Celebrate World Heritage Day

Celebrate World Heritage Day with an epic travel adventure

World Heritage Day (18 April) provides the ideal inspiration for booking a trip to visit a UNESCO World Heritage site of special natural or cultural significance.

Specialist adventure travel company, Discover Adventure, offers a wide range of trips that encompass World Heritage Sites. Adventures are graded from 1 to 5 in difficulty level, where ‘1’ is the easiest and ‘5’ the most extreme. With each trek or cycle, participants can choose either to undertake it as a purely personal challenge or to use it as a chance to raise money for a charity of their choice.

Trips that feature UNESCO World Heritage Sites include:

NEW: Yosemite to San Francisco Cycle (Grade 2 – Demanding) from £2,874 pp

The spectacular Yosemite National Park, designated a World Heritage Site in 1984, is the starting point for this epic cycle challenge. A monumentally beautiful area of huge granite peaks and towering cliffs, roaring waterfalls and sparkling lakes, the initial stages of the ride include the park’s main landmarks of Yosemite Falls and El Capitan. From here, climb the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, through landscapes of pine forests, tranquil lakes and vineyards and on to the rolling plains of the west. The unforgettable finish is on the Pacific coast, at the iconic Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco.

Departing 30 September, this diverse nine-day trip costs from £2,874 pp (two sharing), and includes all transport (London / San Francisco return), all accommodation and camping equipment, support from Discover Adventure leaders, local guides/mechanics, drivers and back-up equipment, entry to the National Park and any other sites included in the itinerary, and the use of an 8-speed Hybrid Touring Bike.

Rajasthan Cycle (Grade 3 – Tough) from £2,274 pp

India offers a wide diversity of landscapes, wildlife, colourful cultures and a broad sense of history. This trip, to the desert state of Rajasthan, offers not one but two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Starting in the pink city of Jaipur, there is time to visit one such site, the famous Observatory, or Jantar Mantar, before setting out on a cycle adventure characterised by old forts, painted houses and maharajah’s palaces – at some of which the group will stay overnight. Other highlights include Ranthambore National Park and the old abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri. The trip culminates at sunrise at India’s most iconic monument, the Taj Mahal, which has been a World Heritage Site since 1983. This cycle trip makes for a truly unforgettable adventure.

Departing 3 November, this 10-day trip is from £2,274 pp (two sharing), and includes return transport (London / Jaipur / Delhi), all accommodation, most meals, use of a mountain bike, Discover Adventure leaders/mechanics, local guides, cooks and back-up equipment; and entry to the Taj Mahal and any other sites included in the itinerary.

Great Wall of China Trek (Grade 1 – Challenging) from £1,824 pp

With the second largest number of World Heritage Sites, China is also home to the Great Wall, one of the most iconic man-made sites ever created. Stretching 6,000 km, the Great Wall was begun in the 5th Century BC and given World Heritage Site status in 1987. This trek is hugely varied, passing through woodland and terraced farmland, experiencing the beautiful hills and mountains in remote areas north of Beijing. Follow old sections of the Great Wall, as well as restored sections with smooth flagstones and lots of steps; this challenge is physically demanding whilst offering fabulous scenery and a fascinating insight into a rich culture and history.

Departing 14 April, 15 September and 6 October, this 10-day trip is from £1,824 pp (two sharing), and includes return transport (London / Beijing), all accommodation, most meals, Discover Adventure leaders, local guides, cooks and back-up equipment, a tour of the Forbidden City on the free day and entry to any other sites included in the itinerary.

For further information about Discover Adventure, visit www.discoveradventure.com or to talk to an expert, telephone 01722 718444, or email info@discoveradventure.com.