Short and sweet: 9 bite-sized adventures to book when time is tight

Enjoy a short, sharp intake of wildlife on this long weekend safari in the Masai Mara with Wildlife Worldwide.

Spending a few days in one of the world's finest wildlife sanctuaries is an experience you’ll never forget. You will head out each day and evening on game drives to see the area's prolific wildlife, which includes huge elephant herds, Grant's and Thomson's gazelle, topi and eland, along with their accompanying predators – lion, leopard and cheetah. 

Superb guides, great food, spectacular landscapes and abundant wildlife – what more could you ask for from your next short break?

Trip: Big Cat Weekend

Who: Wildlife Worldwide

When: Flexible departures throughout the year

How long: 4 days

How much: £1,595 (exc.flights)

Loosen your belt and tuck into some of the best bites in Italy on this five-day foodie adventure in Naples with G Adventures. 

Naples is the birthplace of pizza, and while you’ll experience a variety of delicious dishes on this trip, the chance to dig right into the dough and learn how to make pizza in the authentic Italian style is an undoubted highlight. When you’re not eating, you’ll be learning about the history of the area on a visit to the nearby ruins of Pompeii. And how the local limoncello digestif is made...

Trip: Naples Pizza Adventure

Who: G Adventures

When: Departures Jun & Sep

How long: 5 days

How much: £439 (exc. flights)

Experience one of Australia’s most iconic drives on this mini road trip along the Great Ocean Road with G-Adventures.

The Great Ocean Road is regarded as one of the world’s greatest drives. Heading east from Adelaide to Melbourne, you’ll take in all the highlights including the Arch and the 12 Apostles. You’ll venture inland too, visiting the sandstone ridges and ancient rock art of the Grampians National Park and visiting an Aboriginal cultural centre for a greater understanding of what you’ve seen. Finally, you’ll dip your toes in the breakers at world-famous surf beaches, before spending your final evening soaking up the vibrant scene in Melbourne.

Trip: Great Ocean Road East: Adelaide To Melbourne

Who: G Adventures

When: Regular departures throughout the year

How long: 3 days

How much: From £223 (exc. flights)

Experience Morocco's highlights on this five-day North African adventure with Oasis Overland.

Time may be in short supply, but the thrills aren’t. You’ll lose yourself in the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, camel trek into the Sahara desert, and spend the night in a Berber camp. After driving through the High Atlas mountain range, you'll arrive in the colourful fishing town of Essaouira where a day relaxing on the beach, wandering the medina or surfing, horse trekking, quad biking or wind surfing. The choice is yours.

Trip: Mini Adventure To Morocco Marrakech To Marrakech (5 Days) Morocco Express

Who: Oasis Overland

When: Departures Apr - Jun

How long: 5 days

How much: From £449 (exc. flights)

Experience some of the most famous sights in North America on this three-day short break to Niagara Falls with Grand American Adventures.

Leaving the bright lights and crazy nights of NYC behind, you’ll venture into 'up state' New York to the thundering wonder of Niagara Falls. Highlights include experiencing the Falls during the day and night, exploring Finger Lakes with its many waterfalls and wineries, and an outlet shopping spree.

Trip: New York To Niagara

Who: Grand American Adventures

When: Departures Jun - Sep

How long: 3 days

How much: From £459 (exc. flights)

Take a walk through English and Welsh history – and one of Britain’s most pristine river valleys – on this 3-day trek through the Wye Valley with Ramblers Walking Holidays.

Following the Wye River from its source in northern Wales to the Bristol Channel, you’ll encounter ancient ruins, breathtaking viewpoints and bustling market towns. You’ll follow sections of the Wye Valley Walk, the Offa’s Dyke Path, and surrounding trails meandering along the hillsides high above the majestic River Wye, emerging at superb viewing points such as Symonds Yat Rock and the Eagle’s Nest.

Trip: Walking The Wye Valley

Who: Ramblers Walking Holidays

When: Departures Apr, Jun, Jul & Sep

How long: 3 days

How much: From £200 (exc. flights)

Travel back in time to the rose-hued fortress city of Petra on this long weekend desert adventure in Jordan with Intrepid.

This is not a rushed trip, by any stretch of the imagination. You’ll get a full day to explore the extraordinary beauty of Petra's rock-hewn architecture and to discover its history. There's also time to float in the Dead Sea and see Jerusalem shimmering in the distance from Mt Nebo. This short break amid ancient wonders is the perfect way to dip your toes in one of the Middle East’s most intriguing destinations.

Trip: Petra Uncovered

Who: Intrepid

When: Departures throughout the year

How long: 3 days

How much: £482 (exc. flights)

Compact and other-worldly, Iceland is the perfect short break destination. Experience the best the country has to offer on this four-day trip with Evaneos.

Based in Reykjavik, you’ll explore a variety of landscapes and stunning natural phenomena on daily excursions. You’ll meet whales, enjoy a soothing dip in the Blue Lagoon and, if it’s the right time of the year, gaze up at the magical northern lights. 

Trip: Winter Highlights, 4 Days

Who: Evaneos

When: Departures Oct - Mar

How long: 4 days

How much: From £750 (exc. flights)

Experience both sides of one of Europe’s most surprising countries on this adventurous short break to Slovenia with KE Adventure Travel.

This multi-faceted trip involves trekking to the summit of Triglav, Slovenia’s highest mountain. Following an age-old via ferrata you’ll enjoy alpine scrambling and a night in a traditional mountain hut in the heart of the Julian Alps. Then it’s back to the pretty town of Bled, where a swim in its crystal clear lake awaits – as well as its many fine bars and restaurants!

Trip: Mount Triglav Weekend: Slovenia

Who: KE Adventure Travel

When: Departures Jul - Sep

How long: 4 days

How much: From £525 (exc. flights)