March 21 is the In International Day of Forests, so with the help of our friends at Travel PR, we have put together a selection of places and activities you can celebrate the occasion.
Explore Croatia’s forests, lakes and canyons – from £985 pp with Activities Abroad
Croatia’s national parks are the ideal setting for an active family adventure. This varied itinerary includes a visit to Paklenica National Park, home to high peaks, deep gorges and glorious beech and pine forests. A four-hour hike here, provides a chance to explore the forests and walk in the shadow of the towering canyon walls. A seven-night trip, from £985 per adult (age 13+, based on two adults sharing) / £925 per child (8-12 years, based on one child sharing with two adults), includes flights (London), transfers, seven nights’ half board and one lunch. Additional guided activities extra. Departs 26 May, during July and August, and 20 October. Call AITO* member Activities Abroad on (01670 789 991; www.activitiesabroad.com).
Explore Croatia’s forests, lakes and canyons – from £985 pp with Activities Abroad
Croatia’s national parks are the ideal setting for an active family adventure. This varied itinerary includes a visit to Paklenica National Park, home to high peaks, deep gorges and glorious beech and pine forests. A four-hour hike here, provides a chance to explore the forests and walk in the shadow of the towering canyon walls. A seven-night trip, from £985 per adult (age 13+, based on two adults sharing) / £925 per child (8-12 years, based on one child sharing with two adults), includes flights (London), transfers, seven nights’ half board and one lunch. Additional guided activities extra. Departs 26 May, during July and August, and 20 October. Call AITO* member Activities Abroad on (01670 789 991; www.activitiesabroad.com).
Explore the remote wilds of Poland’s primeval forests – from £895 pp with Naturetrek
The Bialowieza Forest is the largest tract of untouched primeval woodland in Europe and one of its most important wildlife habitats. This UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve contains a huge variety of birdlife, with nine species of Woodpecker, along with Pygmy Owl, White-Tailed Eagle, Hazel Grouse and more, plus mammals such as European Bison and Elk. Enjoy daily guided walks of the woodlands, marshes and lakes before relaxing in a comfortable guesthouse. Departing 27 April, this four-day trip is from £895 pp (two sharing) including flights (Heathrow), three nights’ accommodation, all meals, an expert UK ornithologist and local naturalist guide. Call AITO* member Naturetrek on 01962 733051 (www.naturetrek.co.uk).
Breathe in the Amazon: Brazil from £2,010 pp with TravelLocal
Over 20% of the world’s oxygen is produced by the Amazon. Independent travellers, eager to venture through the world’s largest tropical rainforest, will be intrigued by TravelLocal’s 14-day Amazon Adventure. Explore an archipelago of 400 islands, disappear into the jungle to learn survival techniques, swim in waterfalls, encounter pink dolphins and piranhas, and drift along for days on a houseboat. Cost is from £2,010 pp (two sharing) including B&B accommodation, transfers, excursions and the services of a local guide. International flights not included. Call TravelLocal on 0117 3257898 (www.travellocal.com).
Visit south-west Spain’s dehasas where jamon ibérico is produced – from £53 pp with Cinco Jotas
The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve meadows in Jabugo are home to the pata negra acorn-fed pigs of Cinco Jotas, responsible for the most prestigious jamón in the world. Visit Cinco Jotas to see the 100% ibérico pigs roam free-range, stroll through the natural ecosystem on foot or by horseback and enjoy an aperitivo in the meadows. Explore the curing cellars and learn about the centuries-old production of the jamón, tasting it freshly-sliced by a master carver to discover its intense flavour. A visit to Cinco Jotas (around 1hr40 drive from Seville) costs from €60 / £53 pp, including a tour of the curing cellars, meadows and jamón tasting. Bespoke visits can also be arranged. Call Cinco Jotas on (+34) 603 599 061 (www.cincojotas.co.uk).
Visit Britain’s smallest and oldest National Park – the New Forest from £55 pp with Daisybank
Covering an area of 220 square miles in Hampshire and home to around 3,000 horses and ponies, the ancient New Forest is Britain’s smallest – and oldest – National Park. Explore the bucolic blend of open heath lands, ancient woodlands and beautiful coastline, on foot or by bike. Stay at Daisybank, a boutique B&B in the charming New Forest village of Brockenhurst, which is brimming with local touches (specially-commissioned artwork, delicious farm produce and an honesty bar with local tipples). Maps and tips on the surrounding area are provided. A one-night stay costs from £110 per room/£55 pp (two sharing), including full New Forest breakfast. Call Daisybank on 01590 622 086 (www.bedandbreakfast-newforest.co.uk).
Discover the forests and peaks of the Troodos Mountains, Cyprus – from £839 pp with Sunvil
The Troodos region is blissfully quiet, formed of tranquil valleys, dense forest and mountains which remain cool in summer and are often snow-bound in winter. Perfect for walkers and nature lovers alike, guests can explore this UNESCO-awarded Geopark during a , including the island’s highest peak: Mount Olympus. Accommodation is in the distinctive Library Hotel, an ethically-restored 19th century building in Kalavasos, the charming Linos Inn in Kakopetria, and the family-run Souli Hotel in Latchi. Price from £839 pp (two sharing), including flights (Gatwick), 14 nights’ hotel B&B and car hire. Call AITO* member Sunvil on 020 8758 4758 ().
