From the glistening waters of the Mediterranean to the soaring peaks of Spain’s Picos de Europa, these summer walking adventures are filled with nature, wildly beautiful scenery, and cultural experiences. There’s no better time to discover the unique treasures of each destination than during our Summer Adventures when daylight lingers into the evening and temperatures begin to climb. And to make your summer 2022 trip even more exciting, you can enjoy up to £300 off selected departures throughout May, June, July and August.
Walking in Puglia & Matera
Defined by soft, sandy coastlines, emerald waters and whitewashed Trulli houses that resemble a scene from a fairy tale, Puglia is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. Although this region is blessed with balmy temperatures year-round, the gentle breeze from the Adriatic cools the air, making it perfect for exploring on foot. In the summer months, the landscapes come alive with brightly-coloured butterflies and Italian Jasmine, and the vineyards and olive groves of the Itria Valley are in full bloom, bearing the richest of fruits. During this trip, you’ll have many opportunities to sample the world-famous wines and seasonal cuisine.
It’s not every town that can lay claim to starring in a James Bond film but Matera, a spectacular UNESCO town carved into Basilicata’s hillside, appears in the opening shot of No Time To Die. In between exploring the sights and immersing yourself in the local culture on this Walking in Puglia and Matera trip, there’ll also be time to swim in the warm waters of the Adriatic as you soak up the summer sunshine.
Trekking Borneo and Beyond
Looming over dense jungles and the Sulu Sea, Mt Kinabalu is the tallest peak in Borneo and South East Asia. On this exhilarating Borneo trek to its summit, you’ll discover diverse ecosystems and habitats that are found in rainforests, alpine meadows and Montane grasslands. Between the dry months of June and September, there is less chance of rainfall and the temperatures are milder, making it a great time to climb Mt Kinabalu. And because of the clearer skies, you can enjoy staggering views that reach as far as the Philippines, and there’s also a better chance of experiencing the phenomenal sunrise. Throughout the summer, wildlife abounds with more than 300 species of birds, 5,000 different plants and 100 species of mammals, including monkeys badgers, deer, flying lemurs and squirrels.
Summer is also one of the best times to explore the rainforest and mangroves at Sepilok when the flora is at its most verdant and fauna such as fiddler crabs, monitor lizards, macaques and orang-utans abound. Between June and September, the Cameron Highlands are covered in lush green tea plantations and the strawberry farms erupt with sweet scents and vibrant red hues.
Kilimanjaro Climb Rongai Route
Standing at 5,895 metres above sea level, Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa. The challenging ascent is best tackled during the months of June and September when there is less rainfall and the temperatures are warmer. However, it does mean that the mountain becomes busier at this time of year. If you want to avoid the crowds, June or September are the better options, and our Kilimanjaro Climb on the Rongai Route takes you along a much quieter trail.
Although the summer months can mean it’s often cloudy at the lower altitudes, above 3,500 metres it’s usually sunny and the clear skies give way to magnificent panoramas over the East African plains. During the drier months, it is much easier to spot wildlife such as monkeys, wild cats and antelope when there’s little foliage, and the low humidity means mosquitos won’t be a problem. Climbing the Rongai route in summer is when you’re most likely to see elephants, especially around the watering holes that can be found close to some of the campsites.
Walking the Picos de Europa
Affectionately known as Spain’s Dolomites, the distinctive limestone peaks of the Picos De Europa offer some of the most beautiful walks in the world. Throughout May and June, as the days become warmer and drier, brightly coloured wildflowers spread across the valleys, making it a picturesque paradise for walkers and wildlife lovers.
In September the more remote higher peaks become accessible and the last of the summer season lingers in the meadows. As the soaring temperatures of August begin to drop and the air remains dry, this is one of the most enjoyable months to walk the Picos de Europa. September is also a popular month with the local wildlife and is the best time to spot bears, wolves, wildcats, chamois, ibex and red deer.
Canadian Rockies Wilderness Walks
Spanning British Columbia and Alberta, the UNESCO-listed Canadian Rockies are made up of ice-capped peaks that flank emerald alpine lakes, best explored in August when the hiking paths are more accessible, the lakes are defrosted and the rivers are in full flow. With daytime temperatures reaching around 22 degrees Celsius, mid-summer in the wilderness of the Canadian Rockies is usually warm and sunny. This is the time when the landscapes are carpeted in wildflowers and the national parks are rife with animal species such as bears, moose, eagles and deer. August is also one of the optimal months for bird watching.
Summer in Calgary is an exciting time to explore the epic city of Calgary when the streets come alive with festivals and colourful events. The Calgary Stampede is one of the most popular festivals held every July with its famous annual rodeo.
If we’ve inspired you to discover our incredible destinations on foot this summer, take a look at our Summer of Adventure collection here.
