With more than 50 trips launching all over the world in 2018, World Expeditions and its two European divisions, UTracks and Sherpa Expeditions, choose below their top brand new adventures launching in the new year…

1. Livingstone's Africa, ZAMBIA AND MALAWI
A trip designed for anyone looking for an Africa that has not yet experienced the impact of mass tourism. Embark on an overnight canoe safari on the Zambezi River, spot wildlife without the crowds at South Luangwa National Park and see for yourself why Malawi is called the 'Warm Heart of Africa'.
Livingstone's Africa - Zambia & Malawi Explorer with World Expeditions (16 days) launches 24 March, with further monthly departures July-November, from £2,295 per person

2. Hidden Tibetan Kingdom Pony Trek, UPPER MUSTANG
Tourism is strictly controlled in the Kingdom of Mustang, which preserves some of the last vestiges of traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture. Following a once-thriving trade route, Tibetan ponies, known for their endurance, can be provided to ride on uphill hauls; horse riding experience is necessary.
Upper Mustang: Hidden Tibetan Kingdom Pony Trek with World Expeditions (17 days) launches 15 August, from £3,390 per person

3. Istria on Foot, CROATIA
Despite Croatia's rising popularity, Istria remains one of Europe's best kept secrets. Full of rolling hills, medieval villages, pristine wilderness and a dramatic coastline, the trip allows for plenty of opportunities to swim in the Mediterranean Sea, relax in small cafés and sample the local specialities.
Istria on Foot with UTracks (7 days) launches 15 March, with further daily departures until late November, from £995 per person

4. The Cyclist's Coast to Coast, UK
Biking through the hills and dales on a brand new route, The Cyclist's Coast to Coast stretches for 142 miles from the harbour at Whitehaven on the Irish Sea on to the shores of the North Sea. The original route ended in Sunderland, but the alternative Tynemouth ending is somewhat more satisfying!
The Cyclist's Coast to Coast with Sherpa Expeditions (6 days) launches 24 March, with further departures until early October, from £525 per person

5. Swiss Chocolate Cycle, SWITZERLAND
If you love chocolate you cannot go wrong with a holiday in Switzerland… and this new family trip, a loop cycle from Zurich, takes you from one chocolate box scene to another. Learn the secrets of Swiss chocolate production, visit two chocolate factories and even create your own bar!
Swiss Chocolate Cycle with UTracks (7 days) launches 6 May, with further daily departures except Saturday until mid-October, from £895 per adult/£570 per child

6. Czech Castles Cycle, CZECH REPUBLIC
A new cycle that takes you from the UNESCO-protected medieval town of Cesky Krumlov to Chech Republic's romantic capital, Prague. Follow the country's longest river as you cycle on quiet country roads, through untouched forests and along historic buildings and grand, imposing castles.
Czech Castles Cycle with UTracks (8 days) launches 1 April, with further daily departures until late October, from £880 per person

7. Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre Backcountry Trek, ARGENTINA
Wake up to beautiful sunrises as you delve deep into the breathtaking landscapes of Los Glaciares, Argentina's largest National Park. This new backcountry trek follows a less trodden route under two of the most rugged and impressive peaks in the Patagonian Andes, Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.
Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre Backcountry Trek with World Expeditions (7 days) launches 4 January, with further departures until late March, from £1,390 per person

8. Haida Gwaii in comfort, CANADA
Canada's hottest eco-destination, the remote archipelago of Haida Gwaii, is accessible only by boat or seaplane and with a limited window of opportunity to visit – strictly during the summer months. In 2018, World Expeditions will employ a new, six-cabin vessel, allowing for a more intimate experience.
Haida Gwaii in comfort with World Expeditions (9 days) launches 25 June, with further weekly departures until mid-August, from £4,390 per person

9. Food Lover's Morocco, MOROCCO
From Casablanca to Marrakesh, enjoy a fascinating introduction to Morocco's Berber-influenced cuisine and culture: look for spices in the colourful souks; stop at a traditional olive oil press; surprise yourself with a Moroccan wine tasting; and dine al fresco at traditional restaurants.
Food Lover's Morocco with World Expeditions (12 days) launches 1 October, from £1,875 per person

10. Tuscany Cycle for Families, ITALY
There are no steep Tuscan hills on this self-guided cycle, beautifully designed to engage the whole family. The route takes in some of Tuscany's most famous sights, from the leaning tower of Pisa to the elegant Piazza Anfiteatro in Lucca and the famous Duomo of Florence.
Tuscany Cycle for Families with UTracks (8 days) launches 1 March 2018, with further daily departures until late November, from £820 per adult/£430 per child; suitable for active families with children from 10 years old

11. Great Tasmanian Traverse, AUSTRALIA
World Expeditions' most ambitious wilderness adventure ever, the Great Tasmanian Traverse covers some of the most remote regions on Earth. It combines iconic experiences such as trekking in pristine World Heritage regions, rafting down Franklin River and flying over the unspoiled West Coast.
Great Tasmanian Traverse with World Expeditions (39 days) launches 18 February, from £7,990 per person; each of the individual sections can also be joined separately

