World Expeditions may be more known for its cycling and trekking adventures but with more than 500 trips to choose from there is also plenty of choice for anyone who is just looking for a relaxing summer holiday in the sun.

Go island hopping in the Maldives on a traditional 'dhoni', indulge in picnics at Fiji's uninhabited bays, marvel at Zanzibar's postcard perfect beaches – or stay closer to the continent and relax on the beautiful isles of Greece and Croatia with UTracks, World Expeditions' European division.

Below are our top summer suggestions for beach bums…
 
Maldives
The Maldives – pristine beaches, translucent waters, white sand… What could be better than cruising on a 'dhoni' to experience island hopping far from the crowds and snorkel Indian Ocean's spectacular coral reefs? Evenings are spent moored off a different island, meeting the locals of small settlements or enjoying a fresh seafood barbecue on a pristine uninhabited beach. The locally handcrafted 'dhoni' is converted into live-aboard cruise boats and with a maximum of eight passengers.
www.worldexpeditions.com/uk/index.php?section=trips&id=58
• Maldives Dhoni Cruise (6 days) departs daily year round, from £650 per person

Cyclades
Cyclades is a group of more than 30 picturesque islands in the south Aegean Sea. Whitewashed houses with blue shutters, a labyrinth of narrow streets flowing through cobblestone villages, sandy beaches and a relaxed island lifestyle attract visitors from all over the globe. This trip gives you the opportunity to explore at handlebar height some of the less known Greek islands such as Kythnos, Serifos, Siphnos, Syros and Kea – or simply relax on the comfort of your boat!
www.utracks.com/index.php?section=trips&id=199123
• Greek Islands Bike and Sail (8 days) departs June-September, from £1,175 per person

Zanzibar
Exotic spices, turquoise waters, white sand exotic beaches and a history ranging from slave trading to strong Arabic – and the world's shortest war,  only 38 minutes! – links characterises picture perfect Zanzibar. Wander the narrow streets of Stone Town, a World Heritage site, or just lay back and soak up the relaxed atmosphere. Just 15 miles off the east coast of Tanzania, the Spice Island is one of Africa's dream destinations whether you want to explore, relax or both.
www.worldexpeditions.com/uk/index.php?section=trips&id=195
• Zanzibar Retreat (5 days) departs daily year round, from £495 per person

Dalmatian Islands
Southern Dalmatia encompasses a stunning chain of Croatia's islands and this stimulating trip captures the highlights with an ideal balance of activity, culture and relaxation (you can even get an electric bike). In the company of a cycling guide, explore UNESCO-protected landscapes, swim in the azure waters of Korcula, discover the wine-growing peninsula of Peljesac and the natural beauty of the Mljet National Park and soak up the ambiance of seaside towns.
www.utracks.com/index.php?section=trips&id=199122
• Croatia Bike and Sail (8 days) departs May-October, from £895 per person

Thailand
Made famous by the James Bond film 'The Man with the Golden Gun', Phang Nga Bay is one of Thailand's most spectacular picture-postcard locations with towering limestone cliffs, stunning caves, white sand beaches and fishing villages. The best way to explore the beautiful turquoise bay is by kayak – which will also work up an appetite for the delicious Thai cuisine! – whereas sleeping at a beach campsite means you will enjoy this paradise without the tourist crowds of day trippers.
www.worldexpeditions.com/uk/index.php?section=trips&id=741181
• Camp and Kayak Phang Nga Bay (5 days) departs daily year round, from £590 per person
    
Fiji
Sparkling azure waters and white sandy beaches, all fringed by pristine coral reefs – can you think of a better place to go sea kayaking than Fiji? Follow an itinerary dictated by the winds and the tides as you paddle in modern expedition-style kayaks through remote tropical islands, stop at uninhabited beaches to enjoy picnic lunches and swim and snorkel in the clear South Pacific waters. For a timeless tropical ambience, each night you will camp on a pristine beach or near a traditional Fijian village.
www.worldexpeditions.com/uk/index.php?section=trips&id=297
• Yasawa Islands Sea Kayaking (8 days) departs May-October, from £1,350 per person

For more information and bookings please contact World Expeditions (0800 0744 135, www.worldexpeditions.co.uk) and UTracks (0845 241 7599, www.UTracks.com). Flights from the UK are not included but can be booked on request.

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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.
• 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, 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) and Tibet (1981). In 2013 it launched a dedicated 'World Cycle Journeys' programme, while as of 2011 it is the only company to offer the newly mapped Great Himalaya Trail.
• A division of World Expeditions, European activity holiday specialists UTracks and Sherpa Expeditions cover over 25 countries, with more than 250 stand-alone, off the beaten track itineraries available across the UK and Europe, from short four-day breaks to longer two-week trips.
• World Expeditions is independently owned and a truly global company, with nine offices around the world, including London, Sydney and Montreal.

For high-res images and PR/media enquiries:
World Expeditions | UTracks | Sherpa Expeditions
020 8545 9030
Tom Panagos pr@worldexpeditions.co.uk
Gordon Steer gordon@worldexpeditions.co.uk