GREAT OUTDOOR ADVENTURES!

This trip can be combined with HUT-TO-HUT TREK IN BULGARIA'S PIRIN MOUNTAINS. If booking both Bulgaria trips (this trip and the JULY 13-17 – HUT-TO-HUT TREKKING BULGARIA'S PIRIN MOUNTAINS trip), then the following will be included at no additional charge:

• One night accommodation for 16 July (shared room)
• Transfer from the Pirin Mountains to Govedartsi in the Rila Mountains with visit to the famous Rila Monastery on the way (entry to the monastery is free but museum entry is not included)

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

• 3 nights en-suite twin share guesthouse accommodation
• 3 breakfasts and 3 dinners
• An itinerary of 3 days of guided hiking
• Transfers as foreseen by the itinerary
• 1 Backabush trip leader and 1 local English-speaking Bulgarian hiking guide
• Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:

• Any meals not specified (lunch supplies can be bought locally)
• Flights and airport transfers
• Travel insurance
• Chair lift fees (expected to be approx. 29 EUR)

FLIGHTS:

Sofia is well connected with direct flights from multiple UK airports. Please use Skyscanner or another search engine to find the most suitable flights for you.

You will need to arrive at Sofia airport by 12:30 on Thu 17 July or the day before (booking your own accommodation in Sofia on Wed 16 July). Sofia city centre is easily reachable by public transportation.

The trip finishes on Sun 20 July. This is our final hiking day and we have a 2 hr transfer back to Sofia city centre/airport after our hike. If you wish to fly back on Sun 20 July this is only possible if you book the British Airways BA893 flight leaving Sofia at 21:10 or any other flight leaving after this (airport drop off possible). Earlier flights are not feasible.

Otherwise you will need to book your own accommodation in Sofia for this night and can book any return flight on Mon 21 Jul, making your own way back to Sofia airport.

HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:

To confirm your place on this trip use online banking. Your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip. Please use RILA as your payment reference. The account details are:

Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS
Sort Code: 090127
Account Number: 22440622

Only payment secures your place. Please email nathancapay@googlemail.com as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you. Thanks! :)

See main trip link with other attendees here.

Cost - £449. Nights - 4. Accommodation: comfortable en-suite twin-share (or double) hotel-style rooms in a fabulous, modern hostel with sauna.

Let’s explore the beautiful scenery of the German Alps, where the lush meadows of the Bavarian countryside merge into rolling foothills which suddenly give way to jagged Alpine peaks. Fir-clad mountains, karst landscapes, shimmering lakes, lederhosen, and picture-book towns, the Bavarian Alps are what many think of as the epitome of Germany!

Our base will be the charming alpine resort town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, close to the border with Austria. Blessed with an idyllic setting with splendid mountain scenery on its doorstep, the town is traditional yet vibrant, with lots of restaurants and bars on offer.

This fantastic base offers us a variety of exhilarating walks with captivating scenery to choose from for our three full hiking days, from enchanting gorge hikes to dramatic ridge and peak climbs.

Suggested hikes:

• Mount Wank (1780m) and Esterbergalm: this peak offers one of the greatest panoramic views in the Garmisch-Partenkirchen region and the idyllic Esterbergalm alpine pasture hut and farm (1264m) dates back to the 1400s (19km, 1300m ascent/decent - for whom this is too much: there is an optional cable car to shorten the ascent/distance significantly to 14km, 300m ascent, 1250 descent).
• Partnachklamm Gorge, Wamberg and Berggasthof Eckbauer: a fabulous loop hike over alpine meadows, passing by a lovely tavern and finishing off by walking the spectacular Partnachklamm trail hewn into the rock through a splendid narrow river-filled gorge (700m long and 70m deep), along thunderous torrents of water and several waterfalls (15km, 550m ascent/descent). This hike can also be shortened significantly for anyone preferring to take the cable car up.
• Grünkopf, Kransberg and Ederkanzel (refreshing lake swim possible!): This spectacular hike from the pretty nearby town of Mittenwald (short train ride away) offers spectacular panoramic views of the Karwendel and Wetterstein mountain ranges. After a short chairlift ride (approx 8EUR) this hike takes us over multiple peaks and passes by two picturesque lakes where the brave can take a swim (13.5km, 740m ascent/980m descent).

