nights Levanto, 2 nights Portovenere); 6 breakfasts and 5 dinners; bilingual guide or guides; all luggage transfers; scheduled train and boat transfers as indicated in the itinerary, and final transfer to La Spezia train station. Getting there (this will redirect you to our “Getting to the Trip” page) Booking: e-mail us to receive a booking contract (or use the “Reservation” page). Insurance: We highly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance. We recommend “Travel Guard” to our American clients, just click on the logo below, while Canadian residents can click here. Australian, New Zealander, and British travelers, please consult your insurance brokers. We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime!

Cinque Terre Getaway

Duration: 6 Days/5 Nights
Dates: Private departures only, please contact us for details.
Departing from: Santa Margherita Ligure, 2.30 p.m. on Sunday, Day 1
Tour finishes: Monterosso al Mare after breakfast on Friday, Day 6
Trip cost: €1,700 per person based on double occupancy and minimum 6 people. Single supplement €230.

Come explore the Italian Riviera, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of the “Cinque Terre.” We walk along dramatic cliffs, steeply terraced vineyards, and through colourful fishing villages. In the evening, relax with a plate of fresh seafood, some home-made pesto, and a glass of the delicious local white wine.Our trip starts in Santa Margherita Ligure, where we spend two nights at the three-star Hotel Jolanda. Our first two walks take us up on isolated cliffside paths with stunning views over the Golfo di Tigullio. We’ll see the 12th century Abbey of San Fruttuoso nestled below us in a blue bay; and we end up at the brightly painted harbor of Portofino, which now shelters the gleaming yachts of the rich and famous. Our physical exercise will be rewarded each night with an excellent meal of fresh seafood and pasta.

Monterosso al Mare will host us for the next three nights. The largest of the “Cinque Terre” (literally “five lands”), it is a delightful mix of old and new, offering fine cuisine, good shopping, and even a sandy beach! From Monterosso we walk through the other Cinque Terre villages, which are all connected by ancient walking paths. If you are tired of walking, you can hop on any of the trains or ferries that link the  towns. Our last day of walking takes us to the beautiful town of Portovenere. Spread out beneath a massive Genovese fortress built in the 15th century to ward off raiding Turkish corsairs, Portovenere was originally a Roman outpost, dramatically situated between the cliffs and the blue waters of the Mediterranean. The trip ends in Monterosso, so you have the choice to stay on and enjoy a relaxing beach holiday or carry on to your next destination in Italy. (Luggage is transfered by van. 2 nights Santa Margherita Ligure, 3 nights Monterosso al Mare, where trip ends.)

Day 1 – Sunday: Arrive in Santa Margherita and transfer to our hotel on your own. Santa Margherita, known for its orange blossoms and beachfront promenade, is a lovely coastal town on the Ligurian Sea approximately twenty miles southeast of Genoa. Please plan to arrive early in the day, as you will be meeting your trip leader and traveling companions at 2:30 p.m. for a warm-up hike to Portofino. A formal group orientation will be held this evening before dinner. Overnight in Santa Margherita for the next two nights. Our pick-up time of 14:30 means that you can depart Rome or Milan this morning and arrive in Santa Margherita in time for the hike. If you wish to arrive a day early please let us know and we can book and extra night for you in Santa Margherita. Hotel and Dinner included.

Day 2 – Monday: After breakfast we begin our first full day of hiking along the dramatic seaside cliffs of the Ligurian coast, from Camogli to Portofino. Sights include the 13th-century Abbey of San Fruttuoso, nestled below us in a glittering bay, and the pastel-colored houses ringing the harbour in Portofino. Our route serves as the perfect scenic introduction to this marvelous region. Tonight is a “free night” dinner, so you can do as you like this evening. You may want to head into Portofino to dine at one of the many chic waterfront restaurants frequented by the owners of the yachts moored in the harbour, or maybe you’d prefer a pizza in a neighbourhood restaurant in Santa Margherita. The choice is yours. Hotel and breakfast included.

Day 3 – Tuesday: We transfer by train this morning to the village of Framura. From here we hike through the woods and along terraces to Levanto, where we stop for lunch. We then continue on to Monterosso al Mare, one of the five villages that make up the famed “Cinque Terre.” It also has the best beach in the area (with sand!) so you can enjoy a refreshing swim after your hike. Monterosso’s brightly painted houses and bustling village life create a charming base for our explorations. We stay at a lovely, family-run three-star hotel. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.

