Trips Sure To Beat The Heat

Not every traveller chases the sun, and some even dread the thought of summer’s sticky cities and crowded beaches. With this in mind, Exodus Travels has come up with its top 10 cool climate trips departing this month and in August:

• Dolomites Centre-Based Cycling: Cyclists can escape the heat in the high altitudes of Dolomites and avoid sweat inducing climbs on this new centre-based bike tour in Italy. The area is criss-crossed by a network of quiet lanes and purpose-built cycle paths to nearby medieval towns, perfect for enjoying at a steady pace. Average daytime temperature: 22-24 degrees C. Rates from $1,995.
• Cycle the Baltics (pictured below): For a unique respite from central Europe’s scorching heat, cyclists should head to the Baltics. The 11-day bike tour begins at Estonia’s enchanting Trakai Castle and journeys across Latvia to Lithuania. Average daytime temperature: 20-25 degrees C. Rates from $2,095.
• South Africa: Trails of the Garden Route: In 14 days travellers trek across South Africa’s Garden Route of shifting sand dunes, thick canopy forests and stretches of rolling vineyards. South Africa reaches its coolest temperatures in July and August, making it the perfect time to conquer Table Mountain, go whale watching and join a safari in Addo National Park. Average daytime temperature: 13-18 degrees C. Rates from $3,565.
• Alaskan Wildlife and Wilderness: An active 14-day adventure takes travellers on a float plane to spot active Grizzly bears at the end of their annual winter hibernation. Basking in the pleasant weather, the small group will cruise across Prince Willian Sound to explore nearby mountains, glaciers and thundering rivers. Average daytime temperature: 16-18 degrees C. Rates from $4,895.
• Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn: In 15 days hikers dominate Europe’s Haute Route, passing beneath 10 of the 12 highest mountains in the Alps, and enjoying the cool winds rolling off the surrounding glacial lakes. In the evening, travellers can count shooting stars before retiring to their remote alpine huts or canvas tents. Average daytime temperature: 20-23 degrees C. Rates from $3,355.
• Finnish Wildlife Weekend: Wildlife lovers fly out to Basecamp Kuikka located in remote eastern Finland, near the Russian border, and spend a night in a hide observing brown bears in their natural habitat. With 12 to 16 hours of sunlight in the summer, Finland is a wildlife photographer’s dream. Average daytime temperature: 14-16 degrees C. Rates from $1,255.
• Walking the Fjords: Avid hikers can explore Norway’s epic fjords, pristine national parks and charming farmhouses in eight days with Exodus. In the summer, Nordic flora and fauna come to life, and the daily hikes across glaciers are made more enjoyable by the mild climate. Average daytime temperature: 16-18 degrees C. Rates from $3,465.
• Discover Namibia – Lodges: Africa isn’t the first continent that comes to mind for cool climate-seeking travellers, but Namibia’s summer temperatures can be surprisingly mild, dropping down to single figures and even freezing at night. Safari-goers will visit a local Himba village and spot wild zebras, elephants, giraffes, rhinos and lions in Etosha National Park. Average daytime temperature: 18-20 degrees C. Rates from $3,985.
• Discover Iceland: Travellers discover southern Iceland on an eight-day journey to lunar-like landscapes, water-spurting geysirs, fishing villages and hot springs. Iceland’s 20 hours of summer sunlight creates endless photo opportunities, and if anyone needs to warm up, there is always a hot spring close by. Average daytime temperature: 10-13 degrees C. Rates from $3,775.
• Walking Wild Greenland: In 10 days modern day explorers will discover by foot one of the most remote locations on earth. During the summer, Greenland’s blooming flowers contrast the aquamarine icebergs and whale watching is at its prime. Average daytime temperature: 5-7 degrees C. Rates from $5,035.

(http://www.exodustravels.com)