Audley Travel expands its European programme with a focus on self-drive

Tailor-made travel specialist Audley Travel has expanded its European programme, with the addition of Sardinia, Norway’s fjords and the Western Peloponnese in Greece. Self-drive itineraries are a key focus for the expansion, allowing clients to explore in seclusion, keeping to their own schedule.

Sardinia, Italy

Audley has added Sardinia to its Italy programme, allowing clients to relax on the island’s sandy beaches as well as experience its more off the beaten track interior, gaining an in-depth understanding of the local culture.

In the south of the island, clients explore the southern beaches as well as taking a walking tour of the vibrant capital of Cagliari.

The island’s mountainous central region is home to the largest and best-preserved archaeological site on the island, Su Nuraxi di Barumini, where clients enjoy a private tour of the enigmatic Bronze Age structures of the Nuragic cultures. Audley’s specialists also recommend a visit to a local winery for a tour and wine tasting as well as shopping for artisan crafts in the town of Oliena.

In the north, clients can immerse themselves in the traditional Sardinian culture on a cheesemaking experience with local shepherds. The excursion includes a visit to a local farm to meet the sheep and goats and then see the cheese being made, with plenty of samples to taste. Moving to the waters of the Costa Smeralda and La Maddalena archipelago, clients enjoy a day on a private boat.

Audley recommends exploring Sardinia on a self-drive tour ‘Sardinia in-depth', with a nine-day trip costing from £3,600 per person (based on two sharing) and includes flights, car hire, accommodation and excursions. 01993 838960 / www.audleytravel.com/italy.

Fjords, Norway

Following the addition of Scandinavia to Audley’s programme earlier this year, the offering has been further developed with addition of Norway’s fjords.

Highlights in Lustrafjord include traditional experiences such as a mountain goat farm visit with the chance to learn about the local production of cheese and how to make traditional Norwegian flatbread. Active clients will enjoy hiking on Nigardsbreen Glacier and a cycling tour to visit Norway’s oldest stave church.

In Loen, an outdoor adventure focused small town at the head of Nordfjord, clients will explore Mount Hoven, descending by cable car, kayak on Nordfjord and hike in the mountains.

Geirangerfjord is an UNESCO-protected region, where clients will hike to a mountain farm and take a cruise on the fjord to see the Seven Sisters Waterfalls.

From Ålesund, a city on the west coast, clients take a trip to Runde Bird Island to see the widest variety of seabirds in Scandinavia, enjoy a wildlife sea safari and explore the city by electric bike and hiking.

Audley has developed self-drive itineraries to explore the fjords, as well as launching self-drive itineraries for the rest of its Norway programme with clients now able to explore Norwegian Scenic Routes including Atlantic Ocean Road, Trollstigen, Hardangervidda, Aurlandsfjellet and Sognefjellet.

A 12-day Family road trip through the fjords costs from £3,830 per person (based on four sharing). A six-day Ålesund & Geirangerfjord short break costs from £2,450 per person (based on two sharing). Prices include flights, accommodation, car hire and excursions. 01993 838765 / www.audleytravel.com/norway.

Western Peloponnese, Greece

Audley has extended its offering in Greece, launching trips to the Western Peloponnese — an ideal choice for clients wanting a lower cost way to experience Greek culture and the beaches away from the crowds.

Costa Navarino is on the west coast of the Peloponnese with long, sandy beaches and the choice of larger resorts or smaller boutique seafront properties.

Monemvasia is a unique Byzantine island fortress town where Audley recommends taking a walking tour of the old town, followed by a wine tasting experience.

Also not to be missed in the region are tours of the abandoned Byzantine city of Mystras and Ancient Messini.

A seven-night self-drive tour costs from £2,225 per person (based on two sharing) and includes three nights in Nafplio, two nights near Monemvasia and two nights at a beach resort on the Costa Navarino. The price includes flights, car hire, accommodation and excursions. 01993 838027 / www.audleytravel.com/Greece.