1. Best for Island Hopping

WALKING Croatia's Coast AND ISLANDs

With its relaxed Mediterranean ambience, stunningly beautiful medieval towns and villages, fantastic food, lush national parks and plenty of sunshine, the Dalmatian Coast in Croatia offers some of the most scenically dramatic coastal walking in Europe. This spectacular walking holiday explores the very best of the Dalmatian Coast and its areas of outstanding natural beauty, including the beautiful islands of Lopud and Korcula, plus the vibrant landscape of Mljet with its own national park.

We'll wander through vineyards in the lovely Konavle countryside, hike to the top of Mount Snijeznica, the highest point in Southern Croatia, stride out along the ancient walls of Ston on the Peljesac peninsula and take in the forested ridges of Korcula Island, once home to Marco Polo! Travelling by ferry we climb to the highest points on beautiful Lopud and lush Mljet for stunning views over the coast. During the week there will be the all-important opportunity for sightseeing and time to relax. The holiday ends with a day in the unique UNESCO walled city of Dubrovnik, known as the pearl of the Adriatic. With its ochre-tiled roofs, stone towers and stunning walls, Dubrovnik is one of the world's most beautiful cities, offering a feast of medieval architecture and baroque churches interlaced with pavement cafes hidden down secluded lanes and alleyways. Croatia remains one of Europe's most stunning destinations and on this holiday we’ll walk you through the best bits.

2. Best for breath-taking views

THE LYCIAN WAY - TURKEY

A dramatic coastline, Lycian ruins, traditional villages, rich pine forests, sleepy hamlets, tasty cuisine, striking sea views, sweeping panoramas and a warm welcome. The magical eastern Lycian Way offers wonderful walking through an authentic region in Turkey. Nestled on the spectacular Lycian Peninsula and Turkey's magnificent Turquoise Coast, this walking holiday offers that rare opportunity to step back in time and get off the beaten track whilst hiking through timeless landscapes.

We start in the pretty harbour town of Antalya with its beautiful Ottoman houses, historical centre, pavement cafes and towering stone walls. From Antalya we head to Tekirova and the start of our walking adventure as we follow the Eastern Lycian Way. Along our walking journey we’ll explore the ancient site of Olympos, hike up to the mysterious flames of the Chimaera, stroll along deserted beaches, swim in secluded bays, walk along towering cliff top paths, sail over sunken cities and visit ruined castles. Whilst staying in traditional guesthouses, we’ll sample home-cooked dishes and experience genuine Turkish hospitality. The Lycian Way is perfect for anyone looking for stunning walking on the beautiful Mediterranean Coast.

3. Best for Families at October 1/2 Term

Julian Alps Jamboree - Family Slovenia

This amazing family adventure holiday in Slovenia is based in Kranjska Gora, at the foot of the Julian Alps and minutes away from the Austrian and Italian borders. Formerly part of Yugoslavia, Slovenia has much more in common with its Alpine neighbours than Eastern Europe. Based at a comfortable hotel, with a swimming pool, we spend the week enjoying a variety of activities. On our first full day we hike up to the Martulk Waterfall, taking lunch in a mountain hut en route. Then, after mountain biking by the Italian lakes, we return to Kranjska Gora in time for a fun descent of the summer toboggan.

No visit to Slovenia would be complete without a visit to Bled and its picturesque lake, where we manage to get our adrenaline fix at the 'high ropes' park! After a day to rest and enjoy the scenery, or experiment with other activities in Kranjska Gora, we drive over the Julian Alps via the dramatic Vrsic Pass. After lunch in the pretty town of Bovec, there's an optional rafting trip on the Soca River. A chance to try out some easy rock climbing and an afternoon spent walking to Jasna Lake, conclude this fantastic family adventure in Slovenia. This is a family adventure holiday with the ideal mix of activities and free time.

4. Best for trekking

WALK THE WHITE MOUNTAINS OF CRETE

Our mediterranean island walking holiday on Crete mixes a special blend of the Island's high mountain scenery, picturesque coastal walking, traditional villages and legendary Greek food and hospitality. From the mountain hamlet of Omalos, our first objective is walking to the summit of Gingilos (1980m), a rocky peak which provides spectacular views across the White Mountains and a bird's eye perspective of our next day's route, which takes us down to the Mediterranean via the famous Samaria Gorge.

We then spend 2 nights at Agia Roumeli, a pretty collection of tavernas accessible only by walking or by boat, with the option of a rest day on the beach or a variety of day trekking excursions. Following sun-kissed shoreline and cliff-side pathway, our next day's walking in Crete takes us to Marmara beach and the charming, white painted seaside hamlet of Finix. From a hotel base here, the trekking leads us up to Pachnes (2453m), the highest peak in the 'Lefka Ori' and then completes the circular hike via the impressive Aradena Gorge and the pretty village of Anopolis. Fall under the spell of the White Mountains on this walking holiday on the beautiful Mediterranean island of Crete!

