These boots are made for hiking!
JULIANA TRAIL SLOVENIA
Hiking in Slovenia is an adventure that promises breathtaking vistas, diverse landscapes, and a deep connection with nature. This small Central European country, often referred to as “Europe’s outdoor playground,” is a haven for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With its pristine alpine peaks, dense forests, stunning lakes, and charming valleys, Slovenia offers an abundance of hiking trails to explore.
For those seeking a more leisurely experience, the picturesque Julian Alps provide a plethora of trails. This 260 km long circular hiking route around the Julian Alps is a relatively easy trek and offers an offers a unique opportunity to explore diverse landscapes, charming alpine villages, and enchanting valleys. Juliana Trail – The Emerald Valley itinerary takes you from stage 11 to stage 14 through the green forests and blooming meadows, along crystal-clear rivers, and past historic towns and picturesque Alpine villages.
Never exceeding 4,350 feet, the trail is taken at a gentle pace, averaging 17km a day and certain parts can be made shorter with public transport or private transfers. To ensure you return home fully refreshed, your last two nights are spent relaxing beside Lake Bohinj (or Lake Bled if you prefer). The trail is self-guided but private or group guides are available. If you prefer to do it at a more gentle pace we can add in extra days and accommodation.
PATI VALLEY TREK BRAZIL
We have recently come back from Chapada Diamantina and it truly is stunningly beautiful, you will hike through this national park and also through Vale do Capao, a mesmerising – and quite remote – valley with a mystical air about it.
Some days will be challenging and the terrain is for the most part on either trails on rock beds when walking along rivers and to waterfalls, but it is a very rewarding trek and you will come back refreshed and enriched.
We suggest combining this with a few days in Salvador before and a beach destination at the end. Bahia has a long and beautiful coastline, but our favourite? You cannot beat a few days in Boipeba or Morro de Sao Paulo before flying home.
You can learn about a Bahia state holiday here.
MALIAU BASIN BORNEO
When most people think of trekking in Borneo, Mt Kinabalu comes to mind, and for good reason. It’s the highest peak in Southeast Asia and a rewarding overnight hike that requires only a reasonable amount of fitness. Yet for those with a thirst for adventure, the Maliau Basin takes you deep into the ancient rainforest of Sabah’s Lost World.
On a 4-day trek, the distances are short with the longest day only 11km but jungle paths make for slow going. Uneven ground, vines and thick branches to beat back, steep embankments, high heat and humidity, and routine leech checks make for a strenuous trek. Waterfalls and rock pools provide rest stops and places to wash off the sweat and mud. Accommodation is at jungle campsites and the simple Maliau Basin Study Centre.
The effort is worth the reward. A huge variety of fauna and flora call the region home. If you’re lucky, you could spot civets, orangutans, sun bears, barking deer, bearded pigs, clouded leopard, giant rafflesia flowers, carnivorous pitcher plants, orchids, even elephants or wild ox, not to mention the bird life. A limited number of visitors are permitted within the Basin at any given time so you’ll feel like you’re in a lost world!
There are many treks in Borneo (with varying leech populations). Learn about some of them here (https://www.fleewinter.com/borneo/trekking/) or contact our Borneo expert, she’s an avid hiker always on the lookout for more ways to explore on foot.
The trek at a glance:
- How many days is the trek – 4 trekking days plus 1 day warm-up walks in Kinabalu Park
- Distance covered, and kind of territory (mountains, sandy, flat etc) – 36km in the rainforest – trails are rudimentary, muddy, vine-covered, full of leeches, there are some steep uphills, it’s slow-going, hot, humid, and strenuous at times
- Type of accommodation – on the trek it’s a mix of very basic lodge and camping in the rainforest; there are hotels pre/post hike to make it a more enjoyable holiday
HILL COUNTRY SRI LANKA
Our Hiking in the Hill Country holiday takes in some of Sri Lanka’s most awe-inspiring landscapes; through rainforest and cascading waterfalls, bushwalks across grasslands and through jungle and even up the sacred Sri Pada for sunrise.
Unwind for a day at an eco-retreat surrounded by wildlife and kayak or hike some more before embarking on a jeep safari. Wrap up with a final couple of days on the coast to rest and explore the beautiful fort towns and beaches or take to the water for some sailing and watersports to discover the Pearl of the Indian Ocean’s marine life.
You will stay in boutique hotels in comfort and luxury, tented luxury suites or optional ‘stargazing’ beds as an alternative and outdoor baths, as well as in more natural and rustic (but still comfortable) rooms on an eco-retreat and on an authentic Sri Lankan farm-stay.
