Via Ferrata, Italy
For those yearning for an active getaway, Desperately Seeking Adventure offers invigorating trips tailored for small groups of women, welcoming adventurers of all ages. Remarkably, the eldest participant was a spirited 72-year-old. Their Italian offerings include two via ferrata experiences: a five-night introductory adventure around the stunning Lake Garda, perfect for beginners to intermediates, and a bold seven-night expedition in the breathtaking Dolomites, Cortina. Both options come fully catered, with accommodation in four-star lodgings. Other enticing alternatives include a six-night retreat combining walking, yoga, and meditation in the Dolomites, wild camping in the Lake District, and a climb to Mount Toubkal, Africa’s highest peak, in Morocco.
From £475 per person for five nights in Italy, excluding flights, desperatelyseekingadventure.co.uk
Trekking, Worldwide
In an exciting expansion for female adventurers, World Expeditions is launching 21 exclusive treks next year. Kicking off with Tasmania’s rugged beauty (6 days, £1,370) and the majestic landscapes of Nepal (12 days, £1,390) in March, subsequent journeys include the winding paths along the Great Wall of China (8 days, £1,290), the splendor of the Canadian Rockies (6 days, £1,250), an awe-inspiring trek to Machu Picchu (7 days, £1,350), and a challenging ascent of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania (10 days, £2,690, inclusive of entry fees). Each trek is typically led by a local female guide and features a blend of hotel accommodations and camping. Notably, female participation in their trips has surged from 38% in 1996 to 54% today, reflecting their commitment to encouraging more women to explore the great outdoors.
Prices are per person and do not include flights worldexpeditions.com
Surfing and Yoga, Lanzarote
In the sun-soaked surf town of Famara, the WaveSisters, Birgit and Julika, host vibrant surf camps exclusively for women. Their mission is clear: to empower more women to embrace surfing, a sport where they currently represent only about 10% of participants. Children are also welcome, with childcare provided for ages three and up, and surf courses available for those six and older. A typical week includes 20 hours of surf instruction and three rejuvenating yoga sessions, all while staying in shared accommodations. As the WaveSisters quip, “If you’re missing the guys, don’t worry; they flock to the beach, bars, and surf breaks!”
€425 for surf course, yoga, seven nights accommodation, surfboard and wetsuit, excluding flights, wavesisters.com
Skiing, French Alps
Ski Goddess trips in Châtel, part of the Portes du Soleil, blend intensive ski lessons with a holiday vibe. The experience begins with a personalized call from instructor Katie, who provides pre-trip techniques to practice. On the slopes, expect full days packed with skill-building drills in a supportive atmosphere. At the chalet, participants can benefit from daily video analysis sessions that highlight individual strengths and areas for improvement. A thoughtful touch is Katie’s dedication to ensuring each skier has the right boot fit, a detail that can vastly enhance performance.
Four-night course from £945 per person; five nights from £1,075 (shared room), including catered luxury chalet, excluding flights, skigoddess.co.uk
Dog-Sledding, Norway
Nature Travels, known for its outdoor adventures across Sweden, Norway, and Finland, is offering two women-only dog-sledding tours in Trøndelag, Norway. Aspiring mushers learn the art of harnessing a team of enthusiastic Huskies and navigating their sled through a snowy wilderness. This immersive five-day journey takes participants deep into the heart of the wilderness, featuring a longer trek of up to 35km and a cozy night in a mountain cabin. Lunches are enjoyed outdoors over an open fire or in a traditional lavvu (tipi), with the comfort of a modern chalet serving as base camp.
Three days £784; five days £1,454, including all meals, guides, and equipment, excluding flights, naturetravels.co.uk
Active Holidays, Various Countries
Since its inception in 2000, Walking Women has offered walking holidays and has since ventured into a plethora of women-only experiences ranging from cultural and wildlife explorations in Rajasthan, India, to bird-watching in Costa Rica, safaris in Swaziland, sailing in Turkey, and even wild swimming in the Lake District. Each year, they facilitate travel for over 1,000 women, with a considerable number of solo adventurers.
Prices vary; four-to-five nights in the Lakes from £385/£525; seven nights walking and sailing in Turkey £800 full-board, excluding flights, walkingwomen.com
Walking, Spain
This year, Camino Ways introduced women-only walking trips along the historic Camino de Santiago routes that crisscross Spain, Portugal, and France. Their latest journey traces the final 100 kilometers of the Portuguese Coastal Way, weaving through breathtaking coastal views en route to Santiago, while stopping at charming towns like Vigo and Pontevedra. Participants range from those with pilgrimage objectives to others pursuing cultural adventures and physical challenges. Daily walks vary between 15 to 28 kilometers, with nights spent in welcoming family-run hotels and guesthouses.
From €760 half-board, including luggage transfers, excluding flights, June and September, caminoways.com
Mountain Biking, Scotland
For those seeking a thrilling adventure, Go-Where offers Mountain Lassie weekends, featuring three days of twisting trails in Scotland’s picturesque Tweed Valley. Participants gain insights into mountain biking essentials, including ride planning, terrain navigation, and on-the-trail repairs, topped off with friendly evenings at the local pub. This year also introduced the Soul Trails: week-long biking retreats that incorporate cyclist-specific yoga, all set against the stunning backdrop of a farm in the Cairngorms national park, with rides exploring nearby Highland Perthshire, the Monadhliath mountains, Lochaber, and Glencoe.
£345 per person for a weekend; £995 for a week, including B&B or lodge accommodation, female guides, and trip photos, go-where.co.uk/mountain-lassies
Relaxing Retreats, Wales
Sisterhood orchestrates creative retreats, workshops, and memorable suppers for women in a nurturing environment. Set in a tranquil forest camp near Cardigan, these retreats focus on relaxation and skill-sharing while savoring delicious food. This month’s winter retreat is already booked out, but there are openings for the summer retreat in June, which promises morning yoga sessions, golden-hour photography, foraging, fire pits, and enriching workshops and discussions. Participants can choose from charming glamping accommodations in domes, cabins, or lofts.
From £450 for three nights, 22-25 June, sisterhoodcamp.co.uk