Day 4 – Wednesday: Today’s hike takes us along the ancient footpath joining the villages of the Cinque Terre: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The whole area has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site as well as a protected natural park, in an effort to preserve the ancient traditions that have been carried on here for centuries. We will walk among the dry-stone walls and steep terraces that allowed for the cultivation of grapes, olives, chestnuts, and even mulberry trees for silk! The path is well marked, so you can go at your own pace today and stop to  explore the towns as they go. Indeed, if you are tired of walking you can relax in town and then simply take the train or ferry to the next town or back to Monterosso. Tonight is a “free night” dinner so you can indulge in something special or just have a night off. Hotel and breakfast included.

Day 5 – Thursday: Today we have a glorious walk out of the Cinque Terre park over to the former Roman outpost of Portovenere. We climb up to a medieval church, through majestic pine forests, past some of the last remaining cork trees, before a final descent on cliffside trails to the Genovese fortress and into Portovenere. The town and surrounding islands were elected a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997 for their beauty and historical importance. You will have time to explore the cobbled streets and narrow alleys of this picturesque seaside town before catching the late afternoon ferry back to Monterosso, a scenic trip that allows you to see all of the villages from the sea. Final night dinner at one of Liguria’s finest restaurants — a casual place with superb food and an awesome wine list. Overnight Monterosso al Mare. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.

Day 6 – Friday: Today you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the trip has officially ended. Make your way independently to the Monterosso train station to catch trains to your next destination. However, many of our travelers ask us to book them extra nights in Monterosso to extend their holiday by a few days. This we gladly do, but please let us know well in advance. Breakfast included.

The walks in the Cinque Terre, though not long in terms of distance, can be strenuous at times as we ascend or descend mountain paths or a series of old stairways that have been used for years to link the villages of the region. We have designed the trip so that there is always some free time in the late afternoon so you can relax, read, or have a dip in the sea. Breakfast is included every day, and dinners reflect the excellent traditional food of the region. Daily distance between 8 and 14 kms.

Useful Links -
City of Portofino: website in English from the gem of the Italian Riviera
Gulf of Tigullio: some background on this park around Portofino
Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre:  basic information on the park and villages
UNESCO World Heritage Site: check out all the wonderful places in Italy!

General Information

Corsica Walking Tour

Duration: 8 Days/7 Nights
Departures 2012: June 9 and Sept 15 & private departures
Departing from: Bastia on Day 1 (Saturday)
Tour Finishes: Bastia on Day 8 (Saturday)
Price 2012: €2,150 per person based on double occupancy and minimum 6 people. Single supplement €260.
Click on the Currency Converter to see the price in your local currency.

Corsica’s sandy beaches, rocky coves, dramatic rock formations, and crystal-clear mountain pools are all accessible on foot thanks to a wonderful network of trails. Our walking tour explores the northwest part of this dramatically beautiful island, introducing you to both country, city, and coastline as well as Corsica’s award-winning wines, regional cuisine, and charming small inns. Corsica is not France, Corsica is a place unto itself. (Luggage transferred by van. 1 night Bastia, 2 nights Calvi, 2 nights Piana, and 2 nights near Corte. Tour ends in Bastia.)

Day 1 – Saturday: Independent arrival in Bastia and check-in at the hotel (Hotel Central) located in the historic center of town. Bastia can be reached from Paris and London by direct flight, or via Italy by ferry. Take some time this afternoon to explore Bastia’s charming old town, surmounted by an imposing citadel. To get a true sense of the city, join the locals in their ritual coffee in Place Saint Nicolas, then meet your group and guide(s) at 7 p.m. for an apéritif followed by dinner. Hotel and dinner included.

Day 2 – Sunday – Meet your group after breakfast for a two-hour shuttle along the coast to the lovely port town of Calvi. We check into the Hotel Saint Erasme and then depart for an afternoon walk along the coast to a lighthouse perched on a rocky promontory. Before dinner, take a stroll through the town’s colorful streets and then meet for dinner. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.

Day 3 – Monday – We have a short van transfer this morning to Aregno, one of the hilltop villages along the Haute Balagne coast. Our walk starts from its Romanesque (12^th c) church and follows the crest to Sant’Antonino, one of the most beautiful villages in Corsica. We continue on towards the Convent of Corbara before reaching our lunch spot, Pigna, which has retained its medieval character with cobblestone paths, narrow alleys, and vaulted passageways. It is also famous as a center for traditional Corsican music and artisans. Our afternoon walk takes us through Corbara: a quintessential Balagne town of small square houses clinging to a steep hillside. From there our trail abandons the crest to take us down to l’île-Rousse, where we can have a swim at the sandy beach or return straight-away to Calvi. Enjoy another fantastic dinner tonight accompanied by some of Corsica’s fine local wines. Hotel, breakfast, and dinner included.

