Outdoor Adventure Travel to India’s Irresistible Hill Stations

On December 27, 2011, In Archeology & Culture, Family Vacation Adventures in Asia, Outdoor Adventure Travel, Uncategorized, By Sylvia Arad

India’s hill stations, famed for their stunning scenery and cool air, were formed by the British during their colonial rule.  Located at an altitude ranging between 1000m-2500m, these towns, formally known as hill stations, are elevated from their adjacent valleys and plains, thus affording a refuge from India’s sweltering summer heat.  Beyond stunning scenery, lush green hills and snow-capped peaks, these retreats, found throughout India, offer a host of outdoor adventure travel activities for families:  Mountaineering, trekking, kayaking, skiing, mountain biking, climbing and paragliding are only some of the adventures on offer.

Shimla - View from Mall

Stained Glass Window in St. Michaels

Most of India’s hill stations are located in the north.  Perched on the hilltops at the foothills of the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh state, Shimla, the state’s capital, and Manali are among the most popular hill stations. Rediscovered and developed by the British since 1819, Shimla, carved on a mountain top at a height of 2196 m is breathtaking. With its colonial charm, it cool mountain breezes and lush pine forests, Shimla is the “queen of hill stations” and the summer capital of British India.  Its snow-capped peaks, beautiful valleys, cascading waterfalls and lovely lakes make it magical.  The region is dotted with temples and religious sites, among them St. Michael’s Cathedral , once considered India’s finest, and a masterpiece of stained glass construction. Not far, Narkanda offers amazing skiing slopes and other adventure activities in the region include trekking, river rafting, heli-skiing and fishing.

Shimla the Ridge photo by Betelgeuse from Wikimedia Commons

St. Michaels Cathedral

 Lively Manali is the starting point for the main overland artery to remote Ladakh, or “Little Tibet”, renowned for its beauty.  Spread along the banks of the Beas River, Manali is a place of snow-shrouded mountains, deep gorges and religious pilgrimages.  The area is punctuated by Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries and bright gompas.  Cascading waterfalls, sulfur springs and the Arjun Cave are among Manali’s highlights, and adventure pursuits include skiing throughout the year, as well as mountaineering, trekking and kayaking.  For a more serene setting, lovely Old Manali or Vashisht are the places to stay.

Skiing in Manali

Tibetan Temple in Manali by Mya M. from Wikimedia commons

Hirimba Temple Manali

Chamba, the charming capital of its eponymous district is well off the beaten path.  Its claim to fame lies in its temples and its vivid festivals – the annual harvest festival, Minjar, held in July and the Sui Mata festival, honoring the memory of a princess, held in April.  Founded in 920 AD, Chamba survived for nearly 1000 years until it fell to the British in 1845.  Perched on a ledge above the Ravi River, Chamba is well-known for its well-defined snow ranges where trekking is popular.

Delwarra in Mount ABu

Situated amidst a barren desertscape, Mount Abu is the only hill station in the state of Rajasthan.  This picturesque town is a green oasis with a stunning collection of exquisite Dilwara Jain temples, renowned for their architectural beauty and dating to the 11th century.  Situated on the highest peak of the Aravalli range, Mount Abu is considered a holy place and is a center for religious pilgrimages. Once the retreat for royals and later for the British, Mount Abu abounds with rivers, lakes, waterfalls, lush green forests and beautifully landscaped gardens.  The hill station is home to a wildlife sanctuary housing over 800 species of plants and a wide variety of wildlife, including leopard, sloth bear, wild boar, and samhar and jungle cat.

The numerous hill stations of North India offer the perfect off-the-beaten-path retreat for adventure travel holidays, relaxation and just sharing quality time with family and friends when traveling in India.

