
KE is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest Guide to Adventure inspirational magazine, along with 23 new itineraries for 2023, exploring some of the world's most incredible destinations. From new guided trips in Colombia and Japan, to stunning self-guided routes in Cape Verde and Lanzarote. KE continues to offer active and immersive adventures which enable travellers of all levels to fully experience the world as they explore.
View our NEW Guide to Adventure 2023-2024 - https://bit.ly/3AgUHV4
Ashley Toft, CEO of KE, says “As this is our first Guide to Adventure in three years, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your incredible support during this difficult period. KE has always been known for taking travellers to wild and remote destinations, and as we approach our 40th anniversary, we're introducing our most diverse range of holidays yet. We're providing travellers with new, unique destinations and the chance to be part of some truly special adventures. We can't wait for them to join us.”
Over the last few years, and during the pandemic, KE has had a large focus on developing our self-guided range of tours within Europe. Now with more than 60 trips within our portfolio of over 360, nearly 17% of our trips are now self-guided. With independent travel on the increase, travellers now have the option to walk or cycle in over 20 different countries with KE on a self-guided adventure. Many of these are also suitable for families and solo travellers.
KE has also had a large focus on introducing more and more leisurely trips. Our core is still, to provide pioneering adventures with an edge, and our heart will always be with Pakistan and Nepal, where KE began. But with the leisure adventure market growing, the need for more trips with a grade 2 or 3 rating has increased. We are pleased to say that now over 34% of our trips are now graded between 1 and 3.
Take a look at 23 NEW holidays for 2023.
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NEW in Europe
TURKEY – Mount Ararat – Turkey's Sacred Summit
Unclimbed until the early 19th Century, Mount Ararat is the final resting place of Noah's Ark - according to the Old Testament. Whatever its place in history, this extinct volcano provides an unusual and achievable trekking challenge. Our new unique 10-day dramatic and cultural trekking journey, climbs this iconic peak, as well as visits the Ishak Pasha Palace, a masterpiece of Persian and Ottoman architecture, Van Castle and Akdamar Island on beautiful Lake Van. With all meals and permit fees included, this is a great value real trekking adventure.
NORWAY – Fjords and Fjells of the Lofoten Islands
An exclusive to KE itinerary, this unique adventure walks deep into the Arctic Circle, enjoying a varied selection of walks and sleeping in remote 'Rorbu' accommodation in tiny, colourful fishing villages. The Lofoten Islands are a grand stage for hiking and among some of the highlights of this walking adventure, will be the ascent of Ryten (543m), where travellers will enjoy the iconic view down over Kvalvika Beach, the ferry journey up Kjerkfjord from Reine, the trek to the stunningly located Munkebu Refuge (410m) and the panoramic views from Volvandstinden (457m) and Nesfjellet (406m).
SWITZERLAND – Ski Traverse of the Jura
The Jura Mountains are one of the least explored pockets of the Alps, and our new cross-country skiing holiday immerses travellers into the tranquillity of this quiet corner of Switzerland. They'll experience both the Grande Traversée du Jura (or GTJ) in France and Trans Jura Swiss and it's not unusual, to ski all day without seeing anyone else. This is a unique trip and a true journey on skis, where the enigmatic landscapes will captivate and reward even the most seasoned of traveller.
PORTUGAL – Self-guided walking on the Algarve
With the popularity of Portugal soaring, as well as the increase in self-guided holiday interest, our new walking on the Algarve holiday meets the need of those looking for a leisurely coastal walking holiday along Portugal's Algarve. Hiking along the Great Coastal path by day, exploring the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa which is teeming with birdlife, and relaxing in handpicked 4* hotels each night, this wonderful, enjoyable new holiday, explores the Algarve from the wild west to the tranquil east.
ITALY – Sicily E-bike Tour and Mount Etna
KE is leading the way with new E-biking tours and with a Bianchi E-impulso Gravel E-bike hire included on this trip, this new 'unique to KE' E-biking holiday, explores a part of Sicily famous for its Baroque heritage, finishing off with a hike to the top of Mount Etna. Starting off with cycling a loop through the limestone canyons of the Pantalica Reserve, with its amazing rock-cut tombs, before continuing the journey through the Hyblaean Hills and down to Sicily and Italy's southern tip at Capo Passero.
THE CANARY ISLANDS – Self-Guided Cycling on Lanzarote
Adding a new itinerary to our six other guided and self-guided Canary Island holidays, this new trip encompasses the very best of the island with a hike and drive self-guided itinerary. At a grade 3, this trip allows travellers to explore the best parts of the island, including the wild landscapes of Los Ajaches National Park and the lush Valley of 1000 Palms. They will also be able to immerse themselves in the tranquillity of the neighbouring island of La Graciosa.
