Top 10 outdoor adventures

By Kate Sekules

updated 10:43 a.m. ET Aug. 1, 2007

For a brief few months each year, warm weather, long days, and generous vacation time conspire to open up a world of travel possibilities. From climbing the top of remote mountains to exploring breathtaking river gorges to biking quiet back-country roads, Sherman’s Travel has selected 10 spectacular adventures. And to make sure there’s a trip to suit every taste, we’ve included a splurge option (for those who absolutely must have the most exotic and/or pampered voyage) as well as a great value (for those who don’t mind roughing it).

1. Hiking
Splurge: Sofia to Tryavna, Bulgaria
Walk into history – almost literally – with Country Walkers, a Vermont-based specialist with a most unusual 8-day itinerary. Little-known Bulgaria, a new EU member, boasts one-and-a-half millennia-worth of architecture and artifacts, as well as some of Europe’s most splendid scenery: mountain ranges, lush valleys, wildflower meadows, and sandstone pyramids carved by the elements. Hike from a still-active 13th-century Orthodox monastery to a ruined Roman amphitheater; discover the perfectly preserved medieval crafts town of Tryavna and the unique national revival architecture of the 19th century. CW has also unearthed fabulous family-run inns and hotels with home-cooked meals. $2,600 for 8 days, all-inclusive; www.countrywalkers.com

Value: Cinque Terre and Apennines, Italy
Don’t be scared by the name: Australian outfit Intrepid Travel runs the gamut from gritty, challenging adventures to gentle, accessible trips with English as the lingua franca. This 8-day trek combines hiking the mindblowingly picturesque Cinque Terre coastline paths and Apennine trails with some gentle Tuscan cycling and feasting around Lucca. Intrepid Travel's helpful “Culture Shock” grading system gives this a 2 – occasional basic hotels or overnight trains, but mostly easy stuff. A 5, by their own admission, “can be tough.” $1,200 for 8 days, breakfasts and lodging included; www.intrepidtravel.com

2. Climbing
Splurge: Chamonix, France
Alpine Adventures tailors Mont Blanc tours exactly to your requirements. Whether a novice or practically professional, you’ll be set up with instruction in ice, rock, or mixed climbs, and expertly guided over the cable car network and all the best routes. 6-day trips from $2,060, includes equipment, 3 nights accommodation, 3 dinners, 3 breakfasts; www.alpineadventures.co.uk

Value: San Jacinto, California
Come high summer, when the desert is roasting, Vertical Adventures Rock Climbing School moves its operations from Joshua Tree to the equally challenging and varied ascents of Suicide Rock in the San Jacinto mountains. Find sweet lodgings like the quiet Creek inn in nearby Idyllwild ($100–$170/night; quietcreekinn.com). $390 for 4-day beginner Rockcraft course; www.verticaladventures.com

3. Kayaking
Splurge: Greenland

More from ShermansTravel.com Click the links below for more Top 10 crowd-free national parks Hawaii slide show Top 10 ecotourist hotspots Top 10 islands you've never heard of

It doesn’t get much more remote than the inner fjord systems around Kulusuk Island, East Greenland: this is terrain you can only explore for about one month a year. Mountain Travel Sobek has crafted its trip to make the area accessible to the mere average kayaker – the 8-day voyage includes 6 days of moderate paddling plus camping on pristine islets. From $3,290 for 8 days, all-inclusive, with airport transfers; www.mtsobek.com

Value: Lake Tahoe, California
Experience high-altitude paddling along North America’s largest alpine lake. Equal parts conservation organization and ace travel guides, Sierra Club uses all-volunteer trip leaders for an extra dose of enthusiasm. The late-August 6-day outing starts and ends at the Clair Tappaan lodge. $1,195 for 6 days, all-inclusive, with airport transfers; www.sierraclub.org

4. Surfing
Splurge: Oahu, Hawaii

Slide show   The Heart of Hawaii Her warm friendly people, inspiring natural beauty and unique culture draw people to the immaculate shores of Oahu. more photos

Nancy Emerson is a former champion Women’s World Tour competitor, sometime Hollywood stuntwoman, and owner of the Nancy Emerson School of Surfing, probably the best known surf school on the island. She’s usually on the road, so her 5-day clinics are rare indeed. Top up the fantasy level with a stay at Waikiki’s legendary Halekulani resort (from $405/night, daily transfers included; halekulani.com). $1,800 to $2,900 for 5 days; www.surfclinics.com

Value: Victoria, Australia
Former professional surfer Jodie Smith is passionate about the mind-body benefits of her sport, combining surf lessons with yoga classes and fantastic food (she’s also a qualified nutritionist) at her Surf and Soul retreats. The new 5-day learn-to-surf courses take place on Great Ocean Road, the best surf coast in Australia, from late-August. $1,150 for 5 days, all-inclusive (though only 2 dinners); www.surfandsoul.com.au

ShermansTravel is a guide to top travel deals and destinations. Sign up for Sherman's Top 25 e-newsletter which features the best editor-screened deals from hundreds of travel providers and is delivered to over 4 million subscribers, free, each week. ShermansTravel also publishes trip ideas and travel features to inspire, guide, and go.

Don't miss this on MSNBC.com Pass it on: Sons of infertile men may be next The eight biggest Olympic marketing debacles Reality show judges range from wise to wacko Cosmic Log: Is this your jetpack? Forget your inhibitions: World's sexiest islands

MORE FROM ACTIVE

Active Section Front

Most roads closing for winter in Yellowstone Winter Trails celebrates 15th year with freebies The year of living dangerously Quest for the one-horned rhino America’s best hikes Colo. offers ‘snow virgins’ a free 3-month trip World’s wildest bungee jumping spots 10 places you thought you shouldn’t visit ... A new type of bachelor bash Become one with nature on High Divide trail Active Section Front   Add Active headlines to your news reader: