Unforgettable adventures to book this summer
Summer holiday season is upon us and we're rounding up the best overseas adventures that you can book onto right now!
Escapism, inspiration, broadening your horizons - whatever your motivation for heading overseas for an adventure holiday, it's a decision that you won't regret.
From trekking in Nepal to yoga workshops in Chamonix, there is an almost unending range of epic experiences waiting out there, all of which will help you to loosen the constraints of everyday life and return feeling energised. Sure, you could head to on a resort holiday - but you're not going to experience the thrill of adventure that makes these breaks so addictive.
We've rounded up some of the very best adventure holidays out there, from iconic trips like hiking the Inca Trail to lesser-known gems like a Madagascar Trek. Discover your next overseas adventure here!
Running and Yoga in Chamonix
Fusing energetic trail running sessions with restorative yoga, this is a well-balanced adventure holiday that will help you feel refreshed and stimulated!
Set in breathtaking Chamonix, with the iconic vista of Mont Blanc as your backdrop, this two-night break has been voted as one of the Best Running Holidays by The Daily Telegraph and it's easy to understand why. From the refreshing scent of pine trees as you run to the cheese and wine provided at one of the checkpoints, this trip is a far cry from an everyday experience.
Enjoy staying in a 4* spa hotel and meeting new people at the same time!
Canyons of Jordan
This is an experience filled with both adventurous trekking and historic discoveries, immersing you in the Kingdom of Jordan's culture for seven nights.
Beginning in the north of the country in Amman, you will trek to Aqaba in the south. As well as getting some miles under your feet on this trek, you will also have the opportunity to swim in the deep gorges at Wadi Mujib, Wadi Ghuweir and Wadi Hammad, as well as snorkelling in the Red Sea when you arrive at the final destination.
Enjoy exploring Jordan's rich history and culture along the way, including the crusader castle at Karak and the incredible ruins of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will stay in comfortable hotels along the way and enjoy local cuisine!
Volcanic Adventures in Indonesia
'Epic' truly is the best word to describe this two-week adventure in Java and Bali, climbing active volcanos, swimming beneath jungle waterfalls and visiting stunning Buddhist temples.
The Jatiluwih ricefields, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are another highlight of this trip, renowned for their spectacular beauty and history.
From hiking on volcanic craters to enjoying the hustle and bustle of Indonesian towns, as well as small boat trips across blue waters, this is a chance to experience a completely different culture and way of life in a well-managed and catered trip.
Classic Tour du Mont Blanc
Make a full circuit around the iconic bulk of Mont Blanc in this nine-day trekking adventure, starting and finishing in Chamonix.
With a mixture of luxury hotels and authentic mountain refuges, you will enjoy a true Alpine experience, complete with local cuisine and an experienced mountain guide to help you make the most of your experience. You will hike into both Italy and Switzerland along your journey, observing Mont Blanc from every angle.
There is a diverse range of scenery, flora and fauna to enjoy along the trek, including Alpine goats, rare mountain flowers and the ever-present, snow-capped peaks of the Alps to frame the entire experience.
Peaks of Cuba
This 14-night adventure holiday on the Caribbean island of Cuba ranges from trekking through dense forest to relaxing on tranquil beaches.
As well as six days of trekking, in which you will summit Turquino Peak, you will also enjoy opportunities to swim in jungle waterfalls and meander around Cuba's picturesque towns, rich in neoclassical and colonial heritage. Visit the infamous Bay of Pigs, the colourful streets of Havana and the stunning natural beauty of Banaos National Park.
Your accommodation includes a mix of hotels and mountain refuges, helping to create an authentic Cuban experience!
The Inca Trail
Journey on foot to the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its incredible history and breathtaking mountain views.
Beginning in the remote town of Cuzco, the ancient capital of the Inca empire, you will trek through mountain valleys and cloud forests, navigating high-altitude passes before arriving at the Sun Gate and the lost city itself. From the Valley of Llulluchapampa to the remote ruins of Runkurakay, you will visit the places that have made this iconic adventure location so famous worldwide.
Enjoy a hotel stay before and after your trek, with camping equipent provided for the journey itself and all meals provided.
Madagascar Trek
The island of Madagascar, found 250 miles off Africa's eastern shores, is an evolutionary marvel, with unique wildlife and habitats that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Held in support of Cats Protection, this trek explores some of the island's most incredible scenery and locations over five days. You will walk through Andringitra National Park and climb Madagascar's second-highest peak, Pic Boby, enjoying expansive views across the Tsaranoro Valley.
As well as trekking across Madagascar, you will have the opportunity to come face-to-face with its most famous inhabitants, the lemurs. You will meet members of the conservation Maromizaha Project and head on a nocturnal trek to try and spot the rare indri.
Annapurna Sanctuary
Hiking in Nepal and visiting Everest Base Camp is a classic trekking adventure but comes at a cost of the time it takes to acclimatise. This shorter trek to the Annapurna Sanctuary provides all the benefits of a Himalayan adventure without the lengthy delays!
Beginning at the lakeside city of Pokhara, you will trek through stunning mountain gorges to reach the Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp, found within a natural amphitheatre with incredible views all around. Access to this area of the Himalayas was restricted until 1956 as the distinctive peak of Machhapuchhre is thought to be the dwelling place of the Hindu god Shiva.
After your trek, you will return to Kathmandu and enjoy exploring its vibrant streets and markets!
Alpine Challenge
Explore three peaks and three countries in three days while supporting the fantastic work of Spinal Research!
From an incredible basecamp of a luxury Alpine lodge, you will ascend Testa Bernarda (2,534m) in Italy, Bel Oiseau (2,652m) in Switzerland and Aiguillette des Posettes (2,323m) in France. The views across mountain ranges, glaciers, forests and lakes along the way are truly breathtaking.
These mountains are over twice the height of Ben Nevis, the UK's tallest mountain, but you will be led the entire way by experienced guides and have a hot tub waiting at the lodge in which to unwind!