Short and sweet: 9 bite-sized adventures to book when time is tight
Forget the DIY and spring cleaning. You deserve to spend your precious few days off having a short-break adventure you’ll never forget…
1: Welcome to your big cat weekend
A cheetah and cub in the Masai Mara (Dreamstime)
Enjoy a short, sharp intake of wildlife on this long weekend safari in the Masai Mara with Wildlife Worldwide.
Spending a few days in one of the world’s finest wildlife sanctuaries is an experience you’ll never forget. You will head out each day and evening on game drives to see the area’s prolific wildlife, which includes huge elephant herds, Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelle, topi and eland, along with their accompanying predators – lion, leopard and cheetah.
Superb guides, great food, spectacular landscapes and abundant wildlife – what more could you ask for from your next short break?
Trip:Big Cat Weekend
When: Flexible departures throughout the year
How long: 4 days
How much: £1,595 (exc.flights)
2: Learn to make pizza in Naples
Making pizza in Naples (G Adventures)
Loosen your belt and tuck into some of the best bites in Italy on this five-day foodie adventure in Naples with G Adventures.
Naples is the birthplace of pizza, and while you’ll experience a variety of delicious dishes on this trip, the chance to dig right into the dough and learn how to make pizza in the authentic Italian style is an undoubted highlight. When you’re not eating, you’ll be learning about the history of the area on a visit to the nearby ruins of Pompeii. And how the local limoncello digestif is made…
Who:G Adventures
When: Departures Jun & Sep
How long: 5 days
How much: £439 (exc. flights)
3: Meet the Apostles on the Great Ocean Road
Sunset over the Apostles (Dreamstime)
Experience one of Australia’s most iconic drives on this mini road trip along the Great Ocean Road with G-Adventures.
The Great Ocean Road is regarded as one of the world’s greatest drives. Heading east from Adelaide to Melbourne, you’ll take in all the highlights including the Arch and the 12 Apostles. You’ll venture inland too, visiting the sandstone ridges and ancient rock art of the Grampians National Park and visiting an Aboriginal cultural centre for a greater understanding of what you’ve seen. Finally, you’ll dip your toes in the breakers at world-famous surf beaches, before spending your final evening soaking up the vibrant scene in Melbourne.
Who:G Adventures
When: Regular departures throughout the year
How long: 3 days
How much: From £223 (exc. flights)
4: Buckle up for a mini Morocco adventure
The medina of Marrakech (Dreamstime)
Experience Morocco’s highlights on this five-day North African adventure with Oasis Overland.
Time may be in short supply, but the thrills aren’t. You’ll lose yourself in the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, camel trek into the Sahara desert, and spend the night in a Berber camp. After driving through the High Atlas mountain range, you’ll arrive in the colourful fishing town of Essaouira where a day relaxing on the beach, wandering the medina or surfing, horse trekking, quad biking or wind surfing. The choice is yours.
Who:Oasis Overland
When: Departures Apr – Jun
How long: 5 days
How much: From £449 (exc. flights)
5: Lose your heart in Niagara
Horseshoe Falls, Niagara Falls (Dreamstime)
Experience some of the most famous sights in North America on this three-day short break to Niagara Falls with Grand American Adventures.
Leaving the bright lights and crazy nights of NYC behind, you’ll venture into ‘up state’ New York to the thundering wonder of Niagara Falls. Highlights include experiencing the Falls during the day and night, exploring Finger Lakes with its many waterfalls and wineries, and an outlet shopping spree.
Trip:New York To Niagara
When: Departures Jun – Sep
How long: 3 days
How much: From £459 (exc. flights)
6: Walk through the Wye Valley
Goodrich Castle in the Wye Valley (Dreamstime)
Take a walk through English and Welsh history – and one of Britain’s most pristine river valleys – on this 3-day trek through the Wye Valley with Ramblers Walking Holidays.
Following the Wye River from its source in northern Wales to the Bristol Channel, you’ll encounter ancient ruins, breathtaking viewpoints and bustling market towns. You’ll follow sections of the Wye Valley Walk, the Offa’s Dyke Path, and surrounding trails meandering along the hillsides high above the majestic River Wye, emerging at superb viewing points such as Symonds Yat Rock and the Eagle’s Nest.
When: Departures Apr, Jun, Jul & Sep
How long: 3 days
How much: From £200 (exc. flights)
7: Get a real taste of Jordan in Petra
Camels in front of the Treasury at Petra (Dreamstime)
Travel back in time to the rose-hued fortress city of Petra on this long weekend desert adventure in Jordan with Intrepid.
This is not a rushed trip, by any stretch of the imagination. You’ll get a full day to explore the extraordinary beauty of Petra’s rock-hewn architecture and to discover its history. There’s also time to float in the Dead Sea and see Jerusalem shimmering in the distance from Mt Nebo. This short break amid ancient wonders is the perfect way to dip your toes in one ofthe Middle East’s most intriguing destinations.
Trip:Petra Uncovered
Who:Intrepid
When: Departures throughout the year
How long: 3 days
How much: £482 (exc. flights)
8: Spend a long weekend in Iceland
Couple relaxing in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland (Dreamstime)
Compact and other-worldly, Iceland is the perfect short break destination. Experience the best the country has to offer on this four-day trip with Evaneos.
Based in Reykjavik, you’ll explore a variety of landscapes and stunning natural phenomena on daily excursions. You’ll meet whales, enjoy a soothing dip in the Blue Lagoon and, if it’s the right time of the year, gaze up at the magical northern lights.
Who:Evaneos
When: Departures Oct – Mar
How long: 4 days
How much: From £750 (exc. flights)
9: Get active (then relax) in Slovenia
Climbing Triglav (KE Adventure Travel)
Experience both sides of one of Europe’s most surprising countries on this adventurous short break to Slovenia with KE Adventure Travel.
This multi-faceted trip involves trekking to the summit of Triglav, Slovenia’s highest mountain. Following an age-old via ferrata you’ll enjoy alpine scrambling and a night in a traditional mountain hut in the heart of the Julian Alps. Then it’s back to the pretty town of Bled, where a swim in its crystal clear lake awaits – as well as its many fine bars and restaurants!
When: Departures Jul – Sep
How long: 4 days
How much: From £525 (exc. flights)
