Discover the Riveting Beauty of the Cinque Terre

On December 2, 2011, In Biking & Hiking, From Rails to Sails: Europe Go Travel Direct with Kids, Outdoor Adventure Travel, By Sylvia Arad


Cinque Terre by Mike.albrecht from Wikimedia Commons and Ookaboo!

Clinging onto the cliffs on a dramatic stretch of Italy’s Liguarian coast, the five towns that comprise the Cinque Terre (‘Five Lands’) form a spectacular sight.  These charming villages offer a fascinating destination for active adventure outdoors for the entire family.  For centuries after they were built, the Cinque Terre were accessible only by boat or by footpath.  Today, a train runs through all five villages on a regular basis, snaking its way from the northernmost town of Monterosso del Mare through Vernazza, Corniglia and Manarola, to the southernmost town of Riomaggiore.  As well, ferries run between the villages regularly from the Ligurian ports of La Spezia, Portovenere and Sestri Levante.  By far, the best way to discover these enchanting villages, however, is by foot.

Corniglia Photos
Hiking the Cinque Terre. This photo of Corniglia is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Hiking between the villages, you’ll come upon terraced vineyards, olive and lemon groves and clusters of pastel-colored houses perched on the cliffs above the waters, while scents of lavender and rosemary follow you throughout.  The numerous hiking trails vary in length and difficulty, the most popular being the Blue Trail, a 13 km. (8 mi.) path that winds through all five villages encompassing a walk of about 5 hours.  Other trails offer shorter hikes through parts of the circuit for a more family-friendly walk.   All hikes can be combined with fun adventures on the ferries or trains that run through the villages.

Monterosso to Vernazza

Start out from Monterosso towards Vernazza, a two-hour hike, where you will follow a delightful trail with stunning ocean and cliff views, as well as some lush green inland landscapes.  Monterosso, the largest of the five villages, is divided into an old and new town.  The old town is a maze of narrow alleys with shops and eateries; the umbrella-lined promenade in the new town features probably the best of the beaches among the five towns.   Looking back towards the town, the rocky outcrops provide breathtaking views of the coastline and the town. 

Monterosso

Approaching Vernazza, you’ll be stunned by the multicolored houses clustered around the waterfront.  Shaped like a horseshoe around its harbor, Vernazza’s one main road, Via Roma, cuts through the village, with many narrow alleys branching forth to display colorful layers of homes.  The pastel-colored facades and umbrella – laden tables lining the main piazza are the perfect venue to relax with a drink and take in the view of the marina and the dominating castle ruins.

Vernazza (by Charles van Dijk taken July 22, 2008 from Wikimedia Commons)

 

Corniglia Photos
Tiny Alleyways in the Cinque Terre Towns. This photo of Corniglia is courtesy of TripAdvisor
 

Vernazza to Corniglia and Manarola

The hike between Vernazza and Corniglia takes you inland into the hills well removed from the seaside, where the trail meanders through lush greenery, rivers, grapevines and stunning vistas.  Taking about 2 hours, this is a somewhat arduous stretch as unlike the other villages, remote Corniglia perches atop a cliff high above the sea.  The view of rainbow-colored buildings nestled among the green grapevined hills make this hike well worth the steep climb.  As you descend some 365 steps towards Manarola, the sight of the colorful tiered buildings seem to tumble into the marina.

Corniglia Photos
This photo of Corniglia is courtesy of TripAdvisor
 

The Lover’s Walk

Known as the Lover’s walk, the 30-minute walk between Manarola and Riomaggiore is an easy hike on level terrain.   Wrapping around the coastline along walkways, you can climb the rocks for dips in the waters or just listen to the waves as they slap, splash against the rocks.  Well worth an evening stroll, this walk provides stunning sunset views.

Picture Perfect Manarola

Riomaggiore - the Southern Village

Beyond hiking the paths, taking a ferry or paddling out to sea on a kayak will give an entirely new perspective to the tiny, colorful villages with their Old World feel.  After all, the Cinque Terre are not only about the hike and the scenery;  they are as much about  enjoying Italian lifestyle, hospitality and great food in a perfect adventure outdoors setting.

