As part of their portfolio of holidays, Ramblers Walking the original walking experts have launched their exciting new Cruise & Walk brochure for 2018.

Combining the best of small cruise experiences on Fred. Olsen Cruise Line’s award-winning ships with exceptional walks, both on and off the beaten track, Ramblers Walking Holidays’ new Cruise & Walk portfolio offers the choice of 47 inspirational itineraries.  Alongside long time favourites such as Baltic Discovery, Magic of the Canaries and Islands of the Caribbean, the new brochure also features a selection of contrasting new adventures.  Explore the icy blue waters of the Arctic on either Voyage to Greenland or Greenland, Iceland and Norway; enjoy the warming seas of the Indian Ocean on a superb Islands of the Indian Ocean cruise, or venture into dense Amazonian waterways on An Amazon River Adventure.

Kathy Cook, Joint Managing Director commented: “Cruise & Walk Holidays offer the best of both worlds – top quality cruising with big vistas and the opportunity to explore some of the world’s most remote and fascinating destinations in more depth on foot.  Pioneered some 10 years ago in association with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, our small guided tours are ideal for those who enjoy being very well looked after on a cruise yet equally love the adventure of stepping ashore to explore.  From viewing the mighty Norwegian Fjords and ethereal colours of the Arctic at sunrise from the ship’s deck, to wandering through eerie volcanic landscapes and up breathtaking glacial valleys, stepping aboard then stepping ashore proves equally rewarding no matter what cruise you choose.”

To help clients select the right holiday to suit their preferred walking pace, ability and/or fitness, there is a continuum of walking grades that range from ‘Leisurely’ to ‘Moderate’ (Grade 1 to Grade 4).  Styles of holidays are also indicated using a simple icon system and include categories such as ‘Pioneer’ for the more adventurous traveller, ‘Sightseeing’ and ‘Overnights in Port’ where you can step out in the evening to explore. Ramblers Walking Holidays ‘Cruise and Walk’ tours are available from a choice of six UK ports or from a selection of overseas ports as part of a ‘Fly Cruise’ departure.

Highlights which are new to the brochure include the following:

Voyage to Greenland (New for 2018 – Leisurely/Grade 2)

Dotted with coastal settlements, Greenland is a remote land of wild mountain landscapes, glaciers and flower filled valleys in summer.  Cruising its shoreline with stops at pastel painted ports to explore breath-taking vistas as viewed from the sea, this 15-night voyage includes exceptional inland hiking along fjord trails through the alpine-like mountains near Nanortalik, over the Kiagtut Siermat Glacier which is part of the vast Greenland Ice Cap and to the vast expanse of Tasersuaq Lake.  The cruise also sails through the 60 Mile passage Prins Christiansund, where mountains, glaciers and waterfalls collide making it one of the best locations for whale watching as well as the chance to spot polar bear.  In addition to Greenland, three nights are also spent exploring Iceland with a night in Belfast on the return to Liverpool.

Ramblers Cruise and Walk Holidays 15-night Voyages to Greenland starts from £2,895 per person including all meals onboard, a tour guide led walking programme, local guides, tips to restaurant staff on ships and full onboard entertainment. Departure 17 August 2018.

Greenland, Iceland & Norway (New for 2018 – Moderate/Grade 4)

Cruising the northern oceans around Greenland, Iceland and into the labyrinthine Norwegian fjords uncovers a plethora of natural wonders, with pristine Arctic wilderness giving rise to tumbling glaciers, steaming geysers and active volcanoes.   Scheduled over summer to make the most of the scenery and wildlife, walking highlights include wandering the flower strewn valleys near the tiny village of Tasillaq on Greenland to a coastal backdrop of floating icebergs; hiking the 18th century Icelandic trading route from Eskifjörður over mountain passes to the Helgustaðaá River ravine and walking up the valley from the Norwegian town of Olden to the mighty arms of Europe’s largest glacier Jostedal.  The 14-day cruise also takes in the popular sights of Iceland’s thermal Golden Circle and Thingvellir National Park as well as Norway’s enchanting coastal Art Nouveau city Ålesund.

Ramblers Cruise and Walk Holidays 14-night Greenland, Iceland & Norway starts from £2,295 per person including all meals onboard, a tour guide led walking programme, local guides, tips to restaurant staff on ships and full onboard entertainment. Departures 25 July 2018.