Day 4 – Tuesday -After breakfast, we leave Calvi by boat, which offers a unique perspective over the Scandola Reserve (a UNESCO World Heritage site) which boasts an unparalleled wealth of flora. Set against an extraordinary backdrop of red cliffs and dense “maquis,” Girolata is the only fishing village on the island still inaccessible by road. We have lunch at a small restaurant there before following the “postman’s trail” which used to connect the village to the rest of the island. The path offers wonderful views over the Scandola and the gulf all the way to the Col de la Croix. From there, we transfer by van to Piana. Check in at the hotel “Les Roches Rouges,” Corsica’s most elegant “period hotel.” Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.

Day 5 – Wednesday- We have a morning walk today that winds through “Les Calanches,” another UNESCO protected site. It is a vast expanse of red porphyry, eroded into dogs’ heads, witches and devils — one of the most memorable hikes of the week!  We return to Piana for lunch, and then offer a trip to a wide expanse of sandy beach to cool off after our exertions. Enjoy an aperitif on the terrace of our hotel to enjoy the sublime sea views at sunset, then head off on your own for a “free night” dinner. Hotel and breakfast included. Dinner not included.

Day 6 – Thursday -We leave the coast this morning and drive 2.5 hours into the rugged interior of the island to the town of Corte. Our hotel is located along the Restonica river, which carves out the magnificent gorge of the same name and is one of the highlights of the island. Explore this historical city, with its 15th century citadel, before heading off for a dramatic walk and a picnic by one of the crystal-clear pools (and have a swim!). Afterwards, relax by the pool at our hotel before heading into town for dinner. Hotel, and breakfast and dinner included.

Day 7 – Friday – We have a spectacular last day of hiking as we climb up to two mountain lakes. It’s a four-hour round-trip but you will be rewarded by amazing views and a feeling of conquest as you stand at the center of this amazing island (we can also offer an easier walk should we find ourselves in a more relaxed mood!). Celebrate your hike with a final dinner by the Restonica river. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.

Day 8 – Saturday – One-hour transfer to the Bastia airport. There are several flights a day to Paris and other destinations in Europe, as well as ferries to both France and Italy. Breakfast included.

The walks in Corsica, though not long in terms of distance, can be quite challenging as we ascend and descend mountain paths which are often rocky and sometimes quite steep. We have designed the trip so that there is always some free time in the late afternoon so you can relax, read, or have a swim. Breakfast is included every day, and dinners reflect the excellent traditional food of the region. Daily distance between 6 and 12 kms.

General Information

Qualifications: This trip is rated moderate to challenging.The walks are not long on mileage but there are quite a few steep sections and most of it is on rocky trail.. We normally walk 3-4 hours per day, spread out over the morning and afternoon. This trip is a little easier than our Cinque Terre walk.Trip Cost Includes:Seven nights accommodations (three-star hotels or “Chambre d’hôtes de charme”); 7 breakfasts and 6 dinners; bilingual guide or guides; all transfers by van, boat, and train as well as luggage transfers from pick-up on day 2 and finishing with a van transfer to Bastia on Saturday morning; boat trip through the Scandola National Park.Getting there: this will redirect you to our “Getting to the Trip” page. Booking: e-mail us to receive a booking contract (or use the “Reservation” page).Insurance: We highly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance. We recommend “Travel Guard” to our American clients, just click on the logo below, while Canadian residents can click here.  Australian, New Zealander, and British travelers, please consult your insurance brokers. We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime!

Croatia Bike & Boat

Duration: 8 Days/7 Nights
Departures 2012: June 23, and private departures.
Departing from: Split on Saturday afternoon, Day 1
Tour finishes: Trogir/Split, morning Day 8
Price 2012: €3,000 per person based on double occupancy and minimum of 6 people . Single Supplement €300.
 
 
On this fabulous trip we explore Croatia’s beautiful Dalmatian Islands by boat and bike. Our  private 80 foot all-wood sailing vessel is the ideal way to move from island to island since we never have to line up under the hot sun for ferries. Instead we get off the boat and bike directly from small fishing ports far from the cars, buses and trucks of the ferry ports. We cycle along quiet roads, taking in the gorgeous scenery, while our boat motors to another small village where we rejoin it, then motor to a quiet bay, enjoy a swim and then lounge on the back deck with a cool drink in our hand while watching the setting sun. We will explore the islands of Šolta, Brac, Vis and Hvar (rated by Condé Naste magazine as one of the “Ten most beautiful islands in the world). We have been doing walking tours by “gulet” for years, and are excited to finally offer this kind of luxurious indulgence to our biking friends.

