The tip of a red kayak is seen in the foreground, on a calm lake with trees and a summer's sky in the distance. Photo by Oliver Schmid. The tip of a red kayak is seen in the foreground, on a calm lake with trees and a summer's sky in the distance. Photo by Oliver Schmid.
An Extravagant Simplicity
17-25 Aug.August 2026
The sweetly wooden scent from the glass of Armagnac in your hand blends beautifully with that which occasionally reaches you from the campfire. It has been a good day – your muscles are sore, your mind a blank – and the deep relaxation clears space for fresh energy to make the most of tomorrow.
A person with a red backpack hiking walking along a path on a heath. Dramatic clouds in the background. Photo by Xulio Gonzalez
A person with a red backpack hiking walking along a path on a heath. Dramatic clouds in the background. Photo by Xulio Gonzalez
An Extravagant Simplicity

Joining the minimalistic philosophy of outdoor activities with select comforts from high-end travel, this experience has been created for those that are keen on both adventure and enjoying the good life.

Days of physical activity in nature find a balance with special treats that would normally not be associated with outdoor travel. The trip is a high-paced adventure set in the deep forests of Scandinavia where comfort is always a relative term. We eat well, play hard, and search for that feeling of everything being just right after a splendid day.


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Two people in kayaks, one yellow and one orange, paddle across a lake. It's a nice summer's day with a blue sky and a few white cumulus clouds. Original photo by Christer Gundersen.
Prerequisites

• Decent physical fitness
• Knowing how to swim
• Kayaking experience
• At ease in the outdoors


Physical fitness

   This trip is intended for people that keep in shape, although is is not necessary to be an athlete. That is, you should be doing sports regularly (a couple of times per week and/or full days out during the weekend) as well as having previous experience with multi-day travel such as sailing, hiking or cycling.


Swimming

   You need to be comfortable in water. When kayaking we stay near land, wear life vests and practice water rescue, but you should still know how to swim at least 500 metres.


Kayak experience

   It is not strictly necessary, but it is better if you know the basics of paddling. During the trip there will be the possibility to improve your technique with guided coaching, still, both muscles and mind will appreciate if you have some previous experience.


Happy in nature

   You need to be comfortable sleeping in a tent and living away from civilisation for a while. Although An Extravagant Simplicity aims to be just that – a luxurious take on a minimalist experience – there will inevitably be moments that are more simplistic than extravagant.


Do you want to know more about what is recommended? Get in touch and we can talk about it!



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Two people in kayaks, one yellow and one orange, paddle across a lake. It's a nice summer's day with a blue sky and a few white cumulus clouds. Original photo by Christer Gundersen.
A person is washing their face crouching on a stone in the middle of a calm creek running through a lush forest.
A person is washing their face crouching on a stone in the middle of a calm creek running through a lush forest.
Equipment

The trip requires little more than what is expected for spending time in nature. To facilitate preparations, participants are sent a minimum equipment list before departure and also dry bags to allow for checking that there is space for everything.

Let's travel light! Apart from a backpack and clothes for layering, you'll need footwear for kayaking and hiking, suitable gloves, waterproof covers for your devices, a sleeping bag, plus some other small things. I take care of the rest.

Are you not sure about the gear you have? Feel free to write me! You can both consider my rental/lending service as well as ask for advice regarding new things.



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The sun shines from the left on a grey-green dome tent pitched under pine trees on a lake shore.
Everything else

• 4-8 people
• €3950 per person
       Includes everything –
       tickets, accommodation,
       food, wine, kayaks etc.
• Flexible end date
• Travel insurance included
• Pre-trip advice and meetups

All trips offered by Il Pioppeto come with bespoke assistance before and after the journey. Participants are guided through the preparations so that the experience becomes a uniquely seamless flow.

In case your schedule is too tight to fit in the entire trip, the length can be shortened to allow for a return on your own.

It is worth pointing out that the stated price includes everything, meaning there will be no extra costs at all and nothing to worry about.



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The sun shines from the left on a grey-green dome tent pitched under pine trees on a lake shore.