Why Go Home? Stay Longer with Tour Extensions

Explore More and Lower Your Carbon Footprint

Environmentally sustainable travel is all the rage in 2023—and it’s prompting travelers to get the most out of their transatlantic flights by staying longer and seeing more. At Country Walkers, our Trip Extensions are a great way to experience more for your vacation dollar while keeping your carbon footprint as low as possible. Plus, they’re fun! Here are ten incredible Trip Extensions you won’t want to miss.

Seaside Villages, Natural Wonders, and Cultural Discovery. Yes, please!

Greece: Athens, Delphi & Meteora Guided Tour: Discover Grecian whitewashed cliffside villages on a Post-Trip Extension to Santorini. This iconic Greek island was formed by the eruption of an ancient volcano which left behind a caldera, or volcanic crater. Explore Santorini’s magnificent caldera on a guided hike, complete with a lunch of local delicacies. During your three-night stay at the romantic four-star Santorini Palace Hotel, you have the perfect vantage point to explore the island’s wineries and breweries, the prehistoric settlement at Akrotiri (often referred to as the “Pompeii of the Aegean”) and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera. You might also choose to take an optional catamaran excursion around the island for a glimpse of the white, red, and black volcanic beaches – and a swim in the hot springs.

New Zealand: The South Island Guided Tour: Explore the “adventure capital of the world” in this Pre-Trip Extension to Queenstown. Nestled in the heart of the Remarkables mountain range near the shores of Lake Wakatipu, your delightful hotel is the perfect jumping-off point for experiencing all the outdoor adventures this region has to offer—including bungee jumping, kayaking, hiking, and even taking a dip in one of the area’s hot pools

Norway: Bergen & the Fjords Guided Tour: A Pre-Trip extension to Oslo gives you time to explore Norway’s “green” capital city before the start of your walking adventure. With its many car-free streets, stretch your legs after traveling by walking to the Royal Palace—the historic home of Norwegian royalty, or perhaps catch a performance at the Oslo Opera House. After your guided walking vacation, a Bergen Post-Trip Extension is the perfect way to wrap up your Norwegian discoveries. Here, you’ll find open markets full of fresh seafood, rows of colorful wooden houses lining the bustling quay, and fascinating museums full of Norwegian history and culture. From inspired local street art to the stunning spires of the Fantoft Stave Church, there’s so much to see in Bergen—you won’t want to miss a thing!

England: Bath and the Cotswolds Guided Tour: Walk in the footsteps of the Bard during this remarkable Pre-Trip Extension to Stratford-Upon-Avon. From your centrally-located hotel, you can stroll to Shakespeare’s birthplace—and even see a play at the Royal Shakespeare Company’s theatre right across the street. After your walking adventure, a Post-Trip Extension to Oxford is the perfect way to experience the City of Dreaming Spires.

Until You’ve Been There, You Haven’t Truly Lived

France: Normandy & Brittany Guided Tour: Experience the colors and cuisine of the City of Lights in this Post-Trip Extension to Paris. From the Eiffel Tower to the Musée du Louvre, the Jardin de Tuileries and the Palace at Versailles, this city is packed full of not-to-be-missed attractions. In the evenings, discover the famous cafés of the Boulevard Saint Germain des Prés—or travel to Boulevard du Montparnasse to experience the Art-Deco ambiance that attracted artists and writers such as Sartre and Picasso. These are memories you’ll keep for a lifetime!

Spain: Balearic Islands, Mallorca & Deia Guided Tour: Mallorca’s capital city of Palma is a not-to-be missed destination! On this delightful Pre-Trip Extension to Palma, your 5-star hotel places you right in the heart of Palma’s historic district—the perfect spot from which to explore the delightful boutiques, restaurants, and coffee shops that line the city’s waterfront. After your walking adventure, an included flight brings you to Barcelona for a juicy Post-Trip Extension. Dating back to Roman times, this ancient city took on a vibrant modernist aspect in the 20^th century with stunning architectural designs from masters such as Antoni Gaudi. Be sure to stop by Gaudi’s incredible cathedral, Sagrada Família, and see the tower of the Virgin Mary which was completed in 2021 and altered Barcelona’s skyline.

Lithuania & Latvia: Vilnius to Riga Guided Tour: If walled medieval cities make your heart beat faster, you simply cannot miss out on two of Europe’s most well-preserved examples. Start your walking adventure with a Pre-Trip Extension to Vilnius—an ancient city with a vibrant artistic life. Visit the famous Gates of Dawn, check out the independent artist’s colony at Užupis, or relax in a café and enjoy the music from local street performers. After your walking adventure, a delightful Post-Trip Extension to neighboring Estonia shows you another side of the Baltics. In Estonia’s capital city of Tallinn, you might explore the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, discover the wealth of fine art in the Kadriorg Art Museum, or see a reconstruction of Baltic ancient life at the Estonian Open Air Museum.

Italy: Tuscany & Umbria Guided Tour: Discover an ancient city full of history and romance in this Post-Trip Extension to Rome. Marvel at the ancient Roman ruins in the Forum or while away a sunlit afternoon people-watching on the Spanish Steps. Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain or prowl the ancient halls of the colosseum where Roman gladiators battled wild animals for survival. You might also choose to join an optional guided city tour—or reserve a spot to visit the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel.

Scotland: The Highlands Guided Tour: Start your Scotland exploration on the right foot with a delightful Pre-Trip Extension to Glasgow—where you may explore the stunning Glasgow Cathedral, stroll through the delightful botanic gardens, and perhaps take in a performance at the Scottish Ballet. After your walking adventure in the Highlands, you simply cannot pass up a Post-Trip Extension to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh—where you may choose to explore its famous castle, discover the remarkable subterranean warren of Mary King’s Close, or even take a masterclass in Scotland’s favorite libation at the Scotch Whiskey Experience.

Portugal: Minho & the Douro Valley Guided Tour: A Pre-Trip Extension to Porto is the perfect way to start your Portugal adventure—mixing in visits to historical sites such as the Bolsa Palace and the impressive Porto Cathedral along with modern touches such as the Parque de Serralves or the Casa da Música. After your Portugal walking adventure, you simply can’t miss out on Post-Trip Extension to Lisbon—the perfect way to catch up on Portuguese history with visits to the 15^th century Jeronimos Monastery, the ancient battlements of St. George’s Castle, or the National Gallery. In the evenings, enjoy Lisbon’s vibrant nightlife—and have fun dancing the night away with the locals.