We reveal the top ten adventure holidays for 2017 from Nepal to Costa Rica
Handy guide to combining your break with thrilling experiences
IT’S time to take your travel to a whole new level in 2017 with an ultimate adventure holiday.
Whether it is learning a new skill close to home or a trip of a lifetime exploring exotic destinations, we have come up with this guide to the best ways to combine your break with some thrilling experiences.
This week sees the Inca Trail permits go on sale for 2017 trips – the perfect reason to start planning your very own great adventure.
Here, LISA MINOT picks her favourites in the UK and abroad.
1— NEPAL
THE ultimate trekking experience, the trail to Everest Base Camp is a bucket-list must-do.
With its spectacular Himalayan scenery, welcoming people and the chance to stand at the foot of the world’s highest mountain, it remains one of the world’s classic treks.
Trekking specialist Mountain Kingdoms has been on the trail for almost 30 years and has perfected the route to combine a superb trek through the heart of the Khumbu with a gradual ascent for the best possible acclimatisation.
Staying in traditional tea houses with experienced Sherpa guides, its top-value trek includes the hire of a down jacket and sleeping bag, as well as hot showers and all your meals on the trek.
A 19-day trip, available in March, April, October, November and December, is from £1,960 land only and £2,760 with flights.
Prices include internal flights, transfers, a 4H B&B in Kathmandu, tea house accommodation on the trek, full board, local guide and full porterage of bags.
See or call 01453 844400.
2 — LAKE DISTRICT
GET to grips with open water swimming on this weekend break to the Lake District with swimming holiday specialist SwimTrek.
With departures in July and September, the break, in Grasmere, includes a mix of swimming in lakes at Grasmere and Rydal Water, in tarns at Loughrigg and Easedale, plus some walking.
With a maximum of 16 people on the tour, participants are split into three speed groups, all with their own safety support.
You will swim an average of 2km each day and walk 4km.
Prices start from £370 per person, including two days’ swimming with qualified safety cover, two nights’ accommodation in a local B&B, picnic lunches and one dinner. Excludes one dinner and travel to/from the Lakes.
To find out more, go to .
3 — CROATIA
EXPLORE the beauty of Croatia’s stunning coastline on a week-long sea kayaking holiday with Responsible Travel.
You will start in the ancient city of Dubrovnik but from day one, in the hands of expert local kayaking guides, you’ll discover the luscious Elaphite Islands.
Explore hidden coves and sea caves around the islands of Sipan and Lopud, plus plenty of stops for swimming and snorkelling in the crystal clear water, time to explore the ancient island villages and walk in cool forests.
Prices are from £645 for an eight-day trip, excluding flights. Includes sea kayaking guide service, seven nights’ accommodation with breakfast, three dinners and all transfers.
To book, go to or call 01273 823700.
4 — PERU
IT is seen as one of the world’s ultimate treks but RealWorld Holidays reckon its Classic Inca Trail trip is suitable for everyone.
Its ten-day trip to the lost city of Machu Picchu starts from £1,595pp, including all accommodation, internal transport, transfers, tours, guides, porters, equipment and entrance fees.
AirFrance has fares from £480.
See or call 0113 262 5329.
5 — COSTA RICA
THE best way to explore the rainforests of Costa Rica is from the treetops.
The Witch’s Rock Canopy Tour is all ziplines and hanging bridges. Great bird and plant life, plus ocean views – then hit the nearest bay for a sea dip.
Seven nights’ B&B at Platinum Esplendor Tamarindo is from £871pp, with flights from Gatwick on May 23 and transfers. See or call 0871 230 2555.
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6 — CANADA
EXPERIENCE the hiking and rock-climbing circuits on Quebec’s new Via Ferrata trail.
Highlights of a seven-day trip with Canadian Affair include a stay in the Hotel de Glace – the only ice hotel in America – and time to explore Montreal and Quebec City.
Prices start from £1,119pp including Gatwick flights, accommodation and car hire.
See or call 020 7616 9933.
7 — WALES
SECRET Compass’ Adventure Academy’s two-night trip to Wales gives you a great taster of expedition life, from the kit and food to the wild camping and physical challenge. Secret Compass leaders pass on their expert knowledge.
The trip costs £250 per person, including all food, drink, accommodation and kit but excluding travel to Wales.
To book, go to .
8 — CUMBRIA
WHO says adventure is just for boys? Chapters Experience Holidays has a Women’s Activity Week, designed to make the most of the clear Cumbrian air with a daily selection of walks, swimming, yoga, Pilates and circuit-training or aerobics.
From £510pp including meals, activities, accommodation and transport.
See or call 01707 246666.
9 — AMAZON
IF you prefer your adventure on the softer side, how about taking in the delights of the Amazon from the comfort of a cruise ship?
Fred Olsen’s Amazon River Adventure cruise on its ship Braemar departs from Bridgetown, Barbados, on February 2.
Prices for the 14-night cruise are from £999pp, cruise only, or £1,799pp with flights. Includes all meals and entertainment on board.
See .
10 — YORKSHIRE
HIKE, bike, cave and climb your way across the Pennines and Yorkshire Dales on Lost Earth Adventure’s Active Weekend.
There are two weekends for 2017 – May 26 and August 25. Prices are from £249pp and include all activities, instructors, a three-night stay at the Station Inn bunkhouse, three breakfasts, two lunches and a pub meal.
To book, see or call 01904 500094.