Sponsored content
If you have an adventurous spirit, chances are you think discovering new countries, experiencing different cultures, and exploring our beautiful planet are some of life’s greatest joys. And while it’s nice to kick back on the beach or visit your favourite city again, for many of us, travel is about exciting, brand-new experiences.
Summer may be the most popular time to travel, but there are adventures to be found at any time of year. Cold weather and snowy conditions may not lend themselves to a beach break, but they do open up otherwise-inaccessible places, encouraging you to try things you couldn’t do at home, and allowing you to see another side of our wonderful world.
To get you inspired, we’ve partnered with Exodus, a leading UK small group adventure company. Established 50 years ago, Exodus was founded on the spirit of adventure and a desire not just to visit new places, but to understand what they’re all about. These award-winning tours delve into local traditions, cultures, and lifestyles, allowing you to make the most of your destination while travelling sustainably and respectfully.
And, as part of their Black Friday sale, if you book before 2nd December 2024, you can enjoy 20% off all Exodus trips departing in January, February, and March 2025. To shine a light on the diversity of Exodus tours, we’ve compiled a list of our favourites, from the Arctic to the equator. Here are 11 amazing adventures for every season.
1. Finnish Wilderness Week
If you’re dreaming of a winter adventure – a chance to see the Northern Lights and explore beautiful yet desolate landscapes – Exodus’s Finnish Wilderness Week might be the trip for you. Journey into Finland’s remote Oulanka National Park, where your basecamp (a cosy cluster of cabins) overlooks the peaceful Juuma Lake. Located just beyond the Arctic Circle, the scenery is ethereal, and snow-crowned forests and frozen rivers glimmer in the winter light.
This is a chance to try all manner of snow-based sports and activities, from cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to dog-sledding. You’ll learn how to make a quinzee (a shelter built from snow), and can even spend the night inside your construction. On an evening snowshoe hike, you’ll trek through this silent, snowy wilderness, feeling worlds apart from the rush of city life – and you may even spot the Northern Lights as they dance across the sky.
2. Arctic Circle Aurora Adventure
If you want to venture even further into the Arctic Circle, and explore a region so wild it’s considered Europe’s last true frontier, the Arctic Circle Aurora Adventure may be for you. This week-long experience is based on the island of Muonionalusta, 125 miles above the Arctic Circle in Swedish Sápmi – otherwise known as Lapland. There are only seven full-time inhabitants at this chalet camp…that’s how remote and untamed this part of the world is.
Your cabins will be cosy, but outside a world of wintery wonder awaits. You can spend days trekking through frozen landscapes, going snowshoeing and dogsledding, and hurtling through the wilderness on a snowmobile safari. You’ll meet a local family and learn about the Sámi culture and, at night, hunt for the Northern Lights in the vast, glittering sky. A highlight is a two-day forest expedition, where you’ll stay in a traditional log cabin and connect with your peaceful, pristine surroundings.
3. Iceland Explorer
Iceland is known for its otherworldly scenery, and on Exodus’s 10-day Iceland Explorer voyage, the landscapes may just take your breath away. Home to gleaming glaciers, snow-capped mountains, smoking volcanoes, and thundering waterfalls, the beauty of this raw wilderness is almost indescribable. On this 10-day trip, you’ll visit popular tourist spots in the south, the Eastern Fjords, the craggy coastline, and the remote, rugged north.
Plus, the tour is available in both summer and winter. If you’re drawn to snow-covered landscapes, and are keen to see the Northern Lights, winter may be the time to travel. Alternatively, the endless days of summer allow you to really maximise your time here. Whichever season you choose, you can swim in geothermal pools, visit the capital Reykjavik, explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and tick off the famous Golden Triangle: Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Hot Springs, and Thingvellir National Park.
