World Cup Fever - Join the Fun!

For fans of the Beautiful Game, where better to be than in the host nation itself? We recommend exploring South Africa’s dramatic landscape on the Cape Town to Victoria Falls trip, taking in the highlights of Namibia and Botswana along the way. However, if you fancy supporting one of the other World Cup contenders, we have a wide selection of trips visiting many of the qualifying nations, including Italy, France and Portugal.

Exodus' Paul Goldstein takes a look at the trekking Dream Team.

SOUTH AFRICA

It is still likely to be a long walk to freedom in footballing terms for the host nation. They are ready to host it, but are they ready to win it? They do have an Evertonian called Pienaar, but it’s unlikely you’ll see a film about him! What is sure is that anyone watching a fixture here is going to enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery on the whole continent. Journey from cosmopolitan Cape Town up through Namibia and onto Victoria Falls.

SPAIN

Recommended trips:
Walking in Andalucia (Trip Code: TDS)

Historic Andalucia (Trip Code: ADH) (with FREE cookery demonstration)

Picos Peaks & Gorges (Trip Code: TSQ)

Viva the favourites! If the matador is Torres, then the fancy Xavi and Iniesta are the cultured Seville and Cordoba, while Pique and Puyol are the rugged Sierra Nevada Peaks. It doesn't matter where you go in Spain, it will be impossible to miss Del Bosque 's side inexorable advance.

FRANCE

Handballing is so yesterday. A certain Argentinean made this famous and then Henry did the same. Not sure they have what takes if playing by the rules, but a week’s trekking on the idyllic French island of Corsica will surely cheer you up if France’s prima donnas under perform again! If that’s the case, you might be accompanied by a few long-faced locals too!

ITALY

Recommended trips:

The Amalfi Coast (Trip Code: TDA)

Walking in Tuscany (Trip Code: TDT)

Classic Dolomites (Trip Code: TWU)

Can the reigning champs do it again? With the age of their back four close to that of the Dolomites it will be a tough challenge – certainly tougher than our trekking trips around this beautiful footballing nation. Why not join the operatic tragedy in Naples, Pisa or Florence, or try the football-free mountains above these cities.

GREECE

The oldest civilization? Probably. The oldest coach at the World Cup? Definitely! King Otto will have his work cut out to repeat his country's astonishing success of 2004, but they are fit and tough enough. Fortunately to enjoy this trekking holiday around Evia you do not have to be either - although you do need to be more than an armchair trekker! Relaxing, beautiful and good at most times of year. Greece wins at trekking, but what about at the football? Feta Compli? Maybe.

PORTUGAL

Recommended trip: Walking in Madeira (Trip Code: TSD)

Oh how England have suffered at the hands of this nation. Despite the deified hair product champion Ronaldo, we predict Portugal will get through the group at best. They’ve had their time at the top enjoying the dizzying heights of success. Oh and talking of altitude, try some heady cliff tops in Madeira for views among the best in Europe, it is the chosen one's birthplace after all.

SLOVENIA

A tiny nation made up off just two million people, Slovenia have already defied the odds heavily stacked against them simply by qualifying for this grand event in arguably the toughest group. Will they go all the way or are they punching above their weight? What this country lacks in football history they more than make up for with spectacular scenery. Come and experience the mesmerising beauty of this underdog for yourself.