Morbi in sem quis dui placerat ornare. Pellentesque odio nisi, euismod in, pharetra a, ultricies in, diam. Sed arcu. Cras consequat.

Praesent dapibus, neque id cursus faucibus, tortor neque egestas auguae, eu vulputate magna eros eu erat. Aliquam erat volutpat. Nam dui mi, tincidunt quis, accumsan porttitor, facilisis luctus, metus.

Yugen Earthside connects mindful travelers to responsible package trips around the world. CARBON REMOVALS INCLUDED WITH EACH BOOKING!

Connecting mindful travelers to responsible experiences around the world.

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

We proudly partner with wanderwell, a B-Corp-certified travel insurance agency and 1% for the Planet member.

Request a FREE quote for Trip Protection or Travel Medical coverage.

Discover self-guided, privately-guided, & small group tours around the world. Our sustainable adventures are customizable, and include carbon removals with each booking!

Trips | Yugen Earthside | Sustainable Adventures

Discover self-guided tours and choose your own departure date to enjoy autonomous sustainable adventures solo, with a partner, or a group of friends. Customization possible!

Self-Guided Tours | Yugen Earthside | Sustainable Adventures

Self-Guided Trips: Convenient + Autonomous

If you consider yourself an independent traveler, but you'd appreciate the convenience of having somebody else plan everything out for you... self-guided trips are the ticket!

A local expert handles all of the pre-departure planning, organization, and booking minutiae. You'll have complete autonomy during your trip, and while you won't have a third-party guide physically present, you will have trip support (in English!) just a phone call away.

This 'Dive & Stay' package in the Galapagos Islands is for beginners seeking scuba diving open water PADI certification. Carbon removals included!

[7 days] Scuba 'Dive & Stay' Certification Package - Galapagos Islands

This 'Dive & Stay' package in the Galapagos Islands is for beginners seeking scuba diving open water PADI certification.

When not visiting beautiful dive sites, you'll experience several iconic land-based excursions around the Galapagos Islands or have free time to relax, all while basing your stay in a cozy guest house nearby.

This Dive & Stay package is at a PADI 5-star dive resort on Santa Cruz Island. Airport transfers from Baltra and dive equipment are included!

1 scuba diving pool session and 4 open water scuba dives

Be on the lookout for: reef fish, sharks, turtles, sea lions, rays, barracudas, eels, invertebrates, and more

1 free day (relax or add on an additional excursion)

Dive sites depend on the day of the week.

Tuesday: Gordon Rocks (only for divers with 25+ dives)

Wednesday: North Mosquera / Seymour Channel

Saturday: Seymour Northeast / Seymour Channel

Sunday: Punta Carrion / Gordon Rocks (only for divers with 25+ dives)

Here is what to expect at each dive site:

Location: South of Santa Cruz Island, 3 possible dive sites: Punta Cormorant, Champion, and Enderby; it is 1 hour and a half away from our base.

Site Conditions: Depth of 18m. Normally the sites do not present strong currents. Reef dives where corals and sponges can be found.

Activity: Cleaning station, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, white tip reef sharks, red-lipped batfish, turtles, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, barracudas, and various invertebrates.

(Min. experience to participate: 25 logged dives or the previous evaluation of our dive guides at another site.)

Location: North of Santa Cruz Island, 2 dive sites located 30 minutes from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz Island).

Site Conditions: This rock formation is a world-renowned site. It is only for intermediate and advanced divers due to the strong currents and surges.

Activity: Hammerhead shark, cleaning station, Galapagos sharks, white tip reef shark, mobulas (devil rays), turtles, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, Galapagos eel, barracudas, and various invertebrates.

Location: North of Santa Cruz Island between North Seymour Island and Baltra Island. This is an islet that emerges from the sea (sand bar), one dive site located 25 minutes from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz island).

Site Conditions: Normally there are no strong currents and a sandy bottom around 10 meters with garden eels and pelagic species. North Mosquera presents a sandy rock area that connects with Seymour Channel, where reef fishes and sharks rest.

Activity: Hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, black tip reef sharks, white tip reef sharks, sea lions, turtles, barracudas, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, mobulas (devil rays), Galápagos eels, and various invertebrates.

Location: North of Santa Cruz Island, 2 dive sites located 25 minutes from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz Island).