4. The Silk Road
The frozen far north isn’t for everyone, so if you fancy venturing off-the-beaten-track in warmer climes, what about Exodus’s 16-day Silk Road adventure? This epic expedition takes you to three of the most beautiful yet underrated countries in the world: Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. You’ll travel along the old Silk Road, following in the footsteps of ancient traders and merchants to uncover the astounding diversity of Central Asia.
This part of the world is home to towering mountains, seemingly endless deserts, and historic cities that boast some of the world’s most stately architecture. You’ll tour Bukhara and Khiva, Uzbekistan’s Silk Road cities, and explore the mountains, gorges, and lakes of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Along the way, you’ll delve into the region’s cultural heritage, spending a night in a yurt, learning about nomadic communities, and sampling delicious local cuisine.
5. Cycle Indochina and Angkor
Or, if you’re more drawn to Southeast Asia – and you’re a keen cyclist – why not visit Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam? Exodus’s 14-day Cycle Indochina and Angkor tour will see you pedalling through these countries’ most beautiful and varied regions while learning about their divergent histories and different cultures. You’ll travel from bustling Bangkok to historic Ho Chi Minh City, stopping at many of Southeast Asia’s most awe-inspiring sights along the way.
There will be nine days of cycling – and, luckily, the local cuisine is fabulous, making fuelling up at the start and end of each day a joy. A tour highlight is cycling through the jungle temples of Angkor, the Eighth Wonder of the World, while in Phnom Penh, you’ll visit the Genocide Museum and Killing Fields to learn about Cambodia’s harrowing past. And, in the beautiful Mekong Delta, you’ll stay in a traditional guesthouse to experience Vietnamese hospitality.
6. Cycle the Coast of Kerala
Like the idea of a cycling holiday but would rather explore India than Southeast Asia? Exodus’s Cycle the Coast of Kerala trip takes you along the shores and rivers of southern India, allowing you to see the more relaxed side of this famously frenetic country. Kerala is home to idyllic beaches, colourful coastal towns, and tranquil backwaters, and on this eight-day tour, you’ll experience the best of this stunning southern Indian state.
The cycling is gentle, with plenty of time to meet friendly locals as you go. You’ll take a cultural tour (on both bike and foot) through the old spice town of Kochi, stopping to feast on the mouthwatering local cuisine. You’ll experience authentic Keralan culture during a village homestay, cruise through the backwaters on a traditional houseboat, relax in the coastal town of Varkala, and kick back on truly blissful beaches.
7. Trails of Vietnam
Vietnam has it all: beautiful beaches, historic towns, compelling history, and fragrant, delicious food. If you’d like to visit this captivating country by itself, savouring your time here and soaking up the local culture, this Trails of Vietnam tour could be for you. During this 14-day trip, you’ll explore by bike, on foot, and by boat, meeting local people and getting a fascinating insight into everyday life.
Because you’ll be travelling in such varied ways, you won’t only see the major sights, you’ll also discover Vietnam’s dazzling diversity. Paddle past limestone peaks in Halong Bay, hike through remote hillside villages, cycle past emerald rice fields, and navigate the Mekong Delta by boat. You’ll tour the capital Hanoi as well as historic Hue and elegant Hoi An, step back in time in the Cu Chi war tunnels, and stay in a traditional family guesthouse.
8. Ancient Egypt and Nile Cruise
If you’re interested in history, there’s a good chance you’ve always dreamed about visiting Egypt. A river cruise is arguably the best way to discover the wonders of Ancient Egypt and on this Egypt and Nile Cruise, you’ll uncover thousands of years of history. As you drift down the River Nile on your stylish boat, you can enjoy scenic views and dazzling sunsets and paddle close to the banks in a felucca – a traditional boat the Ancient Egyptians used to sail in.
During this eight-day excursion, you’ll tick off many of the ‘must-see’ sights, from the Giza Pyramids and Great Sphinx in Cairo to the wonders of Luxor. From Luxor, you’ll cruise down the Nile to Aswan, where you can discover Nubian culture, stopping off to visit the spectacular Edfu and Kom Ombo temples, as well as other historical attractions. With an expert Egyptologist onboard, this trip is as educational as it is inspirational.