About the boat: we will be traveling aboard a traditional Turkish-style gulet, which is a two-masted all-wood sailing ketch, broad-beamed for extra stability. We don’t actually sail but use the ship’s motor to transfer us from quiet bay to quiet harbor. In this way, there is almost no rocking at all, which means no seasickness! The gulet is fully-crewed by a Croatian team of four (3 on the smaller gulets), including a cook who caters to our every whim. We stock the boat with our favorite drinks and the crew takes care of the rest. The cabins are comfortable, with high-ceilings, and ensuite WC and screened in stand-up showers. It’s the perfect way to cover a lot of ground while only having to unpack once!

June 23, Day 1 (Saturday):  Trogir to Šolta Meet your guides at 3 p.m. and make your way to the harbor in Trogir, where we’ll do a short bike fitting and board our gulet. We then have a 1.5-hour “motor” over to the island of Šolta. If time permits we can take our bikes out for a short spin before dinner. You may want to arrive a day early and explore the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage city of Split. The historical center was built right inside of the ruins of the palace of Roman Emperor Diocletian (the only emperor ever to retire and live out his final days in peace!). Split is a 45-minute drive from Trogir (the airport is actually located between the two cities), so let us know if you would like make a side-trip there before or after the trip. Overnight Šolta.

June 24, Day 2 (Sunday):  Ride around Brac We have a short motor this morning from Šolta island over to Bra?, the largest island in the Adriatic. We begin in Milna, which was home to Diocletian’s navy 2,000 years ago. We continue the ride along the northwestern coast, stopping for coffee in the quaint port town of Sutivan. More riding will take us past the main port of Supetar and then up into the hills at Nerežiš?a, where we can stop for a cold drink before heading down to the north coast. We’ll stop for lunch and maybe a quick swim before heading off along a lovely quiet road that follows the craggy coastline. We’ll meet our boat again in the marina town of Pu?iš?a, famous for its limestone works. The island has been famous for its limestone since the times of the ancient Greeks, and the Romans used it to build Diocletian’s palace in Split. Overnight Brac.

 June 25, Day 3 (Monday): Vidova Gora and the seaside resort of Bol We cut through the center of Brac this morning and then attack the highest point in the Adriatic: Vidova Gora (780 m). From there we have dramatic views all around, from far-flung Vis Island to the rugged skyline of the mainland. And after all your climbing, you now get to enjoy one of the greatest downhill rides around: down to the coastal town of Bol, famous for its ever-changing sand-spit beach, the “Golden Horn.” [Note: anyone who doesn’t want to go all the way up to Vidova Gora, you can cut down to Bol earlier]  We pick up the boat here in Bol and then motor across to the nearby island of Hvar. Overnight Hvar.

June 26, Day 4 (Tuesday):  ride around Hvar Island  We have a gorgeous full day of riding today through the “wine villages” and lavender fields of western Hvar. Our ride begins along the northern coast in the town of Vrboska, and then cuts in to do a circuit through the vineyards of Vrbanj, Svirce, Vrisnik and Pitve. We’ll have lunch in a local konoba (trattoria) offering regional specialties and maybe a sip of wine or two to help wash it down! The afternoon ride goes through the charming port-town of Starigrad and then up a final climb through the lavender fields. We crest at the tiny town of Brusje and then enjoy a fabulous downhill to Hvar town. Relax with a swim this afternoon or explore this elegant port town before we set “sail” for Vis island. Overnight Vis.

June 27, Day 5 (Wednesday):  transfer to Vis Island  Today we explore the remote island of Vis, which was of strategic importance in the Adriatic throughout history, from the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Slavs, Venetians, Austrians, French and finally the British, who won a decisive battle here in 1811 against the French. During WWII, the island was controlled by Tito’s partisans and remained in military hands until it was finally opened to tourists in the summer of 1998! This left the island relatively unspoiled and the locals still carry on their traditional fishing and farming. Vis is also famous for its many delicious wines. We begin in Vis Town, which boasts elegant Ventian palazzi and a monastery seemingly adrift on its own tiny islet. From here we ride clock-wise around the island, past the seaside town of Rukava? and through the vineyards to lovely Komiža for lunch and a swim. Afterwards, we have a steep climb out of Komiža and then a floating downhill back to Vis town, where we start motoring back to Hvar. Overnight Pakleni Islands.

June 28, Day 6 (Thursday):  back to Hvar Island We disembark in Hvar town again and head out along the southern coast to explore the vast vine-covered slopes above the towns of Milna and Zarace. We turn inland and then have a spectacular ride along the “spine” of the island, stopping for lunch at a well-known konoba that prepares local meals using only traditional methods (no electricity!). We’ll continue about two-thirds down the length of the island and then cut back to the north coast to meet our boat at the small port town of Pokrivenik. Overnight Hvar.

