Not every adventure has to mean camping in remote locations, tackling a mountain or clocking up long miles on foot every day. While we absolutely love all of the above at KE, we also know that adventure comes in all shapes and sizes, and just because an adventure is less physically demanding doesn’t mean it’s any less rewarding. For us, adventure is about exploring with an open mind, discovering new destinations, experiencing different cultures and creating memories you couldn’t replicate at home. Sometimes, that means pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone; other times, it’s about taking things at a gentler pace and having the time to truly soak up your surroundings.

If you like the idea of exploring somewhere new without the demands of a full-on trekking holiday, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite gentle adventures that prove you don’t have to go to extremes to have an unforgettable experience.

Wine, wildlife, coastal scenery and beautiful walks, our Cape - Winelands and Walks adventure proves that a walking holiday can be about so much more than the walking. South Africa’s Winelands are world-famous, and this trip lets you experience them on foot, following gentle trails through vineyards and up to hilltops with spectacular views. And if you like the idea of ending a good walk with a glass of wine, this is certainly one for you with three wine tastings, a brandy tasting and excellent food along the way. After a week of sunshine, scenery, wine and good company, walking up the iconic, flat-topped Table Mountain and taking in the views across Cape Town is extremely memorable.

Some of Mexico’s most memorable experiences are found away from the main tourist trail and our Mexico Mayan Explorer adventure gets you there through a combination of walking, exploring and immersive cultural experiences. There are three dedicated walking days through the remote Zapotec highlands and jungle landscapes, with the chance to discover rural communities, spectacular views and places that are difficult to reach by road. However there’s plenty more to the journey than hiking, from wandering colourful colonial cities and ancient Maya sites to exploring markets, swimming in hidden cenotes and experiencing traditional food and local culture. You can experience all of this on this walking holiday; it’s not overly demanding from a trekking perspective, but still fast-paced and adventure-packed, with plenty of time on your feet and incredible rewards.

If you’re looking for an adventure where the rewards come from what you discover rather than the time spent on trails, the Baltic Trails Adventure is a great choice. The Baltic States are remarkably gentle underfoot and surprisingly overlooked as a European travel destination – the highest point across the three countries is only just over 300m – an ideal destination for easy-going exploration. The sense of adventure from this trip comes through the medieval cities, fascinating history, local traditions and delicious foods. From the forest and boglands of Estonia to the dunes of the Curonian Spit, the landscapes you’ll walk through are opening doors to everything the Baltics has to offer. Our Flights Manager Lesley has experienced this trip herself and recommends it as the perfect leisurely walking holiday; you can read her account here.

If a full trekking holiday isn’t quite right for you, Morocco is still a brilliant destination to experience at a more gentle pace. While we offer Morocco adventures at higher grades, our Taste of Morocco holiday offers a more leisurely way to discover the country without missing out on its unforgettable experiences. Alongside easy mountain walks, you’ll stay in a family-run riad, visit a saffron farm, experience a traditional hammam, explore the souks and medinas with local guides, and learn to cook Moroccan food with a women’s association in Essaouira. It’s an immersive journey built around authentic experiences, local encounters and getting to know Morocco beyond the usual tourist trail.

Norway’s fjords might look like they’re reserved for serious trekkers and while we have excellent walking holidays that do offer difficult hikes, you don’t actually need to tackle a tough multi-day trek to experience them. Our Norway: Fjords, Mountains & Oslo adventure offers a gentler way to discover the fjords, with scenic day walks, local trains and ferry journeys all part of the experience. You’ll follow well-marked trails to panoramic viewpoints above the Sognefjord, explore the mountains around Vatnahalsen and take the spectacular Flåm Railway through the heart of the fjords. There’s plenty to enjoy off the trails too, from the historic streets and harbour of Bergen to the buzz of Oslo. This adventure has enough walking to get out into the landscape, without feeling like you need to be a serious trekker to enjoy it.