the Secrets of
Albania, Lesvos, Prespa & Rhodope.
Some are known to a select group of nature & culture lovers.
Some aren’t known at all.
We never rush our tours
there's time to take everything in.
Read How we design our Secrets tours below for more information.
Fund the work of PPNEA
Albania's oldest environmental society
Vultures, Illyrians & Romans
Home to the Illyrians and a stone's throw from Italy, the region sat on the crossroads of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds.
Magnificent settlements flourished, both on the coast amongst the golden jackal, and in the mountains where Egyptian vulture circle overhead.
Dates:
Postponed 2020
24 Apr - 1 May 2021
Or ask us about
Private & Custom-Made
Cost:
Days:
Group:
Walking:
from £1,645
8
4-6
Gentle
3 countries, 3 lakes, 1000s of species
The unknown Prespa and Ohrid lakes are shared by five ethnicities, four national parks & three countries:
Albania, Greece and North Macedonia.
Circle the lakes with us and explore Roman ruins and 10th century churches under the wings of 3,000 Dalmatian Pelicans.
Dates:
Postponed 2020
05 Jun - 13 Jun 2021
Or ask us about
Private & Custom-Made
Cost:
Days:
Group:
Walking:
from £1,695
9
4-7
Gentle
Island of birds, orchids & walks
A famous destination for lovers of birds, insects, geology and plants, Lesvos is also packed with ancient sanctuaries, castles, Byzantine monasteries and petrified forests.
Walk amidst woodlands and meadows, full of orchids and anemones, with the Aegean Sea never far away.
Cost:
Days:
Group:
Walking:
from £1,695
9
3-7
Gentle
Dates:
Ask us about
Private & Custom-Made
Bird & mammal ecology
Discover the Rhodope with our bird and mammal guide. Seek out the elusive capercaillie whilst learning about the diets and tracks of bear, jackal and other mammals in the forest.
Travelling by 4x4 with two guides, you'll stay in secluded forest cabins, meeting the loggers and shepherds who live here.
.
Cost:
Days:
Group:
Walking:
from £1,545
8
4-6
Fair
Dates:
Postponed 2020
26 Sep - 03 Oct 2021
Or ask us about
Private & Custom-Made
How we design our Secrets tours
Our Secrets tours showcase the spectrum of each place's natural and cultural history, via relaxed, guided walks with a local ecologist and a supporting cast of friends: beekeepers and archaeologists, shepherds and teachers, orchid enthusiasts and winemakers.
It’s the conversations with the locals that form many of our visitors’ fondest memories, and that’s aided by small groups of 4 to 7 people; there’ll always be time to properly chat with each other and the guides, whether on walks or at mealtimes.
And whilst the professional and various local guides are not experts in every species fluttering past, the slow pace of walks will allow time for a deep look at every animal, plant or mineral that crosses our paths.
Each day is packed full of new species, questions and experiences, ready for friendly conversation over good food in the evenings.
Mark Cocker 360°
Zagori & Prespa.
Each year we run two tours with the author and naturalist Mark Cocker.
Full details can be found on Mark's website,
but here's his own introduction, with the dates and links below:
"Several years ago I began a programme of private courses and holidays.
I call the whole programme '360 Degrees' because the aim is to take the broadest possible approach to looking at wildlife and nature.
Birds are always at the heart of our activities, but we also enjoy butterflies and spiders, flowers and fungi, reptiles and mammals; in short, all parts of nature.
Yet it is not only that we look at everything, we also explore their role in the cultural lives of the area.
The key is to take our time, to savour it all without regard for targets or species lists; and from this, hopefully, will flow the richest, most creative reponse to place and nature."
Prespa & Ohrid 360°
Albania, Greece & North Macedonia
Dates:
09 - 16 May 2021
Cost:
Days:
Group:
Walking:
from £1,395
8
6-10
Gentle
Zagori 360°
Northern Greece
Dates:
17 - 24 May 2021
Cost:
Days:
Group:
Walking:
from £1,395
8
6 -12
Gentle
Birds PLUS...
Well-known birding destinations,
at a relaxed pace
Our Birds PLUS tours revolve around short, gentle walks, where we marvel in the scenery, a variety of bird habitat and then enjoy what happens to fly by.
Naturally, the local, expert guides know where the highlight birds are, so the walks are carefully chosen, but the idea is to allow us plenty of time to ENJOY the birds, plus any other plant or animal that crosses our track. Time to take it all in.
What's the 'plus'?
Our guides would like to show you something of their home too. Maybe a visit to an unknown tomb or citadel, or to meet some of the guides’ friends for lunch along the way. But it complements the birding rather than distracts from it; you'll see something more of the place, but they won't take you indoors or well out of the way.
Whether it's a new bird, seaside taverns or Roman mosaics, each day will bring plenty of new species and experiences, ready for friendly conversation over good food in the evenings.
Wallcreepers, tombs & castles
Cost:
from £1,495
Days:
8
Group:
4-7
Walking:
Gentle
Dates:
Enquire for private tours
Spring migration in full force
Cost:
from £1,695
Days:
8
Group:
4-7
Walking:
Gentle
Dates:
Enquire for private tours
In a bear's footprint
Bears and wolves are all around us in the Balkans. Join us in any season to hike the mountains and look for their tracks.
8 days
COMING SOON
email us for updates -
History, Food & Drink
Prespa has a huge history;
full of monasteries, ancient ruins
and incredibly good food.
10 days
Hike the three Prespa Peaks
Three countries with three mountains.
Conquer them all, with some gentle walks
on days between.
8 days