Some of my favorite itineraries
Explore Provence, the Cote d’Azur, and Normandy in a relaxed bespoke itinerary planned for 2-4 people
Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela
Walk our favorite stretches of the Camino de Santiago, from the berets and pastures of the Basque Pyrenees to the golden plains of Castile and the ever-flowing waters of Galicia, this holiday is a beautiful sketch of northern Spain.
Each the landscape is completely different as we explore from the Alpine meadows to the vast plains of León and the forests of Galícia. As well as the physical highlights though, this walk also introduces you to the culinary and cultural delights of the Camino Francés.
Taormina, Etna, Naxos and Syracusa
Sicily’s Ionian Riviera, with its sparkling coastline, dramatic landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, offers a breathtaking escape steeped in history and natural beauty. Stretching from the bustling city of Catania to the picturesque town of Taormina, this region boasts views of the majestic Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, and the deep blue waters of the Ionian Sea. The area is dotted with charming fishing villages, ancient ruins, and opulent baroque architecture, all framed by lush lemon groves and vibrant Mediterranean flora. Visitors can stroll through Taormina’s ancient Greek theatre, perched on a cliffside with panoramic sea views, or explore the volcanic beaches of Aci Trezza, where myth and legend intertwine with the rocks of the Cyclops.
First Class Rail Trail
Exploring highlights of Switzerland including the cities of Zurich, Basel, Montreux, Gruyère, Grindelwald, Berne and Lucerne by first class rail. City guides and experiences along the way.
Alpe Adria Trail: Austria, Slovenia and Italy
Alpe Adria Trail was named among 7 best trails in the world by National Geographic Traveller. Trail starts at the foot of Austrian highest mountain Grossglockner at Pasterze glacier and ends in Italy on the Adriatic. It covers 460 miles and has 43 stages so we've chosen the highlights of this trail.
On this journey you will hike a circular route crossing 3 nations: Austria, Slovenia and Italy. You'll experience the unique feel of Austria, Italy and Slovenia through landscapes, architecture, people, music and its cuisine.
Family multi-activity
Enjoy a partially for fully guided, multi-activity family adventure
Sample of partially guided, self drive in Norther Portugal. This can also be done fully guided.
Highlights of famous pilgrimage Camino to Rome
This is a shortened version of the famous pilgrimage, Via Francigena, from Florence to Rome.
"The Via Francigena, the historic route from northern Europe leading to the Eternal City, Rome.
Discover the cities that the Francigena has brought prosperity and wealth: San Gimignano famous for its the towers, and breathtaking Siena nestled within the characteristic hills of Tuscany.
Sailing Croatia's Southern Dalmatian Coast
Sample 1 week sailing adventure on a private Catamaran with Captain and Chef through Southern Dalmatia. Actual itinerary would be based on interests of guests (remote islands vs more classic islands, private anchorage, activities etc).
This trip can be done island/hotel based as well and can be extended to two weeks incorporating Northern Dalmatia and/or the Istria peninsula .
Slovenia and Istria Cycling
Self-guided cycling (or multiport/multi-activity) trip in Slovenia and Istria. This can also be done fully guided
Tuscany
If you've never been to Italy and want a one-week deep local dive into the countryside and culture, plus private tours in Florence, Siena, and Rome, this is your trip. Everything is adaptable, this is a sample of a recent trip.
Women's Hike Slovenia (May 2022)
A circular hike in Triglav National Park and Julian Alps. This amazing hike is a combination of Juliana Trail, Soca trail and the would famous Alpe Adria trail.
Slovenia is recognized as the green heart of Europe. Lush forests cover almost 60% of its surface, and more than 10% of its rolling countryside is officially protected. It is conveniently located between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea. This rich in history, pocket size European country should be on the bucket list for all hikers, bike enthusiasts, nature lovers, foodies & wine connoisseurs. If you love celebrating heritage, craftsmanship and the art of fine wine, this trip is for you.
