Albatross European Escorted Tours

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Albatross European Escorted Tours

Small Groups | Longer Stays | Genuinely Inclusive

17/06/2024

Wow!!!

We get to stay in this incredible castle in the foothills of the Dolomites. Absolutely stunning 😊

17/06/2024

Exploring the sights and sounds of Venice 🇮🇹

17/06/2024

Thank you to Linda and all of our wonderful travellers who take the time to leave reviews on our Trustpilot, we greatly appreciate them 🥰

We take all of your feedback seriously so we can constantly grow and improve in order to provide for you the best European group travel experience and service we can ✔️

If you would like to learn about our Belgium & Holland, Cobble Stones & Windmills tour take a look at the full itinerary below
https://www.albatrosstours.com.au/belgium-and-holland-cobblestones-and-windmills-tour/

And if you would like to leave a Trustpilot review, please see the link below 🌟
https://au.trustpilot.com/review/albatrosstours.com.au

🇳🇱

14/06/2024

Cradles of Civilization Storyline - June 4 – June 7, 2024 – Greek islands - Crete

To the Greek island of Crete - 9 glorious days and nights island hopping through the idyllic Greek islands. What an adventure

This tour is distinctly different… a unique tour where we now intentionally slipped into a much easier, more laid-back pace with two nights each on the fabulous islands of Rhodes, Santorini and Mykonos, and three nights on Crete. Using a combination of flights and inter-island ferries we will be introduced to so many of the classical sights as well as ample ‘My Time’ time to relax and savour the atmosphere of the white-washed villages, Greek tavernas and incredible sunsets.

Day 17: 4WD adventure, lunch in the Cretan mountains
What a special day out deep in the Cretan Mountains! We all boarded a series of large 4WDs for our ‘safari’ into the wild and rugged hinterland. There were 6 vehicles in all, 5 people in each vehicle so we had ample personal space. The drivers all had great character and their chat was always fascinating and fun. We first visited a small family run shepherd’s farm where goats were milked, cheese was tasted and home-made raki (clear brandy) mixed with honey and cinnamon was knocked back! Delicious. We also stopped by the sunken village of Sfendili, smelling the wild herbs that grew everywhere, before driving over right over the wild mountains, past lines of old and battered windmills into the fertile plateau at the top. Stepping back to the time of myths, we visited a cave which is the fabled birthplace of the God Zeus. The walk uphill was quite challenging and for those who preferred not to go up there, there were some quiet shady tavernas in the village below. At the top we then descended 240 steps into this beautiful cool cavern. Now for lunch! We all enjoyed this on a terrace in a taverna in a little Greek mountain village. What fun! Mid to late afternoon we arrived back into Heraklion and our late afternoon and evening was free. Some walked into the lively old town, and some down to the waterside restaurants and bars opposite our hotel.

Cradles of civilisation Turkey and Greece now live on our website for 2025 – albatrosstours.com

14/06/2024

Cradles of Civilization Storyline - June 4 – June 7, 2024 – Greek islands - Crete

Imagine… 9 glorious days and nights island hopping through the idyllic Greek islands. What an adventure

Day 16 Minoan Knossos, pretty Agios Nickolaos
To the cradle of an ancient civilisation – we visited the Minoan city and Palace of Knossos. Dating back 3,000 years the ruins of this bronze age city are dominated by the Royal Palace which covers a massive 3 acres. Capital of the Minoan civilisation, it was also made famous by the Greek story of Theseus, a Prince from Athens and his battle with the monstrous Minotaur.
In around 1350 BC it was all destroyed, possibly from a tidal wave from the enormous earthquake that devastated Thira, Santorini, our next island visit. That is the traditional explanation however our local guide, Mirsini, said that more likely the ash fallout caused the slow collapse of the city and its economy and that about 30 years later the Mycenaeans invaded and torched the city. Either way the city was the Cradle of early Mediterranean civilization.
Later we drove down the coast to enjoy lunchtime relaxing in the pretty port of Agios Nikolaos. Back in Heraklion by late afternoon the rest of the day was free. Heraklion’s medieval old town was about 500 metres for our hotel and the central area is pedestrian free, and in the warm evening the atmosphere in the squares and back streets buzzed with diners and people promenading. Really delightful.

Brand-new Tour is now live on - albatrosstours.com website for 2025

14/06/2024

Cradles of Civilization Storyline - June 4– June 7, 2024 – Greek islands - Crete

Day 15: Flight to Heraklion in Crete
Today we flew to Heraklion in Crete where we stayed the next three nights. Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands and a crossroads of many civilisations. Crete is teaming with glorious beaches, impressive mountain villages where customs and traditions remain unchanged, and fertile valleys boast a rich gastronomic culture. On arrival we transferred to our excellent 5-star hotel, the Megaron, which is ideally located close to the centre, overlooking the old Venetian harbour. We stayed here for 3 nights. Dinner tonight was up on the 5th floor terrace of the hotel with enormous views down over the harbour and across the sea. The staff were brilliant, the food amazing and the wine flowed. Magnificent!