 
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Adventure Cycling in Enchanting Tuscany

On November 29, 2011, In Biking & Hiking, From Rails to Sails: Europe Go Travel Direct with Kids, By Sylvia Arad

Biking in Tuscany

To venture into Tuscany’s enchanting Chianti region, situated between Florence and Siena, is to discover a cyclist’s paradise.  Biking routes abound for those who wish to cycle off-the-beaten-path in a region painted in picture perfect panoramas of vineyards, olive groves and vast farmland.  A maze of winding biking trails and rural roads meander through the rolling valley terrain, gradually leading to hilltop towns.   Stretching throughout Tuscany, cycling routes range in levels from easy to strenuous for amateur to veteran cyclists.

Vineyards in Chianti from Wikipedia by H. Hoffmeister

In this sun-drenched region with its green patchwork of lands, there is much to see and do while cycling.  Breathtaking vistas of ochre fields punctuated by swathes of red poppies and golden-ripe sunflowers serve as the backdrop to magnificent panoramas of ancient villages perched on the hillsides.   Lined with the occasional oak and olive groves, the roads unfold into an infinite  horizon of  verdant and wine colored grapevines.

Greve in Chianti

The Chianti Loop circles through medieval towns steeped in regional history.  Encircled by their ancient ramparts, these villages boast clusters of Romanesque churches, abbeys, castles and fortresses.  In the heart of Tuscany,  Greve in Chianti, a large market town, sits at the crossroads of an ancient trade route between Florence and Siena.  Delightful communities, such as Montefiorale and Panzano surround the town, where castles turned patrician homes spatter the landscape. In its stone houses and paved streets, Montefiorale reflects its medieval architecture, and Panzano’s Romanesque church of San Leolino is home to precious works of art.

Montefiorale view from Greve

Fresco in the Church of San Leolino, Panzano from Wikipedia by Vignaccia76

From Greve, loop through the main Chianti towns.  Castellina in Chianti is nestled around a 13th century castle.  The town’s origins date back to Etruscan times, its importance due to its strategic location.  Along the ancient ramparts, the towering fortress offers stunning countryside vistas, and an impressive underground tunnel, the Via delle Volte,  wraps around the city, today housing shops and restaurants.  This is the spot for a short break for tired limbs and taste a delicious gelato.

Fortress in Castellina from Wikipedia by Vignaccia76

Castellina, Viale delle Volte

A long descent with sweeping panoramas of vineyards and olive groves across the Val d’Elsa (Elsa Valley), followed by a gradual ascent,  terminates in Colle Val d’Elsa, a village famed for its crystal glassware.  Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Elsa River, Colle Val d’Elsa, a historic town on the Via Francigiena, the road used by pilgrims from Rome to northern Europe, developed in three districts.  Upper Colle preserves its 14th and 16th century fortifications, buildings, old gates and medieval sights, such as the ancient tower house and Campana building, which are architectural masterpieces.  From here, San Gimignano is just a short jaunt away.

Colle Val d'Elsa with dominating Tower

Looping around, the Chianti biking route continues to Radda in Chianti, a beautiful town enclosed in large defensive ramparts.  Characterized by its narrow streets converging into a main piazza, Radda maintains its medieval charm.  Numerous castles and churches, among them the castle of Volpaia and the Romanesque church of Santa Maria in Prato, nestle in the surrounding hills.  Not far, Monteriggioni conforms perfectly to the model image of a walled community, with its ramparts and towers virtually intact and giving way to original attractive buildings.

Monteriggioni - view from Radda

After an arduous day of cycling, the Badia a Coltibuono, historically a monastery, offers the perfect end to an adventure-packed day.  Famed for its wines and prized olive oil, the Badia features agrotourism accommodations in a gorgeous setting to relax with a drink, take in the view and spend the night.

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Unique Vacations at Lake Trasimeno

On November 15, 2011, In Biking & Hiking, From Rails to Sails: Europe Go Travel Direct with Kids, Water Adventures, By Sylvia Arad

Nothing quite compares to sitting at a lakeside café on Lake Como or taking in Italy’s alpine lakes; yet Lake Trasimeno, set in Italy’s green heart, will not disappoint. Nestled amidst Umbria’s verdant rolling hills and bordering Tuscany, the clear blue waters of Lake Trasimeno reflect the dark green slopes, vineyards and olive groves of its surroundings.

