UZBEKISTAN
Uzbekistan is not just about classical sites, and offers desert safaris, trekking, bird watching and local encounters. South of Samarkand is the stunning Nuratau Nature Reserve, where you spend 3 days trekking from village to village, whilst staying in local guesthouses and learning about local customs and traditions and see the endangered Severtzov sheep.
In the evenings you can make traditional bread and help cook dinner with the local family.
Nuratau Nature Reserve is situated in the Nurafshan Mountains and is a great destination for those interested in birds as it is home for over 160 species of birds, including rare black vultures.
TURKMENISTAN
Turkmenistan promises adventure! Some of the highlights are the Karakum Desert, ancient Silk Road cities and the chance to stay in a yurt and meet semi-nomadic people. Until recently, this was the last frontier and the outpost of the old Soviet Empire.
Turkmenistan is home to around 4.5 million people, many who trace their descent from nomadic tribes from the Altai Mountains above Mongolia in the 5th Century AD.
The chance to meet the local people and see the traditional Turkomen dress will be one of life’s memorable moments. Think huge sheepskin hats, long coats and sturdy boots ready to boost them onto their horses.
BRAZIL
The north east of the country is perfect for other water sports like windsurfing and kitesurfing too, thanks to the winds and favourable conditions.
COSTA RICA
Rafting into the rainforest on the Pacuare River is a true highlight of Costa Rica for an adventure lover, you get to raft over rapids whilst spotting incredible wildlife on the way.
Combine this with zip lining through tree trops by Arenal Volcano, canyoning and river tubing through gorges in Guanacaste and surfing on the Pacific Coast on some of the best waves in the world but options for all abilities.
As every trip to Costa Rica should include seeing wildlife, this trip ends in the Osa Peninsula where 4% of the world’s diversity lives – absolutely amazing for a tiny section of land. Hike and snorkel your way around here to spot the amazing animals who call this part of the world home.
KYRGYSTAN
The Terskey Ala-Too is a mountain range in the Tian Shan mountains in Kyrgyzstan that stretches southeast of Lake Issyk Kul, from the river Joon Aryk near Kochkor in the west to the far northeastern part of Kyrgyzstan.
Its highest peak is Karako Peak at 5216m. On this adventurous hike you will be accompanied by a local mountain guide and your luggage will be portered between night stops.
This is a remote area of rugged mountain beauty and an ideal extension for mountain trekkers. This tour operates from mid-May to the end of September, and accommodation is mostly tented camps.
MALAYSIA
Tucked away in hidden spots of Malaysia, you’ll find lush jungles, gushing rapids, towering waterfalls, peaceful mangroves, oceans teeming with colourful life, bicycle trails through the countryside, hilly paths meandering through tea plantations and mossy forests, a cave or two waiting to be explored, and so much more.
We love that you can fly to Kuala Lumpur and travel overland to Penang, stopping for adventures along the way, then hop a short flight to Langkawi where you can wind down by the beach or keep the energy going. With boutique hotels and family-friendly spots along the way, it’s a route suited for everyone from honeymooners to pensioners, families young and old, and friends of any age.
JAPAN
After soaking into the therapeutic waters of your traditional accommodation, put your walking shoes on and explore the charming Japanese countryside and its beautiful nature while you walk the Nakasendo trail – a former route that connected ancient post towns in the Edo Period. We recommend the route between Tsumago and Nagone which is particularly beautiful and an easy trek of 8km.
If you prefer to do a few days of hiking instead, we recommend doing the Kumano Kodo trail. Winding through the mountains of Kii Peninsula, Kumano Kodo is an ancient pilgrimage route that can be done in 5 or 6 days. During this beautiful outer and inner journey, you will walk through sacred shrines, pass by lush forests, cross rivers and find picturesque temples along the way.
If alpine hiking is more your thing, you may want to travel to Kamikochi in the Japanese Alps area where several gorgeous high mountain routes are available in the summer season.
THAILAND
Thailand is a well-known top diving destination in the world. There are several idyllic islands to base yourself in and stay in one of our favorite boutique hotels while you do day trips from there to diving. You will be able to enjoy not only very rich underwater marine life but also gorgeous beaches and delicious food.
Some of our top favorite dive places are:
Koh Lipe – Small little island part Tarutao National marine park. Due to its remote location Koh Lipe is a secret gem not known by the crowds (yet!).
Similan Islands -. Located far off the west coast in the Andaman Sea, Mu Koh Similan National Park is incredibly beautiful, and the government is taking good care of it by limiting the number of divers per day. The best is to book a liveaboard package and we highly recommend going there between February and April as it’s when mantas and whale shark pass by the area!
Koh Tao – the diving is wonderful, and we promise to book you into one of our handpicked boutique hotels away from the crowds.
EGYPT
The Red Sea is a well-known diving destination for a reason. At only 5 hours away by plane, this diving paradise has some of the most healthy and lively reefs in the world with a very wide variety of inhabitants from all kinds of colorful corals and fish to whale sharks and manatees.
