12 Best Adventure Holidays for Your 2026 Bucket List

2026 is set to be the ultimate year for adventure holidays. We’ve curated a collection of legendary trips that capture the true spirit of exploration—from high-altitude trekking and epic UK endurance challenges, to immersive Big Five safaris and crowd-free skiing holidays.

These are the bucket list trips designed to push boundaries, create lifelong memories, and deliver serious bragging rights. With limited availability on our most popular guided group tours, demand is already building for the upcoming season. Whether you're planning a solo adventure or a group challenge, this list brings together Bookitlist’s priority experiences for 2026—each led by expert guides to remove the stress so you can focus on the journey.

Below, you’ll find the 12 best adventure trips for 2026, listed in chronological order to help you compare dates and secure your spot before they sell out.

7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb: Machame Route

23 February – 1 March 2026
From £1,397.00

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as you climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic Machame Route with Bookitlist. Ascend through breathtaking landscapes, from lush rainforests to stark alpine deserts, on this 7-day expedition designed for optimal acclimatization. As you work your way toward Uhuru Peak, standing proudly at 5,895 metres, our expert local guides ensure the highest summit success rate.

Reaching the 'Roof of Africa' is a moment few ever forget. If you are wondering about the best time to climb Kilimanjaro, our team recommends dry seasons for the clearest views. Once you’re back on solid ground, keep the adventure going by pairing your climb with a Tanzanian safari—another unforgettable Bookitlist experience waiting to be ticked off.

The Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge (12 Hours)

18 April 2026
From £47

Push your limits on the UK’s most iconic hiking event: the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge. This grueling circular route covers 24 miles (38.6km) and requires you to summit the trio of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough in under 12 hours. Set within the dramatic scenery of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, this is a true test of stamina.

Led by an expert mountain guide, you’ll navigate the rugged terrain safely before celebrating your success with a well-earned meal and beers in a traditional local pub. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned hiker, this is the ultimate guided Yorkshire Three Peaks experience.

2-Day Bushcraft & Survival Course (Brecon Beacons)

8-10 May 2026
From €250

If you’re craving adventure without travelling far, this hands-on 2-day bushcraft course delivers a powerful dose of the wild. Set in the stunning Brecon Beacons, Wales, you’ll master essential survival skills—from natural navigation and building shelters to fire lighting without matches and foraging.

Led by expert guide Chris, this weekend survival training focuses not just on techniques, but mindset—building confidence and resilience. Perfect for those seeking a Bear Grylls-style challenge, you’ll leave with skills few possess and a renewed respect for the natural environment.

Welsh 3000s Challenge (Snowdonia National Park, Wales) 20–21 June 2026

20–21 June 2026
From £177

Fifteen mountains. Twenty-four hours. One epic adventure. The Welsh 3000s Challenge is arguably the toughest mountain test in the UK, taking you across all 15 peaks over 3,000 feet entirely within Snowdonia National Park. This grueling Welsh 3000s route covers roughly 50km and 4,000 metres of ascent, featuring steep climbs and the legendary Crib Goch ridgeline. 

Designed for experienced hikers with strong fitness, this challenge delivers jaw-dropping views and unmatched euphoria. If you’re looking to test yourself properly, this belongs at the top of your Bookitlist.

Land’s End to John O’Groats Cycle (LEJOG)

22 June – 1 July 2026
From £1,697

Cycle the length of the UK on the country’s most legendary endurance journey: the Land’s End to John O’Groats cycle (often known as LEJOG). Starting at the tip of Cornwall and finishing at the northernmost point of Scotland, this iconic challenge covers approximately 1,000 miles through ever-changing scenery. From dramatic southern coastlines to the rugged Highland peaks, you'll conquer the ultimate British route. 

Riding as part of a supportive group, you’ll push through 14 days of riding, fuelled by camaraderie and a shared goal. Crossing the finish line at John O'Groats is a moment of pure pride—securing your place in the hall of fame of UK cyclists.

