Hop to it: 7 sunny Easter adventures you'll want to book now

Banish the winter chill by looking forward to a sun-kissed Easter with these adventurous breaks in Portugal, Greece, Oman, Jordan and beyond...

5 mins

1: Lose yourself in wild Portugal

River meandering through Peneda-Gerês National Park (Dreamstime)

River meandering through Peneda-Gerês National Park (Dreamstime)

Explore the unique nature, wildlife and history of northern Portugal on this sunny adventure in Peneda-Gerês National Park with Sunvil Discovery.

Based in Pousada de Canicada de Geres, you’ll be perfectly placed to enjoy this much-overlooked patch of European wilderness. Here you’ll find rolling river valleys, mountain peaks, wild native flowers, waterfalls, reservoirs and an abundance of wildlife – including wild ponies, roebuck and Iberian wolves.

The historical towns of Guimaraes, Braga, Ponte de Lima and Barcelos are nearby too, offering the chance to sample local culture and cuisine – and witness age-old Easter traditions first-hand.

Trip: Nature, Wildlife, History & More in Northern Portugal

Who: Sunvil Discovery

When: Flexible departures over Easter

How long: 7 nights

How much: £784 (inc. flights)

2: Explore Petra by pedal power

The Treasury building in Petra at night (Dreamstime)

The Treasury building in Petra at night (Dreamstime)

Encounter the awesome beauty of Jordan at a gentle and immersive pace on this nine-day cycling adventure with Exodus.

Easter is the perfect time to visit Jordan. The skies are big and blue and the temperatures are pleasantly warm rather than blistering hot. You’ll ride through olive groves and hilltop villages in the north, and sparse desert roads and vast landscapes in the south. Out of the saddle, you’ll wander the rose-red stone city of Petra, spend a night under the stars in the Wadi Rum desert, and float in the invigorating waters of the Dead Sea. 

Trip: Petra & Wadi Rum by Bike

Who: Exodus

When: Departures Mar-Jun

How long: 9 days

How much: From £1,099 (exc. flights)

3: Take a walk in the sun in Malta and Gozo

Walking along the cliffs of San Lawrenz, Gozo (Dreamstime)

Walking along the cliffs of San Lawrenz, Gozo (Dreamstime)

Walk along wild thyme-scented pathways overlooking turquoise seas on this jam-packed hike through Malta and Gozo with Ramblers Walking Holidays.

You’ll enjoy a mix of contrasting walks: from historic sites and panoramic coastal views in Malta, to the green and beautiful farmland, hills and valleys of Gozo. The coastline here is characterised by white cliffs and rocky tracks, and unobstructed views across the sea.

In Malta and Gozo, every step reveals an unforgettable vista – and another chapter in the archipelago’s dramatic history.

Trip: Malta & Gozo (Grade 4)

Who: Ramblers Walking Holidays

When: Departures Mar & May

How long: 10 nights

How much: £1,050 (inc. flights)

4: Enjoy a warm welcome in Oman

Mountain road to Jebel Shams (Dreamstime)

Mountain road to Jebel Shams (Dreamstime)

Leave the cold weather behind and escape to Oman for a week of evocative landscapes, overwhelming hospitality and Easter warmth with Undiscovered Destinations.

Your adventure starts in the capital, Muscat, a lively city with a fascinating old quarter. From Muscat you’ll head to the Indian Ocean coast, looking for turtles, before venturing into the vast sands of the Arabian Desert. Here you'll camp overnight next to towering dunes with Bedouin nomads. Finally, you’ll visit Nizwa, gateway to Jebel Shams – the ‘Grand Canyon of Oman’.

This is a journey to the heart of Arabia, where ancient traditions still hold sway amid a timeless landscape.

Trip: Oman - From the Desert to the Coast

Who: Undiscovered Destinations

When: Departures Mar & April

How long: 7 days

How much: £1,799 (exc. flights)

5: Immerse yourself in Andalucia’s sumptuous heritage

The Alhambra of Granada at twilight (Dreamstime)

The Alhambra of Granada at twilight (Dreamstime)

Indulge all of your senses on this journey through the cultural heartland of southern Spain with Wexas Travel.

This is a journey that celebrates the splendours of Andalucia, uncovering an intoxicating blend of Islamic heritage and medieval serenity in Málaga, Córdoba, Seville and Granada. You’ll enjoy private guided tours of imposing castles, cathedrals and mosques, and stay in luxury hotels that include colonial townhouses and centuries-old palaces. As a final treat, take part in a flamenco show, a jamón ibérico (local ham) workshop, and a memorable traditional dinner.

Trip: Splendours of Andalucia

Who: Wexas Travel

When: Flexible departures over Easter

How long: 6 days

How much: From £1,295 (inc. flights)

6: All aboard the Morocco Express

Ancient souk in Marrakech (Dreamstime)

Ancient souk in Marrakech (Dreamstime)

Get to know the vibrant culture and colourful landscapes of Morocco on this adventure with Collette. You’ll dine at Rick’s Café, the famous saloon from the 1942 film Casablanca; spend time in the capital city of Rabat; and explore Fes, where donkeys and mules laden with goods still walk to the ancient market. 

After making your way through the Sahara Desert by jeep, you’ll board a camel for your ride to your nomad camp and a night under the stars. 

Finally you’ll travel the rugged 'Road of a Thousand Kasbahs' to Marrakech, getting a true taste of Moroccan hospitality during lunch and tea with a local family. Morocco will dazzle you with its deep history, unique atmosphere and welcoming people.

Trip: Highlights of Morocco

Who: Collette

When: Departures Feb-Apr

How long: 10 days

How much: £1,649 (exc. flights)

7: Take a sun-kissed cruise through ancient Greece

The MV Galileo anchored at night (Peregrine)

The MV Galileo anchored at night (Peregrine)

Uncover the legends of Greece – be it mythological history or famous beaches and villages – on this sun-kissed cruise through the Greek Islands with Peregrine.

Sailing aboard a recently refurbished old-world cruiser, you’ll take in sea views and fresh air from the sundeck and shady outdoor bar. You'll visit ancient sites and call at picturesque villages and ports, mooring occasionally so you can take a dip into the rich blue waters of the Mediterranean. The cruise has a strong historical focus, with an on-board archaeologist who will show you around the hilltop citadel of Mycenae and Zeus’s Temple at Olympia.

This is a cruise that ticks off classical Greece’s true highlights (Delphi, Corinth, Olympia etc) as well as out-of-the-way spots such as Katakolon and Gythion.

Trip: Greek Island Cruising (Antiquity to Byzantium)

Who: Peregrine

When: Departures Mar & Apr

How long: 8 days

How much: From £1,120 (exc. flights)

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