The adventure travel specialist, Explore has launched 14 exciting new walking and trekking trips with a launch offer of up to 10% discount on all new walking holidays booked by 7 November 2016*.

Walkers can now choose from over 120 Explore group trips and more than 20 self-guided itineraries with a wide selection of trips to suit all abilities. New trips include walking in the Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa and hiking the less-travelled trekking route of the Salkantay Trek in Peru, with time spent at the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu.

Explore's new Drakensbergs and Wildlife Safari, combines walking and wildlife with 10 days trekking in the diverse landscapes of South Africa. Hike to Baboon Rock and enjoy a coastal walk from Cape Vidal to Mission Rocks, with time to take game drives as well as walking safaris in the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Reserve.

For a cultural experience, join the throngs of people and journey along the pilgrim route, ascending the sacred Adam's Peak for sunrise on Explore's new 15 day On Foot in Sri Lanka trip. Discover the natural beauty and ancient sites of the island while hiking through the jungle and along the village trails to Sigiriya.

Explore has also expanded its programme in Europe and added a new Walking Montenegro and the Croatian Islands trip which ventures to the picturesque mountain, coastal and village trails in the southern Balkans. In Spain, walk to the 'End of the World' at Finisterre on the Walking the Costa da Morte trip in Galicia which follows the coastline dotted with lighthouses.

Ramble through Prosecco Country on the eight day Taste of Veneto – Lake Garda to Venice trip and discover the architectural treasures of both Venice and Verona. Walk to the impressive Monte Baldo ridge which overlooks the beautiful Lake Garda and sample Prosecco in the foothills of the Dolomites.

Explore's new moderate to challenging graded Switzerland – Zermatt, the Matterhorn and Eiger trip walks along the famed 'Europaweg' high mountain route. Based in the heart of the Swiss Alps, enjoy the spectacular scenery on varied walks, including a trek to the glaciated alpine Lake Oeschinensee, surrounded by sheer cliffs.

For those in search of a self-guided trip, walk the final 126km of the medieval pilgrim route from Canterbury to Rome on the new Self-Guided Via Francigena to Rome trip. Pass through ancient villages, walk through the Regional Park of Sutri to see the stone theatre carved into the rock and obtain the Testimonium certificate after completing the journey in Rome.

Ashley Toft, Managing Director at Explore, commented: “We're really excited to introduce this inspiring new collection of Walking and Trekking adventures, designed to cater for the casual walker as well as the dedicated enthusiast. Whether you choose to go self-guided or opt for the small group experience, luggage is transferred between accommodations, leaving you to enjoy your holiday. As always, we've added a number of Explore 'special touches' to every trip, from grappa tastings in Italy, to dining at local's houses in Vietnam and sleeping overnight in a temple in Sri Lanka for a truly memorable holiday.”

For more information, or to book visit www.explore.co.uk or call 01252 884 723.

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For more media information, interview requests or images, please contact:

Lisa Tyrrell, PR Manager Lisa.Tyrrell@explore.co.uk, 01252 379499
Olivia Lewis, PR Executive Olivia.Lewis@explore.co.uk, 01252 379506

Notes to Editors

*Save up to 10% when you book a NEW walking trip by 7 November 2016. (NOTE: Book any trip and save 5%, plus receive another 5% off if you choose one of our NEW trips.) Terms and conditions can be found here.

Full list and details of all new trips in the walking collection for 2017/18:

Explore's new eight day La Palma – Volcanoes and Cloudforest trip offers moderate graded walking in La Palma. Discover this mountainous island on foot; walk in the Caldera de Taburiente and follow the classic trail to the bottom of the Angustias Gorge. Hike through the Laurisilva cloudforest with a chance to stop off at Charco Azul for a dip in the natural pools. Climb Bejenado Peak for views which overlook the island's volcanoes, explore the rocky shores and black sand beaches of this verdant island. Trips depart in January, February, March and November 2017 and cost from £995 per person. This price includes return flights, seven nights' hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, transport and the services of an Explore Leader and driver.

Explore's new eight day Walking the Costa da Morte trip travels to the remote north-western coast of Galicia. The moderate graded walks explore the deserted beaches and cliffs along the coastline, dotted with lighthouses and viewpoints. Walk to the 'End of the World' at Finisterre, which is also the end of the extended Camino de Santiago and hike to Spain's most westerly point, Cape Tourninan offering beautiful views over the Atlantic Ocean. Trips depart in May – July and September and October 2017 and cost from £970 per person. This price includes return flights, seven nights' hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, transport and the services of an Explore Leader and driver.

Explore's new moderate to challenging graded Switzerland – Zermatt, the Matterhorn and Eiger walking trip spends eight days in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Stay in the town of Zermatt and enjoy the spectacular scenery on varied walks, including the section of the famed 'Europaweg' high mountain route and a trek to the glaciated alpine Lake Oeschinensee, surrounded by sheer cliffs. Hike to the traffic free village of Murren and take the cable car to the top of the Schilthorn, with unforgettable views over 200 mountain peaks from the Bernese Alps to the Black Forest. Trips depart in July and August 2017 and cost from £1,699 per person. This price includes return flights, six nights' hotel and one night hut accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, transport and the services of an Explore Leader and driver.

Explore's eight day Taste of Veneto – Lake Garda to Venice combines the regional specialities of Veneto with easy walking. Ramble through the vineyards of 'Prosecco Country' in the foothills of the Dolomites, including Prosecco tasting at a local winery and walk to the impressive Monte Baldo ridge which overlooks the beautiful Lake Garda. Discover the architectural treasures of both Venice and Verona and spend time in Bassano del Grappa, situated on the Brenta River where the grappa liqueur is produced. Trips depart in June, September and October 2017 and cost from £1,195 per person. This price includes return flights, seven nights' hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, transport and the services of an Explore Leader and driver.