Now live on our website - albatrosstours.com

14/06/2024

Cradles of Civilization Storyline June 2-4 2024 – Greek islands - Rhodes

Day 13: To the Greek island of Rhodes
Imagine… 9 glorious days and nights island hopping through the idyllic Greek islands. What an adventure!

This tour is distinctly different… a unique tour where we now intentionally slipped into a much easier, more laid-back pace with two nights each on the fabulous islands of Rhodes, Santorini and Mykonos, and three nights on Crete. Using a combination of flights and inter-island ferries we will be introduced to so many of the classical sights as well as ample ‘My Time’ time to relax and savour the atmosphere of the white-washed villages, Greek tavernas and incredible sunsets.

Saying farewell to our Turkish guide Sinan we are handed over to our Greek Islands Tour Manager who will be with us all the way to Athens. And who is this Greek Tour Manager, I hear you ask? It is me, Euan, of course! Supported necessarily by Julie-anne. But since it has been well over 40 years since I visited these islands it would be daft of me to lead the way in any detail, so right across each of the islands we have employed local guides and experts who do actually know what they are talking about!

Early morning starts are rare with Albatross however in this part of our journey we need to abide by ferry and flight timetables. So, this morning we had an early start catching the morning ferry to Rhodes. It took an hour and the seas were placid, Poseidon was sleeping, and the crossing was incredibly smooth. On the transfer to our hotel we skirted the medieval city walls it was pretty obvious our stay in Rhodes would be very special. Our hotel, the Rhodes Plaza, was well located just a short walk from the old city. We couldn’t check into our rooms yet so, bags labelled and stowed, we met our local guide, Crystal (real name Kristala) and started our walking tour of the old city. First we walked down to the port and under a shady tree she started to tell us the story of the ancient port, the legend of the Colossus of Rhodes straddling the harbour. We then walked along the harbour front and through the moated walls, into the old city. As we walked through the gorgeous, tree shaded squares and stone paved streets, lined with cafes and colourful shops, we learned about the Knights of St John and their amazing defence against the siege of the Ottoman Empire.
After a break for lunch, we visited the castle of the Grand Master of the Knights before crossing the 3 sets of giant defensive walls and moats on our way, walking back to our hotel. On the way we stopped at an extravagant ice cream parlour where we were each treated to an amazing ice cream. The old city is not only fascinating but incredibly pretty. Now it was free time. Some chose to walk down to the beach, some to go shopping in this world heritage listed city treasure, whilst many chose to relax by the hotel pool before dinner.

Day 14: Picturesque Lindos, the Acropolis and ‘My Time’
Time to go and explore the island. After a leisurely start we followed the coast south to visit the picturesque, ancient village of Lindos, with its perfectly preserved medieval character, pebble-covered streets and whitewashed houses built overlooking the sea. Following a winding street, we followed Crystal up the stone pathway to the fort and striking Acropolis towering above the town. The views from up there down onto the town and over the crystal-clear sea were fabulous. Next we had ‘My Time’ to explore the maze of narrow, white washed streets filled with shops and roof top restaurants. Returning to Rhodes town mid-afternoon, the rest of our day was ‘My Time’, at leisure to do our own thing. Many re-visited the beautiful old walled town of Rhodes or again relaxed in the bar or had a swim

This tour is now live on our website for next year - Albatrosstours.com

10/06/2024

Take a sneak peak into one of our recent Italian Grande tours - courtesy of our wonderful Tour Guide Cristina Davanzo 🇮🇪

The Italian Grande is one of our most popular tours for a reason! Whether you are a seasoned traveller or you have never been to Europe, this tour is perfect for everyone 🤩

Spend 18 incredible days making remarkable memories that last a lifetime visiting interesting towns, discovering hilltop villages, visiting iconic Italian landmarks and shopping and sipping a spritz in beautiful city squares; all while being constantly surrounded by beautiful landscapes everywhere you go 😍

To see the full Italian Grande itinerary, see the link below 👇
https://www.albatrosstours.com.au/italian-grande-tour/

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07/06/2024

Thank you to our fantastic Tour Guide Darren Wheatley for sharing with us some photos from the recent Belgium and Holland Cobblestones and Windmills tour 🤩

Looks like a wonderful time with some of our amazing Albatross travellers experiencing 11 days of all the best these two countries have to offer 🥰

If you would like to find out more about this tour, take a look at the link below 👇
https://www.albatrosstours.com.au/belgium-and-holland-cobblestones-and-windmills-tour/

🇳🇱

05/06/2024

Albatross Mystery Tour - Cradles of Civilisation. Turkey & Greece.

