AFRICA - INDIAN SUBCONTINENT - AMERICAS - MIDDLE EAST - EUROPE

WORLDWIDE SAFARIS - DISCOVERY JOURNEYS - WILDERNESS ADVENTURES

Tailor-made Journeys to Inspiring Places

                In this issue:

What's New - A look ahead to 2009: Arctic Cruises - Lodges & Hotels - Price Reductions - Website

In the News: Andy Rouse Svalbard Photographic Tour, Iceland Whale Watching Season

Hidden Gem: Canada - Baffin and the Remote Arctic A Place to Stay: Oman - Desert Nights

Arctic Cruises

Following a research trip last year to Svalbard on board a fine small ship, which some of you may have read about on our Blog, we are now able to offer trips to the Arctic region. In particular there are still places available on sailings this summer to the remarkable archipelago of Svalbard of which Spitsbergen is the largest island. Polar bears and walrus are almost guaranteed but the landscapes and wilderness setting are just stunning. Over in Canada there are two new cruises, the first along the coast of Baffin is outlined below is an exciting trip through fjordland country and the second reaching Baffin from the Polar Bear capital of Churchill on Hudson Bay. Details of all these trips will be available shortly on our new website but if you are interested then please get in touch with us.

Lodges and Hotels

A quick glimpse at just a couple of the new additions...

Costa Rica - Arenas del Mar

This hotel recently opened in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, to good reviews. This boutique hotel offering standard rooms and suites also encompasses a spa and fine dining in an area of natural beauty close to the beaches of this famous national park.

Rajasthan - Mihir Garh

New in the world of boutique hotels is Mihir Garh, Jodphur. A most stylish and unique Fort style property made from mud, wattle and wood, offering spacious accommodation with either plunge or Jacuzzi pools, a large terrace with magnificent views and luxurious furnishings. The location allows desert picnics, horse riding, community visits, camel safaris and spa treatments so plenty for all to do. A stay at this luxury fort is a real treat where the pace of life is relaxed and surroundings tranquil. It opens in September 2009.

Price Reductions in Africa

While the effects of this new financial climate are felt all around the world, we a delighted that many of our partners in East & Southern Africa have superb reductions and discounts to help us all enjoy these wonderful destinations at prices that are easier on our pockets.

In South Africa we have malaria free private game reserves offering an attractive package for families with a private guide/vehicle and specialised children's safari programmes all included along with your meals and drinks. While you can extend your stay for free at a number of stylish hotels and guesthouse around the Cape.

Safari specials can also be found in Kenya, Botswana and Zambia; reduced prices on extended stays, seven & ten night packages at top rated, small bush lodges in quiet remote areas. These rates even apply right the way through peak season.

For those looking for a little R&R as well, why not add on the stunning beaches of Mozambique to a Southern Africa safari. Long stay discounts and special offers for honeymooners are available at beautiful beach front accommodations.

If you have a trip in mind or would like us to make a suggestion, please contact us to find out where you could save.

Website

Following a busy year our website is due for a change and we are actively working on an exciting version at present, complete with many more great photos and some inspiring new itineraries throughout our portfolio of countries. A highlight will be updated information on accommodation choices around the world so that you can choose your holiday by places to stay or by choosing a suggested itinerary. A sneak preview appears to the side here.

Last Call - Andy Rouse in Svalbard…

A final call for 1 female photographer or wildlife enthusiast to take up the last one remaining berth on board our cruise with wildlife photographer Andy Rouse. This is your chance to photograph and observe polar bears, walrus and amazing landscapes with the benefit of expert guidance from an internationally renowned professional wildlife photographer. Further details here.

Iceland Whale Watching Breaks...

The new whale watching season in Iceland has already started with sailings from Reykjavik every weekend. The main season starts around April and just a short flight from the UK takes you to Reykjavik. Combine the 2 whale watching centres: Reykjavik with boat tours from the city and sailings from Húsavík in search of minke, humpback, orca and several dolphin species. It is possible to enjoy a long weekend break or a full length holiday that can combine Husavik and Reykjavik with a tour around the remote north western fjords or along the wonderful Snaefellsnes peninsula. Suggested Iceland trips can be found here but again these will be updated shortly.

Canada - Baffin & Remote Arctic Cruise

Step on board this Arctic adapted vessel and have your camera at the ready. This is the finest in Arctic wildlife cruising going in search with your naturalist guides of polar bears, whales, white belugas and narwhals as well as breathtaking scenery and thousands of migrating sea birds. There are just two departures with limited numbers in August and September so contact us to be one of the few annual visitors to the watery wonderland.

Highlights - Small groups of wildlife enthusiasts - wild and remote Arctic region - rare marine wildlife viewing of whales, walrus and narwhals - qualified naturalist guides - polar bear viewing

Trip length - 10 days on board with 2 nights in Montreal

Itinerary - 1 Arrive Montreal, 2 Fly to Resolute Bay to board ship, 3 - 11 On board the ship with wildlife viewing, 12 return to Montreal, 13 Depart Canada

Cost from £5320 per person based on 2 sharing (depends of level of cabin)

Oman - Desert Nights

For those looking for a short break get away but want more than just sun worshipping, then head to Oman and take on our ultimate desert experience. The luxury tented camp of Desert Nights, just a two hour drive from Muscat, offers an intimate Arabian escape with plenty of activities to fill your days; camel safaris, quad biking, sand boarding and dune trekking are all possible. Your stay will be in sumptuously decorated Bedouin tents with rich vibrant coloured fabrics and five star facilities, whilst the authentic gourmet menu served under the stars will indulge and delight your taste buds. Explore a little further beyond the famous sand sea of Wahiba and you will find green turtles nesting on the beach at Ras al Hadd.

Original holidays ~ inspiring places