LAND OF LIBERTY - 19-DAY VENEZUELAN EXPEDITION

This week in 1821, the Battle of Carabobo was fought between independence fighters and Spanish Royalist forces, resulting in a decisive victory - the liberation of Venezuela. Explore a land of Andean summits, tropical jungles and the highest waterfall in the world, Angel Falls, and discover exactly what they were fighting for during Walks Worldwide’s guided, 19-day The Heart of Venezuela expedition, departing 16th October 2008.

After an initial night in Caracas, continue to the historic city of Merida (1,625m) from where the teleferico (cable car) ascends to 4,765 metres offering views across to the country's highest mountain, Pico Bolivar. On to Sierra de la Culata National Park for vast windswept panoramic vistas, massive varieties of wildflowers and endangered mammal species including the Spectacled Bear and Andean Condor. Drive to the highest road point in Venezuela (4,125m) then hike through traditional Andean villages to Pan de Azucar. Descend through areas colonised by rare giant Frailejón plants and Coloradito trees in one of the Andes most beautiful valleys before returning to Merida. Fly via Caracas to Ciudad Bolivar, an atmospheric colonial river town. From here, continue to the frontier town of Santa Elena, starting point for explorations into Gran Sabana and Roraima, which host an abundance of endemic flora and fauna. The fully supported trek heads through indigenous Pemon Indian communities, across savannah, grassland and along ridges radiating out from the tepui (tabletop mountain). Cross rivers and walk through dense cloud forest packed with lush plants, to the base of Monte Roraima. On the summit, a spectacular campsite awaits - a 'cave hotel' offering stunning evening panoramas. Enjoy a day's exploration of weather-eroded stone sculptures, lichen encrusted black rock and chasms filled with carnivorous plants, pass through the crystal incrusted and aptly named ‘Valley of the Crystals’ to ‘Triple Point’ where the borders of Venezuela, Brazil and Guayana meet. Fly from Santa Elena to the old gold-mining base of Canaima and canoe along the Carrao River rapids, passing native settlements on the riverbank and spotting birdlife including Scarlet Macaw, Black Vulture and Green Ibis, en route to the island camp. After a relaxing night spent in hammocks, continue through tropical forest to the base of Angel Falls – and a refreshing dip under the waterfalls’ mist! Finally, return to Canaima for flights back to Caracas and the UK.

The tour costs £2,380 p/p including flights, transfers, hotel, camp and hammock accommodation, most meals, camping equipment, porters, mules, entry fees and expert guiding.

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ON FOOT IN THE LOFOTENS - NORWAY

Trek amongst beautiful rugged Alpine-style ridges and summits (all less than 1,200m), explore picturesque fishing villages, sheltered inlets and stunning shorelines, experience a rich cultural heritage and stay in traditional fishermen’s 'rorbus' cabins in Norway’s Lofoten Islands. Walks Worldwide still has availability on its 8-day guided On Foot in the Lofoten Islands holiday, departing London 16th August 2008.

From Evenes, transfer to Henningsvaer, a small fishing village in Vestfjord and enjoy a freshly caught fish dinner in the traditional harbourside guesthouse. Next, hike the 'Smatindan Trek' (meaning 'many small peaks') taking in spectacular views of fjords and islands that make up the Lofoten Islands. Move south onto the island of Vestvagoy and visit the fabulous Lofotr Viking museum at Borg, before an ascent of Skottinden (671m). Travel to Flakstadoy and overnight in a traditional rorbus in the fishing village of Nusfjord. Take a challenging walk up Mosestinden (770m) before returning to the beautifully preserved village in time to explore before dinner. Transfer to the Island of Moskenesoy, the last big island in the archipelago, passing beautiful sandy beaches with plenty of swimming opportunities. Hike in the mountains of Moskenesoy and stay in another rorbus in the village of Reine overlooking Kirkefjorden. Ascend the peak of Reinebringen (448m) for one of the most photographed views of the surrounding fjords before transferring back across the islands, enjoying a final view, before homeward flights.

The tour costs £1,895p/p including all transfers, guesthouse and cabin (rorbus) accommodation, most meals, entry fees and expert guiding.

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TRANSYLVANIAN TREKKIN’ - ROMANIA

Rich in culture, history and wildlife, this recent addition to the European Union remains a destination of choice for the discerning walking enthusiast. Explore Transylvania’s mighty Southern Carpathian Mountains from the dramatic, high ridges of the jagged Fagaras range, the forests and Karst plateaux of the Apuseni, to the remote Rodnei range in the mythical Maramures, following well-marked trails. Stay in a variety of accommodations from remote, rustic mountain lodges, to friendly Transylvanian guesthouses renowned for home cooking, and boutique hotels in the major Transylvanian cities. Walks Worldwide now offer tailor-made guided itineraries to the various mountain ranges of Transylvania offering walkers a unique and personalised itinerary. With several low cost airlines flying to Bucharest, as well as scheduled airlines too, it’s never been easier to visit legendary Transylvania. Here’s a typical itinerary to whet your appetite and enjoy ‘fantastic’ trekking in the fabled land of Dracula.

From the capital Bucharest, a 2hr train journey leads to the Prahova Valley and a night in the resort of Sinaia - surrounded on both sides by the Carpathian Mountains and commonly referred to as ‘The Pearl of the Carpathians’. After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a ‘must see’ visit to the fairytale Peles Palace, before travelling further up the valley for spectacular views towards the Bucegi Mountains. Take a cable car up onto the Bucegi plateau for a moderate, circuit walk to Caraiman Cross. Returning to low level, explore hidden alleys and narrow streets of bohemian Old Braşov often likened to a mini-Prague - without the drunken stag parties! Here, stay in the delightful Bella Muzuca boutique hotel situated by the main square. Steep, forested mountain slopes characterise the town’s setting, and bears are often seen on the outskirts, together with the odd wolf. From Rasnov’s ancient fortress there are impressive views of the Bucegi and Piatra Craiului mountains. Later, discover the real history of ‘Dracula’s Castle’ at Bran, then drive to Piatra Craiului National Park, dominated by the 12-mile-long ‘knife edge’ of Piatra Craiului ridge (over 2,000m), staying at Elena’s guesthouse, where Tranylvanian home cooking takes on new meaning. From the trailhead, walk through forest, ascending above the tree line, to reach limestone rock formations at La Zaplaz. Traverse the Piatra Craiului massif before returning by road to Pension Elena in Zarnesti for a slap-up meal accompanied by Tuica – local hooch! Continue north to the brightly painted traditional UNESCO World Heritage Village of Viscri, famous for it’s 12th Century Fortified Church, then visit Sighisoara, a famous medieval citadel - birthplace of the ‘real’ Dracula, Vlad Tepes. Walk to the timeless village of Magura on the opposite side of the Piatra Craiului ridge, a stunning location with expansive views of the Piatra Craiului and Bucegi Mountains. From Zarnesti, early evening visits to remote bear hides high in the forests allow excellent opportunities to see wild Bear, and possibly Lynx and Wolf before transferring to Bucharest and homeward flights.

Guided treks costs from £795 p/p including boutique hotel and guesthouse accommodation, most meals, walk transfers, cable car fees and entrance fees.

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