5. Best for gentle walking

ISLANDS AND VOLCANOES OF SICILY

The captivating island of Sicily is home to incredible volcanoes, beautiful architecture, breath-taking scenery, excellent cuisine, delicious wines, rich culture and pretty villages, plus a labyrinth of footpaths surrounded by sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea. The Aeolian Islands are a magical volcanic archipelago surrounded by azure seas, and include Stromboli, Lipari, Salina and Vulcano. Pretty Lipari, with its pastel-coloured seafront and bustling harbour is our island hopping base.

Known as the gateway to the Aeolian Islands, from Lipari we’ll hike up to the crater rim of Vulcano and discover the green jewel of Salina, alongside a caper farm visit and Sicilian wine tasting. On active Stromboli we picnic on the mountain whilst watching one of the most exciting volcanic displays on the planet. We’ll explore the Baroque masterpiece of Catania and visit the hill-top village of Taormina, before finishing the holiday with a walk on the slopes of mighty Etna, a true UNESCO World Heritage giant. This Sicilian walking holiday offers the perfect mix of daily walks and highlights on an island bursting with excellent food, wine and culture.

6. Best for UNESCO history

Trails of THE AMALFI COAST

Showcasing one of Italy’s most breath-taking landscapes, the Amalfi Coast is a beautiful region of wild mountains dramatically plunging into the sea. Romantic and striking, this incredible region is excellent for a walking and cultural holiday with all the magic of Italy. Here you’ll experience one of the most stunning coastlines in the world complete with a wonderful labyrinth of footpaths, charming villages, rustic olive groves, zesty lemon orchards and picture-postcard towns clinging to terraced cliffs. On KE’s centre-based holiday you’ll stay in a traditional family-run hotel with a superb panoramic terrace and tasty local cuisine. We’ve included an excellent variety of walks, plus time to explore amazing Amalfi and colourful Ravello.

A day of sightseeing includes the humbling UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pompeii and towering volcanic giant of Vesuvius, before we finish the holiday in style with one of the world’s best hikes, the exhilarating Walk of the Gods to Positano. If you’re looking for an Italian walking holiday bursting with traditional flavours and vibrant colours, then this is the perfect choice.

7. Best for exploring the heart of the Balkans

Undiscovered Balkans - Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina with its fascinating history, delicious cuisine, vibrant cities, primeval forests, rich cultures and warm welcome is an exciting destination for a walking and cultural holiday in the heart of the Balkans. This wonderful adventure kicks off with the Balkan gem of Mostar and spectacular Ottoman Bridge. Next it’s the Cvrsnica and Bjelasnica Mountains for some off the beaten track hiking deep in the heart of a timeless landscape where life has stood still for over a 100 years. After the mountains we explore the vibrant capital of Sarajevo including the Latin Bridge and atmospheric Copper Alley.

Feeling invigorated after mountain walks and sightseeing we hike to the summit of Mount Maglic (2386m), the highest peak in the country. A spot of wine tasting in the charming old town of Trebinje is the perfect way to celebrate our summit success before heading to Dubrovnik in neighbouring Croatia for the final night. Once part of Former-Yugoslavia, Bosnia and Herzegovina has risen like a phoenix and combined with Croatia offers the perfect walking destination for anyone looking to experience a very unique part of the Balkans.

8. Best on two wheels

Balkans Trilogy Road Cyling Tour

Adjacent to the Adriatic Sea and with a real flavour of the Mediterranean, the Balkan countries of Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro provide the backdrop for this spectacular week of road cycling. Starting and finishing our tour in the stunning coastal town of Dubrovnik means we have easy access to some of the best road rides in the region, taking us from the pretty villages and vineyards of the coastal strip up into the limestone massif of the Dinaric Alps.

The location of this tour also means that we will cross between these three adjoining countries on several occasions and have the opportunity to experience something of the variety of this beautiful and historically fascinating corner of Europe. We get a taste of what is to come on the very first day, with a hilly route through Bosnia-Herzegovina to the border with Montenegro, followed by a long descent and a picturesque coast road ride around the inner part of the Bay of Kotor. We then have a day of cycling in the rugged Lovcen National Park, with an amazing descent back to Kotor, followed on the next day with a great coastal ride up to Cavtat and some free time in the afternoon to check out one of the Adriatic’s prettiest seaside locations. Then it’s back up into Bosnia-Herzegovina, cycling for part of the day on a single track road that used to be a railway line, before returning through the Dinaric foothills to the Croatian coast at Ston. As a fitting finale, we spend two days on the sun-kissed Dalmatian Coast, cycling on the Peljesac Peninsula and the Island of Korcula. With a choice of low-cost flights to Dubrovnik, good hotels, all of the usual logistic support and six varied days of cycling, this is an exciting new European holiday for road cyclists.

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