Private Family exploration of Egypt
Inn-to-Inn long distance hiking along the Rota Vicentina in Southwest Portugal
This route is an incredible journey over the wild and unspoiled Southwest Coast of Portugal. Great Coastal scenery, nature, authentic rural life and a very mild climate, pampered by over 300 days of sunshine per year, make this region an must do it destination for hike seekers and lovers of nature tourism. Best of Rota Vicentina is a long distance trail, mixing an inland route with coastal scenic trails. It’s a great experience where you will find authentic rural culture and a surprisingly wild coastline.
Hiking Slovenia's Alps in comfort
Sampling the best of Slovenia's hike including Triglav National Park, you'll enjoy full days of hikes followed by evenings in boutique properties.
Culture, Cuisine and History
Experience the Slovenia and Croatia on a private journey with an extension to Istanbul
A well thought out family safari and includes two highlights:
Ol Pejeta is the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa, and home to two of the world’s last remaining northern white rhinos. It is the only place in Kenya to see chimpanzees, in a sanctuary established to rehabilitate animals rescued from the black market.
Basecamp Masai Mara is as much a home as it is a travel destination. Guests become more than visitors, they become part of the Maasai community. Join us around the fireplace, for storytelling and stargazing. This camp is our own cradle of mankind, where our journey once began.
We have dozens of hiking, active foodie, and cultural guided and self-guided itineraries we'd love to share with you! Kathy's been to each location and can adapt to your interests.
Northern Portugal Douro Valley walk? Cycling through Sardinia? Hiking all or a portion of the Alpe Adria, Via Francigena, Juliana or Camino Trails?
Tasmania, Japan, Greenland, Georgia,
Our Journey
Kathy Dragon: Founder and Chief Curator
Sole owner and employee ;-)
I've spent almost three decades creating, curating and often leading small group tours for active travelers worldwide – along with wearing all the other hats involved in running such a business. From Bhutan to Belize, Croatia to Czech Republic, Patagonia to Provence, Kerala to Kilimanjaro, I’ve been there – often more than once – and have personally escorted more than 3,000 guests on life-changing adventures.
The trips I design allow for authentic experiences involving rich cultural connections. We generally stay at boutique properties, employ expert local guides, sample traditional cuisines, and engage in active excursions, all within a framework of responsible tourism. I believe why we travel, where we travel, what we do while we are there and when we return home, can effect positive change in the world.
Whole Journeys/Whole Foods Market
Kathy put aside The Dragon's Path and founded Whole Journeys in 2012 with Whole Foods Market. With the sale of WFM to Amazon.com, Whole Journeys returned to Kathy in 2016 and became an independent travel company again.
Testimonial:
John Mackey: Founder & CEO, Whole Foods Market
Dear Traveler,
For over 25 years I’ve personally been choosing to organize my hiking trips with travel companion and friend Kathy Dragon, Founder of Whole Journeys (formerly The Dragon's Path). I find her to be uniquely qualified to bring you cultural, active adventures that will fulfill your desire to integrate into global communities as a curious and energetic traveler. She finds the best guides and takes my friends and I to destinations we'd never thought about traveling to.
Kathy has developed and led my trips to Hawaii, Scotland, Peru, Portugal, Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, Italy (Tuscany, Cinque Terre, Sardinia, Dolomites, Via Francigena), Croatia, Turkey, France, Slovenia, Spain (Picos de Europa, Basque Country and Pyrenees) and Switzerland. On our short-list are Norway, Iceland, Greece and walking the Camino de Santiago and the Alpe-Adria long distance hikes.
Whole Journeys provides specialized, multi-day international and domestic trips for small groups as well as private itineraries for independent travelers and friends. These active adventures focus on truly engaging guests with local cultures in ‘through-the-back-door’ experiences. Regional cuisines and the culture of food are key components, as will face-to-face interactions with producers and artisans. Small groups offer the perfect balance between structure and flexibility, activity and rest, education, personal discovery, food and fun.
I wish you many great active foodie adventures with Kathy and Whole Journeys!
John Mackey