Touring Adventure

touring & adventure December 2016

PANDA POWER HOW to sell themed tours

SADDLE UP Ice maiden Why touring by Antarctica bike is taking off boasts the coolest cruises

TW_TANDADEC16_001.indd 1 23/11/2016 16:41 WELCOME touring & adventure

13 hat a year it’s been for Travel Weekly W Touring & Adventure. After launching our supplement about this growing sector in June, we’ve had such an overwhelmingly positive response from the trade that we’ve decided to make it a regular part of our publication portfolio. So if there’s anything you want to know about the adventure sector – from the CONTENTS hottest destinations to the 16 coolest new tours – Travel 5 NEWS Weekly is the place to find out. All the latest from the adventure sector In the pages that follow, you can find the lowdown on 13 Analysis which cruise lines are upping Cycling tours are soaring in popularity their game in Antarctica, see why touring on two wheels is 16 OUT OF AFRICA taking off, and get the insider Titan’s Grand Safari Kenya reviewed guide to how themed tours could help you earn even 19 Q&A more commission. G Adventures’ Dushyant Singh holds court You’ll also find all the photos 34 from the inaugural Travel 22 DESTINATION IN FOCUS Weekly Touring & Adventure Wild Antarctica is ripe for exploration Showcase, along with the latest news in adventure travel. And 26 TOURING SHOWCASE last but not least, you won’t Inaugural event attracts 100 participants want to miss finding out which former Mr India model is now a 29 COMMENT G Adventures tour guide! Intrepid boss Michael Edwards on food tours Katie McGonagle FOOD & DRINK editor, 34 Travel Weekly There’s a culinary tour for every taste Touring & Adventure katie.mcgonagle@ 38 10 THEMED TOURS travelweekly.co.uk From wildlife to sailing via hiking and rail

Travel Weekly Touring & Adventure is published by Travel Weekly Group, Third Floor, 52 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0AU. Tel: 020 7881 4897. Acting supplements editor Katie McGonagle Contributing writers Jane Archer, Laura French, Tamara Hinson, Lynn Houghton Art editor/production editor Flora Ioannou Graphic designer Emma Winton Subeditors Mike Walsh, Stephanie Krahn, Darron Kirkby Travel Weekly Group editor-in-chief Lucy Huxley Head of sales Mary Rega Production manager Nick Cripps Managing director Stuart Parish Printed by Southern Print © Travel Weekly Group 2016 Part of Jacobs Media Group

Cover photo: WENDY WU TOURS

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OTHER NEWS Dominica’s Boiling Lake ◗ Tucan Travel is expanding its Adventures for 20s and 30s range this year after rebranding from Budget Expeditions in October. The collection, now targeted at a slightly older demographic, will feature shorter, two-week trips for time-poor travellers in the Americas.

◗ Cox & Kings has announced new cultural tours for 2017 with destinations now including the Himalayas, Sudan and Morocco. The operator is also launching two wildlife tours, taking clients on animal-spotting expeditions Nature island targets in India and Brazil. ‘adventuremoon’ market

Caribbean island Dominica has revealed portfolio this year, while walking specialist a campaign to attract honeymooners in Inntravel has introduced a trip focusing search of an adventurous getaway, as new solely on Dominica, Secret Treasure of the flight connections and more-varied touring Caribbean, for 2017. The 10-night trip products make it an easier sell. includes a guided hike to Boiling Lake,

Turismo chile Turismo Colin Piper, director of tourism for Discover the Wai’tukubili National Trail, a visit to the Dominica, said: “We are trying to appeal to cultural village of Kalinago Baranau Aute ◗ Chile is on the radar for honeymooners that want something a bit and lunch on the black-sand beaches of operators, as Journey Latin different. They don’t want to sit on a beach, the west coast, from £1,595 land only. America has introduced a they want an experience they’ll remember. An increase in weekly flight capacity from self-drive holiday in the “In Dominica, they can hike to Boiling neighbouring Caribbean islands, from 56 country, Last Frontiers has Lake or go river tubing and we have a services before tropical storm Erika in 2015 launched a range of food huge variety of wildlife like turtles, whales to 67, with a 3,301-seat capacity, has also tours and Cascada and dolphins, as well as the beach, so it’s a improved access to the island, as British Expediciones has begun lot more exciting.” visitors can now connect the same day via trips through Chilean Caribtours has added Dominica to its Antigua using Liat’s late-afternoon flights. Patagonia.