Picture of Castiglione del Lago  thanks to Parpan05 from Wikimedia Commons and Ookaboo!

The largest lake in central and southern Italy, Lake Trasimeno is a perfect base for  adventure travel in Umbria and nearby Tuscany, where some great family holidays begin.  Though it never gets very deep, with no more than 20 ft. at its deepest spot, the lake provides ample opportunities for water sports, hiking or just relaxing along its lovely beaches.  Swimming, sailing, kayaking and surfing are among the water sports on offer in a lake whose shallow waters make it an ideal spot for adventure with children.  The unspoilt countryside surrounding the lake features lovely hidden biking trails where wooded hills are home to wild boar, deer, porcupines, hares, toads and owls.  Leisurely hiking on the hills that line the lake open to nature at its best, with the myriad of colors of heather and rock roses in bloom and the intense fragrance of broom throughout.

Boating on the Lake - Just One of Many Activities

Ducal Palace

The picturesque towns which dot the hills bordering the lake provide breathtaking panoramic views, as well as a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.  Castiglione del Lago, surrounded by towering fortified walls, is dominated by its medieval fortress and its 15th century Ducal Palace, housing original frescoes.  A walk on the walls offers striking panoramic views of the lake.  Panicale strategically perched on a hilltop and a fortified castle originally, was especially important to Perugia in the13th and 14th century as it controlled the valleys of Lake Trasimeno and the Nestore River.  In Panicale, art is everywhere.  Among the most famous works is a fresco painted by Perugino in 1505.  It adorns the back wall of the Oratory of San Sebastiano.  Piegaro houses a beautiful glass museum, originally a 13th century glass factory.

Castiglione del Lago by Eulenjager from Wikimedia Commons

Piegaro Photos
Piegaro Glass Museum. This photo of Piegaro is courtesy of TripAdvisor  

Just across the border in Tuscany, the pretty town of Chiusi features an interesting and not too large Etruscan Museum as well as an underground system of former water channels.  Lake Trasimeno’s north shore is home to 2 charming villages – Tuoro and Passignano, both featuring historic buildings as well as offering spectacular lake views.

View of the Lake from Castiglione by by Schwarzer Kater from Wikimedia Commons

Set in Umbria, a region of unspoiled farmland country and half-hidden retreats as yet protected from the havoc of tourism, Lake Trasimeno provides the perfect base for adventure outdoors, splendid panoramic views and the opportunity of discovering the rich history and culture of its surroundings.

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How to Explore Costa Rica’s Hidden Delights

On September 23, 2011, In Biking & Hiking, Outdoor Adventure Travel, Rainforests & Jungles, By Sylvia Arad

An adventure-packed, intense way to explore Costa Rica’s rough terrain is by cycling and horseback riding.  Both of these activities are among the best for exploring the more remote areas of the country.

Horseback Riding

Beyond the pure pleasure of the riding experience itself, reaching beautiful isolated regions can sometimes only be accomplished on the back of a horse.  To this day, horseback riding is a basic means of transportation in Costa Rica where villagers in rural areas still use horses as the main means of travel.  Horseback riding trips come in all versions – short treks or multi-day expeditions, beginner adventures to trips for advanced riders.

From Coasts To Mountains on Costa Rica's Trails

A horse riding excursion can take you from the Pacific coastline through impressive river canyons, where you will come upon the plants and wildlife that adorn the country’s landscapes – monkeys, butterflies, unique insects and myriads of colorful birds pave the way for great sightings.  Or ride into the mountains where you may want to explore the Cloud Forest Valley, and then descend to the Arenal Volcano and on to the spectacular La Fortuna Waterfall.  Stop in the area to relax and soak sore limbs in the healing waters of one of the region’s hot springs.

Rainforest Trails

...And Mountain Views

Riding through any of the expansive green mountain meadows and local ranches of the country or galloping across the white sandy beaches of the Pacific Ocean offers the kind of exhilaration and vitality that only riding atop a horse can provide and is just one of many active adventures that make Costa Rica such an adventure packed destination.

