In what it believes to be an Australian first, adventure travel specialist, World Expeditions, has launched a rock climbing adventure to be escorted by Australia's leading female climber, Monique Forestier.

Monique and her partner and climbing photographer, Simon Carter, will lead a small group to the San Vito Lo Capo in Sicily, widely recognized as the Italian Holy Grail on the 10 day Sicily on the Rocks expedition.

According to World Expeditions CEO, Sue Badyari, rock climbing has evolved from being quite a solitary sport into an activity that can be shared with a group of like-minded climbers.

“Rock climbing is closely aligned to the World Expeditions ethos in providing valuable guided outdoor experiences for adventurous travellers,” Ms Badyari said. “We're delighted to be adding rock climbing to our suite of adventure activities.”

“Rock climbing is popular amongst many of our travellers, who also enjoy trekking, cycling, camping with the best outdoor gear and mountaineering,” she said, “so we're excited with this progression in our activity offering.”

The 10 day Sicily on the Rocks is designed so clients receive expert advice in a hands-on, workshop-style environment , with Monique demonstrating climbing drills and techniques such as precise footwork, body positioning, breathing, resting & recovering, route reading and red pointing tactics. It caters to those with some climbing experience through to the more seasoned rock climbers, as there are many routes that will be attempted.

Simon Carter, also an accomplished climber, is acclaimed as one of the world's leading rock climbing photographers with his images appearing in leading magazines across the globe. Past subjects include Adam Ondra, Chris Sharma and Alex Megos to name a few and, while on tour, participants will be able to share his knowledge and techniques of climbing photography.

Adhering to Italian law, Monique and Simon will be accompanied by a local Alpine Accredited Guide and a local climbing guide.

The trip departs Palermo on 2 October, 2016 and costs $4,990 per person, excluding international airfares. Participants will need to be competent climbers and have experience climbing on rock. It's a unique trip for any climber wanting to hone their skills and take their climbing to the next level on a spectacular Mediterranean crag!

World Expeditions expects strong interest in the trip and has organized a national speaking tour for climbers keen to hear about Monique's inspiring achievements – all brilliantly documented with Simon's revealing photographs.

Dates are below:
Tues 02 Feb Brisbane George Williams Hotel
Tue 09 Feb Perth State Library Theatre Wed 10 Feb Melbourne Mantra on Russell
Tue 16 Feb Canberra Canberra - Hellenic Club
Thu 18 Feb Sydney USYD - New Law Annexe Theatre

Tickets are $20. Book tickets or read more about the trip at www.worldexpeditions.com or call 1300 720 000.

More about Monique and Simon:
Monique Forestier is a self professed climbing fanatic, and one of Australia's most acclaimed rock climbers. With over 17 years experience, she has been at the forefront of Australian women's climbing, with one of her many achievements being the first Australian female to climb routes graded 31, 32 and 33. During these years she has travelled extensively and tackled a diverse range of hard rock climbs around the world. Visiting over 18 countries including Madagascar, China, Vietnam, Borneo, USA and Spain, her experience is wide and diverse.

Australian photographer Simon Carter is recognised internationally for his distinctive rock climbing portfolio. He is the author of four coffee-table books on Australian and World climbing, and is the recipient of several prestigious awards. He was named by Men's Journal Magazine (USA) as one of the World's Best Adventure Photographers and described by the editor of Rock and Ice Magazine(USA) as “arguably the greatest climbing photographer of all time”.