Leger adds adventure hotspots to worldwide range

In a bid to meet a growing Worldwide Holidays customer is becoming more appetite for adventure, collection includes itineraries adventurous and wanting to Leger Holidays has added such as Treasures of the travel further and for longer.” South Africa, Australia, Canadian Rockies & The operator has also Canada and New Zealand Vancouver, Explore South extended its Fly & Tour to its 2017 portfolio. Africa and Discover Australia, programme with 73 flight- a The escorted touring d which departs in 2018. inclusive trips, including operator already offers five Ashley Dellow, head of event-focused itineraries ion canaion

US tours, but otherwise has t retail sales at Leger Holidays, such as Mardi Gras in ina

focused primarily on Europe t said: “Our research tells us New Orleans and Prague Canadian Rockies

However, its new Des that the traditional Leger Christmas Markets by Air.

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OTHER NEWS Dr Jane Goodall at Tchimpounga Sanctuary ◗ Singles specialist Solos Holidays will make its first foray into South America in 2017 with a Discovery Tour, The Peruvian Express. It’s one of four new trips next year, alongside Cuba – Cigars, Salsa & Sun, Lisbon & Alentejo, and Discover Sri Lanka, which marks Solo’s first tour in the country. PICTURE: JOHN GIUSTINA G Adventures links up ◗ Just You has added Iran (pictured) in response to growing interest in the region. with chimpanzee institute Highlights of Persia, which passes through Tehran, G Adventures has partnered with the Jane and Experience Borneo, including a visit to Isfahan, Persepolis and Shiraz, Goodall Institute to introduce a wildlife an orang-utan rehabilitation centre, is one of 27 new trips for 2017. collection for 2017. swimming in caves at Gunung Mulu Other debuts include San The range covers 20 tours endorsed by National Park and snorkelling on the island Marino and Mongolia. Dr Jane Goodall, whose work focuses on of Pulau Tiga. protecting endangered chimpanzees and The company is also launching a Limited ◗ In a bid to encourage their environment. The operator aims to raise Edition collection for 2017, focused on early bookings, The Artisan awareness of this work while extending its “once-in-a-lifetime” experiences and one-off Travel Company has portfolio of socially responsible trips. events. Halloween in Transylvania, a Haitian capped prices for summer G Adventures founder Bruce Poon Tip Carnival in Jacmel and La Tomatina in and winter departures in said: “With 2017 being designated the UN’s Spain are among 32 trips spanning Europe, 2017-18. To avoid a dip in Year of Sustainable Tourism, we wanted to the Americas, the Caribbean and beyond. post-Brexit bookings, the highlight the work we are doing to protect Its National Geographic Journeys tours, guaranteed rates will stay the animals we share our planet with.” which allow clients to experience local the same regardless of New trips include Highlights of cultures, will add 18 new trips covering fluctuations in sterling. Madagascar, Galapagos Island Hopping Namibia, Japan, Canada and beyond.

Luxury Gold lends a hand with India voluntourism trip

Insight Vacations’ Luxury first-hand about local life Jaipur of its brands including Gold range is launching an from those in the community. Trafalgar, Uniworld and Indian voluntourism project The add-on was created Contiki. that will immerse travellers in partnership with social The India experience is in the heart of a local enterprise ME to WE. Parent one of 28 new trips Luxury community. company the Travel Gold is offering in 2017 The optional four-day Corporation has worked under its new Worldwide extension to its Imperial with the organisation since Adventures programme, Rajasthan trip gives clients 2016, offering immersive which will move the brand the chance to take part in experiences in India, Kenya into Southeast Asia and building projects and learn and Ecuador across several Australasia for the first time.