Mountain Biking

Manuel Antonio National Park is a mountain biker’s paradise with its stunning hilly landscapes, dense tropical forest and great beaches. 

Mountain Biking in Costa Rica

Enveloped in the misty jungle and abundant wildlife including sloths, monkeys, iguanas, macaws and toucans, you’ll cycle through hidden trails to remote waterfalls and isolated vistas.  Paddle through mountain landscapes, riverbanks and along the beautiful white beaches of the central Pacific coast on biking trips with distances ranging from 20 to 60 km. with levels designed for beginners to the most experienced bikers.

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Explore the Riveting Beauty of Nepal’s Heart of Adventure

On June 24, 2011, In Biking & Hiking, Outdoor Adventure Travel, Water Adventures, By Sylvia Arad

Nestled at the foot of the awe-inspiring Annapurna mountain range in a valley floor, scenic Pokhara is an area of tranquil lakes and ancient caves.  The city’s eponymous name, derived from the Nepalese “Pokhari” – pond- reflects its status as the center of 5 rivers and 8 lovely surrounding lakes.  Situated about 200 km from Kathmandu, Pokhara is one of the most picturesque spots in Nepal, offering magnificent views of the Annapurna and other Himalayan peaks.

Pokhara as Seen from the Peace Pagoda

Pokhara serves as the starting point for most treks in the Annapurna range.  Beyond trekking, it is a base for a myriad of activities, including kayaking, paragliding, mountain biking and ultra-light flying.  Its numerous, lovely lakes offer opportunities for fishing, boating and swimming, and its scenic environs are home to short treks and walks with stunning vistas. Mountain flights offer aerial views of the dazzling  Annapurna Range.

Lake Phewa to the Backdrop of Annapurna Range

To the backdrop of high glacial peaks, Lake Phewa, enshrouded in thick forests, is home to numerous monkeys and other wildlife,  and features serene, mirror-like waters reflecting Annapurna and Mount Machhapuchhre.   Boating in the lake, you will come upon an island housing the Barahi Temple; a two-storied pagoda dedicated the Ajima, the protectress deity representing the female force Shakti.

The Barahi Temple

Short treks take you to Sarangkot and the Shanti Stupa (temple) for awe-inspiring scenery.  One of the highest viewpoints in Pokhara, Sarangkot   features magnificent sights, the crowning glory at its summit being the ruins of a stone fortress built by the Kashi Kingdom.  From here, splendid panoramas of the valley, Lake Phewa and the Himalayan peaks can be observed.

Lake Phewa from Sarangot Viewpoint

Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda)

At dawn and sunset, the view from Sarangkot is striking, yet it is even better from the Shanti Stupa, the World Peace Pagoda.  Nestled atop a hill overlooking Lake Phewa, the stupa was built about 20 years ago and offers the same sweeping scenery found at Sarangkot, with the additional beauty of Pokhara and the sapphire blue lake cradled in the valley below.  On the way, stop at Devi’s Fall, a unique waterfall plunging into a deep, narrow endless canal.

Devi's Fall

Among the caves, Mahendra Cave, in the northern Pokhara valley, is one of the few stalactite-stalagmite caves in Nepal.  Along with the Chamare Gufa, the Bat Cave, both are home to rare species of bats.

Hustle Bustle of Old Bazaar

Pokhara’s colorful Old Bazaar provides an up-close encounter with local life and is an experience not to be missed.  Bustling with ethnically diverse stalls from places as far as Kashmir, Tibet and China, the market abounds with monuments depicting Newari culture and tradition.  Additionally, it is home to the Shrine of Bindyabasini Mandir, dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati, another manifestation of Shakti.

Bindyabasini Temple

Kathmandu may be the cultural hub of Nepal, but Pokhara is considered the country’s center of adventure.  This enchanting city exudes a sense of vitality and excitement and affords a great base for family adventure travel.

