Taking an action packed holiday, doesn’t mean you have to cut back on luxury. On the contrary, there are lots of popular choices that involve a different kind of holiday, but still with high end service and comfort.
We take a look at a few popular destination trips for 2023.
Hiking In Japan
Away from the crowds, Audley’s specialists recommend … tackling the Pilgrimage route Kumano Kodo, in Honshu. Despite its UNESCO World Heritage status, the route is very rural and takes clients away from crowds. The route follows in the footsteps of people from all levels of Japanese society who, for more than 1,000 years, have walked to the three Grand Shrines on the Kii Peninsula.
The Nakahechi route from Takijiri-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha, one of the Grand Shrines, was typically used by the Imperial Family and is lined with Oji shrines where pilgrims can make offerings and perform purification rituals. The trail covers 24 miles over two days and is clearly marked so clients don’t need a guide. The route takes hikers through thick forest, with occasional hamlets of houses where the owners welcome hikers for tea.
Audley Travel offer these luxury trips. A 15-day tailor-made trip to Japan includes time in Honshu and Tokyo and costs from £5,995 per person (based on two travelling). The price includes flights, transfers, accommodation, excursions and travel by bullet train.
Tel: 01993 838210/www.audleytravel.com/japan.
Diving In The Azores
The Azores might be known as a superb dive destination, but these Portuguese islands are still flying under the radar as a luxury holiday destination. And a week-long itinerary will show you, they shouldn’t be, because this is the perfect place for a European island adventure.
Explore diving in the Azores. The varied seafloor topography creates ideal conditions for a rich, abundant and diverse underwater fauna that spans tiny invertebrates to huge pelagic fish and marine mammals. Princess Alice Bank, 50 nautical miles (93km) from Pico Island is one of the Azores’ world class dive sites.
Original Travel specialists are offering packages from £ 2,845 to £ 3,590 per person for 8 days, depending on season of travel, accommodation and activities.
Exploring the cloud forest in Costa Rica
Away from the crowds, and for a more serene holiday alternative, visiting the cloud forest of San Gerardo de Dota to look for the quetzal is a must destination. This is a very peaceful, fairly isolated place and the focus of a visit is on the beautiful environment and birdlife. The lodges are simple but comfortable and offer expert birdwatching guides with quetzals often spotted feasting on the local fruit trees. Explorers can also take longer hikes in search of over 200 species of highland birds, hike to the Savegre waterfall, explore on horseback or try trout fishing.
Audley Travel are offering a 14-day tailor-made Birdwatching in Costa Rica itinerary, from £5,555 per person (based on two travelling) which includes flights, transfers, accommodation and excursions. Tel: 01993 838 665 / www.audleytravel.com/costa-rica.
Husky Safaris in the Arctic
Whether you be a snow lover, dog lover or simply love a holiday in the snow with a difference…this expedition trip may tick the box for your requirements of a fun holiday with a difference.
There are few more memorable ways to travel in the Arctic than by dog sled! We simply implore anyone who is able to go on a dog sledding adventure, to do so. The experience of crossing a wild and remote landscape in Norway, Finland and Sweden is quite remarkable.
This holiday can offer such a strong sense of connection to the environment as your team of eager dogs, delighting in their work, pull you across beautiful frozen landscapes. Though often known as husky sledding, it is actually a variety of breeds that take part in dog sledding who are all trained by local expert mushers.
Artisan travel experts offer a range of Arctic safaris. You could tailor your holiday in Ranua or Torassieppi, choosing the husky safari that fits in with your winter break. Or you could choose an itinerary completely focused only on the dog sledding. Dog sledding in Finland, in particular, is extremely popular. Learn more about dog sledding tours in Finnish Lapland here.
Artisan travel can arrange packages from £2145 per person to Finland for 7 nights, this includes accommodation.
