The world isn't as small and well-connected as we sometimes like to think it is. There are endless opportunities for adventure in wild mountain ranges, misty rainforest and vast deserts. Even destinations that have millions of tourists visiting each year still have some wonderfully unexplored corners. The only limit (aside from your bank balance) is your imagination.
We spend our days planning adventures, dreaming of adventuring, and even getting out there and having some type two fun ourselves. We've created a list of absolute belters for you, from a 400-kilometre cycle expedition across Uganda to a kayaking expedition in the Alaskan wilderness. If being fit enough for these feels unrealistic, no worries - we've got more moderate challenges which are equally exciting, like tree camping in Costa Rica.
These are just some of the best adventure holidays in the world, and hey - perhaps one could be the perfect gift for the adventurer in your life... or for yourself?
1. Arctic Kayaking Expedition Through the Fjords of Greenland
What a way to start: Arctic kayaking. You’ll paddle for 100km past icebergs and through ancient arctic fjords, keeping your eyes peeled for seals, whales and polar bears. Then trade your paddle for a kayak and hike across the creaking and crawling Naajaat Sermiat Glacier, one of the oldest ice masses in the world.
2. Trek the High Peaks of the Japanese Alps
Hike hut to hut and summit Mt Okuhotaka (3190m) and Mt Yarigatake (3180m), two of the five highest peaks in Japan. Starting in Tokyo, hop on a speedy train, and head towards the Japanese Alps. You'll soak in hot springs, wake up in the clouds, and tackle the Daikiretto Gap - Japan’s most exhilarating and notorious non-technical hiking traverse. Experience mountain hut living Japanese style - tatami mats, futons and steaming ramen a-go!
3. Cycle the Backroads of Morocco
Pedal from the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains to the vast dunes of the Sahara Desert. You'll cycle through the Valley of the Roses, pausing at the ancient UNESCO ksar of Ait Ben Haddou. Take on the infamous Tizi n’Tazazert Pass (2220m) for panoramic views of the lunar-esque Jbel Saghro mountains, and bed down in a traditional Berber camp nestled among the dunes underneath a Saharan sky.
Much Better Adventures
4. Trek Turkey's High Taurus Mountains
Discover a new (and relatively unexplored) side to Turkey on a hiking trip into the High Taurus Mountains. Summit mighty Mount Emler (3,756m) and traverse remote plateaus to Yildiz Lake. You'll also have a chance to visit magical Cappadocchia, an area renowned for its 'fairy chimneys' and cave dwellings, getting off the tourist trail with hikes into the otherworldly Meskendir Valley.
Much Better Adventures
5. Hike and Kayak Rwanda
Journey through the 'Land of a Thousand Hills' as you trek the misty mountains and lush rainforest of the Virunga National Park. You'll cycle the back roads of Kigali and climb the flanks of Sabyinyo Volcano, with an option to visit the mountain gorillas. Wild swim at sunrise, followed by a cup of some of the freshest coffee in the world.
6. Island Hopping Adventure in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Hike, bike and snorkel this unique archipelago and encounter its special wildlife, on an adventure immersed in the natural world. You'll hike to the otherworldly Sierra Negra Volcano - one of the largest, and most active, volcanic craters in the world - before cycling to pristine beaches dotted with sea lions, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas and flamingos. Come face to face with the Galapagos' most famous resident, the giant tortoise, and snorkel with reef sharks and sea turtles.
Much Better Adventures
7. Kayak, Hike and Tree Camp the Hidden Rainforests of Costa Rica
Trek through lush jungle teeming with exotic wildlife and sea kayak Costa Rica's tropical shores in one of the country's most remote corners. You'll swim beneath secret waterfalls deep in the rainforest and snorkel amidst coral reefs and colourful fish on the coast. Finally falling asleep to the calls of monkeys, toucans and frogs while in your tent suspended among the trees.