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An Adventure Hiking Experience of a Lifetime Begins on the Annapurna Circuit

On June 17, 2011, In Biking & Hiking, Outdoor Adventure Travel, Uncategorized, By Sylvia Arad

To the north of Pokhara, the Annapurna Circuit features some of the most dramatic sites and adventure hiking in the world.  The 300km trek around the Annapurna mountain range is a circular route that crosses the Thorong La Pass at its  highest point of nearly 18,000 ft, and then trundles down the deepest gorge in the world to provide mountain views that take your breath away.  The magnificent mountain scenery includes the Annapurna peak,  the glacial pyramid of Dhaulagiri  peak, both towering over 8000m,  and the Machhapuchhare peak, at nearly 7000m, considered one of the most beautiful mountains in the world.

Dhaulagiri

Machhapuchhare

 

The trek follows ancient paths used as trade routes between Nepal and Tibet which offer a glimpse into the diverse lifestyles, cultures and traditions of the many peoples living in the region.  As the path descends, the distinct climactic zones open to a wide range of flora and fauna and varied wildlife viewing.  Along the way, you’ll come across dense bamboo forests, swaying footbridges over tumultuous gorges, terraced rice paddies, high mountain villages, river valleys and temples and towns.  Trekking the entire circuit, you’ll pass through 73 villages with over 500 inns and hotels offering comfortable lodgings. .Indeed this is no desolate wasteland!  

Village on the Trek

Considered one of the best treks in the world, the challenge of the Annapurna Circuit is due more to the towering heights it reaches rather than the effort required for the trek itself.   To be sure, the paths are wide, the terrain easy with hikes more like a collection of day walks rather than strenuous climbs.  Unlike most long treks, there is no need to carry food or tents as you stop in villages along the way and lodge in local hotels and inns.  None of the necessities associated with self-sufficient hiking are called for, enabling you to concentrate on the essence – the sheer and utter beauty of the surrounding panorama and the splendid  peaks looming above.

The Annapurna Circuit is one of the most beautiful in the world, ranging in treks  lasting  between 11-17 days.    On the west side of Thorungh La Pass, nestled beneath the grandeur of Mt. Nelgiri, lies Jomson at 2700m.  Jomson offers an ideal trek alternative to the length and complexity of the full circuit trek.  Tucked in between the two giant mountain ranges of Annapurna and Dhaulgiri, Jomson can be reached by short flights from Pokhara.  Located at the bottom of the Kali Gandaki Valley, the world’s deepest gorge, you may venture on to leisurely day treks, effortlessly walking on level surface, or explore the region by pony.  Accommodations here are among the best in the country’s trekking regions and amenities are plentiful.

Hikes from Jomson

Be it a trek around the entire circuit or the Jomson alternative, the Annapurna range provides extraordinary family adventure travel in Nepal and an adventure hiking experience  in a region that is truly one of the world’s best.

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Family Adventure Hiking in Nepal’s Everest Region

On May 27, 2011, In Biking & Hiking, Outdoor Adventure Travel, By Sylvia Arad

If you are dead set on seeing Mount Everest from the ground, a trek in the Khumbu region of Nepal is an adventure outdoors suited for all age groups.  Family hiking vacations in the region are limited to reaching an altitude of no more than 4000m lasting no longer than 3-5 days.  

Phakding

Starting out, a short and breathtaking flight takes you from Kathmandu to Lukla, a pleasant town at 2800 m and the launching point of travel to Mt. Everest.   From Lukla, a 2.5 hour trek down to Phakding takes you to a quiet village resembling a ski resort and an excellent base to acclimatize.  At 2600m, Phakding, with its peaks towering above the clouds, its lush green surroundings and pure, clean waters of the Dudh Kosi (Milk River  offers amazing scenery.

Dudh Kosi River

 

From Phakding, a short day’s climb brings you to Namche Bazaar.  At a stunning 3400m above sea level, Namche Bazaar is an odd and delightful town, teeming with Sherpa life and a tourism industry geared to providing supplies, accommodations and food for Everest trekkers.  Even before trekking became its mainstay, Namche was already a market town, at the crossroads for Tibetans trading with Nepalese.  If you need to adjust to the altitude or just see the sights, Namche offers many short walks in the region. 