12. Great Alaska Adventure, USA
A new trip that brings together the best experiences of the 49th state: take a scenic bush flight into America's largest National Park; come face to face with indigenous wildlife; watch glaciers calve into the water; go canoeing in remote lakes; and relax in rustic-yet-comfortable lodging.
Great Alaska Adventure with World Expeditions (11 days) launches 20 June, with further departures until late August, from £3,190 per person

13. Paris to Bruges Bike and Barge, FRANCE TO BELGIUM
A trip that links Paris and Bruges, two of Europe's most romantic cities. Cycling along the Seine, Oise and Somme rivers, you will explore small art-deco towns, marvel at scenery that has been inspiring painters for centuries and experience the rich history of northern France and the region of Flanders.
Paris to Bruges Bike and Barge with UTracks (15 days) launches 12 May, with further departures until September, from £2,290 per person

14. Lemurs and Landscapes of Madagascar with Atlas Obscura, MADAGASCAR
World Expeditions and Atlas Obscura, the “definitive guide to the world's hidden wonders”, have teamed up for a new series of adventures. Traversing several of Madagascar's distinct and striking regions, this trip aims to introduce you to a land of irreplaceable beauty that continues to evolve.
Lemurs and Landscapes of Madagascar with Atlas Obscura with World Expeditions (13 days) launches 27 May, from £3,390 per person

15. Galapagos - Bike, Hike and Kayak, ECUADOR
A new trip in the Galapagos that combines multiple activities such as hiking, cycling, kayaking and snorkelling. The itinerary has been specially designed to offer an immersive experience to anyone who looks for more than memorable close encounters with the islands' extraordinary wildlife.
Galapagos - Bike, Hike and Kayak with World Expeditions (8 days) launches 4 January, with further departures throughout the year, from £2,990 per person

16. Pyrenees Ordesa Canyons Walk, SPAIN
Originally discovered in 1820 – though not fully mapped until 100 years later! – Ordesa Valley was the first part of Spain to be awarded 'National Park' status in 1918. Offering various routes to suit different abilities, the trip was added to mark the centenary of the country's oldest National Park.
Pyrenees Ordesa Canyons Walk with UTracks (7 days) launches 1 May, with further daily departures until late October, from £750 per person

17. Himalaya Mountaineering Skills Programme, NEPAL
Are you wondering what mountaineering is all about and whether it is for you? This new, 100% hands-on training trip takes place in the best classroom in the world, the Himalaya. Featuring a two-to-one climber/Sherpa ratio, it is designed to teach basic and safe climbing practices.
Himalaya Mountaineering Skills Programme with World Expeditions (14 days) launches 18 February, from £1,995 per person

18. Southwest China and Tibetan Borderlands, CHINA
The rice terraces at Yuanyang are stunning any time of the year but they are at their absolute finest in winter, when this trip takes place. Ideal for anyone with a special interest in travel photography, the trip is led by internationally renowned Lonely Planet photographer Richard I' Anson.
Southwest China & Tibetan Borderlands with World Expeditions (16 days) departs 18 February, from £4,590 per person

For more information and bookings please contact:

World Expeditions: 0800 0744 135, www.worldexpeditions.co.uk
UTracks, 0845 241 7599, www.utracks.com
Sherpa Expeditions: 0800 008 7741, www.sherpaexpeditions.com

Prices do not include international flights, however these can be arranged on request. Tailored private departures are available for most World Expeditions trips.

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Notes for editors:
One of the very first operators in what is now becoming a very popular area in travel, since its inception in 1975 World Expeditions has earned itself an outstanding reputation as a world leader in small group adventure holidays and cultural journeys. World Expeditions remains independently owned and a truly global company, with seven offices around the world, including the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The two factors that distinguish World Expeditions from its competitors, the number of inclusions and the exceptional value of its trips, can be found today in more than 500 stand-alone itineraries across all continents, escorted by expert leaders and meticulously designed for those travellers who want to 'take the paths less travelled'. Always innovative, it was, among others, the first operator to offer cycling holidays in India (1977) and China (1978) and trekking trips in Mongolia (1980), Tibet (1981) and Japan (1999). As of 2011 World Expeditions is the only commercial company to offer the Full Nepal Traverse of the newly mapped Great Himalaya Trail. Exclusive to World Expeditions, a number of permanent eco-campsites, designed to increase travellers' comfort levels, are in operation in the Himalaya (Everest, Annapurna); new design-led campsites can also be found on the iconic Larapinta Trail in Australia. The European division of World Expeditions, activity holiday specialists UTracks and Sherpa Expeditions, cover over 20 countries, with more than 400 stand-alone itineraries, from short four-day breaks to longer two-week trips. The World Expeditions Travel Group consists of 10 travel brands in total, also including Adventure South, Australian Walking Holidays, Great Canadian Trails, Huma Charity Challenge, Tasmanian Expeditions, World Youth Adventures and Yomads.

For high-res images and PR/media enquiries:
World Expeditions | UTracks | Sherpa Expeditions
020 8875 5060
Tom Panagos pr@worldexpeditions.co.uk
Gordon Steer gordon@worldexpeditions.co.uk
Els van Veelen els@worldexpeditions.co.uk