What could be better than kicking back in a Roman villa, strolling through the woods and taking organic cooking classes? Answer: doing it all with a local guide and his adorable truffle-hunting dogs, as you walk winding trails...

Tortuguero is a coastal park of thicketed jungles, banana plantations and winding canals, stretching into the Caribbean sea. But it's most famous as a breeding ground for the green sea turtle. This adventure takes you along the winding canals, with plenty of time for hikes in lush surrounding jungles. You'll also get to visit a conservation centre and learn how the local community is protecting this precious reptile. But the trip's true showstopper is when you head to the beach with your local turtle ranger, to see the turtles in their natural habitat. It's strictly hands off, but it's also the kind of spine-tingling, life changing travel experience you'll remember forever.