Namche Bazaar

Set in a bowl and surrounded by snow-capped mountains with icy waterfalls running down into the valley and river below, Namche is a welcome shelter in the hills.  The town is full of shops, stalls, cafes, bakeries, teahouses and hotels.  Its narrow steep paths leave little room for the many passing yaks, yet the melodic clinking of their bells, the daily hustle-bustle, the descending clouds and mid-afternoon cold all make Namche Bazaar a magical place.  Saturday mornings give rise to a fascinating spectacle when the town holds its weekly market, where locals come to sell their wares and buy supplies.

Namche stalls and paths

Saturday Market

A popular short but steep walk from Namche leads to the Everest View Hotel, the last luxury hotel in the area.  A second gently rolling path takes you through Synaghoche via the helipad, used to bringing visitors and supplies directly to the hotel.  As its eponymous name suggests, the Everest View Hotel offers the best views here of Mt. Everest and other peaks.  Perched at approximately 3800m, the hotel terrace, where you can sit with a drink to just soak up the views on a clear day, features fantastic vistas of Mt. Everest, peeping from behind Thanserku and stunning Ama Dablam peaks, lower but no less  impressive.

View from Everest View Hotel

 

From Namche Bazaar, head up to Tengboche Monastery.  A fabulous walk, the paths and trails afford striking views of Mt. Everest and other magnificent peaks.  The walk winds its way up and follows the Dudh Kosi River, which you cross again and again on bouncy steel-cable suspension bridges.  The trail meanders through small Sherpa villages, while passing Buddhist stupas (temples) and Mani stones, prayer flags and banners.  Covered with prayers, the flags and poles are abundant in Sherpa towns where legend has it that prayers are sent heavenward with every flap of the flags.  The same prayers are carved on Mani stones, some reaching a height of 15m.

Tengboche

Coloful Stupas en Route

Suspension bridge over Dudh Kosi River

Lying on a ridge at an altitude of nearly 3900 m (13,000ft), Tengboche is the spiritual center for the Sherpas in the region.  The area is considered holy with Everest expeditions traditionally stopping to receive blessings here.  Located in Sagarmatha National Park, Tengboche Monastery is the base of the park’s wildlife refuge, significantly due to a religious Buddhist decree here forbidding killing or hunting.  In the peaceful, ancient surrounding forests, tahr and goral, wild species of goat-antelope and endangered musk deer roam.  Stunning vies of the ice walls of Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and other peaks dominate the landscape here.

Mani Stones along the Way

On your return towards Lukla, a highlight not to miss  is Khumjing.  Sitting at the base of the holy mountain Khumbila, this lovely, very traditional Sherpa village has many interesting Mani stones and colorful old and new stupas.   It also hosts a well-known monastery housing what is traditionally considered a yeti scalp – the scalp of the “abominable snowman”.  A small donation ensures viewing this highlight, especially fascinating for younger family members.

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Discover Australia’s Fascinating Adventure Playground

On May 3, 2011, In Active Australia & New Zealand Kid-Friendly Vacations, Biking & Hiking, Outdoor Adventure Travel, Wildlife, By Sylvia Arad

Some 60 km west of Sydney  lie the Blue Mountains, Australia’s most accessible wilderness and an expanse offering a world of adventure.  With over one million hectares of the most breathtaking scenery, this paradise of nature is home to seven national parks providing a myriad of adventure travel experiences geared to every level and interest.

Blue Haze over Blue Mountains

A natural playground of craggy mountains, spectacular rainforests, breathtaking canyons and caves, awesome waterfalls and meandering rivers and creeks, the Blue Mountains provide adventures galore with miles of walking, hiking and biking trails, canyoning, rock climbing and adventure caving opportunities, as well as horseback riding, abseiling and 4 WD experiences.  Wildlife viewing is part and parcel of the area.