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OTHER NEWS ◗ Belmond Eagle Island Operators expand ranges in Lodge in Botswana is introducing a half or full-day helicopter and horseback Australia and New Zealand safari, where clients can expect to spot elephants, New Zealand and Australia Kangaroo Island five-day, 38-mile Wilderness buffalo, giraffes and more. have attracted a swathe of Trail on Kangaroo Island, off new tours, as Cosmos Tours the south coast. It covers ◗ Ecuador’s Mashpi Lodge & Cruises reports 60% Flinders Chase National Park has opened The Dragonfly, growth in product in the and the Southern Ocean a system of cable-driven region for its 2016-17 tour- coast, home to sea lions, gondolas up to 200m high, and-cruise programme. bottle-nosed dolphins and offering bird’s-eye views of Cosmos is extending migrating whales. the tree canopy and Mashpi its range Down Under, In New Zealand, Auckland Rainforest Reserve. It can be including a combined New SATC Sea Kayaks has added a combined with forest and Zealand and Australia tour Waiheke Island Coastal Sea riverbed hikes. and a southern Australia covers New South Wales, Kayak Tour, while Eco Wanaka trip. Three-night stopovers in Queensland and beyond; Adventures’ Glacier Discovery ◗ South Africa’s Kwandwe Singapore and Bangkok will and APT has extended the Tour in Mount Aspiring Private Game Reserve has also be available. number of flight-inclusive National Park combines a unveiled a range of family- Meanwhile, Trafalgar has Australia and New Zealand helicopter flight and hiking. In oriented eco activities for unveiled a new Contrasts of trips for 2017 to all but one of Queenstown, a new extreme parents and children, such Australia trip; Luxury Gold its 17-day-plus tours. ‘Nevis Thriller’ activity is under as kite building, scavenger by Insight Vacations’ new Adventurous clients may construction with bungee quests, treasure hunts and Inspiring Australia itinerary also be interested in a new jump operator AJ Hackett. voluntourism activities.

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TW_TANDADEC16_008.indd 8 23/11/2016 13:24 touring & adventure CRUISE NEWS a g a S OTHER NEWS Brahmaputra River : cture ◗ Pandaw is launching one- i P week cruises on the Kapuas River system in Borneo, from February. The 48-passenger Tonle Pandaw sails deep into the rainforest in search of elephant, leopard, orangutan and more than 420 species of birds.

◗ Silversea’s new two-week northern Papua New Guinea cruise on Silver Discoverer departs May 13, 2018. It visits remote villages and Second World War tunnels used by Japanese soldiers.

◗ Paul Gauguin Cruises will be the first to visit Vairao on the island of Tahiti Iti on Saga adds Brahmaputra selected South Sea voyages around the Society Islands in 2018. Visitors can see ancient and Kolkata river voyage rock art and temples.

◗ Variety Cruises is offering A new Saga cruise-tour that takes clients There is also a jeep safari through new one-week Iceland on a voyage along the fastest-flowing river Kaziranga National Park, home to two-thirds cruises on the 34-passenger in the world is now on sale. of the world’s population of one-horned Callisto next year from June The 12-night Passage through Assam rhinos and 50 to 60 Bengal tigers. to September, with excursions pairs three nights in Kolkata, India, with a The cruise, on the 46-passenger to volcanoes, thermal one-week cruise on the Brahmaputra, a Mahabaahu, includes morning yoga springs, waterfalls and a little-known river flowing from the Himalayas sessions and talks on the region’s history, sea monsters museum. south to the Ganges. culture and wildlife during sailing time. Clients will see the grand Victoria Eight departures are available between ◗ Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has Memorial and visit Mother Theresa’s House January and November 2017 with prices a 19-day Northwest Passage on a tour of Kolkata. On the river, excursions from £2,399 per person, including flights, UK voyage from Kangerlussuaq range from a trip to Peacock Island in and overseas transfers and an India visa. in Greenland on Hanseatic search of the endangered Golden Langur Clients can extend the holiday with three in summer 2017, passing monkey, to visiting Majuli Island to learn nights in Darjeeling or a six-night Golden icebergs, deep fjords and about the Neo-Vaishnavite culture. Triangle tour of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. possibly polar bears.

Hurtigruten Norway break combines cruise and skiing

Agents trying to sell to piste skiing trips in northern available in March and April couples who can’t decide Norway for skiers and 2017, when skiers will not between a cruise or skiing snowboarders with a sense only get to enjoy the pristine holiday can sell a new of adventure. Arctic snow but maybe also Norway short break The cruise is on the see the northern lights. combining both. Nordstjernen, one of the The cruise visits Senja, the Hurtigruten’s three-day working ships Hurtigruten Lofoten Islands and Andørja, Arctic Haute Route cruise operates along Norway’s where non-skiers can between Bodø and Tromsø is coastline between Bergen alternatively join sea eagle priced from £1,031 cruise- and Kirkenes. safaris, or go deep-sea

only, including guided off- Six departures are PICTURE: BERTELSEN ORJAN fishing or kayaking.