June 29, Day 7 (Friday):  final ride on Brac  From the north coast of Hvar we motor back to the southeastern corner of Brac at the cute port town of Sumartin. We’ll ride across the central crest of the island this morning and then hit the coast again where we began. We ride along the coast, stop to visit of a lovely little archaeological museum, and then have lunch at “Tony’s,” our favorite konoba. We continue past Postira and Splitska for a final pick-up in Sutivan. After a quick swim we motor back to Šolta so we’re close the mainland for tomorrow morning’s transfer back to Trogir. Overnight Šolta.

June 30, Day 8 (Saturday):  departure for Split We motor back to Trogir early this morning and sadly disembark our floating home. We should be back on land at 9:00 a.m., so feel free to arrange onward flights for any time after 11:30. The airport is only a 30-minute drive from the port.

** Optional extention to Dubrovnik:  while you are on the Dalmatian coast, don’t miss the UNESCO World Heritage city of Dubrovnik. We can organize transport for you (it’s a four-hour drive from Split) and set you up with lodging in the historic old town. That afternoon we have a visit of the old town, known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” The town is encircled by more than a mile of huge stone walls originally built between the 13th and 16th centuries to protect the city from invaders coming from the sea. Stay another day or two to visit some of the outlying islands, like nearby Lokrum or the beautiful city of Kor?ula, birthplace of Marco Polo!  Contact us for details.  We can offer a fully-guided two or three-day option, or just set you up in a hotel.

General Information

Qualifications: This trip is rated moderate with challenging optional rides. It is perfect for anyone who is physically fit and likes to cycle. Note, this is our only bike tour that does not have a support van (we could not fit it on the gulet!). In the case of emergency when you have had a nice long lunch accompanied by a cool glass of wine or two, then we can always call a taxi and put you and your bike in the taxi and have you taken to the rendez-vous spot with the boat, but that will be at your expense.   The daily distances are around 50 kms (30 miles) a day, or about four hours of riding more or less equally divided between morning and afternoon.What is included: Seven nights accommodation on a privately chartered fully crewed luxury gulet , all cabins have en-suite WC and stand up showers, 7 breakfasts, 7 dinners; Customwalks cycle guide; bike rental (hybrid or road bike are both available), maps and written route directions; transfer from Split to port where we board the gulet; and morning transfer on day 8 to Split airport. Getting there: This will redirect you to our “Getting to the Trip” page. Booking: e-mail us to receive a booking contract (or use the “Reservation” page). Insurance: We highly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance. We recommend “Travel Guard” to our American clients, just click on the logo below, while Canadian residents can click here. Australian, New Zealand, and British travelers, please consult your insurance brokers. We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime!

Croatia Walk & Sail Tour

Duration: 8 Days/7 Nights
Departures 2012: Private departures. Pick a date for your group. Contact us for details!
Departing from: Split, Saturday 3 p.m. Day 1
Finishes in: Trogir/Split, Saturday morning Day 8
Price 2012: €3,500 per person based on double occupancy and a full boat of 12 people. Single supplement: €500.

Our trip begins in fascinating Split, an historic port on the Adriatic Sea, and formerly home to Roman Emperor Diocletian whose palace is still at the heart of the town’s centre. Here we board our private yacht. It is a 90-foot all wood “gulet” crewed by four friendly Croatians. The yacht serves both as our hotel and transport to access wonderful walks throughout the islands. At night we vary our anchorages between secluded bays and charming fishing ports. The sea is a gorgeous turquoise, the islands are redolent with lavender, vineyards, and olive groves, and the towns we visit welcome you with their rich history and beautiful Venetian architecture. The trip also features a supplemental stay in captivating Dubrovnik.

The Islands – The Dalmatian islands have smitten Roman Emperors, Venetian traders, and since 2008, us! We visit tiny Šolta island whose remote villages seem locked in time. Brac island is the largest of the islands and dotted with quaint fishing ports and secluded anchorages. Condé Nast magazine voted Hvar island among the “Ten Most Beautiful Islands in the World”. We take time to enjoy its lovely main town which boasts beautiful Renaissance architecture before exploring its scenic interior. Our final island, remote Vis, has indeed been locked in time. Formerly off-limits to tourists during the Tito era it features two of Dalmatia’s most quaint and historic seaside villages.

The Boat – There is no better way to explore these beautiful islands than by private yacht. We have reserved our favourite Croatian gulet and crew. The gulet is a two-masted sailing ketch/motor yacht. It is broad-beamed for extra stability and deck space. The boat has 7 double cabins available for guests.  All cabins have an en suite bathroom and screened-in stand-up shower. We can unpack for a week yet our floating hotel has a different view every day! Furthermore, you can opt in and out of our daily walks. You can choose to stay on the yacht, have a swim, try sea kayaking, or just relax on deck while the others walk. All of the sea travel is done during the day, so nights are serene as we stay in sheltered bays or in small fishing ports (no seasickness!).

