WALKS WORLDWIDE
the trekking & walking specialists
100%
Financial Protection
Welcome I’m delighted to welcome you to our 2013/14 Walks Worldwide brochure, jam-packed with an exciting and diverse choice of trekking adventures and walking holidays. You can choose to be independent on one of our Self-Guided or Private Guided trips, get to know like-minded people when travelling as part of one of our Guided Small Groups, or work with our experienced consultants to design a Tailor-Made trip just for you. However you want to travel, our friendly and knowledgeable team of walking enthusiasts can help.
As well as the perennial favourites, the pages of this brochure bring you a number of brand new trips: trek, raft, cycle and safari your way around Nepal on our Active Nepal adventure; uncover the secrets of South America on foot; discover unchartered territory in Lebanon; or join us on one of our pioneering reccy walking adventures into the heart of the Tien Shan mountains of Kyrgyzstan, or through Albania’s Mysterious South.
We are proud to be an independent and specialist trekking company providing a personal service and great value. Our walks are more than run-of-the-mill trips – they are real experiences. Trekking and walking around the world isn’t just our business, it’s our passion too.
Mark Wright Managing Director
Your Financial Security You can book your holiday with us with complete confidence. Walks Worldwide is an ATOL bonded tour operator authorised by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Every holiday we sell that includes a flight element is protected under our ATOL license number 10186. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advanced booking. Therefore we recommend you book your flights through us. IATA is the Trade Association of the world’s international airline industry. To become an Accredited IATA Agent we have to demonstrate financial soundness and proficiency of staff. We are also members of the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust (ABTOT). Through this association (approved by BIS), Walks Worldwide has provided a bond to meet the requirements of the Package Travel Regulations. Whether you book ‘Flight Inclusive’ or ‘Land Only’ arrangements, your money will be protected. Please note that if you book directly with an airline, or directly with an overseas operator or accommodation provider, your money may not be protected in the event of their failure. Packages booked outside the UK are only protected when booked/purchased directly with Walks Worldwide.
100%
Financial Protection
Whatever happens, your money is safe when you book a holiday directly through Walks Worldwide.
Contents Introduction 4 Mountain Ranges, Coastal Trails & Classics
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Trip Types
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Why Choose Walks Worldwide?
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ASIA 16 Kyrgyzstan 18 Nepal 20 India 32 Vietnam 35
AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST Kilimanjaro (Tanzania)
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Morocco 40 Jordan 48 Lebanon 50
LATIN AMERICA
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Peru 54 Costa Rica
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Argentina/Bolivia/Chile 57
NEW EUROPE
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Armenia 59 Albania 60 Bulgaria 62 Croatia 63 Georgia 64 Montenegro/Kosovo 65 Romania 66 Poland 68 Slovakia 69 Slovenia 70
WESTERN EUROPE
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Austria 72 Camino de Santiago
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Corfu 77 Corsica 78 Cyprus 79 Finland 80 France 82 Germany 84 Italy 86 Portugal 88 Spain 88 Switzerland 90 Turkey 92
Essential Information
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Booking Conditions
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Mountain Ranges Coastal Trails & Classics
The Rheinsteig Tour Du Mont Blanc (The TMB) PAGE 82 The world famous Alpine circuit walk. The name says it all.
Camino de Santiago
PAGE 85
A relatively new trail following the course of the Rhine. We do (in our opinion) the best one week section from Koblenz to Rüdesheim, passing the famous Lorelei rocks. As it was the section featured in the TV series ‘German Wanderlust’, it looks like we got it right.
PAGES 76–77
Described as one of the world’s great travel experiences, this world famous pilgrimage is now even more widely known thanks to the film ‘The Way’, with Martin Sheen. There is more than one Camino and we’ve got six options to choose from.
Sierra Nevada
PAGE 89
Walking beneath the veil of Europe’s second highest mountain range is pure bliss. Discover the delights of Moorish Andalucia, inspiring walking, atmospheric accommodation and a climate to die for. Follow the classic GR7 and explore majestic Granada, or discover the charm of the Alpujarras and ‘hike over lemons’.
The Berber Trail (Morocco)
PAGE 41
Not yet a household name as it’s unique to Walks Worldwide. We researched this trip ourselves when we wanted a trek into the High Atlas Mountains that encompassed all we love there. It may not be world famous, but it’s certainly proved popular with our clients.
The High Atlas
PAGES 41–47
Morocco is where it all began for us many years ago. There can surely be no mountain range within easy and affordable reach of the United Kingdom that offers such an exotic travel experience. Kasbahs strategically located beneath the snowy peaks of the High Atlas Mountains.
The Andes
PAGES 60–61, 65, 70
PAGES 54–55, 57
From the spires of Torres del Paine in Patagonia, to the tumbling glaciers, bejewelled lakes and soaring summits of Peru, the Andes are the highest peaks in the Americas and among some of the wildest places on Earth.
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The Dinaric Alps
The jagged peaks of the Balkans range from the magnificent Julian Alps in Slovenia, to the remote, almost inaccessible, Accursed Mountains in Albania, and the Black Mountains of Montenegro and Kosovo. Simply stunning.
Kilimanjaro
PAGES 37–39
It’s a once in a lifetime achievement for most to stand aloft on the Roof of Africa. Don’t be a sheep and join the masses on the packed out Marangu and Machame routes. The Rongai and Shira routes are much quieter.
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W
ho can resist the lure of trekking amongst magnificent mountain scenery? Or perhaps stunning views closer to sea level hold more appeal? Here we have mapped out some of our favourites: the highs, the lows (altitude that is!) and of course, the classics. Some walking trails have become so famous they are now household names amongst keen walkers. Add these ‘classics’ to your list, or see how many you’ve already ticked off!
The Alps of Europe
The Carpathians
PAGES 72–75, 82, 85, 90–91
PAGES 66–70
The mighty Carpathian Mountains of eastern Europe still remain a mystery to many mountain walkers. Yet this impressive mountain range stretches through Poland and Slovakia to Romania. From the jagged peaks of the High Tatras to the mighty ridges of the Fagaras, also known as the Alps of Transylvania, the Carpathians are one of the last remaining wilderness areas of Europe, where timeless villages and a life long since forgotten still exists. Definitely the choice for the discerning mountain walker.
Right on your doorstep, the Alps of Europe have long been a favourite of mountain walking enthusiasts. Chocolate box scenery, cowbells jangling, flowery meadows and pretty villages, the Alps have it all. Whether it be affordable Austria’s Lake District, ever costly Switzerland, or the delights of Bavaria and it’s magnificent castles, with the Alps as the backdrop you can’t go wrong.
The Caucasus
Trip Grades Explained You’ll find detailed Trip Dossiers for every one of our walking holidays online. These provide comprehensive information about specific trips, including approximate daily walking times, terrain conditions and altitude indicators. For ease we have graded our trips A to D (A being the easiest and D the most challenging). Whilst these gradings do help to shortlist the most relevant trip for you, they should be considered in conjunction with holiday descriptions and trip dossiers in order for you to get a full picture of each holiday. Please don’t hesitate to contact the office if you’re uncertain about your ability to take part in specific walking holidays – we’re here to help.
Easy
PAGES 59 and 64
High and mighty, and forming a natural barrier between east and west, the Caucasus Mountains are perfect for those who like their trekking adventures wild. Explore the volcanic highlands, plateaux and canyons of Armenia, or the high, snow covered peaks of Georgia (or combine both) and discover ancient lands of history and traditional culture.
For those who enjoy leisurely walking, are in good health and have a reasonable level of fitness. Our easiest walking holidays, usually involving fairly short daily walks, often at low level and in straightforward conditions. Sections of ascent and descent will be brief.
Moderate The Himalayas The Tien Shan
PAGES 18-19
The magnificent peaks of Kyrgyzstan’s Tien Shan are deservedly known as the ‘Celestial Mountains’. Whether you trek to iconic Khan Tengri and a throne-room of mountain gods, or into the heart of the rarely trekked Terksey Ala-Too range, if you want wild and unspoiled, then the Tien Shan and Kyrgyzstan is where it’s at.
Jordan
PAGES 48–49
Discover the wild side of Jordan. Trek through uninhabited mountain ranges on secret Bedouin trails, or across the lunar landscapes of the Wadi Rum desert, with incredible rock bridges. Both our treks in Jordan include a visit to Petra, so you can’t go wrong, especially if you do both!
The Lycian Way
PAGES 21–33
The world’s highest peaks present such varied trekking and arguably the greatest opportunities. Whether it be the higher altitudes of the spectacular Everest region in Nepal, the beauty of the valleys of the Annapurnas, or the arid ‘other world’ and wild landscapes of Ladakh and Mustang, made even more appealing with their Tibetan Buddhist influence, who wouldn’t want to walk amongst the greatest mountains on the planet? For something extra special, trekking in the Dolpo region of Nepal is the reallife Himalayas.
PAGES 92–93
It is little wonder that the Sunday Times and Country Walking Magazine listed the Lycian Way as one of the World’s Greatest Walks. Enjoy The Lycian Way for yourself; we are sure you will agree. The sheer pleasure of walking in almost guaranteed sunshine brings a whole new meaning to Turkish Delight. We have two versions to choose from.
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For regular hill walkers with a reasonable level of fitness. Increasing daily walking times on sometimes rugged mountain trails and forest tracks, and with considerably more ascent and descent involved (usually at moderate altitudes). Some days are more challenging than others.
Demanding Not for novices – these trips involve elements of scrambling or crossing sections of difficult terrain and require a good level of fitness. More challenging with mountainous terrain and sustained periods of both ascent and descent, some at high altitude.
Strenuous A very good level of physical fitness and previous experience of walking at this grade is essential. Daily walking times will be increasingly long and involve significant amounts of challenging ascent and descent at more extreme altitudes. Be prepared for difficult terrain, high mountain passes, glaciated or snow-covered ground. Basic mountaineering skills and equipment may be required.
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Guided Small Group Trips “Everyone invol ved was genuinely friendly and professional – from the guides who looked after us to the porters who welcomed us into camp each evening with warm smiles and handshakes.” – Jim S.
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What are the benefits? Value for money It’s always going to be better value booking a Guided Small Group Trip as many of the fixed costs – such as guides, transport, trek support – are shared, and prices for accommodation can be negotiated downwards.
Simplicity and time How many of you in your busy, day-to-day lives have the time to organise a trek to a far-flung corner of the world you’ve never been to before? Believe us, it isn’t easy putting together a trekking adventure. Thankfully we have the knowledge and know-how, as well as trusted and reliable contacts throughout the world and years of experience operating successful itineraries, so we can anticipate and plan for the challenges of operating in remote destinations. It makes sense to trust the professionals.
Trek deeper and further As costs are shared (and therefore lower), we’re able to create more exciting trekking itineraries, reach parts of the world ‘off the beaten track’, and stay for longer. Some trips would be almost impossible or cost-prohibitive if they weren’t operated as Guided Small Group Trips.
Trek with like-minded people We’re constantly asked “Who takes part in your Guided Small Group Trips?” The answer is that it’s people just like you! A typical group is usually comprised of a balanced mix of gender, and often a variety of ages and backgrounds too. Some people may be couples, some small groups of friends, and some will be travelling solo, but the simple fact is that everyone has common interests – trekking, adventure, and the country they’re visiting. It’s a great way of making new friends and meeting like-minded people.
No additional costs for single/solo travellers The prices per person for our Guided Small Group Trips are exactly the same whether you’re booking just for yourself, for two people, or more. There is no additional single supplement charge if you are single or travelling solo (unless you specifically request single accommodation). It’s a great way to trek if you’re travelling single/solo. Very quickly you’ll be amongst like-minded friends.
Guided Small Group Icon In this brochure, and on our website, this icon denotes a Guided Small Group Trip.
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Self-Guided Trips “Your helpful staff took the headaches out of the planning and enabled us to relax and enjoy a fantastic holiday. The walking route was spot-on and it was wonderful to have our luggage waiting for us at each stop.” – Sally J.
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What are the benefits? Choice of routes & departures The benefits of going Self-Guided can be summed up in one word: independence. Before you set out on your trip, we’ll give you route notes and a local map and then off you go, free to walk at your own pace and free to stop when, where and as often as you like. Free to interact with the locals. Free to enjoy your own style of travel.
Pre-booked accommodation No need to try and work out where to stay or book several different night stops. We choose appropriate accommodation to suit your walking route and budget and then make all of the necessary arrangements.
Baggage transfers Why load yourself down and carry everything you’d need for a week or longer? Your main baggage will be transferred for you between each overnight stop. Easy!
Value for money There are no guide or ‘rep’ costs to add, which means our Self-Guided trips offer excellent value for money.
Flexibility (and cost) Most of our Self-Guided walking holidays offer daily departures, meaning you can travel when it suits you best. It also means that you can choose to travel on airlines and days of the week which cost less. Flying on a Tuesday, for example, usually costs less than a Friday or Saturday. (Please note that trip prices are based on a minimum of two people sharing.)
Self-satisfaction You walked it and you navigated the route by yourself; you probably chose where to eat, you interacted with local people, and it was your input into the logistics that made the trip. Planning the holiday is all part of the experience – we just take the painful parts away.
Please note: There is always a possibility that other Walks Worldwide clients may be independently walking the same route at the same time and can therefore share things like overland transfers, etc. However, as your booking with us is on an individual departure basis, you would not be expected to walk as part of a group (unless you all made friends and enjoyed walking together).
Self-Guided Icon In this brochure, and on our website, this icon denotes a Self-Guided Trip.
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Private Guided Trips “Thanks to all the staff at Walks Worldwide for a fantastic holiday. I had a superb time and will certainly be planning another Walks Worldwide holiday for 2014.” – Jan L.
Exclusively for YOU Many of our Guided Small Group Trips can also be undertaken on a Private Guided basis for a more individual experience. You’ll still receive all the services of a Guided Small Group Trip, such as guide and porters, but you won’t be trekking as part of a larger group. Usually you’ll be able to choose the exact dates you want, giving you greater flexibility for your travel plans, as well as enabling unique experiences along the way that may not be possible when travelling with a larger group. It would be just for you and your partner, friends or private group. Prices are based on a minimum of two people travelling privately together. We also offer a small selection of guided walking holidays specially created by us to be guided and private only. These unique travel experiences are not suited to larger groups and are best enjoyed as a smaller party in order to provide a truly memorable adventure.
Private Guided Icon In this brochure, and on our website, this icon denotes a Private Guided Trip.
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Tailor-Made Trips “Thank you for guiding us to a stunning part of the world. We all have great memories which will keep us going for quite a long while!” – Anna F.
Your own itinerar y Having developed a wealth of knowledge and experience in the countries where we operate, we are able to help you create your own completely unique walking holiday. Most of our published itineraries can also be Tailor-Made when undertaken privately. Perhaps something as simple as additional rest days en route, upgraded accommodation, or a detour to explore somewhere ‘off the beaten track’. Or you may already have an idea of your own, in which case we can provide the security, financial protection and support you’ll only get from a professional tour operator such as ourselves, to make all the necessary ground arrangements and take care of the logistics. You don’t even need to be a private group – we’ve also helped many individual travellers enjoy their trek of a lifetime.
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Experts’ Choice Hand-picked walking and trekking adventures ‘off the beaten track ’
Spirit of adventure All of our trekking adventures and walking holidays are special. However, many of you tell us that you want to trek ‘off the beaten track’, or want something a little more unusual and out of the ordinary. Perhaps it’s a particular country, perhaps it’s a remote region that’s difficult to access, perhaps it’s something a bit more challenging, or perhaps it’s just something that’s very, very different. That’s why we’ve introduced our hand-picked Experts’ Choice – unique trekking adventures and walking holidays for the traveller with a true spirit of adventure.
Experts’ Choice Icon In this brochure, and on our website, this icon denotes an Experts’ Choice Trip.
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Superior Collection For the highest quality accommodation en route
Travel in style As our trekking and walking holidays are first and foremost about the quality of the walking, overnight accommodation along the way is often a case of whatever is available, so standards may vary considerably as a result. Our Superior Collection walking holidays are specially designed to offer a higher level of accommodation along the way, without compromising the quality of walking. Accommodation ranges from luxury trekking lodges, to paradors, hotels of character and distinction, charming riads and up-market mountain retreats. As a general rule, luxurious, 5-star hotels are not found in places that would allow for a meaningful and genuine walking holiday, so you won’t find these in our Superior Collection. However, if you prefer your walking holiday to have an upgraded level of comfort, our Superior Collection is for you. Full details about the accommodation offered on these holidays can be found in the relevant Trip Dossier.
Superior Collection Icon In this brochure, and on our website, this icon denotes a Superior Collection Trip.
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Why Choose Us? “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do... Explore. Dream . Discover.” – Mark Twain
Value for money
100% Financial Protection
Walks Worldwide brings you great walking experiences offering fantastic value for money, both before and during your holiday. It’s more important now than it has been for years so we’ve worked very hard to bring you affordable and competitively priced trips which don’t cut corners.
You can book your holiday with confidence and peace of mind. Walks Worldwide is fully licensed and your funds are protected though our ATOL licence, authorised by the government-run Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Every holiday we sell that includes a flight element is protected under this licence (number 10186).
Value for money doesn’t mean ‘cheap’ though. Our trekking adventures and walking holidays allow your money to go much further. We work collaboratively with the contacts we’ve built up around the world during the last twenty years to find ways of adding extra value for you. And although we’re always on the look-out for opportunities to lower costs, we don’t necessarily choose the cheapest hotels, guides or other local services – decisions are based more on a balance of comfort, affordability and practicality. You’ll find that we offer a good standard of mid-range accommodation, although there’s the option to pay a little extra to upgrade to something special with our Superior Collection trips – see page 13. Meals are included where other operators don’t include them; our wealth of experience means we’re able to make an informed choice about what’s worth seeing and what can be left out of an itinerary; and we offer a huge amount of choice and variety, so that you can choose a trip that’s just right for your budget.
Competitive prices without cutting corners.
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We are also members of the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust (ABTOT). Through this association (approved by BIS), Walks Worldwide has provided a bond to meet the requirements of the Package Travel Regulations. Whether you book ‘Land Only’ or ‘Flight Inclusive’ arrangements, your money will be protected. Please note that if you book directly with an airline, or directly with an overseas operator or accommodation provider, your money may not be protected in the event of their failure. Packages booked outside the UK are only protected when booked/purchased directly with Walks Worldwide.
Whatever happens, your money is safe when you book a holiday through Walks Worldwide.
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Flexibility
Variety & Choice
We are proud of the fact that our small, independent company can be as flexible as you need us to be.
Since Walks Worldwide deals only with walking and trekking holidays, we can offer just about every variation on this theme.
Our team of specialists bring both first-hand knowledge of the destinations we offer, as well as an understanding of how each customer may want something slightly different. Some may want low-cost flights, while others will only accept first-class. Some may want to have a few days to relax at the beginning or end of a trip, while others will want to get straight into the mountains on the first day to maximise valuable time out of their busy lives.
If you want something that you can’t find in the pages of this brochure, just ask!
Your dedicated team
Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will help you to choose a holiday that suits your own preference: perhaps a Guided Small Group Trip in the company of like-minded travellers; a Self-Guided Trip, allowing you to go at your own pace; a Private Guided Trip, so you can travel on the dates you choose; a Tailor-Made Trip, built just for you; an Experts’ Choice Trip, specially selected to get you ‘off the beaten track’; or a Superior Collection Trip, with higher quality accommodation en route to help ease those tired limbs after a day on the hills...
NIGEL LOVING
SENIOR SALES CONSULTANT
KIMBERLY ROGERS
SALES CONSULTANT
SALES CONSULTANT
The Walks Worldwide team is made up of some of the most experienced people in the field of trekking and travel, and over the last twenty years we’ve earned our reputation for providing amazing trekking and walking adventures to exciting destinations around the world. We are passionate global trekkers and world travellers ourselves – our holidays are created FOR walking and trekking enthusiasts BY walking and trekking enthusiasts – so we’re able to provide the best possible advice and practical assistance when helping you to plan your trip.
CLAIRE GRIBBEN
SALES CONSULTANT
DAN PAINTER
MARK KNOWLES
PRODUCT MANAGER
MARK WRIGHT
We’re proud to have developed one of the most extensive and varied walking holiday portfolios of any UK operator. Our professional team of travel experts based in Hampshire are dedicated to providing a friendly, personal service, whilst our ‘engine room’ (those who create the actual holidays) is based in the heart of some of England’s finest walking in the Lake District.
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Speak to one of our team today to plan your next walking or trekking adventure.
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Asia Kyrgyzstan Khan Tengri Base Camp NEW 18 Heart of the Tien Shan NEW 19
Nepal Gokyo Lakes and Everest
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Everest Base Camp
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Annapurna Sanctuar y
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The Forbidden Land of Mustang
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Dolpo – Land of the Snow Leopard
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Langtang Himal
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Annapurna Panorama
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The Royal Trek
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Active Nepal NEW 29 Nepal Extensions
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India Ladakh – Changtang and Tsomoriri
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Darjeeling and the Singalila Ridge
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The Spice Trails of Kerala
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Vietnam Fansipan NEW 35
Kyrgyzstan
Nepal India
Looking for even more adventure? Explore some of the most amazing places on the planet... Mountain ranges, deserts, coasts, jungles, forests, cities, traditional villages, wilderness areas, classic sites and the chance to get close to, and be a part of, local cultures.
0845 304 8679 +44 (0)1962 737 630
www.adventureworldwide.co.uk
Vietnam
Indian Ocean
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Kyrgyzstan
ASIA
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Khan Tengri Base Camp Trek to Khan Tengri, the K2 of the Tien Shan
EXPERTS’ CHOICE
Duration: 16 days Trip Code: TKAN GROUP GUIDED
TRIP GRADE C (DEMANDING)
Trek beneath iconic Khan Tengri Spectacular helicopter flight out of the Tien Shan Fixed camps along the way
This truly amazing trek into the heart of the Tien Shan and to Khan Tengri Base Camp (4,100m), following the South Inylchek Glacier Valley, will surely appeal to adventurous trekkers. Our genuine trekking adventure beneath spectacular snow-covered peaks begins in the capital, Bishkek. We then head to Karakol, a former Cossack garrison, famous for its cathedral constructed entirely from wood, but without nails. It’s then deep into the mountains to follow one of the longest alpine glaciers in the world all the way to the foot of the snowy pyramid of Khan Tengri itself (7,010m) and with views of Pik Pobeda (7,439m) too, the highest summit in the Tien Shan. Sunsets at Base Camp may reveal why the Kazakh name for Khan Tengri means ‘Blood Mountain’, as it glows red in the fading light. After spending time at Base Camp, as well as trekking closer to the mountain itself, the exit route is as spectacular as the route in, as we leave Base Camp by helicopter and fly through the Tien Shan mountains to Karkara.
Max Group Size: 12 Max Altitude: 4,250m Outline Itinerary: Days 1-2 Depart UK, arrive Bishkek. Day 3 Transfer to Karakol. Day 4 Transfer to Ait Jaloo. Days 5-11 Trek to Khan Tengri Base Camp. Days 12-13 Trekking beneath Khan Tengri. Day 14 Helicopter flight to Karkara and transfer to Lake Issyk Kul. Day 15 Transfer to Bishkek. Day 16 Depart Bishkek, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x3, fixed camps x10 Meals: Most meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Land Only: from £1,450 Flight Inclusive: from £1,899
Next comes a visit to Issyk Kul lake, the second largest alpine lake in the world (after Titicaca), and the second largest saline lake in the world (after the Caspian Sea), before a final night in the capital Bishkek rounds off this trip to incredible Kyrgyzstan. This is wild, remote trekking at its very best in one of the world’s great mountain ranges. Not to be missed!
Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at: www.walksworldwide.com
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war nheis ye
Kyrgyzstan
ASIA
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Heart of the Tien Shan Our best ever reccy adventure
RECCY TRIP
Duration: 14 days
Book early! Only ONE departure ( July 2013)
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Trip Code: TKYR GROUP GUIDED
TRIP GRADE C (DEMANDING)
Be part of a reccy adventure The unspoiled Terksey Ala-Too Mountains Remarkable Lake Issyk Kul
Our reccy trips have become increasingly popular and this one promises to be our best yet, as we venture, expedition-style, into the heart of the Terksey Ala-Too mountains within the Tien Shan. This is an opportunity for experienced, adventurous trekkers to join one of our team from the Walks Worldwide office, plus a local Kyrgyz mountain guide, as we venture into a region of the incredible Tien Shan Mountains for the first time. From Bishkek we head to the former Cossack town of Karakol, famous for its wooden cathedral made without nails. We then head into the ‘Seven Bulls’ gorge along the southern shore of Issyk Kul to follow a linear route into the heart of the Terksey Ala-Too and discover a pristine landscape of forests, meadows and soaring peaks. Continuing deeper into the Terksey Ala-Too via a series of mountain passes, our trek leads us through a wild and magnificent part of the Tien Shan, so untouched it remains the realm of the snow leopard. Along the way we make detours to explore glacial valleys to get close-up views of the high peaks. We exit via the Altyn Arashan gorge on the northern
Max Group Size: 12 Max Altitude: 4,000m Outline Itinerary: Days 1-2 Depart UK, arrive Bishkek. Day 3 Transfer to Karakol. Day 4 Seven Bulls Gorge trek. Days 5-11 Trek in the rarely visited Terksey Ala-Too range of the Tien Shan. Day 12 Lake Issyk Kul. Day 13 Transfer to Bishkek. Day 14 Depart Bishkek, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x5, camping x8 Meals: Most meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Land Only: from £1,395 Flight Inclusive: from £1,999
shores of Issyk Kul and devote a full day to relaxing by the ‘Titicaca of Central Asia’ before returning to Bishkek. This ambitious adventure will be best suited to those with a pioneering spirit, who like their trekking to be challenging and wish to explore a genuine mountain wilderness.
Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at:
www.walksworldwide.com
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ASIA Nepal
Nepal Why trek Nepal with Walks Worldwide? Knowledge and Experience
First class services
With over 25 years of combined travelling experience to Nepal ourselves, it’s not only one of our favourite destinations, it’s one which we know best too, so we’re able to offer genuine, first hand knowledge.
We believe the best person to show off their own back yard is someone who’s lived there all their life. That’s why on our treks we only use fully trained, English-speaking, exceptionally experienced, Nepalese guides. Not only does this mean you’ll be led by someone who can tell you virtually everything about where you’re trekking, you’re also not paying the additional expense of flying a leader in from the UK who may only have been to Nepal once or twice before, or not at all. Our friendly Nepalese guides consistently receive the highest praise from our trekking clients. Our porters are every bit as good too. Cheerful, happy and well-looked after. Nothing is usually too much trouble for our Nepalese staff, who’ll ensure you enjoy the trek of a lifetime and fall in love with Nepal and the Nepalese.
All meals included on treks You told us you didn’t want the hassle of carrying a backpack full of rupees to pay for your trek meals as you go, and we’ve listened. Now all meals are included on treks.
Excellent value We provide outstanding value on our Nepal treks, although cheap and cheerful is not what Walks Worldwide is all about either – for example, we choose a 40 minute internal flight instead of a cheap, 10 hour, uncomfortable bus journey. Our Kathmandu hotel base is a former Rana’s Palace, complete with swimming pool. Shop around if you don’t believe us! But don’t forget, some operators don’t include trek meals, so you usually need to add on at least £200 to the cost when comparing prices.
No camping on most trips We know most people don’t enjoy ‘roughing it’, so on the vast majority of our treks we don’t camp. Instead we use simple but comfortable trekking lodges (teahouses), which provide cheerful, traditional, Nepalese hospitality. Rather than sleeping on the possibly frozen and bumpy ground, you have a bed. Many lodges now have their own electricity supply, flush toilets, and some even have solar showers too! Do you really want to shiver in a cold, dark tent and use a hole in the ground for a toilet?
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Group, Private or Tailor-Made In Nepal you can choose to trek as part of a group or privately. In fact, some of our Nepal treks are designed solely to be enjoyed as small, intimate parties of just couples, friends, etc. With our wealth of experience in Nepal we can also help you create a Tailor-Made itinerary just for you, whether this be simply adding extra nights or trekking in other regions of Nepal (e.g. Dhaulagiri Circuit, Manaslu Circuit, Makalu Base Camp). Just because it’s not in our brochure doesn’t mean we can’t help. We can also arrange Private Guided and Tailor-Made treks and tours in Tibet (e.g. Kailas Circuit, Lhasa to Kathmandu via Rongbuk) and Bhutan.
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ASIA Nepal
Gokyo Lakes and Everest – Lodge Trek The ultimate trek to Everest Base Camp Duration: 21 days Trip Code: TGOK GROUP GUIDED
PRIVATE GUIDED
TRIP GRADE C/D (DEMANDING/ STRENUOUS)
Group Size: 4–12 (Max) Max Altitude: 5,600m
The challenge of crossing the Cho La
Iconic Everest views from Gokyo Ri and Kala Patar
Now includes all meals on trek
This challenging trek into the high Khumbu region of Nepal combines all the major highlights of the ever popular standard Everest Base Camp trek, yet allows the experienced trekker to escape from the standard trail and explore a great deal further into this truly magnificent Himalayan mountain nirvana. Trek to the glittering Gokyo lakes where an ascent of Gokyo Ri reveals simply superlative views of Everest and Makalu. After crossing the spectacular Cho La, you’ll then climb Kala Patar for more breathtaking Everest views. Visit Everest Base Camp and then trek out past Thyangboche Monastery, with great views of Ama Dablam en route. For regular hillwalkers who dream of trekking to Everest but want more than the just the standard trail, this surely has to be the definitive Everest trek.
Outline Itinerary: Days 1-2 Depart UK, arrive Kathmandu. Days 3-4 Fly Lukla, trek to Namche. Day 5 Rest/ Acclimatisation. Days 6-7 Trek to Machermo. Day 8 Rest/Acclimatisation. Days 9-13 To Gokyo, ascend Gokyo Ri, cross Cho La to Lobuche. Days 14-18 Everest Base Camp, Kala Patar, descend to Lukla via Thyangboche. Day 19 Fly Kathmandu. Days 20-21 Depart Kathmandu, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x2, trekking lodge x16 Meals: All meals on trek inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Private Daily Departures: Oct to Apr Available for 2 or more people travelling together. Please contact us for details. Land Only (Group): from £1,365 Flight Inclusive (Group): from £2,049
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ASIA Nepal
Everest Base Camp – Lodge Trek The most famous Himalayan trek Duration: 17 days Trip Code: TEBC GROUP GUIDED
PRIVATE GUIDED
TRIP GRADE C (DEMANDING)
Classic Everest view from Kala Patar Visit Everest Base Camp Now includes all meals on trek
For most hill walkers the world over, the trek to Everest Base Camp is the holy grail, the once in a lifetime ultimate trekking Mecca in the mighty Himalaya of Nepal. Not only will you get to experience any ‘goings on’ at Everest Base Camp, and see the tumbling Khumbu Icefall that leads to the South Col, you’ll also be able to witness the classic view of Everest from the summit of Kala Patar. Following in the footsteps of Hillary and Tenzing, the route to Everest Base Camp is now a well trekked trail and within the capabilities of regular, active hill walkers. Although physically challenging Everest will take your breath away and be remembered forever.
Group Size: 4–12 (Max) Max Altitude: 5,600m Outline Itinerary: Days 1-2 Depart UK, arrive Kathmandu. Days 3-4 Fly to Lukla, trek to Namche. Day 5 Rest/ acclimatisation. Days 6-7 Trek to Dingboche. Day 8 Rest/acclimitisation. Days 9-14 Trek to Everest Base Camp, Kala Pattar descend to Lukla. Day 15 Fly to Kathmandu. Days 16-17 Depart Kathmandu, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x2, trekking lodge x12 Meals: All meals on trek inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Private Daily Departures: Oct to Apr Available for 2 or more people travelling together. Please contact us for details. Land Only (Group): from £1,089 Flight Inclusive (Group): from £1,775
Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at: www.walksworldwide.com
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ASIA Nepal
Annapurna Sanctuar y – Lodge Trek One of the world’s great trekking experiences Duration: 15 days Trip Code: TANN GROUP GUIDED
PRIVATE GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B/C (MODERATE/ DEMANDING)
Group Size: 4–12 (Max) Max Altitude: 4,130m
The magnificent mountain amphitheatre of ‘The Sanctuary’ Himalayan vistas and pretty villages Now includes all meals on trek
This wonderful Himalayan trekking adventure to the wondrous Annapurna Sanctuary rightfully deserves its reputation as a classic and is widely regarded as one of the easier (but great!) Himalayan treks. For majestic high mountain scenery and picturesque landscapes, this trek is hard to beat. Passing through delightful villages with neatly terraced rice fields to forests of rhododendron and oak, awe-inspiring mountain panoramas unfold each day with the rising sun. Heading further up the Modi Khola into bamboo woodlands, you emerge through a previously secret portal to enter an amazing throne room of mountain gods, the Annapurna Sanctuary. Here at the base of snowcovered behemoths, the mountains of the Annapurna are revealed in close up detail and amazing clarity.
Outline Itinerary: Days 1-2 Depart UK, arrive Kathmandu. Days 3-12 Fly to Pokhara and trek to Annapurna Sanctuary. Return to Pokhara. Day 13 Fly to Kathmandu. Days 14-15 Depart Kathmandu, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x3, trekking lodge x9 Meals: All meals on trek inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Private Daily Departures: Mid Sep to Apr Available for 2 or more people travelling together. Please contact us for details. Land Only (Group): from £995 Flight Inclusive (Group): from £1,695
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ASIA Nepal
The Forbidden Land of Mustang Trek into the ancient Kingdom of Lo
EXPERTS’ CHOICE
Duration: 19 days Trip Code: TMUS GROUP GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B/C (MODERATE/ DEMANDING)
Group Size: 4–10 (Max) Max Altitude: 4,100m
The fairytale walled city of Lo Manthang Superb views of the Annapurnas Tibetan Buddhism untouched
Isolated and both culturally and geographically a part of Tibet, the arid land of Mustang lies north of the Annapurnas. Now incorporated into Nepal, Mustang remained off limits until the early 90s. Mustang is perhaps Tibet as you’d hope it to be. A weird and wonderful desert land where nomadic shepherds herd their flocks across desolate mountain slopes coloured brown, blue, yellow and red by natural earth pigments and sculpted by the forces of wind. The scene is completed by the addition of picturesque white painted villages, Tibetan monasteries and our ultimate destination, the fabled city of Lo Manthang, the capital of Mustang.
Outline Itinerary: Days 1-2 Depart UK, arrive Kathmandu. Days 3-4 Fly to Jomsom from Pokhara and trek Kagbeni. Days 5-15 Mustang trek to Lo Manthang and return to Jomsom. Days 16-17 Fly to Pokhara and fly to Kathmandu. Days 18-19 Depart Kathmandu, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x4, trekking lodge x12 Meals: All meals on trek inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Land Only: from £1,850 Flight Inclusive: from £2,528
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Our trek through this very special region of Nepal allows for a full day of exploration of amazing Lo Manthang, different from anywhere else in Nepal.
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ASIA Nepal
Dolpo – Land of the Snow Leopard An extra special trek into a sacred land
EXPERTS’ CHOICE
Duration: 20 days Trip Code: TDOL GROUP GUIDED
TRIP GRADE C/D (DEMANDING/ STRENUOUS)
Group Size: 4–8 (Max) Max Altitude: 5,320m
Trekking the Demons Trail The setting for Eric Valli’s inspiring film ‘Himalaya’ Shey Phoksundo National Park
Situated in Nepal’s northwest and bordering the Tibetan plateau, Dolpo’s sense of remoteness is very real as there are no motorable roads here. Sparsely populated, many of the locals of pure Tibetan race practice the ancient Bonpo religion in this land of myths and legends. The landscapes are dramatic, rising from 1,500m at their lowest to the 7,381m summit of Churen Himal. The village of Tokyu (4,209m) is reputedly the world’s highest permanently inhabited settlement. Famously off-limits, Dolpo was visited with special permission in 1973 by Peter Matthiessen, and his resulting novel‘The Snow Leopard’ became an instant classic. A very challenging trek for true Himalayan connoisseurs and an absolute must for those wanting to visit an unspoiled region of almost mythological standing.
Outline Itinerary: Days 1-2 Depart UK, arrive Kathmandu. Days 3-4 Fly to Nepalgunj and on to Juphal; trek to Dunai. Days 5-12 Into Dolpo to Phoksundo Tso. Day 13 The Demons Trail. Days 14-16 Descend to Juphal. Days 17-18 Kathmandu. Days 19-20 Depart Kathmandu, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x4, camping and/or tea-house x12 Meals: All meals on trek inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Land Only: from £2,395 Flight Inclusive: from £3,099
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ASIA Nepal
Langtang Himal – Lodge Trek Nepal off the beaten track Duration: 13 days Trip Code: TLAG PRIVATE GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B/C (MODERATE/ DEMANDING)
Magnificent Himalayan Views Atmospheric Kyangjin Gompa Now includes all meals on trek
Although closer to Kathmandu than the busier trails of the Everest and Annapurna regions, the delightful Langtang Himal remains very much an unspoiled region of enchanting Nepal. Whilst trekking in Langtang, the Tibetan influence is clearly visible as you pass authentic small settlements along the way with their defensive Mani walls and colourful, fluttering prayer flags. The trek crosses open Yak pasture and mountain sides to reach the last habitation in the valley and the atmospheric Kyangjin Gompa surrounded by giant Himalayan peaks, and an almost unbelievable river of ice ‘flowing’ from Langtang Lirung. This is too fantastic a place to leave in a hurry, so an extra day will be spent in this cathedral of the mountain gods to allow further exploration before ultimately returning to exotic Kathmandu.
Max Altitude: 4,700m Outline Itinerary: Days 1-2 Depart UK, arrive Kathmandu. Day 3 Overland to Nuwakot. Days 4-10 Trek in the Langtang Valley to Kyangjin Gompa and return to Syabru Besi. Day 11 Overland to Kathmandu. Days 12-13 Depart Kathmandu, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x2, trekking lodge x8 Meals: All meals on trek inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Private Daily Departures: Oct to Apr Available for 2 or more people travelling together. Please contact us for details. Land Only: from £1,135 Flight Price Guide: from £628
Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at:
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See web for great price reductions for private parties of 4 or more 26
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ASIA Nepal
Annapurna Panorama – Lodge Trek Delightfully exclusive Duration: 13 days Trip Code: TPAN PRIVATE GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B/C (MODERATE/ DEMANDING)
Inspirational Annapurna and Dhaulagiri views from Poon Hill Now includes all meals on trek Lakeside relaxation in laid back Pokhara
This mini-circuit walk in the stunning Annapurna region of magical Nepal is one of the best short trekking holidays in the world. It is an ideal introductory trek to the delights of Himalayan trekking for regular hillwalkers and best enjoyed in the company of couples or friends. Passing through villages, listen out for the ubiquitous greeting of ‘Namaste’. The combination of a landscape of terraced fields and a backdrop of snowcovered Himalayan giants makes this a truly picturesque trek. An ascent of Poon Hill reveals one of the most amazing mountain panorama sunrise views to be witnessed in the entire Himalayas, followed by time to relax at the lakeside in scenic, laid back Pokhara.
Max Altitude: 3,210m Outline Itinerary: Days 1-2 Depart UK, arrive Kathmandu and sightseeing. Day 3 Kathmandu sightseeing. Days 4-9 Fly to Pokhara, trek beneath Annapurnas in Modi Khola Valley to Poon Hill and return to Pokhara. Days 10-11 To Kathmandu via Bandipur. Days 12-13 Depart Kathmandu, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x4, trekking lodge x6 Meals: All meals on trek inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Private Daily Departures: Oct to Apr Available for 2 or more people travelling together. Please contact us for details. Land Only: from £975 Flight Price Guide: from £628
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See web for great price reductions for private parties of 4 or more
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ASIA Nepal
The Royal Trek Gentle trek, big views Duration: 11 days Trip Code: TROY PRIVATE GUIDED
TRIP GRADE A/B (EASY/ MODERATE)
The entire Annapurna skyline Easy trekking in the foothills of the Himalayas Sunrise from Sarangkot hill
First undertaken by Prince Charles in 1980, this short walk in the foothills of the Himalayas, above Pokhara, has been known as the ‘Royal Trek’ ever since. It’s about as easy as it gets as far as trekking in the Himalayas goes, and with no altitude concerns either. With additional treks from lakeside Pokhara, there are amazing views of the entire Annapurna and a panoramic sunrise too. Ideal for those wishing to see big Himalayan mountains and not trek too hard or for too long.
Max Altitude: 1,500m Outline Itinerary: Days 1-2 Depart UK, arrive Kathmandu. Day 3 Fly to Pokhara. Days 4-8 Sarangkot sunrise, Royal Trek and Pokhara treks. Day 9 Fly to Kathmandu. Days 10-11 Depart Kathmandu, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x6, camping x2 Meals: All meals on trek inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Private Daily Departures: Mid Sep to mid May Available for 2 or more people travelling together. Please contact us for details. Land Only: from £1,045 Flight Price Guide: from £628
You can also easily extend this holiday with a jungle safari to Chitwan, have more time to explore Kathmandu or to relax in lakeside Pokhara for longer.
See web for great price reductions for private parties of 4 or more Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at: www.walksworldwide.com
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war nheis ye
Nepal
ASIA
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Active Nepal The fun way to see Nepal and the Himalayas Duration: 14 days Trip Code: ANAN GROUP GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B (MODERATE)
Discover the real Nepal Look for tigers from elephant-back in Chitwan National Park Rafting on the Trisuli River
A tour of Nepal’s bustling capital, Kathmandu, is the ideal way to launch our active exploration, before escaping to nearby medieval Bhaktapur. We’ll discover Nepali mountain life at Nuwakot, and raft the white waters of the Trisuli River. At Chitwan National Park – home to the Bengal tiger, onehorned rhino and a dazzling array of bird species – an elephant-back safari will get us into the thick of the action. We’ll hike around another traditional Nepali town, Bandipur, then take a dip in Begnas Lake. Next we follow part of the ‘Royal Trek’, camping at a viewpoint affording a full Annapurna panorama, before mountain-biking around laidback Pokhara.
Group Size: 4–12 (Max) Max Altitude: 2,500m Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK. Day 2 Arrive Kathmandu. Day 3 Optional Everest flight. Tour Kathmandu and Bhaktapur. Day 4 Nuwakot. Day 5 Hike Nuwakot. Day 6 Raft the Trisuli River. Day 7 Jungle activities in Chitwan National Park. Day 8 Morning in Chitwan. To Bandipur. Day 9 Hike to Ramkot. Day 10 To Begnas Lake. Day 11 Trek to Chisapani. Day 12 To Pokhara. Day 13 Mountain biking in Pokhara area. Day 14 Fly Kathmandu. Day 15 Depart Kathmandu, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x8, guesthouses x3, camping x2 Meals: Most meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Land Only: from £1,295 Flight Inclusive: from £2,124
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Nepal Extensions Of course it’s the trekking that seduces visitors to Nepal, but if you’re looking to top or tail your trek, we offer an incredible selection of ideas and extensions to make your visit to this magical country truly unforgettable. Whether it’s action, relaxation, wildlife, history, culture or spirituality you’re after, our hand-picked suggestions can be combined to suit your time, preferences and budget.
Take to the skies for a 45 minute round trip to Everest from Kathmandu
Discover Nepal’s Newari past in the ancient city of Bhaktapur
In need of some action? 30km of rafting with grade 3 and 4 rapids on the mighty Trisuli River takes some beating
Pokhara – the place to relax and enjoy some warm, sub-tropical sunshine
Serious WOW factor! Charter a helicopter from Kathmandu and fly over Everest base camp, before landing at the Everest View Hotel for breakfast.
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Fly like a bird around miles of classic Himalayan mountains; terraced fields of Sarangkot; the lake and Pokhara – silent flight at its best
Fly with a trained bird of prey soaring alongside you – breathtaking!
Mount your elephant and head into the swampland and forests for a Chitwan jungle safari
Let us help you find the most interesting, unusual and unique places to stay when extending your visit to Kathmandu
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ASIA India
Ladakh, Changtang and Tsomoriri The Jewel in India’s crown
EXPERTS’ CHOICE
Duration: 17 days Trip Code: TLAD GROUP GUIDED
PRIVATE GUIDED
TRIP GRADE C (DEMANDING)
The atmospheric, mysterious turquoise lake of Tsomoriri Trekking in the land of nomads and the kiang Visit Hemis, Shey and Thiksey Monasteries
A spectacular flight takes you over the Indian Himalaya to Leh, the capital of Ladakh. After essential acclimatisation, during which you’ll visit the most famous Buddhist monasteries in the area, it’s time to head out on trek across the wilds of the Changtang plateau. During the brief summer months nomadic herdsmen move up to this rarely trekked area and it is primarily their trails that you’ll follow. Dotted within this land of the snow leopard are a few impossibly deep turquoise coloured lakes and kiang (wild ass) can also be found here. Crossing a series of high passes you reach the village of Korzok (one of the world’s highest), by the high altitude lake of Tsomoriri, now a protected wetland wildlife reserve, before returning to Leh.
Group Size: 4–12 (Max) Max Altitude: 5,450m Outline Itinerary: Days 1-2 Depart UK, arrive Delhi. Days 3-5 Fly to Leh; acclimatisation in Leh with visits to iconic monasteries and to Rumste. Days 7-15 Trek across the Chantang to Tsomoriri, return to Leh. Day 16 Fly to Delhi. Day 17 Depart Delhi, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x1, deluxe guesthouse x5, camping x8 Meals: All meals on trek inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Private Daily Departures: Jul/Aug only Available for 2 or more people travelling together. Please contact us for details. Land Only (Group): from £989 Flight Inclusive (Group): from £1,659
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Taj Mahal extension available – Please contact us for details 32
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ASIA India
Darjeeling and the Singalila Ridge Trekking in the shadow of Kangchenjunga Duration: 13 days Trip Code: TSIN GROUP GUIDED
PRIVATE GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B/C (MODERATE/ DEMANDING)
Group Size: 4–12 (Max) Max Altitude: 3,690m
One of India’s classic Himalayan treks Darjeeling ‘Queen of the Hills’ Views across Nepal to Everest, Makalu and Lhotse
Combining wonderful trekking with diverse culture and fascinating history, this adventure is ideal for regular hill walkers seeking their first Himalayan trekking adventure or as an easier walking experience in the Himalayas. From Delhi you travel up to the famous old British Hill Station of Darjeeling, ‘The Queen of the Hills’. There is time to explore Darjeeling before a stunning trek along the India/Nepal border on the broad, undulating Singalila Ridge with stunning views of mighty Kangchenjunga. Over into Nepal there are distant views of the Kangshung face of Everest, Makalu and Lhotse, as well as extensive views into both Sikkim and Bhutan. Descending through traditional hill villages you return to Darjeeling to reflect on this very special trek before flying back to bustling Delhi.
Outline Itinerary: Days 1-2 Depart UK, arrive Delhi. Days 3-4 Fly to Bagdogra and 2 nights in Darjeeling. Days 5-10 Trek along Singalila Ridge. Day 11 Darjeeling. Day 12 Fly to Delhi. Day 13 Depart Delhi, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x4, camping x5, trekking lodge x1 Meals: All meals on trek inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Private Daily Departures: Sep to Jan, Apr and May Available for 2 or more people travelling together. Please contact us for details. Land Only (Group): from £865 Flight Inclusive (Group): from £1,459
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Taj Mahal extension available – Please contact us for details discover more online: www.walksworldwide.com
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ASIA India
The Spice Trails of Kerala The definitive adventure in India’s tropical south Duration: 16 days Trip Code: TKER GROUP GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B (MODERATE)
Treks in the fragrant Cardamom Hills Backwater lagoon cruising Colourful temples of Madurai
It’s no surprise that this varied trek and tour is a favourite. Starting in Kochi it’s easy to discover the many different cultural influences of ‘The Queen of the Arabian Seas’. Moving to the magnificent mountains of the Western Ghats, the cool, fragrant mountain air delights the senses with the scents of spices, coffee and tea. Here you explore the lush forests, tranquil plantation trails and former British Hill Stations. The high point of Meesapulimala is reached by crossing the Silent Valley plateau, before heading to the temple city of Madurai. A visit to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to elephant and tiger, is complemented with a relaxing trip to the lush tropical lagoons of the backwaters, staying on a traditional houseboat.
Group Size: 4–12 (Max) Max Altitude: 2,600m Outline Itinerary: Days 1-2 Depart UK, arrive Kochi. Days 3-4 Cardamom Hills. Days 5-8 Western Ghats trek. Day 9 Madurai. Days 10-11 Periyar wildlife. Day 12 Backwaters cruising. Days 13-14 Kerala villages and Kochi. Days 15-16 Depart Kochi, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x8, camping x4, houseboat x1 Meals: All meals on trek inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Land Only: from £1,145 Flight Inclusive: from £1,779
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war nheis ye
Vietnam
ASIA
t
Fansipan One of the greatest trekking destinations in the world Duration: 14 days Trip Code: TVIE GROUP GUIDED
PRIVATE GUIDED
TRIP GRADE C (DEMANDING)
Summit Fansipan, highest mountain in Indochina Meet the colourful Hill Tribes of northern Vietnam Stunning Ha Long Bay extension option
Walking through jungles and across verdant landscapes, the mountainous north of Vietnam is home to many cheerful and vibrant hill tribes. As well as the challenging ascent of Fansipan, a wonderful features of this adventure is spending a couple of nights on trek in the village homes of some of these welcoming tribes and with the help of your guide being able to learn more about their culture and traditions. Always lively, sometimes chaotic, but never dull, this trip to Vietnam is ideal for those that enjoy a challenge and want real cultural experiences too. To further enhance your holiday adventure to exotic Vietnam there’s a fabulous and relaxing extension to the World Heritage site of stunning Ha Long Bay with a cruise on a traditional Junk.