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TW_TANDADEC16_010.indd 10 23/11/2016 16:35 ANALYSIS touring & adventure On yer

More people are saddling up for cycling holidays than ever bike before, reports Tamara Hinson

ore than two million people tours. In 2014, 41% of the customers in the UK cycle more than booking cycling holidays with the once a week, according to company were male. This year it’s 45%.” UK cycling sports governing Mbody British Cycling, and growing Saddle up numbers are ditching cars for bikes Destination-wise, old favourites such when it comes to the daily commute. as France, Portugal and Italy remain That’s especially true in London, popular, perhaps because the growing where 32% of the vehicles on the road numbers of travellers booking their first in zone one during rush hour are now cycling holiday prefer to start with bicycles. So it’s hardly surprising the something closer to home. pedal-pushing masses are increasingly “In Europe, national parks and keen to explore the wider world as well. regional tourist boards are opening up Events such as the Olympics and new and improved cycling routes,” the Tour de France have inevitably put says Adam Jarvis, who is in charge of the sport in the spotlight. “This year, new product development at cycling there’s been a 46% increase in the and walking specialist Headwater. number of people booking our cycling “In many areas existing paths are holidays,” reports Steven Rittey at being connected to create longer Wheel2Wheel holidays, one of the UK’s cycle tracks. One example is the Porto top providers of cycling holidays. to Praia de Mira Via Furadouro route. So what type of client is booking Because of scenic cycle tracks like this this holiday? “The biggest growth area one, we’ve seen a huge increase in the seems to be the road bike-riding popularity of Portugal cycling holidays, ‘mamils’ – ‘middle aged men in Lycra’,” with almost double the number of says Paul Beesley, co-founder of visitors year on year,” he says. Algarve Bike Holidays. France and Croatia are also faring Casey Mead, communications well. “In 2016 we’ve seen a 36% increase manager at G Adventures, adds:“We’re in bookings for cycling holidays in Hoi An in Vietnam is an definitely seeing more men on cycling France, while Croatia has seen a 61% ☞ adventure cycling destination

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TW_TANDADEC16_013-014.indd 13 23/11/2016 13:32 News Fourtouring & star adventure plusANALYSIS

☞ rise,” says Miles Porter, head of activities Age of Adventure at Cycling for Softies. When it comes to the ages of those But it’s those who’ve been cycling for booking cycling holidays, the situation years that are driving the popularity of isn’t as clear-cut. cycling holidays to lesser-known “We’ve had a slightly older destinations, and there’s certainly a thirst demographic, with the 40 to 55 age for more adventurous destinations: it is group the most popular,” says Frank now possible to sign up for organised Cheshire, cycling product manager for bike rides across large parts of Africa, Intrepid Travel. “The 40 to 55-year-old age Asia and South America, and in recent group is becoming more physically OF THE years there have been organised cycle active, but additionally, older travellers tours through North Korea. have often already experienced BEST That might be a little ‘out there’ for destinations in the traditional way. New cycling some, but growing numbers of cyclists And touring on a bike provides more breaks for are heading to Asia. opportunities for genuine local 2017 “We’ve seen a shift away from Europe interaction.” and North America, and increased Group tours also offer the ideal way interest in cycling trips to Asia,” says for cyclists to pursue their hobby, even if Mead at G Adventures. “In 2016 there’s friends and family aren’t quite as keen: been a 19% increase in the uptake of in 2016, two thirds of those who booked cycle holidays to this region.” cycling holidays with G Adventures were solo travellers. Headwater’s seven-night Gastronomic Wine Best wheel forward Villages of Alsace cycling The next big thing is a trend that will be tour will depart every two music to the ears of cyclists keen to days from May 13 to explore the world on two wheels, but September 24, 2017, from who might be nervous about hopping £1,359 per person, into the saddle for the first time. excluding flights. “A trend that is starting to emerge is headwater.com the use of electric bikes,” says Cheshire at Intrepid Travel. “This allows people of all fitness levels to enjoy cycling in areas or for distances they may not have previously considered.” Cycling for Softies is also tapping into that trend, introducing e-bikes across all its holidays next year, in response to Cycling for Softies’ new customer feedback. six-night From Cava to Coastlines in Catalonia cycling tour costs from £1,215 per person, excluding flights. The first departure will take place in April 2017. cycling-for-softies.co.uk NG FOR SOFTES/SAMI SARKIS I L

