Croatia is on the fringe of the backpacker trail, but for those travellers willing to explore the previously war-torn Balkan countries the rewards are immense.

We have 2 great options for sea lovers - the 8 day Island Hopper which sails round the stunning Dalmatian Coast and the 8 Day One Way Sail which will see you spend a night in a secluded bay. Click below for full itinerary details

Whats it Like?

• Swim the seas of the pearly Adriatic
• Snorkel around uninhabited islands
• Kickback on deck whilst the ship's cook makes your lunch
• Investigate Dubrovnik from high above its towering city walls
• Re-live ancient times inside Split's Palace Walls
• Discover the most inviting waterfalls and pools in Croatia's many National Parks
• Party with Croatia's 'beautiful people'
• Play watersports during the day and savour beach BBQ's at night

• Croatian 8 Day One Way Sail
• Croatian 8 Day Island Hopper

Departs May - September

For more time on the islands, including a night in a secluded bay away from the main tourist spots, try our new One Way Sail pioneered by Eastern Trekker. Choose from Split to Dubrovnik or Dubrovnik to Split for maximum exposure to Croatian life and its people.

Swim in crystalline waters off Golden Cape beach or sip locally produced Posip wine at a small Korculan vineyard. Indulge in the freshest seafood you'll ever find on Brac and revel under the stars in a secluded bay - our One Way Sail has it all.

Trip Details

Departs May - October

The magnificent Dalmatian coast is dotted with 1,185 dazzling islands. Spend an unforgettable week sailing on a beautiful vintage ship. You'll only need a pair of shorts, a couple of t-shirts and a swim suit to laze around the pearly Adriatic Sea.

Relax and let the captain and his crew (especially the cook!) spoil you while you contemplate whether to swim, sunbathe or do a bit of sightseeing. Starting and finishing in the coastal town of Split, the cruise will take you along the southern Dalmation coast with stops in Makarska, Dubrovnik, Sipan, Mljet, Korcula and Hvar.

Trip Details

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You'll be stunned by the majesty and sheer longevity of the Pyramids, get swept up in the bustle of Cairo and feel urban living drop away as you sail up the Nile. There are no half measures here: trinkets sit proudly next to ancient tombs and you'll travel from dusty deserts to rich coastal resorts. Take in the history of Egypt with our expert Egyptologist guides but don't miss out on the contemporary scene with great bars, diving and quad biking all available.

The mighty Nile River is the longest in the world and you will discover it by luxury cruise boat. The Sinai desert is 96% uninhabited and is bordered to the east by the Red Sea: a diver’s paradise. In your free days in Dahab you can discover both.

Whats it Like?

• Marvel at some of the ancient wonder’s of the world
• Explore the desert on camel-back
• See Egypt from the Nile whilst chilling on a 5 star cruise-boat (3 nights Aswan-Luxor)
• Cross the Suez Canal
• Follow in Moses’ footsteps from St Catherine’s monastery to watch the sunrise from top of Mount Sinai
• Party, dive, snorkel and smoke sheeshas in Bedouin beach cafes in Dahab
• Meet the local Bedouin kids and challenge then to a game of backgammon – if you win we will buy you a beer!

• 11 Day One Way Egypt
• 4 Day Petra & Jordan

Departs April - October

You'll be stunned by the majesty and sheer longevity of the Pyramids, get swept up in the bustle of Cairo and feel urban living drop away as you sail up the Nile. There are no half measures here: trinkets sit proudly next to ancient tombs and you'll travel from dusty deserts to rich coastal resorts. Take in the history of Egypt with our expert Egyptologist guides but don't miss out on the contemporary scene with great bars, diving and quad biking all available.

The mighty Nile River is the longest in the world and you will discover it on board a traditional Felucca. The Sinai desert is 96% uninhabited and is bordered to the east by the Red Sea: a diver's paradise. In your free days in Dahab you can discover both.

Trip Details

Departs April - October

Recently named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this rock-carved ancient city is well worth the trip over the border to Jordan. After marveling at the wonder of the Rose City by horse you can explore the Wadi Run rocky desert by jeep safari with your guide - the perfect add-on to your 11 Day One Way Egypt Tour!

Trip Details

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Take off your watch and forget everything you know about timetables - from the moment you arrive in the country you're on Greek Time. Renowned for their relaxed outlook on the world, the Greeks live life with a passion that spreads to their food, drink, history and nightlife.

You'll never have the same experience twice on this trip - from partying in one of the hundreds of clubs to chilling out along the miles of beaches or discovering ancient ruins and natural wonders. The islands are full of surprises and whether it's decent or decadent you're after, our 4 Island Flexi-Hopper gives you a taste of it all.

Whats it Like?

