If you love getting out and seeing a destination from a different perspective, there are plenty of ways to make your next trip a little more active. Whether you’re cycling through historic cities, walking mountain trails or getting out on the water, discover some of the top soft adventure activities available on our adventure holidays around the world.
Top Soft Adventure Activities Around the World
Morocco
The landscapes of Morocco give you plenty of ways to get active. In the Sahara Desert, take a camel trek across the dunes and watch the landscape change as the sun begins to set.
Then swap desert for mountains in the Atlas, where walks take you through valleys, gorges and traditional villages. A walk along the Todgha River is a great way to see this side of Morocco on foot.
Elsewhere, explore the UNESCO-listed ksar of Aït Benhaddou, wander through the historic tanneries of Fes and visit traditional Berber villages in the Atlas Mountains.
China
Walking along the Great Wall of China has to be one of the most memorable ways to get active in the country. Follow sections of the Wall across the hills, with far-reaching views of the surrounding landscape as you go.
In Xi’an, swap walking shoes for two wheels and cycle along the ancient City Wall. Dating back to the Ming Dynasty, the fortifications give you a different perspective on the city, with historic Xi’an on one side and modern life unfolding around it.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka packs plenty of adventure into a relatively small island. Take on the rapids of the Kelani River on a white-water rafting trip, surrounded by tropical rainforest.
For wildlife, head out on safari in Udawalawe National Park, one of the best-known places in Sri Lanka for seeing elephants in their natural habitat.
Elsewhere, explore UNESCO-listed sites including Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the cave temples of Dambulla, or get out on foot in Sri Lanka’s highlands.
Vietnam
Vietnam mixes energetic cities with peaceful countryside, giving you plenty of different ways to get involved. In Hanoi, see the capital from a cyclo as you make your way through the streets of the Old Quarter.
Outside the city, get on your bike and cycle through the countryside around Tam Coc, passing rice fields and rural villages along the way. Then take to the water on a sampan, travelling between the area's distinctive limestone formations.
Elsewhere, cruise through Bai Tu Long Bay, walk the lantern-filled streets of Hoi An and visit the Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City for an insight into the country’s wartime history.
Jordan
Jordan isn't short on opportunities for adventure. Head to the Red Sea for snorkelling among coral reefs and marine life, or pull on your walking shoes and discover the country on foot.
At Petra, walk through the Siq before emerging in front of the Treasury, one of Jordan’s most recognisable sights. Then head into Wadi Rum, where desert landscapes and towering rock formations create a completely different setting.
There are trails to take on in the Dana and Mujib Nature Reserves too, with canyons, mountain scenery and plenty of reasons to keep walking.
India
Few places capture the energy of India like Old Delhi. Get on two wheels and make your way through its busy streets, passing bazaars, mosques and temples along the way.
Beyond the capital, head towards the Himalayan foothills, where guided walks take you through greener, quieter landscapes.
Then slow things down in Rishikesh with a yoga session near the banks of the Ganges, surrounded by the Himalayan foothills.
Cambodia
In Cambodia get on your bike to discover the temples of Angkor Archaeological Park. At its heart is Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument and one of Cambodia’s most recognisable landmarks.
Nearby, continue to Bayon and Ta Prohm, where ancient stonework, enormous tree roots and jungle surroundings give each temple its own character.
Peru
Peru takes adventure to altitude, with Andean landscapes, ancient sites and plenty of opportunities to get out on foot.
Machu Picchu is an obvious highlight, with its Inca stonework surrounded by mountain scenery. Around Cusco, guided walks offer another perspective on the Andes, taking you towards archaeological sites and viewpoints.
Further south, Lake Titicaca offers a different pace, with boat trips taking you across the water to its floating reed islands and local communities.
Nepal
Nepal offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure, particularly among the landscapes of the Himalayas. Head into the mountains on a multi-day trek, with the scenery changing around you as you make your way along the trails.
There’s plenty to do away from the mountains too. In Chitwan National Park, head out by canoe and on foot in search of wildlife including rhinos and crocodiles, or get on two wheels to see Nepal’s countryside and villages by bike.
Ready for a Soft Adventure Holiday?
Want to make your next holiday a little more active? Our adventure holidays include plenty of soft adventure activities, including cycling, walking, rafting, snorkelling and wildlife encounters around the world.
Whether you want to get out on two wheels, take on a mountain trail or head out on the water, there are plenty of ways to get involved. So, what will you try next?
