Tailor made special interest holidays
Tours & holidays in 2019 & 2020

The entire trip was "magical". I could not fault anything....It was the perfect holiday (more)Lesley Frizell

Memorable: lots but showy Scarlet Ibis at Caroni swamp and secretive Blue Backed Mannikin in Tobago stand at opposite ends of the birding spectrum. Exciting: ... returning to our hired car after birding and finding no power got the pulse racing! Visit to Panyards in Port of Spain was fun. (more)Phil Stevens

Seeing such wonderful wildlife; birds, amphibians, reptiles and animals. (more)Philip Burgess

Memorable parts? Cycling at our own pace through stunning, varied countryside and finding places that we would have missed in a car. Tips? Be prepared for more than just undulating vineyards - there are some hills and you should have a decent level of fitness. (However, we managed and are in our more senior years!) The hire bikes were excellent, sturdy machines and there was technical back-up if required. (Luckily not needed! ) Local benefits? Staying at comfortable,... (more)Neil Crawley

Memorable parts? Exploring a wide range of parts of Japan and trying our hand at things like sushi making and noodle making Tips? It is a great way to maximise your time in Japan. Having the logistics worked out for you by a specialist who knows the country really helps to get more out of your time while the self-tour aspect means it is still under your won control and not confined by tour groups. That element of flexibility allows you to make the holiday your own Local benefits? It... (more)Gareth Jones

Memorable parts? Discovering the Vicentina coast and its marvellous beaches and blue sea for the first time. Marvellous landscape, kindness and smiles of the people met all along the trip. Spotless accommodation, very charming small hotels. Tips? Local benefits? Yes, it did because we were always staying at small hotels run by Portuguese - in most of the places, they could hardly speak in English or French. Overall rating? Perfect, even better than expected (more)Muriel Deladrière

Our cooking classes here were wonderful. We were using locally sourced ingredients and had so much fun turning them into delicious meals that we enjoyed with the stunning view of the valley beyond. (more)Georgina Orme

The entire stay was perfect. The best part was the hospitality. Francesca, Francesco, and Stella really make guests feel at home. All the farm fresh food was amazing. It was wonderful to be able to share meals with them and the other guests. (more)Lana Frantz

Meeting Italian people, truffle hunting, the making of pasta, tasting Italian home cooking. (more)Simon Bramwell

Memorable parts? I mainly went for a short crash course in Spanish and I was not disappointed. The school caters for all levels and is extremely expert. I joined a lovely small group only one of whom was British although everyone spoke perfect English. I left wanting more. Tips? I opted for photography workshops as well and they were one to one in my case. The hiking involved was testing for an older person although the teaching was good. This was my first trip to mainland Spain... (more)Peter Martin

There were so many excellent memories, but overall it was the chance to explore so many aspects of Northern Greece, from the coast to the mountains to the lakes, with a hugely knowledgable and enthusiastic guide. (more)Emma Sparkes

The boat ride on lake Kerkini was particularly exciting as we got close-up views of birds in their nesting environment. As avid birders, we were pleased with the varied species observed, and with our guide. (more)Angelo Angelis

The boat trip on Lake Kerkini was wonderful and provided great views of the thousands of birds there. Also a number of unexpected moments as our guide found unusual birds like Spur Winged Lapwing, Stone Curlew and Penduline Tits. A memorable few days - didn't want to come home. (more)Richard Aubery

We had a great time and would return next time we go to Italy (more)Kay Garvey

We had an excellent holiday hosted by 2 very knowledgeable and caring people. All aspects of the cooking, walking and sightseeing was made so enjoyable because of their enthusiasm and attention to details. (more)Rod Elliott

The mountain setting is splendid with wonderful views and very quiet. Marla and Fabrizio offer exceptional hospitality and locally produced food prepared to a high standard. Cooking with them in a small group was great fun. (more)Valerie Snowden

Memorable parts? In the 3 days of my stay, Bill took me to a wonderful variety of archaeological sites and his knowledge, easy manner and organisation enhanced all of these trips. My most memorable part was the trip to Epidauros and Mycenae, which superlatives cannot describe. Tips? Lavender lodge is extremely well-appointed, very comfortable and has superb panoramic views, but don't forget this is Greece and if you want English breakfast tea, as I do, you should bring it with you... (more)derek poulson

What I remember the most are the amazing people I met in each city or village during my travels. As for the operator, this family run business took care of me like an extended family member. (more)Takashi Otani

...I couldn't have asked for a more awesome two weeks. Every days was terrific, serene, and beautiful! Couldn't have hoped for anything better! (more)Glenda Izumi

The hikes outside Punakha! (more)Myka Reinsch Sinclair

The people I encountered in Cali were so warm and hospitable. The hotel was like a step back in time but the people running it couldn’t have been nicer. The dance school was professional and welcoming and the teaching of a very high standard. (more)Rosanne Priest

Cali has impressed me with its warm and friendly people and excellent dancing. (more)Ileana Constantin

The team at the salsa school were so welcoming and friendly, loved it! (more)Samantha Bobba

Really enjoyed it. Hosts and tour guides were all friendly, helpful and reliable. (more)Elizabeth Rhodes

The day we spent in Dubrovnik old town was wonderful. We also really loved the little town of Cavtat. (more)Mary Hoolahan

The relaxed pace and seeing how different Southern India is compared to the north. (more)Susan Munson

I would give this holiday a 5 star rating. From the flights to the hotels/homestays - everything was just amazing. (more)Karen Dickinson

Memorable parts? The Horton plains walk was very good, but most of the things that we did and saw were all enjoyable and educational Tips? Just accept everything that comes along and you will enjoy it. Local benefits? We certainly helped out local communities by buying various stuff and not haggling. Am not sure that our long haul flights reduced environmental impacts! Overall rating? Really enjoyed it all, we saw lots of different things and non of the accommodations... (more)Colin McBurney

Memorable parts? Lovely city and a lovely art teacher. Tips? Local benefits? It made us travel to Brasov, what we otherwise not have done. So I guess it's good for the local economy and to support this organization in other projects. Overall rating? (more)Mirjam Pennings

Memorable parts? Seeing a total of 5 different wolverines up close in a few hours - amazing when there are only about 150 in the whole country. Tips? Take plenty of memory cards because you'll need them if you are as lucky as I was. Local benefits? Yes - the money went towards the cost of providing a feeding station throughout the year. This feeding station not only supported wolverines but also bears, ravens and other wildlife. Overall rating? Fantastic - the wildlife... (more)Christine Cheney

The scenery was stunning, the people are so friendly and helpful. The guide and porter provided by the operator were excellent. (more)Sarah McFadyen

Most memorable was spending time in the village north of Kathmandu meeting the villagers rebuilding after the earthquake & the incredible views of the Annapurna range during the Poon Hill trek... (more)John Green

This was a very good holiday (more)Shelley Munro

Memorable parts? All the lovely people I met! Tips? It's hot in Granada in the summer so maybe consider visiting in the spring to make the most of it. Local benefits? Well, as this was a language and dance holiday, I suppose visits like mine help with local employment. Overall rating? Excellent! I would definitely do it again, but maybe at a cooler time of year. (more)Elizabeth Mawer