8. Hike From Coast to Coast in Madeira
We happen to know that the Portuguese island of Madeira is a spectacular hiking destination. Embark on this coast to coast traverse of the 'Hawaii of Europe', and you'll soon agree. You'll begin by hiking a rarely-used trail that zig zags along the rugged coastline, before heading inland through verdant, UNESCO-listed laurisilva forest. Tackle the most exciting section of the island's exhilarating PR1 path, which takes you up the island's three highest peaks – Pico do Arieiro (1817m), Pico das Torres (1851m) and Pico Ruivo (1862m). We recommend a dip at the glorious Seixal Beach once your trek is complete!
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9. A 400km Cycle Expedition Across Uganda
An epic cycling expedition down red dirt roads and across the savannah into the heart of Uganda. On the course of your 400-kilometre-ride, you'll traverse Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. You'll safari from the saddle in Lake Mburo National Park, where you might see animals such as zebras, buffaloes, antelopes and more. You'll wind up through emerald tea plantations and into the rainforest as you asend to Buhoma, the gorilla capital of the world. A gravel bike is provided so you don't have to fly your own over, and a support vehicle in case of tired legs!
Much Better Adventures
10. Hike and Kayak in Cuba
Journey through Cuba's lush green landscapes and wild swim in secret natural pools. You'll kayak through the Zapata Peninsula and Guamuhaya Mountains, eyes open for iguanas, turtles and crocodiles. Hike the Sendero Reino de las Aguas trail and swim beneath the azure waterfalls of El Nicho Natural Park, bunking down in casas particulares along the way.
Much Better Adventures
11. Track Wildlife on a Walking Safari in South Africa
Track wildlife in Kruger National Park on a unique walking safari - eyes open for lions, cheetahs, giraffes and elephants. On this ultimate journey through South Africa, you'll hike the dramatic Drakensberg Mountains, discovering the world’s second-highest waterfall and cooling off in rock pools, scramble to the top of the iconic Table Mountain for phenomenal views, and cycle through the verdant winelands of Stellenbosch. Along the way, you'll glamp in the African bush, tuck into hearty fire-cooked meals, bed down in luxury lodges and sip sundowners under a sienna sky.
Much Better Adventures
12. A Multi-Activity Adventure in Italy's Apennines
Head to Italy to explore the remote region of the Appenines. You'll hike the lunar landscape of Maiella National Park, looking out for the endangered Marsican bear, wolves and golden eagles. Scramble to the teetering summit of Corno Grande (2912m), the highest mountain in the Apennines. Canoe the crystalline Tirino River, and pedal across the remote Campo Imperatore plateau, known as 'Little Tibet' after the karst mountains surrounding it. Accommodation is in remote ecolodges and agriturismos; the food is as delicious as you expect it to be.
Much Better Adventures
13. The Balkan Three Peaks Challenge
Test your mettle on this epic hiking challenge: to climb the peaks of Mount Gjeravica (2656m) in Kosovo, Mount Zla Kolata (2534m) in Montenegro and Mount Korab (2764m), on the border between Albania and Macedonia. You'll scramble up rocky summits, and trek across high passes. This gruelling expedition ends with a scenic boat ride across Lake Kolman, and lunch in an Albanian slow-food restaurant.
Much Better Adventures
14. Cycle the Jordan Trail to Petra
Ride through desert landscapes and remote nature reserves, stopping at Petra and Wadi Rum. You'll take on sections of the pioneering Jordan Bike Trail, all the way to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra and pedal ancient camel caravan paths to the majestic Wadi Rum, hopping in a desert Jeep in search of the sunset. Then swim, or float, in the Dead Sea - the lowest point on earth.
Much Better Adventures
15. Trek Torres del Paine in Patagonia
Embark on an epic adventure across this famous national park and access off-the-beaten track spots that few people ever see. You'll tick off the must-do 'W' trek - one of the most beautiful hikes on earth - and navigate the walls of Glacier Grey from a boat - a true Patagonian adventure in one of the world's most spectacular spots on earth.
