Middle East Hiking Trips & Packages Tours & Trips

What travelers are saying

"Despite the rain, the private and guided Istanbul food tour was terrific, engaging and delicious. The best part of the tour was our guide Furkan, who was so knowledgeable, about food and history and just a nice guy who was fun to be with. It felt like spending a day with a good friend showing us around Istanbul. All the places he took us were great, and the food was the top quality. We sampled cheese, clotted cream, menemen, Turkish pepperoni, kokorec, stuffed mussels, and a huge variety of authentic Turkish cuisines and kunefe dessert. The tour was my highlight of 10 days trip in Turkey. I highly recommend booking this tour early in your stay so you can use your knowledge for the time you are in Istanbul."

What travelers are saying

"I booked a trip using travelstride with G Adventure, 2 days before my planned travel date, I got an email from Travelstride that there was an error in the price and I have to pay an extra 370$, otherwise I can get a refund. Because it was only 2 days from my planned travel date, I couldn't argue or change my plan and I had to pay the extra money. When I met the group I was surprised to know that what I originaly paid without the extra 370$ was already 400$ more that what others had paid for the same trip. In addition to that my room mate didn't maintain any hygiene standards in the room and didn't even respond to greeting. When I told G Adventure about it, they said that I need to communicate with him and open my heart and they can't do anything about it!!!! So please don't book with them and if you happen to book with them, then please ensure that you are paying half the advertised price."

What travelers are saying

"We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window."

What travelers are saying

"Until Covid clears, I would steer clear of Backroads. We were partially through their June 2020 Costa Rica tour when a guest tested Covid positive. She and her husband were isolated. The rest of the group were offered wimpy masks. Nobody was offered Covid testing daily and masks were not required of the guests or staff. The guides kept repeating "not in the CDC guidelines." Our group of six decided that the Backroads response was inadequate so returned home mid-excursion. The hotel and food was excellent, but the provided bikes were inadequate. The front derailleurs were poorly adjusted, and most of the riders had the chains come off during the first ride. Hikes or bike rides were conducted in downpours. Disappointed for charging such a premium price."

What travelers are saying

"We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window."

What travelers are saying

"My dream vacation had always been to go to Italy for a couple of weeks with my wife. I am Italian and yet even at my age I had never been. This past October we finally arrived in Tuscany. Let me say it was incredible in every way. We were fortunate to be acquainted with Kathy Dragon who founded and directs Whole Journeys, and independent travel company. After speaking extensively with her we decided to let her organize our entire trip including lodging, the food, wine, olive oil and don’t forget the chocolate. The only effort I made was to decide airline and pay the fare. My wife and I decided to spend a few nights in 3 locations in Tuscany. We really wanted to savor our time there and not be rushed around or be part of a group. First a few nights in a exquisite small village and then on to Siena and finally Florence. Whole Journeys organized private tours of two beautiful wineries and an olive oil farm; and we were treated to delicious authentic meals prepared by the owners and their families. We went to see one of the most recognized chocolatiers in Italy and saw chocolate made the old way and followed that to a famous terra cotta factory. For me it was like being home, so comfortable and engaging. Kathy is very connected and has an extensive network of people who love to guide and host her clients. Our lodging accommodations were very nice, clean and totally affordable. I have been in the hospitality business for over 20 years and have owned and operated luxury resorts and hotels, and it is this professional experience that leads me to say… I could not be more impressed with Whole Journeys and Kathy’s ability to organize and execute the many things that made this trip memorable."