Walking Tours & Cycling Tours

In 2011, we saw Cadel Evans crowned as the ultimate victor of the Tour de France and awarded the yellow jersey, with Mark Cavendish, the fastest cyclist in the world, finally winning the much sought after green jersey, only a few months before he won the Rainbow jersey of the cycling World Champion.

This trip includes coach travel from the UK on Friday 20th July, with a trip to see the Final Time Trial of the Tour de France on the Saturday, and you will be in the centre of Paris on the Sunday for the final stage of the Tour de France and the crowning ceremony of the winners' jerseys this year. Accommodation will be in the heart of Paris at the 4-star Mercure Paris Suffren Tour Eiffel, which is only a few steps away from the Eiffel Tower.

In China that is a saying that goes "...You are not a man until you have been to the Great Wall". This famous icon stretches 8,851.8 kilometres from the Shanhaiguan Pass on the eastern coast to the Jiayuguan Pass in the Gobi Desert. The first Emperor to unify all of China in 221 BC, Qin Shihuang, had a workforce of up to a million people link previously existing walls from smaller kingdoms and build new sections, in order to keep out northern invaders. Subsequent dynasties continued to strengthen and further extend the wall; however this was not enough to prevent the Mongols from invading China in 1271 and forming the Yuan Dynasty.

This trip is designed for those who are fit, energetic and enjoy trekking. We travel through the lush mountainous areas northeast and east of Beijing. A fascinating journey on the backroads allows you to observe closely the everyday life of villagers and offers perfect opportunities to interact with the locals. We visit the Eastern Qing Tombs, and explore the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. A highlight of this tour is hiking in remote areas, away from the crowded tourist spots.

Experience a Patagonian wildlife safari in Chile's renowned and spectacular Torres del Paine National Park, declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 1978. Accommodation is in the remote, yet comfortable 4-star EcoCamp. With true 'eco' credentials the camp features igloo-type double domes (built the same way as ancient native Kaweskar's dwellings), solar power and composting toilets. The 10 spacious suites have low-emission woodstoves and private shower/toilet. The standard domes have shared facilities. There are two dining tents, and a resting dome with panoramic views. Accompanied by experienced guides you will hike beneath the towering granite peaks of Torres and Cuernos, past lakes, waterfalls, glaciers and through virgin beech forests.

Search for unique and diverse wildlife including guanacos, cougars, flamingos and hawks. Choose from a range of guided excursions including boating on Pehoe Lake or to Grey Glacier, easy walks and hikes, or a trek to the foot of Torres del Paine.

Mount Kilimanjaro is the adventure of a lifetime for any enthusiast. Climbing it will take you through 5 different climatic changes as you push for Africa's highest point named Uhuru Peak, "Peak of Freedom". The Rongai route begins in attractive farmland and delightful forest, with the possibility of wildlife viewing, and passes through several different climate zones, adding considerably to the interest of the trek.

Approaching the mountain from a north-easterly direction, towards the Kenya border, the Rongai Route is becoming increasingly popular. This track retains a genuine sense of wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from this side. It is generally considered to be the easiest of the quality routes on the mountain.

Day 1 Moshi - Arrival into Moshi for briefing and overnight at Park View Hotel. (D).

Day 2 Moshi - Rongai Gate (1950m) - Sekimba Camp (2600m) Transfer to the Park gate. Enjoy a gentle hike through beautiful country before emerging out of the forest and into the next climate zone, moorland. (BLD)

Day 3 Sekimba Camp - Second Cave Camp (3600m) This morning hike across moorland from where you will see the views of Kibo, the eastern ice fields and jagged peak of Mawenzi. After lunch, leave the main trail and head out towards Mawenzi. (BLD)

Day 4 Second Cave Camp - Third Cave Camp (4330m) A short but steep climb offers superb views of this wilderness area. The next camp is spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing. (BLD)

Day 5 Third Cave Camp - School Hut (4700m) Today the trek leads directly across The Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, crossing the alpine desert to the summit path for final ascent. (BLD)

Day 6 School Hut - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Horombo Camp (3720m) Final ascent for the summit. Once reached, descend and overnight at Horombo Camp. (BLD)

Day 7 Horombo Camp - Marangu Gate (1980m) - Moshi (3720m) After breakfast continue the descent to the Marangu gate, where you are transferred to Moshi for dinner and overnight. (BLD)

Day 8 Moshi Departure. (B)

Mount Kilimanjaro is the adventure of a lifetime for any enthusiast. Climbing it will take you through 5 different climatic changes as you push for Africa's highest point named Uhuru Peak, "Peak of Freedom". The Machame Route has a gradual ascent and is considered to be the most beautiful scenically while passing through a variety of habitats with tropical rain forest, and offering outstanding views of the mountain and snows of the summit. This itinerary incorporates an extra day for the all important acclimatisation, increasing the chance of reaching the summit.

