10 Best Romantic Adventures for Active Travelers
Who said adventure and romance can’t go together? Romance can brew as you and your partner work together on a hike or stare up at the night sky glistening with stars on a quiet night. These adventurous trips have been known to stir up engagements on rugged terrain such as on MT Sobek’s Mont Blanc trip this past year.
“We’re seeing more couples choosing active travel to connect and enjoy the world together.” – Anne Wood, Senior Program Director from MT Sobek
“We’re seeing more couples choosing active travel to connect and enjoy the world together,” says Anne Wood, senior program director MT Sobek. “Adventure travel gives people indelible memories and stories to share for years to come, plus there is a built-in romance to adventure travel—from stunning safari camps in Tanzania to storybook mountain villages in the Alps.”
Romance is about creating memories and what could be more romantic than working together on an adventure journey while enjoying culinary delights, diving into new cultures that allow you to grow and learn together, and experiencing dramatic landscapes? Here are MT Sobek’s picks for the best adventures for couples.
Overview
- Alps Chamonix & Zermatt Hiking Tour
- Botswana Classic Safari Private Adventure Tour
- New Zealand South Island Hiking Tour
- Chile & Argentina Ultimate Patagonia Hiking Tour
- Best of Italy’s Dolomites Hiking Tours
- Ecuador Galapagos Luxury Adventure Cruise on Endemic Tour
- Oman Cultural Discovery Private Adventure Tour
- Costa Rica Tortuguero, Pacuare & Arenal Multi-Adventure Tour
- Bhutan, Nepal, Tibet Himalayan Passages Hiking Tour
- California Joshua Tree & Death Valley Hiking Adventure Tour
1. Alps Chamonix & Zermatt Hiking Tour
In this Alps 7-day active adventure, experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Alps through two of the region’s most breathtaking, soul-stirring towns. Perfect for hikers and couples, Chamonix and Zermatt offer you comfortable alpine hospitality and endless opportunities for exploration.
The trip begins at the alpine resort town of Chamonix and then it’s 4-6 miles of scenic hiking through some of the Alps’ most iconic sites, including Mont Blanc, The Matterhorn, and Monte Rosa. Traverse glaciers, mountain lakes, and meadows as you journey through three countries—France, Italy, and Switzerland—and immerse yourself in their unique cultures and cuisines. Create memories to last a lifetime on this unforgettable trip!
Explore MT Sobek’s 7-day Alps Chamonix & Zermatt active adventure ➔
2. Botswana Classic Safari Private Adventure Tour
This 9-day safari is perfect for beginners and features luxury accommodations. On this trip, you’ll experience Botswana’s wilderness and diverse wildlife, take scenic flights over the Okavango and discover Delta’s diverse landscape by foot or while sailing on a traditional mokoro canoe. How’s that for a unique twist to a romantic sail?
While exploring the remote northern Delta, you’ll learn about the ancient San culture and visit the sacred UNESCO-listed Tsodilo Hills. While in the Moremi Game Reserve, you’ll take on big game drives on an open 4×4 while exploring one of the richest ecosystems in Africa. For a little more excitement, you can take in the wildlife from a motorboat while navigating the channels of the Okavango Delta. And at the end of the day, take in the wildlife while relaxing with your partner from the comfort of your safari lodge and perhaps enjoying a glass of red wine.
Explore MT Sobek’s 9-day Botswana Classic Safari Private Adventure ➔
Photo: Guests enjoying floating cocktails at Xigera Camp. Okavango Delta, Botswana. Outfitter photo. Downloaded from Wilderness Safaris’ image site (wilderness-moments.com) 020117.
3. New Zealand South Island Hiking Tour
This 13-day hiking adventure is fit for the more experienced hikers as you cross through the rugged terrain of South Island. On this trip, you’ll take in various landscapes including fjords, glaciers, mountains, lakes, and rivers. You’ll hike through Abel Tasman, Paparoa Nelson Lakes, and Fiordland National Parks while also experiencing the Franz Josef Glacier and hiking sections of the four Great Walks.
But that’s not all. You will also head on a jetboat safari, cruise the Milford Sound, and soak in hot pools (an idyllic spot for a romantic break in your escapades), plus experience the Maori culture. On this journey, you’ll also indulge in world-class wine and encounter native wildlife ranging from sperm whales to albatross.