Day 12: Dalyan River boat cruise, Lycian King Tombs and Istuzu Beach:
Some strayed behind in the hotel, enjoying a relaxing day by the pool and private beach. The majority enjoyed a wonderful day sailing up the Dalyan River on a very stylish cruise boat. In fact, we hired two of them, so we all enjoyed the excellent personal space and comfort. First off, we headed into the reed marshes of Lake Koycegiz. At one point, in a narrow channel lined with rushes, we stopped, let the engines idle quietly and listened to the amazing chorus of frogs, songbirds and Nightingales singing around us, whilst pretty blue Damselflies and Dragonflies buzzed around. Sublime!
Now we cruised in the other direction passing sheer cliff faces with the huge rock carvings of the Lycian Kings Tombs.
Reaching the Aegean Sea, we stopped for a refreshing swim at Istuzu Beach, an important breeding ground for Caretta Caretta sea turtles. A delicious barbeque lunch was then enjoyed on our boat. What a fabulous, relaxing day!

05/06/2024

Albatross Mystery Tour- Cradles of Civilisation. Turkey & Greece

Day 11: Bodrum and Marmaris:
Heading south we enjoyed lunchtime at leisure in the pretty seaside town of Bodrum, set beside the Aegean Sea. By law all the houses can only be whitewashed in the Turkish style, and it has an excellent pedestrian bazaar. The medieval fortress on the peninsula was built partly with stones from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, completed in the 4th century B.C. Here we enjoyed ‘My Time‘ to explore the shops, seaside cafes and bars of this pretty fishing port.
Later we continued to the little seaside resort town of Icmeler, near the town of Marmaris, located where the Mediterranean meets the Aegean, and one of Türkiye’s premier vacation resorts. The fully inclusive bar was well received after a busy touring day. We stayed here in the Elite World Marmaris, enjoying our last 2 nights in Türkiye. Icmeler is built around a sweeping natural bay and backed by rugged pine clad mountains.

05/06/2024

Our BRAND NEW Leisurely Switzerland - the Glacier Express and Cable Car Adventures is NOW ON SALE 🎉

Experience four astonishing train rides including the Glacier and Bernina Express, mountain peak lunches and horse and carriage rides around Alpine lakes. Visit bear sanctuaries and a pine forest red squirrel sanctuary, go on fantastic cable car and boat rides and enjoy ‘My Time’ with relaxing meadow walks. Not to mention, take the extraordinary Matterhorn Alpine crossing over the peaks and down to Italy for lunch! Why? Because you can! 🤩

The Albatross Tours Difference
- Enjoy a private boat cruise to world-famous Bellagio.
- Indulge in a 2 hour locally guided foodies and wine walking tour around Lugano where you can try all the best local treats on offer.
- Enjoy a relaxing horse and carriage ride around the lake and into the forest of St Moritz.
- Take a cliff clinging train up to the beautiful mountain village of Arosa where you will go sightseeing and be left in awe at the natural beauty of the surrounding scenery.
- Take a cable car up over the alps to Mt Titlis where you can enjoy the Skywalk, Glacier tunnels and huge views.
- Take cable cars high over the tips of the Alps and down into the chic ski resort of Breuil-Cervinia.
- Take in spectacular views on a lake cruise across wonderful Luzern.
- Travelling along the Valais, experience some of Switzerland's finest mountain scenery, en route to Zermatt on the famous Glacier Express.
- Ride in Panoramic carriages on the stunning Bernina Express to St Moritz.

This is the perfect tour for those who want to explore Europe in a more leisurely and less physically enduring way 🚂🚠

If you want to take it slow on your next summer holiday, get in quick! We would love to have you join us in 2025 ✈️☀
https://www.albatrosstours.com.au/leisurely-switzerland-the-glacier-express-and-cable-car-adventures/

04/06/2024

Albatross Mystery Tour - Cradles of Civilisation. Türkiye & Greece

Day 10: The wonder of Ephesus and lunch in Sirince

First off, we visited the House of the Virgin Mary, nestled high in the hills overlooking the city of Ephesus. This tiny 2 roomed house is where the Virgin Mary is believed to have lived and died. Next was the highlight of today, our visit to one of the ancient wonders of the world, the inspiring ruins of Ephesus. Rated one of the world’s best archaeological sites, we walked along the 2,000-year-old marble streets, visited the Temple of Hadrian and the famous Library of Celsus. Next we walked into the massive amphitheatre with seating to house 20,000 people. Climbing up the stone steps, the views down over the columns and marble roads of Ephesus was magical. The Greeks built it with stone seats and a stage for artistic theatrical performances. The Romans took over, lined it all with marble, built a wall to enclose the stage and held massive gladiatorial contests. Artistic theatre V glory in slaughter - what a difference between two ancient cultures!
Later we wound our way up into the hills, through fields of olive trees and vineyards, to the Greco Ottoman Mountain village of Sirince. We enjoyed an included lunch with a tasting of fruit-based wines (not everyone’s cup of tea’) before some free time to wander through the pretty lanes and cobbled stoned streets line with shops and cafes.
Back in Izmir our evening was free. Some chose quiet evening back in and around the hotel. Others walked down to the seaside and dined in one of the numerous restaurants that lined the massive pier the juts out into the harbour.

