Be Inspired 2010
 


 

Brazil

Brazil is thirty-five times the size of the United Kingdom. With an area of 8,514,204 sq km, a population of 170 million and a coastline of 7,250 kilometres, much of it made up of stunning beaches, Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world and one of the world's largest economies. 90% of the country lies between the equator and the tropic of Capricorn and it covers over half the continent of South America. It borders every South American country apart from Ecuador and Chile, straddling four time zones in the process.

"Brazil is a real 'melting pot' of different cultures with huge European (mainly Portuguese and German) influence in the south, African influence in the northeast and the indigenous culture in the Amazon and interior areas."

Highlights of Brazil Tour

15 nights
Prices from £3,875 per person
Transfers, excursions and internal flights included.
This itinerary is designed for first time visitors wishing to experience Brazil’s enormous diversity.

Rio de Janeiro 3 nights BB
Iguacu Falls 2 nights BB
Manaus 1 night BB
Amazonia 3 nights FB
Salvador 2 nights BB
Praia do Forte 4 nights HB

Cruises in Antarctica

Considered by many to be the most beautiful place on the planet, Antarctica is the most remote and fascinating natural reserve in the world, with spectacular beauty, unique wildlife and magnificent sites. Boasting the lowest temperatures on record, this vast continent is covered by a cape of ice, formed by an accumulation of snow over hundreds of thousands of years. Hidden beneath lie mountains and valleys. Witness huge ice masses breaking off, forming icebergs.

The key attraction to Antarctica is the wildlife; penguins, minke whales, seals and the endangered wandering albatross, to name but a few. Rubber zodiacs take visitors ashore, allowing one to wander amidst colonies of unafraid and inquisitive animals and to take fantastic photographs.

The Antarctic Dream Expedition
10 nights / 11 days
Antarctic Cruise
Prices on request
Ushuaia, Antarctic Peninsula, Ushuaia
Season: Nov to Mar
The Antarctic Dream Expedition offers the ideal introduction to the Great White Continent. Departing from and finishing in the port of Uhsuaia, it heads to the most exciting sights of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. The program is orientated to the viewing of wildlife.

The vessel has 4 decks, with 39 cabins, all with private facilities, closed circuit tv, individual heating and wardrobe. There are four types of cabin. The cabins on the lower Amunsden Deck are comfortable with porthole. The cabins on the Shackleton Deck are lighter, less noisy and have a window. There are four suites on the upper decks, each very spacious with panoramic views.

Boston

Boston is an attractive historic city, yet it has a young feel to it with a variety of universities located in and around the city. A compact city, it is easy to explore by foot and is considered to be one of America’s most walkable cities. Boston is also a convenient gateway to the beautiful New England countryside, so you can either enjoy a city break or combine a few days in Boston with an independent fly drive holiday touring New England or head for the superb beaches of Cape Cod.

Boston holiday highlights

  • Enjoy walking along the Freedom Trail and look back on important events that retrace America’s independence.
  • Once you have seen the historic sites, you can discover the modern Boston. Visit the colourful harbourfront area, wander through Quincy market or take a whale watching cruise.
  • Visit Boston Common, America’s oldest public park with its pretty gardens and enjoy a ride on a Swan Boat.
  • Other attractions include the famous ‘Cheers Bar’ and Faneuil Hall, a shopping and dining complex with interesting shops and stalls selling delicious food and local goods.
  • For people who want to shop, Boston offers a wide choice of shopping venues. Head to Newbury Street for designer and one of a kind items, Filene’s Basement for every day clothes at bargain prices and the department stores of Macy’s, Marshall’s and DSW which sell everything under one roof.
  • Cross the Charles River to Cambridge where you can walk through the hallowed courtyards of Havard.

3 nights staying at the Boston Park Plaza including flights, travelling in May. Prices from £604 per person

Cephalonia

The stunning north of Cephalonia and the entire island of Ithaca has all of the qualities that we look for in selecting exclusive destinations for our guests.

Within relatively short distances the landscape alters dramatically, with each region demanding exploration. The picture postcard villages and harbours are full of character, the beaches stunning, the walking wonderful, and the history fascinating.

The scenically stunning Erissos peninsula to the north where the beautiful harbour of Fiscardo along with the delightfully authentic and sleepy village of Assos are to be found.
Stunning beaches include those at Myrtos (near Assos), sweeping and sandy at Trapezaki and the wonderful golden sands of the south.

