Travel Article

Top four ultimate activity holidays

A week on the beach may be a great way to unwind, but sometimes it simply isn't enough. If you're looking for a rather more adventurous escape then one of these top five ultimate activity holidays may just fit the bill.

Skiing in the Alps: For the ultimate adrenaline rush, you can't do better than a trip to the Alps. Pristine slopes, miles of off-piste skiing and an après ski scene that will get you partying until the small hours are all part of the appeal. Best of all, resorts like La Plagne, Les Arcs and Tignes are cheap and simple to reach through a combination of budget flights and excellent transfers - all in all, adventure has never been easier. Adventure holiday providers Alpine Elements offer some great deals on ski holidays in the French Alps, so it could be worth taking a look at their website. Just ensure that you book as far in advance as possible to secure the package you want.

Horse riding in Canada: Forget the muddy tracks and overused bridleways of the UK - if you're keen on horses then the best place to enjoy a good trek is Canada. Ride through the spectacular valleys of the Rocky Mountains, see the fertile wine lands of the Okanagan Valley or hack across the vast expanse of Manitoba's prairies; and then get back to a comfortable lodge, a good dinner and home-cooked food. If Canada seems a long way to go just to ride a horse, however, then the trekking in Iceland is equally spectacular. Think imposing glaciers, geothermal features and a rugged, uninhabited landscape, all seen from the back of a pure-bred Icelandic pony.

Diving on the Great Barrier Reef: Australia is the adventure lovers' Mecca, and there's no activity more guaranteed to get your heart pumping than scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Swim amid 1,500 species of colourful fish and see a spectrum of spectacular coral colours in a reef area almost as large as the UK itself. It's an unbeatable experience, and one that all the family can enjoy, too.

Trekking in Peru: If ancient culture and awe-inspiring landscapes are what float your boat, then trekking Peru's famous Inca Trail could be the perfect adventure holiday for you. Start in Cuzco, the Inca Empire's ancient capital, then spend four days hiking through narrow mountain passes and past 20,000 foot glaciers to the ruined city of Machu Picchu. This isn't a trip for the faint-hearted, but it certainly is one that you'll remember for the rest of your life.

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