Can a cheap holiday be a quality holiday?
The words ‘cheap holidays’ usually conjure up a mental image of poor quality, concrete sky-rises on the Costas or being fenced in behind barbed wire at all-inclusive fortress-like hotels in Tunisia.
Walks Worldwide offers holidays at exceptionally good prices – many are under £500 for a week – and whilst the accommodation might be three-star rather than five, the hiking and trekking trips are guaranteed to leave you feeling like you have had a genuine adventure and in many cases with a real sense of achievement.
The continuing growth of destinations accessed by no-frills airlines means that air tickets can be purchased very cheaply for those who prefer to make their own arrangements, but Walks Worldwide can book flights on request.
Morocco: Conquer Mount Toubkal – 8 days from £345 pp
The feeling of achievement when reaching the summit of Jebel Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa at 4167m, is something that will live with you forever. The Toubkal Ascent commences in the Ourika Valley, hiking across the rarely crossed Tizi n'Tacheddirt to reach North Africa's highest inhabited village. The trail to Toubkal is along a rugged path all the way to the summit for far-reaching mountain vistas and beyond to the Sahara. The price includes 7-nights’ accommodation, most meals, luggage transfers and guide.
Austria: Music of the Mountains – 8 days from £345 pp
Emperor Franz Josef chose Bad Ischl for his summer residence describing it as "Heaven on Earth" and making it instantly fashionable. In a great location with many traditional cafes and restaurants, it is a great base with easy access to almost the entire Salzkammergut region, with many day-hikes to choose from. There are easy, tranquil walks along pretty lakeshores or challenging hikes at higher levels for superb alpine panoramas. The price includes 7-nights’ accommodation, some meals, luggage transfers and maps/route notes.
Poland: The Wild East – 8 days from £475 pp
A chance to discover the wild and sparsely populated region of the Bieszczady in south-east Poland (a popular hiking haunt of Pope John Paul II). The 8-day itinerary is set in the Eastern Carpathians remains which are sandwiched between Ukraine and Slovakia in one of the most attractive and unspoiled areas of Poland. The area which has both forests and open meadows is also home to bison, as well as a healthy population of wolves. Above the tree line are open, broad ridges known as poloniny, natural steppe- like pastures, perfect for hiking, affording expansive views over the forests below. The price includes 7-nights’ accommodation, most meals, luggage transfers and maps/route notes.
Slovakia: Rysy & the High Tatras – 8 days from £345 pp
The High Tatras are the highest peaks in the entire Carpathian Mountain range and most of the dramatic spires lies within the beautiful country of Slovakia, home to a wide variety of wildlife including bear, wolf and Golden Eagle. The carefully crafted itinerary allows you to explore the most majestic section of the range by following the excellent Tatranska Magistrala trail.
There is also the opportunity to make an optional ascent of Rysy (2499m) the highest peak in Slovakia. This is a mountain journey to be truly savoured. The price includes 7-nights’ accommodation, most meals, luggage transfers and maps/route notes.
For more information, visit walksworldwide.com.
