Native Eye

Tucked between Romania and Ukraine, Moldova is one of Europe’s last true hidden gems - a land often overlooked, yet rich with history, layered cultures, and quiet, unspoiled charm. This journey invites you to step off the tourist trail and into a country shaped by centuries of shifting empires, enduring traditions, and surprising beauty. From the tree-lined boulevards of Chisinau to the echoing wine cellars of Cricova, the forgotten Soviet echoes of Transdniestr to the ancient cave monasteries at Orheiul Vechi, each day peels back another layer of this enigmatic country, offering a rare glimpse into a Europe that time almost forgot. The tour begins in the relaxed capital, Chisinau, with ...Read more >

A popular beach holiday destination, Tunisia isn’t what springs to mind when it comes to off the beaten track travel, but there’s more on offer than just its Mediterranean coastline. Home to shady oak forests and a section of the Sahara, the landscapes of Africa’s northernmost country are varied and even otherworldly in places, comprising golden deserts, lush oases, brightly coloured salt flats and rugged mountains. Inhabited by the ancient Berbers and settled by some of the world’s great civilisations, Tunisia is rich in history and we spend time exploring the Phoenician city of Carthage, once a powerful trading port, as well as the remains of its Roman towns and cities from ...Read more >

Panama is home to some of the wildest rainforests in the Americas, seas teeming with wildlife, and the rich heritage of its Hispanic and indigenous populations. We start this trip in Panama City, a vibrant metropolis that marries the old and new with enviable ease, visiting the famous Panama Canal and the quaint colonial centre of its old quarter, tasting traditional dishes along the way. From here we head south to the rugged Azuero Peninsula, a land of white washed churches and family run ranches. It’s here that local traditions are perhaps at their strongest, and the region is a treasure trove of crafts and culture. We visit a typical farm and explore picturesque towns that are a world ...Read more >

On this short tour we visit three islands of the Cape Verde archipelago, brimming with rich culture, customs and history, and still firmly connected to their African roots. Discovering traditional villages, travelling through rugged mountain scenery and exploring cities on foot we uncover some of the most enchanting parts of this unusual island nation. Starting in Praia, Santiago, we fly to Sao Vicente and explore the city of Mindelo, rich with the rhythms of Cape Verde and a good place to absorb the country’s unique atmosphere. From here we take the ferry across to neighbouring Santo Antão, dotted with imposing peaks, and with pretty valleys and rural villages to explore. Finally, we ...Read more >

As Madagascar is the fourth largest island on the planet it’s no surprise that it takes some time to cover which is why this three week small group tour really does present an in depth portrayal of both the human and the natural history, well off the typical tourist trail. Throughout the 21 day itinerary travellers will get to experience the hidden highlights as well as the classic points of interest with everything from the capital city, Antananarivo, to the lemur-packed perimeters of Andasibe National Park, allowing for an all-encompassing and varied tour. Travelling overland by 4WD and by river boat provides a unique perspective of life in Madagascar with towns, such as Miandrivazo, ...Read more >

Despite its tiny size, Lebanon has a history dating back to the dawn of human civilization, and a wealth of natural attractions to explore – this trip will show you the very best that the country has to offer the visitor, including a few hidden gems that most overlook. Starting in Lebanon’s capital and most cosmopolitan city, Beirut, we uncover what remains of its Ottoman legacy and explore its vibrant souks. Moving away from Beirut we head to Tyre, a UNESCO World Heritage site containing the world’s largest Roman hippodrome, and on to the old Phoenician port city of Sidon, with its more relaxed and traditional way of life. Leaving the cities behind, we venture into the Bekaa Valley’s ...Read more >

The neighbouring countries of Chile and Bolivia share some of Latin America’s most remarkable landscapes – this tour takes us from the montane forests of central Bolivia to the high altitude deserts of the altiplano. With South America’s largest percentage of indigenous people, unique species of wildlife that are still being discovered, and some of the continent’s best landscapes, Bolivia should be on every traveller’s list. We start our journey in Amboro National Park, one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet, spanning varying ecosystems and elevations, and home to around sixty percent of the country’s bird species. Then we fly to Uyuni on the Southern Altiplano, our gateway to one ...Read more >