Site Conditions: For all levels of divers, although sometimes there can be strong currents, platform reefs with a diversity of fish species, sandy bottom with a 10m reef where there are a lot of reef sharks, and a fish cleaning station.

Activity: Cleaning station, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, white/ black tip reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, mobulas (devil rays), turtles, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, Galapagos eel, barracudas, and various invertebrates.

Location: Located east of Santiago Island, a small Island with the famous Bartholomew pinnacle, dive sites are located 1.5 hours from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz Island).

Site Conditions: No strong currents to expect. A platform is found at approximately 10 meters of depth where a variety of reef fishes rest. On the edge of this platform, there are underwater cliffs that start at a depth of about 15 meters with good probabilities to observe pelagic species.

Activity: White tip reef sharks, reef fishes, barracudas, turtles, mantas, mobulas (devil rays), sting rays, and various invertebrates.

Location: North-east of Santiago island near Bartholomew island. Dive sites are located 1.5 hours from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz Island).

Site Conditions: Normally there are no strong currents at this site; this is partly a reef dive, partly a wall dive where the endemic black coral is found.

Activity: Cleaning station, sea horses, barracudas, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, white tip reef sharks, turtles, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, various invertebrates. At surface intervals, penguins can be observed.

Location: North of Santa Cruz Island between North Seymour Island and Baltra Island, this is an islet that emerges from the sea (sand bar), one dive site located 25 minutes from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz Island).

Site Conditions: There are no strong currents; a big reef of 5 meters with an inclination ravine of m with black coral and mollusks invertebrates; there is also a submarine rift from 18 meters with pelagic species.

Activity: Hammerhead sharks, black tip reef sharks, white tip reef sharks, sea lions, turtles, barracuda, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, mobulas (devil rays), Galápagos eels, and various invertebrates.

Location: North of Santa Cruz Island, an exposed rock, one dive site located 30 minutes from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz Island).

Site Conditions: Moderate currents, rocky and sandy bottom. Here we find a small cave (this is NOT a cave dive) where white-tip reef sharks rest. Additionally, there is a pinnacle where we can find a diversity of rays, Galápagos sharks, turtles, coral reef fishes, barracudas, black coral walls, and various invertebrates.

Activity: Cleaning station, barracudas, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, white tip reef sharks, turtles, reef fishes, mantas, sting rays, eagle rays, and various invertebrates.

Location: North of Santa Cruz Island, located 30 minutes from Itabaca Channel (North side of

Santa Cruz Island). Site Conditions: A bit more difficult in relation to Seymour Channel. Rocky bottom with small caves at 12m where you can find turtles or reef sharks resting; currents are possible (not too strong). The dive starts on the coast and then goes into the blue to watch bigger pelagics, at the end of the dive there is a platform where sea lions play with the flow, and a cleaning station.

Activity: Cleaning station, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, white tip reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, mobulas (devil rays), turtles, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, Galapagos eel, barracudas, and various invertebrates.

Site Conditions: For all levels of divers, although sometimes there can be strong currents, platform reefs with a diversity of fish species, sandy bottom with 10m reef where there a lot of reef sharks, and a fish cleaning station.

Location: Punta Carrion is located northeast of Santa Cruz Island.

Site conditions: Punta Carrión is a site with high ecological value due to the mangrove ecosystems that harbor an extensive variety of marine species and marine-coastal birds. This dive site offers ideal conditions for beginners and advanced divers as it has a protected area at the beginning of the dive with calm sea, and no currents at the sandy/rocky bottom full of marine life before reaching the gorge exposed to the currents. This outer side with its swell and currents ranging from moderate to strong offers favorable conditions for pelagic species.

Activity: The mangrove areas that offer protection to small fish allow this place to have a great variety of reef fish such as angelfish, butterfly fish, surgeonfish, grunts, snappers, damselfish, cod, scorpion fish, parrotfish, old Mexican, stonefish, hedgehog fish, trumpet fish, cornet fish, moray eels, tiger eels. Also, sea turtles can be spotted, as well as different species of rays such as skates, marbled rays, eagle rays, giltheads, mobulas (devil rays), and different species of sharks such as white tips, Galapagos sharks, hammerhead sharks, black tip sharks.

The climate of the Galapagos Islands is subtropical.

December to May: Warm season. Low 80°F/26°C – High 90°F/32°C, strong sun and rain alternately; warmer and calmer seas.

