EVEREST TREKKING IN STYLE - NEPAL

On 24th September 1975, Mount Everest’s southwest face was successfully scaled for the first time by British climbers Dougal Haston and Doug Scott. 33-years on and the world’s highest peak remains an ambitious calling for climbers of all levels. Walks Worldwide offers a 13-day Everest in Style guided tour along the trail to Everest Base Camp, climbing as far as Tengboche Monastery (3,867m). Sample all the excitement the route offers whilst staying at lower (and safer) altitudes – without the need for crampons and oxygen tanks! Seasonal daily UK departures are available NOW! (New season begins September 2008 till April 2009).

In Kathmandu, enjoy a sightseeing tour to explore the exotic, temples, palaces and colourful streets of this ancient and chaotic city – capital of South Asia’s newest republic. Next, fly to Lukla, gateway to the Khumbu Valley, and begin trekking with a gentle path to Monjo - a superb introduction to the region, passing traditional Sherpa villages, yaks and dramatic swing-bridges high over glacial torrents below. Bustling teahouses and comfortable well-appointed lodge accommodation offer welcome respite en-route, allowing for well-earned relaxation amongst magnificent scenery. On entering Sagamartha National Park a steep climb brings travellers to Namche Bazaar (3,446m), ‘Sherpa capital’ and main trading centre of the region. Spend a full day acclimatising while visiting the Everest Museum, meeting Tibetan traders and fellow trekkers. A slow climb brings travellers to the high point - the famous Tengboche Monastery (3,867m). This magical spot, surrounded by incredible snowy peaks, offers magnificent views down the valley towards Everest. Experience afternoon prayer with the resident monks before descending to Tashinga for a good night's sleep in another beautiful lodge. Traverse the valley to Khumjung, home of the ‘Yeti skull’, and on to Khunde where Sir Edmund Hillary established a school and medical centre. An unusual route from here leads, zigzagging up through a river gorge, to Thame, one of the prettiest villages in the area and birthplace of Tenzing Sherpa. Reaching Mende, enjoy tea with the nuns before the decent to Monjo and Lukla. Return to Kathmandu for further sightseeing and homeward flights.

The guided expedition costs from £2,250 including flights, private transfers, hotel and deluxe mountain lodge accommodation, most meals, guides, porters and park fees.

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Winter Walking - Loving Libya

Don’t know if we can mention the ‘c’ word at this stage, but for walkers hoping to spend the festive season (still can’t say it!) in warmer climes, Walks Worldwide emphasises the need to book early. Their 12-day Libyan Explorer guided walking holiday offers the exotic and unusual, plus with guaranteed winter sunshine and inspirational desert scenery, it will more than fill the bill. Tour departs London 19th December 08. (If you’re quick there are limited places on the 15th October departure too).

Towering sand dunes, shimmering palm-fringed lakes, volcanic mountains, prehistoric rock art, remarkable Roman remains and a long and fertile Mediterranean coastline are just fragments of what makes Libya such an inspiring destination. In Tripoli the welcome is warm, with smiling faces all around and streets lined with images of a triumphant (and sometimes smiling) Colonel Gaddaffi. Explore the city’s ancient medina, as charming as the one in Marrakech but without the usual hassles, allowing travellers to browse in peace. One of the highlights of Walks Worldwide’s tour is the remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jebel Acacus, in the south-west of the country. Comparable to Jordan’s stunning Wadi Rum, its Saharan landscapes, inhabited by the nomadic Tuareg, reveal sand and rock towers, many examples of rarely-seen rock carvings and paintings, and desert wildlife. Walks Worldwide spend five nights here trekking amongst the dramatic Acacus rock formations and sand dunes, stopping to camp in a different location each night. Other highlights include visits to the Roman cities of Sabaratha, boasting one of the finest theatres in antiquity, and magnificent Leptis Magna, without doubt the best Roman ruins outside of Italy. Here, explore the well-preserved colonnaded streets, baths, arches and amphitheatre of Africa’s greatest Roman cities.

The tour costs £1,515 p/p (December departure) and £1,395 p/p (October departure) including scheduled flights, transfers, hotel and camping accommodation, most meals and expert guiding.

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STEPPE INTO THE AUVERGNE

An 'extremely rare' 400,000 year old skull belonging to a 3.7m tall Steppe Mammoth (Mammuthus trogontherii), has been unearthed in the Auvergne region of southern France. Scientists hope that the skull will provide the 'missing link' in mammoth evolution. For the opportunity to explore an ancient land relatively undiscovered by foreign visitors, steppe-off on Walks Worldwide’s 9-day, self-guided The Auvergne Volcanoes - A Grande Randonnee, following one of France's Grande Randonnees (long distance walking routes). From the volcanic mountain mass of the Puy de Sancy to the sub-alpine hills of the Cantal, walks are sustained by a refreshing supply of Auvergne mineral water and wonderful local specialities ranging from fragrant cheeses to rustic meat stews - this mammoth walking holiday offers something for everyone! Daily departures from London available now till October 2008.

From Clermont-Ferrand, transfer by train to an old spa-town, Mont Dore. From here, ride out of the valley on a 100- year-old funicular railway, take the modern telepherique, or just walk - following a trail across the rocky snow-capped Sancy range to Super Besse ski-resort. Next, climb to Lac Pavin, a crater–lake situated on a high grassy plateau, dotted with pinewoods. Continue on past herds of dark brown Salers cattle, whose milk is used to produce the excellent regional cheeses, before reaching the small hill-town of Egliseneuve d'Entraygues. Descend along winding paths and through wooded valleys, passing pretty Romanesque churches en route. Reaching high verdant pastureland, enticing views of the approaching Cantal range are on offer. A much needed rest is taken in Le Claux, where the day can be spent exploring on foot, by bike, horse riding or even hang-gliding. Alternatively, enjoy a swim in the hotel pool or sit in the garden and rest those weary legs! Later, head into higher mountains, to Breche de Roland, a cleft in the hillside that requires exciting scrambling - the solidified central core of the volcano, the Puy Griou, is now visible. Continue climbing to join Teton de Venus circuit on the old crater of Bec de l'Aigle before descending into the picturesque winding streets of 15th century Murat for the final night. Return by train to Clermont-Ferrand for homeward flights next day.

The holiday costs from £765 p/p including hotels and gite d'etape accommodation, some meals, daily luggage transfers, route notes and maps.

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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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