Picture yourself in this alley in Morocco this winter
With summer almost at its end, it is time to look towards the winter travel season. Here is a line-up of some great tours to spend a week or two away in warmer climes.
8 days from CA$1,845
Physical rating 2 out of 10
The Amalfi Coast is one of the most dramatic coastlines in Europe. Mountains jut steeply out of the Mediterranean and picturesque towns nestled in the coves below. Walking the ancient hillsides studded with lemon groves and framed by deep gorges, we descend from the Agerola Plain to the quaint towns of Positano, Ravello and of course Amalfi itself. No visit to the Bay of Naples would be complete without a trip to see the remains of Pompeii under the imposing volcanic cone of Mount Vesuvius. The best is saved till last with arguably the world's best coastal walk: the 'Walk of the Gods'. Away from the trails we partake in a favourite traditional pastime and sample incredible food and wine just like the Italians do.
8 days from CA$1,260
Physical rating 2 out of 10
Discover the natural wonders and rich cultural history of Belize. This laidback paradise is packed full of lush jungle, spectacular ruins, long sandy beaches and first-class underwater attractions – and on this trip you’ll sample them all. From the buzz of Belize City, through the magic of the jungle-clad Tikal ruins and to the beachside island paradise of Caye Caulker, discover the best of Belize and Tikal on this epic adventure to some of Central America’s little-known gems.
9 days from CA$1,895
Physical rating 1 out of 10
Northern India conjures up memorable and colourful images of turbans, saris, flavoursome curries and rickshaws. We visit the 'Pink City' of Jaipur, home to the wonderful former Maharaja's Palace and the splendid hilltop Amber Fort. Agra and the serene Taj Mahal are not to be missed and fully live up to expectations. An early morning boat ride through the mist along the ghats of Varanasi is probably the most sensory intoxicating excursion in India and is both fascinating and deeply moving – an experience only equalled by spotting a tiger in Ranthambore National Park.
9 days from CA$1,895
Physical rating 2 out of 10
Jordan is an ideal destination for a one-week adventure. Bursting with things to see and do this trip includes the best of what this magnificent country has to offer, visiting all the major sites of interest. We will have two full days to explore the so called 'rose-red city' of Petra and to take a guided visit around Jerash, one of the best preserved Roman cities in the Middle East. There is time to 'float' in the salty waters of the Dead Sea and snorkel (optional) over the beautiful coral reefs of the Red Sea. We will also experience the fabulous scenery in the desert at Wadi Rum, where we take a 4WD excursion into the more remote regions and camp out like the Bedouin.
14 days from CA$2,675
Physical rating 3 out of 10
We ride from vibrant Saigon in the south to the chaotic capital of Hanoi in the north on this two week cycling tour, travelling on tarmac roads through colourful fishing villages, folding rice terraces and mountains cloaked in jungle. The vast shoreline of white sandy beaches is ours to discover along the way, with time to swim in the sea on a tropical island retreat. Stopping off at the ancient trading port of Hoi An, home to temples and wooden merchant houses, we delve into the peacefulness of rural Vietnam before ascending the Hai Van Pass, riding along twisting coastal roads that lead to remarkable views of the misty forest below.
8 days from CA$1,295
Physical rating 3 out of 10
During the course of this week you will have the opportunity to walk through the wild and varied scenery of Madeira, from gentle strolls along flower-lined levadas and spectacular coastal footpaths, to more demanding forays amongst the jagged ridges and peaks of the rugged volcanic interior. There is plenty of time to relax by the sea in the fishing village of Machico and discover the historic importance of Funchal, an old trade centre famous for exporting sugar and wine to the Indies and the New World.
16 days from CA$12,850
Physical rating 2 out of 10
Get to the heart of Morocco on this journey from Casablanca to Marrakech. This is our most extensive trip through exotic Morocco. The country’s essence lies in the ancient cities, medieval bazaars, food and high mountain villages. Experience a feature stay in traditional riad, explore the imperial cities, admire Morocco’s changing landscapes, ride a camel across the desert, enjoy traditional Berber food and hospitality, get into the laid back vibe of Essaouira and witness the evening transformation of Jemaa el Fna in Marrakech.
