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On Monday 27 April we launched a new series of blogs called 'Ask the experts', with the desire to share our passion and destination knowledge with you, our much-valued guests and readers. Today we have been challenged to suggest a future holiday for an outdoor enthusiast with a love of mountains, peace and tranquillity, and independent travel. Read below for our proposals and the trip chosen.
To continue the conversation our Sales and Marketing Manager, Rachel Jelley shared her travel wish list with us. Maybe you have some ideas of where she should visit.
"It took me a long time to admit that my perfect summer holiday did not include sunbathing and relaxing. Don’t get me wrong, I love nothing more than unwinding at the end of the day with a good book and a bottle of wine, but the thought of spending countless hours doing very little sends a shiver down my spine.
What I look for in my holiday is headspace, reconnection with nature, a detox from technology and to be active with my family - Hiking, cycling, kayaking etc. I like to visit new places and to learn about their history; I like to come back feeling that I have learned something - whether that is about myself or the places I’ve visited. I do not need luxury, I like to stay somewhere that I feel comfortable and at ease.
My favourite place is the French Alps - at the top of a mountain (summer or winter) with views unfolding before my eyes."
Where would you suggest I try next?
Rosanna says: "If you like nature then you cannot fail to be impressed by the Azores. These stunning nine Portuguese islands are located in the mid Atlantic and offer an abundance of nature from stunning coastal vistas, crater lakes, beautiful waterfalls, botanical gardens, marked nature trails and cycling routes – more rolling hills rather than mountains on the islands except for Mount Pico which would warrant a guided tour to the peak for wonderful vistas over the central archipelago.
This is very much an outdoor destination with activities galore which will suit all age groups. Swim in natural rock pools; take a boat trip to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat – the Atlantic Ocean; play a round of golf on a green with stunning views; cycle, hike or sail (boats or kayaks), rock climb or go on a food tasting or sightseeing trip – there are so many possibilities.
These volcanic islands have low levels of development and offer many sites of natural heritage and protected marine life, which include UNESCO Biosphere Reserves sites. Marine life includes dolphins, sperm whales, great whales, marine turtles and birds, pelagic fish and cold-water corals.
We recommend multi-island trips to see more than one island as each island is unique and quite different from the other. Maybe start with looking at one of our suggested 3-centre Island trips for one week or our Grand tour for 2 week stays (6 islands). The accommodation is modern and comfortable and the people friendly."
Dudley recommends the Aristi Mountain Resort in Zagori, Greece. He says: "other than hiking and enjoying the mountain scenery, the hotel can arrange a host of activities including rafting, canyoning, river walking, and wine tasting, which I think you may enjoy. The hotel also has a wellness spa for some pampering. Holidays include car so can spend a day exploring the whole of Zagoria, or visit the unique 'monasteries in the air' of Meteora and Ioannina. The hotel can easily be combined with a stay in Sivota, Parga, Lefkas, Meganissi or as part of a fly drive itinerary; Sivota would be my choice."
Michelle says: "I would suggest the peaceful village of Loen in Fjord Norway. Loen has much to offer the nature and outdoor enthusiasts and can be a destination in its own right or incorporated into a multi-centre holiday by car or using public transport.
The community is backed by high mountain peaks and has a meandering river flowing towards the coastline. With Norway's 'Right to roam' (Allemannsretten) you can explore freely to your heart's content. In the summer the long daylight hours mean you can hike late into the evening.
A highlight of any stay in Loen is. the Loen Skylift which takes you to the summit of Mount Hoven. From here you can trek across the longest suspension bridge in Europe; zipline over the Tungejolet gorge or try the Via Ferrata.
Cycling and kayaking is available locally. With a hire car you can also visit the Jostedalsbreen National Park which is home to Europe's largest glacier - glacial hiking trips are available."
Joe says: "If you love the French Alps, time to head to the Andes!
Start with a flight to Buenos Aires. Whilst undoubtedly touristy in parts the city is steeped in history and culture (also you have to start here with a connecting flight further south). After a couple of days in the city take a flight south to Calafate. Calafate is the gateway to Perito Moreno Glacier. Here you can visit the National Park, take part in a glacial trek and much more. Head 4 hours north to the town of El Chalten, a hikers paradise and comparatively much quieter then more famous places in Patagonia.
Hire a car and drive from El Chalten across the border into Chile. Stay in the town of Puerto Natales or use it as a base to explore the world famous Torres Del Paine National Park. Visit in the shoulder seasons (Oct - Nov / Feb - Mar) to avoid the peak crowds.
After your stay in Southern Patagonia, take an internal flight to the capital city, Santiago. Surrounded by the snow-capped Andes this modern city offers respite and all the comforts of modern life before flying home. If you aren’t ready to relax just yet and spend time exploring the cityscape, Valparaiso and countless wineries are in easy reach."
Rachel says "for the scenery, freedom to explore and the activities on offer, I would choose Fjord Norway."
4th May 2020
Sunvil's holidays are designed by passionate travellers just like you. Our reservations experts and product teams, many of whom have been with us for many years, are passionate about our destinations and, through their personal, first-hand knowledge can answer any questions that you may have. They are well qualified to advise and recommend, based on your own holiday criteria. We can point you to those special, little-known places, some not found even in guidebooks.
Call one of our experts to discuss your next holiday with Sunvil on
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