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Out-of-the Ordinary Adventure: The Arenal Volcano

On October 14, 2011, In Outdoor Adventure Travel, Rainforests & Jungles, Wildlife, By Sylvia Arad

The Arenal Volcano is one of the world’s most active volcanoes and one of Costa Rica’s most popular destinations.  Located in north central Costa Rica, this perfect conical-shaped volcano rises steeply to a height of 1657 m. (5436 ft.).  A formidable presence, the sight of the erupting volcano is mesmerizing.  It begins with the sound of the mountain rumbling like thunder.  Columns of smoke and ash spew from its 140 m. deep crater, as lava and smoking cinder blocks tumble down the steep slopes.  Some days, the volcano blows several times in a short time span, erupting on all sides.

Arenal Volcano

The Arenal Volcano looms over La Fortuna, the closest town just 6 km.  away, where great photo opportunities can be had.  The town is the gateway to the volcano’s eponymous national park and to beautiful Lake Arenal, Costa Rica’s largest water reservoir.    To get closer, the Arental Volcano National Park features trails through old lava flows and lush secondary forests, through large fields and sun patches which lead to the base of the volcano.  Climbing atop the base area, you’ll get a once-in-a-lifetime view of nearby Lake Arenal and a captivating close-up glimpse of the volcano.  Here vibrant rainbows can often be seen in the clouds off the peak and the sunset casts a gold and amber spell over the volcano’s slopes.  Night brings with it a tremendous lighting show as erupting red-hot boulders and iridescent lava flows down the slopes to create a breathtaking sight.

Lake Arenal

Attractions in the area are not limited to the volcano.  Cascading waterfalls, hot springs, hiking trails and wildlife provide ample adventure opportunities.  La Fortuna is very small and quaint, with a picturesque church that dominates the town.  A hike down from the town takes you to the very scenic La Fortuna Waterfall,  where you can climb along the rocks, relax in the cool streams emerging from the falls and swim in the pool where the falls tumble into the water. 

Hiking Down to the Waterfall

La Fortuna Waterfall

In general, the entire region is resplendent with plummeting waterfalls, lush tropical gardens and luxurious hot springs surrounded by flowers of every description and by colorful birds.  Try bathing in one of the hot springs that flow like white rivers through green jungles as they divert into pools.  Located near the volcano, Tabacon Hot Springs are the finest volcanic springs in the area.  Twenty pools hewn from lava rocks are set in a lush tropical garden with lovely paths leading from one to another.  While frolicking in the pools, close-up sights of the erupting volcano are awesome here, especially at night.  In addition, guests can rejuvenate in the local mud baths and spa.

Some of the Springs at Tabacon Hot Springs

Tabcon Pool

Picture of Arenal Volcano
thanks to Magnus Manske From Wikimedia Commons and Ookaboo!

For Nature lovers, the Arenal area won’t disappoint.  The many hiking trails afford stunning views of the forests, lakes, waterfalls and wildlife.  The national park offers excellent volcano vistas while hanging bridges feature various paths to observe the surrounding forest.  For those into adventure, zip-lining through the forest, rappelling down waterfalls, ATV safaris and horseback riding are all offered.  And when all the adventures have been exhausted, a dip in the hot springs with cinematic views of the volcano will revitalize any spirit.

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Discover the Riveting Beauty of Costa Rica’s Natural Wonders and Wildlife

On September 2, 2011, In Outdoor Adventure Travel, Rainforests & Jungles, Wildlife, By Sylvia Arad

A premiere eco-tourism destination, Costa Rica is a treasure trove for wildlife adventure.  Its numerous national parks are nature’s live theater, inhabited by rare and magnificent species, while its wonderful hiking trails meander through the country’s natural wonders.

Hiking in Costa Rica

Beautiful trails abound in the humid rain and cloud forests, on the clay paths skirting the numerous volcanoes and through the tracks of wildlife refuges and biological reserves.  Nature hikes range from well-marked easy paths to challenging trails that traverse through a variety of ecosystems in the country’s rich forests, volcanoes and coasts.