Day 1 – Saturday: Arrival in Split and Boarding our Yacht
Arrive independently in Split. There are several flights a day from European hubs or ferries from Italy. Meet your guide(s) and the rest of your group at 3:00 p.m. at the Adriana Hotel, right on Split’s waterfront (if you plan on arriving early you may choose to stay wherever you like;  contact us for prices and availability of hotels).  Take some time to explore the historic city center, which was built around the Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace. Built in 295 AD as his retirement home (the only Emperor ever to retire!), it covers more than 3,000 square meters and was built with materials brought from Egypt and Greece. The palace included exquisite temples, vast reception chambers, and extensive private apartments within its huge walls, and now forms the nucleus of the modern city.  We board our yacht in Split or the nearby city of Trogir, and then cruise out into the sparkling Adriatic. A one-hour cruise takes us to the island of Šolta, so we can get settled in and then enjoy a swim.  Time permitting, we will put into one of the tranquil beautiful bays along the north coast for a short hike and a chance to explore the small fishing villages along the coast.  Dinner on board.

Day 2 – Sunday: Bobovišca – Milna (Brac Island)
Enjoy a morning swim before motoring over to the west coast of Brac island, the biggest in the Croatian archipelago.  We put into the lovely seaside town of Bobovišca and then walk up to the historic village of Ložišca before dropping down into the colorful bay of Milna, which harbored the ships of Emperor Diocletian during Roman times.  Relax in town this afternoon at one of the town’s many seaside cafés.  Dinner on board.

Day 3 – Monday:  Vis town or Komiža (Vis Island)
Transfer over to Vis Island this morning, a leisurely 2-hour journey past the west coast of Hvar.  Formerly off-limits to tourists and part of the Croatian military, it now boasts some of Dalmatia’s best wines and two beautiful historical seaside villages. Depending on prevailing winds we will moor near Vis Town or on the other side of the island at Komiža.  Both options allow for fabulous walks along the island’s rocks coastline. Dinner in town.

Day 4 – Tuesday:  Brusje – Malo Grabjle – Hvar town (Hvar Island)
Today we motor over to Hvar Island and take a short van transfer up to the village of Brusje at the western summit of the island. The dramatic ride through stony fields and past cliffside vineyards will give you an idea of why Hvar is among the “Ten Most Beautiful Islands in the World,” according to a recent poll.  We disembark in the town and then begin our walk down to the deserted village of Malo Grablje, a haunting reminder of this island’s (and the nation’s) difficult past.  We can have lunch here or continue on to the seaside town of Milna, then walk into historic Hvar town.  The town of Hvar is one of the most beautiful in Croatia, and it attracts all of the “beautiful people” to its shores!  Come and join them for a stroll along the waterfront, then return to the boat for dinner. Dinner on board.

Day 5 – Wednesday: Vrboska – Jelsa – Pitve and the winery zone (Hvar Island)
Enjoy a morning walk on Saint Clement island, just off the coat of Hvar town, then relax on board as the gulet motors around to the north side of the island.  We’ll stop for a swim and some lunch on board before disembarking in the protector harbor of Jelsa. This afternoon we will have a wine tasting at one of Croatia’s most reknowned wineries, then move on to dinner at a local “konoba” for some traditional Croatian fare. Dinner in town.

Day 6 – Thursday:  Bol – Blaca Monastery – Splitska (Brac Island)
Cruise around to the south side of Brac island this morning and disembark at the village of Bol for a foamy cappuccino and some of the best pastries around.  We then motor a short distance along the coast and disembark for a short climb to the Blaca Hermitage, a 400-year-old hermitage built into the cliffs by monks fleeing the Turks in 1550 and which remained in use until 1962!  We walk back down to the boat and then motor along the coast to a quiet cove for a swim and then dinner.  Dinner on board.

Day 7 – Friday:  Skrip – Dol (Brac Island)
Walk along the coast this morning before starting up on a short uphill through the stony terrain to the historical hamlet of Skrip. We visit a fascinating archaeology museum, featuring pieces from the island’s neolithic, Greek, Roman and Venetian past. We then walk between the vineyards and olive groves to Dol, another ancient town that now boasts several small restaurants and a winery. Walk back to the coast to pick up our boat for a swim and then a motor along the coast before drinks and dinner. Dinner on board.

Day 8 – Saturday:  Disembark back in Split (optional extension by bus to Dubrovnik)
The trip ends this morning after breakfast back in Split.  Breakfast included.