June to September: Cool season. Low 60°F/15°C – High 70°F/20°C, mornings are often misty; the drizzle ‘garua’ is common.

October to December: Dry season. Low 70°F/20°C – High 80°F/26°C, it's a good time to visit for mild weather conditions.

Below are specifics about the dive conditions:

January to June: 70°F/20°C – 80°F/26°C water temperature; southeast trade winds become weaker, and water coming from the Panama Basin brings warmer, calmer seas; sailing to any island/dive spot is easier.

July to December: 65°F/18°C – 75°F/23°C water temperature; the Humboldt Current typically brings choppy seas and strong surges making sailing times longer.

The Humboldt Current, like the upwelling of the Cromwell Deep Current off the Galapagos Islands, makes the waters quite cold for divers. Thermoclines even colder than 65°F/18°C are possible. We provide 5 or 7mm wetsuits and have accessories such as hoods. If you are not used to cold seas, or if you feel cold easily, please feel free to bring an extra base layer.

Snacks, lunches, & non-alcoholic beverages as mentioned in the itinerary

Transfers to/from Baltra Airport with an English-speaking guide

Either 1 pool session + 4 open water dives

Private, bilingual (EN/ES) divemaster guide

Carbon removals are included with your booking.

The dive company is locally-owned, and cooperates with the National Park and the Charles Darwin Research Station to support their projects to protect the islands.


The accommodation is a locally-owned guest house implementing the following sustainability measures:

Everything used in the bathroom is biodegradable: liquid soap, shampoo, and bamboo bags for garbage cans.

There is a big hot water heater (instead of an instantaneous water heater).

All garbage is thrown away according to the recycling rules.

Scuba 'Dive & Stay' Certification Package - Galapagos Islands

Discover the underwater treasures of the Red Sea in Egypt with this sustainable scuba "Dive & Stay" package based in Sharm el Sheikh. Carbon removals included!

[8 days] Sustainable Scuba 'Dive & Stay' Package - Egypt | Yugen Earthside

Discover the underwater treasures of the Red Sea in Egypt with this sustainable scuba "Dive & Stay" package based in Sharm el Sheikh.

Sharm el Sheikh is a city located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. It's renowned for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs, making it a popular destination for scuba diving enthusiasts from around the world.

Scuba diving in the Red Sea is suitable for divers of all levels looking to appreciate exceptional biodiversity in crystal-clear and warm water year-round. You'll see pristine coral reefs and vibrant marine life, and it's possible to access deep walls and wrecks. 

Enjoy 5 diving days with (2 boat dives per day, with a guide) and 1 free day

Immerse yourself amongst coral reefs and colorful tropical fish

Keep your eyes peeled for sharks, dolphins, and more

Stay in a boutique resort accommodation with a pool, onsite restaurant and cafe, and rooftop bar

The Red Sea enjoys warm water temperatures year-round, typically ranging from 72°F (22°C) in winter to 84°F (29°C) in summer. This comfortable water temperature makes diving possible throughout the year. 

October to May: This is the high season when water temperatures are more comfortable and marine life is abundant. Especially from December to April, the Red Sea sees the highest influx of tourists and divers.

June & September: These months are the shoulder seasons. Diving conditions will still be good and there are generally fewer tourists.

July & August: Though possible to dive, this is considered the off-season. Water temperatures can be uncomfortably warm, and there may be higher levels of plankton, reducing visibility.

We recommend diving during the shoulder seasons, if your schedule allows, to help combat overtourism and promote tourism dispersal.

7 nights' stay in a double or twin room at boutique resort accommodations

Premium breakfast (English, Egyptian, Healthy, or Vegan) each day

Full payment is due 60 days before your arrival day.

In case of cancellation more than 28 days prior to the arrival date, no cancellation fee will be applied.

In case of cancellation between 28 and 15 days prior to arrival date, a cancellation fee equivalent to 50% of the total booking value will be applied.

In case of cancellation between 14 and 8 days prior to arrival date, a cancellation fee equivalent to 75% of the total booking value will be applied.

In case of cancellation 7 days or less prior to arrival date, a cancellation fee equivalent to 100% of the total booking value will be applied.

In case of no-show, a no-show fee equivalent to 100% of the total booking value will be applied. 

SSI Scuba Skills Update: $150, equipment included

The following add-ons are not included in the trip price and must be paid locally onsite. Prices cover the duration of the trip.