Group Size: 5–10 (Max) Max Altitude: 3,143m Outline Itinerary: Days 1-2 Depart UK, arrive Hanoi. Days 3-4 Hanoi to Lao Cai. Days 5-8 Fansipan ascent and descent. Days 9-10 Hill tribe trekking. Days 11-12 Lao Cai to Hanoi. Days 13-14 Depart Hanoi, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x4, tribal village houses x2, sleeper train x2, camping x3 Meals: Most meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Private Daily Departures: Oct to Nov, Feb to Mar Available for 2 or more people travelling together. Please contact us for details. Land Only (Group): from £845 Flight Inclusive (Group): from £1,499
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Ha Long Bay extension available – Please contact us for details discover more online: www.walksworldwide.com
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Africa & the Middle East Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) Kilimanjaro – Rongai Route
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Kilimanjaro – Shira Route
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Morocco The Berber Trail
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Tazarhart and Toubkal Turbo
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Winter Toubkal Climb NEW 42 Toubkal Ascent
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Atlas Traverse and Toubkal Climb
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Lords of the Atlas
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Raiders of the Lost Kasbah
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Marrakech and Atlas Short Break NEW 46 Marrakech, Mountains and Coast NEW 46 Sahara Desert Adventure NEW 47 M’Goun and the Hidden Atlas
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Jordan Bedouin Trail to Petra
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Petra and the Valley of the Moon
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Lebanon Active Lebanon NEW 50 Lebanon Winter Snowshoe Adventure NEW 51
Lebanon Morocco
Jordan
Would you prefer to go Tailor-Made? Chameleon Worldwide is all about choice. Our consultants can tailor special itineraries with a focus on nature, adventure and traditional culture. So if you love the outdoors, but maybe want a few creature comforts at a comfortable hotel or lodge, then talk to a Chameleon consultant to plan your Tailor-Made trip today.
Atlantic Ocean
Kilimanjaro (Tanzania)
Indian Ocean
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AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST Kilimanjaro (Tanzania)
“I would like to commend all of the support staff who made our trip so enjoyable. From the cooks who performed miracles on the mountain side, to the porters who did everything with a smile on their faces; the guides who were al ways happy to chat about anything and everything and also proved to be the difference in me making it up to the summit.” – PAUL R.
Kilimanjaro Why we’re the No. 1 choice for Kilimanjaro Pre-booking advice & support Responsible Travel We provide detailed Trip Dossiers, crammed full of helpful information about trekking on Kilimanjaro. If you want to talk to someone who has trekked Kilimanjaro, then all you need to do is call us. We have experienced, friendly staff, some of whom have ascended Kilimanjaro themselves via all the options we offer.
Value Our prices are exceptionally competitive, but that doesn’t mean we cut corners. See what we provide below that not everyone else does.
Choice Our trips depart every Friday and Saturday in the trekking season. We offer two different routes which purposefully avoid the busy routes such as Marangu and Machame, so that your once-in-a-lifetime Kilimanjaro trek is as amazing as possible.
Experience We have Guided Group departures ascending Killy at least twice a week in the trekking season – that’s over 80 ascents of Kilimanjaro every year, for the past 14 years! Our guides ascend Kilimanjaro around 20 times each year and know the mountain better than anyone.
Strong support on the mountain Our guide to client ratio is 2:1. This is especially important on summit day when extra assistance, encouragement and moral support is needed. This is best practice on the mountain – don’t settle for less!
We look after Kilimanjaro – it’s a busy mountain and that means a lot of rubbish. We carry off all our rubbish and regularly pay our porters to collect the rubbish less careful operators leave behind.
Food Napoleon once said “An army marches on its stomach”, and it’s the same for anyone marching on Kilimanjaro. We provide tasty, nutritious food and the trek menu is specifically designed with a high liquid and carbohydrate content, to make digestion at altitude easier. Our clients regularly comment on how surprised they are to be able to eat such good, energy-providing food on the mountain.
Acclimatisation Our carefully planned itineraries take acclimatisation into account and have been operating successfully for 14 years. In the afternoons you walk to a higher level than the overnight camp and then descend back down to camp. Summit day will always be a hard slog, but with our considered and proven approach your chances of reaching the summit are greatly increased.
Can you resist the lure of Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa?
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AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST Kilimanjaro (Tanzania)
Kilimanjaro – Rongai Route Reach the top of Africa – the quick way Duration: 9 days Trip Code: TKRO GROUP GUIDED
TRIP GRADE D (STRENUOUS)
Six days on the mountain
Camp by Mawenzi tarn and towers
The short route to the summit of Kilimanjaro
Away from the crowded Marangu and Machame routes, the Rongai approaches from the north and is arguably the easiest route to the top of Africa. Many also consider this the most beautiful way to the summit. From farmland and forest and up through the Alpine zone, there are stupendous views throughout. Across the lunar desert of the Saddle, the final, arduous push brings you to the crater rim from where there are spectacular views of the summits’ glaciers and ice cliffs, as well as to the plains of East Africa far below.
Group Size: 4–12 (Max) Max Altitude: 5,895m Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Marangu. Days 2-7 Climb Kilimanjaro’s Rongai Route and descend to Marangu. Days 8-9 Depart Marangu, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x2, camping x5 Meals: All meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Land Only: from £1,249 Flight Inclusive: from £1,991
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From the UK to the top of Kilimanjaro and home again, all in 9 days… phew! Or you could always extend your stay, either on safari or on the beach in Zanzibar!
Rongai
TA N Z A N I A Londorossi Gate Uhuru Peak Mt Meru
Price includes Kilimanjaro National Park fees
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Moshi
To Arusha
Marangu
Kilimanjaro International Airport
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AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST Kilimanjaro (Tanzania)
Kilimanjaro – Shira Route The less-trodden route to the summit of Kilimanjaro Duration: 11 days Trip Code: TKSH GROUP GUIDED
TRIP GRADE D (STRENUOUS)
Impressive views of towering ice cliffs
A remote, rewarding route
One of the world’s seven summits
Increase your chances of summit success on the magnificent 11 day Shira route. There’s a real sense of wilderness as you approach from the west and cross the impressive caldera of the Shira volcano. Expect short morning ascents, with plenty of acclimatisation time in the afternoons, or the option of other walks to explore further. Trekking beneath the spectacular hanging glacier of the Western Breach and the flanks of Kibo, along with views of Mount Meru seemingly floating in the distance are unforgettable. Of course, even more memorable is the sensation of standing at the famous Uhuru Peak summit sign knowing that you have reached the top of Africa.
Group Size: 4–12 (Max) Max Altitude: 5,895m Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Arusha. Days 2-9 Climb Kilimanjaro by the Shira Route; descend and return to Arusha. Days 10-11 Depart Arusha, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x2, camping x7 Meals: All meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Land Only: from £1,649 Flight Inclusive: from £2,399
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Londorossi Gate
Mt Meru
Price includes Kilimanjaro National Park fees
Uhuru Peak
Mweka Gate Moshi
Marangu
TA N Z A N I A To Arusha
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Rongai
Kilimanjaro International Airport
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Morocco A world away on your doorstep Surely no other country within easy and affordable reach of the UK offers such an exotic travel experience as the outlandish Kingdom of Morocco. Here you’ll find kasbahs strategically located beneath the impressive snowy peaks of the High Atlas Mountains, bustling souks crammed with traditional artisan crafts, a wealth of history and culture, ornate Moorish architecture, friendly Berber tribes living in tiny mud-brick villages, traditional coastal fishing towns, spectacular Martian landscapes in the Jebel Sahro, and the immense expanses of sweeping sands and dunes of the Sahara.
Enjoy more of exotic Morocco Whether it’s before or after your trek with us in Morocco, we have a tasty selection of extensions to make your visit to Morocco even more special. Hand-picked to suit a variety of tastes and budgets, you could find yourself learning to cook Berber style in the Atlas Mountains, or ride a camel to a remote camp in the Sahara, as well as many other ideas. Visit our special ‘Why not enjoy more of exotic Morocco’ page at www.walksworldwide.com for details.
Stay in the world famous Kasbah du Toubkal
Try your hand at Moroccan cooking – Berber style!
Journey by camel into the Sahara and sleep beneath the desert stars
Unwind in a traditional, sumptuous Marrakech riad
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AFRICA AFRICA&&MIDDLE MIDDLEEAST EAST Morocco
The Berber Trail Discover the land of the Berber Duration: 8 days Trip Code: TTBT PRIVATE GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B (MODERATE)
The charm of tiny, timeless mountain villages Friendly Berber hospitality and culture Dramatic High Atlas Mountain panoramas
Following ancient Berber trails that link the mud and stone villages of the High Atlas, this amazing walking holiday has been specifically designed and researched ‘in the field’ to provide you with the opportunity to genuinely experience real Berber life close up. Trekking across a series of mountain passes (Tizi’s) you explore four entirely different valleys to discover a fascinating variety of changing, colourful landscapes. Enjoy a sublime Atlas trek and stimulating cultural experience with comfortable, charming accommodation, friendly Berber hospitality, tasty fresh Moroccan food and breathtaking scenery along the way. Returning from the mountains to colourful Marrakech you have time to explore the curious labyrinths of the souks. This trip now includes a night in a charming, traditional family-run riad in the heart of Marrakech.
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Max Altitude: 2,960m Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Marrakech; transfer to Oukaimeden. Days 2-6 Atlas trails to Tacheddirt, Aremd and Tassa Ouirgane. Day 7 Transfer to Marrakech. Day 8 Depart Marrakech, arrive UK. Nights: Riad x1, hotel x1, gîte x1, trekking lodges x4 Meals: Most meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Private Daily Departures: All year round Available for 2 or more people travelling together. Please contact us for details. Land Only: from £595 Flight Price Guide: from £170 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
See web for great price reductions for private parties of 4 or more
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AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST
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Tazarhart and Toubkal Turbo
Winter Toubkal Climb
The fast way to the top of North Africa
Climb Toubkal and Ouanoukrim in their winter coats!
Duration: 5 days
Duration: 7 days
Trip Code: TTTZ PRIVATE GUIDED
TRIP GRADE D (STRENUOUS)
Three full days high in the Atlas Mountains Trek to the summit of Mt Toubkal Action-packed mountain adventure
Short on time, but want to bag an African 4,000m peak? If so this is the trip for you. With a wide choice of flights into Marrakech, and good road connections from Marrakech to the heart of the High Atlas, ascending Mt Toubkal in a short period of time is a realistic goal. The itinerary allows strong mountain walkers to enjoy three full days in the Atlas, sampling the peace of the Tazarhart mountain hut in the upper Azzaden valley before crossing to the Mizane valley to climb Toubkal for outstanding views across North Africa. This trip now includes a night in a charming, traditional family-run riad in the heart of Marrakech.
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Max Altitude: 4,167m Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Marrakech; transfer to Aremd. Days 2-4 Climb Toubkal and return to Marrakech. Day 5 Depart Marrakech, arrive UK. Nights: Mountain hut x2, trekking lodge x1, riad x1 Meals: Most meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Private Daily Departures: May to Oct Available for 2 or more people travelling together. Please contact us for details. Land Only: from £295 Flight Price Guide: from £170 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
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Trip Code: TNAW GROUP GUIDED
PRIVATE GUIDED
TRIP GRADE C/D (DEMANDING/ STRENUOUS)
Group Size: 4–12 (Max) Max Altitude: 4,167m
High guide to client ratio Superlative winter hill trek The snow covered peaks of the High Atlas
As the snow arrives on the peaks of the High Atlas Mountains, not only does this present a landscape of scenic splendour but also great opportunities for winter hill-walking. As well as aiming to make a winter ascent of Jebel Toubkal (4,167m), the highest summit in North Africa, the neighbouring peak of Ouanoukrim (4,088m) is also a worthy objective. Toubkal is of course the highest and thus most people’s principle objective, but many find that Ouanoukrim affords a more interesting climb. Certainly both afford equally spectacular views across the snow-covered High Atlas that on clear days can extend as far away as the Sahara. Whilst this trip does require the use of a walking ice-axe and crampons for both peak ascents and negotiating mostly moderately angled snow slopes, there is no technical climbing involved.
Extend your stay to enjoy more of Morocco – Please contact us for details
Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Marrakech. Day 2 To Aguersioual; acclimatisation trek to Imlil. Day 3 Trek to Toubkal Base Camp; practice ice-axe and crampon walking. Day 4 Ascend Ouanoukrim. Day 5 Climb Toubkal. Day 6 Descend to Imlil; transfer to Marrakech, with time to explore city. Day 7 Depart Marrakech, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x2, gîte x1, mountain huts x3 Meals: Most meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Private Daily Departures: Nov to Mar Available for 2 or more people travelling together. Please contact us for details. Land Only (Group): from £395 Flight Inclusive (Group): from £599 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
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AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST Morocco
Toubkal Ascent
Atlas Traverse and Toubkal Climb
Trek to the ‘Roof of North Africa’
The ultimate High Atlas walking experience
Duration: 8 days
Duration: 15 days
Trip Code: TTAS GROUP GUIDED
PRIVATE GUIDED
TRIP GRADE C (DEMANDING)
The superb High Atlas peaks An ascent of Jebel Toubkal The delightful Ourika valley
This amazing trek takes you to the summit of Jebel Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. You’ll also be able to discover the delights of lesser-trekked areas of the Atlas Mountains. Commencing in the beautiful, verdant Ourika Valley, you’ll trek over the rarely crossed Tizi n’Tacheddirt to reach North Africa’s highest permanently inhabited village. One more pass and then you join the regular trail to the Neltner Refuge beneath Toubkal itself. Here, a rugged but straightforward route takes you to the summit of Toubkal for far-reaching and truly stupendous vistas of the Atlas mountains and beyond to the Sahara. Returning to exotic Marrakech there’s time to explore the delights of this vibrant city and go shopping in the bazaars too.
Group Size: 4–12 (Max)
Trip Code: TATT GROUP GUIDED
TRIP GRADE C/D (DEMANDING/ STRENUOUS)
Max Altitude: 4,167m Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Marrakech. Days 2-7 Trek from Ourika Valley to Imlil to ascend Toubkal. Day 8 Depart Marrakech, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x2, trekking lodge x3, gîte x1, mountain hut x1 Meals: Most meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Private Daily Departures: Apr to Oct Available for 2 or more people travelling together. Please contact us for details. Land Only (Group): from £365 Flight Inclusive (Group): from £579 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
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Group Size: 4–12 (Max) Max Altitude: 4,167m
Climb Toubkal – the highest summit in North Africa Amazing Atlas circuit trek with option to climb other 4,000m peaks The high mountain Lake Ifni
Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Marrakech. Days 2-14 Traverse the High Atlas, climb Toubkal and Ouanoukrim, return to Marrakech. Day 15 Depart Marrakech, arrive UK.
At last, a longer, more rewarding circuit trek that extends deeper and further into the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco and culminates in an ascent of Jebel Toubkal.
Meals: Most meals inc.
From vibrant Marrakech you’ll journey into the heart of the Atlas and cross a series of classic mountain passes that take you well off the beaten track and away from the standard tourist trails. Along the way you’ll discover incredibly remote and isolated traditional Berber villages. This mini-traverse of the Atlas affords the opportunity to ascend a couple of other 4,000m peaks too including Ouanoukrim, with fine views of Toubkal itself. A night at the atmospheric, cobalt blue Lake Ifni, then it’s over the final pass and onto the high point of the Toubkal ascent.
Nights: Hotel x2, gîte x1, camping x8, trekking lodge x2, mountain hut x1
Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Land Only: from £585 Flight Inclusive: from £795 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
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Atlas trekking at its very, very best.
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AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST Morocco
Lords of the Atlas Enjoy the Atlas Mountains in comfort
Superior Collection
Duration: 8 days Trip Code: TLAT PRIVATE GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B (MODERATE)
Stylish accommodation in the mountains Experience the land of the Berber tribe Savour a traditional riad in exotic Marrakech
There’s no better way to enjoy sublime trekking through the intoxicating Atlas Mountains than this. Following trails used by the Berber for centuries you’ll discover timeless, traditional villages and be enthralled along the way by majestic views of the magnificent Atlas. Walking through delightful varied landscapes you enter entirely different valley systems to witness the real lives of the Berbers close up. From the authentic charm and sophistication of a riad in Marrakech, each night in the mountains is spent in the best accommodation available, from an atmospheric Berber lodge in North Africa’s highest village with incredible views from the sun terrace, to the Kasbah du Toubkal, the most famous mountain retreat in the Atlas.
Max Altitude: 2,960m Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Marrakech. Days 2-6 Trek through the Atlas Mountains. Day 6 Transfer to Marrakech. Day 8 Depart Marrakech, arrive UK. Nights: Riad x2, Kasbah du Toubkal x2, hotel x1, lodge x2 Meals: Most meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Private Daily Departures: All year round Available for 2 or more people travelling together. Please contact us for details. Land Only: from £1,065 Flight Price Guide: from £170 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at:
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See web for great price reductions for private parties of 4 or more 44
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AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST Morocco
Raiders of the Lost Kasbah A unique trek through Moroccan history
EXPERTS’ CHOICE
Duration: 8 days Trip Code: TLKM GROUP GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B/C (MODERATE/ DEMANDING)
Group Size: 4–12 (Max) Max Altitude: 2,200m
In the footsteps of the real ‘Lords of the Atlas’ Follow the old trade route Kasbahs, ksars and Ait Ben Haddou
This unique trekking adventure takes you across the Atlas Mountains on the ancient caravan route to discover historic fortresses, crumbling kasbahs, lunar landscapes, fertile valleys, spectacular canyons, tiny villages and the iconic ksar of magnificent Ait Ben Haddou. Nowadays the fortified town of Ait Ben Haddou is better known as the backdrop to scenes from ‘Gladiator’ and other Hollywood blockbusters. Gavin Maxwell’s novel ‘Lords of the Atlas’, the true story of the rise and fall of the Glaoua Empire, the most powerful tribe of the Atlas, inspires this adventure. More than just a trek, this is a journey on foot through the history of Morocco. Back in imperial Marrakech you’ll have time to explore the souks and experience the magical, vibrant, evening spectacle of the world famous Djeema El Fna.
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Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Marrakech. Days 2-7 Trek across Atlas Mountains via Telouet to Ait Ben Haddou. Day 8 Depart Marrakech, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x3, auberge x1, camping x1, gîtes x2 Meals: Most meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Land Only: from £495 Flight Inclusive: from £699 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at:
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Morocco
AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST
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Marrakech and Atlas Short Break
Marrakech, Mountains and Coast
A Moroccan quick fix – ideal for a long weekend
Walk in the Atlas, then relax in Essaouira
Duration: 5 days
Duration: 8 days
Trip Code: TASB PRIVATE GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B (MODERATE)
Experience exotic Marrakech Enjoy a short trek in the Atlas Meet the Berbers
With so many affordable low cost airline flights to Marrakech from many UK regional airports, our Moroccan ‘quick fix’ is a great way of taking advantage of this if you just fancy a quick and inexpensive getaway. After a night in a traditional riad in the heart of old Marrakech, we take you into the majestic High Atlas Mountains. Here you’ll enjoy two superlative days of trekking over moderate passes, through scenic valleys and atmospheric Berber villages, before returning to Marrakech for a final night in this Imperial Ochre City. Great value for money, sublime walking, a better climate than the UK, and a touch of the exotic, Morocco is the ideal destination for a short get-away.
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Max Altitude: 2,960m Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Marrakech and spend night in a riad. Days 2-3 Atmospheric trekking in the High Atlas. Day 4 Marrakech. Day 5 Depart Marrakech, arrive UK. Nights: Riad x2, trekking lodge x2 Meals: Most meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Private Daily Departures: All year round Available for 2 or more people travelling together. Please contact us for details. Land Only: from £325
Trip Code: TMMC PRIVATE GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B (MODERATE)
A varied Moroccan adventure Vibrant Marrakech and trekking in the land of the Berber Discover ‘Mellowisity’ on the coast at Essaouira
Purposefully designed for the first time visitor, this tasty ‘Moroccan Sandwich’ combines a short introductory trek into the High Atlas Mountains, the opportunity to explore the bazaars and sights of Marrakech, as well as time to truly relax and unwind at the laid back coastal town of Essaouira.
Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
From Marrakech you’ll enjoy three days of walking in a landscape that affords outlandish views as you cross mountain passes, visit tiny Berber villages along the way and walk amongst the beautiful valleys too.
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It’s then time for ‘something completely different’ as we take you to chilled out Essaouira to experience Morocco’s Atlantic Coast. A final night is spent in Marrakech where you can hunt for souvenirs in the souks.
Flight Price Guide: from £170
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Max Altitude: 2,960m Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Marrakech. Days 2-4 Trekking in the Atlas Mountains. Days 5-6 Coastal Essaouira. Day 7 Marrakech. Day 8 Depart Marrakech, arrive UK. Nights: Riad x4, trekking lodge x3 Meals: All meals on trek inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Private Daily Departures: All year round Available for 2 or more people travelling together. Please contact us for details. Land Only: from £525 Flight Price Guide: from £170 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
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AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST
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Morocco
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Sahara Desert Adventure
M’Goun and the Hidden Atlas
Camel supported trek into the Sahara wilderness
The Atlas Mountains via the less trodden path
Duration: 8 days
Duration: 13 days
Trip Code: AMSD GROUP GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B/C (MODERATE/ DEMANDING)
Group Size: 4–12 (Max) Altitude: Low
Visit Ait Benhaddou and exotic Marrakech Camp wild in the Sahara Desert Discover the dunes of Erg Lihoudi
A spectacularly varied journey takes us across the mountains and through the palm groves of the Draa Valley to the edge of the Sahara. From the frontier city of Zagora we cross a high pass – then it all gets seriously sandy... At Mhamid village, we load our camels, and set off into the Sahara on foot. If you’d prefer not to walk we can arrange a camel for you – though be warned – walking is far more comfortable! Our romantic nomad caravan will then head deeper into the desert, admiring its scale and solitude, and camping out each night under the stars.
Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Marrakech. Day 2 Overland across High Atlas; Ait Benhaddou and Draa Valley; arrive Zagora. Days 3-6 Camel trekking in Sahara. Day 7 Short trek to roadhead; transfer to Marrakech. Day 8 Depart Marrakech, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x3, wild desert camps x4 Meals: Most meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Land Only: from £475 Flight Inclusive: from £726 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
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Trip Code: TMGO GROUP GUIDED
TRIP GRADE C (DEMANDING)
Climb M’Goun, one of Morocco’s highest summits Trekking in the Central Atlas Spectacular canyons and gorges
This trek is ideal for those who’ve previously climbed Toubkal and are looking for more (but different) trekking in the wonderful Atlas Mountains range. With only Toubkal and Ouanoukrim higher, the summit of M’goun (4,068m) in the Central Atlas affords expansive views over to the High Atlas and the seemingly infinite spread of desert to the south. Our route has been especially created to provide discerning trekking through this mountainous region of charming villages, high plateau, canyons and gorges: a land of nomadic shepherds. The ascent and traverse of the M’goun massif is the ultimate highlight followed by an ingenious exit route to the fringes of the Jebel Sahro before finally returning to exotic Marrakech.
Group Size: 4–12 (Max) Max Altitude: 4,068m Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Marrakech. Days 2-11 Transfer to Abachkou and traverse M’Goun, then transfer to Ouarzazate. Day 12 Return to Marrakech. Day 13 Depart Marrakech, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x3, gîte x1, camping x8 Meals: Most meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Land Only: from £625 Flight Inclusive: from £845 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
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AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST Jordan
Bedouin Trail to Petra The classic Jordan adventure Duration: 8 days Trip Code: TBTP GROUP GUIDED
TRIP GRADE C (DEMANDING)
Trek from Dana to Petra Amazing mountain and desert scenery Camp Bedouin style beneath the stars
A truly incredible and iconic walk across the deserts and mountains of Jordan to magnificent, iconic Petra. This adventure is definitely unique. Trekking through dramatic gorges and canyons on trails best known only to the local Bedouin, it’s unlikely you’ll encounter other trekkers. Trek through some of the most exciting and rugged landscapes in Jordan, crossing the classic rocky hamada desert to climb into the spectacular mountains and escarpments above the Great Rift Valley. Spectacular trails lead through wadis and along rocky ledges to emerge at the ‘back door’ of Petra itself. A perfect climax to a superb voyage of discovery. This adventure is fast becoming known as ‘The Inca Trail of the Middle East’, yet with our very special route to Petra you’ll certainly feel ‘off the beaten track’.
Group Size: 6–16 (Max) Altitude: Low Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Madaba. Day 2 Wadi Dana trail to Feinan. Days 3-7 Across the hamada and mountains to Petra. Day 8 Depart Madaba, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x2, camping x5 Meals: Most meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Land Only: from £995 Flight Inclusive: from £1,329 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
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AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST Jordan
Petra and the Valley of the Moon Desert trekking at its best Duration: 8 days Trip Code: TWAD GROUP GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B (MODERATE)
Full day of Petra exploration
Amazing Wadi Rum rock arches
Land of Lawrence of Arabia
Trek in an area often referred to as the Valley of the Moon due to its outlandish lunar like landscape to reach the iconic site of Petra. This desert region is probably even more spectacular than the moon, with amazing rock arches, sand dunes, eroded rock formations, gorges and canyons, mountains and immense wide-open spaces. Expect a cacophony of colour in stark contrast to the blue skies. We’ll be camping wild in the silence of the desert beneath a myriad of stars as we journey on foot through the land of Lawrence of Arabia. Local Bedouin will assist us on trek and we can look forward to enjoying their cooking and company in some pretty amazing overnight locations. Reaching the end of our trek through one of the most exciting landscapes in Jordan, we devote a full day to explore the wonders of Petra.