Day 9 – ** Optional extension to Dubrovnik: while you are on the Dalmatian coast, don’t miss the UNESCO World Heritage city of Dubrovnik. We transfer by van (about 4 hours) along the coastal road, then check into our hotel in the Lapad district of this beautiful peninsula.  This afternoon we have a visit of the old town, known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” The town is encircled by more than a mile of huge stone walls originally built between the 13th and 16th centuries to protect the city from invaders coming from the sea. Stay another day or two to visit some of the outlying islands, like nearby Lokrum or the beautiful city of Korcula, birthplace of Marco Polo!  Contact us for details.  We can offer a fully-guided two or three-day option, or just set you up in a hotel.

The walks in Croatia:we will be walking through cities, along farm properties, through woods and over scrubby terrain. It is often rocky (hiking shoes are a must) and there are some short climbs. We walk anywhere from 2–5 hours a day, with options to extend or shorten the walk. Of course, the boat allows us the option of really relaxing and watching the beautiful coastline unfold as you lie on deck with a good book. The choice is yours.

   General Information

Qualifications: This trip is rated moderate to easy. Some prior hiking experience is beneficial but anyone in good physical condition will have no problems with the walks. We will regularly be walking between 10-14 km a day (6-8 miles), which translates into about 3-4 hours of walking a day, more or less equally divided between morning and afternoon.Trip Cost Includes:all accommodations (7 nights on private yacht); 7 breakfasts, lunches & dinners; at least one Customwalks guide; passage aboard a luxury yacht (all cabins with en suite toilets, showers, and air-conditioning); all van and luggage transfers during the week, all visits as noted in the itinerary.Getting there(this will redirect you to our “Getting to the Trip” page)Booking: e-mail us to receive a booking contract (or use the “Reservation” page).Insurance: We highly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance. We recommend “Travel Guard” to our American clients, just click on the logo below, while Canadian residents can click here.  Australian, New Zealander, and British travelers, please consult your insurance brokers. We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime!

Croatia Scooter Tour

Duration: 5 nights/6 days
Departures 2011: June 18, Sept 3  & Private departures, contact us for details!
Trip departs from: Split, 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Day 2
Trip finishes: Split, 1 p.m. Thursday, Day 6
Price: €1,800 per person in double occupancy. Single supplement €200. Click on the Currency Converter to see the price in your local currency.

Explore some of Croatia’s most beautiful islands by scooter.  Follow our guides along quiet country roads with dramatic views onto the glittering Mediterranean. We explore the islands of Brac and Hvar (frequently rated as one of the “Ten most beautiful islands in the world). After the ride, relax in charming, historic villages and enjoy the local cuisine and world-famous wines. Traveling by scooter allows us to discover the hidden landscapes of these gorgeous islands.  Our hotels are specially chosen to be comfortable and reflect the beauty of their surroundings.

The Scooters – Traveling by scooter is fun and easy. We have a local scooter provider, who supplies us with modern 50 or 125cc scooters. They are not “Vespa” brand but are very similar, with an electric start and automatic transmission. The brakes are on the handlebars, like a bicycle. We provide you with helmets. The scooters are powerful enough for two people to happily cruise through the Croatian countryside (*you need a motorcycle license for the 125cc in Croatia). It’s the best way to get off the beaten track without working up a sweat! Of course, couples can ride together on one scooter (and save €100 for one person).

NOTE: You must arrive at the start of the tour already a safe, competent rider. We are not a motorbike school.

Day 1 – Saturday: Independent arrival in Split, which is easily reached by air from most European hubs, or by ferry from Ancona (Italy).  Check into our hotel, located in the historic city center (specific hotel depends on departure). Meet your guide at 7 p.m. tonight for a drink followed by dinner. Overnight Split.  Dinner and hotel included.

Day 2 – Sunday: Meet your guide at 9:30 a.m. in the lobby of the hotel and transfer by taxi or foot to the harbor for the 11:00 ferry to Supetar on the island of Brac. We pick up our scooters there and have an orientation and safety talk. Once we feel comfortable on our scooters, we ride along the west coast of the island and stop for lunch at one of the villages along the way. We then cut across the top of the island and make our way to Bol and settle into our hotel. Relax or have a swim at the famous “Golden Horn” beach, shaped by the sea into a changing tear-drop shape. We dine tonight at a local restaurant. Overnight in Bol.  Breakfast, dinner and hotel included.

Day 3 – Monday: Enjoy a full day’s riding today as we explore the north and east side of the island. We visit the fascinating archaeological museum in Skrip, with remains from Neolithic, Classical, and modern times. We also have a visit of a local winery and can tour the limestone quarries that made the island famous as far back as Roman times. Enjoy an afternoon swim or just relax by the waterfront before dinner. Breakfast, dinner and hotel included.

