Locally Guided Walks
No one knows their hometown like a local. Whether their roots run deep, they’ve married ‘into the family’, or they simply call the place home, locals hold the key to unlocking its hidden treasures. Our walking tours are not designed to simply scratch the surface; they aim to educate, inspire, and immerse you in the story of each site, its people, and their culture.
From unraveling the origins of how gladiators got their name, to delving into why the Moors used calligraphy as an art form, or uncovering how a duo of judges toppled the Sicilian mafia, our guides are passionate storytellers with a wealth of knowledge and a knack for making history come alive.
If you join us for a morning walking tour through the streets of Seville, Rome, or Dublin, your time with our guide will lay the foundation for an afternoon of independent exploration. Should you choose one of our full day, ‘Your Choice’ experiences you will find our walking tours, combined with visits to local sights, will encompass insider insights and off-the-beaten path experiences which make your day unique.
As we stroll through cobblestone lanes and bustling marketplaces, you will learn that a walking tour with a local isn’t about sightseeing; it’s about gaining a personal perspective and discovering the true essence of our destination. So, slip on your walking shoes and let us lead you on a journey like a local.
Here are some examples should you wish to walk with us.
The Amalfi coast and the lemon walk
The Amalfi, Sicily and Malta: The Godfather
Athens to Naples: Myths of the Mediterranean
A magnet for ‘privileged’ visitors the Amalfi coast is a modern-day mecca for the rich and famous. We search for signs of previous imperial guests and conquering entrepreneurs, both private and political, amongst the streets, alleys and sun-umbrellaed waterfronts of its colorful villages and shop fronted towns as we tour the Amalfi. Driving its coastal roads, we cannot help but wonder about its acres of steep terraced lemon groves. This much maligned fruit has for centuries been at the center of all things in towns like Ravello, Sorrento and Positano. We join a local expert as they tell the ‘sweet’ story of the lemon and its place in every Italians heart. Sipped as an aperitif, sales of Limoncello are second only to Campari in Italy. Our guide entertains us with mythical legends and tales of intrigue and of course our stroll through the lemon groves is rewarded with a tasting of Limoncello, making this the perfect Amalfi experience.
Classic Athens
This comprehensive tour combines a visit to the Acropolis with the city’s major landmarks. Begin with a view of the Greek parliament at Syntagma Square, once a royal residence, where the iconic Evzones still stand guard in traditional attire. Next, enjoy a brief photo stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, where athletes revived the ancient Olympic spirit.
Perched high above the city, the Acropolis is not only an architectural marvel, but also a symbol of the birthplace of democracy. This ancient citadel stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Greek culture and ideals, representing advancements in art, architecture and political thought that originated in Athens. Feel the essence of civic pride and religious devotion in ancient Greek society, at the city’s center for political and cultural life. The Parthenon exemplifies the height of classical Greek architecture, adorned with Doric columns and intricate sculptures. Built under the leadership of Pericles, the Parthenon symbolized the city’s wealth and power, with friezes and statues depicting various mythological scenes.
After touring the Acropolis, take a short walk to the Acropolis Museum. This modern museum houses over 3,000 artefacts from the Athenian Acropolis, offering unique insights into ancient Greek life and including an archaeological excavation beneath it. Rejoin the coach for a short drive to the hotel or take a stroll to the city’s popular Plaka precinct nearby. A series of streets and laneways filled with restaurants, cafes and shops, it is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat or shop for gifts to take home.
Wandering the medina of Marrakech
Madrid to Marrakech: An Atlantic Adventure
Canary Islands to Lisbon: The Sands of Time
Spain & Morocco: Moor than a Myth
After breakfast we meet our born-and-bred Moroccan guides whose passion for their homeland is infectious.
This morning, we explore the city’s main attractions including the Almohad wonders of the Koutoubia Mosque, the geometric zellij (mosaics) and intricate cedarwood of the former Koranic school Ben Youssef Medersa and one of Marrakech’s oldest surviving buildings – the mausoleum of Almoravid Koubba. We discover bustling souks, walk through a maze of laneways and covered markets bursting with energy, and stop by the Spice Square where everything from herbs, spices, snakeskins, and chameleons have been sold for centuries. No day in Marrakech is complete without a visit to fabled Djemâa el Fna Square. We immerse ourselves in the captivating energy of this mythical square, one of the world’s great spectacles, where for centuries locals have gathered to watch storytellers, magicians, and performers.