Responsible Excursions

With a cooperation network of 21 Destination Management Companies (DMC), the DERTOUR Group is there for its customers in the tourist destinations, with sustainability being an essential part of the shared corporate philosophy.

Excursions that meet generally recognized criteria for responsible tourism are awarded a light green heart-shaped leaf after a careful internal review.

This may involve a sustainable mode of transport, promoting cultural heritage in a special way, involving the local community in the creation of tourism value, visiting projects that benefit the environment or society, or simply offering particularly intensive experiences and insights with local people. The ‘engage people & planet’ program offers the opportunity to travel in a particularly conscious way.

Nature reserve „stone forest”, Bulgaria

The hiking tour will take you to the natural phenomenon of the ‘stone forest’. Up to 10 meters high, fantastic pillar-like formations stand on an area of several hectares and resemble a desert with picturesque stone formations. Each stone pillar is unique and many of them are linked to stories from local mythology. After the trail, we move on to the ‘magical spring’, a small spring that, like the stone forest, plays a role in local folk tales. Right next to the spring is a typical Bulgarian tavern, which is lovingly furnished and skillfully prepares the dishes from the region. We taste local products with a glass of wine and spring water.

City Tour Varna & Sea Garden, Bulgaria

Walking tour through the old town of Varna (pedestrian zone) and in the largest city park, the sea garden. A nice tour to discover Varna using the hop-on / hop-off double-decker bus.

Hike to the Aladja monastery, Bulgaria

Walking tour guided by professional hiking guide through the green and dense forest with a visit of Aladja monastery, a medieval cave monastery and museum at the end of the hiking trails.

Hands on chocolate, Dominican Republic

Engage in an immersive cultural experience and assist some enterprising women on this impactful day.
Board the transportation for a 40-minute ride from the port to the small community of Altamira. Here, you’ll discover “Chocal”, a tiny organic-chocolate factory run by a group of local women committed to earning an income while remaining close to their families.
You will have the opportunity to get involved with the cultivation of the cacao plant, preparing the organic soil and planting the cacao seeds in the local nursery. Then you will help produce and package the chocolate bars that are sold. Assist at several workstations to gain a broader experience.
At the completion of this rewarding day, bid good-bye to the friendly local women who appreciate your support.

Coral Experience, Dominican Republic

Guests get to know the importance of coastal-marine ecosystems, and their environmental and social impacts. Then they are taken outside of the protected bay area to snorkel at a reef where no restauration takes place so that they can later compare to the restaurated area. Also from that site, soft and hard corals are collected for the planting activity.
After that a Restoration activity of coral reef takes place on board:
The guest become a coral gardener, helping with planting and maintain coral domes and other structures.
Then a second snorkeling tour in the coral restoration area takes place. The planted corals are taken down to the reefs, and guest can appreciate the amazing difference to the first coral site. They learn how the species they conserve behave in their natural ecosystems.
Last but not least, the snorkeling tour to the underwater statue:
They visit the ATABEY marine statue and take a photo to remember.

The Taste of Corfu, Greece

Starting the day from the Historic Folklore Museum, we will get a taste of tradition and the natural habitat of the island.
Our next step will be at the Theotoky Estate, a domain of organic farming where pine trees, olive groves and vineyards are sustainably cultivated. We will get to know the process of making wine and olive oil, landmarks in greek culinary tradition.
The excursion will go on with tasting locally grown wine and olive oil, accompanied by freshly baked bread.
After our visit to the winery, we headed to the nearest village Vatos, where we visited Corfu Beekeeping Vassilakis. This prototype unit and pride of the island includes building facilities 350 square meters, mechanical equipment, chemistry, standardization technologies, produces honey, pollen, honeycomb, all products with organic product certification.

Funchal City Tour, Madeira

Discover Funchal: Farmers Market, Cable Car, Monte, Botanical Garden, Toboggan Ride, Embroidery Factory, and Wine Tasting

Start at Funchal’s lively Farmers Market to experience the hustle and bustle and shop for local specialties.
Ride the Cable Car from the Old Town to Monte for stunning city views. Explore Monte’s attractions like Monte Church, Monte Palace Tropical Garden, and the Municipal Park.
Visit the Madeira Botanical Garden, famous for its vast plant collection and panoramic views.
Enjoy a thrilling wicker toboggan ride, descending from the mountains to the bay in a traditional style.
Tour a local Embroidery Factory to see beautiful, nature-inspired Madeira embroidery.
Finish with a wine tasting at a Madeira Wine Cellar, sampling unique local wines.

Visit BiBo Park Ibiza, Spain

Discover the wonders of BiBo Park on this guided tour, where you can explore the incredible diversity of native plant species of the Pitiusas Islands. Witness extraordinary biotechnology exhibits that fuse botany and technology, including the world’s first plant piano.

Indulge in tasting edible plants and discover their unique flavors and properties. Savor the pure, refreshing Ibiza’s sky water NUBEA, captured from atmospheric humidity through an innovative system. Visit the IBIZALOE certified organic plantation, learn about aloe vera cultivation and its benefits, and enjoy a special tasting of this remarkable plant.

Enhance your excursion with an optional open astronomical observation, guided by our professional astronomers every Friday at 7:30 p.m. (subject to additional fee).  Join us for this unforgettable experience where nature, technology, and wellness come together. Book your tour today!

Hiking with Goats, Fuerteventura, Spain

Explore the hinterland. Enjoy a picnic in the open air with the animals. Relax in a setting of desert-like landscapes and the El Cardon mountains. Learn more about the tradition of goat herding while hiking in Fuerteventura. The leisurely walk with the goats will captivate you.

Volcanism in Lanzarote, Spain

Los Volcanes Nature Park and Timanfaya National Park showcase Lanzarote’s recent and historical volcanism. Visitors can explore lava flows, volcanic cones, craters, lava tunnels, and lakes, experiencing a well-preserved volcanic landscape due to the island’s arid climate. This visit offers insights into the planet’s ancient geological processes and the gradual rebirth of life on lava, resembling an open-air museum of volcanology.

Excursion Medina, Tunisia

Medina Premium offers an immersive excursion into Tunisia’s heritage while promoting sustainability and supporting local communities.
Start your journey in a heritage guest house which demonstrates eco-friendly practices and traditional architecture.
Learn to prepare Tunisia’s iconic harissa chili paste in a hands-on workshop using local ingredients.
Enjoy a shared meal with a local family, featuring seasonal, farm-to-table Tunisian flavors.
Participate in a Tunisian embroidery workshop, exploring intricate, generational craftsmanship.

Turtles of Manavgat, Türkiye

The day begins with pick-up from hotels and a 30 to 40-minute bus journey. Our first destination is the farmers’ market, where local women sell their fresh produce, contributing to their families’ income.
We then board a solar-powered boat for a one-hour river cruise to the river mouth. During the trip, there is an opportunity to swim in the river.
We then proceed to the DEKAFOK station, where we will have the opportunity to observe the indigenous Carreta Carreta turtles, as well as sea seals and sand lilies. The station is managed by Mrs Seher Akdağ and is supported by the DERTOUR Group Foundation. Here, we will gain valuable insights into the conservation efforts for these creatures.
We will have lunch on board the boat and enjoy nature before travelling on to the Taurus Mountains. Here, guests will gain insight into the sesame processing industry.
This unique excursion seamlessly intertwines nature, culture and tradition, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all participants.
A contribution from all bookings will be donated to DEKAFOK.