GERMANY – Self-Guided Rhine cycling: Strasborg to Mainz
Adding to our range of great European cycle routes, plus a great trip to choose with a flight-free travel option from the UK, travellers can explore the Rhine and the wine regions of Alsace, Baden and the Palatinate on this leisurely cycling holiday. Following an iconic route discovering the history of Europe's greatest river, we have also included bike hire, plus e-bike upgrades are available.
CRETE – Self-Guided walking holiday on Crete
This itinerary is unique to KE, combining the very best highlights of south west Crete. Discovering Chania, the White Mountains, the spectacular gorges of Samaria, Aradena and Imbros, and the beautiful coast with secluded beaches and peaceful seaside villages. The flow of this itinerary enables travellers to go at their own pace while exploring the iconic sights of Crete on foot.
ITALY – Self-Guided Cycling - The Prosecco Tour
For those who would enjoy a leisurely cycling tour with a wine element, this new holiday shows off the best of the delightful Prosecco-producing Veneto region of northern Italy. Staying at an elegant 4-star restored 19th Century Venetian villa, this trip includes wine-tasting, a visit to Andrea Palladio's Villa Emo and inclusive bike hire. E-bikes are available as an upgrade.
MADEIRA – Self-Guided Cycling on Madeira
A popular island already with KE walkers due to its wonderful climate and floral diversity, we didn't want our cyclists to miss out. So, we have now put together a unique-to-KE one week cycling holiday, that circumnavigates the island. They'll enjoy wonderful quiet roads that twist and turn, almost always within sight of the Atlantic Ocean, and bike hire is included in the cost of the holiday. E-bikes are available if travellers wish to upgrade.
TURKEY – Self-Guided Walking: West Lycian Way
The Lycian Way is incredibly popular with KE travellers, and with the popularity of self-guided walking holidays increasing day-by-day, we wanted to include a great value, easily accessible, Lycian self-guided walking holiday into our range. 8 days from just £505, this trip included all private transfers, family run accommodations, visits to ancient sites and time to enjoy the bright turquoise waters and inviting beaches.
NEW in ASIA
JAPAN – Nakasendo Trail and Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage
On 10 June 2022, Japan re-opened its borders to travellers on guided tours, which was perfect timing for KE, as we had just launched a brand new fully guided holiday for travel in 2023. Some of the highlights of this new holiday include; 2 days walking on the Nakasendo Trail, the bright lights of Tokyo, a 3 day Kumano Kodo pilgrimage, sleeping in traditional ryokan with their own onsen, and a journey on the world famous high speed bullet train. This unique tour includes many of Japan's highlights, but makes sure there is plenty of time for relaxing, reflecting and some independent exploration along the way. This holiday is proving incredibly popular and is already 60% sold out for 2023.
NEPAL - Mustang and the Tiji Festival – E-biking Extravaganza
KE is the only UK operator to offer an e-biking adventure in Nepal, and this unique itinerary is part of KE's Pioneer Collection. This one-off, E-biking adventure explores the heart of the 'forbidden kingdom' of Mustang, and is timed to coincide with the annual Tiji Festival which takes place at Mustang's capital, the outrageous walled 'city' of Lo Manthang. We have planned for this trip to be running in May 2023, the month of celebration of the 70th anniversary of the first ascent of Everest in Nepal.
NEPAL – Dolpo to Mugu Reconnaissance Trek
A remote are of Nepal, this route from Dolpo to Mugu is one of the great trekking challenges of west Nepal and has been on our radar for many years. We are delighted to now be in a position to set this up as a reconnaissance trek for any of our committed Nepal afficionados. The few fortunate travellers who visit Dolpo each season confirm that it's home to some of the best trekking in the Himalayas.
INDIA – Heritage Trails of Rajasthan
Our exclusive walking holiday in Rajasthan is packed with rewarding treks, fascinating heritage trails and bags of opportunity to explore on foot. We have always believed that the world is best experienced at walking pace, and this itinerary is the perfect way to find out why. Whether your interest is in rare wildlife, exploring the corridors of royal palaces and temples or walking through tribal hill villages, this holiday will immerse you into all Rajasthan has to offer.