04/06/2024

Albatross Mystery Tour - Cradles of Civilisation- Türkiye & Greece

Day 9: Acropolis of Pergamum and the Asklepion:

Travelling south down the beautiful mountainous coastline of Türkiye our first stop was at the ancient Acropolis of Pergamum, famous for its wealth of archaeological ruins. This incredibly historic city sits high on a mountain overlooking the valley and new town far below. To get up there we all jumped in 6 person cable car cabins which whisked us up to the top. On the ride up we passed over the rubble of the outskirts of the old city. Pergamum dates back over 2,500 years. First it was a major city for the Greeks before being taken over 500 years later by the expanding Roman Empire. In its own right it is an incredibly interesting and impressive set of ruins, however the most wonderful aspect of this site was the absolute lack of the tourist hordes. We had the place virtually to ourselves. The Temple of Trajan, which dates back 1,800 years, soared high above and from there we took in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Below it was the ancient amphitheatre which once sat 16,000 people. With tiers of stone seats climbing the hillside this is also the steepest amphitheatre in the Greek or Roman Empires. Walking part way down the stone steps we then cut around to the Alter to Zeus, which once was the biggest sacrificial site in the whole of the Greek empire. The actual stone building now sits in the Pergamum Museum in Berlin, but what remains still stirs the imagination.
After lunch in the old town, far below, we then visited the Asklepion, the very first hospital its kind in the world. It was here that the emblem of medicine, being 2 snakes wrapped around a staff, was created. Another fascinating visit as we walked around the ancient hospital areas learning that this major hospitals of antiquity, over 2,500 years old, focused on healing and cleansing the mind as well as the body.
We continued to Izmir where we stayed in the Ontur Hotel for the next 2 nights.

02/06/2024

SUMMER 2025 IS NOW LIVE!! 🎉

Have you been dreaming of a European summer cruising the Italian lakes, strolling the golden beaches of Spain or Croatia or drinking wine in France? Or perhaps island hopping across the Aeolian Islands or Greece has been on your bucket list? 🚤🍷

With our Earlybird sale now on, now is the perfect time to book!

Save $350 per person per tour on all Europe and UK summer 2025 tours until July 31, 2024 ☀️🌴

And don't forget! We have 3 BRAND NEW tours now available 🤩

Contact our European Specialists today and let us help you book your dream summer tour 😍

Take a look at all available tours, dates and prices below 👇
https://www.albatrosstours.com.au/tours/european-summer/

01/06/2024

Still on the Albatross Mystery Tour … last full day in Turkey! Daylan river cruise… life can be so tough

31/05/2024

For many years, the favoured way to tour Europe was either on large group tours or by travelling solo 🧳

While both options are great, there has been an increase in desire to find a tour package that’s somewhere in between; giving you the option of that community group feel, but with a more personalised experience so that you have the flexibility to do some independent exploring. That’s where small group tours come in! 🤩

The benefits of a small group tour:
1. You don't feel (or become!) lost in the crowd
2. Your small group tour guide can share more of their knowledge
3. A chance to go ‘off the beaten path’ and go where the locals go - areas that typically can't be accessed by large groups
4. Travel with like-minded companions
5. A more personalised experience
6. More personal space and comfortable travel

The best part about this is, unlike on larger group tours with other European tour operators, our smaller group size means you are not bound to typical tourist traps - meaning you experience a more authentic, personal holiday 🥰

31/05/2024

Day 8: Çimenlik Castle and ancient Troy
Our day began with a visit to outside of town to the ancient city of Troy, site of the mythological battle Homer immortalized in The Iliad, which dates to 3,000 BC. Following raised wooden walkways along ancient city stone walls we stepped back in time through 7 distinct eras of the city. On the far side we stood looking down on the plain upon which the armies fought, Greeks against Trojans, and Sinan pointed to the spot where Achilles slew Hector. Up in the distant hills we could see the huge earthen mound which is the tomb of Achilles. Next we visited the award winning Troy Museum which houses a fascinating display of arms and armour, pottery, necklaces, jewellery, coins and stone statues.
Lunchtime was enjoyed at leisure back in Çanakkale. The sea shore promenade is really pretty with spectacular views back across the Dardanelles to the Gallipoli Peninsular. Later we walked though town to visit Çimenlik Castle - built to protect the Narrows of the Dardanelles by the Ottoman Sultan in 1462, and now home to a Turkish War Museum. Our afternoon and evening was at leisure in Çanakkale. Time to relax in one of the foreshore’s bars, and seek out a seafood or kebab restaurant for dinner. Mid evening the sun put on a spectacular show setting in a rich blue sky, across the sea and mountains.

Tomorrow…. Izmir and then on to Ephesus.

