23 Jan 2014
'Love' To Travel? Give The Gift Of Adventure This Valentine's Day

Explore!

What better way to show you care this February then whisking your Valentine away on an adventure of a lifetime?


Whether your idea of romance is a log cabin in the mountains, a white sandy beach, or something more active like snowshoeing, cycling, or hiking through national parks, adventure travel experts Explore have just the holiday. Choose from a range of accommodation styles from camping in the desert, to sleeping on ice-beds, or snoozing in a dhoni; and with breaks ranging from long weekends in Europe to fortnights in far-flung destinations, there's something to suit all budgets and interests.


Ten of the best adventures to take this Valentine's Day:


EUROPEAN BREAKS:


1) Saharan Escape
Enjoy a long weekend exploring the great Sahara desert. Travelling past the date palm oases and medieval kasbahs of the Draa Valley, reach the village of Zagora - the Gateway to the Sahara. In the desert, camp under the stars, enjoy traditional Berber cuisine and explore the vast sand sea of Chegaga, home to the highest dunes in this region of Morocco. Departing Thursday 13 February 2014, this five day break starts from £680 per person, including return flights; two night's hotel and two nights camping with breakfast; five other meals; transport; and the service of a driver, tour leader and cook.


2) Romania Ice Hotel Adventure
On this winter break, travel to the heart of the Transylvanian Alps. Take a cable car to the fabulous Ice Hotel for a unique overnight experience sleeping on ice beds. Along the way, toboggan and trek on snowshoes through the beautiful mountains. Visit the medieval town of Sibiu, the capital Bucharest and the legendary Bran Castle. Departing Thursday 13 February 2014, this five day break starts from £779 per person including return flights; three nights hotel and one night guesthouse all with breakfast; one dinner; transport; and the service of a driver and tour leader.


3) Tuscan Winter Walks and Snowshoeing
A centre-based winter trip to walk and snowshoe along the trails of the Garfagnana Valley - Tuscany's hidden gem. Nestled between the 'marble mountains' of the Alpi Apuane and the rolling Apennines, this is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Depending on the level of the snowline (usually from 800 to 1200 metres above sea level) you can expect three or four of the walks with snow shoes - suitable for beginners with equipment and instruction provided. Departing Sunday 9 February 2014, this eight day break costs from £898 per person including return flights; seven nights agriturismo with breakfast; eight other meals; transport; and the service of a tour leader / trek guide.


4) Icelandic Escapades
An exciting holiday in Iceland discovering glaciers, waterfalls and geysers. Take a dip in the warm waters of the Blue Lagoon, and have the option to ride snowmobiles on a glacier or drive in giant 'Superjeeps' across lava fields. You'll also go in search of the amazing Northern Lights. Departing Thursday 13 April 2014, this four day break starts from £909 per person, including return flights; three night's hotel with breakfast; transport; and the service of a driver and Explore representative.


5) The Outer Canaries
On this walking trip to the Canary Islands explore the little-visited islands of La Gomera and La Palma, as well as the perfect volcanic cone of El Teide on Tenerife. Hike through varied and dramatic scenery with steep-sided valleys, quiet villages and the cloudforest of Parque Garajonay National Park. Departing Saturday 8 February 2014, this nine day walking holiday starts from £1,147 per person including return flights; eight night's hotel with breakfast; transport; and the service of a driver, tour leader and boat crew.


Blow the budget - LONG-HAUL

6) Moghul Highlights

On this cultural and historical visit to India, admire some of the masterpieces of Moghul art and architecture. Discover Humayun's tomb in Delhi, the deserted sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri and the magnificent Taj Mahal in Agra. Also enjoy a rickshaw ride through Keoladeo National Park, search for Bengal tigers in Ranthambore National Park and witness Rajasthani village life in rural Karauli. Departing 7 and 14 February 2014, this nine day break costs from £1,184 per person including return flights; eight night's hotel with breakfast; three dinners; transport; and the service of a driver and tour leader.

 

7) Maldive Dhoni Cruise
On this holiday, cruise among the remote atolls of the idyllic Maldives aboard a traditional dhoni. Eat and sleep aboard the boat as you sail between the unspoilt palm-fringed tropical islands of South Male, Felidhoo and Meemu. On the way, visit small fishing villages and stop to swim or snorkel over the beautiful coral reefs. Departing Saturday 8  February 2014, this eight day cruise starts from £1,696 per person including return flights; seven nights boat accommodation; all meals; transport; and the service of an Explore representative, boat crew and a cook.

 

8) Cycle The Cape!
Cycle through South Africa's Western Cape Province, pedalling along the rugged coastline of Cape Point and through the forested shorelines of the 'Garden Route'. In Stellenbosch ride through vineyards and enjoy a glass of the locally produced wine. Along the way explore the dripstone caverns of Cango Caves and visit Boulders Beach - home to a colony of African Penguins. Departing Thursday 13 February 2014, this 10 day cycle adventure starts from £1,784 per person including return flights; four night's hotel, three nights guesthouse, two nights lodge all with breakfast; transport - including bike hire; and the service of a driver, and tour leader / cycle guide.

 

9) Tanzania Walking Safari
On this active tour walk through northern Tanzania's great gamelands and experience incredible wildlife at close range. With the Great Rift Valley as a backdrop, trek along the lake in Manyara National Park and around ancient volcanoes at Olmoti and Ngorongoro. Descend into the caldera to track rhinos, enjoy views of Kilimanjaro from Mount Meru and observe the prolific wildlife in the immense Serengeti plains. Departing Friday 7 February 2014, this eight day adventure starts from £2,087 per person including return flights; seven nights camping and one night hotel; most meals; transport; and the service of a tour leader/driver, local guides and rangers.


10) Namib Lodge Safari
From a customised safari truck explore the dramatic canyons, towering sand dunes and magnificent wildlife parks of the Namib landscape. Staying in comfortable lodges along the route track elephants, rhinos and lions through Etosha and Waterberg Plateau National Parks. Also visit the majestic cheetah in a conservation centre and watch seals basking on the coast. Departing Sunday 9 February 2014, this 12 day holiday starts from £2,899 per person including return flights; four nights' hotel and seven nights lodge; most meals; transport; and the service of a driver and tour leader.


For further information, or to book, visit www.explore.co.uk or call 0844 499 0901

 

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For press information please contact: Emily Davies emily.davies@explore.co.uk