Explore MT Sobek’s 13-day New Zealand South Island Hiking active adventure ➔
4. Chile & Argentina Ultimate Patagonia Hiking Tour
A bucket-list hiking adventure for the highly experienced hiker in Torres del Paine & Los Glaciares. The 14-day trip in Patagonia takes on 40 miles on the W circuit in Chile’s Torres del Paine. These two national parks allow travelers to get close to jagged peaks, glaciers, and lakes while staying in comfortable hotels, cozy cabins, and remote mountain lodges.
While hiking through Torres del Paine, couples will arrive at the viewpoint, said to be one of the most scenic spots in the world. For those looking to create a bit of romance, or maybe get down on one knee, this would serve as the perfect backdrop with a glacial lake below and towering peaks surrounding you.
Explore this 14-day Chile & Argentina Ultimate Patagonia Hiking active adventure ➔
Photo: Outfitter photo. Jeinimeni “On the Smuggler’s Trail in Patagonia” JNM
5. Italian Dolomites Hiking Tour
The Italian Dolomites are arguably the most romantic place on earth. Charming, iconic Alps villages; delicious, local cuisine; and glistening, alpine limestone ramparts framing some of the most stunning mountain views in Europe.
This journey traverses the heart of the Dolomites, from the Ladin culture of Val di Fassa in Trentino to the alpine traditions of Alta Badia in South Tyrol and the elegant mountain resort town of Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Veneto region. Along the way, you’ll explore charming villages, encounter grazing wildlife, and visit the range’s most celebrated landmarks, including the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo (9,839′) and Marmolada (11,024′), the highest peak in the Dolomites. Classic Alps hotels, warm hospitality, and exceptional regional cuisine top off this unforgettable Italian hiking experience.
Explore MT Sobek’s 9-Day Italy Best of the Dolomites Hiking Tour ➔
6. Ecuador Galapagos Luxury Adventure Cruise on Endemic Tour
This private, luxury Galapagos Adventure Cruise tour will allow you to explore the Galapagos Islands while enjoying the comfort and luxury of a 16-passenger catamaran. The 7-night cruise adventure aboard the Endemic will offer a private balcony in every cabin. The trip starts in the UNESCO-listed Quito, and then sails through the Galapagos as an MT Sobek guide leads you on kayak adventures and snorkeling with sea turtles, penguins, and fur seals.
In addition, you’ll get to walk among giant tortoises, frigatebirds, and all three types of adorable boobies—Nazca, blue-footed and red-footed, plus land and marine iguanas. Those seeking a bit more adventure can create romantic memories as they discover these new species and work together while kayaking in this striking natural landscape.
You’ll also explore Genovesa, Santa Cruz, Santiago, Isabela, Fernandina, and Rabida islands on this Northern Loop route. For more adventurous opportunities, add a pre- or post-trip extension in Ecuador to your cruise.
Explore MT Sobek’s 11-Day Private Luxury Galapagos Adventure Cruse on the Endemic ➔
7. Oman Cultural Discovery Private Adventure Tour
On this 9-day discovery of the Middle East, you’ll explore Sultanate of Oman, enjoy camel rides, and meet Bedouin tribes in the rolling dunes of the Wahiba Sands. This adventure is beginner-friendly as it includes scenic drives, heritage, and archeological tours, visits to local markets, desert adventures, and even a camping experience under the stars in a Bedouin-style tent (can’t get more romantic than that in the desert), plus a 2-hour dhow cruise.
You’ll also walk-through ancient Arabia’s frankincense trade sites and souks featuring colorful fabrics and handicrafts. There will also be a canyon drive through the Wadi Bani Awuf and you’ll also get to explore the Jebel Akhdar on foot.
Explore MT Sobek’s 9-Day Oman Cultural Discovery Private Adventure Tour ➔
Photo: Caravan going through the sand dunes in the Sahara Desert, Morocco
8. Costa Rica Tortuguero, Pacuare & Arenal Multi-Adventure Tour
For those heading to Costa Rica, this 8-day journey can best be described as a non-stop water park adventure. You’ll kayak the jungle waterways of Tortuguero National Park and keep your eyes peeled for howler monkeys, blue morpho butterflies, sea turtles, and tropical birds all of which call this area home.