9. Highlights of Morocco
Egypt isn’t the only North African country that’s a joy to explore. Morocco is home to hulking mountains, rugged gorges, bewitching cities, and seemingly endless stretches of sand. And, on Exodus’s 14-night Highlights of Morocco tour, you’ll see them all. Led by an expert guide, you’ll visit all four of Morocco’s Imperial Cities: Marrakech, Rabat, Meknes, and Fez. You can stroll through maze-like medinas, haggle in lively souks, and feast on local dishes like tagine.
But you’ll see far more than just cities on this immersive tour. You’ll also journey over almost-boundless Sahara sands, ride a camel over rolling dunes, and sleep under desert stars in a traditional camp. Hike through the mighty Atlas mountains, visiting Tighza, a remote Amazigh village where you’ll sip mint tea and chat with friendly locals. The awe-inspiring fortified village of Ait Benhaddou is also on the itinerary, as is Todra Gorge and the old Portuguese fishing port of Essaouira.
10. Wildlife and Wilderness of Botswana
If you’re a wildlife enthusiast who’s drawn to dramatic landscapes, you might want to think about visiting Botswana. One of the most beautiful and most intriguing countries in Africa, Botswana is home to truly astounding scenery – from the still and silent Makgadikgadi Pans to the roaring Victoria Falls. On Exodus’s two-week Wildlife and Wilderness of Botswana tour, you’ll immerse yourself in this captivating country’s wild side, experiencing Africa’s natural world at its most impressive.
Highlights include canoeing along the Okavango Delta, trying to spot the ‘Big Five’ on game drives, and wild camping beneath billions of glittering stars. You’ll also visit the otherworldly Makgadikgadi Salt Pan – a place so quiet legend says you can hear your blood flow – and Chobe National Park, which is known for its large elephant population. The power of Victoria Falls will likely take your breath away, while a safari in Moremi Reserve gives you more chances to spot lions, elephants, leopards, and cheetahs.
11. Southern Africa Safari: Kruger and Coast
For an alternative, but equally unforgettable African adventure, why not consider Exodus’s Southern Africa Safari: Kruger and Coast tour? During this thrilling 11-day experience, you’ll explore both South Africa and Mozambique in search of fascinating animals, visiting destinations that are so beautiful you may think you’ve stumbled into a dream. Your wildlife-watching tours will be led by expert guides, who will pass on fascinating information and help you spot more elusive creatures.
In South Africa, you’ll visit Hluhluwe-iMfolozi National Park to search for lions, elephants, and rhinos; before heading to Lake St Lucia, to cruise in the hippo and croc-filled waters. Crossing over to Mozambique, you’ll enjoy boat trips in the Indian Ocean and a true once-in-a-lifetime experience: swimming with dolphins. Back in South Africa, you’ll have two full safari days in Kruger National Park before exploring Blyde River, Graskop Gorge, and finally finishing in Johannesburg.
Final thoughts…
Whether you’re keen to explore the frozen far north or would rather feel like an intrepid explorer in sunny Southern Africa, there’s an Exodus tour for every adventurer.
If you’re looking to delve deeper into age-old traditions and local customs, learn more about a region’s wildlife, or spend time with the local people in the places you visit, Exodus adventures offer just that, giving you a richer, more meaningful way to explore the world.
From trekking adventures and cultural discoveries to cycling tours and wildlife encounters, each Exodus small group adventure caters for eight to 16 people and is led by an expert guide whose insight and local knowledge will make all the difference between you having a good trip and having the trip of a lifetime.
And, even better, as part of their Black Friday sale, if you book before 2nd December 2024, you can enjoy 20% off all Exodus trips departing in January, February, and March 2025.
Are you tempted by any of these trips? Have you been on an escorted tour before? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.