Adventure Travel by its nature can be fast-paced. Often we are tempted to book trips that show us as much a possible in the few weeks of holiday we have. And while that style of travel is exhilarating, there are times when we just want to have a relaxed holiday in an adventurous style or an unusual destination. It is a great way to charge the batteries before going back to our normal life.
We call this slow travel. Here are some of the best slow travel adventure tours.
Italy
Just an hour’s drive north of Venice, in the foothills of the Dolomites, is one of the world’s best yet largely undiscovered wine regions. Here ancient terraced vineyards clinging to the sides of every possible slope are dedicated exclusively to grapes for Italy’s most prized sparkling wine: Prosecco. Based in an elegant converted villa, located in the heart of the so called 'Prosecco Road' - Italy’s oldest wine route - we spend a week walking through picturesque rolling hills and sampling the area’s delicious cuisine and authentic bubbles. We also visit charming mediaeval villages such as Cison, Follina, Asolo as well as the beautiful capital province of Treviso.
India
Kerala is an excellent place to discover by bike; a true tropical paradise with an idyllic coastline, lush tranquil backwaters, colourful temples and old stone churches. It's not surprising that Kerala is often referred to as 'God's own country'. Offering a gentler experience than the often frenetic north, Kerala is great for a first time bike trip or your first visit to India. From the old spice port of Cochin to the laid-back beach town of Varkala, we gently cycle through beautiful landscapes, fascinating towns and colourful fishing villages, sampling superb south Indian cuisine along the way. A night in a village homestay provides a unique insight into the warm Keralan hospitality, and the backwaters of Kerala are cruised on a traditional houseboat before relaxing on the sweeping beaches of Varkala.
Greece
An excellent introduction to both the Greek islands and walking holidays. Discover the valleys, olive and citrus groves and Venetian town and market of beautiful Naxos, before taking a ferry to Santorini with its spectacular views. Walk the Cliff Trail along the island's caldera and soak up the atmosphere at pretty Oia. Finally, explore Paros with its Byzantine cathedral and walk an ancient trail to the island's east coast. All the while, enjoy the great food and hospitality Greece is known for.
France
Ride through pretty countryside, stop at a vineyard and indulge in terrific dinners. If you enjoy food and wine, culture and relaxed cycling, this trip is for you. Cycling days are short and there is plenty of time for lazy lunches and visits to the chateaux France's Loire Valley is so famous for.
Ecuador
Ecuador's undisputed highlight is the Galapagos Archipelago, with it's otherworldly volcanic landscapes and stunning array of wildlife. Snorkel with sea lions and penguins, come close to boobies and albatrosses, iguanas and tortoises and watch whales. This is nature in its primordial state, nature as it used to be.
This ten-day cruise package will give you 7 nights in the Galapagos Islands, the ideal length for anyone wishing to get a good idea of the variety of wildlife and natural history.
Italy
With its Renaissance cities, mediaeval villages and cypress-lined avenues snaking through vineyards, southern Tuscany is the perfect place for a relaxing guided walking holiday. Based at the tranquil Villa Casalta, on our tour we visit beautiful San Gimignano, the market town of Greve in Chianti, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Siena and the magnificent city of Florence. During the week we sample several varieties of the world-renowned local Chianti and have the opportunity to learn more about Italian wine at the Wine School of Siena.
Botswana
Imagine a safari only the explorers of an era gone past would have experienced. Sleep in a proper bed, under canvas, with washroom facilities all your own. Guided by an expert safari guide you will travel in a group of no more than six guests through the Botswana wilderness, exploring such gems as Chobe, Savute, Moremi and the Okavango Delta. Witness the largest concentration of elephants in Africa, enjoy a boat ride on the Chobe River, see predators such as lion, African wild dog, leopard and spotted hyena and game such as kudu, lechwe, hippo and giraffe. This is a safari Hemingway would be jealous of.
Indonesia
Raja Anpat, the fabled spice islands, is a natural and cultural melting pot and a marine biodiversity hotspot. Here you will find 75 per cent of the world’s coral species and over 1,500 species of tropical fish. And while truly a paradise for divers and snorkellers, lovers of history, culture and birding will also have their share as we explore the rainforests of the Arfak Mountains looking for Birds-of-Paradise, discover remnants of WW2 and visit an old Dutch fort in Banda Neira.
After an overnight in Bali we fly to Biak in West Papua to board our expedition cruise ship. Our first destination is Cenderawasih Bay Marine National Park where we can swim, snorklen and dive in the crystal clear waters, snorkel among the corals, whale sharks and turtles, and paddle to perhaps see dugong.
Keeping an eye out for many species of birds we will cruise to Totoberi village to get a glimpse of traditional life in the islands. Meanwhile the Arfak Mountains is one of the world’s premier birdwatching destinations, while the coastline offers beautiful beaches and bays to explore.
Four days are dedicated to exploring the coral reefs and shoals, limestone formations and rainforests of Raja Ampat, home to more species of coral anf ish than anywhere else in the world.
Your cruise concludes with visits to the spice islands of Ambon and Banda Neira to learn about the spice trade and the Dutch history before sailing across to Darwin in Australia for your flight home.
Japan
Fly over Japan and you will see that the entire archipelago is mountainous except for a narrow strip of coastal shelf, a few broad inland basins and some river valleys. Those flatter lands are where the bulk of the population lives. The mountains – the main terrain of this tour - are surprisingly unpopulated. From a distance it may seem that the old Samurai-and-Geisha traditions have given way to the mechanical marvels of consumer culture, but come closer and you will find a society shaped by deeply ingrained values, with many living traditions.
This walking tour wanders around the cultural barrier and into territory that Japanese hold sacred. Accompanied by expert leaders, you will hike through places of natural beauty and hinterland sites of deep significance. The itinerary is interspersed with interesting urban explorations.
Cambodia & Vietnam
Experience the beauty of both Cambodia and Vietnam during this eight-day river cruising journey. Take in Wat Phnom, the Grand Palace, the S21 Museum, and the Tra Su Bird Sanctuary and prepare to see things you’ll never forget (but bring your camera anyway). Get a true taste of river cruising while visiting the Cai Be floating market, the fishing port of Kampong Chhnang, and stilt villages like Chnok Tru, where you’ll learn about fish farming, pottery, and sugar palm production. Opt for bikes, tuk tuks, or local boats to get around and see rice paddies, monasteries, and local businesses.