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Group Size: 6–16 (Max) Altitude: Low Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Madaba. Day 2 Wadi Rum trek to Umm el Tawaggy. Days 3-6 Trek through the Valley of the Moon passing rock arches to Lawrence House and Wadi Um Ishrin. Day 7 Visit Petra. Day 8 Depart Madaba, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x3, camping x4 Meals: Most meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Land Only: from £845 Flight Inclusive: from £1,299 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
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Lebanon
AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST
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Active Lebanon From the Med’ to the very top of Lebanon Duration: 8 days Trip Code: ALAL GROUP GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B/C (MODERATE/ DEMANDING)
Group Size: 6–15 (Max) Max Altitude: 3,088m
Combination of trekking and cultural sightseeing Walk in Cedar of Lebanon forests Climb Black Peak, highest mountain in Lebanon
Lebanon – a country that sits at the crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe – is renowned for its tasty cuisine and warm hospitality. On this mouth-watering trip, soak up the culture and visit the highlights, on foot and overland. After exploring buzzing Beirut, we head up to ancient Byblos, reputed to be the world’s oldest town. Then we venture inland to scale 3,088m Black Peak for epic views, and on to camp in Ehden Nature Reserve, to hike amid cedar forest, looking out for wolves and wildcats. For a historical hit we visit Bsharreh, the St Elysee Monastery and Unesco-listed Roman ruins at Deir Al Qamar – a good spot for wine-tasting. After a short walk in the Shouf Cedar Reserve, we return to the glittering Med to explore Sidon’s sea castle and old souks before toasting our trip with a fun final night in Beirut.
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Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Beirut. Day 2 Beirut tour; Jeita Grottoes; Byblos. Day 3 Black Peak trek. Day 4 Trek Cedar of Lebanon forests. Day 5 Rural mountain village trek; Bsharreh; transfer to Beirut. Day 6 Visit Roman ruins; wine-tasting; transfer to Deir Al Qamar. Day 7 Hike in Shouf Cedar Reserve; visit Beiteddine Palace and Sidon. Day 8 Depart Beirut, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x5, camping x2 Meals: Most meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Land Only: from £975 Flight Inclusive: from £1,532
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AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST
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Lebanon
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Lebanon Winter Snowshoe Adventure Snow fun in a very different winter destination Duration: 8 days Trip Code: TLWS GROUP GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B (MODERATE)
Snow fun adventures in the Middle East Lebanese hospitality and cuisine A novel winter destination
Lebanon may not be the first place that springs to mind when it comes to a winter snow adventure holiday. However, it certainly has the right ingredients... mountains rising to over 3,000m, snowcovered in the winter months. This adventure holiday combines snowshoe walks into several different mountain areas of Lebanon, as well as an interesting mix of historical sightseeing and travel too. Add to this mix the legendary Lebanese hospitality and great Lebanese food and you most certainly have a different winter holiday compared with the usual suspects. Don’t worry if you’ve never used snowshoes before – it’s very easy to pick up, no special snowshoe boots are needed and if you haven’t got your own snowshoes then you can rent these along with poles through Walks Worldwide.
Group Size: 6–14 (Max) Max Altitude: Approx. 2,500m Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Beirut. Day 2 Qanat Bakish to snowshoe; Jeita Grottoes; overnight Byblos. Day 3 Snowshoe near Mt Lebanon; Crusader castle; Byblos. Day 4 Snowshoe in Ehden Nature Reserve; Bsharreh. Day 5 Snowshoe in cedar reserve; Tripoli. Day 6 Snowshoe in Shouf Mountains; Beiteddine Palace and Deit Al Qamar. Day 7 Faqra Temple; wine tasting. Day 8 Depart Beirut, arrive UK. Nights: 7 nights in 3-star hotels Meals: All breakfasts inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Land Only: from £995 Flight Inclusive: from £1,499
Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at:
www.walksworldwide.com
discover more online: www.walksworldwide.com
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Latin America Peru The Classic Inca Trail
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Lares Inca Trail
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Ausangate Circuit
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Costa Rica Walks on the Wildlife Side
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Argentina/Chile Ultimate Patagonia Adventure
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Argentina/Bolivia/Chile Secret South America NEW 57
Costa Rica
Peru Bolivia Pacific Ocean
Chile
WEB ONLY SPECIAL!
Argentina
Espiritu Pampa – The REAL lost city of the Incas Feel like Indiana Jones and trek deep into the heart of the Peruvian jungle
Trip Code TESP online: www.walksworldwide.com
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LATIN AMERICA Peru
The Inca Trail Do it with Walks Worldwide!
The Classic Inca Trail The world famous trek to Machu Picchu Duration: 10 days Trip Code: TINC GROUP GUIDED
TRIP GRADE C (DEMANDING)
Additional trekking day for a less hurried itinerary More time to acclimatise on trek Avoids the busiest camping areas
It can be difficult to know which version of this classic trail to choose. We strongly believe that our Inca Trail trips are the best out there – here’s why: • Compared to many trekking operators we incorporate one extra day of trekking along the Inca Trail. This means: - A more relaxed, less hurried itinerary. - More time to acclimatise before crossing the highest pass. - We can avoid the busiest camping sites as we don’t trek as far each day. - There’s more time to visit fascinating Inca ruins en route. • We use the biggest and most comfortable tents on the Inca Trail (Swiss imported). • Our guide is university educated, Inca Trail registered, trained in wilderness firstaid, highly knowledgeable and great fun too! • We carry oxygen, emergency first-aid, satellite phone and radio communication. • Food on trek is delicious and hygienically prepared. Our trek menu was created by a top restaurant chef in Cusco. • ALL trek meals included ALL Peru treks support the ‘One Percent for the Planet’ foundation. This has meant that in conjunction with the NGO body ECOANPERU more than over 85,000 native trees have been replanted in the region since 2007.
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The world famous Classic Inca Trail should need no further introduction. We believe this ‘once in your lifetime’ trek to Machu Picchu is greatly enhanced by incorporating an extra day of trekking. You may only do this trek once, so why settle for less when more is better. At the famed ‘km82’ starting point, you will be met by your trek crew and specialist Inca Trail guide, who are a mine of information and history in themselves who will add their own colour to your experience. The terrain along this ancient pathway is diverse, ranging from paved stones to dirt trails amongst soaring ice capped peaks and sweeping valleys which gradually change to rich, luscious cloudforests dripping with moss and lagoons. You will find a multitude of ceremonial sites en route: Sayacmarca, Rucuracay and Winay Wayna to name but a few. Trek over the impressive Dead Woman’s Pass, the high point at 4,200 metres, before descending towards the Sun Gate. The climax of this extraordinary trek, of course, is the arrival at the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu.
Group Size: 4–16 (Max) Max Altitude: 4,200m Outline Itinerary: Days 1-2 Depart UK, arrive Cusco. Days 3-7 Trek the Inca Trail and visit Machu Picchu. Day 8 Cusco. Days 9-10 Depart Cusco, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x4, camping x3 Meals: All meals on trek inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Land Only: from £895 Flight Inclusive: from £1,875 Prices include Inca Trail permit
Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at:
www.walksworldwide.com
Each day allows you time to discover the spirituality and wonder of the scenery and ruins, leaving you with lasting memories of your journey into the land of the Incas.
speak to an expert on:
0845 301 4737
LATIN AMERICA Peru
Lares Inca Trail
Ausangate Circuit
Inca trails to Machu Picchu without the crowds
A Classic Andean ‘Haute Route’
Duration: 10 days
Duration: 11 days
Trip Code: TLAR GROUP GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B/C (MODERATE/ DEMANDING)
Group Size: 4–16 (Max) Max Altitude: 4,400m
Trek the Sacred Valley Time to explore Machu Picchu Visit ancient Quechua communities
This trek through the Sacred Valley into the dramatic and lesser-visited Lares Valley. Not only is this great trekking, you also witness traditional Andean mountain village life and meet the locals too. This trip is for those who want to trek trails that aren’t busy, have great views of soaring peaks and still visit Machu Picchu. Situated among the hardy Quechua people tending their crops, the trails take you over spectacular mountain passes, past upland lakes and through remote villages. Almost everywhere you look llama graze on the high mountain terrain. The odd mule train may pass you by and condors may soar above but mostly you will be blissfully alone in this glorious Andean wilderness.
Outline Itinerary: Days 1-2 Depart UK, arrive Cusco. Days 3-6 Follow rarely used Inca trails to Ollantaytambo. Day 7 Machu Picchu. Day 8 Cusco. Days 9-10 Depart Cusco, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x4, camping x3 Meals: All meals on trek inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Land Only: from £890 Flight Inclusive: from £1,879
Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at:
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With a visit to hot springs, exploration of local Inca ruins and the climax of a day at Machu Picchu, this trip brings a balance of rich ancient history and stunning Inca trails less travelled.
EXPERTS’ CHOICE
Trip Code: TAUS GROUP GUIDED
TRIP GRADE C (DEMANDING)
Wild-trekking in the rugged Cordillera Vilcanota The red lake of Jatan Pucacocha Option to visit Machu Picchu
There’s more of a ‘Himayalan’ feel to this amazing higher-level circuit trek of the sacred peak of Ausangate – abode of the mountain of the god, Apu. From colourful vibrant Cusco our trekking route heads into a pristine, high mountain wilderness of alpine valleys, glacial lakes and soaring snow-covered peaks. Crossing passes, remote lakeside camps, passing ancient Inca villages, meeting the friendly Quecha locals, soaking in hot springs and absorbing inspiring, spectacular views is all part and parcel of this mule supported, challenging Andean trek into the realm of the vicuna and Andean Condor. Returning to Cusco, no doubt the buzzing night life will be on the menu and with the option to visit Machu Picchu too, this trek has to rank as one of the very best adventures in Peru for those who like their trekking higher and wilder.
Group Size: 4–16 (Max) Max Altitude: 5,200m Outline Itinerary: Days 1-2 Depart UK, arrive Cusco. Day 3 Free day in Cusco (option to visit Machu Picchu). Days 4-9 High level trek across mountain passes around the peak of Ausangate and to Cusco. Days 10-11 Depart Cusco, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x3, camping x5 Meals: All meaks on trek inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Land Only: from £985 Flight Inclusive: from £1,989
Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at:
www.walksworldwide.com
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LATIN AMERICA Costa Rica
Walks on the Wildlife Side Spectacular trekking and rainforest exploration Duration: 12 days Trip Code: TCOS PRIVATE GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B (MODERATE)
Arenal volcano hiking Walk in Monteverde Cloud Forest Spectacular wildlife
Costa Rica provides incredible diversity and variety: Pacific and Caribbean coasts, volcanoes, rainforest, cloud forest and abundant wildlife. Our Costa Rica itinerary takes you to the dizzy heights of Turrialba Volcano before descending to the Sarapiqui River for a boat journey where you will observe monkeys, exotic birds, crocodile and river turtles. Moving on you spend time at the stunningly scenic area of Arenal, an imposing conical volcano with a constant flow of red lava and smoking blocks tumbling down its verdant slopes. After your volcano hiking experience you visit the cloud forest at Monteverde with its majestic grand trees festooned with orchids, bromeliads, ferns and vines, home to howler monkeys, tapir, ocelots and the Resplendent Quetzal.
Max Altitude: 3,350m Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive San Jose. Day 2 Turrialba volcano trek. Day 3 Travel to Sarapiqui. Day 4 Riverboat exploration. Day 5 To Arenal. Day 6 Trek beneath the ‘Mountain of Fire’. Day 7 Lake Arenal and to Monteverde. Day 8 Walk in Santa Elena Cloud Forest. Day 9 Walks in Manuela Antonio NP. Day 10 Options in Manuel Antonio. Day 11 San Jose. Days 12-13 Depart San Jose, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x4, lodge x5, country inn x2 Meals: Some meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Private Daily Departures: All year round Available for 2 or more people travelling together. Please contact us for details. Land Only: from £1,165 Flight Inclusive: from £1,940
After Monteverde you’ll visit the coast for time at the white sandy beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park.
Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at:
www.walksworldwide.com
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speak to an expert on:
0845 301 4737
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Argentina/Bolivia/Chile
LATIN AMERICA
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Ultimate Patagonia Adventure
Secret South America
Wild Patagonia at its very best
Latin adventure, well off the beaten track
EXPERTS’ CHOICE
Duration: 15 days
Duration: 15 days
Trip Code: TPAT GROUP GUIDED
TRIP GRADE C (DEMANDING)
Torres del Paine National Park Fitzroy and the legendary Cerro Torre Visit Tierra del Fuego
An epic journey to the end of the earth! The adventure starts at the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park – home to the magnificent Mount Fitzroy and the legendary Cerro Torre; some of the best walking trails imaginable. The mountains seem superimposed as they rise dramatically from the flat lands. You’ll awake each day inspired. Perito Moreno glacier with its formidable ice formations is your next stop before the jaw dropping scenery of Torres del Paine. Daily hikes will take you up close to nature’s amphitheatre of granite towers, twisted rock spires and deep blue lakes. Heading south you cross the Straits of Magellan to Tierra del Fuego for more trekking, offering sweeping views of the Andes and the Antarctic Ocean. All departures guaranteed
Max Group Size: 15 Max Altitude: 2,847m Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive El Calafate. Days 2-4 Los Glaciares, Cerro Torre and Cerro Fitzroy. Days 5-6 Mirador Mastri and return El Calafate. Day 7 Explore the Perito Moreno Glacier. Days 8-11 Torres del Paine, Lake Pehoe, Grey Glacier to Puerto Natales. Days 12-13 Tierra del Fuego. Day 14 Beagle Channel to Ushuaia. Day 15 Depart Ushuaia, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x5, fixed camp x7, mountain hut x1, hosteria x1 Meals: Most meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Land Only: from £2,199 Flight Inclusive: from £3,435
Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at:
www.walksworldwide.com
Trip Code: AABC GROUP GUIDED
TRIP GRADE C (DEMANDING)
Salt lakes of the Bolivian Altiplano The Atacama Desert of Chile Historic trails of the Kollas and Incas
A journey with real wow factor: travelling on foot and overland, using both private and public transport, you’ll venture into a rarely visited part of northern Argentina, traverse Bolivia’s flamingo-pink salt flats and enter Chile’s Valley of Death. Start by trekking in Argentina’s remote Quebrada, a fascinating, spaghettiwestern-style badland. Then cross into Bolivia to walk by colourful lagoons and spot wildlife. Next are the salt pans of the Atacama Desert, where we’ll also undertake an interesting trek into the salt mountains before overlanding back into Argentina to finish in the vibrant city of Salta.
Group Size: 2–16 (Max) Max Altitude: Approx. 4,800m Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Salta. Day 2 Quebrada del Toro. Day 3 Trek to Devil’s Throat. Day 4 Local bus to Humahuaca. Day 5 Quebrada de Salta. Day 6 Pena Blanca walk. Day 7 Meet local Hornaditas community. Day 8 Into Bolivia; train to Uyuni. Day 9 Salt village of Colchani; walk to Chuvica. Day 10 Altiplano lagoons. Day 11 Into Chile and the Atacama. Day 12 Atacama salt pans. Day 13 Trek to Valley of Death. Day 14 Bus across the Andes to Salta. Day 15 Depart Salta, arrive UK. Nights: Hosterias x12, refuges x2 Meals: Some meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Land Only: from £2,225 Flight Inclusive: from £3,335
Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at:
www.walksworldwide.com
discover more online: www.walksworldwide.com
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New Europe Armenia Beyond the Silk Road
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Albania The Accursed Mountains
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The Mysterious South NEW 61
Bulgaria Summits and Ridges
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Rila Adventure
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Croatia Dubrovnik & ‘Marco Polo’ Island
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Georgia Trekking in the Caucasus NEW 64
Montenegro/Kosovo The Black Mountains NEW 65
Romania Transylvania – Land of Dracula
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Grand Tour of the Carpathians
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The Alps of Transylvania
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Poland The Wild East
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Tatras and the Polish Highlands
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Slovakia Walking with Bears
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Rysy and the High Tatras
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Slovenia Lakes and Mountains
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Atlantic Ocean
Poland Slovenia
Slovakia Romania
Georgia
Croatia Bulgaria
Montenegro Kosovo Albania Mediterranean Sea
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Armenia
W
ith the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union, the map of Europe changed almost overnight. Previously ‘off-limits’ destinations quickly became open for adventure and new experiences. Long before Michael Palin’s BBC series ‘New Europe’, Walks Worldwide were exploring Eastern Europe, the Balkans and beyond. We discovered that on our doorstep were cultures and practices very different to the Europe we knew; wild landscapes; a wealth of history and heritage; and most refreshingly, places where traditions and a sense of identity still held strong. We also discovered walking and trekking opportunities stretching the length of the Carpathians, the Dinaric Alps and, most recently, the Southern Caucasus. We are justifiably proud of our New Europe trekking and walking portfolio, which is based on our own personal experience. No longer do you need to travel half way around the world to experience something different… it’s all right here on your doorstep. Let us take you there!
NEW EUROPE Armenia
Beyond the Silk Road Definitely one of our best ever adventures!
EXPERTS’ CHOICE
Duration: 9 days Trip Code: TBSR GROUP GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B/C (MODERATE/ DEMANDING)
Max Group Size: 12 Max Altitude: 3,900m
Trekking above Lake Sevan Dramatic views from the summit of Aragats’ south peak Armenia’s rich history, culture and ethnic heritage
Armenia presents the discerning traveller with an excellent backdrop for a trekking and cultural journey through its landscapes and history. Without doubt, this is one of the best holidays in our entire worldwide portfolio... varied walks, history, culture, great food, great hospitality, etc., in one of the most spectacular and interesting countries you’ve never been to! We trek above dramatic canyons and gorges, hike high into the wild Geghama mountains and meet nomads, climb the south summit of Aragats (Armenia’s highest peak), enjoy traditional Armenian food, see vultures soar, walk between ancient monasteries, travel the Silk Road and see Lake Sevan – the Titicaca of Armenia. And, if you still want more, you can combine Armenia with our ‘Trekking in the Caucasus’ trip in Georgia (page 64) for a complete experience.
Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Yerevan. Day 2 Garni Canyon and ‘Symphony of Stones’. Days 3-4 Gorges and rural walks in Armenian Switzerland. Day 5 Walk above Lake Sevan. Day 6 Tour the Silk Road, visit caravanserai and ancient monastery beneath Ararat. Day 7 Wilderness walking in the Geghama and meet nomads. Day 8 Climb Aragats’ south peak. Day 9 Depart Yerevan, arrive UK. Nights: Hotels x8 Meals: Most meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Land Only: from £1,095 Flight Inclusive: from £1,499
Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at:
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NEW EUROPE Albania
The Accursed Mountains The last great European adventure?
EXPERTS’ CHOICE
Duration: 8 days Trip Code: TALB GROUP GUIDED
TRIP GRADE C (DEMANDING)
A remote and challenging Balkan alpine adventure
Magnificent, isolated Thethi National Park
Albanian Highlander hospitality
Inspired by Robert Carver’s book ‘The Accursed Mountains’ and even the exploits of Lord Byron, we explored this isolated area of northern Albania with a handful of adventurous trekkers for the first time in 2010. It has quickly become one of our best-selling trips – this remote area is not Europe as you know it! Many a comparison can be drawn to more far-flung, exotic destinations including life in the lesser-trekked regions of the Himalayas. The Accursed Mountains are spectacular, unspoiled and virtually impenetrable, except for a series of high passes that link the few farmsteads of the exceptionally friendly Albanian Highlanders to the outside world. This is a truly special European trekking adventure. Ideal for the discerning traveller and refreshingly different.
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Group Size: 4–10 (Max) Max Altitude: 2,000m Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Tirana airport; transfer to Shkodra. Days 2-6 Trek into the spectacular Accursed Mountains to Thethi and then over the Valbona Pass. Day 7 Across Lake Koman and to vibrant Tirana. Day 8 Depart Tirana, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x2, village homes and pensions x5 Meals: Most meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Land Only: from £585 Flight Inclusive: from £795
Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at:
www.walksworldwide.com
speak to an expert on:
0845 301 4737
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Albania
NEW EUROPE
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The Mysterious South A reccy into the unknown south of Albania
RECCY TRIP
Duration: 8 days
Book early! Only ONE departure (Sep 2013)
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Trip Code: TMYS GROUP GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B/C (MODERATE/ DEMANDING)
Max Group Size: 10 Max Altitude: 2,005m
Climb Mt Cika Only one 2013 reccy departure Enjoy Tirana nightlife in ‘The Block’
In May 2010 we explored the Accursed Mountains in the far north of Albania for the first time as a reccy. Now it’s our best selling trip! For 2013 we’re going to do the same, but this time we’re heading for the mysterious south!
Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Tirana; transfer to Vlora. Days 2-4 Trek into the mountains of the mysterious south of Albania. Days 5-7 Hike in the Llogora National Park and to the summit of Mt Cika; transfer to Tirana. Day 8 Depart Tirana, arrive UK. Nights: Hotels x5, village guesthouses x2
Join a member of the Walks Worldwide team, accompanied by a local guide, as we explore this part of Albania for the very first time.
Meals: Most meals inc.
First we head to the coast before making our way inland to cross a pass that leads us into the ‘Laberia’ highlands of the south. Few tourists head this way and so some nights we’ll be overnighting with the locals and can experience real life in this off-the-beaten-track part of Europe.
Flight Inclusive: from £948
Heading through unspoiled valleys, we’ll explore villages encountered en route. As we turn for the coast again the vegetation becomes noticeably Mediterranean once more with olive groves and vines. Reaching the sea, a visit to the old hill village of Qeparo reveals views across the waters to Corfu – so close, yet a world apart. Into the Llogora National Park and we pay a visit to the fortress of the infamous Ali Pasha and then down to the pristine
Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Land Only: from £675
beach of Gjipe. We’ll also climb to the top of Mt Cika’s Kore 2,005m summit for a stunning mountain and sea panorama. Heading out of the mountains over the curiously named ‘Deep Pass’, we’ll then head back to the capital Tirana for a night in the buzzing city. Please note, this trip is suitable only for the genuinely adventurous.
Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at:
www.walksworldwide.com
discover more online: www.walksworldwide.com
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NEW EUROPE Bulgaria
Summits and Ridges
Rila Adventure
Outstanding high-level routes in the Rila and Pirin
The wilder side of the Balkans
Duration: 8 days
Duration: 8 days
Trip Code: TRPS GROUP GUIDED
TRIP GRADE C (DEMANDING)
Climb Musala – the highest Balkan summit Wild and majestic marbled Pirin Mountains Views from Vihren Summit
Bulgaria contains some of the most dramatic and jaw dropping mountain scenery to be found in Europe, especially in the Rila and Pirin ranges – the highest in the country. This amazing holiday will definitely appeal to those seeking a real mountain walking adventure. In fact the walking is so good that any selfrespecting mountain walking enthusiast won’t be able to resist the challenging treks on offer! Ascend the Rila giant, Musala, highest in Bulgaria; follow airy, dramatic ridges; visit the ornate Rila Monastery and thrill at the challenging climb to the Pirin summit of Vihren. Panoramic mountain views will take your breath away along an almost infinite series of trails to alpine meadows, remote glacial lakes and onto spectacular ridges and summits. All departures guaranteed
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Max Group Size: 16 Max Altitude: 2,925m Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Sofia; transfer to Govedartsi. Days 2-4 Rila Mts treks and Musala summit. Day 5 Visit Rila Monastery, transfer to Bansko. Days 6-7 Pirin Mts treks and Vihren summit. Day 8 Transfer and depart Sofia, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x7 Meals: Most meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Land Only: from £585 Flight Inclusive: from £745 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at:
www.walksworldwide.com
Trip Code: TRIL SELF GUIDED
TRIP GRADE C (DEMANDING)
Superb ridge walking in the Pirin Mountains
A night at the remote, atmospheric ‘Dark Lake’
Trek the ‘Seven Lakes of Rila’ circuit
With some of the very best opportunities for outlandish, wild trekking in Europe, this Balkan adventure is hard to beat if you’re serious about your mountain walking. This challenging holiday encompasses both the Rila and Pirin Mountains and is most definitely aimed at the experienced, dedicated mountain walker. You’ll trek amongst some of the wildest mountains to be found on the European continent. Expect dramatic scenery as you walk firstly in the Rila through wild flower meadows and over high mountain passes and visit the world famous Rila Monastery. Next up are the magnificent marbled Pirin Mountains. Here you can enjoy one of the best continual ridge day walks that we’ve ever experienced, before spending a night at the atmospheric, isolated high mountain hut, aptly named ‘Dark Lake’.
Max Altitude: 2,600m Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Sofia; transfer to Rila Mts. Days 2-5 Rila Mountain treks; Rila Monastery; transfer to Bankso. Days 6-7 Ridge walk to ‘Dark Lake’, across Bezbog Pass to Bansko. Day 8 Transfer and depart Sofia, arrive UK. Nights: Pensions x5, mountain huts x2 Meals: Most meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Daily Departures: Jul to Oct Land Only: from £525 Flight Price Guide: from £162 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at:
www.walksworldwide.com
speak to an expert on:
0845 301 4737
NEW EUROPE Croatia
Dubrovnik & ‘Marco Polo’ Island The Mediterranean as it once was Duration: 8 days Trip Code: TCRO SELF GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B (MODERATE)
2,786 hours of sunshine a year!
Explore historic Dubrovnik
Island walks and Konavle countryside
The beautiful, romantic island of Korcula lays its claim to being the birthplace of the explorer Marco Polo. Hotly disputed by the Venetians, this jewel of an island in the Adriatic with lovely coves, beaches, cliffs, forested hills, traditional villages, olive groves and vineyards, is certainly worthy of exploration in its own right. Next stop is medieval Dubrovnik, the ‘pearl of the Adriatic’ and the iconic coastal city of Dalmatia, before a spot of island hopping takes you over to the Elaphiti island of Sipan. Cultured and relaxed, the waterfront community of Cavtat then provides the perfect base to explore the delights of the Konavle countryside with the option of time on the beach too. Enjoy pleasant sunshine walking by the beautiful Adriatic.
