Walking & trekking holidays with the experts: Walks Worldwide launches 2012/13 programme

Nov. 28, 2011 - PRLog -- Walks Worldwide has launched its 2012/13 programme which reveals 9 new trips, ‘Experts’ Choice’ walks and a ‘Superior Collection’ for those who don’t want to compromise on the serious walking aspect of the holiday but who would rather stay in more comfortable accommodation.

There is a choice of group trips for those who prefer the company of like-minded people, independent trips (guided and self-guided), tailor-made options and extensions for those who like to chill after the exertions!  

All of Walks Worldwide’s holidays are painstakingly researched and are exceptionally good value for money.  Most trips are significantly cheaper than similar itineraries offered by other UK tour operators.

Comments Mark Knowles, one of the UK’s leading experts on the best places to walk around the world: “Whilst all our trips are special, our Experts’ Choice are for those who wish to get further off the beaten track or who want something more unusual or out of the ordinary – and the Mysterious South reccy trip to Albania is a fantastic example of this.

“Our new Superior Collection has been designed with a higher quality of accommodation including luxury lodges in the Himalaya, paradors in Spain and the renowned Kasbah du Toubkal in Morocco. Our trips are graded from A-D (Easy, Moderate, Demanding & Strenuous) so at a glance you can see if a particular itinerary is suitable.  But whatever trip you choose the holiday will be first class and leave you with a feeling of satisfaction and achievement.”
 
Here is a summary of the new trips from Walks Worldwide for 2012/13

The Mysterious South (Albania): 8 days from £655 (Graded B/C)

This is a one-off, unique reccy trip to accompany Chris Poole from Walks Worldwide on an exploration of the mountains and coastline of southern Albania. Completely off-the-beaten track, no other tourists will be encountered, and some nights will be spent in village houses with the local people. Experts’ Choice and seriously pioneering!  

Petra & the Valley of the Moon (Jordan) 8 days from £845 (Graded B)

Enjoy the cacophony of colour on this guided group trip as you hike the lunar-like landscape to reach iconic Petra during the city’s 200th anniversary year and discover how this magical country seeped into the soul of T.E. Lawrence. This is also a ‘reccy’ trip for adventurous walkers, accompanied by Mark Knowles from Walks Worldwide.

Walking with Bears (Slovakia): 8 days from £895 (Graded C)

In co-operation with rangers from a local bear charity and the national park authority, this guided trip provides a unique chance to track bears on foot in the High Tatras in an area usually forbidden to tourists.  

Call of the wild (Finland): 8 days from £1075 (Graded B)

This guided group trip to the Taiga region provides a chance to build an igloo, try snowshoeing, skiing, ice fishing and drive a husky sled team in the wilderness. Accommodation is in traditional log cabins complete with saunas.  

Tour du Mont Blanc (France): 8 days from £595 (Graded C)

Arguably the most iconic and famous trek in the Alps, the reward for this demanding, self-guided trip, are the spectacular views enjoyed at every point along the way as you cross alpine passes, summer meadows and pass under awesome glaciers.

Along the Lycian Way (Turkey): 8 days from £435 (Graded B)

This self-guided holiday is an extremely cost-effective way in which to enjoy one of the most famous trekking routes in Europe.  The route follows the rocky, pine forested coastline, discovering hidden fishing villages along the way.

Paradise Island (Sri Lanka): 13 days from £795 (Graded B)

Sri Lanka has earned its name as Paradise Island thanks to its sandy beaches, mountainous interior, rainforests, emerald green tea plantations and incredibly hospitable people.  This guided group itinerary combines pleasant day walks with visits to places of interest including the famous Pinnawela elephant orphanage.

Tribes of the north (Vietnam): 13 days from £795 (Graded B/C)

Meet Vietnam’s many hilltribes as you walk through jungles and across the mountainous landscape on this ‘Experts’ Choice’ guided group trip which also includes a chance to stay with locals in their village homes, plus there will be time to explore the capital, Hanoi.

Walks on the Wildlife Side (Costa Rica): 12 days from £1035 (Graded B)

Volcanic Costa Rica is home to an abundance of rainforest, wildlife – including crocs, monkeys and turtles – and is home to 10% of the entire world’s butterfly population.  This guided walking holiday provides a chance to discover all the highlights of this central-American gem.

Ultimate Patagonia Adventure: (Argentina) 15 days from £1995 pp (Graded C)

A chance to discover the spectacular scenery at the most southerly, accessible point on earth as you hike on some of the world’s best trekking trails in the Los Glaciares National Park, Mount Fitzroy, Torres del Paine, Tierra del Fuego and Cerro Torre on this guided group trip.

Call 0845 301 4737, visit www.walksworldwide.com or Tweet www.twitter.com/walksworldwide