• Grab a photo with Petros the Pelican on Mykonos
• Discover the ancient ruins of uninhabited Delos
• Explore an exticnt volcano and kick back on the black beaches of Santorini
• Dance until dawn on Paradise Beach, Mykonos
• Watch the sunset behind ancient windmills and white stone buildings
• Go Greek with plenty of feta, moussaka and ouzo

• 4 Island Hopping

Departs May - September

Greece is a land of contradictions. The Ancient meets the modern and the pious meets the party: our world famous 4 island Flexi-Hopper gives you a bit of everything.

The Cyclades are the jewels of the Greek Islands - stoic Greek Orthodox priests, philosophy and the Olympics makes way for togas, ouzo and dancing wildly on the beach. Be it decent or decadent our guides will show you the Greek Islands like no other.

Travel Options

Fixed Itinerary: A Busabout guide will escort each tour group around the Greek Islands, staying two nights on each island. If you have not advised us otherwise (at least two weeks prior to departure), we will assume that this is what you wish to do and will book your ferry tickets accordingly.

Flexible Tour: If you would like to stay longer on any or all of the islands, you can nominate your travel dates through the MyBusabout section of our website, up to two weeks before your departure from Athens. We have departures every two days starting in June and you can pre-select the dates you wish to travel, joining up with different Busabout groups along the way.

Note: Two weeks before you are due to depart Athens, all ferry tickets will be booked and ticketed. No further date changes will be possible.

Trip Details

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Visit Pompeii and marvel at the ancient civilization blanketed by a volcanic eruption almost 2000 years ago. Discover the uncompromising beauty of the Isle of Capri, a legendary haven for celebrities. Check out the incredible view from Anacapri at the top of the island or take a boat trip to see the spectacular Blue Grotto.

Explore the coastal villages of Ravello and Amalfi – labyrinths of coloured houses shaded by palm and lemon trees – home to bohemian artists and musicians. You’ll spend two fabulous nights in stunning Sorrento, nestled on the cliffs above the sea.

Whats it Like?

• Marvel at the ancient civilisation of Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius
• Rub shoulders with the stars on the glamorous Isle of Capri
• Check out lemons bigger than your head and the potent Limoncello that is made from them
• Wine and dine on the best pasta and Chianti
• Take a boat trip out to the unusual Blue Grotto sea caves
• Wander along the cliffs of Sorrento

• 3 Day Italian Adventure

Departs 30th May - Sept

Once the centre of the western world in the Roman era, Italy is now known for great food and wines, for art and architecture and for glamour and fashion. It's hard to not think of Italy without the image of pouting designer sunglass-clad Italians flying by on their Vaspa's.

Jump off the network or fly direct and be a part of it. Our 3 day tour can easily be squeezed into a long weekend with a day on either side for discovering Rome. You will spend two fabulous nights in Sorrento, nestled on the cliffs above the sea.

Trip Details

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It's just a short hop to North Africa to discover the mysteries of Morocco – let us take you off the beaten track for a true adventure. Travel by truck, camel and foot to discover this unique land: skylines of Minarets and haunting calls to prayer mixed in with the aromas of the spice markets.

Traditional woman shrouded in black, white washed buildings and Moorish architecture makes Morocco a photographer’s paradise….. And we haven’t even mentioned the desert yet. Three great adventure options await – choose the trip that suits your time and budget from the 8 Day Marrakech & Sahara, the 15 Day All Morocco or our 8 Day Morocco Winter Adventure.

Whats it Like?

• Bargain for carpets and handicrafts in the local souks (markets)
• Camp Berber-style under the stars, eat local food around a campfire
• Sand board on the dunes of the Sahara
• Sample the delicious spices of traditional tagines (local stew)
• Trek out into the desert on camels
• Party by the beach campfire

• 15 Day All Morocco
• 8 Day Marrakech & Sahara

Departs May - September

There is a certain enigma about Morocco, a country so full of contrasts and yet so relatively undiscovered. A country steeped in rich culture and traditions and yet at the same time very much in the 21st century. On this tour we will encounter nomadic life at its best.

You will receive the warmest of welcomes on arrival, before visiting ancient imperial cities and their teeming Medinas, experiencing the peace and tranquility of high mountain life, whether it be the Rif or High Atlas mountains. For you romantics out there what more could you ask for than sleeping under an enormous desert sky. From its exotic beaches and hospitable people to its awe-inspiring natural beauty, Morocco truly is a mystical place.

Trip Details

Departs May – December

Take a short hop to North Africa and discover the Mysteries of Morocco.

Skylines of minarets and aromas from the spice markets will captivate you. Bargain for carpets and handicrafts in the local souks. Trek through the mountains, ride a camel across the desert or spend a lazy day on the beach – Morocco has it all!