Altitude: Low Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Dubrovnik; transfer to the island of Korcula. Days 2-3 Korcula hikes. Days 4-5 Dubrovnik and Sipan island. Days 6-7 Konavle countryside walks. Day 8 Depart Dubrovnik, arrive UK. Nights: Pensions x7 Meals: Some meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Daily Departures: Apr to Jun, Sep, Oct Land Only: from £595 Flight Price Guide: from £135 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at:
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Georgia
NEW EUROPE
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Trekking in the Caucasus Where Europe meets Asia Duration: 11 days Trip Code: TGEO GROUP GUIDED
TRIP GRADE C (DEMANDING)
Explore the ‘soul’ of Georgia on foot Magnificent Caucasus Mountains scenery Medieval fortresses and traditional villages
The mighty peaks of the Caucasus rise to over 5,000m and form a natural barrier between geographical Europe and Asia. To the north is Russia and on the southern side, Georgia, one of the oldest orthodox Christian countries in the world, home to legends such as the Golden Fleece. This challenging trek takes us into the provinces of Khevsureti and Tusheti, the ‘soul’ of Georgia, and into a landscape of snow-capped mountains, alpine meadows, roaring rivers and verdant valleys. Here the locals who inhabit this mountain area proudly preserve tradition and customs in small, ancient villages. A nice mix of camping and overnighting in local guesthouses affords us the opportunity to experience both the wild side, as well as the genuine cultural side, of the Caucasus.
Max Group Size: 12 Max Altitude: 3,430m Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK. Day 2 Arrive Tbilisi. Day 3 Transfer to the Caucasus. Days 4-8 Trekking across mountain passes, through valleys and villages of the Caucasus. Day 9 Transfer to Tbilisi. Day 10 Sightseeing tour of Tbilisi. Day 11 Depart Tbilisi, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x3, guesthouses x3, camping x3 Meals: Most meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Land Only: from £1,185 Flight Inclusive: from £1,598
Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at:
www.walksworldwide.com
Reaching the top of the 3,430m Atsunta Pass, our efforts are rewarded with magnificent views. Returning to Tbilisi we enjoy a sightseeing tour and traditional folk evening. You can combine this trip with ‘Beyond the Silk Road’ trip in Armenia (page 59) for the total Caucasus experience.
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speak to an expert on:
0845 301 4737
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Montenegro/Kosovo
NEW EUROPE
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The Black Mountains Europe’s ‘new’ adventure playground Duration: 10 days Trip Code: TMON GROUP GUIDED
TRIP GRADE C (DEMANDING)
Trekking in Europe’s ‘new’ adventure playground Climb a Balkan peak Walk into rarely visited Kosovo
A country called Montenegro is sure to be a country with mountains, and where there are mountains there is good trekking to be had. We begin by exploring rural Montengero, sampling home-made cheese and chai in mountain villages along the way. The spectacular Djalovica Canyon is our next stop where, after the trek, we can try home-made brandy. Heading to walk beneath Bjelasica Peak the trekking becomes more serious, but as we trek through this bucolic landscape we can meet the local people – this time shepherds at their traditional katuns – and invigorate ourselves with a shot of rakija. Moving on, we visit Ali Pasha Spring before hiking up to the enchanting Hridsko Lake. Passing tiny villages our mountain walk now takes us across the border into Kosovo, where we’ll take in a 2,500m peak and then cross back into Montenegro the following day.
Max Group Size: 12 Max Altitude: 2,530m Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Podgorica. Day 2 Walk in the Bijelo Polje area. Day 3 Trek in Djalovica Canyon. Day 4 Trek beneath Bjelasica Peak. Day 5 Walk to Hridsko Lake. Day 6 Into Kosovo. Day 7 Climb 2,500m peak. Day 8 Climb 2,400m peak. Day 9 Transfer to Podgorica. Day 10 Depart Podgorica, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x3, guesthouses x5, mountain hut x1 Meals: Most meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Land Only: from £995 Flight Inclusive: from £1,385
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From the summits our efforts should be rewarded with amazing views across both Montenegro and Kosovo. We then head back to Podgorica and round off our Balkan adventure with a night out in this lively capital.
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NEW EUROPE Romania
Transylvania – Land of Dracula Get your teeth into this! Duration: 8 days Trip Code: TRAN PRIVATE GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B/C (MODERATE/ DEMANDING)
Trek to ‘Castle Dracula’ Walk the land of mythical vampires and dragons Breathtaking Carpathian Mountain scenery
Transylvania, thankfully, still remains a destination for the discerning traveller and is yet to be touched by mass tourism. Amongst high, soaring peaks, wild swathes of forest, ancient fortresses, forbidding castles and timeless villages, the myths and legends, fantasies and facts of legendary Transylvania become entwined. This is a land steeped in tradition, history and ancient rituals... a land inviting you to explore deeper into some of Europe’s last remaining and most spectacular wilderness areas, which is exactly what you’ll do! Discover the local culture and history on a series of intentionally varied walks in a place where you arrive as strangers and leave as friends – bitten forever by the wonder of Transylvania.
Max Altitude: 2,200m Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Brasov; transfer to Zarnesti. Days 2-4 Trek in Piatra Craiului National Park; visit ‘Castle Dracula’. Day 5 Bucegi Mts and Brasov. Days 6-7 Rasnov Fortress, forest hikes and Ciucas Mts. Day 8 Depart Brasov, arrive UK. Nights: Pensions x7 Meals: Most meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Private Daily Departures: May to Oct Available for 2 or more people travelling together. Please contact us for details. Land Only: from £845 Flight Price Guide: from £220 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
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NEW EUROPE Romania
Grand Tour of the Carpathians
The Alps of Transylvania
The definitive trek and tour of Romania
A classic Carpathian Mountains ‘Haute Route’
EXPERTS’ CHOICE
Duration: 14 days
Duration: 8 days
Trip Code: TGTC GROUP GUIDED
TRIP GRADE C (DEMANDING)
Sweeping views of Transylvania The magic of medieval Maramures World famous painted Monasteries of Bucovina
Theres no doubt about it, this exceptional trek and tour, unique to Walks Worldwide, is very special. There are more iconic highlights on this Experts’ Choice adventure holiday than we have space to mention. They include a night on top of the highest peak in the Bucegi Mountains; ‘Castle Dracula’ at Bran; the Merry Cemetery at Sapanta; the medieval Citadel of Sighisoara (birthplace of the real Dracula); the ancient wooden churches of Maramures; the world heritage Saxon village of Viscri; and of course, mouthwatering treks through varied landscapes of outstanding natural beauty. Meet the friendly locals along the way and witness a way of life which has long since disappeared in the west.
Trip Code: TAPT GROUP GUIDED
Group Size: 4–8 (Max) Max Altitude: 2,505m Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Bucharest; transfer to Sinaia. Days 2-4 Omu summit; Transylvania trekking; Brasov and ‘Castle Dracula’. Days 5-6 Viscri and Sighisoara. Days 7-9 Mountains and monasteries of Bucovina. Days 10-12 Maramures magic walks. Day 13 Overnight train to Bucharest. Day 14 Depart Bucharest, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x2, pension x5, village home x4, mountain hut x1, sleeper train x1 Meals: Most meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Land Only: from £1,695 Flight Inclusive: from £1,895 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
TRIP GRADE C (DEMANDING)
Climb Moldoveanu – Romania’s highest peak
Traverse the stunning Fagaras Ridge
Trek to ‘Castle Dracula’
The mighty mountains of the Fagaras, often referred to as the ‘Alps of Transylvania’, provide the opportunity for one of Europe’s best and most intoxicating ridge walks. With stunning views along the way, this immense ridge is revealed in all its glory, culminating with an ascent of Moldoveanu (2,544m), the highest peak in Romania. Two days are also spent trekking in the equally stunning Piatra Craiului National Park, home to wolves, bears and the elusive lynx. Here you’ll also trek through rural Transylvania to ‘Castle Dracula’ and round off the trip nicely with a night in the bohemian city of old Brasov.
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Group Size: 6–12 (Max) Max Altitude: 2,544m Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Bucharest; transfer to Zarnesti. Day 2 Piatra Crailui hike. Days 3-6 Fagaras ridge trek to Moldoveanu summit. Day 7 Rural walk to ‘Castle Dracula’; transfer to Brasov. Day 8 Transfer and depart Bucharest, arrive UK. Nights: Pension x4, mountain hut x3 Meals: Most meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Land Only: from £655 Flight Inclusive: from £867 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
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NEW EUROPE Poland
The Wild East
Tatras and the Polish Highlands
A walk along Europe’s wild frontier
EXPERTS’ CHOICE
The high side of Poland
Duration: 8 days
Duration: 8 days
Trip Code: TTWE SELF GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B (MODERATE)
The remote Eastern Carpathians Visit historic Krakow Stand at the meeting point of Ukraine, Poland and Slovakia
In the far southeast of Poland lies the wild and sparsely populated region of the Bieszczady. This part of the Eastern Carpathians remains in splendid isolation, sandwiched between the Ukraine and Slovakia, and is one of the most attractive and unspoiled areas of Europe. Dense forests seem to spread out forever and it’s not surprising that the region is home to one of Europe’s last remaining populations of bison. It is also said that wolves outnumber people here! Above the tree line are open, broad ridges known as poloniny; natural steppe-like pastures which are perfect for hiking, affording expansive views over the forests below. It was originally settled by ethnic Boyks and Lemks, whose influences can be seen in the wooden, orthodox churches which still dot the countryside.
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Max Altitude: 1,350m Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Krakow. Day 2 Transfer to Cisna, forest railway option. Days 3-7 Ridge walks on the borders of Slovakia and Ukraine; climb Tarnica and transfer to Krakow. Day 8 Depart Krakow, arrive UK. Nights: Hotels x2, pensions x5 Meals: Most meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Daily Departures: May to Oct Land Only: from £630 Flight Price Guide: from £167 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
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Trip Code: TTAT SELF GUIDED
TRIP GRADE C (DEMANDING)
Panoramic views from a Tatras summit Go wild in the Beskidy Mountains Visit Wawel Castle in Krakow
From magnificent, medieval Krakow this stimulating walking holiday allows you to experience the varied delights of the majestic High Tatras, Beskidy and Pieniny National Parks. Meeting friendly Polish hikers along the way, you will discover pastoral, traditional villages and a region steeped in history and culture. Choose from a selection of challenging High Tatras summits from Zakopane (or add extra days here to do even more) before following the Polish/Slovak border passing traditional villages along the way. Enjoy walking the Pieniny Way, discover the dramatic world heritage Dunajec gorge and experience the wilds of the beautiful Beskidy Mountains and perhaps discover one of the few surviving rustic wooden churches of the Lemks people en route. Returning to Krakow there’s still time to explore this fascinating city.
Max Altitude: 2,350m Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Krakow. Days 2-3 Transfer to Tatras and ascend a choice of peaks. Days 4-5 Border trek to Pieniny and Dunajec Gorge. Days 6-7 Beskidy hikes and return to Krakow. Day 8 Depart Krakow, arrive UK. Nights: Hotels x4, pensions x2, mountain hut x1 Meals: Most meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Daily Departures: May to Oct Land Only: from £595 Flight Price Guide: from £167 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
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NEW EUROPE Poland/Slovakia
Walking with Bears If you go down to the woods today...
EXPERTS’ CHOICE
Duration: 8 days Trip Code: TURS GROUP GUIDED
TRIP GRADE C (DEMANDING)
Unique and exclusive to Walks Worldwide The majestic peaks of the High Tatras A chance to see bears in the wild
This is a challenging walking holiday with a big difference – not only the chance to walk in a spectacular mountain area, but also with the opportunity to see bears in the wild. This amazing Carpathian walking and wildlife adventure is unique and exclusive to Walks Worldwide. The trip does not involve sitting around in a bear hide all day hoping a bear might just come along – our aim is to actively locate and observe bears (from a safe distance of course) in their natural habitat. This is entirely different from any other trekking experience. Reaching the Silent Valley a Park Ranger will accompany us as we go ‘off piste’ and walk amongst the mountains in an area where tourists are usually forbidden. In co-operation with the local rangers and national park, the group size is limited to a maximum of 8 to minimise disturbance to the natural habitat.
Group Size: 4–8 (Max) Max Altitude: 2,493m Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Krakow; transfer to Zakopane. Days 2-3 Across the High Tatras to Silent Valley. Days 4-5 Looking for bears on foot where tourists aren’t allowed. Day 6 Climb Krivan Peak. Day 7 Explore Spisska Sobota. Day 8 Transfer and depart Krakow, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x4, mountain hut x1, park ranger cottage x2 Meals: Most meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Land Only: from £965 Flight Inclusive: from £1,098 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
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NEW EUROPE Slovakia/Slovenia
Rysy and the High Tatras
Lakes and Mountains
Stunning traverse and summit ascent in the Tatras
Discover beautiful Slovenia
Duration: 8 days
Duration: 8 days
Trip Code: TRYS SELF GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B/C (MODERATE/ DEMANDING)
Trek the famous Tatranska Magistrala trail Climb Rysy - Poland’s highest mountain Jagged Carpathian panoramas
The High Tatras are the highest and most spectacular peaks in the entire Carpathian Mountain range. The greater part of this rugged range of dramatic spires lies within the astonishingly beautiful country of Slovakia. Based upon our own Carpathian adventures, this trip explores the most majestic section of the High Tatras by following the excellent Tatranska Magistrala trail that traverses the range. There is also the opportunity to make an optional (and highly recommended) ascent of Rysy (2,499m), the highest mountain in Poland and also the highest walk-up peak in Slovakia, to behold what is widely regarded as one of the best mountain views in the whole of Europe.
Max Altitude: 2,499m Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Tatranska Lomnica. Days 2-7 Traverse the High Tatras along the Tatranska Magistrala trail; climb Rysy and return to Tatranska Lomnica. Day 8 Depart Tatranska Lomnica, arrive UK. Nights: Pensions x2, mountain hut x5 Meals: Most meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Daily Departures: Mid Jun to Sep Land Only: from £400 Flight Price Guide: from £167 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
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Trip Code: TSIS SELF GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B/C (MODERATE/ DEMANDING)
Magnificent Julian Alps Scenic Lakes Variety of walks
Wandering across wildflower meadows with the sound of cowbells jangling and the omnipresent backdrop of the magnificent Julian Alps, is pure delight. This trip spoils you for choice with its variety and quality of self-guided walks. Explore immaculate, hidden mountain valleys, hayfields and orchards. Discover enchanting, tiny villages brimming with traditional architecture, or ascend exhilarating mountains for amazing panoramas. For contrast, you stay in two different areas of Kranjska Gora and Lake Bohinj to fully appreciate the beauty of Slovenia. With so many wonderful, varied walks from your doorstep you just might find yourself wishing you were staying for longer.
Max Altitude: 2,000m Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Ljubljana Airport; transfer to Lake Bohinj. Days 2-3 Walks in the Lake Bohinj region. Day 4 Lake Bled and Kranjska Gora. Days 5-7 Walks in the Julian Alps and Karavanke range. Day 8 Transfer and depart Ljubljana, arrive UK. Nights: Pensions x7 Meals: Some meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Daily Departures: Mid May to Oct Land Only: from £715 Flight Price Guide: from £175 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
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Europe Austria Lakes and Alps in Style
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Walks in Sound of Music Countr y
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The Dachstein Alpine Trek
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Alpine Splendour
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Camino de Santiago ‘The French Way’ – Camino in Style
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Corfu The Corfu Trail
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Corsica La Bonne Vie Corsica
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Cyprus Troödos and Akamas
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Finland Taiga Snowshoe Adventure
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Forests of the Midnight Sun
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Call of the Wild
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France Tour du Mont Blanc
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In the Footsteps of the Cathars
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Germany Saxony’s Sandstone Mountains
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In Search of the Swan King
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Along the Rhine
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Italy Vesuvius, Capri and the Amalfi Coast
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Tuscany Classico
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Portugal Undiscovered Portugal Atlantic Ocean
Spain
Finland
France
Spain
Corsica
Mediterranean Sea
Italy Corfu
The Catalan Coast
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Andalucía – Along the GR7
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Hiking over Lemons
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Switzerland
Germany Austria
Switzerland
Portugal
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Turkey Cyprus
The Aletsch Glacier
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Haute Route of Europe
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Beneath the Eiger
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Turkey Along the Lycian Way
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Best of the Lycian Way
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EUROPE Austria
Lakes and Alps in Style Superior Collection
Full of alpine charm Duration: 8 days Trip Code: TLAA SELF GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B (MODERATE)
Panoramic views from the ‘Five Fingers of Krippen’ Delightful lakeshore walks Relax in superb 4-star hotels
Stunning walks, together with charming, traditional, small towns and villages, impressive mountains, glittering lakes, wildflower meadows, great food and welcoming hospitality, make this the perfect summer destination. Walk through the wondrous alpine Lake District, with overnight halts at idyllic locations in the best hotels in the area. From the utterly charming lakeside village of St Wolfgang you journey along tranquil, scenic lakeshores and up high too, including the outrageous ‘Five Fingers of Krippen’ viewing platform and superlative panoramas from the mighty Dachstein plateau. Two nights are also spent at picturepostcard lakeside Hallstatt (a world heritage village) before returning to Bad Ischl, the favourite summer spa resort of the former Hapsburg Emperors.
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Max Altitude: 2,300m Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Bad Ischl and on to St Wolfgang. Day 2 Hike on the Schafberg plateau. Day 3 Lake shore and river walk to Bad Ischl. Day 4 Walk above Hallsat Lake. Day 6 The outrageous Five Fingers. Day 7 To Bad Ischl by boat, foot and train. Day 8 Depart Bad Ischl, arrive UK. Nights: 4-star hotel x7 Meals: Some meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Daily Departures: Mid May to Oct Land Only: from £975 Flight Price Guide: from £125
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EUROPE Austria
Walks in Sound of Music Countr y Discover alpine life past and present Duration: 8 days Trip Code: THSK SELF GUIDED
TRIP GRADE A/B (EASY/ MODERATE)
Themed walks through ‘Sound of Music’ scenery Hike in the footsteps of Empress Elisabeth Delightful lakeside St Wolfgang
Salzkammergut has been a centre of European culture for thousands of years, with centuries-old pilgrimage routes leading to traditional villages such as St Wolfgang and Hallstatt. Surrounded by a real paradise of mountain peaks and lakes, this unusual walking trip leads you at a pleasing pace on various ancient paths, following different themes. A circular route from the charming lakeside town of St Wolfgang (setting for ‘The Sound of Music’), combines relaxing lakeshore trails with forest tracks, lake crossings and gentle mountain ascents. You will discover some of the most enchanting places in Salzkammergut, including pilgrim chapels, salt mines, royal villas and ice caves.
Altitude: Low Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Bad Ischl and on to St Wolfgang. Days 2-7 Explore the delights and history of ‘Sound of Music’ on foot along scenic trails, staying in picturesque locations along the way. Day 8 Depart St Wolfgang, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x7 Meals: Some meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Land Only: from £475 Flight Price Guide: from £125
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This trip is ideal for those wanting big alpine scenery and leisurely walking.
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EUROPE Austria
The Dachstein Alpine Trek A high alpine masterpiece Duration: 12 days Trip Code: TDCT SELF GUIDED
TRIP GRADE C (DEMANDING)
The majestic peaks of the mighty Dachstein The turquoise lake of Gosau Crossing the Am Stein plateau
The mighty Dachstein rises to almost 3,000m, dominated by glaciers and rocky peaks. This superb alpine trek takes you into the realms of jagged peaks and glaciers, and is perfect for those who enjoy challenging higher-level routes. A carefully structured itinerary combines charming hotels with intermittent nights spent high in the mountains in comfortable alpine lodges. You’ll be following way-marked mountain trails throughout. Starting from Gosau, on the shores of the turquoise Gosausee, the route crosses over the impressive Dachstein massif and onto the wild Am Stein plateau, ultimately descending to the chocolate-box (World Heritage), lakeshore village of Hallstatt.
Max Altitude: 2,700m Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Bad Ischl then on to Gosau. Days 2-8 Follow the Dachstein Circuit to delightful Hallstatt. Day 9 Free day in Hallstatt. Days 10-11 Trek to Gosau. Day 12 Depart Gosau, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x7, mountain hut x4 Meals: Some meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Daily Departures: Jul to mid Oct Land Only: from £780 Flight Price Guide: from £185
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A pleasing lakeside stroll is followed by a final night in the mountains before this spectacular circuit is complete.
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EUROPE Austria
Alpine Splendour Trekking in Austria’s Lake District Duration: 8 days Trip Code: TASP SELF GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B/C (MODERATE/ DEMANDING)
Delightful alpine meadows Splendid valley walks Longer walking days
This superb itinerary leads you between various traditional alpine villages, over mountain passes, across meadows and plateaux, and down to the panoramic lakeshore scenery the area is renowned for. Walking days are longer, allowing you to explore deeper into the mountains, yet invariably following way-marked trails. A particular delight is encountering wonderful, remote mountain restaurants along the way, always scenically located and always with tasty food. Charming accommodation in traditional towns and villages along the route ensures overnight halts are a delight. This is a great way to discover Austria’s Lake District on foot and will appeal to those prefering scenic (but lengthier) walks to see more of this beautiful region.
Max Altitude: 1,400m Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Bad Ischl. Days 2-3 Walk to Abersee via Bergau. Day 4 Two options to Weissenbach. Days 5-6 To Bad Aussee via the Postalm trail. Day 7 Walk back to Bad Ischl. Day 8 Depart Bad Ischl, arrive UK. Nights: Pension x7 Meals: All breakfasts inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Daily Departures: Apr to Oct Land Only: from £395 Flight Price Guide: from £125
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EUROPE Camino (Spain)
Camino de Santiago 6 different routes to choose from • Walks Worldwide specialises in the Camino • One of the world’s great travel experiences • All six Camino routes lead to Santiago • All six Camino routes qualify for the official Pilgrims’ Certificate The Camino de Santiago, the Way of St James, or more often simply referred to as ‘The Way’ or ‘The Camino’, is a world famous pilgrimage route, aptly described as one of the world’s greatest travel experiences. It is a journey of the soul and spirit, taking the traveller in the footsteps of millions who, over the centuries, have walked to Santiago de Compostela to venerate the tomb of St James.
The The The The The The
All of our Camino de Santiago routes ensure you walk the final 100kms, thereby qualifying for the official Pilgrim’s Certificate upon reaching the magnificent cathedral in Santiago. All six Camino routes are Self-Guided, with baggage transfers, accommodation and most meals included. Visit www.walksworldwide.com for full details of each route.
French Way English Way Via de la Plata Way Original Way Portuguese Way French Way
Superior Collection (see opposite) Land Only: from £625 / Flight Price Guide: from £110
Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
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EUROPE Camino/Corfu
‘The French Way’ – Camino in Style Superior Collection
The world famous pilgrimage
The Corfu Trail The classic Greek island walk
Duration: 7 days
Duration: 10 or 15 days
Trip Code: TFIS SELF GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B/C (MODERATE/ DEMANDING)
Character accommodation Stay at the oldest parador in Spain Qualify for the official Pilgrim’s Certificate
Following the same route as our standard trip, you can enjoy all the benefits of a much demanded higher standard of accommodation. Walking the final 100 kilometres of the Camino, you also qualify for the Pilgrim’s Certificate. Starting in Sarria, this ‘Superior’ version of the French Way follows the classic Camino route. From Sarria you begin your journey over verdant hills and babbling streams to Portomarin and then onto Castaneda where you can absorb the ambiance of these two traditional country hotels. On the penultimate night of your trip, you overnight in a restored 18th century noble’s home. Finally you arrive in Santiago de Compostela for your night at the 5-star Parador Reis Católicos, with its fabulous 15th century stone-carved façade, on the central square next to the Cathedral.
Altitude: Low Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Santiago and on to Sarria. Days 2-6 Walk the Camino to Santiago de Compsotela via Portomarin, Castaneda and Touro. Day 7 Depart Santiago, arrive UK. Nights: 5-star parador x1, hotels, rural inns and manor houses x5 Meals: Some meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Daily Departures: Late Mar to early Nov Land Only: from £925 Flight Price Guide: from £110 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
Trip Code: TCFE SELF GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B/C (MODERATE/ DEMANDING)
Friendly mountain villages Age-old tracks and mule paths Rolling hillsides, olive groves, vineyards and panoramas
Deservedly a firm favourite, this is a must do for walkers. From the mountainous north to the rolling landscapes of the south there is much to experience and enjoy. Away from the coastal tourist hubs, you’ll pass over a hundred villages, ancient manor houses, byzantine monasteries and welcoming quayside tavernas. There are also ample opportunities to enjoy a dip in the warm, turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea. Of course, there’s the added bonus of the pleasing Corfu climate too!
Acharavi
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Early booking and travel date flexibility is essential.
Nights: Hotels, pensions and tavernas Meals: Some meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Daily Departures: May, Jun, Sep, Oct Land Only: 10 days from £575 15 days from £795 Flight Price Guide: from £166 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
Kalami
Rekini CORFU
Agios
Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Corfu; transfer to Santa Barbara. Days 2-9 Follow the Corfu Trail to Kalami. Day 10 Transfer and depart Corfu, arrive UK. (Also available as a 15 day itinerary.)