Intrepid Travel’s new 13-night Cycle Sri Lanka tour costs from £1,220 per person, excluding flights. The first departure is in March 2017. intrepidtravel.com/uk PICTURES: INTREPID TRAVEl/SHARON MATHEWS; CYC

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Titan, Grand Safari Kenya reviewed by Lynn Houghton

THE TOUR throughout the tour, offered as a buffet ‘hunter’, was full of information about its Titan’s 10-day Grand Safari Kenya to suit guests with varying tastes, and the royal connections, as it is famously the quality is generally good. There were a place where Princess Elizabeth and ITINERARY few complaints about the restaurant Prince Phillip stayed in 1952, on the night This busy tour starts on arrival in Nairobi, at the Lake Naivasha Country Club, as a of her accession to the throne. following an overnight flight (which is lack of screens on the windows meant classed as day one by Titan). A three- there were a few flies around. Tea and HIGHLIGHTS hour journey later, with a lunch stop on coffee are the only drinks included There is no question that the wildlife the way at the Outspan Hotel, guests (and juice at breakfast), while there is viewings and incredible landscapes are arrive at Aberdare National Park for their a charge for bottled water, soft drinks, the highlight of this trip. The Masai Mara first overnight in Treetops Lodge. Built beer and wine in all the restaurants. is 583 square miles of open plains – the from local materials, Treetops perches size of Greater London. It’s difficult to over a 300-year-old watering hole – it’s a TRANSPORT comprehend its vastness until you are mesmerising spot from which to view Throughout the trip, transport is by Jeep- there. We viewed wildebeest, zebras, animals. The two rift valley lakes are next type land cruisers. These heavy-duty Cape buffalo, elephants, hyenas, lions, on the itinerary, with the two nights spent vehicles are required because of the cheetahs and more, and we even got a at Lake Nakuru, which is famous for unpaved and bumpy tracks in the close-up of a leopard lounging in a tree. rhino sightings. The bonus at Lake national parks and the 50-mile road Without a doubt, the most beautiful Naivasha (two nights) is that hippos leading to the Masai Mara. On my trip, place in the Masai Mara national park is come up on the lawn every night to the 15 of us were divided between three the Mara Triangle, next to the Mara River, enjoy a nibble. The final three nights are vehicles, each of which could where a ranger took us on a walk to see at the Ashnil Mara Camp in the Masai comfortably hold seven, so there was dozens of hippos bathing. Although Mara with two game drives each day. plenty of room. The tops of the vehicles rising early to watch an atmospheric Sightings are prolific; this is wild nature pop up to offer enhanced animal moon-rise comes a close second. on a vast scale. A visit to a traditional viewing, though it’s worth noting that Maasai village is also included. there is no real option for those with VERDICT mobility issues. This tour is excellent value for money, as ACCOMMODATION virtually everything is included in the The quality of the accommodation is GUIDE price, and the accommodation is four excellent, with the glamping at the The tour manager was the diligent and and five-star. Titan even throws in VIP Ashnil Mara Camp the standout. At affable Lennox, who was supported by transfers to and from the airport for Treetops, guest rooms are under one three helpful drivers. Each had a varying good measure. The tour manager and roof, while the lodges at the two lakes degree of proficiency in English, which drivers are dedicated to ensuring that are spread around the reserves. did have a bearing on the trip, as they guests see as many animals as possible, were also the guides on transfers and including that elusive leopard sighting, FOOD & DRINK game drives. The knowledgeable Amos though it was the sleek cheetahs that Almost all meals are included Ndiangui, the Treetops Lodge’s resident got my heart racing.