31/05/2024

ay 6: To the Gallipoli Peninsula
After flying back to Istanbul, we drove directly to the Gallipoli Peninsula where we then caught a ferry across the narrows of the Dardanelles to Çanakkale. (As a note, catching those flights to and from Cappadocia, saved us 4 days driving, 2 days drive in each direction). At the port, whilst waiting to board the ferry, we discovered an amazing wharf side museum display where they had re-created 2 lines of trenches barely 8 ½ metres apart. Utterly dramatic, with Turkish and ANZAC soldiers facing each other almost within spitting distance, it actually represented a real-life situation where death was inevitable, and you would last just minutes in the trenches. Tragic and astonishing, it was a soul-searching grounding for a memorablye and moving full day on the Gallipoli battlefields tomorrow.
We spent 3 nights in the Truva Hotel (Truva means Troy), beautifully located on the broad seaside promenade of Çanakkale town. On this promenade there are numerous cafes, bars and restaurants and also the giant wooden horse used in the epic film ‘Troy’.

Day 7: ANZAC cruise and our ‘Gallipoli Campaign’
Crossing the Dardanelles, we spent the full day on the Gallipoli Peninsula. Our first activity was rather special as we boarded a boat and cruised along the coast, to then stop, drift and reflect just metres from the shore at Ari Burnu – now called ANZAC Cove – with views much as the diggers would have seen at dawn over 100 years ago. From here we could see the full impact of the sheer cliffs, the ‘Sphinx’ rocky outcrop and the looming ridges where the Ottoman Army rained fire down on the ANZACs storming the beach head. Sinan, our guide, pointed out where the Ottomans posted their advance defences and how the ANZACs managed to evade their total destruction by digging in. What a way to grasp the full impact of the whole Campaign. Next, we boarded our coach to explore the key sites on this famous peninsula. As you enter this almost barren land, you can still sense the war and heartache that once dominated the landscape. We spent time walking though the Anzac Commemorative site, Anzac Cove and Beach Cemetery – resting place of one of Australia's most legendary soldiers, Private John Simpson. Following a stop in the
Kabatepe Museum we enjoyed lunch in the K*m Hotel, the only facility of this type on the whole peninsular.
Heading south towards Cape Helles on the remote tip of the Gallipoli Peninsula, we made a stop on a viewing platform at Alcitepe where we had panoramic views of the entire campaign lands with the Aegean Sea stretching far out to the islands. Next at the spectacular Turkish ‘Çanakkale Martyrs’ Memorial, which dramatically overlooks Morto Bay and across the mouth of the Straits of the Dardanelles, we all took part in the first of 3 wreath laying ceremonies. Creating a line we all passed the wreath from one to another before laying it to rest on the monument’s flagstones. Nearby, at the most south-westerly corner of Europe, we also visited the British Commonwealth’s main monument to the whole Gallipoli campaign – the Helles Memorial. All Australian & New Zealand units which fought on the peninsula between April and December 1915 are commemorated here.
All across the peninsula little patches of red poppies are scattered amongst the flowering wild grasses and bushes, waving in the breeze, and it was really pretty as we drove up into the hills to Lone Pine. Rows of grave plaques immaculately cared for by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, lay in testament to the boys that fought and fell here over a century ago. After time to reflect we laid a wreath in honour to the sound of the Last Post. Extremely moving. As a finale we continued up the high ground and the New Zealand Memorial of Chunuk Bair where we laid our 3rd wreath. It was a long but incredibly rewarding and moving day.

31/05/2024

Day 5: Kaymakli underground city, Turkish Carpets and the Goreme Open Air Museum
We enjoyed a full day touring the moon-like landscape of Cappadocia. The unique scenery of Goreme Valley (one of the oldest settlements of the region) with the rock chapels, carved by early Christians, is an unforgettable experience. First stop was a visit to the ‘underground city’ of Kaymakli. It is thought that the Hittites may have excavated the first few levels in the rock when they came under attack from the Phrygians around 1200 BC. These chambers were later expanded into an extensive troglodytic complex by Christians escaping the Arab invasions of the 7th and 8th centuries. Not for the claustrophobic, we entered a series of beautifully lit passageways and tunnels with interconnecting rooms and ‘houses’ either side. The city actually descends to 6 or so levels underground, however we only needed to visit about 3 levels to get a full appreciation of this amazing structure.
Later we stopped at a government sponsored Turkish Carpet outlet. Here we were treated to the whole process of hand weaving cotton, wool and silk carpets. Quite incredible how much time and effort is put in to these carpets with some masterpieces taking 2 people up to 2 years the create. Our carpet guide, Ozzie, who once lived in Australia, spoke perfect English, understood our humour, and really put on a show.
After lunch we drove through the ever-mesmerizing rock chimney landscape to also visit the Goreme Open Air Museum. Here we walked amongst some of the most dramatic of the rock chimneys, all carved with caves, and which was once a complete, hidden village. There were several rock churches, each with ancient frescoes. Fascinating. Last visit of the day was to the ‘Valley of the Pigeons’. Here we found hundreds of pigeons. This was where they used to breed pigeons, keeping them in small rock caves, and collecting their dung for fertilizer. Down the valley we had an excellent view of Uchisar Castle, one of Cappadocia’s most prominent landmarks, which is essentially a volcanic rock outcrop and riddled with interconnecting tunnels. What an amazing, fascinating day. Our evening was at leisure to discover our own Turkish restaurant, a short walk into town.