Wildlife - Kangaroos

Wildlife - Birds

Located at Katoomba, the main town and gateway to the Blue Mountains, the spectacular Three Sisters, a magnificent series of craggy rock formations, are one of the most spectacular not-to-be-missed highlights here.  Situated side by side, these 3 mountain peaks are surrounded by cliffs that resemble the Grand Canyon.  According to Aboriginal legend, 3 sisters of the Katoomba tribe fell in love with 3 brothers from a rival tribe.  In order to protect the sisters during the ensuing battle, the local witch doctor turned them into stone.  Intending to reverse the spell later on, the witch doctor was killed in the battle and the sisters remained in their breathtaking rock formation.  Short walks atop the peaks look out upon the panorama of the range and rock climbing, canyoning and caving are popular here.  The gentle 60 ft. drop from the top provides a spectacular abseil experience.  

The Three Sisters

 

The Featherdale Wildlife Center offers a natural wildlife zoo where native Australian animals, among them koalas, kangaroos and kookaburras, can be viewed.  A walk in the bush provides the natural setting for spotting these local residents.  Bushwalks, from 1 hour walks to challenging hikes, lead to tempting locations, among them the Ruined Castle and the Blue Gum forest.  Ridgetop walks, such as the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, open to amazing scenery and provide spectacular vistas of the Jamison and Grose Valleys.  And beautiful rainforests, such as the Leura Forest, are hidden in the depths of the towering canyons. 

Jamison Valley

For the more adventurous, 4WD trips take you exploring inland to such spots as the Jenolean Cave, an amazing cave formation   with intricate walks through its stalactite-stalagmite columns.  The 3-hour walk is a slithering-sliding caving experience, with even ghostly night walks offered!

For youngsters, the region’s best part is a series of scenic rides.  The Scenic Skyway provides a journey above the ancient ravines and sparkling waterfalls.  The highlight of the rides is the Scenic Railway, the steepest incline railway in the world, which features a smooth 415 m. descent from a cliffside tunnel to an ancient rainforest.  Here a Scenic Walkway guides through the rain forest to a Scenic Cableway which travels through the World Heritage listed Jamison Valley Rainforest.

Scenic Skyway

The breathtaking landscapes, terrain and activities available to travelers in Australia’s Blue Mountains lend themselves to an unmatched family adventure holiday experience.

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Adventure Holidays UK

On March 25, 2011, In Biking & Hiking, Outdoor Adventure Travel, By Sylvia Arad

Adventure is available all over the UK and whatever you`re into it can be catered for here. Mountain Climbing, canoeing, white water rafting, pot holing and much more can be found all across Britain. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all have their individual attractions for the adventure enthusiast and the list of activities is almost endless.

Wales is known for its spectacular scenery and imposing mountains. There are various ascents to the summit of Mount Snowdon, Wales` highest peak and these vary in their difficulty. Climbers may also like to tackle the Welsh 3,000`s: These are a range of mountains across the country, each with a height in excess of three thousand feet.

Climbing Mt. Snowdon

This is a challenge similar to that of the Scottish Munros and Scotland of course has its own opportunities to scale great mountains such as Ben Nevis. Scotland is also home to some great skiing and Aviemore is the most popular location for this particular sport.

View from Ben Navis

Scotland`s scenery is ideal for a whole host of activities and river based sports such as canoeing and white water rafting amongst others can be found in abundance here.

A more gentle pursuit but one that is still extremely rewarding is simply walking or rambling. From gentle ambles to more challenging walks, the UK has it all and if you are feeling particularly enthusiastic, you can undertake some of Britain`s longer walks such as Hadrian`s Wall, The Pennine Way or even the fanous Lands End to John O`Groats hike.

A Roman Fort Along Hadrian's Wall

Another great way to see the spectacular scenery that Britain has to offer is by horse riding. Tailor made horse riding holidays are available right across the UK and these can take in some of the best national parks such as the Lake District, the Peak District and the Yorkshire Dales.

In the Yorkshire Dales

At the very south western tip of the UK lies one of the best counties for adventure holidays. Cornwall is home to many activities and it has built a reputation for being one of the best surfing locations around. Surfing enthusiasts descend on towns such as Newquay to take advantage of the waves and everything else that the county has to offer.

Surfing on Newquay Beach

Cornwall, like many sea based counties across Britain also offers perfect opportunities for windsurfing, speed boating and sea fishing amongst many other exciting pastimes.