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THE FACTS Group size: A maximum of 30. Price: From £2,649 for a depature on May 26, 2017. What’s included: Scheduled British Airways or KLM flights via Amsterdam, eight nights in hotels and one in flight, 12 excursions and visits, the services of a local tour manager/driver and Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service. Africa titantravel.co.uk

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PICTURES: G ADVENTURES G PICTURES: with... Q. Tell us about yourself… Q. Any standout moments? A . I’m 32 and I live in Jodhpur, India. A . A cycle ride in Chitwan is a must-do. I have been working as a CEO – a Dushyant Singh It’s a great way to see the countryside chief experience officer, or guide – with and meet local people. G Adventures for six years, and was G Adventures, CEO recently appointed European trade Q. How do you make sure everyone CEO apprentice for the UK and has a good time? Germany. So I am looking forward to A . We have different age groups – they meeting travel agents in both countries. can start at 19 and sometimes you have people who are 80-plus. I try to Q. Why did you join G Adventures? make sure we do all the included A. My parents have a hotel in Jodhpur activities, and then give some free time, in western Rajasthan, and G Adventures so that people can decide if they want travellers stay there, so that’s how I first to do any other activities, or just relax. heard about the company. I was managing the family hotel, but was Q. Best bit of the job? looking to do something different. So A . It’s not just a job, it’s an honour. How in 2008, I went to Mumbai and got into often does someone have the modelling. I was selected for the Mr India opportunity to introduce their country competition and won the most elegant and culture to travellers? I feel blessed male model award, shown live on doing this job because it is a chance national TV, and even did photo-shoots for me to present my country. What I with L’Oréal Paris. But then I decided to show travellers in 10 to 15 days will be move back to Jodphur, which is when I India for them, so I make sure it’s not started working for G Adventures. just a sightseeing trip. They also get under the skin of Indian culture. Q. Talk us through a typical day… A . I lead trips in northern India and Nepal, such as our Essential India, QUICK-FIRE QUESTIONS Golden Triangle and Northern India Favourite country? by Train tours. Every day, it’s our job Switzerland to make sure groups visit all the main Top travel moment? sites, and do things as locals do such Holi festival at the Ganges River as trying chai (tea), taking a cycle Time spent in travel? rickshaw or eating with local people at Six years the Sikh temple’s community kitchen. Countries visited? Eight Still on the wish list? Q. Do you have a favourite place? Alaska and Antarctica A . There are many, but my favourite is Last trip? Varanasi. It may be busy, dirty and Nepal smelly, but it gives you inner peace like Next trip? no other city can, especially on a boat The UK – see you there! on the Ganges River.

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Antarctica is wild, remote and ripe infor exploration, reports time Jane Archer N O T G N C BARRI C I N /DOMI n ute r g rti u PICTURE: H PICTURE:

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ntarctica is the coldest and Antarctica is one of the increase of 4.6% on the same period windiest place on earth, a the previous year, and it expects frozen world that’s dark for most prized bucket-list numbers to rise to 43,885 this year. six months of the year and ❛ holidays because it is Almost 99% travelled by ship. cutA off from South America by the A fifth were on big ships that are the last great wilderness 550-mile-wide Drake Passage. allowed to offer sightseeing trips only. A voyage here is one of the most only a few will ever visit Holland America Line, Celebrity prized bucket-list holidays for both Cruises and Crystal Cruises are seasoned cruisers and travellers who among those sailing to Antarctica would not normally consider setting this winter, as part of longer cruises foot on a ship, because it is the last around South America. great wilderness on earth, a unique the wildlife, history and geology of the The rest were on ships with fewer environment only a privileged few will continent during talks by their ship’s than 500 passengers, which are ever visit. expedition team. allowed to take people ashore. Over the course of 10 nights, they Crossing the Drake Passage, a Landings are made in inflatable can sail past snow-capped mountains, notoriously rough piece of sea, is all Zodiacs (Hurtigruten uses rigid through deep ice fjords and up close part of the adventure, but clients who Polarcirkel boats) into water or on to to floating icebergs the size of six-storey don’t want to cruise can fly. Quark rocks, so visitors not only need buildings. They will spot giant Expeditions operates sea voyages wellington boots (these can usually be albatrosses, glimpse whales and walk from Ushuaia in Argentina, but also rented on board) and warm clothing, through penguin colonies teeming has 11 Antarctic Express holidays but they must have a good level of with these comical birds. Those cruising between December 2017 and mobility. Some companies insist on a with Hurtigruten and Seabourn can go February 2018 that combine a cruise doctor’s certificate confirming a kayaking among ice floes, while the with a one-way or return flight from passenger is fit to travel. Norwegian line also allows passengers Punta Arenas in Chile. As landing is a slow process and to camp out on selected nights. The International Association of only 100 passengers are allowed During the sea journey there – it Antarctica Tour Operators says 38,478 ashore at once, agents should advise takes two days to sail across the Drake tourists visited the White Continent with clients that the best experience is on Passage – passengers will learn about its members in 2015-16. That’s an ships that hold no more than 200 ☞