16. Trek the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland
Tackle Iceland's classic hut-to-hut trek - 55 km of multi-coloured mountains, gorges, glaciers and the active Eyjafjallajökull volcano. You'll trek through one of the world’s most iconic landscapes, including the otherworldly Landmannalaugar mountains, stay in atmospheric mountain huts and finish in the beautiful valley of Þórsmörk - 'The Valley of Thor' - included in National Geographic's, '20 Best Hikes in the World'.
17. Hike, Kayak, Canyon and Whale Watch in the Azores
Travel by land and sea around the Azorean island of São Miguel and top it off with some spectacular whale and dolphin watching. You'll hike along spectacular coastal trails and get sweeping Atlantic views from the highest point on Sao Miguel before you jump, scramble, slide and abseil your way through the canyons of Ribeira dos Caldeirões.
18. Hike Through the Heart of Gran Canaria
Hike from highlands to coast in volcanic Gran Canaria, a tropical mountainous gem in the Canary Islands archipelago. You'll trek to the summit of Pico de las Nieves, the highest point on the island at a hefty 1949m. Cross the craggy sun-baked mountain ranges through pine forests, sunken calderas and sky-skimming ocean views, and bask in a subtropical climate, traversing one of the sunniest islands in the world.
Much Better Adventures
19. Summit Yala Peak, Nepal
Climb one of the few non-technical peaks in Nepal and experience the mighty Himalaya away from the crowds. Trek through the Langtang Valley, close to the Tibetan border, dodging yaks and bedding down in remote teahouses along the way. You'll get up close to towering peaks and tumbling glaciers with panoramic views of Mt Shishapangma (8,027m) and Mt Gangchempo (6,387m) before setting off by torchlight as you navigate the tight ridge to the top.
20. Ice Climb and Snow Shoe in Finnish Lapland
Ice-climb a frozen waterfall, hunt for the northern lights and trek across untouched powder, eyes open for reindeer, moose and bear. You'll head beyond the Arctic Circle and into the frosty landscape of the Pyhä-Luosto National Park, before donning your crampons and ice axes and climbing the Korouma Canyon, the highest ice wall in Finland.
21. Trek the GR20 in Corsica
Hike one of Europe's toughest and most beautiful long distance trails. Trek 80km along the southern half of Corsica's famed trail, from Vizzavona to the Needles of Bavella. You'll bunk down in mountain refuges along the trail and cool off in wild swim spots nestled beneath the peaks. If you fancy doing the whole circuit in a oner, you can combine with our North Section trip to complete the entire length along the Grande Randonnée.
Much Better Adventures
22. Trek Across the Andes From Argentina to Chile
An epic trek which takes you on a high-altitude crossing of the spectacular Andes Mountains. You'll trek into the Argentinian wilderness, through deep valleys, remote gorges and ancient glaciers, while condors wheel overhead. Then it's up and over the Andes on the Portillo Argentino high pass (4,380m) wild camping under the stars. You'll descend down the historic Piuquenes Pass - marking the border between two countries - into Chile. End your trip with a well-deserved soak in Termas del Plomo, a natural hot spring.
Much Better Adventures
23. Roam the Jungles and Temples of Cambodia
Explore Cambodia's most exciting corners through a mixture of hiking, cycling and kayaking. Trek quiet trails in Phnom Kulen National Park, discovering hidden waterfalls and ancient shrines surrounded by jungle. Kayak the Mekong River - eyes open for rare Irrawaddy dolphins - and sleep in a house on stilts on Koh Trong Island. Pedal around the enigmatic Angkor Thom temples, and explore the ancient city of Angkor Wat.
