Have a grand old adventure for only a grand on this exhilarating trekking holiday in Jordan with Intrepid.
Wander the streets of Amman, wind your way along shepherd's paths in Mukair, and get off the beaten track inancient Petra, taking the lesser known back road to the famous Treasury.
Add in a jeep ride through Wadi Rum, a night under the stars with Bedouins, and a dip (and bob) in the super-salty waters of the Dead Sea, and you’ve well and truly got your money’s worth.
Trip: Trek Jordan
Who: Intrepid
Type: Small group
When: Mar to Jun & Aug to Dec
How long: Eight days
How much: From £893 (exc. flights)
Flights start from: £112 return
Spend three nights under the Northern Lights in magical Apukka in Finland and still have change from £1,000 on this flights-included Lapland adventure with the Aurora Zone.
The Apukka Resort is ideally situated so you can enjoy the wintry wilderness of Lapland, while still basing yourself in prime Aurora territory. A local guide will be on hand to offer their expert knowledge of the Northern Lights, and help maximise your chances of seeing this astonishing natural wonder.
You’ll also enjoy a complimentary night in an Ice Cabin, a truly Arctic experience. There are plenty of optional activities like snowshoe trekking and dog sledding to keep you busy, too. A truly captivating Finnish escape.
Trip: Rovaniemi: Aurora Adventure In Apukka
Who: The Aurora Zone
Type: Tailor-made
When: Jan to Mar
How long: Three nights
How much: From £925 (inc. flights)
Discover the ancient treasures of Egypt and learn about one of the oldest and most fascinating civilisations in the world, on this incredible budget adventure with Tucan Travel.
Kicking off Cairo, you will visit Egypt’s most iconic sites, including the famous Great Pyramids, the Valley of the Kings, Aswan and Luxor.
You’ll float down the Nile Aswan to Kom Ombo aboard a tradition felucca, and have plenty of time to spend the money you’ve saved buying papyrus paintings and alabaster sphinxes in Cairo’s medieval bazaars. This really is ‘bucket list on a budget'.
Trip: Egypt Adventure
Who: Tucan Travel
Type: Small group
When: Departures throughout the year
How long: Nine days
How much: From £495 (exc. flights)
Flights start from: £243 return
Watch whales, walk amongst volcanoes and enjoy a unique twist on Portuguese cuisine, on this incredible active holiday in the Azores with Artisan Travels.
Based on the island of São Miguel, this is an exotic twist on a typical European getaway. You will watch for whales from a tour boat, swim with dolphins in the Atlantic, and snorkel close to a colourful variety of fish and other underwater fauna off the islet of Vila Franca do Campo.
You’ll also experience the island’s volcanic side: bathing in a naturally-heated spring at the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, exploring São Miguel’s longest lava tunnel, and tucking into Cozido das Furnas – a traditional Portuguese stew cooked by natural steam.
Trip: Azores: A Volcanic Wonderland
Who: Artisan Travels
Type: Small group
When: Apr to Oct
How long: Seven nights
How much: From £895
Flights start from: £103 return
Experience the very best of the Loire Valley and still have change to buy a carton or two of the region’s finest wines, on this eight day cycling tour with BSpoke Tours.
Based at Candes-Saint-Martin, a charming medieval village that sits on the point of confluence of the Loire and Vienne rivers, you’ll cycle through the beautiful Loire Valley, canoe the gorgeous waters of the Loire and Indre rivers, and sample many, many fine wines.
Your tour includes self-catering accommodation in stylish, fully-equipped apartments, bikes for the duration of your stay, with pannier bags, water bottles and repair kits, and support from local representatives. And just to get you started, your welcome pack upon arrival includes two bottles of local wine!
Trip: Loire Single Centre Cycling Holiday
Who: BSpoke Tours
Type: Tailor-made
When: Flexible departures throughout the year
How long: Eight days
How much: From £500 (exc. flights)
Flights start from: £90 return
Hike coastal trails to remote fishing villages and experience unchanged Morocco, on this affordable trekking and cultural adventure along the Atlantic Coast with KE Adventure Travel.
Your days will be filled with spectacular cliffs, long sandy beaches and rural landscapes. Your nights will see you falling asleep to the sound of the Atlantic Ocean beneath star-filled Moroccan skies.
You’ll also stay in a charming traditional riad in the heart of Essaouira’s ancient white-washed medina, and have time to explore the bustling city of Marrakech complete with exotic souks, beautiful palaces and colourful squares.
Trip: Walking Morocco’s Undiscovered Coast
Who: KE Adventure Travel
Type: Small group
When: Jul & Sep
How long: Eight days
How much: From £560 (exc. flights)
Flights start from: £140 return
Tucked away in the Caucasus Mountains, Georgia is a cultural gem. You’ll experience it all on this budget adventure through most of its highlights, over a jam-packed six days.
From the buzzing capital of Tbilisi to the near-empty Caucasus, you'll learn all about Georgia's rich history and culture, plus experience its legendary hospitality and tasty food.
With a visit to Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia, and a journey along the Silk Road to Uplistsikhe, who knew your £1,000 could take you so far into lesser-visited territory?
Trip: Classic Georgia
Who: TravelLocal
Type: Tailor-made
When: Flexible departures throughout the year
How long: Six days
How much: From £660 (exc. flights)
Flights start from: £199 return
On this winter self-drive holiday with Discover The World, you can experience the landscapes and activities Iceland is famous for without breaking the bank. And you’ll probably get to see the Northern Lights, too.
Based in an idyllic rural base, just 90 minutes from Reykjavik, you will search for the Aurora Borealis under the dark skies of Borgarfjordur, visit the amazing Ice Cave and explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, with an optional whale watching tour, should you choose.
A tour of the iconic Golden Circle will reveal Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls and geysers. A dip in the natural Krauma geothermal baths is a soothing way to end the day. See, Iceland doesn't need to be *too* expensive...
Trip: Iceland: Northern Lights, Glaciers and Waterfalls
Who: Discover The World
Type: Tailor-made/Self-drive
When: Jan to Apr & Oct to Dec
How long: Four nights
How much: From £527 (exc. flights)
Flights start from: £80 return
Stay in a secluded five star hotel, trek along magnificent coastal paths and discover colourful fishing villages - on a luxury walking holiday in Gozo with Exodus. Plus, you don't need to worry about booking your own flights...
Cherished since the time of Homer, Gozo remains an unspoilt Mediterranean island, with a temperate climate year-round, making it the perfect place to explore on foot.
Blessed with a rugged landscape and spectacular coastline, it is also brimming with Baroque architecture, gardens and churches. Only the occasional farmhouse punctuates the countryside.
Trip: Headwater - Self-Guided Walking On Gozo - Calypso's Isle (4 Nights)
Who: Exodus
Type: Small group
When: Departures throughout the year
How long: Four nights
How much: From £895 (inc. flights)