Over 70s travel: The best trips for adventure without the hard edges

Life doesn’t end at 70 and nor should your travels. These amazing, life-affirming tours prove that there’s still adventure to be had, just with a few extra creature comforts...

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1. Explore Australia by rail

The Ghan travelling through the outback (Journey Beyond Rail)

The Ghan travelling through the outback (Journey Beyond Rail)

Experience some Australia’s most iconic landscapes from the comfort of its most luxurious trains on this extraordinary rail adventure Down Under with Flight Centre.

You’ll ride the classic Australian rail routes from Darwin to Adelaide and then onto Sydney, witnessing the vast emptiness of the outback to the glittering beauty of its coast. The world famous Ghan will take you down through the Northern Territory to Adelaide. The equally iconic Indian Pacific will take you on to Sydney.

Along the way you’ll view Darwin's crocodiles, discover Kangaroo Island's wildlife and cruise the waters of Sydney Harbour. It’s the perfect way to see everything that this big, big country has to offer - at a leisurely pace.

Trip: Luxury Trains of Australia

Who: Flight Centre

Type: Tailor-made

When: Flexible departures throughout the year

How long: 16 days

How much: From £5,425 (exc. flights)

2. Take it easy in Ecuador

The MV Anakonda on the Amazon (Anakonda Amazon Cruises)

The MV Anakonda on the Amazon (Anakonda Amazon Cruises)

Explore one of the most diverse countries in Latin America by boat and rail on this 13-day tailor-made adventure in Ecuador with Audley.

Your journey begins in the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage city of Quito, famous for its unique colonial architecture. You’ll cruise the Amazon in search of wildlife on-board the elegant MV Anakonda.

Then, it’s time to take the iconic Tren Crucero rail journey from Andes to coast, stopping to admire a variety of sights along the way such as the Cotopaxi Volcano and famous Devil's Nose. This is an adventure designed to suit your pace.

Trip: Ecuador By River & Rail: Amazon Cruise & Tren Crucero

Who: Audley

Type: Tailor-made

When: Flexible departures throughout the year

How long: 13 days

How much: From £5,775 (inc. flights)

3. Enjoy a different kind of European river cruise

Kizhi island from the bell tower in Pogost, Russia (Shutterstock)

Kizhi island from the bell tower in Pogost, Russia (Shutterstock)

Take the 'river less travelled' and sail from Moscow to St Petersburg on this 12-day Russian River Cruise with Regent Holidays. 

You’ll journey through the beautiful, pastoral countryside of Russia along canals, waterways and lakes, gazing at a land of ancient monasteries and shimmering forests of silver birch.

Visiting the fairy tale island of Kizhi is a real highlight, but there’s plenty to see in the great Russian cities at either end, too. You’ll visit St Basil’s Cathedral and the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, and tour the imperial grandeur of the Hermitage in St Petersburg.

Trip:  Four Star Russian River Cruise | Moscow To St Petersburg

Who: Regent Holidays

Type: Small group

When: May to Sep

How long: 11 days

How much: From £1,895 (exc. flights)

4. Explore South Africa in style

Your accommodation in Kruger (Hamilton Stented Camp)

Your accommodation in Kruger (Hamilton Stented Camp)

Enjoy everything that South Africa has to offer on this journey through the country’s cultural, wildlife and culinary highlights with Flight Centre.

Staying in some of South Africa’s most luxurious five-star properties, you’ll have plenty of time to explore beautiful Cape Town and the renowned wineries nearby.

After a luxurious two-night rail journey aboard the extraordinary Rovos Rail, staying in wood-panelled Pullman sleeper suites, you’ll arrive in Jo’burg and then onto your stay in an exclusive tented camp in the heart of Kruger National Park.

With six game drives included, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to spot the park’s famous Big Five.

Trip: Luxury Rovos Rail, Cape & Safari

Who: Flight Centre

Type: Tailor-made

When: Flexible departures throughout the year

How long: 14 days

How much: From £4,969 (inc. flights)

5. Experience the Galápagos Islands like royalty

The MY Grace in the Galápagos (Journey Latin America)

The MY Grace in the Galápagos (Journey Latin America)

Whether you want to celebrate a special anniversary or just life itself, what better way to mark the occasion than by exploring the Galápagos Islands aboard the luxury yacht that Princess Grace and Prince Rainier of Monaco spent their honeymoon on.