Trip Details

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Visit the fascinating, fortified town of Toledo. Once the capital of Spain and a famous medievil city known for its sword making. Onward through “Don Quixote country” to the student town of Granada where the Sierra Nevada mountains meet the plain. Marvel at the Moorish Castle, the Alhambra, the most visited monument in Spain and what some people consider to be one of the "wonders of the world."

Water plays an unusual role in the architecture of this palace built for the Arab Sultans that once ruled this region. Seville is a vibrant city that doesn’t really wake-up until the sun goes down. After dark the Andalucians really know how to enjoy their free time. Flamenco dancing is a Spanish art form that dates back 250 years, add a little Jerez(sherry) to the equation to help lessen your inhibitions. After a huge night out, it’s time to head to Córdoba a remarkable Roman settlement dating back 2000 years. By the 10th century Córdoba was one of the most important and wealthiest cities in Europe, trading Spanish wares with the rest of the world. With this new found wealth came a rumour that the streets of Córdoba were paved with gold.

Whats it Like?

• Marvel in the beauty and serenity of the Alhambra Palace
• Chow down an some delicious tapas - made better when you add Sangria
• Hiking or mountain biking in the Sierra Nevata
• Pamper yourself in a traditional Hamman (Arabian steam bath)
• Jerez = sherry = ole
• Be mesmerised by the art of Flamenco: guitar, singing and dance

• 7 Day Iberian Adventure
• 6 Day Learn Spanish & Surf
• 6 Day Surf San Sebastian

Departs June 22nd 08 - September 21st 08

GRANADA, JEREZ, SEVILLE, TARIFA, LAGOS, CORDOBA

Gorge yourself on tapas, witness emotive Flamenco in its spiritual home and drink jerez (sherry) at its birthplace. Venture further into Moorish influenced Tarifa and then over into Lagos with its great beaches and awesome night life.

Lose yourself in the cobbled streets of UNESCO-listed Toleda before journeying from the extremes of La Mancha's Tarifa battered plains to the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains. Drink mint tea at a local Teteria or meander through the Alhambra and the stunning Generallife gardens. Whatever you choose to do on our 7 Day Iberian Adventure, you'll leave with memories that won't soon be forgotten.

Trip Details

Departs May 5th & 26th, June 16th, September 8th & October 6th & 27th

This is the one trip which we all want to go on! We have jam-packed all the elements that you want out of a travel experience: Cultural learning, new language skills, full-on activity and the most amazing food and drink - all in six days. How does this sound: learn Spanish in the morning, learn to surf some of San Sebastian's awesome waves in the afternoon then have a different gastronomic delight each evening?

What’s Included:

• 8 hours Traveller's Spanish Language Course (2 hours per day)
• 6 hours Surf Lessons (1h. 1/2 per day)
• 4 dinners (see itinerary for different activities)
• 5 nights dorm-style accommodation with breakfast
• Board, wetsuit, insurance and class materials (boards & wetsuits can be hired for extra practice)
• farewell party

Now we are not saying you are going to be fluent by the end of this course but you should be able to get by on your next travels to a Spanish speaking country. Like most countries the best places are the out of the way non-touristy ones - exactly the ones which don’t speak much English. Spain and Latin America are fine examples of this. This course will equip you with Travellers Spanish: it will bring your phrase book to life and cover all the situations you will find yourself in as a traveler - asking for directions, accommodation, shopping, eating out, chatting to the locals about the weather and of course impressing the senors/senoritas at the end of the bar. Because we will be based in the Basque region in Spain we will also cover some of the more common Basque words and also spend a little time on regional pronunciation differences. Of course the best thing about this course is that you only need to step outside the classroom to start practicing!

Surfing:

San Sebastián possesses one of the most consistent and high-quality urban beaches. With excellent characteristics for learning to surf: long rides and different conditions within the same day, depending on the tides and the area of the beach where you choose to surf - ideal for any level surfer. The instructors all have years of experience and work with the best material available in the field of surf schools. The surfboards used in the courses are manufactured locally, which allows the instructors to choose from a wide range of shapes and sizes in order to correctly assign the proper board to each surfer according to their level, weight and height. We teach this “action” sport in a safe and comfortable way, offering a hot shower in proper facilities to warm you up after class if necessary.

Getting there:

You can hop off our Western Loop in San Sebastian or Ryanair flies into nearby Biarritz at the following time:Mondays: London Stanstead 12:15 - Biarritz 15:05 Saturdays: Biarritz 15:30 - London Stanstead 16:20
We can offer a transfer service connecting these flights to our accommodation on arrival and departure for €20 (please note a minimum of 3 is needed). For 1-2 people the transfer will cost €50. Check out www.ryanair.com for flights and let us know if you would like picked up and dropped off at Biarritz airport.