Much Better Adventures
24. Kayak and Hike the Coast of Crete
Paddle your way along Crete's turquoise coastline and hike through majestic gorges, fuelled by Cretan feasts and tranquil swims. You'll kayak the calm glistening Aegean waters of the Eastern Mediterranean to hidden white sand beaches, sea caves and natural pools. Hike clifftop trails past olive groves, pine forests, tiny villages and through the epic gorge of Samaria, and settle into a classic Cretan taverna each day for delicious fresh feasts and local wine.
Much Better Adventures
25. Alaskan Wilderness Expedition
Power yourself along Alaska’s wild coast on a stunning journey teeming with wildlife. You'll paddle into Bears Kitchen and the iceberg alleys of the Shoup Glacier Marine State Park, eyes peeled for orcas, humpbacks, bald eagles, bears and rafts of sea otters, and hike through coastal rainforest, wild camping on secluded beaches and feasting around the campfire under the stars.
26. Trek the Republic of Georgia
Explore a historical region of Georgia where the locals have successfully retained their culture and heritage for generations. You'll cross through mountainous terrain and past breath-taking glaciers on your way to Svaneti villages with their iconic Svan towers. Explore an incredible landscape that hasn’t seen many travellers – yet.
27. Climb Mount Triglav, Slovenia
Climb Slovenia's highest peak, Mount Triglav (2863m) – considered a rite of passage for locals. Explore the Triglav National Park, a preserved area of limestone rock walls, caves, rushing rivers and endless green hills and forests. Remembering to keep your eyes open for the huge variety of wildlife that calls this area home, including golden eagles, griffon vultures, lynx, chamois, marmots and ibex.
28. Kayak and Hike the Sacred Paths of Japan
Paddle the tropical coastline of the volcanic Izu Peninsula and take on a section of the sacred Mt Fuji pilgrimage trail. You'll kayak past Hagachizaki Bay, home to a troop of over 300 wild Japanese macaque monkeys, bed down in traditional 'ryokans', and hit the backstreets of Tokyo in search of hidden ‘izakaya’ for the ultimate foodie dive bar experience.
29. Trek the Tian Shan Mountains of Kyrgyzstan
Hike dramatic, red sandstone canyons and swim in the pristine water of the Issyk Kul high alpine lake. Share a bowl of 'kumys' with Kyrgyz semi-nomadic shepherds, spend a night in their yurt and cross the epic Jukku Pass (3800m) - a spectacular climb surrounded by glaciers and meet Aitbek, one of the last remaining Eagle Hunters in Kyrgyzstan.
30. Cycle the Backroads of Rajasthan, India
A colourful, cultural ride through India's desert state via temples, tigers and the Taj Mahal which sees you pedal through Rajasthan's jewels of Jaipur, Pushkar and Agra. You'll head out on a tiger safari in Ranthambore National Park on the lookout for India's enigmatic Bengal tigers, explore the sights and sounds of Delhi on two wheels and relax into some yoga in the Moonlight Garden overlooking the Taj Mahal. Come nightfall, you'll stay in heritage hotels and former royal palaces in India's 'Land of the Kings'.
Much Better Adventures
31. Trek Ecuador’s Avenue of Volcanoes
Hike through the snowcapped Andes to the top of the world's highest active volcano. Cross crevasses and snow bridges en route to the top of Ecuador’s most famous peak at a towering 5897m. You'll trek through rainforests and past snowcapped peaks, sleep in traditional haciendas set on ecological reserves and in remote mountain refuges, spotting condors soaring high above along the way.
32. Climb Mt Kazbek, Georgia
Tackle the highest mountain in Eastern Georgia and trek one of the wildest routes in the Caucasus. Climb the visually stunning Mt Kazbek – a dormant stratovolcano made from hardened lava. Trek through the wilderness and across the hiker’s paradise of the Kazbegi National Park and follow a less-travelled route, including steep ascents, glacier crossings and an epic final climb to the summit.
