If you are looking for a more active holiday and a way to experience a destination up close, then a walking holiday is a fantastic option.
There are walking holidays, both guided and self-guided, all over the world and a variety of different options to suit almost every person’s level of activity and capabilities. Whether it’s a coastal walk, a desert trek, a wildlife walk or a snowshoeing adventure – the ways you can explore the world by foot are endless!
We sat down with the walking holiday experts at Exodus Travels to discover their most popular walking holidays around the world and why people love them.
Walking the Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is one of the most dramatic coastlines in Europe. Mountains jut steeply out of the Mediterranean and picturesque towns nestled in the coves below. Walking the ancient hillsides studded with lemon groves and framed by deep gorges, we descend from the Agerola Plain to the quaint towns of Positano, Ravello and of course Amalfi itself. The perfect combination of idyllic coastal views, heritage sites and picturesque towns make the Amalfi Coast our most popular destination for walking.
The Inca Trail
Offering an unrivalled combination of history and dramatic scenery, the ancient Inca Trail winds its way from the powerful Urubamba River, across mountain passes and through cloud forests, passing several crumbling fortresses before reaching the lost city of Machu Picchu. This 9 Day/8 Night bucket list trek also includes time in the Sacred Valley and Cusco.
South Luangwa Walking Safari
Nestled between the borders of Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Namibia and Botswana lays a wildlife lovers dream! This lesser visited region in South Africa is home to many parks and safari areas and an abundance of diverse wildlife – the perfect location for an unforgettable walking safari!
Our team member Louise embarked on this walking safari in October 2017 and loved it! You can read all about her experience here.
Walking the Great Wall
Stepping out across the peaceful semi-ruin of a section of the Great Wall is like walking in the footsteps of the past. Far from the tourist crowds, we are able to get a great sense of the scale and majesty of this remarkable piece of engineering without rushing through in a big group. We trek along various contrasting sections of the wall, both dilapidated and rebuilt stretches, before returning to Beijing, a city steeped in history yet plunging headlong into modernity.
Highlands of Sri Lanka
Spend two weeks walking and exploring the delights of this diverse and inspiring island. Behind the dazzling beauty of Sri Lanka’s world famous beaches is an island of lush jungle, spice gardens, ancient Buddhist temples and an abundance of wildlife – all of which makes for a unique trekking experience.
Walking the Picos de Europa
Spain’s third highest mountain range, the Picos de Europa is a region of dramatic limestone peaks and lush valleys. Carpeted in beautiful wild flowers in spring, this area is also known as ‘Green Spain’. Its terrain, tranquillity and inaccessibility make the Picos a walker’s paradise.
Petra and Wadi Rum Trek
Some of the most spectacular desert scenery in the world is found in the south of Jordan at Wadi Rum, a place of dramatic beauty which provides an ideal environment for trekking. Throughout the trip we will be accompanied by local Bedouin and we shall be camping as they do, under the stars. Our trip will finish with a day visit to the ancient rock city of Petra, a must for any visitor to Jordan.
Walking in the Yukon and Alaska
Traverse the untouched Yukon Territory on this dedicated walking tour which explores some of the most scenic and untouched natural areas on planet Earth. Canada’s northernmost province is a vast territory within the Arctic Circle and the Arctic Ocean. Homeland of American Indians and Inuit, Yukon is North America’s largest remaining wild land.
The great thing about a walking holiday is that it gives you the opportunity to get closer to the landscapes, wildlife and local communities of the destination you are visiting. As you can see there are a variety of walking holidays available all over the world and if you have a specific itinerary in mind we can work with Exodus Travels to put together the perfect tailormade walking holiday for you! Contact our friendly team on 08 8223 5905 to talk about a walking holiday today!
All images supplied by Exodus Travels.