Departs May 5th & 26th, June 16th, September 8th & October 6th & 27th

This is the one trip which we all want to go on! We have jam-packed all the elements that you want out of a travel experience: Cultural learning, new language skills, full-on activity and the most amazing food and drink - all in six days. How does this sound: learn Spanish in the morning, learn to surf some of San Sebastian's awesome waves in the afternoon then have a different gastronomic delight each evening?

We are very excited about this trip! It has been a long time coming and this year we are piloting a brand new surfing adventure in San Sebastian. This trip is designed for beginner or intermediate surfers who are looking for awesome surf and an experience of one of Europes most addictive cultures: the Basque region of Spain. This trip will not only improve your level of surfing, the food, wine and cultural heritage of San Sebastian not to mention the beaches will make it a trip to remember.

What’s Included:

• 6 hours Surf Lessons (1h. 1/2 per day)
• 4 dinners (see itinerary for different activities)
• 5 nights dorm-style accommodation with breakfast
• board, wetsuit, insurance and class materials (boards & wetsuits can be hired for extra practice)
• farewell party

San Sebastián possesses one of the most consistent and high-quality urban beaches. With excellent characteristics for learning to surf: long rides and different conditions within the same day, depending on the tides and the area of the beach where we choose to surf.

The instructors all have years of experience and work with the best material available in the field of surf schools. The surfboards used in the courses are manufactured locally, which allows the instructors to choose from a wide range of shapes and sizes in order to correctly assign the proper board to each surfer according to their level, weight and height. We teach this action sport in a safe and comfortable way, offering a hot shower in proper facilities to warm you up after class if necessary.

Getting there:

Ryanair flies into nearby Biarritz at the following times:
Mondays: London Stanstead 12:15 - Biarritz 15:05
Saturdays: Biarritz 15:30 - London Stanstead 16:20

We can offer a transfer service connecting these flights to our accommodation on arrival and departure for €20 (please note a minimum of 3 is needed). For 1 -2 people the transfer will be €50. Check out www.ryanair.com for flights and let us know if you would like picked up and dropped off at Biarritz airport.

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Spain has some crazy festivals, but La Tomatina wins the award hands-down for the craziest and the messiest. On the last Wednesday in August each year, the inconsequential town of Buñol holds the world’s largest organised tomato fight. Buñol is located in the region known as the "Communidad de Valencia", 30 miles west of Spain's third largest city Valencia.

Check out our two trips which will show you La Tomatina festival in all it gooey-glory. Our guides are Tomatina experts and will make sure you get the best experience. Don't worry about the mess - the change of clothes that you can leave on the bus will be welcome after the hosing down after the tomato-fight.

• La Tomintina 3 Day Tour
• 1 Day Festival Trip

Departs 26th August

Spain has some crazy festivals, but La Tomatina wins the award hands-down for the craziest and the messiest. On the last Wednesday in August each year, the inconsequential town of Buñol holds the worlds largest organised tomato fight. Buñol is located in the region known as the "Communidad de Valencia", 30 miles west of Spain's third largest city Valencia.

What’s Included:

• Two night's quality accommodation in a 2 star hotel in central Valencia. Twin and triple share.
• Breakfasts
• Valencia orientation walk
• Comfortable air-conditioned return coach transfer to the tomato fight! With secure location to store your bag, and the opportunity to take a change of clothes! (No need to squeeze onto a crowded train & risk not getting a train ticket.)
• Busabout goggles! Essential to allow you to keep the red squishy stuff out of your eyes while dodging flying tomatoes!
• Guide’s pub crawl of Valencia's infamous nightlife!
• Optional excursion to America’s cup port
• Service of your Busabout Guide. They’ll get you geared up for the event with lots of tips, hint, and tactics, while giving you the historical background to the fiesta.

Departs 27th August

Imagine one small street less than a quarter mile long in a tiny Spanish town, packed with over 20 000 people prepared to spend a solid hour slogging each other with tomatoes. Sounds crazy? Sounds like La Tomatina!

What’s Included:

• Central pick-up/drop-off in Valencia near Plaza del Ayuntamiento, 2 mins from the Busabout coach network's drop-off point.
• Comfortable air-conditioned return coach transfer to the tomato fight! With secure location to store your bag, and the opportunity to take a change of clothes! (No need to squeeze onto a crowded train & risk not getting a train ticket.)
• Busabout goggles! Essential to allow you to keep the red squishy stuff out of your eyes while dodging flying tomatoes!
• Guide’s pub crawl of Valencia's infamous nightlife!
• Optional excursion to America’s cup port
• Service of your Busabout Guide. They’ll get you geared up for the event with lots of tips, hint, and tactics, while giving you the historical background to the fiesta.

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