Specialist Holidays

Walking, Trekking and Mountaineering

There is no better way to fully appreciate the sights, sounds and scents of a foreign land than by leaving behind the bustle of city life and exploring the valleys and mountains of a particular region.

Walking and trekking holidays can be as undemanding or physically challenging as you wish, with porters to assist those seeking a less strenuous experience and towering peaks awaiting the more "upwardly mobile". There is also a growing selection of self-led itineraries throughout Europe, North Africa and the Middle East - ideal for those who want the security of a pre-arranged itinerary, but dislike the idea of travelling in a group. As your bags can be transported from one destination to another for you, you are left free to enjoy your day.

We can arrange walking holidays in almost every country in the world, either as part of a small organised group lead by an experienced guide with in-depth local knowledge, or a self-guided trip with your bags transported for you to the following nights stop.

A selection of the more popular treks appear below, but there are many others that are unfrequented and absolute gems. If you want to get away from the beaten track and into a completely different world, contact us for a few suggestionsá

The Inca Trail, Peru - Perhaps one of the greatest short treks in the world, the Inca Trail can easily be incorporated into almost any itinerary in Peru. Surely there cannot be a more spectacular finale at the end of a trek than the magical ruins of Machu Picchu?

Kilimanjaro, Tanzania - This tough 7 - 10 day trek can easily be combined with a safari on the plains of East Africa and time for relaxation on the idyllic beaches of Zanzibar. Kilimanjaro can also be linked with climbs on Mount Kenya and Mount Meru for the true mountain enthusiast.

Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal - still a classic after so many years. This 2 - 3 week trek takes you to the heart of the most stunning mountain scenery anywhere on earth.

The Milford Track, New Zealand - another contender for the greatest short trek in the world. The Milford Track is deservedly popular and gets booked up many months in advance, so plan well ahead!

The High Atlas, Morocco - Close to home, but a world away. Only just over three hours flight time from the UK, Marrakesh is the gateway to the High Atlas. With extraordinary mountain vistas and views of the Sahara, the High Atlas is an excellent choice for a short trekking break.

Torres del Paine Circuit, Chile - The stunning granite towers and glaciers of Patagonia are perhaps one of the most awe-inspiring sights in all of South America, and the Torres del Paine circuit takes you right to the heart of this outstanding mountain region.

Mount Blanc Circuit, France, Italy and Switzerland - An old favourite, but still as popular as ever. The tour of Mount Blanc is a classic 10 day trek in the heart of the Alps.

Our staff have trekked in many of the great mountain ranges of the world, and we can give expert advice on the nature of all trekking possibilities from a walk along quiet unbeaten trails to a full-blown ascent of a Himalayan peak. As well as full mountaineering expeditions to all the major mountain ranges, we are able to offer a series of courses and programmes for those wishing to learn or improve their technique in rock and ice climbing, alpine techniques, ski mountaineering and via ferrata.

If you are planning to walk, trek or climb abroad, contact us for advice on all aspects of your proposed trip from acclimatisation issues to what to pack - and what to leave behind!

Overland Expeditions

If you enjoy real spontaneity in travel and have the urge to traverse perhaps a whole continent, then an overland journey is for you.

Travelling overland is immensely rewarding as the journey is as satisfying in itself as the destinations reached along the way. You travel with a group of like-minded travellers all seeking to see the world the way it is - by travelling along the same roads and tracks as local people and watching the landscape unfold at an unhurried pace.

Overlanding can be camping or hotel/hostel-based and the possible itineraries are endless - trips can range from short two-week jaunts through an individual country or region such as East Africa or Patagonia, to a possible 6 month odyssey from London to South East Asia via Europe, the Middle East, India and China. We can advise on possible itineraries in more than 60 countries covering six out of the seven continents. As agents for all the major UK overland tour companies we can advise which itinerary and tour operator most suits your requirements. As always, our advice is free of charge and our booking service is at no extra cost.

Multi-activity Holidays

For those who want to do anything but relax on holiday, we can offer an unrivalled range of energetic outdoor pursuits. A selection of paragliding, rock climbing, hydroboarding, sea kayaking, white-water rafting and mountain biking can all be incorporated into a weeks holiday.

We can also arrange dedicated white-water rafting trips on rivers across each of the major continents, and offer cycling holidays in over 30 countries worldwide, ranging from 4 days to 3 weeks in length. Cycling holidays for all levels are available, from unhurried explorations of the French wine regions to epic trips such as "Lhasa to Kathmandu" (which includes five 5,000m passes and an unrivalled 4,000m descent from the Himalayan plateau).

Horse Riding

Whether you are a novice or an experienced rider, a select few tour operators offer some remarkable experiences the world over.

Riding through the lush alpine valleys of Kyrgyzstan, or the diverse eco-systems of Costa Rica, holidays on horseback offer a great way to see a country and meet its people. For the more experienced, a horseback safari can make for some very close wildlife encounters, as the animals see only the horse rather than the rider.

We also offer an extensive range of ranching holidays throughout North and South America, with opportunities to take part in cattle drives and daily ranch work.

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