The Erissos peninsula in the north is home to many pretty and small pebble coves and inlets, many of which are accessible only by boat. Cephalonia also provides places of interest such as Argostoli, the bustling capital of the island, Venetian fortresses, Byzantine remains, Mycenaean tombs, Roman mosaics, the aquamarine waters of the underground lake in Melissani cave, the stalactites and stalagmites of the cave of Drogarati together with the most stunning mountain and coastal scenery.

Prices from £700 per person, departing in June for 7 nights staying at the Almyra.

India

Palaces of India Tour

This seven night escorted tour gives you the unique chance to stay in two of India’s famous palaces. You’ll also visit the awe-inspiring Akshardham Temple, the world’s largest Hindu Temple, and visit the Taj Mahal at Agra, a famous masterpiece built by 20,000 craftsmen. Tour the pink city of Jaipur and explore the chaotic old Delhi, with its buzzing streets and colourful bazaars. If you appreciate history and architecturem this tour is perfect.

7 Nights mixed meal plan, based on a standard room departing 22nd April 2010
Prices from £1149 per person

Mauritius

With safe beaches, gentle seas and a mild tropical climate that keeps it warm all year round its no wonder Mark Twain said that heaven was based on Mauritius.

An Indian Ocean tropical island paradise and superb year round destination, Mauritius holidays will always be something that dreams are made of. No visa or vaccinations are needed and with only 3 hours time difference, there’s even no jet lag to worry about.

Le Canonnier is a friendly and welcoming resort set on a historic peninsula,( which is home to an ancient lighthouse, the ruins of an old fortress and several old cannons), but it’s the hosiptable and relaxed Mauritian atmosphere that makes this a great Mauritius hotel choice.

Departing in April for 9 nights staying at Le Canonnier prices from £2082 per person

New Zealand

New Zealand is not a large country by area; yet the nation contains a diverse range of landscapes and climatic conditions. In just a few kilometres, you can travel from the snowfields of the Southern Alps to the rolling surf of the blue Pacific Ocean. This variety of natural attractions and activities justifies a longer holiday than may normally be appropriate to a similar sized country.

The country's smallness in size and population is one of its greatest assets and is a paradise of green fields, pristine native forests and tranquil mountain lakes, with wilderness areas which are totally uncrowded and free of pollution. Yet, the major cities offer a wide variety of quality urban attractions and entertainment. The people are another great asset, they are warm and friendly and their natural affinity with their surroundings is reflected in basic values of lifestyles not seen anywhere else in the world.

New Zealand’s Ultimate Adventure, 14 days Self Drive Tour – departing in April 2010, prices from £2299 per person not including flights from the UK.


Koh Samui ~ Thailand

Just one hours flight from Bangkok, off the east coast of Thailand lies this beautiful island. Not as lively as some of the other Thai resorts, Koh Samui is an ideal island for a peaceful and relaxing holiday.

The glorious beaches and clear waters are ideal for swimming and there are a choice of superb bars and local restaurants. Combine your beach holiday to Koh Samui with a stay in the bustling city of Bangkok or relax on another Thai beach.

Tongsai Bay Hotel – Koh Samui
Prices from £1146 per person for 7 nights including flights from London.


Prague

To take a holiday to Prague is to be transported into the late Middle Ages. The views are unforgettable: the golden roofs, the floodlit castle from Charles Bridge, the National Museum at Wenceslas Square and the fairy-tale gothic spires of the old town.

There are great beers, surprisingly good food and a rich and varied cultural life with some wonderful opera houses offering tickets at absurdly low prices.

The Mandarin Oriental opened in October 2006 and offers sumptuous accommodation and superb service just a stone’s throw from Charles Bridge. Located in a quiet part of the historic Mala Strana district and converted from a 14th Century monastery, no expense has been spared in the restoration and every effort has been made to retain the original features of the building. The 99 bedrooms are wonderfully decadent – sophisticated audio and visual equipment including two high definition televisions, expensive fabrics and beautiful limestone bathrooms. Some have views of the city’s rooftops and some overlook the hotel’s courtyard garden. The atmospheric Essensia restaurant which serves European cuisine with Asian flavours comprises five interlinked Baroque rooms with vaulted ceilings; there is an extensive wine cellar and a stylish bar. The spa is also a delight; it is set over two floors within a small Renaissance chapel and offers plenty of relaxation space and a comprehensive range of treatments including hydrotherapy.

3 nights for the price of 2 valid until 31 March.
Price from £626 per person for 3 nights.