Ethiopia - Simien Mountains & Lalibela Trek

Walks Worldwide’s fully guided 18-day Simien Mountains and Lalibela trek in Ethiopia, combines the UNESCO World Heritage Simien Mountains National Park, including an ascent of Mt Ras Dashen (14,872 ft) the region’s highest peak, with explorations in Axum, home of the Ark of the Covenant, and the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, Lalibela, reputedly built by angels… Next departure from London 7th November 2008.

From Ethiopia’s cosmopolitan capital, Addis Ababa, fly north to explore the old imperial capital of Gondar, famous for its many churches, castles and magnificent mountain scenery. From Debark, enter the Simien Mountains National Park, and the beginning of the trek, following small tracks along the top of the escarpment to the campsite at Sankaber. The next four days are spent approaching Ras Dashen (4,620 metres), the region's highest peak. Follow rugged trails across rock tower-studded lowlands, with views of characteristic flat-topped 'amba', mountains, through green pastures of Giant Lobelias, crossing streams and waterfalls along the way, before a final climb to the summit for a spectacular road and town-free panorama. As well as stunning landscapes there will be opportunities to spot rare, endemic Gelada Baboons, Ibex and overhead, Lammergeyer vultures. Continue out of the National Park via a little used, yet stunningly beautiful, route to the north, traversing rich, cultivated farmland. Next, descend 1,000 metres to the Ansiya River where warmer temperatures provide great swimming opportunities. Ascend again, to the village of Hawaza, past towering monoliths to the final campsite at Mulit. Here, enjoy a memorable final evening of the trek with dinner, followed by singing and dancing around the campfire, and that’s just the trekkers… Transfer by road to Axum, for exploration of its renowned 'stellae' (elaborate, enormous and mysterious standing stones) and well-guarded and never seen 'Tabot' (Ark of the Covenant), before flying on to Lalibela for a guided tour of the rock-hewn churches. Return to Addis Ababa for a final night and a farewell dinner with traditional dance, before homeward flights next day.

The tour costs £2,295 p/p and includes scheduled international flights, accommodation, all transfers, most meals, local mountain guide, porters, camping equipment and entrance fees.

Click here to see more African walking holidays.

RAJASTHAN IN STYLE

An Indian who claimed to be the world’s oldest man has died at his home in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Although Habib Miyan's pension papers showed his date of birth as 20th May 1879, he claimed he was 138-years-old… For a guaranteed historic experience amongst a land brimming with history, culture, wildlife and scenery, join Walks Worldwide on an in-depth exploration of this enchanting part of Northern India. Combine culture with remote mountain and desert trekking, wonderful food, the colours and sights of tribal village life, and exotic architecture, then top it all with overnight stays in some of India's former palaces and classic overnight sleeper trains, and you have a holiday to remember! Guided, 20-day Rajasthan In Style tours depart London daily – new season begins end of October 2008.

From an inspirational start at the Taj Mahal in Agra, continue to the 'pink city' of Jaipur full of intricate historical buildings including the famous Palace of Winds and Observatory, before travelling by overnight sleeper train to the enchanting city of Udaipur, nestling serenely on the shores of Lake Pichola. Head to the Aravali Mountains, beginning of a six-day trek from the tribal village of Saira, through a forest reserve with excellent birdwatching, to the holy Jain temple of Ranakpur. Continue to Kumbhalgarh, a mediaeval citadel perched up high at 1,914m then traverse grasslands, low sand dunes, narrow fertile valleys, semi-desert and isolated farming villages, spotting wildlife en route. Next, visit Jodhpur and Jaisalmere, famed for their beautiful forts and Jain temples before embarking on a real Rajasthan adventure - a camel safari! Ride through Thar Desert, a region with a compelling historical background of tribal feuds and wealthy trade caravans, meeting hospitable local people along the way. Return to New Delhi for a city tour before homeward flights.

The tour costs £2,395 p/p including scheduled flights, transfers, train tickets, hotel and camp accommodation, most meals, permits and entrance fees, sightseeing, camel and sleeper train transport, luggage transfers, and expert guiding.

Click here to see more Indian walking holidays.

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.

Click here for India Walking Holiday - Keralan Spice Trails

VALUE EUROPEAN WALKING HOLIDAYS - AUSTRIA, ITALY AND HUNGARY

Feeling the economic pinch? Don’t worry, Walks Worldwide offers value walking tours that won’t break the bank! Get off the European tourist trail, where the scenery is stunning, the weather is warm through till October and the beer is as cheap as chips! Self-guided walking holidays are available from now until October 08.

NEW AUSTRIA - Thematic Rambling – 8-days, departing daily now til October 08
Salzkammergut has been a centre of European culture for thousands of years with pilgrimage routes leading to charming, traditional towns including Bad Ischl, Bad Aussee and Hallstatt. Discover pilgrim chapels, salt mines, royal villas and ice caves during this themed circular walk. Follow in the historical footsteps of many renowned artists who found inspiration here - amongst a natural playground for walkers!The tour costs £495 p/p (land only) including airport transfers, half board hotel accommodation, luggage transfers on trek, boat/bus tickets plus maps and route notes.

ITALY - The Apennine Explorer - 8-days, departing daily now til October 08.

Enjoy the picturesque scenery of this unique unspoilt corner of the Italian countryside during a self-guided holiday in Emilia Romagna. Discover hilltop castles and churches dating from the 13th century, and enjoy the warmth of Italian hospitality during a variety of walks. For complete independence and explorations further afield, a hire car is also included.

The tour costs £395 p/p (land only) including self-catering apartment accommodation, car hire plus maps and route notes.

HUNGARY – On the Trail of the Maygars – 8-days, departing daily now til October 08.

Experience an abundance of wild flowers, vineyards, ancient forests, waterfalls, lakes and varied animal life – as well as splendid castles and traditional villages. Plunge into the local culture of gypsies and Magyar warriors along with their rich gastronomy and wines, and discover fascinating Hungarian cities from Budapest to Eger. With no more than 4 to 6 hours walking each day, this is an ideal jaunt into one of Central Europe’s most intact natural areas.

The tour costs £530 p/p (land only) including airport transfers, half board hotel and guesthouse accommodation, luggage transfers on trek plus route notes.

Click here to see more European walking holidays.

TRAVELLERS’ ANDALUCIA - 8-DAY SPANISH WALKING HOLIDAY

The last episode of the BBC’s Travellers' Century featured adventurer Benedict Allen exploring Laurie Lee’s semi-autobiographical novel As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning, in which the author embarks on an epic journey across Spain on foot. Lee sets off from Vigo in the north to walk to Andalucia in the south, creating an evocative and atmospheric travelogue based around the towns, countryside and generous hospitality he encounters along the way. Discover quintessentially Spanish Andalucia, its Moorish history and culture, and spectacular mountain and coastal landscape popular with writers for decades, and perfect for the pedestrian adventurer. Unlike Lee’s progress, Walks Worldwide’s 8-day Andalucia in Style self-guided walking tour is accommodated in a handpicked selection of idyllic hotels en route. The holiday departs Malaga daily – best time to go - September to November.

Walks Worldwide’s journey 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 - offering 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. Later, 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 and Walks Worldwide are happy to assist.

Click here for Spanish Walking holiday - Andalucia in Style