Active activity tours

The term biodiversity may have been coined with Costa Rica in mind, such is the range of different species within its pristine, tropical forests. Throw in some spectacular scenery and resplendently laid-back citizens, and you have all the makings of a life-affirming holiday experience. On this memorable tour, we visit a broad range of gardens both public and private, such as the Else Kientzler Botanical Gardens with its world-class collection of plants. At the Monteverde Cloud Reserve, we see some of the 100 mammals, 400 bird species and more than 2,500 varieties of plants that thrive here, including, if we are lucky, the famously elusive resplendent quetzal.

There’s still time to discover in 2026. Selected departures are still available – simply call 01722 705 215 to find out more. Over millennia, countless civilizations have risen and fallen, leaving behind ruins. Yet, Ancient Egypt stands apart. Within 24 hours of arriving in modern Egypt, we encounter one of the world's most iconic monuments – the Great Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza. This marks the beginning of our journey along the Nile, the lifeblood of one of history's greatest civilizations, whose legacy remains remarkably intact. We visit the Step Pyramid, nearly 5,000 years old and the first of its kind, the magnificent Temple of Luxor, Karnak Temple, and the Valley of Kings, home to the funerary temples of countless pharaohs. The Edfu Temple, over 2,000 years old, is among Egypt's best-preserved shrines. Additional highlights include the serene Al-Orman Garden, the lush Aswan Botanical Garden, the impressive Aswan Dam, and the elegant Montazah Palace Gardens in Alexandria. 

Barbados may be small, but it offers pure Caribbean bliss: radiant seas, palm-lined beaches and lush rainforest. Picture gazing across the sweeping vistas of Cherry Tree Hill, watching the lively monkeys of the Andromeda Botanical Garden and exploring the George Washington House, an important remnant of the island’s plantation past. At Hunte’s Garden, we are accompanied by the man himself, owner and creator Anthony Hunte, who introduces us to his multidimensional mix of native jungle and sunny open spaces in one of the island’s top destinations. There is also an optional cruise on a catamaran on offer during this laidback tour.

The French Riviera has long attracted artists, gardeners and travellers with its extraordinary combination of sunshine, dramatic coastlines and wonderfully varied landscapes. Here, generations of passionate gardeners have created remarkable gardens where exotic plants flourish in the Mediterranean climate, from botanical collections to elegant estates overlooking the sea. Enjoy a full day at the spectacular Menton Lemon Festival, when the town bursts into colour with elaborate floats, sculptures and displays celebrating the humble citrus fruit. Alongside the festivities, discover the exceptional gardens of the Riviera, including the Fondation Ephrussi de Rothschild with its magnificent sea views, the richly planted Hanbury Gardens just across the Italian border and the Jardin Exotique d’Èze perched above the Mediterranean. From Villa Thuret and Serre de la Madone to the gardens of Monte Carlo and La Mouissone, uncover a fascinating world of plants, design and creativity.

This tour travels through the Douro Valley, taking in the stunning almond blossom vistas which are comparable with the more famous cherry blossoms in Japan, but a lot closer to home. Spend some time exploring the vibrant city of Porto with its UNESCO World Heritage Centre – the Ribeira district is home to colourful houses, narrow cobbled streets and a surfeit of Portuguese charm. Departing from the city, we enjoy a scenic train ride through the Douro Valley with its spectacular vistas and ranks of flowering almond trees. Our destination is Vila Nova de Foz Coa, whose almond trees bloom with delicate pink and white flowers into a magnificent sight to behold. We also visit some of the Douro Valley’s notable manor houses, including Casa Mateus and Casa do Campo, as well as some of the area’s fascinating gardens.