We are a locally-owned, Egyptian company offering dive and stay packages emphasizing awareness, responsibility, and education. Our resort is Green Hotel Certified - an Egyptian eco-label that promotes sustainable tourism by recognizing accommodations committed to environmental and social responsibility practices. We are also the only Egyptian dive site with Green Fins Gold status due to our efforts to protect and conserve coral reefs and engage in sustainable scuba diving.

Environmental Initiatives
We upgraded to custom-built dive boats in 2013, primarily powered by solar panels, improving their environmental impact. The boats also have an energy-efficient fresh air inlet system, and an onboard septic tank which helps keep the sea clean!

It's a 5-minute walk to the marina from the resort, reducing the need for additional transportation once you are here.

We provide guests with a reusable water bottle and numbered cover so as to not lose track of it, and guests can refill the bottle from a chilled water cooler on the boat.

Solar panels cover our roof and provide energy and heating for the pool.

Double-glazed windows optimize air conditioning efficiency in each room.

In 2018, we said goodbye to single-use plastics. We have a "no plastic straw" policy, no longer have plastic wrappings in our breakfast boxes, and don't provide plastic bags for anything purchased.

In 2019, we became a Green Fins member for our efforts in promoting best practices in responsible marine tourism.

In 2022, our hotel and resort became a Green Star Hotel for our efforts in pioneering sustainable hospitality practices.

We are a locally-owned, Egyptian company running a small, boutique dive & stay experience.

Sociocultural Initiatives
We are a completely wheelchair-accessible dive resort. Our accommodation facilities, including rooms, restaurants, and bars, and our dive boats are fully equipped for accessible tourism and we have won first prize in a competition for accessible tourism in Egypt.

Divers are always accompanied by a guide. There will be a full briefing before every dive covering safety and features of interest. All dive boats and our dive center carry emergency equipment.

If you are certified as an open-water diver but have not dived in 1 or 2 years, we will have you do either a Check Dive or an SSI half-day skills refresher.

Sustainable Scuba 'Dive & Stay' Package - Egypt

A leisurely walking tour along Portugal's Costa Verde rewards you with Atlantic Coast views to your left, the Minho countryside to your right, & ample time to explore both.

[8 days] Walking Tour: Portugal's Costa Verde | Yugen Earthside

A leisurely walking tour along Portugal's Costa Verde rewards you with Atlantic Coast views to your left, the Minho countryside to your right, and ample time to explore both.

The northwest coast of Portugal is known as the Costa Verde, or Green Coast, thanks to the abundance of lush vegetation that backs onto it and the not-so-distant mountains of the Minho countryside. As you head north from Porto on this 8-day self-guided coastal walk, you’ll experience the ever-changing coastal landscape of wide sandy beaches, rocky coves, pebble beaches, pleasant seaside towns, and fishing villages. You’ll also have time to relax and spend time in the small historical city of Viana do Castelo, rich with culture and tradition. You'll end up in the charming town of Caminha at the very top of Portugal, just across the river from Spain.

Stunning views of the Costa Verde (Green Coast) and unspoiled beaches along boardwalks

Inland walks through pine forests and fields

Plenty of time to relax in small villages or swim at the beaches

Fresh wine, including vinho verde, and fresh seafood in fishing villages

Opportunities to bike, SUP, or kitesurf (additional cost)

While much of the route hugs the coast, you’ll head inland at times to walk through fields, forests, and villages to get a deeper insight into the lifestyle of rural Portuguese communities and small-scale farming practices.

With relatively short, leisurely walking days, you’ll have plenty of time and energy to explore the towns and villages you stay in and to take breaks en route for a swim or to spend time on the beach. Make the most of the ample opportunities to sample the freshest catch of the day and other delicious Portuguese fares from the Minho region.

As well as the fruits of the sea, this region of Northern Portugal is famous for its vinho verde, also known as green or young wine.  This is usually slightly effervescent and a little lighter in terms of alcohol level than a mature white wine, making a white vinho verde a very refreshing beverage in warmer months. The range of grapes and flavors in vinho verde is surprising so we recommend tasting several varieties to understand why it is the second most produced wine in Portugal after red wine.  

Like what you see but it is not quite a perfect fit?
Simply tell us what you’re looking for. We’ll happily adapt this itinerary to suit your personal interests, needs, and schedule to create your ideal trip.