Costa Rica's Beautiful Hiking Trails

The numerous trails around Arenal Volcano will awaken your spirit of adventure while the easily accessible hiking paths in Cahuita National Park follow the coastline.  Corcovado National Park is an excellent venue for enthusiastic hikers and offers outstanding wildlife viewing.   Other great hiking areas include the Monteverde Cloud Forest and Rincon de la Vieja National Park, where a range of easy hikes lead to boiling mud pots, bird-filled forests with   waterfalls and water holes where hikers can soak in cool waters. 

A Myriad of Birds on Hiking Trails

Hiking in Costa Rica is the way to experience what nature and the pristine diverse environs have to offer.  The scenery is truly splendid and wildlife viewing and adventures are best realized on foot.

 

Wildlife Adventures

  The rainbow colors of scarlet macaws, toucans and flashes of blue and green hummingbirds envelop the forests with vibrant sights and sounds.  Monkeys galore, including white capuchins, howlers and others are easily spotted cavorting through the dense forest branches, with iguanas and coatimundis hot on their heels. Shaggy fur sloths, camouflaged by green-tinted algae, barely move to make themselves indistinguishable from their surroundings.  Red-eyed tree frogs, electric-blue morphos, the neon spectacle of the butterfly world, make for an awe-gaping show.

Red Eyed Tree Frog

Blue Morpho Butterfly

Throughout Costa Rica, wildlife refuge centers, natural wildlife museums and nature reserves abound.  Monte Verde Cloud forest alone boasts a reptile museum, a butterfly house and several other natural museums.  Tortuguero National park is home and refuge to the world’s most diverse range of turtles, including Hawksbill, Green Sea, Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles, which nest along its pristine beaches throughout much of the year.  A sloth sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates injured sloths, and the Barra Del Colorado Wildlife Refuge offers a protected wildlife environment to a wide range of animals.

White Capuchin Monkey

Colorful Humming Birds

Costa Rica boasts a tempting wildlife environment featuring both guided wildlife exploration with expert naturalists as well as a myriad of self-guided opportunities.

Rich, lush and teeming with biodiversity, Costa Rica is one of the world’s best all-encompassing adventure destinations for every age and every type of traveler. Its coastline boasts superb beaches, and inland, its volcanoes and numerous great rainforests flourish.  Coupled with excellent hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities, as well as a countless range of additional adventure activities, Costa Rica is an ideal family adventure vacation destination.

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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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Hiking Vacations on Cradle Mountain

On April 29, 2011, In Active Australia & New Zealand Kid-Friendly Vacations, Outdoor Adventure Travel, Wildlife, By Sylvia Arad

If you’ve ever wanted to leave civilization behind, get close to nature, spend quality family time and experience some great wilderness, nothing beats Cradle Mountain in Tasmania.  A model for accessible wilderness in Tasmania’s best known national park, Cradle Mountain is  located in the World Heritage Wilderness Area of the spectacular Cradle Mt./St. Claire National Park. 

Mural at Sheffield

Tasmania had long been a source of fascination for us, and  being in Australia, we had every intention of experiencing this island.  We started out in Launceston, planning an early morning start.  Along the way, there was much to see – waterfalls, plants and animals we had never before encountered.  What impressed us most, however, was the small town of Sheffield.  Passing though, we stopped in our tracks, struck by the many murals we saw around us.  The town is a fascinating place to wander, with some 40 murals adorning the buildings, depicting rural life, the region’s history and its legends.

We arrived at our lodge in the evening to be greeted by a warm, toasty fire and simple creature comforts.  Situated in a unique wilderness setting, the lodge sits amidst the rugged beauty of entrancing ancient mountain peaks and glacial lakes, and offers numerous activities including horse riding, fishing, canoeing and guided hiking.

Cradle Mountain Lodge

We rose early next morning, planning a full day of walking.  Making our way to the park’s entrance, we were enveloped by cloud forests.  At the entrance, we were awe-struck by the shrouded grandeur of the alpine eucalyptus landscape framed by the brooding peaks.   Stopping at the visitor center, we discovered an excellent facility with detailed information covering weather, track conditions, menus for shorter and longer walks and hikes, and extensive flora and fauna displays.