Pantokrator
Liapades
ALBANIA
Barbati
Corfu Town
Pelekas
Ionian Sea
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Benitses Lefkimi
Paramonas
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Altitude: Low
Santa Barbara
Spartera
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EUROPE Corsica
La Bonne Vie Corsica Superior Collection
Beautiful Corsica Duration: 8 days Trip Code: TCOR SELF GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B/C (MODERATE/ DEMANDING)
Walks along ancient shepherds’ trails Accommodation in comfortable hotels Magnificent scenery and majestic mountains
Altitude: Low Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Calvi or Ajaccio. Day 2 Transfer to Scala and walk to Calacuccia. Days 3-6 Walk to Piana via Porto and Evisa. Day 7 Transfer to Ajaccio or Calvi. Day 8 Depart Ajaccio or Calvi, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x7
Bathe in the perfumes, colours and contrasting landscapes that earn Corsica the deserved reputation of ‘Mountain in the Sea’.
Meals: Some meals inc.
Travelling to the Niolu valley in the heart of the island, you will be encircled by the island’s highest mountains, including Paglia Orba and Monte Cinto, which dominate the skyline. Ancient shepherds’ trails will lead you through fragrant pine forests, alongside tumbling mountain torrents, past inviting sun-baked rock pools, through chestnut forests and gorges.
Land Only: from £925
Remote pink and white-washed villages draped in bright bougainvillea surrounded by citrus and olive trees are your overnight halts.
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Your walk to Piana, along the dramatic pink-rocked coastline, dotted with maritime pines and endless views over the blue Mediterranean sea, is a fitting end to a beautiful walk on a fantastic rugged island.
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Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Daily Departures: Apr to Oct
Flight Price Guide: from £150 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
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EUROPE Cyprus
Troödos and Akamas Fall in love with Aphrodite’s island Duration: 8 days Trip Code: TCYP SELF GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B (MODERATE)
Max Altitude: 1,950m Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Larnaca or Pafos; transfer to Agros. Days 2-5 Walk in the Troödos Mts. Days 6-7 Akamas Peninsula. Day 8 Transfer and depart Larnaca or Pafos, arrive UK.
Traditional mountain villages of the Troödos The wild Akamas peninsula Heavenly hiking and wild flowers
The ‘Island of Aphrodite’ floating on the blue, warm waters of the Mediterranean between Europe, Asia and Africa, is no stranger to visitors. However, the keen walker can explore trails through fragrant cedar and pine-wooded forests in peace. With an air of welcoming tranquility, the forests offer a cool sanctuary away from the heat and bustle of the coast.
Nights: Hotel x7 Meals: Most meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Daily Departures: Mar to Nov Land Only: from £725 Flight Price Guide: from £155 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
Explore the wilder side of Cyprus too, on the stunningly beautiful Akamas Peninsula, where there’s always time for a refreshing dip in the warm Mediterranean waters. If you haven’t discovered the heart and soul of idyllic Cyprus yet, isn’t it time you did?
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Mediterranean Sea
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Akamas Polis
Pedoulas
Kakopetria
CYPRUS
Agros Troodos Paphos
Spilia
Larnaca
Troodos Mountains Mediterranean Sea Limassol
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EUROPE Finland
Taiga Snowshoe Adventure
Forests of the Midnight Sun
Snow fun beneath the Arctic Circle
Wilderness walking on Europe’s northern frontier
Duration: 7 days
Duration: 8 days
Trip Code: TSSA GROUP GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B (MODERATE)
No previous experience needed A chance to see the Northern Lights The Taiga forests in winter splendour
The essence of this special adventure is about having fun exploring this vast wilderness area. Don’t worry if you’ve never used snowshoes before as the skill is easy to pick up. Walking distances are modest as you journey through the snowcovered Taiga and across frozen lakes in the company of an expert local guide. This is a great adventure holiday for those who would like to discover wild Europe in winter. And, who knows, maybe on one or more nights you’ll see more than just the stars of the winter sky. Perhaps the magnificence of the Northern Lights, the Aurora Borealis, will reveal itself in all its glory. Where but in the winter wilderness with the sound of silence could such a spectacle be more special?
Max Group Size: 12 Altitude: Low Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Kuusamo; transfer to Hossa. Days 2-6 Snowshoe across frozen lakes and into Taiga forests. Day 7 Transfer amd depart Kuusamo, arrive UK. Nights: Log cabins x6 Meals: All meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Land Only: from £845 Flight Inclusive: from £1,245
All departures guaranteed
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Trip Code: TFIN GROUP GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B (MODERATE)
Trek along the border of the ‘Russian Bear’ Saunas – Finnish Style The wilderness of the Taiga Forests and Lakes
The location for this wilderness adventure, just beneath the Arctic Circle and a stone’s throw from the Russian border, adds a certain mystery to the atmosphere. The forests and lakes of the Taiga are one of Europe’s last great wilderness areas and home to a variety of wildlife, including wolves, lynx, bears, wolverines, pine martens, elk and reindeer. This special adventure is all about exploring this vast and quite remote wilderness area on foot, but the real fun will be had in isolated, cosy log cabins, most with atmospheric saunas to enjoy before a dip in the lake! For those who really want to ‘get away from it all’ and experience a wilderness adventure, this trip is hard to beat.
Bear watching option available on August 11th departure
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Max Group Size: 12 Altitude: Low Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Kajaani; transfer to Martinselkonen. Days 2-5 Trek by lakes and through forests along the Russian border to Tolosenvirta. Day 6 Lake canoeing. Day 7 Boat and hike to ‘Colour Rock’. Day 8 Transfer and depart Kuusamo, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x1, camping x1, forest cabin x5 Meals: All meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Land Only: from £865 Flight Inclusive: from £1,265
All departures guaranteed
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EUROPE Finland
Call of the Wild Thrilling, multi-activity winter adventure Duration: 8 days Trip Code: TCOW GROUP GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B (MODERATE)
Drive your own husky sled Enjoy fun in the Taiga snow Build an igloo and enjoy Finnishstyle saunas
This adventure is all about fun and activity – from a day’s cross-country skiing, to a mini snowshoe overnight expedition into the wilds to stay in a remote wilderness cabin.
Max Group Size: 16 Altitude: Low Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Kuusamo; transfer to Kylmaluoma. Day 2 Cross-country skiing. Day 3 Snowshoe into the wilderness. Day 4 Return to Kylmaluoma. Day 5 Build an igloo and sleep in it (only if you want to). Day 6 Options day. Day 7 Husky sledding! Day 8 Transfer and depart Kuusamo, arrive UK.
There’s also the thrill of driving your own husky sled team and making your own igloo. If you’re happy with your igloo you can even spend the night in it, or return to the warmth of your cosy log cabin if you prefer.
Nights: Log cabins x6, wilderness cabin x1, igloo x1 (optional) – saunas every night!
There’s a day free for options where you could try your hand at ice-fishing, visit a reindeer farm, or do some more snowshoeing or skiing.
Land Only: from £1,095
After each day’s fun in the snow you can enjoy a Finnish-style sauna.
Meals: All meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D
Flight Inclusive: from £1,499
All departures guaranteed
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EUROPE France
Tour du Mont Blanc The Classic Alpine Trail Duration: 8 days Trip Code: TTMB SELF GUIDED
TRIP GRADE C (DEMANDING)
The best of the TMB Alpine passes, valleys and meadows Charming Champex
Stretching through France, Switzerland and Italy, this trek is perhaps the most iconic and famous of all walks in the Alps. This circuit of Mont Blanc affords spectacular views at every point and is quite simply a ‘must do’ for all mountain walking enthusiasts. Crossing renowned alpine passes, the route takes you beneath glaciers, through valleys and across summer meadows and, of course, provides breathtaking mountain panoramas. Star of the show is western Europe’s highest peak, Mont Blanc, which at 4,807m is the ‘Monarch of the Alps’. What’s more, this world-famous circuit can be completed within a one week holiday. This isn’t back-packing either. Your main baggage (with the exception of one night) is transferred to each of your overnight accommodations, meaning you can enjoy this classic trek unencumbered, carrying only your usual day-pack.
Max Altitude: 2,537m Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Les Contamines. Day 2 First day on the TMB up to Croix du Bonhomme. Day 3 Two options to Refuges des Mottets. Day 4 Beneath the Brenva face. Day 5 Descend to Courmayeur and onto Champex. Day 6 Two options to Trient. Day 7 Col de Balme to Chamonix. Day 8 Depart Chamonix, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x3, mountain refuges x3, auberge x1 Meals: Most meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Daily Departures: Mid Jul to Sep Land Only: from £595 Flight Price Guide: from £113 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
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EUROPE France
In the Footsteps of the Cathars Historic paths through southern France Duration: 8 or 15 days Trip Code: TF1E SELF GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B/C (MODERATE/ DEMANDING)
Discover the history of the Cathars Lush valleys and rolling hills Visit medieval castles
Choose from two different 8-day itineraries or combine them both for a 15-day walking holiday. In the northern foothills of the Pyrenees, close to the Mediterranean, this walk takes you to the heart of the Corbières region. Walking through the lush and beautiful landscape, you can explore the imposing, mystic stone castles of the Cathars. Scattered on rocky crags, they tell the tale of the tragic political and religious history of this area. Walking through a variety of terrain you may see families tending their vineyards, and you’ll experience the beautifully fragrant ‘garrigue’ scrublands – a mixture of lavender, thyme and white cistus.
Altitude: Low Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Carcasonne or Toulouse. Day 2 Transfer to Duilhac. Days 3-5 Walk through garrigue landscapes to Sougraigne. Days 6-8 Hike through the land of the Cathars to Quillan. Days 9-11 Through olive groves, vineyards, forests and villages to Montsegur. Days 12-14 Lush countryside and trails through mountain valleys lead to Foix. Day 15 Depart Foix, arrive UK. Nights: Hotels and guesthouses Meals: Most meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Daily Departures: Mid Mar to Nov Land Only: 8 days from £575 15 days from £1,295 Flight Price Guide: from £100 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
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EUROPE Germany
German Wanderlust Have you tried it yet? Many of you may have seen TV presenter Julia Bradbury explore the delights of walking in Germany on the recent BBC series ‘German Wanderlust’. If you missed it, don’t worry, as there’s a DVD of the series available. But, even better, shouldn’t you be discovering your own German Wanderlust for real instead of simply observing it from a television screen? In the series Julia actually walks in the regions where all our Germany walking holidays take place: Bavaria - In Search of the Swan King, Saxony – Saxony’s Sandstone Mountains and the Rhineland- Along the Rhine, and visits all the highlights of these holidays too. In fact, in the initial planning stages of the series, the TV production company contacted our own trekking guru Mark Knowles for some advice. If you’d like to follow in Julia Bradbury’s footsteps (and ours too), you can discover your very own German Wanderlust, and with many budget airlines now operating flights from around the UK to various airports in Germany, it’s never been easier or cheaper to get there.
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Saxony’s Sandstone Mountains Walks in Saxon Switzerland Duration: 8 days Trip Code: TSAX SELF GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B (MODERATE)
The Koenigstein Fortress
Trekking in the ‘Empire of the Stones’
The famous pillars of the Bastei
A beautiful and refreshingly different part of Europe worthy of exploration on foot. Bordering the Czech Republic, Saxony's towering fortresses and incredible rock formations dominate the landscape, whilst picturesque small towns line the River Elbe, creating a very attractive and varied walking experience.
Altitude: Low Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Dresden. Day 2 Train to Bad Schandau. Day 3 Walk to Rathen via Hohnstein Fortress. Day 4 Climb the Bastei; ferry across the Elbe and on to Koenigstein. Day 5 Hike to Gohrisch and pass the Barbarine rock needle. Day 6 Over Table Mountains to Krippen. Day 7 The Afensteig and Malerweg to Bad Schandau. Day 8 Train to Dresden and depart, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x7 Meals: Most meals inc.
There is time to explore the city of Dresden before continuing to Bad Schandau, in the heart of Saxon Switzerland. After exploring this lovely town, enjoy some walking on the banks of the River Elbe and stride out to the Hohenstein fortress and the famous Bastei, with sandstone rocks, pillars and bridge spanning the ravine.
Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D
Cross the river by ferry and walk through the Bärenstein Mountains to the Koenigstein fortress, continuing to Gohrisch and the region known as the ‘Empire of the Stones’.
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Daily Departures: Apr to mid Oct Land Only: from £605 Flight Price Guide: from £175
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EUROPE Germany
In Search of the Swan King
Along the Rhine Superior Collection
On the trail of King Ludwig
The very best of the Rheinsteig trail
Duration: 8 days
Duration: 8 days
Trip Code: TISK SELF GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B/C (MODERATE/ DEMANDING)
Bavarian hospitality and gastronomy Fairytale Schloss Neuschwanstein Stunning Alpine scenery
Ludwig II, the somewhat eccentric King of Bavaria, left behind a legacy intertwined with history, art and extravagant architecture. The ‘Swan King’ is best known for creating the fantasy castle of Schloss Neuschwanstein, without doubt the most famous landmark in Bavaria. During the course of this wonderful holiday you’ll discover more about the fascinating Swan King, visiting many of his fairytale castles, made even more atmospheric by their picturesque locations, surrounded by magnificent alpine peaks. Visit medieval Füssen, iconic Neuschwanstein and the famous alpine resort of Garmisch, where there’s the option of going to the summit of Zügspitze, the roof of Bavaria.
Max Altitude: 2,500m Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Oy-Mittelberg. Days 2-4 Walk to medieval Fussen via Falkenstein. Day 5 Visit Schloss Neuschwanstein and climb Tegelberg. Days 6-7 to Garmisch via Linderhof. Day 8 Depart Garmisch, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x7 + Superior option Meals: Some meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Daily Departures: Jul to Sep Land Only: Standard accom: from £695 Superior Collection accom: from £925 Flight Price Guide: from £140 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
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Trip Code: TRHE SELF GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B (MODERATE)
The legendary sirens of the Lorelei Romantic Castles Vineyards and valleys of the Rhine
The ‘Rheinsteig’ is a fully way-marked trail following the course of the River Rhine upstream, through romantic countryside, famous for its castles, vineyards, culture, history, nature and landscapes. We’ve selected the best section, which follows the Rhine from the charming city of Koblenz to Rüdesheim through an ever-changing landscape. Dramatic castles perched high above the Rhine are frequent along the route. You also pass the world famous Lorelei, a dramatic rock formation where legend has it a siren would lure sailors to their doom. During the walking day, you can enjoy stops at various inns and rural wine cellars. Then spend your evenings in a wide variety of quality restaurants to sample the culinary delights the region is justifiably famous for.
Altitude: Low Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Koblenz. Days 2-7 Follow the course of the Rhine passing castles, vineyards, the famous Lorelei via Lorch and St Goarshausen to Rudesheim. Day 8 Depart Rüdesheim, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x7 Meals: Some meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Daily Departures: Mar to Nov Land Only: from £535 Flight Price Guide: from £132 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
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EUROPE Italy
Vesuvius, Capri and the Amalfi Coast Superior Collection
Romancing the Italian coast Duration: 8 days Trip Code: TVES SELF GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B (MODERATE)
Climb Mount Vesuvius Island hiking on Capri Trek the ‘Path of the Gods’
This varied ‘Italian Job’ combines an explosive volcano walk, ancient history and culture, as well as coastal and island hikes. Ascend world famous Vesuvius for a stunning panoramic view over the Bay of Naples, and then travel by boat to Capri for an island walk and fantastic views back to Vesuvius. A visit to the ruins of Pompeii is a must before travelling to the striking Amalfi peninsula. Here, from the delightful town of Agerola, you’ll enjoy three days exploring the fascinating coastline with its rugged sea cliffs and picturesque villages, including a hike on the ‘Path of the Gods’ to the colourful town of Positano. Walking through fragrant landscapes where natural beauty has inspired many artists and poets is an experience to savour.
Altitude: Low Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Naples. Days 2-3 Climb Vesuvius and walk on Capri from Naples base. Days 4-7 Visit Pompeii, transfer to Agerola and explore Amalfi. Day 8 Transfer and depart Naples, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x7 Meals: Some meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Daily Departures: All year round Land Only: from £569 Flight Price Guide: from £101 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
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EUROPE Italy
Tuscany Classico An invigorating walk through Chianti country Duration: 7 days Trip Code: TCHI SELF GUIDED
TRIP GRADE A/B (EASY/ MODERATE)
Explore celebrated Florence
Hike the ‘Road of Wines’
Ancient, charming Tuscan villages
Altitude: Low Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Florence. Days 2-6 Follow Tuscan trails through Chianti country via Raddo to Siena. Day 7 Depart Siena, arrive UK.
Enjoy ‘La Dolce Vita’ to the full on this delightful walk through the beautiful rolling countryside of Tuscany at a leisurely pace. Vineyards and olive groves abound in a region rich with history, where the famous Chianti wine has been produced since Etruscan times. The Tuscan landscape comes ablaze with seasonal colour, from the red of poppies to the violet of the iris, the yellow of the sunflower and the verdant green of cypress. With ancient, golden stone villages and magnificent castles, as well as famous Tuscan culinary delights to relish with many opportunities to sample exquisite wine, you may just not want to leave! Beginning in historic Florence and culminating in Siena, this Tuscan journey on foot is sheer bliss for the senses.
Nights: Hotel x6 Meals: Some meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Daily Departures: Apr to Oct (Sun only) Land Only: from £575 Flight Price Guide: from £106 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
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EUROPE Portugal/Spain
Undiscovered Portugal
The Catalan Coast
Europe less trodden
A walk on the wild side of Catalonia Duration: 8 days
Duration: 8 days
Trip Code: TPOR SELF GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B (MODERATE)
Visit the UNESCO world heritage site of Marvao Walk in unspoiled tranquil countryside Trek over the border into Spain
The alluring and unspoiled Sao Marmede National Park is a mystical region of wooded hills, rocky crests and fertile valleys, criss-crossed with medieval tracks and archaeological remains. Ancient mule tracks lead you from the old castle town of Castello de Vide, past tranquil lakes, through vineyards and orchards, and on to the ‘Smugglers Route’ over the border into Spain.
Altitude: Low Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Castello de Vide. Days 2-7 Walk through the Sao Marmede National Park, into Spain and on to Marvao via San Pedro. Day 8 Depart Castello de Vide, arrive UK. Nights: Hotels and inns x7 Meals: Some meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Daily Departures: Apr to Oct Land Only: from £695 Flight Price Guide: from £160 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
Returning to Portugal through rocky countryside carpeted in wild flowers, you visit the medieval walled town of Marvao. Finally, with views over wild landscapes towards the Estrela Mountains, you descend through olive groves back to Castello de Vide, with a final night there to reflect on your journey back in time.
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Trip Code: TCAT SELF GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B (MODERATE)
Charming medieval villages Famous Catalonian wines and gastronomy Inspiring mountainous seascapes
There is something special about mountains and sea in close proximity, and along the ‘Wild Coast’ of Catalonia that wonderful combination is enhanced by the pleasing Mediterranean climate. From the coast to the mountains, from sea to crag, from sandy beach to shady Mediterranean forest – the diverse and changing natural landscapes help to create a stimulating walking holiday. With inexpensive flights from many regional UK airports, and just a very short flying time, Catalonia is almost on your doorstep! This holiday has been designed to reveal many aspects of Catalonia. Follow the Costa Brava’s coastal cliffs, solitary beaches and coves with crystal clear water; climb mountain trails with spectacular views to the Pyrenees; and explore idyllic villages. Catalonia has it all!
Altitude: Low Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Girona; transfer to L’Escala. Days 2-7 Follow trails to coastal Cadaques, via Aiguamolla National Park, then walk to Cap de Creus and on to Palau Savadera. Day 8 Transfer and depart Girona, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x5, pension x1, casa rural x1 Meals: Some meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Daily Departures: Feb to Jun, Sep to Nov Land Only: from £650 Flight Price Guide: from £130 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
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EUROPE Spain
Andalucía – Along the GR7
Hiking over Lemons Superior Collection
In the veil of the Sierra Nevada
Walks in the beautiful Alpujarras
Duration: 8 days
Duration: 8 days
Trip Code: TSNF SELF GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B (MODERATE)
Walking in timeless, rural Andalucía Visit magical Granada Spain’s highest mountains
The foothills of the Sierra Nevada afford delightful walking opportunities through open countryside, woodlands, colourful fruit orchards and distinctive mountain villages with their iconic white-washed stone houses. The famous GR7 trail winds its way through this landscape along the flanks of Europe’s second highest mountain range. Here life remains at an enviably slow pace beneath the impressive back-drop of the high Sierras. Snow-fed mountain streams bubble, almond trees blossom and overhead the mighty golden eagle and griffon vulture soar. The bustling ‘costas’ of the Med’ feel like a million miles away as you walk through this timeless region of rural Andalucía with its appealing climate. After walking the GR7 you are transferred to magical Granada for a night in one of the most famous cities in the world.
Max Altitude: 1,600m Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Lanjaron. Days 2-6 Follow the GR7 in the shadow of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Day 7 Transfer to Granada and explore at leisure. Day 8 Depart Granada, arrive UK. Nights: Hotels x7 Meals: All breakfasts inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Daily Departures: Feb to Jun, Sep to Nov Land Only: from £650 Flight Price Guide: from £150 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
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Trip Code: TLEM SELF GUIDED
TRIP GRADE A/B (EASY/ MODERATE)
Unspoiled Moorish villages Charming accommodation and hosts Almond orchards and olive groves
This Alpujarran delight offers you the opportunity to explore one of the most stunning and undiscovered areas of Spain, where life continues as it has done for hundreds of years since the Moors first farmed here. Explore on foot the almond orchards, olive groves and terraces, and the traditional local white-washed villages high up in this part of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Beginning in the charming village of Mairena, you embark on a walk that takes you from one delightful mountain village to the next, by waterways and along ancient trails which are still used today by farmers walking to and from their fields. This is the perfect trip for anyone who appreciates mountains, good food and spectacular (but easier) walking.
Max Altitude: 2,000m Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Mairena. Days 2-7 Follow ancient trails in the idyllic Alpujarras to Yegen, via Trevelez and Berchules. Day 8 Depart Mairena, arrive UK. Nights: Family-run hotels and guesthouses x7 Meals: Most meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Daily Departures: Feb to Jun, Sep to Nov Land Only: from £635 Flight Price Guide: from £182 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
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EUROPE Switzerland
The Aletsch Glacier An alpine hike that ticks all the right boxes Duration: 8 days Trip Code: TALT SELF GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B/C (MODERATE/ DEMANDING)
See the longest glacier in Europe Superb alpine trekking Classic mountain panoramas
The mighty Aletsch Glacier is Europe’s longest and largest glacier. Flowing from the southern slopes of Jungfraujoch, just beneath the world famous Eiger, the glacier spreads over an enormous area towards the Valais. This is one of the most mountainous and spectacular areas in all of Switzerland. Sweeping views of the Aletsch Glacier from the summit of Eggishorn (2,878m) are simply breathtaking. Following high and low routes above the valley, from where the Rhône begins its journey to the Mediterranean, affords wonderful alpine meadows and panoramas of majestic, soaring peaks. A final day of walking leads to Mund, an alpine village famous for growing saffron. This is certainly one of the most scenic and rewarding alpine hikes in all of Switzerland and the Alps.
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Max Altitude: 2,800m Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Oberwald. Days 2-5 Hike to Riederalp. Days 6-7 Cross the glacial moraine to Blatten and traverse Foggenhorn to Brig. Day 8 Depart Brig, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x7 Meals: Some meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Daily Departures: Mid Jul to Sep Land Only: from £1,095 Flight Price Guide: from £121 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
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EUROPE Switzerland
Haute Route of Europe
Beneath the Eiger
One of Europe’s greatest alpine adventures
Unrivalled views through Switzerland’s Bernese Alps
Duration: 8 days
Duration: 8 days
Trip Code: TSHR SELF GUIDED
TRIP GRADE C (DEMANDING)
High level trekking amongst the Swiss Alps Impressive views of the iconic Matterhorn A night at the Europahütte
Experience an unforgettable week of archetypal high level alpine walking, surrounded by 4,000 metre snow-capped jagged peaks and glaciers. Lush green valleys swim in and out of view below you as you stride along the flower-lined paths. You will cross the Alps by the Simplon Pass (the ancient mountain route into Italy) and descend to small villages, where you’ll have a warm Swiss welcome and hearty, flavoursome dishes for dinner. As the week progresses you are rewarded with glimpses of the mighty Matterhorn that just get better and better. During your last few days along the Kings Route, the Matterhorn is revealed in all its glory as you descend into Zermatt.
Max Altitude: 2,600m Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Brig. Days 2-7 Follow the Haute Route to Simplon and on to Saas Fee; up to the Europahütte and down to Zermatt. Day 8 Depart Zermatt via Brig, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x5, guesthouse x1, mountain hut x1 Meals: Some meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Daily Departures: Mid Jul to Sep Land Only: from £1,065 Flight Price Guide: from £121 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
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Trip Code: TEIG SELF GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B (MODERATE)
Gentle walking in the shadow of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau Travel to Europe’s highest railway station on the Jungfraujoch Breathtaking views of Switzerland’s best 4,000m peaks
Easy walking with views of the massive peaks of Switzerland. Although gentle on your feet, your eyes will wonder at the jaw-dropping beauty of these mountains. Starting in Interlaken you ascend Faulhorn (2,681m) to stay in what was once Europe’s highest hotel. From here you see the Eiger, the snow-capped peaks of the Mönch and Jungfrau and, some say, half of Switzerland. You proceed from here to walk underneath the formidable north face of the Eiger as it towers dizzily above. There’s the option of ascending to the Jungfraujoch, with the help of the little train, its tracks tunnelled dramatically through the mountain.