You can book this itinerary from March 1st through October 31st each year.

The low season is from March 1st to April 30th & from September 16th to October 31st.

The high season is from May 1st to September 15th.

Spring, early summer, and fall are ideal for walking holidays in northern Portugal. Days are generally warm and sunny but can be chilly and possibly windy, especially on the coast. There is always a chance of experiencing some rain, so please come prepared for changeable conditions. May, June, and September tend to be warmer with less chance of rain.

July and August are usually the hottest months, with temperatures regularly exceeding 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit).

Traveling during the low season is generally considered a sustainable tourism practice as it helps with tourism dispersal – spreading out where tourists go and how their money supports locals throughout the year.

Transfer from Caminha to Porto city/airport at the end of the program

Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above

Detailed route notes & welcome kit with pre-departure information

App with trail information for use on a smartphone

7 Nights of accommodation with breakfast included

Private transfer from Porto hotel to Póvoa de Varzim on day 2

Luggage transfer between accommodations from days 2 to 7 (1 bag per person – maximum 15 kg/bag)

24/7 Emergency contact number (English-speaking)

A deposit of 30% is required to hold the reservation. The balance is due no later than 6 weeks prior to the arrival date. Clients may pay the full amount due all at once if they choose.

More than 30 days before the expected arrival date: no costs

From 29 to 15 days before the expected arrival date: we retain 50% of the total cost

Less than 14 days before the expected arrival date: we retain 100% of the total cost

Private transfer between Porto hotel and Porto airport: 45 € for up to 3 people, 75 € for 4-7 people

Private transfer from Caminha to Porto city/airport: 170 € for up to 3 people, 210 € for 4-7 people

Extra night at Porto Hotel (4-star hotel): 110 € pp in a shared double room, 175 € pp in a private single room

Price varies between high and low seasons.

Low Season: March - May & September 16th - October 31st

We firmly believe that travel should be a safe and rewarding experience for all concerned, including the destinations that you visit and the people you meet. This walking tour was crafted using extensive local knowledge and designed to respect both the way of life of local populations as well as the natural environment. 

Environmental Initiatives
We wanted to highlight the beautiful and diverse coastline north of Porto on this fascinating coastal trail that passes through historical towns, traditional villages, fishing communities, nature reserves, and delightful beaches and countryside. Along the 77 km of coastline that they traverse, clients will encounter a wide variety of biologically diverse natural habitats and sites of ecological interest. We took into consideration such local environmental issues when planning this route.

 Because much of the trail involves boardwalks that take guests alongside the ocean or across fragile ecosystems in the sand dunes, we use our welcome briefing to highlight the traveler’s code of conduct and emphasize the importance of sticking to the boardwalks in protected areas so as to respect and protect the exceptional quality of this natural and scenic heritage. We also provide refillable water bottles and encourage clients to drink excellent quality tap water instead of buying disposable bottles. There’s no need to buy disposable batteries either as we supply rechargeable batteries and a charger for our GPS devices on self-guided walks. In a further bid to reduce the need to print documents, our route information is now available as an App.

For luggage transfers between accommodations on this linear route, we use local taxis, thus keeping driving distances and carbon emissions to a minimum. 

The wine region has undergone a significant transformation in terms of sustainability thanks to the "Green Wine Sustainability Program". A certification labeling wineries as producers of environmentally friendly wine is granted to those that meet certain standards. Some of the key areas of focus for the program include reducing energy consumption, conserving water, minimizing the use of pesticides and other chemicals, and implementing recycling and waste reduction programs.


Sociocultural Initiatives
Among the most interesting experiences along this route are the fishing communities in small coastal villages such as Angeiras, Apúlia, Castelo de Neiva, and Vila Praia de Âncora. In these places full of colorfully painted boats and huts, clients can observe and engage with fishermen while they are mending nets, preparing bait, or getting their boats ready to go fishing. 

Of course, the best way to get the full flavor of the sea is to eat the catch of the day at one of the many specialty restaurants along the coast. At any of these eateries, clients are simultaneously contributing to the local economy and savoring the flavors alongside local people. If you like octopus, we have a great recommendation for you in Apúlia, i.e. Restaurante Paredão.