The Balkans lie on the fault line that separates Europe from the Orient, sandwiched between great powers of old – the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires. For this reason, it is perhaps the most eclectic part of the continent, and to use a well worn – but very appropriate - cliché, where East meets West. And from the shores of the Adriatic to snow-capped peaks and glacial lakes, its landscapes are just as diverse as its history. Within a couple of weeks we visit the countries of Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro and Croatia to show you the highlights of this little understood region. We start in beautiful Dubrovnik, the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, and from here cross the border into ...Read more >

Eritrea is a curious country, squashed between its giant neighbours Ethiopia and Sudan, tumbling down from highlands to the turquoise waters of the Red Sea. With a distinctly Italian feel in many places, it often doesn’t feel quite African, yet turn the corner and step into the side streets and you’ll meet brightly robed women and men from remote villages trading camels and other livestock. This tour encompasses the highlights of a country that few know much about. We start in the capital Asmara, one of the best places to see Italian Art Deco style architecture, and one of Africa’s cleanest and safest cities, where people walk the streets each evening in the style of a ‘passegiata’ more ...Read more >

An epic trip through one of our favourite destinations, combining the colourful tribal life of Chad with the awe-inspiring splendour of the Sahara desert. Each year the semi-nomadic Wodaabe people gather for a week of incredible celebrations known as the Gerewol, a colourful festival that is one of Africa’s most spectacular. Few westerners are privileged to see this, but with our excellent local contacts we travel to a remote part of the Sahel to stay with these intensely traditional people, joining them as they congregate for feasting, racing, dancing and finding lovers. The Gerewol is renowned for the way in which young Wodaabe men decorate themselves, donning make up and jewellery and ...Read more >

This eleven day expedition to Angola takes you into a unique wilderness area of southern Africa that is only just starting to open its doors to adventurous, culture seeking tourists. As we focus solely on Angola you’ll get a far deeper understanding of the landscapes and the people as well as discovering southern African tribal groups and animal habitats untouched by the crowds stampeding in more popular countries further south. As our expedition to Angola starts you’ll get a glimpse of life in the capital, Luanda, before jetting off to the southern Angolan city of Lubango, whereupon your adventure into the interior begins in earnest. Conjuring up a fascinating blend of colonial ...Read more >

One of the most important, essential places to visit for Muslims, outside of the Islamic world Saudi Arabia has been out of the reach for many tourists. It’s only relatively recently that the country started issuing tourism visas – you can be one of the first to explore the desert kingdom’s wealth of sights. This is a more budget-friendly trip to Saudi Arabia, which can be an expensive country. As well as visiting Riyadh and Jeddah, you’ll get time in a tented camp in the desert in AlUla. The highlight of this trip is Madain Saleh (Hegra) where you’ll find fantastically preserved rock-hewn tombs in a spectacular desert setting. This ancient Nabatean city was the kingdom’s second largest ...Read more >

In the south of Chad sits Zakouma National Park, one of Africa’s best kept wildlife secrets – a little known park in a little known country that harbours huge numbers of iconic wildlife species. This short trip takes you to a natural paradise in the very heart of Africa, home to elephants, lion, leopards and more. Setting out from N’Djamena we cross the Sahel, travelling through the region of Guera with its impressive inselberg scenery, stopping in villages en route and meeting local communities following traditional lifestyles, almost untouched by the modern world. In Zakouma itself we spend our days on game drives, setting out early in the morning to give ourselves the best chance of ...Read more >

Nigeria holidays are always an exciting blend of old and new with preconceived perceptions of what this nation stands for always best left at home. This is a country that welcomes travellers with open arms, especially in the lost kingdoms where this 12 day tour tends to focus. There’s no other place to start than Lagos so get yourself prepared to get chucked in at the deep end before heading off the mainland to Lagos island and onwards and westwards to Badagry, an important historic city with notorious links to slaving ships past. Next stop on this small group holiday in Nigeria is the ancient city of Abeokuta that boasts an abundance of Afro-Brazilian architecture as well as ...Read more >

