Europe

Romania’s pristine mountain landscapes and wonderful medieval towns seem to have stepped out of time. There is a lot to see and do in this mainly Christian Orthodox country. The picturesque Carpathian Mountains occupy the centre of the country, while Transylvania is well known for its castles, churches and beautiful forested mountains. Bulgaria is a rich mix of culture and tradition, with Greek, Roman, and Turkish influences all leaving their mark. After being caught up in both WWI and WWII and formerly part of the Eastern Bloc, Bulgaria has emerged with a unique identity and history just waiting to be explored. In fact, it boasts 9 UNESCO-listed World Heritage sites.

At the crossroads of Asia and Eastern Europe, between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, the Caucasus is a unique travel destination. Few tourists visit this fascinating region but those who do are struck by its beauty, culture and history. On this trip, you’ll pass snow-capped mountains, glaciers and gorges, dine with local families, and explore rock-hewn villages, mosques, and UNESCO-listed monasteries. Now is the time to visit this fascinating region as it emerges as a destination for more adventurous travellers.

The Balkans is a sprawling peninsula which derives its name from the Turkish word meaning ‘a chain of wooded mountains’. Those mountains are the Balkans, a place where farming first reached Europe way back in the Neolithic era. To the west is the Adriatic Sea, with the Mediterranean Sea to the south and the Black Sea to the east. It is perhaps easier to think of the Balkan States as “South-eastern Europe”. Wholly or partially on the peninsula, the region is made up of many fascinating countries. Our tour includes eight of them – Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Slovenia and Serbia.

Discover these three wonderful Mediterranean Islands, Corsica, Sardinia and Malta… all with a unique point of difference. Sardinia remains part of Italy but has fiercely retained its own proud culture and unique influences; then there is the laid back, very rustic French governed Corsica, and lastly English speaking Malta, an independent nation which was once a British colony. Each of the islands are relatively small and easy to get around, and all have wonderful food and wine and ancient history, medieval villages, stunning landscapes and that envious relaxed lifestyle.

Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania may share a Baltic coastline and a layered past, but each offers its own tradition, culture, and style. Their capitals—Hanseatic Tallinn, Jugendstil Riga, and Baroque Vilnius—are among Europe’s best-preserved medieval centres. Beyond the cities lie pristine pine forests and stunning National Parks. Our two-week tour begins in Helsinki and covers all the Baltic highlights. With centuries-old castles, UNESCO-listed towns, and unspoiled wilderness, the Baltic countries offer a quietly captivating corner of Europe to explore.

At the crossroads of Asia and Eastern Europe, between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, the Caucasus is a unique travel destination. Few tourists visit this fascinating region but those who do are struck by its beauty, culture and history. On this trip, you’ll pass snow-capped mountains, glaciers and gorges, dine with local families, and explore rock-hewn villages, mosques, and UNESCO-listed monasteries. Now is the time to visit this fascinating region as it emerges as a destination for more adventurous travellers.

Crete’s natural beauty is equalled only by the richness of its history. The island is the birthplace of the first advanced society on European soil, the Minoans, who ruled over much of the Aegean some 4,000 years ago. You’ll find vestiges of this mysterious civilisation all over Crete, including the famous “Palace of Knossos” and the legend of the labyrinth of King Minos and the slaying of the Minotaur by Theseus to save the kings daughter, Ariadne. At the crossroads of three continents, Crete has been coveted and occupied by consecutive invaders.

Experiencing the Northern Lights is on most people’s bucket list. However, this tour isn’t just about chasing the aurora; it’s about discovering the soul of Scandinavia in winter, completely different from anything we know in Australia. Picture vast snowscapes glinting under the low Arctic sun, cozy candle-lit rooms, and night skies alive with swirling green light.

At the crossroads of Asia and Eastern Europe, between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, the Caucasus is a unique travel destination. Few tourists visit this fascinating region but those who do are struck by its beauty, culture and history. On this trip, you’ll pass snow-capped mountains, glaciers and gorges, dine with local families, and explore rock-hewn villages, mosques, and UNESCO-listed monasteries. Now is the time to visit this fascinating region as it emerges as a destination for more adventurous travellers.

Perched at the top of Europe, the Nordic nations of Finland, Sweden, and Norway are a quirky mix of cultures that live amidst some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. These countries are known to be at the forefront of modern thinking, yet they hold fierce to their cultures and simple ways of life. Their remote location and sparse population make this trio an irresistible destination for travellers seeking tranquillity, tradition and the wild outdoors.