Walking around the World

A global journey that includes walking in USA, Cook Islands, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa
Overview

This is the classic walking holiday - putting over 60 years of operating in five continents together in one remarkable 40 day tour.

United States We begin by flying to the hustle and bustle of the star-studded city of Los Angeles for two nights, where we have the opportunity to visit the Getty museum and Universal Studios.

The Cook Islands From Los Angeles we head to the South Pacific to unwind in the Cook Islands. We spend five nights on Rarotonga, the youngest of the 15 islands, surrounded by clear lagoons which extend to an outer reef. It has a virtually unpopulated interior massif, the eroded remains of a once mighty volcanic pyramid, and fertile coastal areas. During our stay here we see as much of this beautiful Pacific island as possible.

New Zealand Crossing the International Date Line we spend two nights in Christchurch before travelling to Mount Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand (3754m). This region offers wonderful walking and breathtaking views of Mount Cook set against Lake Pukaki. We stay close by at Omarama for two nights. Continuing south, we reach Queenstown (three nights), from where we explore the surrounding mountains, relax in the town or take advantage of the many activities that Queenstown offers.

Australia We begin in Melbourne (two nights), a revitalised city of landscaped gardens and paths. Then to the Snowy Mountains (three nights) to find Mount Kosciusko (2228m), Australia's highest peak and an opportunity to ascend the mountain via cable car. Canberra, Australia's capital is our next destination, where we relax and do a little sightseeing. Next stop are the Blue Mountains in New South Wales (three nights). We walk on some of the bush trails through this spectacular landscape, enjoying fantastic views of deep valleys, waterfalls and steep gorges. Sydney is our final Australian destination, renowned for the famous Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

South Africa Arriving in Johannesburg we travel to the Royal Natal National Park region (four nights) to enjoy walking and exploring the spectacular Drakensberg Mountains. The scenery is breathtaking and, as one travel guide states, "all the better for being wild, unpopulated and imbued with an intensity which is effortlessly spiritual".

We move on to the small town of Hluhluwe in Zululand, where we stay three nights at a game reserve. We explore the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Park, with a ranger in open-topped jeeps. We have an early morning game reserve walk and also visit a living museum of Zulu life, which offers a fascinating insight into their culture and traditions.

Cape Town (three nights) is the perfect city to end our travels. Beautifully situated, its most striking feature is Table Mountain, which rears up from the centre of the city, providing a constantly changing backdrop for the suburbs below. We ascend Table Mountain and explore the city taking time to relax at the famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and reflect on our adventure!

Please note: There may be itinerary variations as flight schedules differ seasonally. A fuller itinerary is available on request.

Holiday Information Sheet

You can download more information about the holiday by clicking the 'Holiday Information' link on each departure date below.

All Holiday Information sheets are in PDF format. You will need Acrobat Reader or a similar program to view these. To download Acrobat Reader visit get.adobe.com/reader.

Highlights

  • Probably the best value Around the World Trip you will find.
  • The best of six continents, put together with 60 years of operating experience.
  • Los Angeles - star studded city tour.
  • Raratonga - Beautiful, friendly and relaxing Pacific island.
  • New Zealand (South Island) - mountains and breathtaking views.
  • Australia - Snowy and Blue Mountains.
  • South Africa - Mountains and Wildlife.

Overnight

Please ask for an overnight summary.

Meals

Breakfasts and dinners are provided throughout.

Accommodation

In tourist class hotels/lodges throughout.

Travel

We travel by road and air

Map

Click here to see this holiday on Google Maps.

Weather Information Click here .

Terrain moderate Sight seeing Great Journeys
  

Barry is our Buildings Manager and also our birdwatching expert. He's keen to add both holiday to destinations with good birdwatching opportinities for the non expert as well as holidays specifically for enthusiasts. And not content with putting the holidays together, he leads as many of them as he can!


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Anything is Possible in Africa!: Gemma Smith
Ramblers Worldwide Holidays staff member, Gemma, went on a walking holiday in South Africa and found out that in Africa – anything is possible! – This sounds like a life-changing trip – Helen, Community Co-ordinator.