Sometimes the travel world seems a confusing place, we’ve worked with the travel specialists at AITO to put together a few ideas of some interesting and varied trips for you to consider, as well as a couple of festivals to partake.
Activities Abroad has a new summer family adventure to Croatia’s stunning National Parks. This seven-night holiday is based in Skradin, close to the Krka National Park, and offers activities including cycling, white water rafting and sea kayaking alongside stunning scenery. Departures in May, July, August and October 2018.
Andante Travels is running a special tour to Cuba this year for the legendary Havana Ballet Festival, which takes place every two years. Part of Andante’s Travels In Opera & Ballet collection, highlights include ballet performances, a private backstage tour of the Grand Theatre, exclusive meetings with the Malposo Dance Company and a private visit to the Cuban National Ballet School. Departs 29 October 2018.
InsideAsia Tours has launched a brand-new cultural activity tour in Indochina: Hands On Indochina. This 15-night small-group tour is filled with unforgettable hands-on experiences, immersing guests in the wonderful culture and rural charms of Vietnam and Cambodia, with opportunities to meet the locals and support local sustainable tourism projects along the way. Departing 17 March and 4 October 2019.
Kudu Travel is offering a new cultural walking tour in southern India. Visit Goa, with its remarkable heritage of military forts and churches and Karnataka, crossing the Western Ghats to reach the Deccan Plateau and explore the Cradle of Indian civilisation covering Badami, Hampi, Belur and Halebid. The itinerary includes undemanding walks, a boat trip and a jeep safari. Departs 18 January 2019.
Fleewinter has launched a range of spa and wellness holidays, including The Stress Cure at Rogaška. Located in the peaceful spa resort of Rogaška Slatina, eastern Slovenia, counter-balance the negative effects of stress with the unique healing powers of magnesium-rich mineral water, known as Donat Mg, relaxing spa treatments and centuries-old wellness traditions, staying at the elegant Grand Hotel Rogaška. Departs year-round.
Mountain Kingdoms has introduced a fascinating new wilderness trek in the southernmost reaches of the stunning Bhutanese Himalaya. This 16-day holiday takes guests through sub-tropical forests, alpine meadows and over passes with amazing views, before reaching little-visited Dagana, with sightseeing opportunities in culturally fascinating Paro, Thimphu and Punakha. Departs October 2018.
Pettitts Travel has recently released an exciting 15-day Food Tour of Japan. Learn how to prepare Japanese delicacies such as soba buckwheat noodles, rolled sushi, miso soup and Japanese-style salad as well as visiting Dotonbori in Osaka, where guests can sample everything from ‘fugu’ puffer fish to ‘tacoyaki’. There is also the opportunity to visit Nijo Castle and The Golden Pavilion. Departures available until December 2019.
Llama Travel is pleased to announce a significant upswing in bookings to Argentina, with a 200% increase in leads for 2018 so far (compared to the same period in 2017) and an increase of over 300% in bookings. Llama Travel offers holidays to Argentina (its fourth most popular destination) from £1,779 pp, including flights from the UK and accommodation. Departures available between April 2018 and April 2019.
Ramblers Walking Holidays is offering savings of £61 pp and no single supplement for May and June departures of the new Walk from Cómpeta trip. Set amongst orchard valleys and vineyards, Cómpeta is a hidden gem in southern Spain, steeped in Moorish history with walks include the Sierra Almijara and Sierra Tejeda, with panoramic views of the Mediterranean. Departs 26 May and 2 June 2018.
Undiscovered Destinations has introduced a fascinating tour to the remote Indian region of Nagaland to join the annual Hornbill Festival celebrations, with plenty of time to explore Nagaland’s pristine national parks, home to rhinos and tigers. This inter-tribal festival features traditional arts, dances, folk songs and games set amidst immaculate replicas of tribal settlements. Departs in November 2018 and 2019.
Inntravel has introduced a new self-guided walking holiday, Secret Andros, on the northernmost island of the Cyclades. Guests can explore the hinterland along restored kalderimi (cobbled mule trails), past old olive presses and windmills, and visit the traditionally Greek town of Chora, with its proud seafaring heritage and even a Museum of Contemporary Art. Departures between 12 May and 15 October 2018.
The German National Tourist Office announces Germany’s eagerly awaited white asparagus season. Starting in mid-April, this highly-prized speciality is featured within the GNTO’s specialist travel itineraries (known as ‘scenic routes’) through Baden, Müensterland and across Lower Saxony. For those interested in asparagus-related food and travel stories, the white asparagus season runs until 24 June.
The Spanish Tourist Office is celebrating the 90th anniversary of Paradores – historical accommodation in converted palaces, royal manor houses and fortresses. All are part of the history and tradition of Spain and much has changed since the first Parador opened in Gredos in 1928, welcoming Spanish Royalty along with leading intellectuals and stars from the cinema and art worlds. The hotel chain has celebrated continual growth ever since, achieving the highest standards of customer service, luxury and comfort. Discover the cultural, gastronomic and sporting experiences offered by Paradores in 95 locations all over Spain. Contact [email protected] for more information.
The Tenerife Tourism Corporation is excited to announce that the popular Tenerife Walking Festival is returning for a fourth consecutive year. Taking place from 22 to 26 May 2018, the Tenerife Walking Festival combines different types of hikes and trails and is considered to be one of the most outstanding hiking events in Europe. With only 200 much-coveted spaces available, hikers are being encouraged to sign up now.
Visit Sweden has revealled its new working partnership with the Småland region of southern Sweden – home to the sparkling lakes, endless forests and pretty meadows which inspired the work of celebrated Swedish painter and illustrator, John Bauer. The Småland region is also home to world famous children’s author Astrid Lindgren and visitors can experience Astrid Lindgren World and learn about IKEA founder, Ingvar Kamprad. Pop into the first IKEA store and museum to find out more.