Day 1 Moshi Arrival into Moshi for briefing and overnight at Park View Hotel. (D)

Day 2 Moshi - Machame Gate (1490m) - Machame Camp (3000m) Drive to the Park Gate, and start the walk through the rain forest trail to the first camp for overnight. (BLD)

Day 3 Machame Camp - Shira Camp (3840m) After breakfast, leave the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing a valley and steep rocky ridge. The route now turns into a river gorge at 3,658m. (BLD)

Day 4 Shira Camp - Barranco Camp(3840m) Hike towards Kibo, the Lava Tower, and up to the Arrow Glacier, an altitude of 4,876m. Descend for dinner and overnight at Barranco Camp. (BLD)

Day 5 Barranco Camp - Karanga (4000m) After breakfast continue on the steep climb passing the Barranco Wall and through the Karanga Valley. Rest here for acclimatisation. (BLD)

Day 6 Karanga - Barafu (4600m) Continue the hike to Barafu Hut. (BLD)

Day 7 Barafu - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Mweka Camp (3600m) Around midnight you start the final summit climb to Stella Point and Uhuru. From here descend to Mweka for overnight. (BLD)

Day 8 Mweka Camp - Mweka Gate (1800m) - Moshi After breakfast continue the final descent down to the Mweka Park Gate and drive back to Moshi for overnight at Park View Hotel. (BLD)

Day 9 Moshi Departure

The Maria Island Walk, one of Australia's most awarded tourism experiences, is a personalised four-day guided walk on one of Tasmania's most beautiful and historic islands. In small groups of eight guests with two local guides, the group walks along pristine beaches and through ancient Blue Gum forests by day and then at night will relax sharing candlelit gourmet dining and elegant accommodation in two wilderness camps and the restored, heritage-listed Bernacchi House.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest impresses with a truly theatrical landscape - this is a region of volcanoes, jagged valleys, waterfalls, lakes and dramatic mountain ranges. And it is here, on a flat ridge high in the forest, that Sanctuary's Gorilla Forest Camp is tucked away. It's hard to fathom that such luxury and sophistication could be available in an area as remote as this, and we did face enormous logistical obstacles - but it was worth the wait.

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is the ideal base for a gorilla tracking adventure in Bwindi. Guests can dine under the stars and relax by the roaring campfire. On cooler evenings, the central cottage provides a warm shelter. Located within the National Park, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp offers guests an unrivalled location, including the best bird and wildlife viewing in the Bwindi area. In fact Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp often receives regular visits from the gorillas themselves, up to 4-6 visits per month. For the lucky guests in camp at those times, they may have the chance for a gorilla encounter without even leaving Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp!

The eight tents are just as impressive as the communal areas. Wooden floors and decks support comfortable warm beds, and each tent boasts a bathtub, ideal for soaking tired muscles after a day spent observing and meeting gorillas, that looks straight out into the jungle's canopy.

Day 1 Kigali – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park On arrival into Kigali, Rwanda, you will be met and transferred by road via the border point into Uganda for your stay at Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp. (D)

Day 2 Bwindi Impenetrable National Park After breakfast, a 10-minute walk takes you to the park headquarters for a briefing before the tracking begins. Once the gorillas are located, the group will be allowed a maximum of one hour with them. Return to camp for an afternoon of leisure and overnight. (BLD)

Day 3 Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Today choose to relax at camp, enjoy a bird walk or visit a local village where you can visit a honey production site, a traditional medicine man, a traditional blacksmith, a local school (when in term) and even attend a Batwa (Pygmy) tribe experience. The walk is done with the local community as part of a support programme. (BLD)

Day 4 Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Kigali After breakfast at the lodge, drive back to Kigali airport with a picnic lunch box and end of safari. (B)

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is situated in the foothills of the mighty Virungas. The chain of 4,570 metre volcanoes stretching through Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, affords wonderful views of the volcanoes and the surrounding countryside. The stone cottages and the main lodge building have been beautifully constructed and appointed and the lodge is the perfect base from which to trek the endangered mountain gorilla.

The park is home to over half of the regions surviving 650 mountain gorillas and was immortalised in the film "Gorillas in the Mist", the biographical account of primatologist Dian Fossey which was set and shot in the park. Volcanoes National Park is the place to experience the most intimate and poignant of wildlife encounters.

Day 1 Kigali - Parc National Des Volcans - On arrival at Kigali airport you will be met and driven the short distance to Gisozi Genocide Memorial. Visit the moving and emotional memorial of the one million people killed in the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. After lunch drive to Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge in Parc National Des Volcans, a journey of approximately three hours. Relax and take in the beautiful mountain views. Overnight at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge. (LD)

Day 2 Parc National Des Volcans - Kigali - Depart after an early breakfast to Park Headquarters for the gorilla trekking formalities and briefing. The group (maximum 8 people), travel to the forest edge and commence trekking through the thick forest to see these magnificent creatures. The walking is quite steep but not overly strenuous. At the end of the trek return to Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge. After lunch return to Kigali where you will overnight at the Kigali Serena Hotel. (BL)

Day 3 Kigali - This morning after breakfast transfer to the airport for departure. (B)

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest impresses with a truly theatrical landscape - this is a region of volcanoes, jagged valleys, waterfalls, lakes and dramatic mountain ranges. And it is here, on a flat ridge high in the forest, that Sanctuary's Gorilla Forest Camp is tucked away. It's hard to fathom that such luxury and sophistication could be available in an area as remote as this, and we did face enormous logistical obstacles - but it was worth the wait.

