Eco Tours in Europe

Take a guided hike through the Czech countryside to the castle town of Karlstejn without getting lost on a tour that's ideal for lovers of trekking. En route, pass what's known as the Czech Grand Canyon and walk through the Bohemian Karst Protected Landscape Area. This is an active day out for reasonably fit travelers, as the hike covers nine miles (15 kilometers), and some sections are steep.

If you're a nature lover in The Algarve, Ria Formosa National Park should be at the top of your itinerary. During this 2-hour tour from Faro, you'll explore the natural landscape on a 'saveiro' (a traditional painted boat) while learning about the myriad of bird species that inhabit the area. With luck, you'll spot birds such as white storks, little egrets, spoonbills, and grey plover. This small-group tour is limited to 10 people to guarantee an intimate atmosphere.

Immerse yourself in the natural splendor of Ria Formosa Natural Park on a 90-minute catamaran cruise to Deserta Island from Faro. While you listen to informative commentary from your guide, you'll see fascinating flora and fauna and disembark at Deserta Island to stroll along the beautiful beach. Enjoy the flexibility of choosing your own departure time and opt to explore hiking trails and nature walks before you return to Faro by catamaran.

Visit some of Sao Miguel's most beautiful sites on this action-packed half-day tour. Save time organizing your own transport by having hotel pickup and drop-off included. You'll travel with a guide along the coast, stopping off at interesting sites en route, such as Santa Iris viewpoint, a tea factory, Pico do Ferro viewpoint, and Furnas Volcano and Hot Springs. You'll also get to see a natural kitchen where volcano heat is used to cook food.

For a unique, eco-friendly experience in Rome, glide down the ancient Tiber River on a 2-hour sightseeing boat tour. Escape the congested streets and see the Eternal City from a perspective that many visitors miss. Paddle along the gentle currents in a raft while you learn about the waterway's rich history from your guide and admire riverside monuments. No rafting experience is necessary - just bring your sense of adventure!

Zip around Tuscany's capital city, touring Florence aboard a convinent and eco-friendly electric gold cart. Explore the historic center of this 'cradle of Renaissance,' learning its many monumental sights and attractions through recorded commentary as you go. See such landmarks as the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, the open-air Porcellino Market and lovely Ponte alle Grazie, a bridge destroyed during WWII and later reconstructed. Take in the surrounding scenery while your driver navigates the roads. You'll also have an opportunity to visit Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale, Italy's largest library.