We believe that experiencing both the luxury of boutique hotels and the local friendliest hospitality of a farm-stay or eco-retreat make the most exciting of holidays and memories that will last a lifetime!
TERSKEY ALA-TOO KYRGYSTAN
WINTER HIKING ICELAND
Our Icelandic Winter Hiking Holiday will allow you to explore the Mystical West of Iceland and trek across black sand beaches, past seal colonies, through lava fields and charming fishing villages and onto the Snaefellsjokull glacier, famed for being the start of Jules Verne’s Journey to The Centre of The Earth.
Trek around Kirkufjell, Iceland’s most famous mountain with its plethora of waterfalls and stay in the luxurious Hotel Budir. You will then drive through beautiful fjords and mountains en route to Reykjavik for some downtime to explore the sights and soak up some culture before heading just south of the city to show-shoe across the Blue Mountains.
Visit the incredible waterfalls along the south coast before hiking across Solheimajokull outlet glacier, which lies on top of Katla volcano and staying in a beautiful boutique country hotel and horse breeding farm. Journey back towards Reykjavik and soak away any aching muscles in the natural healing waters of The Blue Lagoon.
TOUBAKAL NATIONAL PARK MOROCCO
How often do you actively spend time surrounded by nature? Are you aware of the benefits that hiking far from the urban hustle and bustle can provide? We have prepared a 3 days expedition for you through the slopes of the western Atlas mountain range. With an experienced guide, you will traverse the oldest national park in Morocco! You will be captivated by the local fauna and flora, among the protected highest mountain ranges of North Africa, and definitely you will pause to admire the beauty of the largest waterfall “Ighouliden”. You will have a chance to experience the charm of Berber villages on your way. For accommodation, you will stay in a refuge and a guesthouse, with your luggage carried by accompanying mules.
Hiking through the Atlas Mountains is an unforgettable experience, not only due to the fantastic views but also because of the positive atmosphere and the benefits that come with discovering the beauty of Morocco on foot!
The 3 days hike in Toubkal National Park offers, among others:
- a fantastic adventure tailored to participants’ levels!
- a remedy for stress thanks to the positive atmosphere created by the guide
- strengthening and oxygenating your body among pristine nature
- improve physical condition
- allow for deeper immersion in local culture and nature
Immerse yourself closer to nature in a wild and magical Morocco!
W TREK CHILE
The W Trek is one of the most famous, and arguably beautiful, of South America. It normally takes 5 days/4 nights and it is easily done self-guided. The most economical option is camping, but if you prefer a guided version of the trek with more comfortable lodging, this can be done too. You can stay at refugios around the trek, however, these have to be booked well in advance as they fill up very early.
You can also choose to stay in one of the lodges inside or around the park and take the treks that are part of the W on a daily basis but at night, you come back to comfortable surroundings, a gorgeous hot meal and a bed with luxurious bedding. The choice is yours!
The W trek can be trekked all year round although winter will present extra challenges due to the weather conditions that here in Patagonia can be extremely unpredictable. Bear in mind that in winter it is compulsory to have a guide, and rightly so.
During the high season between mid-November to February it can be quite busy so we suggest travelling to Torres del Paine in the shoulder seasons if you want less hikers and tourists.
No matter when or how you decide to do it, the W Trek is a wonderful achievement and a beautiful hike amongst some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes.
KUMANO KODO JAPAN
Embark on a transformative journey along the sacred Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail in Japan, where spirituality intertwines with enchanting landscapes. Winding through lush forests, serene mountains, and charming villages, the trail immerses hikers in profound cultural heritage and awe-inspiring sacred shrines. The experience begins with blessings from a Shinto priest and the ancient Shiogori purification ritual, connecting travelers to Japanese traditions. Traditional ryokans provide rest and a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Beyond its natural beauty, the trail’s allure lies in the warm hospitality of local communities, echoing centuries-old pilgrim traditions. This fusion of nature, culture, and human connection makes Kumano Kodo a truly fantastic and unique journey. Tailored programs cater to both seasoned hikers and novices, ensuring a fulfilling adventure.
Novices can embark on a three-night, four-hour daily hike, while experienced trekkers indulge in a six-night, 8-9-hour daily hike with breaks for lunch, to rest and have some tea at traditional tea houses etc. This trail transports travelers to a world where ancient spirituality and natural splendor converge, reigniting their connection with nature, history, and inner selves—an unforgettable, soul-stirring adventure awaits those who dare to tread the Kumano Kodo.