Please note any hikes are subject to change based on weather and other factors.

There are many other wonderful hikes in the area including an easy loop around the pretty Lake Eibsee (7km, 230m ascent/decsent), often lauded as the most beautiful lake in Germany with its mountainous backdrop and emerald-green waters (easily done self guided on a rest day), and numerous valley hikes.

From Lake Eibsee (which can be reached by train in 40 min) it is also possible to take the cable car up to the Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain at 2962m (75EUR cable car return ticket), easily done as an optional activity if anyone would like to take a rest day.

ACCOMMODATION:

Our accommodation will be in comfortable en-suite twin share rooms in a lovely modern hostel with sauna and fitness room in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, conveniently located right next to the train station. Breakfast will be included each day.

DIFFICULTY:

Hikes on this trip will be moderate to challenging. This trip does not involve technical mountaineering but hikes can be challenging at times due to the length/ascent/descent and rocky terrain so you will need to have a good level of hiking fitness and a head for heights in the mountainous terrain.

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

• 4 nights en-suite twin-share (or double) rooms
• 4 breakfasts
• An itinerary of 3 days of hiking
• Epic Adventure Club trip leader
• Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:

• Lunches/dinners - we can sample the hearty local Bavarian cuisine for dinners and lunch where possible (or buy packed lunches)
• Flights and airport transfers (see details below)
• DJH (German Youth Hostel Association) or HI (Hostelling International) membership required. Membership fee for international guests is EUR 3,50 per person per night, to be paid at reception on arrival.
• Public transport/cable car/chair lift/entrance fees (hike dependent)
• Travel insurance

FLIGHTS & AIRPORT TRANSPORT:

Return flights from London to Munich currently priced from just £116!

There are numerous convenient flights to Munich from London Heathrow/Gatwick, Birmingham and Manchester with British Airways, Lufthansa and Easyjet. Please use Skyscanner to find the most suitable flights for you.

From Munich Airport, it is very easy to reach Garmisch-Partenkirchen by public transport (about a 2 hour journey). A direct Flixbus service goes every two hours between Munich airport and Garmisch-Partenkirchen (from £12 one way). It is also easy to catch a train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, changing at Munich central station.

Please make sure to check the Flixbus, Deutsche Banh website and/or Google Maps for bus/train timings to ensure there are suitable public transport connections for your flights.

It is also possible to fly to Innsbruck airport and reach Garmisch-Partenkirchen from there by bus and train (1hr 40min), however there is only a direct flight (EasyJet from Gatwick) for the outbound (though there is a return flight on the Tuesday).

Feel free to contact me if you need any help finding suitable flights/ airport transfers!

HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:

To confirm your place on this trip please send payment through online banking and use BAVARIA as your payment reference. Your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip. The account details are:

Account Name: EPIC ADVENTURE CLUB LTD
Sort Code: 08-92-50
Account Number: 63235003

Please email ingridhansen1@gmail.com as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you. Thanks! :)

Just one female place left! Please see the main trip page here.

Join us for an Epic Adventure in Greece to climb the legendary Mt Olympus, Mountain of the Gods, and hike among the spectacular scenery of Meteora!

Nights - 8. Cost - £749. Accommodation - see below.

This trip is a truly diverse adventure, combining two Greek highlights - summiting the highest mountain in Greece, and hiking in stunning Meteora - with a bonus visit to a fascinating archaeological site and a well deserved beach day at the end.

From Thessaloniki airport, we travel to the small Northern Greek town of Vergina, where we will have time to visit the Archaeological Site of Aigai.

We then make our way to Meteora, known for its byzantine monasteries perched on top of steep rocks. Hiking among the stone giants of this spectacular area, we will have the opportunity to explore the most impressive viewpoints and ancient monasteries.

After these warm up hikes, we will be ready for our main goal of the trip, trekking to Mt Olympus, the 'Mountain of the Gods'. Our challenging 4-day hut-to-hut trek will take us not only to Greece’s highest peak, but will allow us to explore some spectacular off the beaten track trails in the surrounding mountains.