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Top: Scenic Eclipse will offer explorations by helicopter in winter 2017-18 Above: Seabourn Quest is one of the luxury ships sailing Antarctica Right: Quark Expeditions operates polar vessels

☞ people. Also, make sure customers are Visitors on the ice must Whichever ship clients choose, this aware that the itinerary and landings is not a holiday for those on a budget. can change, as they are governed by keep at least 15 feet from Hurtigruten’s 14-night Frozen Land of the weather. ❛ wildlife – although the Penguins voyage in January 2018, The rules for going ashore are strict. fearless penguins often onboard expedition ship Fram, starts at Clothing must be cleaned and boots £5,054 per person, while Ponant has a disinfected to avoid introducing any don’t respect that rule 10-night Emblematic Antarctica cruise non-native species, no food is allowed departing February 22, 2017, from ashore and taking anything away, about £8,490 per person. Both even a rock or a feather, is forbidden. itineraries are round trips from Ushuaia, Visitors must also avoid walking on and include flights from Buenos Aires, vegetation and keep at least 15 feet voyages from Punta Arenas on but not international air fares. from wildlife (although fearless Midnatsol, in addition to sailings from For those who want to see more, penguins often don’t respect that rule). Ushuaia on Fram. Ponant has three Silversea has an 18-day voyage to the Antarctica cruises operate between ships in Antarctica in winter, while Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctic November and March, and range Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ Hanseatic will peninsula on Silver Explorer. Departing from 10-night to three-week voyages cruise the region from January to November 20, 2017, cruise-only prices that also take in South Georgia March 2017 and again next winter. start at £15,795 per person. and the Falkland Islands. They could Silversea’s Silver Cloud will make its Alternatively, clients can combine be on anything from Quark Expeditions Antarctica debut in November 2017, Antarctica with Patagonia on a and Explore’s polar expedition vessels after switching from the company’s Seabourn cruise from Buenos Aires to to the luxurious Silver Explorer classic to its expedition fleet. Scenic’s Valparaiso, in Chile. Departing next operated by Silversea and first ocean-going yacht,Scenic Eclipse, November, the 21-day cruise spends six Seabourn’s Seabourn Quest. will be in Antarctica in winter 2018-19, days exploring the Antarctic peninsula, Hurtigruten will have two ships in offering explorations by helicopter and with landings each day. Cruise-only Antarctica this winter, as it has new submarine. prices start at £10,601 per person.

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Travel Weekly brought together more than 100 agents and suppliers at the inaugural Touring & Adventure Showcase, held at Aston Villa Football Club’s Birmingham 3 4 stadium, to look at how to raise adventure travel’s profile across the UK trade. A big thank you to our sponsors and suppliers, and to the agents who attended on the night. Check out these photos 5 6 from the event, and keep up to date with the latest news and events in the Travel Weekly Touring & Adventure market at travelweekly.co.uk