The Enchanted Walk

 As the sun broke through, we knew a good day for walking was ahead.  We started with a short walk along the banks of the Pencil Pine River on the Enchanted Walk, treading through tea tree thickets, eucalypt woodlands and mossy myrtle forests.  We hoped to catch a glimpse of the elusive platypus in the waters, and were not disappointed when we caught sight of a wombat instead!

Surprising Wombat

Pencil Pine Falls

We continued following the track along a boardwalk to Pencil Pine Falls, where the cascading falls greeted us and the tranquil river beckoned.  After frolicking in the invigorating water, we set out for our longer walk around nearby Dove Lake.  Dove Lake is the starting point of the famous Overland Track, a 5-day hike covering nearly 90 km and ending at Lake St. Claire.   

Dove Lake with Backdrop of Cradle Mt.

As the clouds lifted, the lake mirrored a panoramic display  of the Cradle Mountain peaks and forests to expose the full glory of this inspiring place.  We meandered on, watching the grazing wallabies and native birds feasting on wildflowers.  At the lake’s southern shore, we stopped for a family picnic and paused to enjoy the pristine view, whose silver blue waters were ruffled only by  canoeists gliding gently down.

Dove Lake from the Overland Track

The 3 hr. walk around the circuit took us through a primeval forest and rugged, beautiful landscape framed by the jagged Cradle Mountain peaks.  We returned to the lodge to the warmth of a roaring log fire,  the delights of delicious hot soup and the pleasure of knowing we had yet another day of family adventure outdoors in the Tasmanian wilderness ahead of us.

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Unique Family Hiking Vacations in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains

On March 29, 2011, In Archeology & Culture, Outdoor Adventure Travel, By Sylvia Arad

One of the best ways to experience the wonders of Morocco is by hiking.  Whether walking an hour or trekking a week, Morocco is best appreciated out on the trails.  Dramatic and beautiful, the striking High Atlas Mountains, Morocco’s highest peaks, make this region a perfect trekking and adventure outdoors destination.

Blessed with plenty of rainfall and a varied climate, the Atlas Mountains feature an enticing combination of arid peaks, verdant valleys, fascinating Berber villages and virtually deserted trails.  The region is a Mecca for everything from easy rambles to challenging hikes, rock climbing and mountaineering.  On the other hand, outdoor adventure here is not limited to exploration on foot – mountain biking, horseback riding and 4 x 4 safaris are readily on offer.

At the center of most challenging trekking expeditions in the district sits Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in northern Africa.  Towering at nearly 4167 m, the trek up is strenuous but well worth the effect.  The view from the peak is other-worldly, encompassing the Marrakech plain, the northern part of the High Atlas and the Sahara.

Mount Toubkal

Todra Gorge

The Todra Gorge, near the village of Tinerher, is clearly among the most dramatic sights in the High Atlas.  The stunning scenery of towering 300m limestone cliffs, lush date and fig trees and an icy-blue river at the foot of the gorge form the backdrop for an amazing hiking adventure  At points, the pass through the gorge is no wider than 10 m, while the sheer rock formations tower above.  Wandering off the beaten track, trails lead to areas of absolute silence, where peace and serenity settle in quickly.  Not merely a mountain pass, the gorge forms part of the main access way between Tinerher and the town of Tamatattoucht in the Ait Morrhad Valley.   Alternatively, 4 x 4 safaris and horseback riding are another way to explore this amazing canyon.