Our trip will finish off with some well deserved relaxing beach time in the lovely seaside town of Plaka where we will have the opportunity for a refreshing swim.

ACCOMMODATION:

Accommodation on this trip will be a combination of twin share rooms in hotels (3 nights), shared dorm rooms in mountain huts (3 nights) and twin share bungalows (2 nights).

ITINERARY:

Sat 27/09 - Pick up from Thessaloniki airport at noon (for flights arriving by 11:35AM), transfer to our hotel in Vergina, visit the Archaeological Site of Aigai.

Sun 28/09 - Transfer to our hotel in Meteora where we spend two nights, afternoon hike with monastery visit.

Mon 29/09 - Hiking and exploring Meteora with monastery visit.

Tue 30/09 - Transfer to Prionia, start of Mt Olympus trek, hike to Agapitos hut.

Wed 01/10 - Hike to Apostolidis hut, ascent Mt Olympus peak (only with day pack).

Thu 02/10 - Hike on the Plateau of the Muses and surrounding mountains.

Fri 03/10 - Hike down to Litochoro village. Transfer to our seaside accommodation where we spend our last two nights.

Sat 04/10 - Free day to enjoy the beach!

Sun 05/10 - Transfer to Thessaloniki airport (leaving our accommodation around 8:30/9AM) for flights leaving from 12:30 onwards.

Please note this itinerary is subject to change based on weather and other factors.

DIFFICULTY:

Hikes during the Mt Olympus part of the trip will be challenging with significant elevation to be tackled and this trip is therefore only suitable for fit and experienced hikers with a head for heights. You should be comfortable walking with a full pack on rough, rocky and uneven terrain and on sometimes narrow and exposed paths. You will need the fitness to cover around 12 km with up to 1200m of ascent and up to 1600m descent in a day. Hikes during the Meteora part will be of medium difficulty.

NOTE ABOUT SUMMITTING MT OLYMPUS:

Mount Olympus has multiple peaks and (weather permitting) our guide can take us as far as the popular summits of Skala Peak at 2,882m or Skolio Peak, the second highest peak at 2,911m, as the ascent to these peaks is not technical.

The final section from Skala Peak to the highest peak of Mytikas at 2,917m is however an exposed, graded scramble. For that reason, if you wish to climb Mytikas, you will need to use the services of a separate experienced local guide who can support you on this final section and provide the necessary equipment (previous scrambling experience recommended).

These guides can take up to 4 people at a time and we will help to organise this for anyone interested (see more info in the comments section below).

For anyone that does not wish to tackle Mytikas, Skala and Skolio are equally worthy summits and offer spectacular views without the need for difficult scrambling.

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

• 5 nights accommodation in twin share rooms (3 nights in hotels in en-suite rooms, 2 nights in bungalows on a seaside campsite (each bungalow has a toilet but shower facilities are shared)
• 3 nights accommodation in shared dorm rooms in mountain huts
• 2 breakfasts
• 1 English speaking mountain guide
• 1 Epic Adventure Club trip leader
• Airport transfers and all other transfers as foreseen by the itinerary (due to the limited boot space we won't be able to take large suitcases, soft bags preferred)
• Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:

• Any other meals not specified (in the villages we can get breakfast/buy packed lunches at local cafes/supermarkets, and we will sample the local cuisine at nearby restaurants/tavernas for dinner. The mountain huts sell basic breakfasts, lunch packs and dinners*.
• Flights (see below)
• Bed linen/towel in the huts (you will need to bring a sleeping bag liner, pillow case and towel)
• Entry fees
• Travel Insurance

*Please note that meal options will be limited in the mountain huts. If you have any specific dietary requirements other than regular vegetarian you will likely need to bring some of your own supplies on the trek.

FLIGHTS AND AIRPORT TRANSFERS:

We will provide one airport pick up from Thessaloniki airport on Saturday 27 September for flights arriving by 11:35 (AM). The following outbound flights from London are suitable:

Easyjet EZY8243
Departs 06:20 LGW London Gatwick
Arrives 11:35 SKG Thessaloniki

British Airways BA772
Departs 06:05 LHR London Heathrow
Arrives 11:25 SKG Thessaloniki

Please note it is possible to take a later outbound flight (i.e. 09:25 BA from LHR) but you will then have to make your own way by bus/taxi to Thessaloniki followed by a train to Mesi Veroias from where our guide will be happy to pick you up. Please enquire for details with the organiser if you consider this option.