On Saturdays during the summer months, Praça da República is a riot of color and flavors as women dressed in the bright traditional costumes of the region sell local cakes. With a bit of luck, guests can experience one of the many festivities that take place throughout the year and bring an added dash of life and entertainment to the city.

Immerse yourself in the alluring Luberon National Park in Provence as you hike through picturesque villages, valleys, vineyards, & fields.

[8 days] Hiking in the Luberon National Park | Yugen Earthside

Immerse yourself in the alluring Luberon National Park in Provence as you hike through picturesque villages, valleys, vineyards, & fields. There are countless treasures to unveil in this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve!

The Luberon is a beloved region in the heart of Provence, world-famous for its natural beauty, charming towns, rolling vineyards, and expansive lavender fields.

Beginning in the town of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, with its antiques and Venice-like canals, your journey will take you through the mysterious springs of Fontaine de Vaucluse, famed villages such as Gordes and Bonnieux, the spectacular Aiguebrun river, and some of France's most beautiful walking paths to link it all together.

A combination of linear and circular walks helps you 'slow travel' through the Luberon, staying at most accommodations two nights in a row.

Take scenic hikes showcasing the ancient perched villages of Gordes and Bonnieux

Follow paths nestled in the heart of Luberon through fields dotted with old stone huts

Lose yourself amidst the captivating labyrinth of narrow streets in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

Roam the vibrant Senanque Abbey Lavender Market, surrounded by lavender fields

Traverse mountains and valleys, taking in scenic views of the Alps & the Mediterranean Sea

Uncover the architectural splendor of Romanesque and Renassaince buildings

A two-night stay at the unique and special Auberge des Seguins

With each turn in your path, the Luberon Mountains offer a new discovery. You'll visit 1000-year-old perched villages, rising spectacularly from the valleys below, many of which are considered the most beautiful in France. (The "Most Beautiful Villages of France" is an official accolade.)

You'll cross open fields laden with poppies and wildflowers, spot centuries-old stone huts that offer the most intimate of picnic spots, and wander beautiful trails far off the beaten track. 

We recommend starting your walking tour on a Saturday so you enjoy the 'Venice of Provence', Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, on Sunday. Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is renowned for its quintessential Sunday morning market, the Senanque Abbey surrounded by lavender fields, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse and the source of the Sorgue River, and the outstanding perched villages of Gordes and Bonnieux. Strolling through Isle-sur-la-Sorgue's vibrant farmers' market on Sunday will be the ideal place to buy fresh, local picnic supplies before heading out on your hike.

You can book this trip from March to mid-November.

The low season is from March 1st to 31st & from October 1st to November 15th.

The high season is from April 1st to June 26th & from August 27th to September 30th. 

The weather in the Luberon area is Mediterranean, with mild winters and warm to hot summers. The Luberon receives little precipitation and has moderate humidity, allowing pleasant conditions for outdoor activities.

March to May: Spring brings mild temperatures between 60°F and 70°F and vibrant landscapes adorned with blooming wildflowers. The trails are less crowded, providing a serene hiking experience. Note: Spring is usually too early for the lavender blooms! 

June to August: Summers will be hot and dry, potentially closing trails due to fire risk. This season is also crowded with tourists. We don't recommend this tour for most of these months.

September to November: Fall brings reprieve with more comfortable temperatures, and paints the landscapes with stunning fall colors.

To ensure both comfort and sustainability, we strongly recommend planning your trip for the spring or fall. This helps with tourism dispersal and the alleviation of congestion at peak times. You'll have a more pleasant experience, explore the natural beauty of the region at a more relaxed pace, and have a positive impact on the local communities and environment.

All dinners except at Auberge des Seguins

Transportation to/from Isle-sur-la-Sorgue on D1 & D8

7 nights double occupancy with private facilities

Taxi transfer from Isle-sur-la-Sorgue to Fontaine de Vaucluse (D2)

Taxi transfer from Buoux to Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (D8)

A full travel kit (welcome letter, vouchers, daily summary, luggage tags)

Road Book with detailed walking itineraries & integrated maps

Low Season: Mar. 1st - May 14th; Oct. 1st - Nov. 15th

Our tours offer a unique and eco-friendly way to explore a country on foot or by bike. We believe that tourism can positively impact society in several ways. Firstly, walking and cycling are pollution-free modes of transportation, allowing you to travel in an eco-responsible manner. Additionally, these activities promote physical fitness and provide a rejuvenating break from everyday routines and stress.

