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.

Most 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..

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    £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

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    £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

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    £2737 pp*
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  • Pick your type of Active Holidays

    Cycling Holidays

    Cycling holidays are without doubt one of the very best ways of getting far off the beaten track and out into the untouched parts of a country, all in an eco-friendly way that really helps you get in touch with a landscape.

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    Watersports Holidays

    Whatever you're into, we have a wide range of thrilling watersports holidays that will help you discover the world from a different perspective. Try your hand at windsurfing, kayaking, SUP, coasteering, kitesurfing and caving.

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    Horse Riding Holidays

    Equine lovers, beginners who have never mounted a horse before, experienced riders - everyone is welcome in the farms and ranches of our horse riding holiday hosts on an unforgettable riding adventure.

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    Surfing Holidays

    More than just standing on a board, surfing is about testing your limits and redefining your comfort zone, and, most importantly, sharing feedback and laughs with other surfers after a day in the waves.

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    Walking Holidays

    From avid hikers to casual ramblers, we offer a wide range of walking and hiking holidays to match your comfort zone and holiday itinerary. You can even combine your love of walking with another activity for a walking holiday with a difference.

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    Family Holiday with Older Children

    Eventually, you’ll get to a stage where a bucket, spade and a beach just doesn’t cut it for the kids anymore. We know how great those types of easy holidays can be for families with young children, but as they get older, more curious and easier to travel with on exciting holidays.

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    Top Active Holidays destinations

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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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