For the return on Sunday 5 October, we will provide one airport drop off at Thessaloniki airport by 10:30 for flights leaving from 12:30 onwards. Suitable flights to London would be:

Easyjet EZY8246
Departs 12:35 SKG Thessaloniki
Arrives 14:10 LGW London Gatwick

British Airways BA773
Departs 13:25 SKG Thessaloniki
Arrives 15:00 LHR London Heathrow

If you decide to book different flights you will have to meet the group at the airport by noon on 27 September.

HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:

To confirm your place on this trip please send payment through online banking and use GREECE as your payment reference. Your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip. The account details are:

Account Name: EPIC ADVENTURE CLUB LTD
Sort Code: 08-92-50
Account Number: 63235003

Please email ingridhansen1@gmail.com as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you. Thanks! :)

Abisko National Park in Swedish Lapland is located about 150 miles north of the Arctic Circle and is a dream destination for aurora seekers as it offers some of the best conditions in the world for northern lights watching. The unique climate of the area keeps the skies almost always clear, and light pollution is minimal.

Our plan is to walk to the best nearby viewing areas each night to hunt for the aurora borealis, for example at the shore of the fantastic lake Torneträsk. There is also the option to book a night visit to the Aurora Sky Station on one of the evenings, taking the chairlift up to its amazing viewing platform at 900m above sea level.

During the day we will have the opportunity to explore more of the national park, hiking to nearby lakes and waterfalls (weather and snow conditions permitting). There are many other exciting winter activities available to book including snowshoeing, ice climbing, dog sledding, cross-country skiing, ice fishing and snowmobile tours.

Come and join us on an amazing arctic adventure to the world's best place for the aurora borealis!

ACCOMMODATION:

We have secured comfortable en-suite twin share rooms at the wonderful STF Abisko Turiststation, at the heart of Abisko National Park. A delicious Swedish style buffet breakfast is included every day.

Limited single room places may be available based on availability and room cost at the time of booking, please enquire.

The accommodation has an on-site restaurant, bistro and convenience store and there are self-catering facilities available. There is also a grocery store 2km away.

The on-site sauna is the perfect place to warm up and unwind after a day of exploring and our accommodation is perfectly placed for aurora hunting with many great viewing points nearby.

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

• 4 nights accommodation in comfortable en-suite twin share rooms (limited single supplement possible at extra cost - please enquire)
• 4 breakfasts
• Private airport transfers (65 miles each way)
• An itinerary of organised walks to view the northern lights each evening and to explore the national park during the day (weather and snow conditions permitting)
• Access to on-site sauna
• Self-catering facilities
• Trip organiser
• Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:

• Lunches and dinners (a restaurant, self catering facilities and convenience store are available on-site and there is also a grocery store 2km away)
• Flights (see details below)
• Optional activities
• Travel insurance
• Single supplement (please enquire)

RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS AND TRANSFERS:

Flights currently only £163 with luggage!

Airport transfers (included) are timed to meet the below recommended connecting flights with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) to/from Kiruna:

Outbound - Thursday 22 January:

SK 1530 London Heathrow LHR 06:40 – Stockholm Arlanda ARN 10:10
SK 1042 Stockholm Arlanda ARN 11:55 – Kiruna KRN 13:30

Inbound - Monday 26 January:

SK 1045 Kiruna KRN 14:10 – Stockholm Arlanda ARN 15:55
SK 1527 Stockholm Arlanda ARN 19:40 – London Heathrow LHR 21:20

It will be easy to break up your journey by spending a day or two in Stockholm or arrive in Kiruna earlier/leave later to extend your stay, and make your own way to/from the airport to meet the group. There is also an overnight train to Kiruna/Abisko available from/to Stockholm although tickets only go on sale closer to the date.

HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:

https://www.meetup.com/backabush/events/306414605