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Active Holidays

Active types from those learning to surf and beginners who’ve never ridden a horse before to adrenaline junkies – there’s something for everyone on our sports and activity holidays. Active breaks deliberately crafted to redefine your comfort zone, activate your mind and energise your body, all in epic scenery and great locations.

Whether you’re on the hunt for a surf holiday, a cycling experience or a walking break, here at Not In The Guidebooks we have a wide variety of unique, off the beaten track options all over the globe.

Popular experiences

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  • Sailing and Hiking the Dodecanese Islands

    6 Nights Greece

    Embark on a wonderful week's sailing, calling at beautiful unspoilt islands, travelling across the deep blue Adriatic se..

    Price from

    £3007 pp
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  • Horse Riding Holiday in Sierra Nevada Mountains

    6 nights Spain

    Spend 6 nights in the spa town of Lanjaron near Granada and discover the Sierra Nevada Mountains on horseback with 4 ful..

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    £1507 pp*
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  • Local Trail Walking and Eco Retreat – North Vietnam

    9 Nights Vietnam
    • Explore Hanoi - busy markets and delicious street food
    • Visit Trang An UNESCO site and take a train ride to Hanoi
    • Enjoy a sampan boat ride and guided cycle tour
    • Stay at a luxury eco-lodge in Sapa

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    £2729 pp*
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  • Highlights of Southern Peru

    11 nights Peru
    • Visit Iconic Machu Pichu
    • Private Boat at Lake Titicaca
    • Market Visit & Cook with a Local

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    £2722 pp*
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  • Ultimate Costa Rica

    16 Nights Costa Rica
    • Cloud forest canopy walk and zip lining
    • Snorkel in Cano Island
    • Cruise the canals of Tortuguero
    • Stay in award winning hotels in the lush rainforest

    Price from

    £4646 pp*
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  • Discover Mauritius in 10 Days

    9 Nights Mauritius
    • 9 nights in authentic & unique accommodation with breakfast & dinner
    • 9 day car rental included
    • 5 day experiences included

    Price from

    £2737 pp*
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    • View all

    Pick your Active Holidays location

    Costa Rica

    Costa Rica

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    Cuba

    Cuba

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    England

    England

    Discover beautiful walking trails or enjoy a yoga session in the middle of the English countryside, England is full of unique activity opportunities.

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    Finland

    Finland

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    France

    France

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    Greece

    Greece

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    Iceland

    Iceland

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    India

    India

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    Italy

    Italy

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    Kenya

    Kenya

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    Maldives

    Maldives

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    Mauritius

    Mauritius

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    Mexico

    Mexico

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    Montenegro

    Montenegro

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    Morocco

    Morocco

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    Norway

    Norway

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    Peru

    Peru

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    Portugal

    Portugal

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    Scotland

    Scotland

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    Slovenia

    Slovenia

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    Spain

    Spain

    Spain is one of the most popular destinations for activity holidays, with countless walking trails and incredible views for yoga, Spain is perfect.

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    Sri Lanka

    Sri Lanka

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    Uganda

    Uganda

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    Vietnam

    Vietnam

    An activity holiday in Vietnam is a great way to discover a unique culture while also getting fit and exploring the great outdoors.

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    Wales

    Wales

    Wales is the perfect place to reconnect with nature, whether that's through wild swimming or hiking mountains, Wales has it all.

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    Active Holidays blog posts

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    03/05/2018 Local Insights

    Essential surf kit for beginners – what to buy

    Starting a new hobby or sport can be a daunting task at times. Once you have bit the bullet, tried it out and decided ‘yeah, I can do this’, you have to kit yourself out. But where do you start? Surfing doesn’t need much to get started. In fact, all... Read More »
    20/07/2017 Features

    8 unusual watersports to try this summer

    While the rush of surfing never wears off and exploring below the waves as a scuba diver still means exploring new worlds, sometimes it’s good to mix it up. These eight unusual watersports will have you soaked, smiling, and struggling to explain what you’ve done to friends and family when you... Read More »
    11/06/2020 Features

    Surf in Europe – the Top Four Places This Summer

    Looking for a fun-filled and adrenaline-packed holiday this summer? Well, a surf holiday certainly ticks those boxes and Europe is home to some fantastic beaches and surf conditions. Suitable for all levels of surfing experience – from those who want to learn how to surf to those looking to improve... Read More »
    26/05/2020 Features

    Amazing Experiences in Cornwall

    From ancient castles shrouded in mystery to the culinary delights of the Cornish Pasty, there are plenty of amazing experiences in Cornwall that you definitely won’t want to miss. It’s a county packed full stunning scenery and friendly people – but it can be easy to miss out on the... Read More »
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    Sports & activity holidays at your pace

    Where will your active holiday take you?

    Replace your office chair or sofa with a surfboard or saddle on a revitalising active holiday that lets you actively experience the local culture.

    Our hands-on activity holidays drop you in the heart of the action. Here, lifelong surfers teach you to stand (and stay) up on your board, riding school tutors lead your horse riding trek and local guides show you the hidden walking trails of the region.

    Go learn to surf in all varieties: kite, wind and regular on one of our surfing holidays in Portugal, Cornwall, Ireland, Morocco and more. If you prefer dry land, roam the trails by foot on a walking holiday or discover them from the saddle with a horse riding holiday.

    For added flair, you can even combine sports with other activities.

    Brush up your language skills before hitting the trails on a Spanish and horse riding holiday in Spain. Practice your downward dog before you ‘hang ten’ on a surf and yoga holiday in Portugal. Or, take photos from your surfboard on a photography and surfing holiday in Costa Rica.

    Whatever your passions, you can find an active holiday to indulge your need for adventure, as well as a group of like-minded people to experience it with. Never settle for ordinary.

    Who are our sports holiday guests?

    You’ll meet people of all ages and nationalities, from solo travellers to couples to friends. Some want to escape the confines of their 9-to-5 jobs, others devote their lives to active pursuits. Others still have never seen the ocean, much less surfed it, while some just want to prove that they can do whatever they set their mind to.

    All that’s required is an abundance of energy, a zest for life and a refusal to be boxed in.

    Is this you? It looks like you.

    Thousands of people have already discovered that our eclectic mix of sports and active holidays are as diverse as the people who go on them. Come and join them.

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