September availability from Explore:

Aug. 16, 2011 - PRLog -- Greek Caique Cruise

One of Explore’s most chilled-out tours, the Greek Caique Cruise involves sailing – in a traditional wooden sailing boat – from small Aegean island to small Aegean island.  At each stop, there’s the option to visit picturesque villages, thermal baths, a working monastery and ancient ruins, or just relax in local village tavernas while sampling traditional meze.  Along the way, there will also be lots of pauses in quiet coves for swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing. In between, laze on deck with a book, and enjoy the sea breeze.

Departing 3, 10 & 24 September, the tour costs from £749 pp with Explore (0844 499 0901, http://www.explore.co.uk), including flights (London), all transport, seven nights’ B&B (six on the boat with two sharing a cabin, one in a hotel), three other meals and an expert tour guide.  

Cycling Basque Country (chiefly the French Basque)

Focusing on the French side of the Basque Region, this cycling tour allows pedallers to earn their snacks via some easy-moderate thigh work.  Taking in pastoral valleys dotted with half-timbered white houses, mountains and spa towns accompanying its rugged coastline, it includes Espelette, the unofficial home of the red chilli pepper, and the region’s capital, Bayonne, famed for its ham.  In addition, there are France’s most southerly vineyards, a lesson on Spanish witchcraft and a ride on a traditional rack railway.

Departing 10 September, the tour costs £971 pp with Explore (0844 499 0901, http://www.explore.co.uk), including return Eurostar travel, all transport, seven nights’ B&B, bike hire/equipment and an expert tour guide.  The cycling is graded moderate and involves covering around 37km per day on hilly terrain.

On Foot in the Pyrenees (walking in Spain)

This weeklong walking tour around the fir forests and pretty villages of the Catalonian Pyrenees keeps to untapped regions. Pallars Sobirà, known for its white-water sports (optional), 12th century Romanesque churches and the Aigues Tortes National Park, boasts over 100 lakes, 3,000m-high peaks and numerous rivers and creeks – equating to hiking heaven. Two free days are included and going in September means you’ll have these beautiful areas largely to yourself. There is 5-6 hours’ walking per day on average.

Departing 4 & 18 September, the tour costs from £696 pp with Explore (0844 499 0901, http://www.explore.co.uk), including flights (London), all transport, seven nights’ B&B and an expert tour guide.

Cycle & Cruise Croatia

Here’s a bike tour with a twist: it combines cycling with cruising! Sailing along the scenic Croatian coast in a traditional Oldtimer boat, this eight-day trip stops off at various Dalmatian islands for easy cycling, plus plenty of leisure.  First up is Miljet – lush and forested, with lakes and an ancient monastery.  Then Korcula: its eponymous red-roofed town is believed to be Marco Polo’s birthplace, and it now produces fine wines.  And finally Sipan, a limestone islet where Dubrovnik’s elite built their palaces, lined with pomegranate, fig and citrus groves.

Departing 10 September, the tour costs £1,128 pp with Explore (0844 499 0901, http://www.explore.co.uk), including flights (London), all transport, seven nights’ B&B (cabin share), seven other meals, bike hire/equipment and an expert tour guide.  The cycling covers around 20km per day on undemanding, mostly downhill terrain.

Pictures available for all tours.  Please reply for other September suggestions – full list of current availability here.

Ends – 16 August 2011.

Notes to editors: For more media information or images, please contact Richard Mellor at Travel PR (020 8891 4440 / r.mellor@travelpr.co.uk) or Stella Blackwell at Explore (01252 379505 / stella.blackwell@explore.co.uk).

# # #

Travel PR is one of the leading travel PR agencies in the UK with over 30 clients covering trade associations, hotels, tour operators and tourist boards.