Cornish Beaches Offer Every Kind of Adventure

If two wheels are your preferred mode of transport, then bespoke cycling holidays are widely available throughout the UK. Road cycling can take in some of the best areas of Britain and mountain biking takes you off the beaten track to explore some more testing terrain.

Across the UK there are purpose built outdoor pursuits centres where you can participate in many of the activities listed here. For the more adventurous you can even take in some extreme sports such as parachuting or bungee jumping.

Accommodation is plentiful across Britain and there are many locations with Allhallows Holiday Park offers available to help make your adventure holiday one that you will remember for a lifetime.

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Adventure Cycling in Argentina’s Lake District

On January 21, 2011, In Biking & Hiking, Outdoor Adventure Travel, By Sylvia Arad

Nestled into the foothills of the Andes Mountains on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, Bariloche is the gateway to Patagonia’s Lake District.  Packed with hikers in the summer and skiers in winter, this region is South America’s ultimate Switzerland, with its Alps-chalet style buildings, chocolate factories and shops, and log cabins serving fondue.  Largely settled by immigrants from Switzerland, Germany and Austria, Bariloche reflects its alpine heritage in its architecture, landscapes and lifestyle.

Bariloche

Against a backdrop of glacial bodies of deepest blue waters, evergreen forests and the Andes Mountains to the west, the Lake District with Bariloche at its heart, is arguably one of the most beautiful parts of Argentina.  Trekking, skiing, rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, fishing and every other imaginable outdoor activity are on offer in the region.

Lake Nahuel Huapi

 

On Circuito Chico

Cycling enthusiasts can kick off their adventure by taking on the El Circuito Chico (the Short Circuit). Those with less stamina as well can enjoy a tour of the route by bus or car.    This 65 km ride starts out in Bariloche, looping around Lake Nahuel Huapi, the largest of the region’s 20 lakes, for unparalleled lake and mountain scenery and heart-pumping biking.   Cycling out on a busy lakefront road from Bariloche, you quickly leave behind the urban sprawl while Cerro Lopez, a 6811 ft. high peak looms ahead.  The road passes through expansive evergreen-forested scenery with never-ending views of the lake close by.

Entering Colonia Suiza

Spanning the narrow channel where Lake Nahuel Huapi meets Lake Moreno, cross the Angostara Bridge to a hidden cove and take in the splendid water scenery.   The road heads into the hills, but before this heart-thumping climb, take a side trip onto the gravel path leading into Colonia Suiza (Swiss Colony), located next to a small outcrop and bay on Lago Moreno.  Here, enjoy hot Swiss chocolate and alfajores, Argentina’s favorite cookie, before retracing your steps.

View from Cerro Lopez

Back on the Circuito Chico, bike uphill to Cerro Lopez, stopping to catch your breath and the jaw-dropping view at the highest point, Punto Panoramico.  From this privileged vantage point, an incredible vista spreads out over Lake Moreno to the lovely Llao Llao Hotel, and beyond, the majestic Andes with views of the lakes stretching out in every direction.  From here, the road trends down towards the narrow inlet and bay of Bahia Lopez, a favored swimming spot for locals.

View from Punto Panoramico

Continuing on, you’ll hit the Llao Llao Peninsula Reserve, a beautiful Valdivian forest well worth exploring.  An easy stroll here takes you to Lake Escondido, a lovely hidden mountain lake.  Getting on your bike, you’ll face an easy descent through the park towards the Llao Llao Hotel and Porto Panuelo, the main port of embarkation for most boat tours on Lago Nahuel Huapi.  Halfway down, a slight detour reveals the lakeside village of Villa Tacul, set on an inlet on the water. 

Villa Tacul

Rising unmistakably a little further, the Hotel Llao Llao, notably one of Argentina’s finest resorts, sits on a bluff above Lake Moreno.  It is well worth taking a walk around the hotel’s lovely grounds.  A stop for lunch here at the casual Café Patagonia, whose panoramic windows offer stunning views with majestic scenery of mountains and lakes, is highly recommended. 

Hotel Llao Llao

 

After a visit here, all that remains is to wind your way back to Bariloche, before your next trip to Porto Panuela for a cruise on the lake.

Bariloche's Swiss Chalets

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