14 days from CA$6,075
Physical rating 1 out of 10
From the cascading Victoria Falls to the meandering waterways of the Okavango Delta, this safari visits the best destinations in Zimbabwe and Botswana. Encounter Chobe’s huge elephant herds, search for rhinos and leopards in Matopos and spot Wild dogs in Hwange. Starry skies and burnished sunsets complete the adventure and where better for a sundowner than the shimmering Magkadigkadi Pans.
14 days from CA$5,345
Physical rating 1 out of 10
This busy itinerary takes us through some of the highlights of Central America. Costa Rica's tropical climate supports a range of ecosystems including dense jungle, cloud forest, coastline and a handful of active volcanoes. The result is a paradise bursting with wildlife and tropical verdant scenery. From the Bocas del Toro Islands, a stunning archipelago with a lively Caribbean culture, to the Panama Canal, one of the world’s most impressive feats of engineering, and the vibrant capital Panama City.
13 days from CA$4,575
Physical rating 4 out of 10 Discover a beautiful and fertile land at the northern gateway to Patagonia - a magical landscape filled with active volcanoes, turquoise rivers, gigantic lakes and ancient native forests. See Andean condors swooping down from the foothills of the cordillera as we cycle on some of the most scenic paved routes that South America has to offer. We'll gain a cultural insight into both Chile and Argentina, including the European influences and indigenous customs that have shaped the region. Cross the Andes twice in spectacular fashion on two wheels as part of an incredible 'once in a lifetime' journey!
Patagonia Highlights 13 days from CA$6,575
Physical rating 3out of 10
Rugged, snow-capped mountains stand imposingly amid the wild south of Argentina and Chile, fringed by huge icy lakes and windswept grasslands. In the distance shy guanacos roam and a few hardy gauchos tend their many sheep. We discover the sheer-sided peak of Mount Fitzroy and the immense Perito Moreno Glacier, where chunks of ice are often seen cracking into the water. Our journey culminates in Ushuaia - the most southerly city in the world. Renowned for world class trekking and outdoor activities, the raw natural beauty of Patagonia never fails to astound.
8 days from CA$2,745
Physical rating - multi-level Snow-sure and picturesque, the traditional Norwegian hamlet of Venabu sees cross-country skiers returning for that ‘away from the crowds’ experience year after year. A short distance from Lillehammer, this stunning destination sits on the edge of the Rondane National Park, looking down on the Gudbransdalen Valley. Here the dramatic landscape ranges from spectacular gorges and snow-capped peaks to pretty fells and valleys that extend to the horizon.
8 days from CA$3,050
Physical rating 2 out of 5
Adventure from portside Muscat and Muttrah into the heart of Oman's richly coloured past. Discover the awesome Islamic forts, age-old mud-brick houses, and silver- and spice-filled souqs that makes this Middle Eastern jewel such a feast for the senses. The treasures aren't all man-made: trip to the blazing remote landscapes of Wahiba Sands for a desert getaway with the Bedouins, and soak up breathtaking canyon views at Jebel Shams and Wadi Bani Awf before returning to the seaside capital.
10 days from CA$1,655
Physical rating 2 out of 5
Generally perceived as a summer destination, Turkey has a lot to offer the traveller who is prepared to forgo summer temperatures and Mediterranean resorts for stunning landscapes of snow-capped mountains, iced lakes and fairy chimneys dusted in white. Istanbul begins winding down in October as temperatures start to drop, giving way to winter cuisine of Salep (a cream drink served hot made from the root of wild orchids), mulled wine and steaming bowls of mercimek corba (lentil soup). The famous sites are still there but the crowds are not, so if you're prepared to rug up then this winter discovery is the perfect way to discover Turkey and its fascinating history.
14 days from CA$4,445
Physical rating - 4 out of 10
From shifting sand dunes to woodlands and fynbos shrublands, South Africa’s Garden Route displays a wild beauty waiting to be explored on foot. Savage oceans crash on shore as whales swim past off the coast (in season) and penguins frolic in the surf. Inland elephants and lions roam Addo National Park, whilst further west endless rows of vines stretch out and Table Mountain towers over the Mother City, Cape Town. We roam coastal trails and forests, wander up gorges and go on safari as we explore some of the best reserves and parks of the Cape region.