Christened Grace, this elegant and sleek yacht exudes sumptuous comfort and charm, perfect for witnessing the greatest wildlife show on earth. There's abundant deck space, and daily landings will bring unforgettable encounters with the island’s wildlife royalty.

There’ll be opportunities to snorkel or swim with sea-lions, if you wish. And because you’ll travel by night, you’ll awaken each day with a new island to discover.

Trip: Luxury Galápagos Islands Cruise

Who: Journey Latin America

Type: Tailor-made

When: Flexible departures throughout the year

How long: 11 days

How much: From £7,337 (inc. flights)

6. Chill out in Kerala and the Maldives

A traditional house boat anchored in Kerala's Backwaters (Shutterstock)

A traditional house boat anchored in Kerala's Backwaters (Shutterstock)

Discover India’s more relaxed side - and chill out on the Indian Ocean’s most laid-back islands with a slow-paced tour of Kerala and the Maldives, with Audley.

Kerala offers the chance to experience the colour of India but but at a more sedate pace. Time feels as though it has stopped in colonial Fort Cochin. And high in the hills of Munnar, the weather is cooler and perfect for taking time over a local cup of tea.

You’ll be lulled to sleep by the lapping of water on your night aboard a traditional house boat. Then it’s on to your over-water bungalow on Velassaru Island in the Maldives. Here you can do as little – or as much – as you like.

Trip: Kerala & The Maldives

Who: Audley

Type: Tailor-made

When: Flexible departures throughout the year

How long: 13 days

How much: From £3,185 (exc. flights)

7. Discover mountains high, waters wild

Rocky Mountaineer train travelling through the Rocky Mountains (Shutterstock)

Rocky Mountaineer train travelling through the Rocky Mountains (Shutterstock)

Witness some of the most epic landscapes on the planet in comfort, on this extraordinary rail and cruise adventure through Canada and Alaska with Canadian Sky.

Starting in Calgary, you’ll travel through the very heart of the breathtaking Rockies aboard the legendary Rocky Mountaineer rail service.

Then, after a few days in Vancouver, you’ll embark on a 7-night Alaskan cruise - witnessing awe-inspiring vistas and enjoying the very best service. The landscapes may be wild, but the creature comforts aren’t.

Trip: Rockies Highlights & Holland America Alaska Cruise From Calgary

Who: Canadian Sky

Type: Tailor-made

When: Apr to Sep

How long: 14 nights

How much: From £3,069 (inc. flights)

8. Sail the stunning South Seas

Sunset in Bora Bora (Shutterstock)

Sunset in Bora Bora (Shutterstock)

If you’ve ever dreamed of sailing through the far-flung islands of the Pacific, here’s your chance – on this 16-day cruise through Tahiti and Society Islands with Audley.

You’ll sail aboard the cruise ship MS Paul Gauguin, named after the artist who was left smitten by this beautiful part of the world. And your itinerary takes you through islands whose names are redolent with tropical charm – Mo'orea, Bora Bora and Motu Mahana, where Gauguin actually lived.

Sugar white beaches, jungle-covered volcanoes and crystal clear bays await.

Trip: Cook Islands & Society Islands Cruise On The Paul Gauguin

Who: Audley

Type: Tailor-made

When: Departures throughout the year

How long: 16 days

How much: From £8,965 (inc. flights)

9. Cruise the mighty Yangtze

Fisherman on Yangtze river in China (Shutterstock)

Fisherman on Yangtze river in China (Shutterstock)

Experience China’s greatest river in style on this Yangtze River cruise with Audley. You’ll sail aboard the Yangtze Explorer, the smallest, most exclusive cruise boat plying these waters.

Spacious, luxurious and with plenty of facilities, it offers complete comfort for sailing along the iconic river, winding through incredible gorges and stopping at famous sights en route, such as the Three Gorges Dam Project, Fengdu and Shennong Stream.

The Explorer Deck provides an excellent vantage point for observing life on the river. There’s also a library where you can curl up with a book - plus all kinds of spa treatments, cooking classes and traditional Chinese exercise classes to take part in.

It’s the perfect way to experience a truly authentic side of China.

Trip: China in Style with Luxury Yangtze Cruise

Who: Audley

Type: Tailor-made

When: Flexible departures throughout the year

How long: 12 days

How much: £9,485 (inc. flights)

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