31/05/2024

Mystery Tour - Cradles of Civilisation – Cappadocia and Gallipoli

Day 4: Cappadocia, Avanos pottery and Ice cream
This morning we packed our bags and caught a flight to the heart of Türkiye, to Cappadocia.
On arrival into this ancient landscape, we first visited the Bronze Age ‘Pottery Village’ of Avanos where we were treated to a demonstration of making traditional pottery. Later we enjoyed an ice cream break down by the river, lined with weeping willows and filled with flocks of ducks.
Cappadocia is located south of Mount Erciyes, and is a region known for its curious volcanic landscape that has been relentlessly carved by nature and by the people who have lived here. This is the land of 'Fairy chimneys,' weathered cones and strange rock formations have been eroded and sculpted by wind and rain. Over many centuries people, seeking shelter from the conquerors and marauding armies of the Central Anatolian Plateau, settled here and burrowed whole subterranean towns. Cappadocia is a remarkable place!
Our hotel - the Dere Suites - was very special. Utilizing the ancient caves of the local rugged landscape it is a character Cave hotel. Rooms were scattered across stone terraces lined with flowers and cushioned benches, rising up a side of the hill. The exterior of each room and building is a stone brick type of structure but when you walk into your room it is actually a carved cave buried into the hillside. Beautifully furnished every cave room was completely different usually with a cushioned seating area and older style wooden furniture. What a memorable stay over 2 nights.
Dinner was in the hotel restaurant on the top terrace, and from here the views across the valley to the rock caves carved into the opposite hillside were excellent.

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Opening Hours

Monday	08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 16:00
Thursday	08:00 - 16:00
Friday	08:00 - 16:00

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+611300135015

Website

http://www.albatrosstours.com/

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Exciting news! 📣 As part of our coming Summer 2025 tours launch, Albatross will be releasing 3 NEW SUMMER TOURS 🤩 These new tours will be available for sale June 3 2024, so stay tuned! Where are you hoping the new tours will visit? Let us know! 👇 #albatrosstours #albatrossmemories #smallgrouptravel #escortedtours #europetour #europe #europeanphotography #travelinspo #remarkablemoments #travelbucketlist #travel #summer #summertime #summertrip #summertravel

It's International Dance Day! What better way to celebrate than to reminisce on our Flamenco dance classes in Seville, Spain on our 'Magnifico' Spain and Portugal tour 💃🕺 With a fantastic dance instructor to guide you and lots of support from fellow travellers, you will be flamenco dancing your way through the rest of the tour! 🤩 Want to know more about the fun experiences to be had on Albatross Tours 'Magnifico' Spain and Portugal tour? Join us for 18 glorious days on our last 2024 departure this June! 👇 https://www.albatrosstours.com.au/magnifico-spain-and-portugal-tour/ #albatrosstours #albatrossmemories #smallgrouptravel #escortedtours #europetour #europe #europeanphotography #travelinspo #remarkablemoments #travelbucketlist #travel #summer #summertime #summertrip #summertravel #spain #spain🇪🇸 #portugal #portugal🇵🇹 #flamenco #flamencodancer #dance #dancers #dancer

Tomorrow is your last day to vote for the 2023/24 Winter Wonderland Photo Competition! ❄📸 Don't miss out on voting for your favourite photo - Link below 👇 https://www.albatrosstours.com.au/photo-competition/ Voting ends midnight Friday. Best of luck to all of our fantastic finalists! #albatrosstours #albatrossmemories #smallgrouptravel #escortedtours #europetour #christmas2023 #christmastours #newyeartours #europetravel #christmasineurope #travelbucketlist #northernlights

Go on a journey through a hidden land of ancient Etruscan cities and spectacular perched medieval towns 😍 🇮🇪 Visit the Etruscan Necropolis and fascinating National Museum in Tarquinia and see inside the ancient hill top tombs 🇮🇪 Wander amongst the huge ‘monster sculptures’ of the beautiful Parco dei Mostri and the palatial terraced gardens of Villa Lante 🇮🇪 Relax with ‘My Time’ amongst Orvieto’s cobblestoned streets, cafes and shops, take a guided tour of the city, visit the beautifully painted cathedral and explore the age-old subterranean caves and catacombs 🇮🇪 Enjoy dinner in a mysterious Labyrinth restaurant, and explore the private, beautiful catacombs beneath 🇮🇪 Walk across a viaduct to explore the extraordinary, perched, medieval hill top town of Civita di Bagnoregio, visit the fascinating walled city of Pitigliano and walk along an ancient Etruscan ‘Via Cava’ – rock carved walkway 🇮🇪 Enjoy a guided walking tour of Perugia, including the ‘Rocca’, frescoed Collegio del Cambio, and visit the hilltop town of Cortona 🇮🇪 Drive through the rolling hills of the delightful heritage listed Val d’Orcia, spend ‘My Time’ in Montepulciano and that gem of a city, beautiful Pienza 🇮🇪 Dine on the terraces of a glorious farm estate with huge views down the Val d‘Orcia 🇮🇪 Visit Todi and see the remarkable waterfalls of Marmore Experience something so different - so absolutely delightful! 🤩 Last remaining seats available on our June, August and September 2024 departures - get in quick before they sell out! https://www.albatrosstours.com.au/hidden-italy-the-lands-of-the-etruscans-tour/ #albatrosstours #albatrossmemories #smallgrouptravel #escortedtours #europetour #europe #europeanphotography #travelinspo #remarkablemoments #travelbucketlist #travel #italy🇮🇹 #italianstyle #italia #italytrip #italytravel #italianfood #italy_vacations #summer #summertime #summertrip #summertravel