Dotted by small, ancient villages terraced beautifully into the sides of the slopes and valleys, the foothills of the High Atlas are populated mainly by the Berbers, the original inhabitants of North Africa.  The culture and tradition of these peoples has remained intact, and their way of life simple:  Farmers tend their fields and orchards, goatherds watch over their charge and mountain life has hardly changed throughout the centuries.  Berber hospitality is second to none and the simple accommodations they offer afford travelers and trekkers a glimpse into local life.

berber Village on Atlas hills

Berber washerwomen

The off-the-beaten-trek region of the High Atlas Mountains presents varied and undiscovered routes, amazing scenery and plenty of hiking trails and adventure travel opportunities at their best.

Atlas Mountains Colors

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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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Turkey Adventure Travel Itinerary: Walking the Ancient Lycian Way

On December 28, 2010, In Archeology & Culture, Biking & Hiking, Eastern Mediterranean Adventures, Outdoor Adventure Travel, By Sylvia Arad

Perfect for travelers who love hiking and adventure combined with a cultural experience, this 8-day sample itinerary is designed to give you a better idea for what you could expect on a Turkey adventure trip  walking the Lycian Way.

8 – Day Sample Itinerary for Walking the Lycian Way:

Day 1:   Oludeniz to Kayakoy: This morning a short drive takes you to Oludeniz, a glittering lagoon from where you begin to climb along a trail with magnificent views of seascapes below.  Then walk downhill and stop at the astonishing Ghost town of Kayakoy, whose inhabitants were part of the mass population exchanges of the 1920’s. In the afternoon, walk a pine-shaded path to Affouli Monastery, a dramatic cliff side monument with magnificent sightings of the Mediterranean.  End the day at your hotel in Fethiye. (Walking 4 hrs.)

ancient Kayakoy Village

Day 2:  Walk from Ovacik to Faralya: Today drive to the Ovacik.    Your walk today on the Lycian Way starts and rises on to the mountain range, where stunning vistas of the lagoon and turquoise sea below can be viewed.  After the climb the route descends to Kirme Village and on to the pristine town of Faralya, where Turkish hospitality and a traditional Turkish dinner await you.  (Walking 4 hrs.)  

Butterfly Valley between Ovacik and Faralya

Day 3.  Faralya to Alinca:  This morning a drive on the scenic route from Faralya takes

 you to a secluded cove at Kabak beach,  where  there’s time for a quick dip before starting the steep climb to the village of  Alinca.  This is one of the most scenic trails along the Lycian Way, with sweeping sea views on the way. (Walking 4 hrs.) 

Faralya to Alinca

Day 4.  Bogazici to Kalkan. Today a walk on trails lined with olive groves as you   ascend to Sidyma, an unspoilt historical site of Lycian tombs and Roman columns, where a picnic lunch awaits.  A short drive to Bel and  follow a track that takes you through pine forests and finally descends towards the coast.  The views open up and Patara appears in the distance to the backdrop of the blue sea.   Arrive in Kalkan for the evening.  (Walking 6 hrs.)

Kekova

Day 5.   Patara /Islands of Kekova.  This morning explore the ancient ruins at Patara.  Patara was founded by one of Apollo’s sons, Patarus, and was one of the most important Lycian seaports.  It is particularly known for its Temple and the oracle of Apollo.  This afternoon take a gullet (boat) trip to the sunken city, castle and islands at Kekova.   Return to Kalkan this evening. 

Day 6.  Kalkan to Olympos:  A drive to Myra, known for its amazing rock-cut cliff tombs and well-preserved Roman theatre.  Then on to the Church of St. Nicholas, who presided as the bishop of Myra and evolved as Santa Claus.  A short drive via Kas, once a quaint fishing village and now a lovely hillside resort by the sea, takes you  to Aperlea, a Lycian city dating to the 4th C. B.C. The city was famous for its Tyrian dyes, prized by the Romans for use in ceremonial robes.  From here  walk the coast following a discreet trail to Olympos.  On the way, there are  ancient tombs and remnants of Lycian, Roman and Byzantine buildings hidden among wild vegetation. (Walking 4 hrs.)