NEW in South America
COLOMBIA - Lost Cities and Coffee Trails of Colombia
A new destination for 2023, we're over the moon to be returning to Colombia with our brand new 'Unique to KE' Andean Highlands to the Caribbean Coast adventurous Colombian Holiday. Exploring Colombia's UNESCO listed 'Coffee Triangle', it visits the picturesque towns of Salento and Filandia, discovers hidden treasures with guided visits to the Lost City of Falan, Colombia's 'City of Bridges' and treks for 4 days through the jungle to Colombia's Cuidad Perdida – The Lost City of Teyuna. This is a truly unique itinerary that no other tour operator offers.
EQUADOR AND THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS – Cruise the Galapagos Islands
This Galapagos cruise holiday, is perfect for those wishing to combine activity and adventure with a twist of luxury. On the mainland, travellers stay in a comfortable lodge outside of the city, a place to relax in nature before and after our adventure. In the Galapagos, this small group cruise provides first class hospitality and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, that wouldn't otherwise be possible on a larger cruise. Each departure has an expert naturalist guide (1:10 ratio) to offer insight and make sure travellers get the very best out of their time in the Galapagos.
NEW in Africa
CAPE VERDE – Self-Guided Walking on Cape Verde
Just 6 hours from the UK, Cape Verde is far more accessible than people realise. Utilising our years of experience operating guided walking holidays on Cape Verde, we have designed this unique self-guided itinerary that explores some of the most beautiful hiking trails on Sao Vicente and Santo Antao, linking the two islands with a ferry journey. With options for shorter and longer walks on most days, travellers can set their own pace for their holiday. Departures are available all year round (excl Sep).
AFRICA – Under African Skies
Travelling through four countries; Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique and South Africa, This adventure holiday is a fascinating journey, packed with walking safaris and game drives, a two day canoe on the Zambezi River (no experience needed), an overnight wild camp on an island, snorkelling and swimming and Victoria Falls. Staying in a mix of lodges and camping in remote locations, this holidays is a very special safari experience.
NEW in the Middle East
EGYPT – Family Egypt Adventure Holiday
A brand new destination for KE for 2023, we are excited to be returning to Egypt with a multi-active family adventure which is suitable for children over 6 years old. Experiencing all the sights and sounds, families will experience the Great Pyramids, the Sphinx, Egyptian Museum, overnight sleeper train, kayak on the River Nile and a peaceful sail on a traditional felucca boat. An educational yet fun adventure for all of the family.
JORDAN - Jordan's hidden Trails
This new addition to our Jordan adventures, is designed more on those who like to explore at a leisurely pace, and take in the very best of Jordan's unmissable highlights. Travellers will enjoy a mix of walking, exploring Petra, Bedouin camping, floating in the Dead Sea, relaxing at the Red Sea and the Roman City or Jerash. A diverse and relaxing holiday that doesn't miss out on the key experiences in Jordan.
NEW in The Arctic
ARCTIC, SVALBARD & NORWAY – North Spitsbergen, Arctic Summer
This fantastic addition to our Arctic cruises, delves deeper into the small remote fjords, rugged peaks and isolated settlements of the Svalbard archipelago, than our previous cruises. Designed specifically for KE as an active holiday, incorporating fantastic walks with expert expedition staff with no surprise costs. A great value, 11-day sailing, walking and snowshoeing Arctic adventure.
NEW in Australasia
NEW ZEALAND – Best of New Zealand Trail Cycling
No other UK tour operator offers anything like this incredible trail cycling journey in the 'Land of the Long White Cloud'. Flying in to Christchurch, travellers will enjoy a South Island circuit with many of the natural highlights, including views of Mount Cook, a train ride on the scenic Taieri Gorge Railway, the Otago Central Rail Trail, a free day in Queenstown, the crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, the Haast Pass, the world famous Fox Glacier and the super-picturesque Lake Matheson. All topped off with the West Coast Wilderness Trail, a 2-day finale on gold-mining water races, logging tramways and historic railway lines.
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View KE's NEW Guide to Adventure 2023-2024 - https://bit.ly/3AgUHV4
Visit KE Adventure Travel's website – www.keadventure.com
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KE Adventure Travel offers over 360 active adventures in 90 countries worldwide. Best known for its pioneering itineraries and challenging trips with an 'edge', KE also offers a range of easier guided and self-guided walking, cycling, family and wildlife journeys throughout the world. Based in Keswick in the Lake District, KE are passionate about creating unique travel experiences for their customers. Established in 1984, KE Adventure Travel is a member of ABTA (W4341), AITO (5075) and holds an ATOL license (2808).
Please contact PR Manager Tavienne Kelly at tav@keadventure.com for any further information or images.