Heading to Europe this snowy season and have no idea what to pack? 🤔 If you’re travelling from the southern hemisphere in summertime to the northern side of the globe, it can be tricky to know just how cold the frost will be and how to properly prepare for it ❄ Luckily, Euan has put together the following tips to help ensure that you won’t be caught out in the cold on arrival! 🥶 #albatrosstours #albatrossmemories #smallgrouptravel #escortedtours #europetour #christmas20234 #christmastours #newyeartours #europetravel #christmasineurope #travelbucketlist

Inside the Trendelburg Castle next to the tower where Rapunzel was kept…Creaking floors, heavy wooden ceiling beams, suits of armour in the corner, and a gorgeous restaurant to eat in….. perfect for our clients on an Albatross Tour. Photos of that coming next.

Rapunzel’s Tower really exists! Only 800 years old! And attached to a very sensitively restored Castle fortress. Again based on a historical character, it’s wonderful to see how they have engaged the whole excitement of the Grimms fairytale by hanging her long blonde plait, complete with red bow, out of the tower! When we sent our grandkids this video, the little three year-old was beside herself and said she couldn’t wait for her to grow as long as Rapunzel’s.

Cinderellas Castle - yes folks, it really exists!Mind you this castle is more of a ruin, but standing here, imagining …. reading the story as I amble around the walls, is fascinating…. Especially to pick up each of these fairytale names as we travel the Fairytale Road and associate them with a specific location and childhood memory… or as my grandchildren remind me that they really truly do exist Poppy Mo… Usually there is some link to historical figure in the past.

Part 2…. Euan here, this place was so symbolic of arousing emotions of superiority, and the grand right to expand your nation into other countries. Ruthlessly, and regardless of other peoples feelings. The Nazis created a phenomena almost desensitising people to other nations, starting the enormous process, towards expansion in the east, extermination of the slaves and Jews, and gypsies and other people, and it all started with this joyous parades of farmers, national costumes, and the glory of Germany, rising again. Sone say we should destroy these places, because the past is insidious, but to me and others we only learn lessons from history. And the irony to me is what have we really learnt? When you look around the world right now, and the three largest nations all have people either in dictatorship and persecuting people or vying for that same position in flag waving ceremonies as in North America. It’s quite astonishing the sense of history this simple field generates. It is just a field, but you can see the design of the field simplicity creating the framework for a horrific period in history. An incredible visit.

Euan here… on the road in Germany with Julie-Anne - seeking new sights, new visits and boldly going where so many have been before! This is part 1 of 2 videos…see the next post. Just visited this place near Bodenwerder….Very moving place and interesting reading…Hitler “bathing in the crowd” … at Buckeburg… The Reich Harvest Thanksgiving Festival where in 1933 - 300,000 people attended but only 4 years later in 1937- 1 million people attended! The Nazi propaganda machine in full steam.

Meyer Werft indoor shipbuilding company in Papenburg, Germany. Amazing place..

Meyer Werft shipbuilding yard in Papenburg Germany…. Thanks Kathrin

What an amazing place. Meyer Werft - This is where they build the world’s biggest ocean cruise liners inside gigantic buildings. This is a vast, shipbuilding enterprise and what you see here is just one of the hangers, albeit the biggest, hanger 6. It’s big enough to house two monstrous, cruise liners under construction at the same time. Fascinating to see the cranes at work assembling the giant parts bit by bit. The ship you see almost completed before you is the Disney Treasure. The longest ship they have ever constructed was the Quantum of the Seas. That shows you how big these hangers are! When they float them out, they have to do it down the river which is only about a metre deeper than the actual boats and very narrow, so they have to pick high tides and manoeuvre them really really carefully. When they launch them there are thousands of people who come to watch, as it’s an amazing site with fireworks and festivities.