33. Kayak and Hike the Caves, Jungle and Coast of Vietnam
Paddle and hike Vietnam's natural wonders from cave to coast, navigating lush jungles, subterranean worlds and sub-tropical bays. You'll kayak and SUP in Lan Ha Bay, a jaw-dropping geographical phenomenon 500 million years in the making. Hike the otherworldly jungle of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and camp by the turquoise waters of Ma Da Lake, before delving into the enormous Elephant Cave and the ancient Tra Ang Cave, trekking along watercourses and swimming into the enigmatic caverns. Along the way, you'll sleep aboard an elegant junk-style sailboat and drift off to jungle sounds in an eco-lodge.
Much Better Adventures
34. Arctic Circle Ski Expedition
Ski hut to hut through the Käsivarsi wilderness and reach the highest point in Finland. Traverse the Arctic fells of Finland – an extremely remote area of untouched wilderness. You'll master Nordic skis and use them to travel to frozen waterfalls, search for Arctic wildlife and chase the incredible Northern Lights – wildfire in the sky.
35. Trek the Salkantay Route to Machu Picchu
The younger, cooler sister of the over-crowded Inca Trail. Voted one of the top 25 treks on the planet by National Geographic you'll trek through rainforest, cloud forest, over high passes and around glaciers. You'll sleep in picture-perfect campsites, so close to the Milky Way you can almost touch it. Your feet might get tired but your eyes never will.
36. Guatemala 5 Volcano Challenge
Summit five of Guatemala's volcanoes - dubbed 'The Ring of Fire' and take in the views as you stand on top of Tajumulco volcano (4220m): the highest point of Central America. You'll see each of Guatemala's 3 active volcanoes, including the continuously erupting 'Volcan de Fuego' and watch the sunrise from Acatenango volcano with 360 degree views all the way to Mexico.
37. Packraft and Wild Camp in Finland's Thousand Lakes
Explore a beautiful boreal forest by land and water. Travel across 'The Land of a Thousand Lakes' and through the Helvetinjärvi National Park in small, lightweight packrafts. Stop at the famous Helvetinkolu Crevasse, the unique Haukanhieta dune beach, and wild camp in complete peace and quiet and as far away from light pollution as it gets.
38. 250km Self-Powered Coast to Coast Expedition Through Costa Rica
Hike, bike and paddle yourself from the Pacific Ocean all the way to the Caribbean Sea, crossing the width of one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth under your own steam. You'll journey through cloudforest, mountain villages and virgin rainforest teeming with wildlife before heading up and over the Continental Divide. Resting up at beautiful eco-lodges on the banks of the pristine Pacuare River and cooling down with swims and dips at secret swimming spots in the rainforest.
39. Hike and Camel Trek in Mongolia
You'll need a strong sense of adventure for this wintery expedition through the remote wilderness of Mongolia. Staying with nomadic herder families in a ger (a type of Mongolian yurt) will give you a real immersion into the local culture. Highlights of the trip include a hike through Khustain Nuruu National Park - renowned for its successful reintroduction of endemic wild horses known as Takhi - and a two-day camel trek across snow-covered dunes.
Much Better Adventures
40. Trek Colombia's Mountains and Lost City
Travel deep into the jungle on one of the most culturally mysterious hikes on the continent and discover a pre-Hispanic Lost City built 650 years before Machu Picchu. Trek through coffee zones, dense jungle, high altitude paramos and wade across wild, waist-deep rivers, before climbing an extinct volcano and watching the sun go down on a secluded beach on the Caribbean coast.
41. Hike and Wild Camp in Kenya's Wilderness
Tackle a walking safari alongside Maasai guides, wild camping in one of Kenya's last remaining true wildernesses. This ultimate adventure will see you hiking in the foothills of Mount Kenya, along the rims of volcanic craters and by the shores of Rift Valley lakes, and settling in for spectacular game drives in the Masai Mara (eyes peeled for some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife). You'll have the chance to kick back on the tranquil shores of Lake Naivasha, refresh under the waterfalls at Mau Mau Caves, drift off to the sounds of the African bush in off-grid safari camps and sip sundowners at luxury lodges.