Explore's eight day Walking Montenegro and the Croatian Islands takes in picturesque mountain, coastal and village trails of the southern Balkans on easy to moderate graded walks. Explore the pretty city of Kotor with a chance to take a boat trip to the Lady of the Rock – an islet in the bay of Kotor, take the loop walk around the idyllic Malo and Veliko Jezero Lakes on the island of Mljet and enjoy a guided tour of walled city of Dubrovnik. Trips depart in May – September 2017 and cost from £1,075 per person. This price includes return flights, six nights' hotel and one night guesthouse accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, transport and the services of an Explore Leader, driver and local guides.

Explore's KwaZulu-Natal - Drakensbergs and Wildlife Safari spends 10 days walking among the diverse landscapes of South Africa. The moderate graded walking trip explores the spectacular Drakensberg Mountains with a hike to Baboon Rock and includes a walking safari in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Reserve. There will also be time to take game drives to spot an array of wildlife and enjoy a coastal walk from Cape Vidal to Mission Rocks. Trips depart in May, June, August, September, October and November 2017 and costs from £1,695 per person. This price includes return flights, four nights' lodge, three nights' cabins and two nights' guesthouse accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, six other meals, transport and the services of an Explore Leader and driver.

Explore's new 15 day On Foot in Sri Lanka trip is a moderate graded walking trip exploring the ancient sites and natural beauty of the island. Hike through the jungle to Sigiriya and climb the iconic Lion Rock, trek and stay overnight at the Buddhist temple at Kumbalgama and climb the stone staircase to summit Adam's Peak in time for sunrise. Trips depart in August, October and November 2017 and cost from £2,149 per person. This price includes return flights, 14 nights' accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, 11 other meals, transport and the services of an Explore Leader, driver and local guides.

Explore's new 14 day On Foot in Vietnam discovers the diversity and the must-see highlights of Vietnam. The easy to moderate graded walking trip ventures through Pu Luong Nature Reserve following limestone cliffs, forests and terraced fields to spend the night in a stilt house retreat and hike through small villages which lie on the banks of the Perfume River. Cruise on the jade green waters of Halong Bay, soak up the relaxed atmosphere of Hoi An and visit the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels close to Ho Chi Minh City. Trips depart in October and November 2017 and costs from £1,899 per person. This price includes return flights, 13 nights' accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, transport and the services of an Explore Leader, driver and local guides.

Explore's new 10 day Salkantay Trek offers a less-travelled trekking route in Peru. The challenging graded trek ascends to the Salkantay Pass which is overlooked by snow covered Mount Salkantay, before heading through the sub-tropical cloudforest and following the Santa Teresa River. Hike to Abra Q'elloqasa for a distant view to Machu Picchu and take the train to Aguas Calientes, with a visit to Inca city of Machu Picchu on the last day of the trip. Trips depart in May, June, August and September 2017 and costs from £1,675 per person. This price includes return flights, four nights' hotel, four nights' camping and one night guesthouse accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, transport and the services of an Explore Leader, driver and local guides.

Explore's new Self-Guided Picos de Europa to Coast offers moderate graded walking in Northern Spain. Starting in the relaxed rural town of Arenas de Cabrales in the foothills of the northern Picos de Europa, this self-guided trip takes you from the beautiful mountains, valleys and rivers of the Picos to the quiet beaches of the Bay of Biscay. Walk the spectacular Ruta del Cares, a trail carved out of the rock along this stunning twelve kilometre gorge and walk part of a lesser known pilgrim route to Santiago on the Camino del Norte. Departures run in April, June, July and September 2017 and cost from £480 per person. This price includes seven nights' hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis and luggage transfers.

Explore's eight day Self-Guided Dolomites – Val Gardena and the Sella Group offers moderate graded walking in Italy. Hike among the dramatic limestone mountains, jagged peaks and alpine meadows of the Dolomites' Sella Group, Val Gardena and Val di Fassa. Refuel on culinary treats from the region, including cheese, polenta and locally produced wine. Departures run from June – September 2017 and cost from £715 per person. This price includes five nights' hotel and two nights' lodge accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis and luggage transfers.

Explore's new eight day Self-Guided Trails of Como and Lugano is a moderate graded trip around the lakes of Como and Lugano and through the quiet forested valleys and traditional villages. Follow the shoreline of Lake Como from Varenna to Dervio, hike in Grigna Regional Park to the striking rock arch of Porta di Prada and explore the beautiful town of Menaggio. Departures run from April – October 2017 and cost from £625 per person. This price includes seven nights' hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis and luggage transfers.

Explore's Self-Guided Via Francigena to Rome offers moderate graded walking on the final 126 kilometres of the medieval pilgrimage route from Canterbury to Rome to obtain the Testimonium certificate. Pass through ancient villages and walk in the Regional Park of Sutri for a chance to see the ancient stone theatre carved into the rock. Finish the trip in Rome, known as the 'Eternal City' for a chance to soak up the history, monuments and archaeological areas. Departures run from April – October 2017 and cost from £545 per person. This price includes seven nights' hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis and luggage transfers.

Explore's new Self-Guided Walking through Catalonia spends eight days in rural Catalonia on a journey from Olot to L'Estartit. Walk among the fascinating rock formations in La Garrotxa Natural Park, follow the River Fluvia to the village of Esponella and take a challenging coastal hike from L'Estartit to L'Escala, passing cliffs and coves along the way. Departures run from February – October 2017 and costs from £630 per person. This price includes seven nights' hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis and luggage transfers.