Albatross Tours understands the importance of having free time when travelling to relax and explore at your own pace 😌 This is why we have incorporated 'My Time' in all of our itineraries. Time to immerse yourself in each destination, perhaps to window shop, wander the streets of delightful towns and villages, or mingle with the locals at a café 🛍☕ We have designed our holidays with balanced itineraries to ensure adequate, well planned ‘free time’. That is the Albatross difference ❤️ #albatrosstours #albatrossmemories #smallgrouptravel #escortedtours #europetour #christmas2024 #christmastours #newyeartours #europetravel #christmasineurope #newyear #travelbucketlist

Orvieto is a highly underrated, stunning historic Etruscan village you won't want to skip past on your way through Italy! 🇮🇹 Full of ancient hidden treasures and traditional local beauty it is one of our favourite places for a reason 😍 - Visit restaurants where only small groups can go - Discover fascinating ancient Etruscan catacombs, statues and stones carvings - Enjoy wine in 1300 year old ancient abbeys - Tour the mesmerising Cathedral Stay a wonderful 3 nights in Orvieto on Albatross' captivating 10 day Hidden Italy, the Lands of the Etruscans tour https://www.albatrosstours.com.au/hidden-italy-the-lands-of-the-etruscans-tour/ #albatrosstours #albatrossmemories #smallgrouptravel #escortedtours #europetour #europe #europeanphotography #travelinspo #remarkablemoments #travelbucketlist #italy #italytrip #italytravel #italyiloveyou #orvieto #orvietocathedral

Experience 16 breath-taking days from Zurich to Milan on "An Alpine Adventure" tour with Albatross Tours. Explore the scenery of the French and Swiss Alps from the remarkable Aiguille du Midi, to the meadows of the Bernese Oberland, climb high into the mountains to the Jungfraujoch, see Zermatt and the mighty Matterhorn, ride across the breath-taking Alps on the Glacier Express and explore delightful Lake Garda. Hand selected experiences include: 🗻 Stay 3 nights in Chamonix under the shadow of the Mont Blanc massif 🗻 Experience two incredible mountain rides – a cable car to the top of the stunning Aiguille du Midi (3,842 metres high!) & the famous ‘Little Red Train’ up to Montenvers station! 🗻 Stay 3 nights in a superb spa hotel in Grindelwald 🗻 Enjoy a guided tour of Byron’s Château de Chillon in Montreux 🗻 Explore hilltop Gruyères, one of the great sights of Europe 🗻 Take the incredible funicular train up to the Jungfraujoch, explore the Ice Palace, look down on the massive Aletsch Glacier 🗻 Stay 2 nights in the stunning village of Zermatt with views of the mighty Matterhorn 🗻 See the thundering Trummelbach Falls inside a mountainside 🗻 Stay 2 nights in a chalet style hotel in the mountain resort of Klosters 🗻 Ride in panoramic carriages on the amazing Glacier Express passing over chasms and through the mighty Alps 🗻 Stay 4 nights beside stunning Lake Garda 🗻 Spend a day at leisure exploring the lakeside port and villages of Lake Garda 🗻 Enjoy a guided tour of Romeo and Juliet’s Verona 🗻 Enjoy a wine tasting and farewell lunch at the Redaelli de Zinis wine estate Join us on a thrilling Alpine Adventure! Delve into the full itinerary or speak to our knowledgeable experts through the link below 👇 https://www.albatrosstours.com.au/alpine-adventure-tour/ #albatrosstours #albatrossmemories #smallgrouptravel #escortedtours #europetour #europe #europeanphotography #travelinspo #remarkablemoments #travelbucketli

Join us on the 4th of August for our special event departure, including 'The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo' 📯 This year the show labelled Journeys, will transport guests on a cultural journey, uniting military heritage, Scottish tradition and an international cast 🤩 Performed by the British-Armed Forces, Commonwealth and international military bands, and artistic performance teams on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle in the capital of Scotland, this is truly a must-see event! Don't miss out on this special Best of British departure, and experience 17 fascinating days exploring the best Britain has to offer - see the full itinerary below 👇 https://www.albatrosstours.com.au/best-of-british-2024/ #albatrosstours #albatrossmemories #smallgrouptravel #escortedtours #europetour #Britain #England #Scotland #Ireland #Wales #edinburgh #theroyaledinburghmilitarytattoo

2024 European Christmas & New Year Tours are ON SALE NOW! 🤩 Picture yourself strolling through enchanting Christmas markets, sipping mulled wine, by open fires, exploring the breathtaking forests of the Austrian Tyrol, embarking on a cable car journey to a mountain peak, or discovering the charm of a picturesque European village 🎄 Our Festive Tours are meticulously crafted to revive the nostalgia, joy, and romance of the European Festive Season 💖 We urge you to not wait to long.... For most tours, there is just one departure, and since each one is unique and a smaller group, spaces are obviously limited! Choose your tour and make a booking on our website 👇 https://www.albatrosstours.com.au/tours/ Or give our European Tour Specialists a call on 1300 135 015 (NZ 0800 446 232) #albatrosstours #albatrossmemories #smallgrouptravel #escortedtours #europetour #christmas2024 #christmastours #newyeartours #europetravel #christmasineurope #newyear #travelbucketlist #europe

03SEP23 Sardinia & Corsica Cafe de la Poste Bonifacio Video

Merry Christmas from all at Albatross Tours! 🎄 We wish you a beautiful day full of love and good food and good company🥂 To all currently on our Festive Christmas tours, safe travels and enjoy a hopefully white Christmas ❄ #albatrosstours #albatrossmemories #smallgrouptravel #escortedtours #europetour #Christmas #christmas2023

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