Djibouti and Somaliland sit at the very edge of the African continent, a stone’s throw from Arabia on the shores of the Red Sea. This short trip takes in some of Africa’s most incredible landscapes, combining them with a fascinating collection of cultures that owe as much to the Middle East as they do to the countries further south. Starting in Djibouti we embark upon an expedition to the harsh yet beautiful scenery of Lac Abbe, a huge salt lake surrounded by bizarre rock structures, staying there overnight to watch the ever changing colours as the sun sets and rises. From here we continue to Lac Assal, Africa’s lowest point and home to Afar salt collectors, before continuing to the old ...Read more >

Oman is famous for its hospitality, peacefulness and food, but it’s also got a huge, hostile desert. The enigmatically named ‘Empty Quarter’ of the Arabian Desert reaches down over the country. On this trip you can spend two days crossing the Empty Quarter, as well as spending time in Wahiba Sands, mountainous Jebel Shams, and the country’s lovely coastline. Muscat, Oman’s attractive capital, sits right on the coast. Once you’ve had your fill of traditional-style whitewashed buildings and historic fortresses, you can venture dolphin-watching on the Arabian Sea. Schools of dolphins sometimes number the hundreds here. Inland from Muscat you’ll find Jebel Shams, a spectacular mountain ...Read more >

On this short small group Armenia holiday, you’ll discover both the ancient and modern sides of this little visited corner of Europe. The adventure begins with an exploration of the lively city of Yerevan, which is home to several important historic sites. Then you’ll make your way into the countryside, visiting ancient monasteries at Khor Virap and Noravank and meeting one of the continent’s smallest and most traditional ethnic groups in the ancient town of Dilijan. Your exploration of local cultures, heritage and lifestyles continues with visits to the historic churches of Echmiadzin and the ancient monastery of Geghard; visits to local Kurdish and Yazidi villages and time spent with ...Read more >

A surprising insight into South America’s hidden jewel, Paraguay. This often-overlooked, but warm and unique country boasts a fascinating, turbulent history, a diverse range of cultures and extreme landscapes. Visit the crumbling city of Asuncion, now experiencing a slow, but glorious transformation - a mixture of Spanish colonial architecture and a new, evolving creative scene. Our next destination is the remote region of the Chaco, where we will stay for two nights. The welcome is warm and the sights within the vast area are many - we learn about the unique history of the region, including its Mennonite communities, and search for wildlife including tapir, armadillo and ...Read more >

Enjoy the emptiness on this two week holiday in the north west of Argentina, travelling by 4x4 and plane to cover the vast distances. Desert enthusiasts will be in heaven on bumpy drives across the shimmering salt flats, past striking pumice rock formations at Piedra Pomiz and volcanoes like the Galan and Peinado Volcano. From Buenos Aires you’ll fly up to Salta, your gateway to the north, and enter the world of ‘puna’ – high altitude desert. There are difficult roads and long drives, but you’ll be rewarded with remote, desolate valleys. Argentina’s deserts are colourful. There are white sand dunes, sparkling salty plains, and the famous stripy hills, the Quebrada de las Flechas and the ...Read more >

This idyllic archipelago is a mystery to most tourists but a totally magical place to visit, with an extraordinary melange of Swahili culture, ancient Arabic heritage, voluptuous volcanic landscapes and perfect beaches. The holiday takes you on a tour of three of the four islands. Starting on the main island, Grande Comore, the capital city Moroni translates as "in the heart of the fire", because of its location at the foot of volcanic Mount Karthala, an active volcano. It is a city packed with history, where the medina and markets are the perfect place to stroll, the former sultans’ palaces evoke stories and images of glamorous times gone by and the volcanic terrain is made for hiking. ...Read more >