RIDE THE ‘CHIHUAHUA’ & HIKE THE CANYON - MEXICO’S COPPER CANYON

Journey from the sparkling Sea of Cortez to the arid canyons of Mexico’s Sierra Madre along the spectacular Chihuahua al Pacifico railroad, then hike the world’s largest canyon system, the magnificent Copper Canyon, deeper and grander in places than its more famous US counterpart. Later, sip margaritas at sunset and rest weary limbs in stunningly located wilderness lodges and beautifully restored haciendas. Walks Worldwide’s 11-day Copper Canyon In Style fully guided hiking tour departs London 24th October 2008.

The journey begins with a spectacular rail journey on the Copper Canyon railroad, officially known as the Chihuahua al Pacifico, into the Sierra Madre Mountains, through dozens of tunnels and over countless bridges and vertiginous viaducts, to the wild-west town of Urique. Overnight at a wilderness lodge perched precipitously on the rim of the canyon. Walking boots at the ready, cross the Urique River and ascend rapidly through thorn forest to a beautiful campsite in a grapefruit grove. Hike in the cool shadows of the towering canyon walls, climbing up through chaparral and ever-changing vegetation to the summit of La Yesca (4,399ft) where views open out every which way over the stunning Urique Canyon. Moving on, explore the Cerro Colorado Canyon - traversing whispering pine forests and trekking from alpine to more tropical terrain. Spend time with the indigenous Tarahumara communities living perched on the edge of the canyon walls with ‘mule only’ access, before arriving in the frontier town of Batopilas. Explore the cobbled streets of this atmospheric settlement before transferring to Creel and the fascinating town of Chihuahua, one of Mexico’s most important cultural and historical centres, where a farewell fiesta sets travellers on their way home.

The tour costs £2,525 p/p including scheduled flights (BA), transfers, camping, lodge and hacienda accommodation, most meals and expert guiding.

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FEEL THE HEAT - VOLCANO CLIMBING IN ECUADOR

Want to climb a fiery volcano but draw the line at melting your boots? Walk Worldwide’s 16-day tour of Ecuador’s hot and high places includes the physically demanding climbs of four volcanoes - Mt Imbabura (4,630 metres), North Illiniza (5,100 metres), Cotopaxi (5,897 metres) and Chimborazo (6,310 metres). Tour departs London 6th November 08.

Leave Quito, the Equatorial Monument and the colourful market at Otavalo and hike around beautiful Lake Cuicocha. Make the first of four ascents by taking the rocky route to the top of Mt. Imbabura. Drive through the ‘Avenue of Volcanoes’, visiting the hot springs of Papallacta on the way, take an ‘easy scramble’ up North Illiniza, with great views of snowy Cotopaxi, ending the day in the luxurious surroundings of a restored hacienda. After a final ‘glacier school’, leave at the crack of dawn to summit Cotopaxi, a 6-10 hour climb on one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. An even earlier start (before midnight) is necessary for the ascent of Chimborazo, the largest of the peaks on the tour, climbing through the night to reach the summit. You are now at the furthest point from the centre of the earth!

The tour costs £1,995 p/p including scheduled flights, transfers, accommodation (hotels, restored haciendas, mountain huts/refuges, camping), camping equipment, most meals and expert mountain guiding.

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SPICY TRAILS - INDIA’S KERALA

Explore the peaceful trails of India’s Western Ghats where the cool mountain air is heavily spiced with the sweet scent of tea, descend through valleys of cardamom, mango and coffee and cruise along the Keralan waterways, past rice paddies and rubber plantations, watching local fisherman catch supper. Walks Worldwide’s 16-day guided Keralan Spice Trails walking tour in Southern India departs London 15th November 2008.

From Kochi, the oldest European settlement in India and a curious pot-pourri of Jewish synagogues, Portuguese churches, Dutch palaces and British cricket greens, head into the tranquil Cardamom Hills and Munnar, Kerala’s 19th century hill station. Munnar is an idyllic haven set amongst crystal-clear lakes, waterfalls and forests where the world’s highest tea plantations spread out like a green carpet. Ascend Meesapulimala peak (2,650 metres), the highest in the area, before descending through the friendly villages of Tamil Nadu. Visit Madurai, one of the oldest and most fascinating cities in India, then embark on a jungle safari beneath the exotic canopies of Periyar National Park, a rich habitat for large mammals including Elephant and Buffalo. Complete this southern Indian experience cruising along the waterways of Allepey on an enchanting houseboat, an ideal way to absorb the region’s unique culture and enjoy some mouth-watering regional cuisine along the way. Finish at the coast and the historic city of Kochi 'the Queen of the Arabian Sea', in time for some last minute bargaining in the markets before homeward flights.

The tour costs £1,550 p/p including scheduled flights, transfers, hotel, camp and houseboat accommodation, porterage of luggage, entrance fees and expert guiding.

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SPAIN’S A WINNER - NEW WALKING HOLIDAY IN ANDALUCIA

With a Euro 2008 victory under its belt, plus news that Rafael Nadal is storming his way through the Wimbledon Championship, Spain is on winning form. Walks Worldwide’s new 8-day Andalucia in Style self-guided walking tour is a winner too. Sample some of the best walking in Andalucia and explore Granada, whilst staying in a handpicked selection of idyllic hotels en route, with all transfers by rail or private taxi. Tour departs Malaga daily, year-round.

Andalucia with its Moorish history and culture, fabulous mountains and coastal scenery has been popular with travellers for decades. Walks Worldwide’s trip focuses on three specific areas - the Sierra de Grazalema, the Pueblos Blancos or ‘White Towns’ region and historic Granada. Firstly, Grazalema, spectacularly nestled beneath the craggy peak of San Cristobal in the centre of the Parque Natural Sierra de Grazalema. The park offers some of the best mountain walking in Spain. Wooded ravines and high rugged peaks produce a micro-climate for numerous ancient and rare botanical species and provide a perfect habitat for Golden Eagle and Ibex. Next, the picturesque whitewashed towns and villages pocketing the mountain hillsides of the Pueblos Blancos region. The jewel in the crown here is the celebrated town of Ronda, made famous by Hemingway and breathtakingly situated on the El Tajo gorge – it’s a great base from which to explore the surrounding countryside. For a complete contrast, board a train and head for the Moorish city of Granada, set against the snow-capped peaks of Spain’s highest mountains. Dating back over 1,000 years, this medieval Islamic city with its twisting alleyways, churches, scented gardens and star attraction, the Alhambra Palace, is best explored on foot during a guided walking tour. As a fantastic finale, walkers get to stretch their legs even further, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, ascending one of the 1,500 metre-plus peaks for stunning, far reaching views.

The holiday costs £1,150 p/p (land only) including all accommodation with breakfast, private taxi and rail transfers, maps and route notes plus a guided tour of Granada.Flights are not included, but numerous budget options to Malaga are available.

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