National 3 Peaks Challenge (24 Hours)

From £1697
Multiple dates: May – September 2026

Take on the ultimate UK mountain test: the National 3 Peaks Challenge. This grueling 24-hour race against the clock requires you to summit the highest mountains in Scotland, England, and Wales: Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa).

Covering 23 miles of hiking and 10,000 feet of ascent, this is a true test of endurance. While each summit offers incredible views, the real reward is completing all three within the 24-hour limit. Book now and receive an optional FREE Yorkshire 3 Peaks Tour on 19 April 2026—the perfect training ground to meet your fellow challengers.

7-Day Hadrian’s Wall Walk (84 Miles)

3–8 August 2026
From: £747

Hike through history on the ultimate Hadrian’s Wall Walk, a UNESCO World Heritage journey dating back 2,000 years. Covering the full 84 miles (135km) from Wallsend to Bowness-on-Solway, this iconic route marked the frontier of the Roman Empire.

This 7-day walking holiday blends ancient forts with rolling countryside and dramatic panoramas. Designed as a self-guided or guided adventure, it includes baggage transfer so you can walk light. Perfect for those who love culture and history, this is the UK’s most celebrated historical trail.

Dana to Petra Trek (Jordan Trail)

12–20 September 2026
From: £1,147

Journey through the Middle East’s most spectacular landscapes on this unforgettable Dana to Petra trek. As a highlight section of the famous Jordan Trail, this route traverses otherworldly deserts and dramatic gorges from the Dana Biosphere Reserve to the ancient city of Petra.

Evenings are spent camping Bedouin-style beneath star-filled skies, while the journey culminates in an awe-inspiring finish—arriving on foot at The Monastery in Petra. Rated by National Geographic as one of the world's best walks, this is the ultimate trek to Petra.

Oktoberfest Munich 2026 Packages

24–28 September 2026
From: £997

Experience the world’s biggest folk festival with our exclusive Oktoberfest Munich packages. We handle the logistics so you can handle the steins. Our packages include guaranteed Oktoberfest table reservations (a rarity!), accommodation close to the Theresienwiese festival grounds, and expert guides to the best beer tents.

Your entry is included, your first litre of beer is on us, and we’ll even help source traditional Lederhosen and Dirndls. With stress-free organisation and plenty of freedom to party, this is the ultimate Oktoberfest experience—letting you focus on drinking, dancing, and making unforgettable memories.

7-Day Tanzania Safari (Serengeti & Ngorongoro)

21–27 October 2026
From: £1,895

Experience the wildlife journey of a lifetime on this immersive 7-day Tanzania safari holiday. Your adventure takes you deep into the world’s most iconic wilderness regions, including the legendary Serengeti National Park and the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater.

Home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo), these plains offer unrivaled wildlife encounters. You’ll stay in stunning eco-lodges, meet local indigenous communities, and witness the raw beauty of East Africa. This is the ultimate Tanzania safari package—combining culture, comfort, and nature in equal measure.

5-Day Turkey Golf Holiday (All-Inclusive)

8–12 October 2026
From: £995

Tee off on a luxury Turkey golf holiday along the sun-soaked Mediterranean coast of Belek. Based at the stunning Cullinan Belek hotel, this 5-day all-inclusive experience places you at the heart of Europe’s premier golfing destination.

Challenge yourself on the championship Cullinan Links Golf Club, featuring 36 holes of pristine green fairways offering views of the sea and the Taurus Mountains. This trip blends world-class sport with 5-star relaxation. Ideal for serious golfers, this all-inclusive golf break lets you unwind in style with everything taken care of.

7 Nights French Skiing in Val Thorens (The Three Valleys)

16–22 December 2026
From £595.00

End the year in style with a week-long Val Thorens ski holiday in the French Alps. Perfectly positioned in Europe’s highest ski resort, this trip gives you direct access to the iconic Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallées) ski area.

From challenging black runs to beginner-friendly slopes, this destination offers world-class skiing for all abilities. You’ll stay in cosy Val Thorens apartments equipped with everything you need. Offering unbeatable value in one of the world’s premier winter destinations, this is the perfect finale to your 2026 adventures.