Max Altitude: 2,860m Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Interlaken. Days 2-7 Ascend Faulhorn and then walk to Grindelwald and Kleine Scheidegg, beneath Bernese alpine giants and on to Murren. Day 8 Depart Murren, arrive UK. Nights: Hotel x4, guesthouses x3 Meals: Some meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Daily Departures: Mid Jun to Sep Land Only: from £975 Flight Price Guide: from £121 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
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EUROPE Turkey
Along the Lycian Way The Lycian Way on a budget Duration: 8 days Trip Code: TLYC SELF GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B (MODERATE)
Discover ‘lost’ civilisations along the way Traditional Turkish hospitality Ancient Myra and Aperlai
The Taurus Mountains rise dramatically from the shimmering, clear sea to provide a rugged and dramatic backdrop to this walking holiday along the Lycian Peninsula. Following the rocky, pine forested coastline, with remote sandy beaches and picturesque inlets, you will discover a region steeped in ancient history, with tiny traditional fishing villages and fascinating archaeological treasures. Of course, there is also the sheer pleasure of walking in almost guaranteed sunshine, following ancient Greek and Roman routes, forest trails and traditional paths used by the locals for hundreds of years. This is a fixed itinerary, mostly pointto-point, and uses simple, but friendly budget, pension accommodation. For a more flexible itinerary, and to be based at a boutique hotel with swimming pool, please see our Best of the Lycian Way trip, opposite.
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Altitude: Low Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Antalya. Day 2 Transfer to Ulupinar and trek to coastal Cirali via the flames of the Chimera. Day 3 Beneath Moses Mountain to Adrasan. Day 4 Cape Gelidonia walk. Day 5 Visit ancient Myra and walk to Ucagiz. Day 6 Walk to ancient Aperlai. Day 7 Travel to Antalya. Day 8 Depart Antalya, arrive UK. Nights: Pensions x7 Meals: Most meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Daily Departures: Mar to Jun, Oct, Nov Land Only: from £435 Flight Price Guide: from £242 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at:
www.walksworldwide.com
speak to an expert on:
0845 301 4737
EUROPE Turkey
Best of the Lycian Way The ultimate Lycian Way experience
Superior Collection
Duration: 8 days Trip Code: TURK SELF GUIDED
TRIP GRADE B (MODERATE)
Walking along the Turquoise Coast Delightful hotel based in the Bay of Adrasan Mount Olympos ascent option
The sheer pleasure of walking in almost guaranteed sunshine brings a whole new meaning to ‘Turkish Delight’. The call of the warm waters of the Mediterranean will prove irresistible too. Introduced in 2011, the ‘Best of the Lycian Way’ has become an instant smash-hit. Not only do you enjoy amazing Lycian Way walks and beyond, this walking holiday comes complete with a delightful boutique hotel with swimming pool. A great base to explore the trails and sights of the Lycian Way, with trail transfers provided where required. Listed in the Sunday Times’ ‘Top Ten World Walks’, this classic includes a guided tour of the site of Olympos, a dinner at the Havuz Basi fish restaurant, plus the option to climb to the summit of Mount Olympos (2,365m) for the more adventurous.
Altitude: Low Outline Itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Antalya. Days 2-7 Choose from a menu of Lycian Way walks, including the Gelidonya Lighthouse, along the Turquoise Coast from Tekirova to Olympos, Olympos to Adrasan, Pirate Cove to Adrasan, Sazak Bay and more. Day 8 Depart Antalya, arrive UK. Nights: Boutique hotel with pool x7 Meals: Most meals inc. Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Daily Departures: Mar to Jun, Oct, Nov Land Only: from £635 Flight Price Guide: from £242 Low cost airline and regional departure options available. Please contact us for more info.
Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at:
www.walksworldwide.com
You can choose from a rotated menu of Lycian Walks, selected and prepared by our resident Lycian Way expert, with lots of great advice too, so you can decide what’s best for you. In fact, there are more choices than there are walking days, so you may even want to stay longer!
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Essential Information Pricing
Airport transfers
Full details of prices including seasonal price variations etc. can be found on our website. We reserve the right to alter the prices of any of the holidays shown in our brochure and/or on our website. Prices indicated in this brochure are ‘from’ prices only. Please note if booking a 2014 holiday, prices, dates and itineraries quoted are provisional and may be subject to change.
For many of our trips there is a wide choice of international flight options. So rather than tying ourselves to one airline and/or route we will always try to take advantage of special fares, promotions and regional flight options to provide you with the lowest possible flight prices. Consequently, clients are likely to arrive and depart on different flights, making a single group transfer impractical in most cases. Therefore as a general rule, unless otherwise stated in the Trip Dossier, airport transfers are usually not included* in our prices.
Flight Inclusive You can combine our Land Only holidays with international flights as a Flight Inclusive package. We are fully bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority and hold a full ATOL and IATA license, so we can book flights with most airlines. International flight prices are variable and usually can only be guaranteed at the time of booking. The ‘from’ prices shown for all flights in this brochure are a guideline only, to help you decide whether the holiday we are offering is within your budget. These prices are based on flight costs obtained by our team between November 2012 and February 2013 and were the lowest fares available on this date from London airports with either a scheduled or low cost airline. In some instances, where 2013 fares were unavailable on these dates, we have used an estimated price based on 2012 fares. These guideline prices are not fixed and do not include our booking fee, or additional charges some airlines may charge (e.g. baggage). As flight prices will vary considerably according to your specific travel dates, seat availability, preferred airline, peak travel periods, etc, please bear in mind that these fares may no longer be available at the time you book your holiday or for the dates you are travelling. Please contact us for an up-to-date flight price quote for your preferred travel dates and regional departure options.
Land Only For all our holidays we offer a ‘Land Only’ price. This price does not include international travel and is based on joining at the stated point for the individual holiday in the destination country, as shown in the Trip Dossier. IMPORTANT – If you are purchasing your own flights, you should be aware that most of the cheaper airline tickets available for sale on the internet or from low cost carriers are non-refundable in the case of cancellation and will not be protected by our ATOL bonding. For this reason we strongly advise you to check the rules of the ticket when you make a flight booking, and check the limitations of any cancellation insurance policy you have. We cannot be held liable for any losses incurred relating to, or as a result of, any flight bookings or other travel arrangements you have made yourself, including you having to cancel your holiday due to travel disruption. Please also refer to the specific joining arrangements, transfers section, and Land Only section of the individual Trip Dossier before booking your holiday with us.
What is included? As we offer such a wide variety of holiday choices, what we include and don’t include also varies. We firmly believe in a clear, concise and fair pricing policy and you will find what’s included in the price of each holiday outlined in brief on the trip pages in this brochure and on our website. Further details of what is and what isn’t included can be found in the relevant Trip Dossier.
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If you do require an airport arrival and/or departure transfer, we can arrange this for you at a small extra cost – please see our website or ask your consultant for details. Alternatively, you may choose to organise your own taxi or use local transport to reach the Joining Point of the tour. The choice is yours. It’s worth noting that there can be a significant price advantage in offering such flexibility with regard to international airfares, and this far outweighs the relatively insignificant cost of a transfer. So, rather than build the transfer cost into the selling price for everyone, we give you the choice. * Please Note: On some trips – where it is difficult to arrange your own transfer to the Joining Point – we include a timed transfer in the trip price. Please see Trip Dossier or ask your consultant for details.
Group sizes For all of our scheduled Guided Small Group Trips there is both a minimum and maximum group size. These are stated on the individual trip pages in this brochure and on our website. To enable a trip to go ahead, a minimum number of participants required must be reached.
Tour Leaders For all of our Guided Small Group Trips and Private Guided Trips, a professional, English-speaking guide is provided and acts as the overall Tour Leader.
Solo or Single travellers There is NO COMPULSORY SINGLE SUPPLEMENT charge for any solo/ single person booking one of our Guided Small Group Trips. If you are a single/solo traveller on one of our Guided Small Group Trips you will usually share accommodation with someone of the same gender. If you prefer not to share then you can request single accommodation (where available) for a supplementary charge.
Accommodation The accommodation we offer on our walking and trekking trips is as varied as the trips themselves. On one trip alone you may find yourself staying in a 3-star hotel, a rustic and remote village house, and a yurt! Details of the accommodation used can be found in the relevant Trip Dossier. As a general rule we use mid-range accommodation where available. Our itineraries are planned around the quality of the walking first and foremost. For many of our trips we do not name specific accommodation in advance, but we indicate a type of accommodation (e.g. hotel, pension, tent, etc.), as the specific accommodation used may vary from trip to trip, dependent on availability.
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0845 301 4737
“It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations.” – J.R.R. Tolkien (The Hobbit) Baggage
Please book early
Please ensure you use the correct type of baggage for your chosen trip. Please refer to the baggage section in the relevant Trip Dossier for more specific information about what to use for your main baggage, and any weight restrictions.
There are many reasons why it is beneficial to book early. It usually means the lowest air fares can be found, and that you can be more certain of a place on your chosen trip, especially if it’s one of our scheduled Guided Small Group Trip departures. Where a particular trip requires a minimum number of participants to reach guaranteed operational status, it is clearly in the best interests of all those wishing to take part to book as early as possible. Of course we understand that it isn’t always possible to book well in advance, therefore we do not impose a late booking charge. However, higher air fares and restricted availability are more likely to be the result of booking late.
Altitude Where our trips involve going to altitudes above 2,000m, the maximum altitudes on these trips are indicated on the relevant trip page in this brochure and on our website. The effects of altitude are something that you should be aware of. To combat the effects of altitude our itineraries are carefully planned to allow most people adequate acclimatisation. Generally speaking, most people will acclimatise to the altitudes on our trips, although it is important to understand that everyone acclimatises at different rates. More details regarding altitude can be found in the Essential Information section of our website, which we strongly recommend you read. Please contact us if you have any concerns.
Visas & Vaccinations To check whether a visa is required, and for the most up-to-date visa information for the country you are visiting, please visit www.cibt.com/ walksworldwide. We always recommend visiting your doctor and dentist for a check-up before travelling. Your GP, or a specialist vaccination centre, will have access to the most up-to-date information on relevant vaccinations and medical precautions for your destination.
Know before you go Walks Worldwide are fully committed to the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s ‘Know before you go’ campaign. We thoroughly recommend that all Walks Worldwide clients visit the FCO website – www.fco.gov.uk. If you have any questions or concerns about government travel advice to your chosen country please contact the Walks Worldwide office. It is not our policy to provide destination information (e.g. laws, culture, etc.) beyond the bounds of the trip itself. As there are a large number of country/destination travel guide books available, we strongly recommend that you obtain a travel guide book relevant to your chosen destination before you travel.
Dietar y requirements Vegetarians can usually be catered for on most of our trips. However, at certain destinations you may find vegetarian options very limited. If you have other special dietary requirements it is important that you discuss these BEFORE BOOKING. While we will do our best to pass on any dietary details you provide us with, we cannot always guarantee that such requests can always be delivered. On many trips special dietary requirements cannot be catered for. Please note that we cannot provide separate menus and cannot accept any liability for any problems arising from special dietary requirements, requests or intolerances.
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Important warning Our holidays are adventurous, and many travel to remote areas and/or to countries less developed than the United Kingdom and frequently not able to meet or provide standards usually expected by UK tourists. Despite painstaking planning and organisation, many of our holidays should not be taken for granted like regular mass tourism type holidays. Many things in lessdeveloped and other countries can be less predictable than in the United Kingdom, and may not have the same standards or quality of emergency health and safety services. Transport can be and often is unreliable and uncomfortable, and accommodation will often not approach the standards of the United Kingdom, both in remote areas and major conurbations too. IF YOU ARE NOT PREPARED FOR THIS YOU SHOULD NOT TRAVEL WITH US. The unpredictable nature of travelling to other countries means that our published holiday itineraries are statements of intent and NOT contractual obligations. Many factors (e.g. weather, transport problems, political instability etc.) can dictate the necessity to make an enforced change to an itinerary at very short notice, sometimes even during the course of the holiday itself. Naturally, we (and our local agents) will always do everything we can to minimise any changes and/or disruption. However, we cannot be held responsible for the results of enforced changes or delays, irrespective of their cause. As all our holidays are adventurous, to ‘expect the unexpected’ is the norm. Consequently it pays dividends to travel with a sense of adventure, humour and the philosophy to accept that other countries in the world are not the same as the United Kingdom. Although the vast majority of our holidays run smoothly, if you are not able to appreciate and accept that travelling to other countries and remote areas (even within Europe) means many, many things will not always be of the same standard, or happen the same way as in the United Kingdom, please do not book your holiday with us.
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Flight Flexibility For complete peace of mind
Choice and peace of mind Instead of trying to navigate your way through an online jungle of complex airline websites (many of which don’t provide financial protection), speak to one of our friendly consultants and we’ll search for and book flights to suit your needs, whether it’s low cost, scheduled, or upgrading to business class. To give you complete flexibility and the freedom to choose how you travel to your destination, the prices shown for all of our trips show a ‘Land Only’ price, as well as a ‘Flight Inclusive’ price (for long haul trips) or a ‘Flight Price Guide’ for Europe, Morocco and Jordan.
Low Cost Airlines
This gives you ultimate flexibility and choice – you can choose whether to use scheduled flights or low cost airlines, or if you prefer to take the risk you can book your own flights. Our expert consultants are also able to help with regional flight options if required.
Financial Protection Booking your flights through Walks Worldwide guarantees you peace of mind under our ATOL license. What’s more, if you book your flights with us, as well as your ground arrangements, we will manage these flight arrangements both before and during your trip. As an ATOL licence holder, we are able to secure and arrange competitively-priced air fares with most major airlines.
Low cost airlines often appear to offer a very economical option. We are able to book and arrange these flights for you, subject to a nominal booking fee, and by doing this as part of your travel arrangements we can continue to offer you peace of mind and 100% financial protection through our ATOL licence. This brings many benefits. For example, if your international flight was delayed or cancelled and you could not join your holiday on time, we would manage the situation accordingly.
Book Early! As a general rule, the further ahead you book your trip the better the chance of there being lower flight prices available.
Whatever happens, your money is safe when you book directly through Walks Worldwide LOW COST FLIGHTS AVAILABLE
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100%
Financial Protection
speak to an expert on:
0845 301 4737
Insurance Travel insurance is essential whenever you travel abroad. It is a condition of joining one of our trips that you have insurance and, as our deposits are nonrefundable, you should also be insured for cancellation at the time of booking.
Price per person*
Days
Worldwide (excl. N. America)
Europe
Single Trip
Single Trip
North America
Single Trip
Up to 9
£24.00
£59.00
£88.00
Up to 17
£30.00
£66.00
£96.00
Up to 24
£42.00
£73.00
£108.00
Up to 32
£51.00
£80.00
£114.00
Our single trip policy is available to anyone resident in Europe, regardless of nationality, and is specifically designed to cover every activity shown in this brochure and in our Trip Dossiers.
Summary of Cover Maximum sums Insured are per insured person A - Medical Expenses
£10,000,000
Personal Liability
£2,000,000
B - Personal Accident
£25,000
C - Cancellation or Curtailment
£3,000
D - Delayed Departure or Arrival
£1,500
E - Personal Effects
£2,000
* Premiums shown for persons under 66 years
F - Legal Expenses
£25,000
Annual Multi Trip worldwide cover – £99
G - Winter Sports
Optional
To arrange cover please contact us on: 0845 301 4737 PLEASE NOTE: Full details of the cover provided are shown on your policy document which will be sent to you upon receipt of payment of premium. Please read it carefully to ensure you understand the cover provided as this insurance is being offered on a Non Advised basis from a single insurer. Should you require it a specimen policy can be downloaded from our website. Certain terms conditions, exclusions and excesses apply, in particular cover is excluded for any pre-existing medical condition from which you or any person upon whom travel depends are suffering. If in doubt please contact our medical helpline in confidence on 0844 826 2686.
The policy document contains a 14 day Cooling Off Period and details of how to claim and who to contact in the event of a medical emergency. All premiums shown are inclusive of Insurance Premium Tax and are correct a time of going to print (March 2013). Campbell Irvine Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). Their registration number can be checked with the FSA by visiting www.fsa.gov.uk or by contacting them on 0845 606 1234. Chameleon Worldwide is an Appointed Representative of Campbell Irvine Ltd.
British Airways British Airways’ extensive flight network means you can connect to hundreds of worldwide destinations. All you have to choose is which cabin to fly in.
Club World – Designed around you* » Comfortable seat converts into a 6’ fully flat bed at the touch of a button, with soft mattress and memory foam headrest » Access to Arrival and Departure lounges along with complimentary treatments at the Elemis Travel Spa** » Menu inspired by some of the world’s top chefs and is accompanied by an expertly sourced wine cellar » The Club Kitchen is open between meals with a selection of hot and cold snacks Club World
* Available on all 777 and 747 aircraft, 767 aircraft retain the original award winning Club World cabin ** Available at London Heathrow T5
World Traveller Plus – Worth the Difference
World Traveller – Designed for comfort
» A separate quieter cabin with up to a maximum of 6 rows » Wider, more comfortable seats with 7 inches more leg room than World Traveller » Complimentary drinks from the bar (excluding champagne) » Priority meal service offering fresh contemporary meals
» An ergonomically designed seat with footrest and adjustable headrest to support your head and neck » Blankets, cushions, eyeshades, socks, toothbrush and toothpaste are also provided for your added comfort » Enjoy tasty meals designed by leading chefs, as well as complimentary bar service, available throughout your flight
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Booking information & conditions Booking Information Please note, this Booking Information forms part of your contract with Walks Worldwide, a trading division of Chameleon Worldwide Travel Ltd. Please see our Booking Conditions for definitions of words used. 1. Making your booking To confirm a booking, you should provide us with the information requested on our booking form either verbally, by completing and returning the booking form or in writing by some other means (such as e-mail or using our Online Booking facility). Please note you must be at least 18 years old to participate in one of our Guided Small Group Trips. All bookings are subject to our Booking Conditions. You should confirm your acceptance of our Booking Conditions by signing and returning our booking form or in writing by some other means (such as e-mail or using our Online Booking facility). The lead passenger must be authorised by all participants or their parent or guardian where the participant is under 18, to make a booking with us on the basis of our Booking Conditions. By making a booking, the lead passenger confirms that he / she and all participants agree to the Booking Conditions. The lead passenger is responsible for making all payments due to us as set out in more detail in clause 2 below. The lead passenger must be at least 18 years old when the booking is made. Once we have received the information we need to make the booking and all appropriate payments, we will, subject to availability, confirm your booking by issuing a confirmation invoice. This invoice will be sent to you or your travel agent. Please check your invoice carefully as soon as you receive it. Contact us immediately if any information which appears on the confirmation or any other document appears to be incorrect or incomplete as it may not be possible to make changes later. We regret we cannot accept any liability if we are not notified of any inaccuracy (for which we are responsible) in any document within 14 days of our sending it out (5 days for tickets). We will do our best to rectify any mistake notified to us outside these time limits but you must meet any costs involved in doing so. The only exception to this requirement to meet costs is where the mistake in question was made by us and there is good reason why you did not tell us about it within these time limits. 2. Payment The applicable deposit (as set out in Table A below) per person must be paid at the time of booking. If you wish to purchase the insurance policy we offer, all applicable premiums must also be paid at the time of booking. Please see clause 4 below on the subject of insurance. The final balance of the price is due no later than the date set out in Table A below. If a booking is made after this date then the full amount is payable at the time of booking.
Table A - On Booking £100 per person or 10% of the holiday cost as a deposit (whichever is the greater). For some holidays we may request a higher deposit to cover non refundable elements of the holiday payable by us to our suppliers on booking or prior to balance due date. Eight weeks before departure* Balance of the total holiday cost. 3. Special requests & medical problems/disabilities If you have a special request, you should inform us of it in writing at the time of booking. We will advise the relevant supplier of your requirements, but we cannot guarantee that such requests will be met unless we have specifically confirmed this. For your own protection, you should obtain confirmation in writing from us that your request will be complied with (where it is possible for us to give this) if your request is important to you. Confirmation that a special request has been noted or passed on to the supplier or the inclusion of the special request on your confirmation invoice or any other documentation is not confirmation that the request will be met. Unless and until specifically confirmed, all special requests are subject to availability. We regret we cannot accept any conditional bookings, i.e. any booking which is specified to be conditional on the fulfilment of a particular request. All such bookings will be treated as “standard” bookings subject to the above provisions on special requests. If any participant has any medical problem or disability which may affect your holiday, you must tell us before the lead passenger confirms your booking so that we can advise as to the suitability of the chosen arrangements. In any event, you must give us full details in writing at the time of booking. You must also notify us of any change or deterioration in the disability or medical condition or development of any disability or medical condition after booking. In view of the nature of the holidays featured in this brochure and on our website, we regret we must reserve the right to decline any booking or cancel (in the event of the development, deterioration or change of any disability or medical condition occurring after confirmation) whenever we reasonably feel unable to accommodate the needs or restrictions of any particular client or where, in our reasonable opinion, the medical condition or disability of the client concerned is likely to have a significant adverse effect on other clients taking the same holiday. We further reserve the right to cancel any holiday and impose cancellation charges if we are not fully advised of any relevant disability or medical condition at the time the booking is made and/ or promptly notified of any development, change or deterioration occurring after booking. On occasion, the decision for us to cancel may be made at the time the person concerned joins the tour as it may only be apparent at this stage that their disability or medical condition cannot be accommodated. Any client affected by a disability or medical condition must ensure they have notified this to their travel insurers and that their travel insurance will cover it. As it is a condition of booking that all clients have adequate and appropriate travel insurance, we are entitled to insist on evidence that the disability or medical condition is covered. 4. Insurance The lead passenger is responsible for ensuring all participants have adequate and appropriate insurance. The insurance must as a minimum cover personal accident, medical expenses, loss of effects, repatriation costs and all other expenses, which might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience. This policy must include a minimum cover of £5,000,000 for medical and repatriation expenses. Policy details should be read carefully and taken on holiday with you. It is your responsibility to ensure that the insurance cover you purchase is suitable and adequate for your particular needs. Details of the policy we offer are shown in this brochure and on our website. 5. Passports, visas, permits, certificates and health All participants must be in possession of a valid passport and all visas, permits and certificates, including medical certificates required for the whole of the holiday booked. It is your responsibility to obtain these unless you are expressly advised otherwise by us. All information and advice given by us on visas, vaccinations, climate, clothing, baggage, special equipment etc. is given in good faith. The lead passenger must ensure that all participants are in possession of all necessary travel and health documents before departure. All costs incurred in obtaining such documentation must be paid by you. We regret we cannot accept any liability if you are refused entry onto any transport or into any country due to failure on your part to carry correct documentation. If you are not a British citizen or hold a non British passport, you must check passport and visa requirements with the embassy or consulate of the country(ies) to or through which you are intending to travel. If failure to have any necessary travel or other documents results in fines, surcharges or other financial penalty being imposed on us or costs incurred by us, you will be responsible for reimbursing us accordingly. We require details of the passports held by all participants no later than 6 weeks prior to departure.
