With a travel-filled 2021 tantalisingly on the horizon check out these top adventures, perfect for that long-awaited holiday.
From long-haul luxury, a safari tour in South Africa or the exploring the 2021 Olympic host Japan, to flight-free, good value and family-friendly wildlife and activity breaks closer to home, these are 2021’s top trips:
Verdon Gorge Activity Break, France
Take a unique break and enjoy kayaking in Lac St Croix & the Verdon Gorge, trekking the Blanc-Martel Trail or the Bastidon Trail and biking the “Tour de Gorges du Verdon” loop or St. Croix Lake Loop. Located in the south of France, the Verdon Gorge is the biggest canyon in Europe and forms the heart of Green Provence.
South Africa Safari
Wildlife fans can keep their eyes peeled for leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo, lion, hyena & wild dog on twice-daily game drives or bush walks, and relax in their luxury Chitwa Chitwa Lodge suite with private plunge pool & sun deck looking over one of the largest lakes in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve.
Why not extend your trip with a stay in Cape Town? Enjoy a Cape Peninsula Tour, highlights of which include the Cape of Good Hope in Table Mountain National Park, Boulders Beach’s colony of African Penguins, the surfers’ hotspot of Muizenberg & Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
Japan
With the Olympics pushed to 23 July – 8 August next year, 2021 is the year to visit Japan. Combine a cultural adventure with the buzz of the Olympic Games in 2021, the Japanese Alps and Hokkaido’s Hotspots. Discover the samurai culture of Matsumoto, the rural folk traditions of Takayama, and the Edo-era heritage of Tsumago. Take a guided tour of Tokyo & Kyoto, explore ancient castles, wander through quaint hill towns, admire the mountain vistas, are a dip in the hot springs, visit Buddhist shrines & see the snow monkeys of Jigokudan, which can be spotted even in summer.
Closer to Home – Scotland Walking & Wildlife Adventures
Scotland has wildlife, walking, mountains & lochs in abundance. Explore the beautiful western coast of Scotland, home to wildlife including sea otters, osprey & sea eagles. Try sea kayaking on the seal & sea otter-inhabited waters of Loch nan Ceall, visit a successful beaver reintroduction project in Argyll, and spot a multitude of in-land bird species as they wander between ancient standing stones at Kilmartin Glen.
Wildlife Watching in The Azores
Explore the largest island of the Azores, Sao Miguel – a haven for marine life, bird watching and outdoor activities – on a wildlife-watching & walking adventure. Hop onboard for whale & dolphin spotting with marine biologist guides or take a jeep tour to Sete Cidades – the most photographed site in the Azores. Try your hand at kayaking on Lakes Azul & Verde, plus cycling the trails around them or take a private bird-watching excursion with a specialist guide.
