Limit-pushing challenges – it's time to really Discover Adventure

June 14, 2011 - PRLog -- The leading specialist in trekking and cycling challenges worldwide for charitable fundraising, Discover Adventure, highlights some of its most exciting expeditions across the second half of 2011

Led by highly experienced guides, and with trips ranging from moderate to tough, these adventures have been designed to challenge participants but are nevertheless appropriate for beginners who are prepared to train, with Discover Adventure offering thorough support, training plans and training days for all participants.

The open expeditions range from one-day to 19-day trips, taking place in some of the world's most awe-inspiring settings. They include cycling from Land's End to John O'Groats, through the French Alps or Vietnam and Cambodia, as well as hiking the Great Wall of China, Everest Base Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro, the Sahara desert, Central America and Borneo.

What's more, participants can heighten their sense of achievement by choosing to raise money for a charity of their choice if they wish.  Discover Adventure offers the very best deal possible for charities - at least 60% of fundraising targets go direct to the charity concerned.

The trips all boast first-class eco-credentials – not only are walking and cycling extremely environmentally-friendly activities, but Discover Adventure employs the services of local communities worldwide and always buys provisions locally, too. There’s also the opportunity for participants to get involved in an orphanage project in Tanzania or a tree planting project in Peru, either by making a modest donation online or by visiting them and getting personally involved.

Sample trips for 2011 (departures from June – December 2011):
Five-day London to Paris cycle
Sign up for one of Europe's greatest cycle routes - ride through rolling countryside in Kent before crossing the English Channel to adventure through the quaint villages and medieval market towns of Northern France, passing poignant war grave cemeteries too. With long days and some demanding hill climbs, nothing evokes a better sense of success than reaching the finish point - the iconic sight of the Eiffel Tower. The trip includes four nights' accommodation (2-3 star hotels), transport (ferry and Eurostar), most meals, and the services of experienced Discover Adventure leaders, drivers and mechanics. Payment options: Minimum fundraising target of £1,500 or self-funded cost of £620, both including a £149 registration fee.

11-day Great Wall of China trek
Take in the extraordinarily rich history of the Great Wall of China, snaking 6,000 km across a breathtaking landscape. Hike through woodland and terraced farmland, following the contours of the hills and mountains in remote areas north of Beijing. Admire old sections of the Great Wall, as well as restored areas with smooth flagstones; all with lots of steps. This trip includes 10 nights' hotel/lodge accommodation, flights, transfers, most meals, entrance to the Forbidden City and other sites listed in the itinerary. Payment options: Minimum fundraising target of £3,000 or self-funded cost of £1,200, both including a £299 registration fee.

10-day Inca Trail trek
One of the last opportunities for thrill-seekers to walk the Inca Trail Trek during the 100th anniversary of the scientific discovery of Machu Picchu. Adventure along towering mountain trails, through deep forest and cascading valleys, to reach the iconic Lost City of the Incas. The trip includes nine nights’ accommodation (camping, with hotel accommodation for the nights before and after the trip), flights, camping equipment (except sleeping bag and sleeping mat), most meals, Inca Trail trekking permit, entrance to Machu Picchu, experienced leaders and doctor. Payment options: Minimum fundraising target of £3,500 or self-funded cost of £1,400, both including a £399 registration fee.

19-day Everest Base Camp trek
Embark on a life-changing exploration of Everest Base Camp in Nepal, with its spectacular scenery, fascinating culture and kindly people. The route takes trekkers past the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar through jaw-dropping valleys, dense forests and glacial rivers, before reaching the famous viewpoint of Kalapatar on the approach to Everest Base Camp, beneath the highest mountain on the planet. Participants also have time to explore the colourful, energetic capital of Kathmandu. The trip includes 18 nights’ accommodation (camping, with hotel accommodation before and after the trip), flights, transfers, most meals, permits and entry fees to regions and sites listed in the itinerary, experienced leaders and doctor. Payment options: Minimum fundraising target of £3,750 or self-funded cost of £1,500, both including a £399 registration fee.

12-day Costa Rica rainforest trek
Journey through Costa Rica on a unique rainforest expedition, taking in its diverse landscapes, climate zones and environments – Costa Rica is home to 5% of the planet’s biodiversity. Participants really will see it all - from palm-tree-lined tropical beaches to smoking volcanoes, rainforest and mangrove swamps. This coast-to-coast challenge is an adventurous journey on foot and by raft from the Pacific to the Caribbean coast. The trip includes 11 nights’ accommodation (camping, with hotel stay before and after the trip), flights, transport, camping equipment (except sleeping bag and sleeping mat), most meals, white-water rafting equipment, guides and instruction, entrance to reserves and sites listed in the itinerary, experienced leaders and doctor. Payment options: Minimum fundraising target of £3,400 or self-funded cost of £1,360, both including a £399 registration fee.

One-day Trekathons– NEW!
Venture on a one-day, 26-mile Trekathon, hiking across some of the UK's most striking settings, including Hadrian's Wall (25 June), Avebury to Stonehenge (2 July), Cheddar to Glastonbury (30 July) and 'Spire to Spire', from Winchester to Salisbury (3 September). Take in the great outdoors, with the opportunity for adventurers to raise money for a charity if they wish. Payment options: £49 registration fee, with no minimum fundraising target.

For further information about Discover Adventure, visitwww.discoveradventure.com, telephone 01722 718444, or emailinfo@discoveradventure.com.
Ends - 13 June 2011
                       
Press:  For further information, high-resolution images or to interview the adventure expert, Managing Director of Discover Adventure, Jonathan Bryan, please contact Stephanie Reed at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 or email s.reed@travelpr.co.uk

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