10 Summer Walks and Treks

Via Ferrata: Northern Dolomites

The Sexten Dolomites are an extensive cluster of fine, craggy mountains occupying the northeastern corner of the Dolomites massif. Although popular with rock climbers, the area boasts an excellent selection of protected Via Ferrata scrambles, such as Toblinger Knoten. Fortifications were placed on strategic cols and summits during the First World War, which can be reached via iron ladders, bridges and even tunnels through rock. To accompany the superb walks, we enjoy traditional Tyrolean hospitality at our hotel and a wonderful mix of Italian and Austrian cuisine.

Italy • No. of Days: 8 • Trip Code: TEZ • Grade: D - tough

Chianti: Walking & Wine

When looking to know more of European art and society, there is no better place to start than Tuscany, thanks to its fine Renaissance cities, beautiful rolling countryside and outstanding Chianti wine. We spend the week in a wonderful family-run Tuscan farmhouse, which has provided outstanding country hospitality for over 20 years. There is also plenty of time to relax, wander amid the seductive countryside, explore ancient hill forts, see the famous landmarks of Siena as well as sampling the local Chianti!

Italy • No. of Days: 8 • Trip Code: TDC • Grade: A/B - leisurely/moderate

Walking in Sardinia

Often referred to as the 'land of silence', Sardinia is a place of outstanding natural beauty, with crystal-clear rivers, limestone ridges and deep gorges. As well as stunning beaches, the Dorgali area attracts archeologists from all over the world because of its historical interest. During our varied walks through the heart of the region, we will pass many monuments from the times of the Nuraghi peoples, one of the main Mediterranean prehistoric civilisations. Some walks are possible from the hotel door, and on other days we will use private or public transport to take us to the trailhead, to explore the ridges, valleys, gorges and peaks of this fascinating area.

Italy • No. of Days: 8 • Trip Code: TES • Grade: A/B - leisurely/moderate

Wild Flowers & Walks in the Bernese Oberland

The Bernese Oberland is the picturesque setting for this trip. Surrounded by the three rugged and towering peaks of the Eiger, Jungfrau and Monch, its scenic walks, glaciers and lush green valleys provide a spectacular backdrop for a relaxing week. All walks are set at a gentle pace leaving plenty of time to admire the 'chocolate box' villages we pass through, or to stop and enjoy a refreshing drink in the warm spring sunshine. Each day our guide will highlight the array of striking wild flowers that flourish at this time of year and carpet the meadows in colourful blankets. Our base for the week is a cosy, traditional Swiss hotel found in the charming village of Wilderswil and we use a mixture of local trains and buses to explore the natural beauty that this stunning region has to offer.

France, Switzerland • No. of Days: 8 • Trip Code: TWQ • Grade: A/B - leisurely/moderate

Walking in the Slovakian Tatras

The scenery in Central Europe changes rapidly from expansive plains to dense forests and jagged peaks. There is a great diversity of people, culture and architecture throughout. The High Tatras, part of the Carpathian Range, are a group of rugged granite mountains forming the border between Poland and Slovakia. There is a sophisticated network of footpaths in a well-managed national park where we enjoy five daywalks. The stunning Polish city of Krakow contrasts perfectly with the mountains and is a great place to explore on foot in order to soak up the atmosphere. There are a huge number of famous sites that are worth visiting, including the old city, Mariacki Church, central Market Square and the Wawel Castle.

Poland, Slovakia • No. of Days: 8 • Trip Code: TVP • Grade: B/C - moderate/challenging

Walking In Bosnia & Herzegovina

Sutjeska is Bosnia & Herzegovina's oldest national park, encompassing 17,500 hectares of magnificent wilderness and one of Europe's last primeval forests. Running through the park are the Durmitor Mountains, forming the natural border between Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro. This itinerary includes some of the best trekking the region has to offer: ascending Bosnia's highest peak, Maglic Mountain; passing hidden waterfalls and glacial lakes; and heading into the Perucica Forest with its thriving wildlife. It is possible that you will catch a glimpse of brown bear, wolf, and chamois, or perhaps one of the many resident eagles soaring overhead. The trip starts and ends in the beautiful Croatian city of Dubrovnik, situated on the shores of the warm Adriatic, and there is also time for sightseeing in Sarajevo and Mostar.

Bosnia & Herzegovina • No. of Days: 10 • Trip Code: TVH • Grade: B/C - moderate/challenging

The Ultimate Lycian Way

This challenging trek follows the highest and most rugged section of Turkey's famously stunning long distance coastal footpath. The route snakes along a dramatic coastline to the limestone peaks of Mt Olympos, now known as Mt Tahtali. For the highlight of the trip we climb Mt Tahtali (2388m), with superb views along the coast from the summit ridge. The descent is through shady, wooded valleys, with the opportunity to visit the ruins of Olympos. At Cirali we stop for a day of rest, bathing in the sea and exploring the 3.5km long secluded beach, before walking on to Adrasan the next day. The culmination of the trip is the walk from the coastal resort and farming village of Adrasan along the cliffs and coves to Cape Gelidonya, ultimately reaching the lighthouse before returning to Antalya for our final night.

Turkey • No. of Days: 8 • Trip Code: TTL • Grade: Grade: B/C - moderate/challenging

Morocco Trekking

Exodus prides itself on its ability to cater for all walkers, from those who prefer a gentle stroll to hard-core trekkers. Morocco is a perfect destination to try out something new. As one of our favourite destinations we can offer everything from simple daywalks between tranquil Berber villages, right up to a challenging summit attempt on Mount Toubkal. If you are keen to try something new or aren't sure which grade of trek would suit you best, pick one of the many Trekking trips in Morocco to see which fits.

Morocco • No. of Days: 5, 8 or 15 • Trip list: Morocco • Grade: A to D - leisurely to tough

Croatia: Islands & Mountains

With a coastline of 1778km and 1185 offshore islands in the Adriatic, Croatia has some of the most beautiful beaches and scenery in the Mediterranean. The stunning islands of Krk, Cres and Losinj are among the highlights and are great places to explore on foot. By comparison, the mountainous areas of Croatia are less well-known, but a fantastic network of challenging trails and mountain huts awaits. We spend time in the national parks of Velebit and Paklenica, famous for its spectacular gorges and rock climbing routes. It is hard to imagine a region where you can experience such diverse scenery during a week of walking. The trip finishes in the lovely coastal town of Trogir, where we stay in the fascinating old walled town.

Croatia • No. of Days: 8 • Trip Code: TVD • Grade: B - moderate

Moonstone Trek - The Alternative Inca Trail

Away from the main Inca Trail, this stunning, seldom-trodden route follows ancient Inca paths through incredible mountain scenery. It's an ideal choice for those who want quiet trekking and real solitude, or simply for times when Inca Trail permits have run out! The four-day/three-night trek is fully supported with the same excellent porters, cooks and guides that operate our other treks in Southern Peru. This trek can be interchanged at no extra cost with the classic Inca Trail route on many of our trips to Peru, such as the 11-day Inca Trail.

Peru • No. of Days: 4 • Trip Codes: TPT, TPJ, TPB & TPR • Grade: C - challenging