Much Better Adventures
42. Cycle, Safari and Stargaze in Namibia
Ride through a desert landscape beneath enormous open skies and watch the sunrise over the tallest dunes in the world. You'll cycle along the Skeleton Coast, the world's largest shipping graveyard and join a safari, keeping your eyes peeled for lions, elephants and rhinos. Visit thousands of breeding Cape Fur Seals in their enormous reserve and stand on the highest point in the country - Spitzkoppe Mountain.
Much Better Adventures
43. Trek the Tour du Mont Blanc
Trek through Italy, France and Switzerland on one of the world’s great hikes. You'll hike across three countries and through the heart of the Alps as you circumnavigate the Mont Blanc massif. Experience rustic mountain life - remote and authentic - and ride the Bellevue cable car for 360 panoramic views over the Aiguilles and the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley.
44. Arctic Fat Bike Expedition
Cruise through remote snow trails and enjoy the freedom of riding a fat bike across the Finnmarksvidda mountain plateau within the Arctic Circle. You'll travel with a team of huskies to carry your gear and share the plateau with migrating herds of reindeer and unwind with a post-ride sauna.
45. Cycle the Accursed Mountains of Albania
Explore the foothills of the Albanian Alps and journey through the dramatic fjords of Komani Lake. You'll pedal the high mountain passes and rolling hills of rural Albania, kayak and wild swim in the vast Lake Shkodra and stare at Montenegro over on the far shore - keeping your eyes open for lynx.
46. Sail, Hike and Chase the Northern Lights in Tromso
Experience a weekend in the Arctic Circle that's designed to maximise your chances of seeing the Aurora in all its glory. Spend four days and three nights sailing the Norwegian fjords; hike into the mountains, explore Tromso and relax on the deck of a modern catamaran beneath a star-filled sky. Spot eagles and seals and fish for your lunch in the clearest, cleanest water imaginable.
47. 100km Jungle Expedition into the Heart of Colombia
Be one of the first explorers to set foot in a totally remote and untouched corner of Colombia. Start in the tropical mountains and blaze a trail through the wilderness as you descend into the mysterious Magdalena Basin. Pass through one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet with no less than five different ecosystems all teeming with life - if you’re lucky you might see a tigrillo, tapir or monkey.
48. The Ultimate Norwegian Fjords Adventure
Hike and kayak through astounding landscapes, summit Scandinavia’s highest peak and clip on crampons to clamber across icy glaciers on this ultimate adventure in Norway. You'll paddle through the pristine Nærøyfjord, trek to the towering peaks above for unforgettable vistas, and hike through pristine forest to discover the wild and mighty waterfalls that spill into the fjords. As night falls, you'll bed down in quirky boutique hotels, cosy historic inns, and wild camp directly under the stars by the fjord’s edge.
Much Better Adventures
49. Arctic Wilderness Adventure in Svalbard
Set off on a true Arctic adventure as you explore the wild and beautiful Spitsbergen Island and sleep in the wilderness. Get up close to majestic glaciers from a kayak and hike amongst the insanely beautiful fjords and mountains. You'll take turns on polar bear lookout and brave the 'Polar Plunge'- a (quick) dip in the Arctic Ocean.
50. Trek to Everest Base Camp, Nepal
This has been a classic trek ever since Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay tackled the world’s tallest mountain in 1953. The 15-day route combines trekking past yak pastures and fluttering prayer flags with those cloud-tickling giants in the background. Tourism is the primary source of income for the Sherpa people, meaning the Solukumbo’s infrastructure is incredibly well set-up for hiking.
If these don’t float your boat or toot your whistle, why not explore our other handcrafted adventure holidays and adventure weekends, with only be the best local guides and hosts.