Olympos Beach

Day 7:  Alacasu Bay to Phaselis:  A morning walk starts at the secluded bay of Alacasu within Olympos National Park.  A lovely path leads through three coves to the beachfront ruins of ancient Phaselis, found in in 700 B.C.  The city was a major trade center and features Roman baths, agoras, theaters and numerous tombs.  After lunch, start out along a stream for an uphill walk to an open viewpoint.  Descend a rocky trail ending at the sacred site of Chimera, to see the flaming rocks here. Return to Cirali, at the base of Mt. Olympus. (Walking 51/2 hrs.)

Day 8; Cirali to Antalya:  A morning drive along a stretch of the beautiful Mediterranean coast for the starting point of the last walk.  Then climb a discreet path to Termassos, a wild mountain top settlement with spectacular views of the mountains and the Antalyan coast.  The path climbs steadily to the platform where the ancient city was built and leads to the well-preserved theater perched on the mountain cliffs.  From here, a 45 minute ride takes you  to the lovely port city of Antalya, where the  trip ends..  (Walking 4 hrs.)

Antalya

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Adventure Outdoors in Turkey’s Cappadocia

On December 14, 2010, In Archeology & Culture, Eastern Mediterranean Adventures, By Sylvia Arad

Far from Turkey’s seaside in central Anatolya, Cappadocia is a vast region where volcanic activity has resulted in bizarre, undulating landscapes and “fairy chimneys” – tall tapering spires of rock sculpted out of soft volcanic tuff by wind and water.  The region features some of the most spectacular scenery and topography in the world, and is an ideal destination for family vacation adventures.

Cappadocia's Fairy Chimneys

Besides its topography, Cappadocia is known for its unique dwellings of rock-carved homes and churches built by Greek Christians who inhabited the region until the early 20th century, and for its troglodyte villages – underground cities created to escape persecution.

Rock Carved Dwellings

Goreme Valley

At the center of Cappadocia, Goreme, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the most remarkable of these sights.  Molded   from a combination of volcanic tuff, basalt, wind and water, Goreme’s fairy chimneys, fantastic meringue-like shapes with tapering columns thrusting skywards, house entire dwellings which were chiseled into the soft rock – rooms, doors and windows – some inhabited to this day.  A part of the Roman and Byzantine empires, Cappadocia was home to a thriving monastic Christian community who carved churches and monasteries into the same soft earth and decorated them with pigments made of local plants and minerals. The Goreme Open Air Museum  is witness to some thirty of the most impressive of these rock-cut churches, whose vividly colored frescoes depict stories from the bible. Key-holed shaped doors, leading into arched and domed spaces and split-level structures with stairs running up and down characterize these edifices, and shrines tucked around corners with ornate frescoes adorn the interiors.

Frescoes in Church Cave

Derinkuyu, a small town between Goreme and Nigde, houses the most outstanding troglodyte village , an entire city constructed underground. A labyrinthine network of chambers and passages, carved beneath the earth, it was created to avoid religious persecution and marauders’ raids. As time went on, the complex became more and more elaborate, stretching down some eleven levels to a depth of 85 m and sprawling out over an ever-increasing area.  At its height, this underground city sheltered between 3000 – 50,000 people.  Though some 200 similar cities have been discovered in Cappadocia, Derinkuyu proffers to being the most extraordinary example.

Underground City at Derynkuyu

Beyond the scenery and topography, Cappadocia caters to adventure outdoors  and activities fitting  adventure travel holidays.  Hot air ballooning over the fairy chimneys in the early mornings is an experience not to be missed.  Hop across rivers, scramble up hills or simply stop to enjoy the scenery here – this is a great destination for a hiking vacations  combining superb and peaceful nature with history.  This is also the region for horseback riding, quad biking and jeep safaris – just some of the most popular activities to be had.

Ballooning in Cappadocia

Cappadocia exhibits the sheer scope of what man can do and leaves you marveling at the ingenuity of its people.  At the same time, it offers up  vacacation adventures galore in a region packed with outdoor activities for every age and level.

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