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is the ideal base for a gorilla tracking adventure in Bwindi. Guests can dine under the stars and relax by the roaring campfire. On cooler evenings, the central cottage provides a warm shelter. Located within the National Park, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp offers guests an unrivalled location, including the best bird and wildlife viewing in the Bwindi area. In fact Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp often receives regular visits from the gorillas themselves, up to 4-6 visits per month. For the lucky guests in camp at those times, they may have the chance for a gorilla encounter without even leaving Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp!

The eight tents are just as impressive as the communal areas. Wooden floors and decks support comfortable warm beds, and each tent boasts a bathtub, ideal for soaking tired muscles after a day spent observing and meeting gorillas, that looks straight out into the jungle's canopy.

Day 1 Kigali – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park On arrival into Kigali, Rwanda, you will be met and transferred by road via the border point into Uganda for your stay at Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp. (D)

Day 2 Bwindi Impenetrable National Park After breakfast, a 10-minute walk takes you to the park headquarters for a briefing before the tracking begins. Once the gorillas are located, the group will be allowed a maximum of one hour with them. Return to camp for an afternoon of leisure and overnight. (BLD)

Day 3 Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Today choose to relax at camp, enjoy a bird walk or visit a local village where you can visit a honey production site, a traditional medicine man, a traditional blacksmith, a local school (when in term) and even attend a Batwa (Pygmy) tribe experience. The walk is done with the local community as part of a support programme. (BLD)

Day 4 Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Kigali After breakfast at the lodge, drive back to Kigali airport with a picnic lunch box and end of safari. (B)

HIGHLIGHTS: Chester Lake Trail - Burstall Pass - Barrier Lookout Trail - Bow Lake - Whiskey Jack Falls - Emerald Lake - Banff.

Peregrine has over 30 years experience travelling the world and creating unique itineraries. Now we've built on that foundation by working with our network of offices around the globe to create the Reserve range of trips. These exceptional journeys take you beyond the highlights, and into the heart of a destination. Spend time with a local family, try your hand at cooking the cuisine and get off the beaten track. And do it all in style.

It's not enough to just see Canada's Banff region with your own eyes. You need to tread its less travelled paths; to touch the blankets of alpine wildflowers; to push yourself along the last stretches of Burstall Pass and to feel the intensity of Takakkaw Falls as it rolls off the mountain ledge and plummets into Yoho Valley.

Exceptional Experiences: Spend the rest of your life wondering if the exquisite ultramarine colours in Yoho Lake were real. Walk through a tapestry of alpine wildflowers including Jacob's ladder, purple silky scorpionweed, yellow heart-leaf arnica, orange false huckleberry and white-petalled silver rockcress. Stay in rustic lodges, where sumptuous home-style meals are your reward for a long day of walking. Feast your eyes on uninterrupted views of Mount Assiniboine, Canada's Matterhorn.

On this tour you will see all the main high mountain stages of the 2012 Tour de France, which in the Alps includes the Grand Colombier, the summit finish at La Toussuire, and the Col du Granier. In the Pyrenees you'll see the stage to Foix, the massive stage the covers the Aubisque, Tourmalet, Aspin and Pyresourde and the final stage to the ski station of Peyragudes that includes the difficult Port de Bales. If this is not enough, you'll see the Chartres Time Trial, followed by the final stage on the cobblestones of the Champs Elysees.

On this trip, you can bring your own bike, or we give you the opportunity to hire one of our sportive type bikes. For those bringing bikes you will be able to ride the famous climbs that feature on the 2012 Route du Tour, in the Alps these will be the Col du Grand Colombier, Col de la Croix de Fer, La Toussuire and the Col du Granier, whilst in the Pyrenees you'll be able to climb the Col du Tourmalet, Col d'Aubisque, Col du Peyresourde and Col Port de Bales… There will also be the possibility to ride the mythical Mont Ventoux.

Following the Tour de France for 2 weeks can be tiring, therefore this tour has been designed with the minimum amount of hotel changes. Apart from the first and last 2 nights at our transfer hotel in Paris we shall spend 4 nights in the Alps in the beautiful lakeside town of Annecy, 2 nights in Avignon, 1 night in Toulouse, 4 nights in Lourdes and 1 night in Orleans. This is the intended 2012 Tour de France itinerary at this stage and is subject to change before departure.