For couples seeking a little bit more of a thrill, you’ll have the chance to raft one of the top 10 whitewater rivers in the world—Rio Pacuare. To relax, enjoy a soak at the base of Arenal Volcano at a mountain hot spring with your partner. And to tie it all together, evenings will be spent staying in the rainforest at the National Geographic award-winning Rios Lodge.
Explore MT Sobek’s 8-Day Costa Rica Torguguero, Pacuare & Arenal Multi-Adventure Tour ➔
Photo: Misty Rainforest in Costa Rica, Central America. RF stock. Purchased 050718Stock Photo ID: 228699595Copyright: Andrushko Galyna
9. Bhutan, Nepal, Tibet Himalayan Passages Hiking Tour
On this 15-day journey, you’ll get to experience all three Himalayan kingdoms while being immersed in the local cultures of Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet. While on this trip, you’ll hike for 3-5 hours at a time, ranging from two to 4 miles combined with cultural sightseeing and city tours.
Couples will go on a spiritual journey on this expedition—whether you’re religious or just taking in the cultural influence. You’ll experience Buddhist cultures, Bhutan’s traditions, Kathmandu’s temples, stupas, and bazaars, plus Tibet’s monasteries and the holy city of Lhasa. Your adventure will begin and end in the vibrant city of Bangkok, Thailand.
Explore MT Sobek’s 15-Day Bhutan, Nepal, Tibet Himalayan Passages Hiking Tour ➔
Photo: Couple following Everest Base Camp trekking route near Dughla 4620m. Backpackers carrying Backpacks and using trekking poles and enjoying valley view with Ama Dablam 6812m peak
10. California Joshua Tree & Death Valley Hiking Adventure Tour
Kicking off from Palm Springs, you’ll head to Joshua Tree and Death Valley, which is known for having the hottest temperatures on record. Next, you’ll hike to Badwater Flats, the lowest point in North America at 282 ft. below sea level, where you’ll explore volcanic craters, wind-sculpted canyons, and desert dunes. In the evenings, couples will have the opportunity to take in the captivating night sky while stargazing at two International Dark Sky Parks—an optimal setting for romance. And, wake up early to see the sunrise from the iconic Zabriskie Point above the badlands—an unforgettable setting for a proposal or romantic moment.
This trip is beginner friendly as you’ll be hiking easy-to-moderate trails for about three to four hours a day with various breaks throughout. You’ll get to call Campbell House Inn at 29 Palms and The Ranch at Death Valley home during your stay.
Why Couples Choose MT Sobek Adventures
Couples choose MT Sobek because our journeys create the kind of shared experiences that strengthen and deepen relationships — the experiences that become lifelong memories. Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, birthday, retirement, or simply a love of exploring the world together, our expertly crafted adventures take you far beyond the ordinary. From trekking to Patagonia’s granite peaks and rafting through wild Alaska rivers to spotting wildlife on an African safari or hiking ancient pilgrimage trails in Japan, every adventure offers a stream of meaningful moments to experience side by side.
MT Sobek’s small groups, exceptional guides, thoughtfully selected accommodations, and decades of destination expertise allow you to focus on each other and the experience of adventure while we take care of the details.
- Share unforgettable experiences. Accomplish inspiring goals together, whether it’s summiting Kilimanjaro, hiking Rim to Rim in the Grand Canyon, or paddling through remote wilderness.
- Travel with complete confidence. Experienced local guides, seamless logistics, and more than 50 years of adventure travel expertise give you the trust to relax and enjoy the journey.
- Balance activity with comfort. Active days are accentuated by carefully chosen lodges, boutique hotels, safari camps, and delicious regional cuisine.
- Discover authentic cultures together. Interact with local communities, learn from expert guides, and experience destinations in ways independent travelers rarely can.
- Choose the adventure that fits you. From gentle walking tours and wildlife safaris to challenging treks and whitewater rafting expeditions, couples can find an itinerary that matches their shared interests and fitness levels.
- Travel with like-minded people—or privately. Join a small group of fellow adventurers or customize many itineraries as a private journey based on your preferences.
- Create memories that last a lifetime. The challenges you overcome, landscapes you discover, and stories you bring home often become the experiences couples talk about for many years to come.
Learn More About Adventure Travel Across the Globe
Ask an Expert
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