Tours Direct Ltd

19/06/2026

🌿 Fun Fact Friday: Costa Rica Edition #1 — The Land of Pura Vida

Did you know Costa Rica has a phrase that captures its entire way of life?
It’s “Pura Vida” — meaning pure life, but really, it’s about slowing down, appreciating the moment and embracing joy in the everyday.

🌺 Locals use it for everything: hello, goodbye, thank you, no worries, all good. It’s a mindset as much as a greeting.

🐒 And you’ll feel it everywhere; in the rainforest air, the wildlife calls, the warm smiles and the unhurried rhythm of life.

You can experience the true spirit of Pura Vida on our Costa Rica Adventure tour, exploring cloud forests, volcanoes, wildlife sanctuaries and vibrant local communities.

Spaces are limited, so now’s the perfect time to secure your place on this unforgettable journey through Costa Rica’s natural wonders.

𝐂𝐎𝐒𝐓𝐀 𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐀 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄
📅 𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒: 7 - 23 March, 2027
🗓️ 𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇: 17 Incredible Days

Don’t miss this incredible journey — Check out our website to learn more:
https://www.toursdirect.co.nz/products/costa-rica-adventure-2027

17/06/2026

✨🥾 Way of St James - The Camino 🥾✨

🗓️ Days 18 & 19: Farewell Santiago, Hello Madrid

The group began the day by farewelling Santiago and their wonderful local guide, Olivier, whose knowledge, humour, and patience had made the journey especially memorable. From there, they travelled on to Madrid, with a quick flight and easy transfer to the hotel before enjoying a relaxed restaurant lunch.

In the afternoon, the group set out to explore the city centre with their new local guide, Gema, who introduced them to the heart of the capital. The standout highlight was the magnificent Palacio Real de Madrid; grand, imposing, and the perfect way to begin their time in the city.

The following day took the group to Segovia, home to the remarkably preserved 2,000‑year‑old Roman Aqueduct. Their local guide led them through the charming old town and key sights, including the Alcazar, a castle so dramatic it has featured in numerous Hollywood films. Lunch was a memorable experience at Meson de Candido, where the famous tradition of cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig) was demonstrated, the tender meat cut with the blunt edge of a dinner plate!

The group returned to Madrid for final drinks together before beginning to go their separate ways.

Adios for now and Buen Camino to all. It’s been an unforgettable adventure! 👋🥾

17/06/2026

✨🥾 Way of St James - The Camino 🥾✨

🗓️ Day 17: A Day at the “End of the Earth”

Our wallking group enjoyed a memorable day out at Cape Finisterre, the legendary “end of the earth.” They began with a stop in Muros, wandering the pretty Atlantic port and marina, grabbing a coffee, and picking up supplies for a picnic lunch.

As they continued toward the cape, the group experienced their first (and only!) rain of the entire trip, just a light drizzle, before many chose to hop off the bus about 2 km from the point and walk the final stretch to the 0 km marker. Job done.

On the way back, they visited the quaint village of Ponte Maceira, where an ancient stone bridge and old watermills cross a dark, fast‑moving river.

The day ended with another excellent meal at the hotel and a fond farewell to one of the group, who was meeting her husband in Santiago the next day. He had walked all the way from St Jean‑Pied‑de‑Port to meet her there.

The afternoon was free to explore, and later, several of the group took part in the ancient Celtic ritual Colixuro da Queimada; a fiery mix of white spirits and spices, much of the alcohol burned off in the process. The result was delicious, a bit like mulled wine with a serious kick. A memorable way to end their time in Santiago.

15/06/2026

✨🥾 Way of St James - The Camino 🥾✨

🗓️ Days 15 & 16: Arriving in Santiago: A Pilgrim’s Finale

The group continued their journey from Ponferrada with a visit to the tiny hilltop hamlet of O Cebreiro, perched high above the valleys below. After coffee, a little souvenir shopping, and a wander through the stone lanes, they travelled on to Melide for a gentle 4 km walk to Boente; their final countryside stretch of the Camino.

From there, they headed to Monte do Gozo (“the Mountain of Joy”) for photos with the iconic pilgrim statues, currently fenced off ahead of a major music festival. Then it was through the Pilgrims’ Gate and into the ancient streets of Santiago, emerging at the magnificent Praza do Obradoiro, where thousands of pilgrims arrive each day. After celebrating the moment, the group checked into the beautiful Parador de Santiago for dinner and a well‑earned rest.

The next day began with the Pilgrims’ Mass at midday. Despite arriving early, seats were scarce, so the group found spots around the cathedral and waited for the service to begin. The botafumeiro was swung to great excitement, and afterwards they joined the long line to visit the crypt and the ossuary of St James the Great, the very heart of the Camino.

The afternoon was free to explore, and later, several travellers took part in the ancient Celtic ritual Colixuro da Queimada; a fiery mix of white spirits and spices, much of the alcohol burned off in the process. The result was delicious, a bit like mulled wine with a serious kick. A memorable way to end their time in Santiago.

15/06/2026

✨🥾 Way of St James - The Camino 🥾✨

🗓️ Days 13 & 14: From Burgos to Leon: Meaningful Moments on the Camino

Our walking group enjoyed two rich and memorable days on the Camino. The first began at Burgos University, where they visited the Pilgrims’ Cemetery beside the hermitage of San Amaro. Although the site was closed, Camino luck stepped in when Fr. Jesus Maria appeared, unlocked the gate, and offered a brief, heartfelt talk about the history of the place; a gentle and meaningful start to the morning. The walk then unfolded through wide‑open fields and along peaceful canals before the group settled into the elegant Parador de Leon for a well‑deserved night of comfort.

