Does trekking through the Tatra Mountains in mainland Europe or exploring the ancient buildings of the Turkish coast and witnessing mystery of Mount Olympus sound appealing? How about following the tracks of some of South Africa’s most exotic creatures?
Walking from leading trekking operators offer a fascinating opportunity to visit some of the world’s most dramatic locations: places you simply wouldn’t see on a normal tour.
Whether you’re after a challenging long weekend hiking up North Africa’s highest mountain, Toubkal, or would prefer some light walking along the Amalfi Coast (stopping to take in the sights and authentic tastes of the Mediterranean), embarking on one of these exciting adventures allows you to see tourist hotspots in a whole new light. Dozens of carefully-crafted itineraries are available, giving you the chance to infuse relaxation with fine dining and exploration with learning.
Where could activity holidays in Europe take you?
Many of us will have visited a beach in continental Europe before. However, while it is undoubtedly pleasant to lounge around in the sunshine and take a dip in the sea, beach-based holidays are not renowned for resulting in the most captivating stories.
On a walking holiday, you could explore the striking glaciers that surround the Icelandic coast, and visit extravagant volcanic mountain ranges, such as the Kerlingarfjoll.
Many of these tours to Iceland will give you a free day to relax and rest your legs in Reykjavik. The experience of your guides means that there will be countless recommendations of where to visit on your free day in the capital; there’s far more to Iceland than serene summits and breath-taking vistas.It is, however, the natural world that most visitors to the island fall in love with – the varied landscapes, multicoloured peaks and hot springs that can be blissful on a dramatically-breezy day in the mountains.
Tell captivating stories of your time in the Amazon rainforest
No matter how detailed nature documentaries on television can be, technology never manages to fully capture the outstanding beauty of the Amazon rainforest, a place where plants and animals continue to be discovered; showing there’s still so much for us to learn about our amazing planet.
Experiencing the Amazon first hand is something that will live with you for the rest of your life. Breathe the rich, humid air, listen to the buzzing insects and flamboyant animal calls, and feel the water gently dripping from the canopy above as you delve deeper into the foliage.
Many operators also aim to give something back to the communities which they visit, including donations to charitable organisations that provide education and healthcare to local children.
Last minute departures mean your action-packed holiday really is just around the corner!
If you’re feeling spontaneous and want to jet off to see nature at its finest, finding a last minute deal is easier than you would think. However, one of the most important things to do before you click the ‘confirm booking’ button is check how strenuous the walking will be.
If you haven’t had much trekking experience it is recommended that you opt for a more moderate holiday, where the walks are no longer than five hours and the paths don’t have dramatic inclines (that is unless you are planning to do a bit of training before you leave). It’s also worth checking the average daytime temperature of the country you are visiting.
The more technical the holiday, the more challenging it can be – with icy paths, rocks to climb and advanced tools needed to reach high altitudes.
Whichever walking holiday you choose, doing your homework will allow you to find the perfect trip for your fitness level in a location you’ll adore.
The Old Libary Church Green West Redditch Worcesterhsire
Mullion Meadows Helston Cornwall Cornwall