Islands of the Indian Ocean (New for 2018 – Leisurely/Grade 3)

Following an exploratory wander through the tranquil temples and busy bazaars in Sri Lanka’s capital city or the Casela National Park on Mauritius, this 17-night cruise takes in the picture perfect beaches of the Seychelles and Maldives, the lush interior of Reunion Island and tropical forests of Madagascar.  Exploring culturally diverse islands on foot with time to enjoy the azure waters, walking highlights include the spectacular palm forest of UNESCO listed Vallee de Mai, the summit in Morne Seychellois National Park and the sweeping trails on the volcanic slopes of Reunion Island. There is also the chance to enjoy wildlife spotting in Madagascar with the opportunity to spot lemur, chameleons and the Madagascar Fish Eagle – one of the rarest in the world.  In addition, a boat excursion to the largest lagoon in the Indian Ocean and time spent in the crystal-clear waters off the coral islands of Uligame and Male afford excellent snorkelling.

Ramblers Walking Holidays Cruise & Walk An Islands of the Indian Ocean 17-night holiday includes flights,  all meals onboard, a tour guide led walking programme, local guides, tips to restaurant staff on ships and full onboard entertainment.  Prices on request.  Departures 16 October and 13 November 2018.

Authentic India (New for 2018 – Leisurely/Grade 3)

Cruising from the UAE along the west coast of India to Sri Lankan, this 16 night ‘Cruise and Walk’ juxtaposes the history, cultures and spirituality of three very distinct countries with the marvels of modern-day life. With visits to Maqtaa Fort, Qasr Al Hosn Palace and the extraordinary artificial archipelago ‘Palm Islands’ in the UAE providing stark contrasts between the old and new, India’s coastal cities – from Ghandi’s birthplace at Probandar to the British colonial enclave Thiruvananthapuram – reveal a different picture.   Bearing the marks of their colonisers, walks through cities such as the UNESCO listed former Portuguese stronghold of Old Goa and Kochi’s Jewish and Dutch quarters uncover a rich mix of cultures.  In addition, very Indian highlights include the bright lights of Mumbai’s Bollywood, a tranquil Keralan backwater cruise and tuk tuk ride to a traditional fishing village.   Disembarking in Sri Lanka, a Buddhist country also successively ruled by outsiders, time is spent in the capital Colombo visiting temples, ‘taking tea’ at an exclusive club and enjoying a wander along the sandy shores of Negombo beach.

Ramblers Walking Holidays Cruise & Walk Authentic India 16-night holiday includes flights, all meals onboard, a tour guide led walking programme, local guides, tips to restaurant staff on ships and full onboard entertainment. Prices on request.  Departures 3 October 2018.

South Africa Cruise Safari (New for 2018 – Moderate/Grade 4)

Joining the ship in Cape Town, this 17-night Cruise & Walk holiday charts the stunning South African coastline, stopping to explore Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Richards Bay, Durban and Mossel Bay with numerous wildlife adventures and opportunities to appreciate the country’s unique landscapes along the way.  In addition to time spent in each of the ports, highlights include a 4 x 4 adventure through Addo National Elephant Park, a trip to Hluhluwe Game Reserve in Zululand and walk along the superb beaches to The Cave of the Bats, a tour with a local guide to explore the largest city in the province of KwaZulu and The Kwa Mashu Apartheid Museum in Natal.

Ramblers Cruise and Walking Holidays South Africa Cruise Safari 16-night cruise & walk holiday starts from £4349 per person including flights, all meals onboard, a tour guide led walking programme, local guides, tips to restaurant staff on ships and full onboard entertainment.

Departures 9 January, 23 January 2018.

An Amazon River Adventure (New for 2018 – Moderate/Grade 4)

After a couple of days exploring the Caribbean island of Barbados, this 16-night Cruise & Walk embarks on an exhilarating adventure through the colourful waterways of the Amazon.  Serenaded by a rich cacophony of rainforest sounds, daily stops hiking deep into the jungle to spot a plethora of South American wildlife are punctuated with fascinating walks around riverside ports to get a flavour for local life.  In addition to intriguing flora, fauna and traditional Amazonian culture, highlights include learning jungle survival skills in the ’Paris of the Jungle’ Manaus, an area only accessible by boat or plane; experiencing the unique ‘Meeting of the Waters’ where the different coloured Tapajos and Amazon rivers flow side-by-side; the festival town of Parintin’s floating market; and time in Tobago bird-spotting along the Gilpin Trace trail.

Ramblers Walking Holidays Cruise & Walk An Amazon River Adventure 16 night holiday starts from £2,795 per person including flights, all meals onboard, a tour guide led walking programme, local guides, tips to restaurant staff on ships and full onboard entertainment.  Departures 31 January 2018.

To request a new brochure, contact Ramblers Walking Holidays Cruise & Walk (01707386767,  www.cruiseandwalk.co.uk) or click here for an online version.