In our opinion this is the perfect escape for those looking for the best destination to combine beach, sun and diving relatively close from home.
ARGENTINA
Laguna de Los Tres and Laguna Torre treks are the most famous and beautiful and highly recommended. There are also many shorter treks for days when you feel like combining walking with a bit of relaxing. There are plenty of accommodation choices, from small Patagonian hosterias to the luxury offered by lodges like Explora El Chalten. This area of Patagonia is a hiker’s dream and is less frequented than the Chilean Torres del Paine, but be quick, as it is getting more popular so this is your chance to discover a lesser known but equally beautiful part of this extreme land.
SRI LANKA
With whitewater rafting at a rustic adventure camp, a challenging night-time climb at Sri Pada, plus opportunities for hikes, surfing and yoga, this Sri Lanka itinerary is the ideal choice for an active holiday. And you can always add in some restful beach time and a safari to add variety to your trip.
For larger families or groups, consider booking a fully staffed private beachfront villa for the final stop for a touch of luxury before you head home.
MALDIVES
The Maldives can be so much more than ‘just a beach holiday’. In the summer especially you can find excellent surf spots as well as world-class diving for all levels.
Choose to do this from a luxury island base for a classic Maldives experience, or exclusively book out a charter liveaboard boat, and sail from one adventure spot to another each day. A true castaway adventure.
MEXICO
Soak in Mayan magic as you explore epic archaeological sites and then cool off by diving into refreshing cenotes.
Cycle around Coba, deep within the verdant jungle and Tulum Mayan Port City Ruins, which sit overlooking the crystal clear blues waters of Tulum’s white sand beach.Then jump in some cenotes – naturally formed swimming pools (each one is magical and unique).
Continue exploring the Caribbean coast: snorkelling, paddle boarding, kayaking through mangroves and diving (if you desire!)
CHILE
If you seek endless adventures surrounded by the most beautiful displays of nature, Torres del Paine should be your next destination. If you stay in a lodge with accommodation, full board and all tours included, you will be at the national park’s doorstep and have access to wide choice of activities. You can choose trekking of course, but also horse riding and boat rides to come close to some of Patagonia’s most majestic glaciers.
BORNEO
With Southeast Asia’s highest mountain, some of the largest caves in the world, ancient rainforest teeming with life, a few of the most rewarding dives in the world, longhouses where the spoils of headhunters are still on display, and wildlife around almost every bend, it’s nearly impossible to not have an active holiday in Borneo. Even a relaxed one will need a few walks in the jungle if you want to see gibbons or get up close to wild orangutans or long-nosed monkeys.
Whether you want to wake up before sunrise to reach a mountain summit or don leech socks and trek for days through the jungle, snorkel some of the richest waters in the world or spend a night in a longhouse with a basket of skulls, Borneo won’t disappoint. And if your idea of an active holiday is an occasional rainforest stroll while staying in luxury, you can find that, too.
PHILIPPINES
Known for its gorgeous beaches and amazing snorkeling and diving, the Philippines has more than water sports for the active holiday-goer. Although let’s face it – the surfing, diving, kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, waterfall-jumping, and pretty much every other water-based activity you can think of is about as good as it gets.
If you’re more of a land-based adventurer, the northern part of the country is where you want to head. Hop on a bamboo bicycle in the historic heart of Manila, journey to Taal or the picture-perfect Pinatubo for a bit of volcano trekking. Want to visit the ancient amphitheater-shaped rice terraces of Batad? Hop a jeepney and get ready to hoof it. The hanging coffins and caves of Sagada? Bring good shoes as you’ll be walking the trails to get there.
When you’ve had enough of keeping on the move, pick a beach or two to unwind.
If alpine hiking is more your thing, you may want to travel to Kamikochi in the Japanese Alps area where several gorgeous high mountain routes are available in the summer season.
JORDAN
If you’re a hiking enthusiast looking for a unique adventure, Jordan is the place to be. Our Hiking Tour takes you to all the popular sights, including Petra and Amman, before exploring the majestic desert landscapes of Wadi Rum.
You’ll spend your days hiking through red sands and soaking in the desert’s natural beauty, and in the evenings, you’ll gather around a campfire to share stories and immerse yourself in the local Bedouin culture. This is a hiking experience that promises to stay with you for years to come.
Book your Hiking Tour in Jordan now and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
MOROCCO
Experience the best of Morocco with a week-long exploration of Fes and Bhalil. Your adventure begins with a private transfer to your Riad in Fes, followed by a guided tour through the historic city’s old Medina, where you can wander through ancient architecture and indulge in Moroccan food culture at the exotic food markets.
The trip also includes a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Volublis and the imperial city of Meknes, where you can explore fascinating architectural treasures. Afterward, transfer to the unique village of Bhalil and explore the historic cave houses and mountain landscapes on an easy trek. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the mystical souk of a Berber village and explore the onion production and storage areas.
Enjoy your final day in Bhalil before your private transfer back to the airport, taking with you unforgettable memories of your Moroccan adventure.
