From Norway’s remote Lofoten Islands to Italy’s hinterland, Original Travel’s new Near Frontiers collection brings remote Europe to life.
The luxury tour operator has seen a renewed interest in Europe and predicts this will only grow as the world gradually emerges from the shadow of coronavirus. However, this doesn’t mean sacrificing what we love most about travel – seeing new sights, enjoying new food, immersing oneself in an entirely different culture, even going on a wildlife safari is all entirely possible within Europe, as long as you have the right guide.
A Norway Road Trip
The Lofoten Islands stretch like an appendix into the Atlantic, and the archipelago’s islands are joined by a ribbon of roads and bridges that are perfect for a six-day road trip exploration of this wild and stunningly beautiful part of Norway. Along the way, stay in rorbuers, converted fishing huts on stilts over the water of the harbour where fishermen keep their nets. On an afternoon guided kayak expedition, you’ll paddle along the beautiful coastline while learning about the flora and fauna that call this remote part of Norway home, or instead, explore the local surroundings by bike, visiting tiny fishing villages and local churches.
Wildlife Watching in Italy’s Hinterland
Explore Abruzzo National Park, home to approximately 60 mammal species and 300 different bird species, accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide. The park is teeming with life and during the eight-day itinerary, you’ll have the chance to spot everything from deer and wolves to bears and wild boar as well as have the opportunity to learn about the rewilding efforts in the area and the close connection between the local communities and the natural surroundings. An overnight stay in a remote mountain refuge is a chance to be at one with nature as you cosy up in the simple yet comfortable lodge, tuck into a delicious dinner with local produce, and fall asleep to the sound of howling wolves.
Adventure in the Azores
Visit the hydrangea-rimmed Sete Cidades (above) and explore the superb hiking trails around the lakes before heading to the island’s pineapple greenhouses during this Near Frontiers eight-day adventure. Learn how pineapples first came to this rocky outpost in the middle of the Atlantic and tour the magnificent greenhouses before joining a local marine biologist on a catamaran or RIB inflatable outing in search of marine life. The waters around the Azores are teeming with dolphins, turtles, and birds, and depending on the time of year, you’re almost certain to see whales.
Rewilding in Romania
During a three-day stay at remote Bison Hillock base camp, you’ll track bison, hike pristine trails, and learn about the re-introduction of these majestic beasts, which tip the scales at 1,400lbs and stand 6ft tall, into this corner of the country. Later in the itinerary, hike in the gorgeous gorges of the Piatru Craiului National Park, part of the Carpathian mountain range, a region still home to bears, lynx, and wolves, and finish up in a well-camouflaged hide in the hope of seeing some of the region’s brown bears.
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