The following day opened with a relaxed city walk around Leon, taking in its grand squares and lively mix of students and pilgrims. From there, they travelled to Astorga to explore the ancient Roman walls, the cathedral, and Gaudí’s Episcopal Palace, a whimsical blend of fairytale and fortress. After lunch, and a taste of Astorga’s famous chocolate, the journey continued to the Cruz de Ferro, one of the Camino’s most symbolic places. Standing before the tall iron cross and its mound of stones, the group paused for reflection before finishing the day with a gentle walk into Ponferrada for dinner and rest.

10/06/2026

✨ Bookings Now Open for our Taste of Colombia 2027 Tour! ✨

Think colour. Think coffee. Think chocolate! 🌈☕🍫

Colombia is a feast for the senses. Explore vibrant cities, charming villages, the sparkling Caribbean Coast, and the rich flavours of world‑class coffee and chocolate.

Join us for a journey filled with culture, colour and unforgettable moments.

📅 Spaces are limited. Book now and don’t miss out on this unforgettable 2027 escape. 🌴✨

𝐓𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐌𝐁𝐈𝐀 𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐑
📅 𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒: 8 - 26 March, 2027
🗓️ 𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇: 19 Colourful Days

Don’t miss this incredible journey — Check out our website to learn more:
https://www.toursdirect.co.nz/products/taste-of-colombia-2027

Discover Colombia’s vibrant cities, Caribbean coast, rich coffee regions & diverse flavours, from regional cuisine to world‑class chocolate.

09/06/2026

✨🥾 Way of St James - The Camino 🥾✨

🗓️ Day 12: Slowing Down in Burgos

The group enjoyed a slower day, and many took the chance to visit the Cathedral, where the sheer scale of its treasures and beauty left a real impression. Even after days of remarkable sights, this one managed to stop everyone in their tracks.

Afterwards, they split off to explore at their own pace — some heading to the peaceful Carthusian Monastery, others choosing the Museum of Human Evolution for a fascinating look into the region’s deep history.

A gentle day, full of wonder, quiet moments, and the chance to follow individual curiosities along the Camino.

08/06/2026

✨🥾 Way of St James - The Camino 🥾✨

🗓️ Day 11: Picnics, Forest Trails, and Burgos Flavours

Our group of happy walkers enjoyed a gentle wander around town before heading to the local markets, picking up fresh produce and treats for a picnic later in the day. From there, they set out on two different walks into San Juan de Ortega. Carolyn and Cath were the only two who took on the full 12 km, enjoying the quiet forest paths and peaceful stretches of countryside along the way.

After regrouping, the journey continued on to Burgos, where everyone settled in for a traditional meal; hearty, comforting, and the perfect way to end a day filled with walking, exploring, and simple Camino pleasures.

08/06/2026

✨🥾Way of St James - The Camino 🥾✨

🗓️ Days 9-10: From Pilgrims’ Gate to Pamplona Streets

The group arrived in St Jean‑Pied‑de‑Port, one of the most iconic starting points of the Camino. The town was alive with that unmistakable sense of beginnings; cobbled streets, old stone walls, and pilgrims from all over the world creating a buzz of excitement and anticipation. A photo stop at the Gate of St James, the historic Pilgrims’ Gate, marked a special moment as the journey truly began.

The day ended with a wonderful meal at a beautiful hotel, a chance for everyone to relax, enjoy good food, and soak up the atmosphere before crossing into Spain the following morning.

The next day brought a misty start in the Pyrenees, with low cloud clinging to the hills around Roncesvalles. As the group walked on, the mist slowly lifted to reveal soft green slopes and that familiar sense of Camino calm. By midday they were exploring Pamplona, wandering through the old streets to Hemingway’s favourite bar and feeling the lively energy building ahead of the San Fermin celebrations.

Later, the group drove up to Alto del Perdon, the Hill of Forgiveness, where the skies had cleared completely. A sweeping panorama stretched across the plains to the west, with wind turbines turning on the ridge and the metal pilgrim sculptures standing proudly against the sky; a perfect reminder of all who have walked this path before.

A day of contrasts: clouds and sunshine, quiet trails and lively cities, and another beautiful chapter on the Camino.

08/06/2026

✨🥾 Way of St James - The Camino 🥾✨

🗓️ Days 7-8: From Moissac Pathways to Auvillar Views

The group set off walking toward Moissac, winding their way through peaceful countryside and orchards glowing with early‑summer colour. The heat rose to 32º, but a soft breeze followed them along the path and kept everyone in good spirits. It turned into one of those slow, sun‑drenched days where the landscape did most of the talking.

Dinner was a highlight; a balmy evening by the riverside, good food, and a lovely sense of unwinding after a warm day on the trail. As the light softened, the group took a gentle stroll to the aqueduct where the canal crosses high above the Tarn River. Watching the water glide silently overhead felt like the perfect end to a long, beautiful day.

The next day began with a stunning panorama from Auvillar, the kind of view that made everyone pause just a little longer to take it in. After enjoying the scenery, the group continued their walk at an easy pace, winding through the countryside and soaking up the calm start to the day.

The afternoon brought free time, and the town square quickly became the place to settle in. Locals had gathered to watch the soccer finals, filling the square with cheers and that lively, communal energy only a big match can bring. It was a simple, joyful moment, a chance to sit back, people‑watch, and enjoy being part of local life for a while.