Day 4 – Tuesday: Today we transfer to the island of Hvar and see why the island is always on everyone’s “Most Beautiful Islands” list!  We begin in the charming village of Jelsa and then ride through beautiful small roads through the “wine country” where Hvar produces some of its best wines. After lunch at a local kanoba (café), we ride over a spectacular ridge to elegant Hvar town, where we have time to explore the backstreets and port-side cafes before meeting up again for dinner.  Breakfast, dinner and hotel included.

Day 5 – Wednesday: This morning we head out to explore the southern coast of the island, pausing for a short walk to the deserted village of Malo Grabjle, lunch by the sea, and maybe a swim before heading back to Hvar town. We dine together at one of the city’s many seafood restaurants. Breakfast, dinner and hotel included.

Day 6 – Thursday: An 11:00 ferry takes us back to Split and the end of the trip.  We arrive around 1 p.m., so you have time to make further travel plans the same day.  Or, you might want to extend your trip to include beautiful Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site just 3 hours south of Split. Let us know and we’ll set something up for you!  Breakfast and ferry included.

IMPORTANT | QUALIFICATIONS
You must be over 18 years of age, have a valid driver’s license and an INTERNATIONAL driver’s license to drive a scooter. Of course anyone can be a passenger. To drive a scooter, previous experience on a scooter or motorbike is advantageous and highly advised. If you have not ridden or scooter or motorbike before then you should do so before you do this trip.  Rent a scooter locally, and learn how to ride it before coming on the trip. U.K. residents can try Vroom by the Sea, a scooter rental in Brighton

WE ARE NOT HERE TO TEACH YOU HOW TO DRIVE A SCOOTER. YOU MUST ARRIVE AT THE START OF THE TRIP ALREADY A COMPETENT RIDER. In the last three years we have been amazed by people who arrive to drive a scooter on public roads who have never ridden a scooter before and who are clearly uncoordinated, unathletic, and who will clearly never, ever be able to drive a scooter safely. Please do not be one of these people. It would be funny if they were not endangering themselves and the lives of others. Our scooters are easy to ride, but a good sense of balance and coordination is required. The scooters have a 125cc engine and an all-steel frame. They are lighter and easier to drive than a larger motorbike but they are also heavier than a moped and other smaller 50cc scooters (the scooter weighs 110 kg, or about 235 lbs).

You will be driving a motor vehicle on public roads. You are responsible for your safety but also for the safety of other motorists, bikers and pedestrians. You must be able to control the scooter and drive it competently. If we feel your driving skills put you and others at risk we reserve the right to take the scooter away from you. In the event that you cannot ride as a passenger on one of the scooters, then we will help to arrange an alternative mode of transport, either taxi, or rental car, but at your expense.

Finally, age may be a factor. We have found that most people who are over 50 and who have never ridden a scooter or motorbike have problems riding the scooter. If you have not used the “motorbike” part of your brain before the age of 50, then it may be too late to learn. We don’t know why this is, but such are the mysteries of Life, Zen, and the Art of Scooter maintenance. So if in doubt, please take the time to try a scooter at home. Find a big vacant parking lot, put on a helmet, read our accompanying document about motorcycle safety, and give it a whirl. If you are happy with your abilities and you feel safe, then you are ready to ride one of our scooters.

The bottom line is that we just want everyone to have a safe and happy holiday!

Scooterbella in the news: our tours have been featured in the travel section of The Guardian (UK), Jan 20th, 2007. Another article was published by The Observer on April 23rd, 2006. Our Tuscany by Vespa trip was also featured in a 3-page full-color article in the London Telegraph, and in London’s The Times.

Note: Everyone who drives one of our scooters needs to have an international driver’s license (or EU driver’s license). This is very easy to get! Please click here for more information.

General Information

Trip cost includes:all accommodations (1 night Split, 2 nights each on Brac and Hvar island); 5 breakfasts and dinners; one 50cc or 125cc scooter (you need a motorcycle license to ride a 125cc scooter in Croatia); insurance and petrol/gas; bilingual guide; all van transfers and luggage transfers from pick-up in Split to drop-off in Split as per itinerary. (*Depending on availability of scooters at time of booking, couples may be obliged to share a scooter, thus receiving the discounted price.)Getting there(this will redirect you to our “Getting to the Trip” page)Booking: e-mail us to receive a booking contract (or use the “Reservation” page).Insurance: We highly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance. We recommend “Travel Guard” to our American clients, just click on the logo below, while Canadian residents can click here.  Australian, New Zealander, and British travelers, please consult your insurance brokers. We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime!