Just back from hiking in Northern Tuscany’s little known Garfagnana region. Varied walks and terrain with incredible views and lots of ascent/descent. I think we hiked almost 100km in a week! Really enjoyed the company of our group, the lovely views from our accommodation and trying lots of traditional Italian food.

Galapagos Islands Holidays
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Highlights: Galapagos Islands
Galapagos Islands Holidays
Darwin found inspiration for his groundbreaking book ‘The Origin of Species’ in the Galapagos Islands. On this isolated tropical archipelago, almost 1000km off mainland Ecuador, he discovered wildlife present nowhere else on Earth; today, Galapagos Islands tours will still astonish nature and wildlife lovers. The volcanic islands are considered to be a living laboratory by scientists and represent one of the most pristine yet fragile areas in the world. This enchanting environment is characterised by stark lava fields, cactus forests, volcanic craters, mangrove lagoons and turquoise waters.
Without a doubt, the highlight of Galapagos Islands holidays is the incredible wildlife. With very few external predators and limited human interference, the species that inhabit the Galapagos have always shown a near-fearless attitude to man. Close encounters are assured and we may find ourselves stepping over snoozing Sea lions and iguanas or watching up close the courting rituals of Blue-footed boobies, albatross or frigatebirds. A mask and snorkel will reveal an exciting underworld – turtles, sharks, rays and colourful reef fish are abundant and Sea lions love to come and play!
Galapagos Islands Holidays
Vicky Boughton Walking in Tuscany
Robert Pratt Porto to Lisbon Atlantic RideThis was our 6th Exodus cycling trip. Portugal is a lovely country with very friendly people and excellent food and wine. Porto was great for 3 nights – have a Port tasting (included) and don’t miss the Station and Time Out Market for a wonderful lunch, take a boat ride on the Douro too. The ride starts flat and follows the coast south, lots of cycle ways, wonderful beaches, great lunches and very good hotels – the waves were huge so swimming is difficult but a splash is refreshing! The second part of the ride is more hilly and interesting venturing inland for a while before joining the coast again – again very good and safe cycle ways. The last day is the best in terms of views and terrain but it is quite tough (but OK for a 72 year old mountain biker). Then we arrived at Obidos the final riding destination – beautiful walled town. Our guide/leader Dinis was superb. The Portuguese people were friendly and really seem to like us Brits, coffees out of the main cities are excellent and about £1 as are the bottles of ‘Super Bock’ beer ( much more in Porto and Lisbon!). If you like fish you will eat well – the restaurant Salgáboca in Praia de Mira is excellent and not that expensive, not to be missed, and watch the beach fishermen landing their morning catch around 9.00am before you set off the next morning
Robert Pratt Porto to Lisbon Atlantic RideThis was our 6th Exodus cycling trip. Portugal is a lovely country with very friendly people and excellent food and wine. Porto was great for 3 nights – have a Port tasting (included) and don’t miss the Station and Time Out Market for a wonderful lunch, take a boat ride on the Douro too. The ride starts flat and follows the coast south, lots of cycle ways, wonderful beaches, great lunches and very good hotels – the waves were huge so swimming is difficult but a splash is refreshing! The second part of the ride is more hilly and interesting venturing inland for a while before joining the coast again – again very good and safe cycle ways. The last day is the best in terms of views and terrain but it is quite tough (but OK for a 72 year old mountain biker). Then we arrived at Obidos the final riding destination – beautiful walled town. Our guide/leader Dinis was superb. The Portuguese people were friendly and really seem to like us Brits, coffees out of the main cities are excellent and about £1 as are the bottles of ‘Super Bock’ beer ( much more in Porto and Lisbon!). If you like fish you will eat well – the restaurant Salgáboca in Praia de Mira is excellent and not that expensive, not to be missed, and watch the beach fishermen landing their morning catch around 9.00am before you set off the next morning
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