By traveling at a slower pace, you have the opportunity to fully enjoy the tours, meet people, and immerse yourself in local culture. We prioritize authentic experiences, introducing you to local accommodations, restaurants, artisans, and farmers. We strive to support sustainable development and responsible tourism by working with small, local, and family-run establishments.

Acknowledging that travel does generate CO2 emissions, we aim to reduce our carbon footprint and have partnered with Reforest'Action, a B Corp company. We calculate the average emissions produced by transportation on our trips and plant trees to offset these emissions. Each traveler's participation results in the planting of one tree, contributing to forest preservation and the development of carbon sinks. Additionally, your actions support the purchase of carbon credits associated with certified forest conservation projects. You can also extend your impact by purchasing and planting additional trees to reduce your carbon footprint in other areas.

Overall, our tours offer a fulfilling and sustainable travel experience, combining the exploration of beautiful landscapes, the appreciation of diverse cultures, and a commitment to environmental responsibility.

This trip was designed to discover must-sees but also off-the-beaten places such as the hidden Aiguebrun Valley and the converted goat's farm Auberge des Seguins. In this way, we promote tourism dispersal, which helps alleviate the negative impacts of mass tourism. We also try to minimize our impacts on the environment by choosing small hotels and guesthouses and using as less transfers as possible. 

We use small hotels & guesthouses, supporting local businesses and contributing to the local economy. The places you will visit take you off the beaten path. In this way, we distribute tourism income more evenly and support lesser-known communities. This diversification of tourism also stimulates economic growth, creates job opportunities, and encourages the development of sustainable tourism initiatives in previously overlooked areas.

A highlight of this tour is the two-night stay at the Auberge des Seguins: Hidden at the base of the Aiguebrun gorge, beside the only river in the mountain, and at the very end of the road, Les Seguins is both storybook scenic and peaceful. And with no television, Wi-Fi, or cell phone reception, we’re taken back in time, blissfully. All that’s left is watching the swifts dance atop the soaring limestone cliffs, or relaxing in a lounge chair in the open field, facing the centuries-old golden stone buildings. We’re taken back in time, too, by the restaurant and hotel signs, written not only in French but also in Provençal: a language that your three young hosts speak fluently. Dinner is family-style, with home-cooked Provençal specialties – like lamb shoulder braised with olive purée – served in a large casserole for the whole table, near the huge roaring fireplace. Breakfast is also “communal”: eaten on large farm tables, with no bells and whistles but with the freshest pieces of bread and tasty homemade jams. 

We’re in an age where the hotel and restaurant business moves farther toward all that is modern and sophistic-chic, towards sterile monotony, towards overly fancy restaurant concoctions unrecognizable by name and taste, and towards pamper-me-and-embrace-my-posterior service. The Auberge des Seguins is none of that, for better or worse. We think (we’re convinced) for the better. Some history: The name Seguins derives from the Waldensian (a reformed religious group) family of the same name that lived here centuries ago. The Waldensians were massacred in the 16th century throughout the Luberon mountains. The oldest buildings standing today were built in the 17th century, long after the Seguins had left. In 1850 the hamlet was shared by three farming families, and by 1960, when it was purchased by the Pessemesse family to build a hotel, the hamlet was run as a goat farm. The Pessemesse family still runs the Auberge today, by sisters Amélie and Estelle, and brother Simon.

Self-Guided

Self-Guided Trips: Convenient + Autonomous

Scuba 'Dive & Stay' Certification Package - Galapagos Islands

Sustainable Scuba 'Dive & Stay' Package - Egypt

Walking Tour: Portugal's Costa Verde

Hiking in the Luberon National Park

Scotland by Train

Hiking from the Hilltop Villages to the French Riviera

Hiking the Wine Trails of Provence

Walking Tour: Heart & Soul of Douro Valley

Walking Tour: Douro & the Côa Valley

Hiking in the Southern French Alps

Camino: Cycling the Portuguese Coastal Way

Cycling Tour: Alto Minho to Porto

Walking Tour: On the Other Side of Douro

Carpathian Mountains & Castles

Kenyan Coast for Ocean Lovers

Discovering Transylvania’s Heritage by Bike

Related Posts

Self-Guided Tours: What are they? Why book one?

Company

Fine Print

Newsletter