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A full British passport usually presently takes approximately 2 to 4 weeks to obtain unless you are 16 or over and are applying for a first passport. The UK Passport Service has to confirm your identity before issuing such a passport and may ask applicants to attend an interview in order to do this. A minimum of 6 weeks should be allowed in this case. If any participant does not have a passport or will need to renew it prior to departure, they are recommended to apply at least 3 months in advance. For travel to and via the USA, every person travelling (including children) must have a visa unless they qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Most British citizens travelling on holiday will qualify for the VWP but please see the important note below. All visitors who are eligible for the VWP must now apply for authorisation to travel to the US in advance in accordance with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). For authorisation to travel you must complete an online application on the ESTA website (details below) at least 72 hours before your flight to the US departs but you are recommended to apply earlier. Providing the application is accepted, you will be provided with approval via the website. Approval is usually provided very quickly but can take up to 72 hours if data needs to be checked. You should make a note of the ESTA approval number when you receive it. Please note; authorisation to travel under ESTA does not guarantee entry into the United States; that decision rests with the immigration official at the point of entry in the same way that travellers currently entering the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program or with a visa are subject to inspection. Warning: If your passport has ever been reported lost or stolen to the authorities and then recovered, please do not attempt to use it for travel to the United States. If you input the passport details into ESTA, your application will be denied. It is your responsibility to obtain ESTA approval or a US visa if required. If you fail to obtain authorisation to travel through the ESTA website or a US visa in advance of travel, you will not be allowed on your outbound flight to the US. Full cancellation charges will then apply. The ESTA website can be found at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ esta Important note: Not all British visitors to the USA will qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. You cannot apply for the VWP and will require a visa if you do not have a machine readable passport. All new style, burgundy coloured UK passports are machine readable. You will also need to apply for a visa if you have ever been arrested (even if you were not convicted of an offence) or have a criminal record of any description. Other exemptions also apply. If you are in any doubt as to whether you may require a visa, please contact the US Embassy, Consular Information Unit, 24 Grosvenor Square, London W1A 1AE or visit the website www.usembassy.org.uk before making your booking. Further information on entry requirements for the USA is available at http:// travel.state.gov. You must check entry requirements at the time of booking and in good time before departure as requirements may change. Requirements generally and for any country may change and you must check the up to date position in good time before departure with the embassy or consulate of the country(ies) you are travelling through and to. It is your responsibility to ensure you are aware of all recommended vaccinations and health precautions in good time before departure. Details are available from your GP surgery and from the National Travel Health Network and Centre www.nathnac. org Information on health is also contained in the Department of Health leaflet T7.1 (Health Advice for Travellers) available from the Department of Health on 0870 1555 455 or via its website www.dh.gov.uk and most Post Offices. For holidays in the EEA all participants should obtain an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) prior to departure. An EHIC is not, however, a substitute for travel insurance. Health requirements and recommendations may 6. Minimum Numbers and effect on price of party/group size Some of the holidays featured in this brochure require a minimum number of participants before we can operate them. The applicable minimum number depends on various factors and varies from tour to tour. If the group size drops below the minimum number, we reserve the right either to cancel or to run the trip. We promise to advise you no later than 6 weeks prior to departure if we have to cancel your holiday due to lack of numbers. Clause 5 of our Booking Conditions will then apply. For groups, the price per person given at the time of booking is based on a particular number of participants. If the group size changes at any time prior to departure (including where confirmed participants cancel without being substituted and pay less than 100% cancellation charges), we reserve the right to re-cost the trip and the per person price. Any increase in the price will be payable by all remaining participants. The increase will not be a surcharge and accordingly will not be subject to the surcharge provision set out in clause 4 of our Booking Conditions. 7. Tailor-Made Prices Our tailor-made prices are based on two people travelling together and sharing a room. If you require a single room, please ask us to quote the appropriate supplement. 8. Variation of conditions No variation of these Conditions may be made unless this is done in writing by one of our Directors. Booking Conditions The following Booking Conditions together with the Booking Information form the basis of your contract with Walks Worldwide, a trading division of Chameleon Worldwide Travel Limited (registered in England with number: 7018224) having its registered office address at Long Barn South, Sutton Manor Farm, Bishops Sutton, Alresford SO24 0AA. Please read them carefully as they set out our respective rights and obligations. These Booking Conditions and the Booking Information only apply to holiday arrangements which you book with us in the UK and which we agree to make, provide or perform (as applicable) as part of our contract. All references in these Booking Conditions to “booking”, “contract”, “itinerary”, “tour” or “arrangements” mean such holiday arrangements. The following words have the following meanings in both these Booking Conditions and the Booking Information., References to “you”, “your”, “party”, “group” and “participant(s)” means all persons (or any of them as the context permits or requires) named on the booking (including anyone who is added or substituted at a later date). In relation to all communications between us, “you” means the lead passenger. “We”, “us” and “our” means Chameleon Worldwide Travel Limited. The “lead passenger” means the adult who makes the booking with us in accordance with clause 1 of the Booking Information. We will communicate with the lead passenger and only the lead passenger should communicate with us. In order to make a booking, please follow the procedure set out under Booking Information. 1. A binding contract between us and you comes into existence when we despatch our confirmation invoice to the lead passenger. We both agree that English law (and no other) will apply to that contract and to any dispute, claim or other matter of any description that arises between us (“claim”) (except as set out below). We both also agree that any claim must be dealt with by the Courts of England and Wales only unless, in the case of Court proceedings, you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland. In this case, proceedings must either be brought in the Courts of your home country or those of England and Wales. If proceedings are brought in Scotland or Northern Ireland, you may choose to have the contract and your claim governed by the law of Scotland or Northern Ireland as applicable (but if you do not so choose, English law will apply). 2. Payment must be made as set out under Booking Information. If we do not receive all payments due (including any surcharge where applicable) in full and on time, we are entitled to assume that you wish to cancel your booking. In this case, we will be entitled to keep all payments which are paid or due at that date.
If we do not cancel straight away because you have promised to make payment, you must pay the cancellation charges shown in Table B depending on the date we reasonably treat your booking as cancelled. If you make your reservation through a travel agent we shall address all communications to the agent. Except for flight inclusive bookings, all monies you pay to one of our authorised travel agents for your holiday with us will be held by the agent on your behalf until we issue our confirmation invoice. After that point, your agent will hold the monies on our behalf until paid to us. For flight inclusive bookings, all monies paid to such agents for your holiday with us will be held on our behalf until they are paid to us. 3. If you wish to make any alterations to your holiday we will make every reasonable effort to accommodate these, but cannot guarantee that alterations will be possible. If the alterations you request are possible, these will be subject to payment of any amendment or other charges imposed or incurred by the relevant supplier plus the sum of £50 per booking for each change to cover our administrative costs. Requests for amendments must be made in writing by the lead passenger. Any cancellation of the entire booking or of the booking of any participant must be notified to us in writing by the lead passenger. The date on which the letter is received by us will determine the cancellation charges applicable. The applicable cancellation charges will be as set out in Table B (below) and are expressed as a percentage of the total holiday price (excluding amendment charges and insurance premiums) payable by the participant(s) cancelling. Amendment charges and insurance premiums are not refundable in the event of your cancellation. Depending on the reason for cancellation, you may be able to reclaim these cancellation charges (less any excess) under the terms of your insurance policy. Claims must be made directly to the insurance company concerned.
Table B - Cancellation Charges More than 56 days before departure
deposit
45 - 56 days before departure
50%
31 - 44 days before departure
75%
30 days or less before
100%
Please note, deposits are not refundable in the event of your cancellation except as set out in these Booking Conditions. Deposits include any additional amounts payable at the time of booking to cover non refundable elements of the holiday which need to be paid to suppliers at this stage or prior to balance due date. Partial cancellation may result in additional costs being payable by the remaining participants – see clause 6 of the Booking Information. 4. Prices quoted are based on costs and exchange rates as known at the time of preparation of this brochure (£1 = US$1.62768 in December 2012) or at the time your quotation is given to you in the case of tailor-made itineraries. We reserve the right to make changes to and correct errors in quoted prices at any time before your holiday is confirmed. Once the price of your chosen holiday has been confirmed at the time of booking, we will only increase or decrease it in the following circumstances. A surcharge or refund (as applicable) will be payable, subject to the conditions set out in this clause, in the event of a change in transportation costs (e.g. fuel, scheduled airfares and any other airline surcharges which are part of the contract between airlines (and their agents) and the tour operator) or in dues, taxes or fees payable for services such as landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports or airports or in the exchange rate(s) which have been used to calculate the cost of your holiday. Even in the above cases, only if the increase in our costs exceeds 2% of the total cost of your holiday (excluding insurance premiums and any amendment charges) will we levy a surcharge. If any surcharge is greater than 10% of the cost of your holiday (excluding insurance premiums and any amendment charges), the lead passenger will be entitled to cancel the booking and receive a full refund of all monies paid to us (except for any amendment or previously levied cancellation charges) or alternatively purchase another holiday from us as referred to in clause 5 below. Although insurance (where purchased through us) does not form part of your contract with us or of any “package”, we will consider an appropriate refund of any insurance premiums paid to us if you can show you are unable to use/reuse or transfer your policy in the event of cancellation or purchase of an alternative holiday. Where a surcharge is payable, there will be an administration fee of £5 per person. Please note that travel arrangements are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes have no impact on the price of your holiday due to contractual and other protection in place. A refund will only be payable if any decrease in our costs exceeds 2% as set out above. Where a refund is due, we will pay you the full amount of the decrease in our costs. You have 14 days from the issue date printed on the surcharge invoice to tell us if you want to cancel or purchase another holiday where applicable. If you do not tell us that you wish to do so within this period of time, we are entitled to assume that you will pay the surcharge. Any surcharge must be paid with the balance of the cost of the holiday or within 14 days of the issue date printed on the surcharge invoice, whichever is the later. We promise not to levy a surcharge within 30 days of the start of your holiday. No refunds will be payable if any decrease in our costs occurs within this period either. 5. We start planning the holidays we offer many months in advance. Occasionally, we have to make changes to and correct errors in details both before and after bookings have been confirmed and cancel confirmed bookings. Whilst we always endeavour to avoid changes and cancellations, we reserve the right to do so. Most changes are minor. Occasionally, we have to make a “significant change”. A significant change is a change made before departure which, taking account of the information you give us at the time of booking and which we can reasonably be expected to know as a tour operator, we can reasonably expect to have a major effect on your holiday. Significant changes prior to departure, include; a change of outward departure time or overall length of time you are away of twelve or more hours*, a change of UK departure point* to one which is more inconvenient for you and a significant change of itinerary missing out one or more major destination substantially or altogether (on which our decision is final). NB Please also see clause 8. *Only applies where transport to and from the UK forms part of your contracted arrangements with us. If we have to make a significant change or cancel, we will tell you or your travel agent as soon as possible. If there is time to do so before departure, we will offer you the choice of the following options:- (a) (for significant changes) accepting the changed arrangements; or (b) purchasing an alternative holiday from us, of a similar quality to that originally booked if available. Providing it is possible to do so, we will offer at least one alternative holiday of at least equivalent standard for which you will not be asked to pay any more than the original price. If this holiday is in fact cheaper than the original one, we will refund the price difference. If the lead passenger does not wish to accept the holiday we specifically offer, you may choose any of our other then available holidays. You must pay the applicable price of any such holiday. This will mean you paying more if it is more expensive or receiving a refund if it is cheaper; or (c) cancelling or accepting the cancellation in which case you will receive a full
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and quick refund of all monies you have paid to us. Please note, the above options are not available where any change made is a minor one. If we have to make a significant change or cancel, we will as a minimum (where compensation is appropriate) pay you the compensation payments set out in Table C (below) depending on the circumstances and when the significant change or cancellation is notified to you or your travel agent subject to the following exceptions. Compensation will not be payable and no liability beyond offering the above mentioned choices can be accepted where we are forced to make a change or cancel as a result of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which we could not have avoided even with all due care (for example, but not limited to, where the Foreign and Commonwealth Office advise against travel or all but essential travel to your destination after your booking has been confirmed) or where we have to cancel because the minimum number of persons required to operate your holiday is not reached – please see Booking Information. No compensation will be payable and the above options will not be available if we cancel as a result of your failure to comply with any requirement of these Booking Conditions entitling us to cancel (such as paying on time) or if the change made is a minor one. A minor change is any change which is not a significant change. In the unlikely event that we become unable to provide a significant proportion of the services you have booked after you depart, we will endeavour to make alternative arrangements in respect of those services at no extra charge, or, if we are unable to do so, or you do not accept these alternative arrangements for a good reason, we will provide you with transport back to your point of departure with us as soon as we are reasonably able to (using the same type and class of transport included in the holiday) and a pro rata refund of the cost of the remainder of your holiday . In addition, if appropriate, we will pay you compensation of an amount which is reasonable taking into account the circumstances. Compensation and refunds (unless obtained from any supplier) will not be payable where the situation is caused by force majeure – see clause 6.
Table C - Compensation payments Period before departure within which significant change/ cancellation is notified
Compensation per person
More than 56 days
Nil
56 – 43 days
£10
42 – 29 days
£15
28 – 15 days
£20
14 – 0 days
£30
NB. If any flight you have booked with us is cancelled or delayed, your flight ticket is downgraded or boarding is denied by your airline, depending on the circumstances, the airline may be required to pay you compensation, refund the cost of your flight and/or provide you with accommodation and/or refreshments under EC Regulation No 261/2004 - the Denied Boarding Regulations 2004. Where applicable, you must pursue the airline for the compensation or other payment due to you. All sums you receive or are entitled to receive from the airline concerned by virtue of these Regulations represent the full amount of your entitlement to compensation or any other payment arising from such cancellation, delay, downgrading or denied boarding. This includes any disappointment, distress, inconvenience or effect on any other arrangements. The fact a delay may entitle you to cancel your flight does not automatically entitle you to cancel any other arrangements even where those arrangements have been made in conjunction with your flight. We have no liability to make any payment to you in relation to the Denied Boarding Regulations or in respect of any flight cancellation or delay, downgrading of any flight ticket or denial of any boarding as the full amount of your entitlement to any compensation or other payment (as dealt with above) is covered by the airline’s obligations under the Denied Boarding Regulations. If, for any reason, we make any payment to you or a third party which the airline is responsible for in accordance with the Denied Boarding Regulations, you must, when requested, assign to us the rights you have or had to claim the payment in question from the airline. If your airline does not comply with these rules you should complain to the CAA on 020 7240 6061 www.caa.co.uk. 6. Except where otherwise expressly stated in these Booking Conditions, we regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our obligations under our contract with you is prevented or affected by or you otherwise suffer any damage or loss (as more fully described in clause 15.2) as a result of “force majeure”. In these Conditions “force majeure” means any event or circumstances which we or the supplier of the service(s) in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Examples include (in all cases whether actual or threatened) war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial disputes, natural or nuclear disaster, epidemics / pandemics, fire, adverse weather conditions, unusual water levels in rivers and seas and closure of airspace or airports. 7. If you have a special request or medical problem or disability, please let us know as set out under Booking Information. 8. We are not an ordinary tour operator. The type of travel we offer requires flexibility and you must allow for alternatives. The outline itinerary as given for each holiday must therefore be taken as an indication of what may be accomplished, and not as a contractual obligation on our part. The final decision on the itinerary and conduct of any holiday will be taken by us in the interests of the group as a whole. It is understood that the route schedules, itineraries, amenities and mode of transport may be subject to alteration without prior notice due to local circumstances or events which may include sickness, accident, mechanical breakdown, flight cancellations, strikes, events emanating from political disputes, entry or border difficulties, climate and other unpredictable or unforeseeable circumstances. 9. At all times the decision of our tour leader or overseas representative will be final on all matters likely to affect the safety and well being of the tour being operated. You must at all times strictly comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of the countries visited. Should any participant fail to do so then that person may be required to leave the holiday. In this situation, the person(s) concerned will not be entitled to the payment of any refund, expense or other sum whatsoever. 10. The lead passenger accepts responsibility for any damage or loss caused by any participant. Participants are also responsible for any damage or loss they cause. Full payment for any such damage or loss (reasonably estimated if not precisely known) must be made direct at the time to the accommodation owner or manager or other supplier. If the actual cost of the loss or damage exceeds the amount paid where estimated, you must pay the difference once known. If the actual cost is less than the amount paid, the difference will be refunded. If you fail to pay for any damage or loss when requested, you will be responsible for meeting any claims subsequently made against us (together with our own and the other party’s full legal costs) as a result of your actions. We expect participants to have consideration for other people. We strongly condemn the collecting of any specimen from the natural world. Our holidays
often provide the opportunity to view and photograph wildlife but not to disturb it! If in our reasonable opinion or in the reasonable opinion of any other person in authority, you behave in such a way as to cause or be likely to cause danger, upset or distress to anyone or damage to property or fail to comply with the reasonable instructions of our tour leader or overseas representative or with clause 9, we are entitled, without prior notice, to terminate the holiday of the person(s) concerned. In this situation, the participant(s) concerned will be required to leave the accommodation or other service. We will have no further responsibility toward such participant(s) including any return travel arrangements. No refund or compensation will be paid and we will not meet any expense or cost incurred as a result of the termination. 11. It is essential that you are covered by adequate travel insurance. Please see Booking Information for further information. 12. Subject to clause 13, if we accept a request to transfer you from one holiday to another you will be liable for the cancellation charges applicable as a result of cancelling the original holiday in addition to the cost of the new one. In addition, we also reserve the right to charge an administration fee of 10% of the value of the first holiday booked. 13. Any participant may, up to 7 days before departure, transfer their booking to another person (introduced by you) if you are unavoidably prevented from travelling and the transferee meets any conditions which may apply to the holiday in question. The right to transfer is subject to payment of an administration fee of £50 per person to cover our administration expenses (plus the appropriate insurance premium if applicable) together with all additional charges of whatever sort imposed by suppliers providing the component parts of the package. These charges will be the joint responsibility of the lead passenger and original and replacement participant(s) and must be paid before the transfer can be made. You should note that some airlines may refuse to accept a name change, or may treat it as a cancellation and a rebooking with a 100% cancellation charge. All notifications of any wish to transfer must be made to us in writing by the lead passenger. 14. By booking with us, you acknowledge that the holidays we offer often involve their own inherent risks and dangers due to matters such as the geographical location of the tour and the activities involved. Such holidays may involve a significant amount of inherent personal risk. These include injury, disease, illness, loss or damage to property, inconvenience and discomfort. 15.1 We promise to make sure that the holiday arrangements we have agreed to make, perform or provide as applicable as part of our contract are made, performed or provided with reasonable skill and care. This means that, subject to these Booking Conditions, we will accept responsibility if, for example, you suffer death or personal injury or the contracted holiday arrangements are not provided as promised or prove deficient as a result of the failure of ourselves, our employees, agents or suppliers to use reasonable skill and care in making, performing or providing, as applicable, the contracted arrangements. Please note it is your responsibility to show that reasonable skill and care has not been used if you wish to make a claim against us. In addition, we will only be responsible for what our employees, agents and suppliers do or do not do if they were at the time acting within the course of their employment (for employees) or carrying out work we had asked them to do (for agents and suppliers). 15.2 We will not be responsible for any injury, illness, death, loss (for example, loss of enjoyment or possessions), damage, expense, cost or other sum or claim of any description whatsoever which results from any of the following:-the act(s) and/or omission(s) of the participant(s) affected or any other participant(s):- or -the act(s) and/or omission(s) of a third party not connected with the provision of your holiday and which were unforeseeable or unavoidable:- or -’force majeure’ as defined in clause 6 above 15.3 Please note, we cannot accept responsibility for any services which do not form part of our contract. This includes, for example, any additional services or facilities which your hotel, accommodation provider or any other supplier agrees to provide for you where the services or facilities are not included in the cost of your itinerary and we have not agreed to arrange them as part of our contract, and any excursion or activities you purchase whilst overseas. In addition, regardless of any wording used by us on our website, in any of our brochures or elsewhere, we only promise to use reasonable skill and care as set out above and we do not have any greater or different liability to you. 15.4 The promises we make to you about the services we have agreed to provide or arrange as part of our contract - and the laws and regulations of the country in which your claim or complaint occurred will be used as the basis for deciding whether the services in question had been properly provided. If the particular services which gave rise to the claim or complaint complied with the local laws and regulations applicable to those services at the time, the services will be treated as having been properly provided. This will be the case even if the services did not comply with the laws and regulations of the UK which would have applied had those services been provided in the UK. The exception to this is where the claim or complaint concerns the absence of a safety feature which might lead a reasonable holidaymaker to refuse to take the holiday in question. Please note, however, our obligation is to exercise reasonable skill and care as referred to in clause 15.1. We do not make any representation or commitment that all services will comply with applicable local laws and regulations and failure to comply does not automatically mean we have not exercised reasonable skill and care. 15.5 Where we are found liable for loss of and/or damage to any luggage or personal possessions (including money), the maximum amount we will have to pay you is £1000 per participant affected or twice the price (excluding insurance premiums and amendment charges) paid by or on behalf of the participant(s) affected, whichever is the lower, unless a different limitation applies to your claim under clause 15.6 below. For all other claims which do not involve death or personal injury, if we are found liable to you on any basis the maximum amount we will have to pay you is twice the price (excluding insurance premiums and amendment charges) paid by or on behalf of the participant(s) affected in total unless a lower limitation applies to your claim under clause 15.6 below. This maximum amount will only be payable where everything has gone wrong and you have not received any benefit at all from your holiday. 15.6 Where any claim or part of a claim (including those involving death or personal injury) concerns or is based on any travel arrangements (including the process of getting on and/or off the transport concerned) provided by any air, sea, or rail carrier, to which any international convention or EC regulation applies, the maximum amount of compensation we will have to pay you will be limited. The most we will have to pay you for that claim or that part of a claim if we are found liable to you on any basis is the most the carrier concerned would have to pay under the international convention or regulation which applies to the travel arrangements in question (for example, the Warsaw Convention as amended or unamended and the Montreal Convention for international travel by air, and/or for airlines with an operating licence granted by an EU country, the EC Regulation on Air Carrier Liability No 889/2002 for national and international travel by air, the Athens Convention for international travel by sea as amended by the 2002 Protocol and COTIF, the Convention on International Travel by Rail). Please note: Where a carrier would not be obliged to make any payment to you
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under the applicable international convention or regulation in respect of a claim or part of a claim, we similarly are not obliged to make a payment to you for that claim or part of the claim. When making any payment, we are entitled to deduct any money which you have received or are entitled to receive from the carrier for the claim in question. Copies of the applicable international conventions and regulations are available from us on request. 15.7 Please note, we cannot accept any liability for any damage, loss, expense or other sum(s) of any description which (1) on the basis of the information given to us by you concerning your booking prior to our accepting it, we could not have foreseen you would suffer or incur if we breached our contract or (2) did not result from any breach of contract or other fault (for which we are legally liable) by ourselves or our employees or, where we are responsible for them, our suppliers or (3) relates to any business (including self employed loss of earnings). 16. If you have any complaint whilst on holiday, you must immediately inform your tour leader or our overseas representative who will use all reasonable efforts to remedy it. If you remain dissatisfied, you must make full details of the complaint known to us in writing within 28 days of the end of your holiday. If you fail to follow this simple complaints procedure, your right to claim the compensation you may otherwise have been entitled to may be affected or even lost as a result. 17. For requirements relating to passports, visas, permits, certificates and health, please see Booking Information. 18.1 For Land Only arrangements where you have booked your own flights, or where you do not book an airport transfer through Walks Worldwide, it is your sole responsibility to ensure you arrive at the departure point for the contracted arrangements in good time before these commence. In the event that flight delays or cancellation result in your late arrival, you will be responsible for all costs we incur in assisting you to join the holiday at a later stage. No refunds will be provided in respect of any services which are unused as a result. Similarly, our contractual responsibilities cease at the end of your contracted arrangements. 18.2 We regret we are not in a position to offer you any assistance in the event of delay at your outward or homeward point of departure. The airline concerned will be responsible for you in the event of flight cancellation or delays and may provide refreshments / meals /accommodation in the event of a delay or cancellation. 18.3 We cannot accept liability for any delay which is due to any of the reasons set out in clause 6 of these Booking Conditions (which includes the behaviour of any passenger(s) on the flight who, for example, fails to check in or board on time). In addition, we will not be liable for any delay unless it has a significant effect on your holiday arrangements. 19. By signing/submitting our booking form you give your consent, for and on behalf of your entire party, to Photovision UK Limited (Photovision) and Walks Worldwide to process photographs which you and/or any member of your party may feature in or may have taken. You also agree to waive any moral, economic or image rights arising in respect of these photographs and you or any member of your party’s appearance in them. You understand that Photovision and Walks Worldwide will store copies of the photographs featuring you and your party, together with contact details, on its database in case they need to contact you. 20. Please note, it is the requirements and standards of the country in which any services which make up your holiday are provided which apply to those services and not those of the UK. As a general rule, these requirements and standards will not be the same as the UK and may often be lower. 21. In accordance with EU Directive (EC) No 2111/2005, we are required to bring to your attention the existence of a “Community list” which contains details of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban with the EU Community. The Community list is available for inspection at hhtp://ec. europa.eu/transport/air-ban/ list_en. In accordance with EU regulations, we are also required to advise you of the carrier(s) (or, if the carrier(s) is not known, the likely carrier(s)) that will operate your flight(s) at the time of booking. Where we are only able to inform you of the likely carrier(s) at the time of booking, we shall inform you of the identity of the actual carrier(s) as soon as we are aware of this. Any change to the operating carrier(s) after your booking has been confirmed will be notified as soon as possible. We are not always in a position at the time of booking to confirm the flight timings which will be used in connection with your flight. The flight timings shown in this brochure, on our website and detailed on your confirmation invoice are for guidance only and are subject to alteration and confirmation. The latest timings will be shown on your e-tickets which will be despatched to you approximately two weeks before departure. You must accordingly check your tickets very carefully immediately on receipt to ensure you have the correct flight times. It is possible that flight times may be changed even after tickets have been despatched - we will contact you as soon as possible if this occurs. Any change in the identity of the carrier, flight timings, and/or aircraft type (if given) will not entitle you to cancel or change to other arrangements without paying our normal charges except where otherwise specified in these Booking Conditions. If the carrier with whom you have a confirmed reservation becomes subject to an operating ban as above as a result of which we/ the carrier are unable to offer you a suitable alternative, the provisions of clause 5 will apply. 22. We hold an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL number 10186). When you buy an ATOL protected air inclusive holiday or flight* from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists the flight, accommodation, car hire and/or other services that are financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong. We, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL Certificate, will provide you with the services listed on the ATOL Certificate (or a suitable alternative). In some cases, where neither we nor the supplier are able to do so for reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may provide you with services you have bought or a suitable alternative (at no extra cost to you). You agree to accept that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract to that alternative ATOL holder. However, you also agree that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled to make a claim under the ATOL scheme (or your credit card issuer where applicable). *The flights and flight-inclusive holidays we arrange are ATOL protected providing they are made available in the UK. For further information visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk We are also a member of the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT), and have provided a bond to meet the requirements of the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992. In the event of insolvency, protection is provided for non-flight packages commencing in and returning to the UK and other non-flight packages excluding pre-arranged travel to and from your destination. Please note that packages booked outside the UK are only protected when purchased directly with Walks Worldwide. In the above circumstances, if you have not yet travelled you may claim a refund, or if you have already travelled, you may claim repatriation to the starting point of your non-flight package.
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Chameleon Worldwide – The ultimate tailor-made specialist.
A collection of some of the most inspiring holidays in the world, planned by a team of travel professionals with over 25 years’ experience. Adventure, activity, cultural journeys, cycling, discovery, rafting, winter activities, wilderness and more.
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Cultural experiences, wildlife safaris, deserts and wilderness, activity and adventure. Mid-range to luxury accommodation. All tailor-made for you. Call Chameleon Worldwide on 0845 304 8670 or 01962 737647 www.chameleonworldwide.co.uk
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