Headline sponsors suppliers

RIVER CRUISES

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7 8 9 1 Travel Weekly editor-in-chief Lucy Huxley, Saga Travel’s head of long-haul product Stuart Douglass-Lee (left) and G Adventures’ EMEA managing director Brian Young during a panel discussion on the future of adventure travel. 2 Byron Davis and Chris Bach, G Adventures 3 From left: Richard Penny and Amy Clarke, Central England Co-operative; Kelly Calver, Cosmos Tours & Cruises; and Russell Cox, The Midcounties Co-operative 4 Leigh Bladen, Travel Counsellors, with 10 11 12 Kate Broad, Saga Travel Showcase 5 Trafalgar’s Chris Price with Errol and Penny Howe, Travel Solutions Worldwide 6 Riviera Travel’s Tom Morgan with Jugal Kantelia (left), Platinum Travel Lounge, and Daisy Kaur, Everywhere Travel 7 Lee Surman, Azamara Club Cruises, demonstrates a virtual reality headset to, from left, Libby Harris, Victoria Barnett and Natalie Moss, from Thomas Cook in Oldbury 8 Barney Timson and Kelly Fowler, Collette 13 14 9 Caroline O’Brien, Insight Vacations, left, chats to Richard Doherty and Lisa Caro, Thomas Cook 10 Colin Wilson, Travelsphere and Just You; Deb Jacques, Debonaire Travel 11 Gabo Quiros, Becky Joiner and Alessia Angelica, Intrepid Travel with Palvi Harvey, Not Just Travel (front) 12 Akvile Marozaite (right) from Silversea Expeditions talks to Gemma Morton, Adam 16 Courtney, Amy Cunningham and Sharon Driffill, Thomas Cook 13 Beverley Philpotts (centre), Great Rail Journeys and Rail Discoveries, with Danielle Lloyd (left) and Amanda Levett, The Midcounties Co-operative 14 Newmarket Holidays’ Sas Rowbotham and Laura Pheby with from left: Delfina 15 Cristovoa, Phyllis Woodsford and Karen Oates, The Co-operative Travel 18 15 Philippa Baines, Wendy Wu Tours, with David Tonks, The Co-operative Personal Travel Agents 16 Alistair McLean, Hurtigruten 17 Ashley Dellow, Leger Holidays, and Gwyneth Prosser, Travel Counsellors 18 Adam Deane, Titan 17

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TW_TANDADEC16_026-027.indd 27 23/11/2016 17:48 COMMENT touring & adventure

CommentMICHAEL EDWARDS, Food has always been core to the travel experience – tasting managing director, new dishes, encountering unusual ingredients, enjoying local hospitality. After all, it’s one of the most direct (and delicious) Intrepid Travel ways to experience authentic local culture. But the recent surge of cooking TV shows, food bloggers and rise of social media – there are 178 million photos tagged #food on Instagram – has created a new appetite for travel in which cuisine takes centre stage. These clients want to taste ❛ the flavours they have read, seen and heard so much about, which presents a fantastic opportunity for agents. With so much information out there, many travellers feel overwhelmed and need guidance on where to go and what to eat. Many foodies are also time-poor and want a trip that covers a range of food experiences and cultural sights. That’s where organised food tours come in. They offer travellers food tips from a local without having to do hours of research. Some trips, such as Intrepid’s Real Food Group tours are popular Adventures, take them ‘behind the scenes’ to with foodies, as they meet local cooks and love sharing experiences producers, and eat in local homes. with others – it’s like a Group tours are travelling dinner party popular with foodies, as they love sharing their experiences with others: the conversation, the clinking of glasses, the passing of dishes around the table – it’s a bit like a travelling dinner party! There is a fantastic range of food trips and they’re not all about nine-course tasting menus and Michelin-starred restaurants – there’s something for every budget, appetite and time frame. At Intrepid, we launched our Real Food Adventures in 2013, and it has been one of the most successful new ranges in our 26-year history. Our trips celebrate ‘real food’, everyday local eating and drinking experiences – street food, home-cooking, grass-roots eateries, food markets, local producers, farms and bars. What’s more, food tours are a powerful way for agents to market to specific groups. Why not contact your local wine club or cooking school? Or transform your shop into a Tuscan winery or Moroccan souk for a customer evening? As Brits’ love affair with food looks set to continue to grow in 2017, now’s the time to take a bite out of this lucrative market. intrepidtravel.com/uk

❯ Read more about food and drink tours, page 34 photos: Joanna yee

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TW_TANDADEC16_029.indd 29 23/11/2016 13:36 themed tours touring & adventure A theme come true

s Cinderella’s slipper once When you do, it’s a win-win situation: taught us, there’s no one-size- Struggling to sell clients get to delve into an area they’re fits-all approach in life, and themed tours? genuinely passionate about, while you touring is no exception. get to enjoy the fruits of a high-value AWhich is why themed tours can be Laura French gets trip where knowledgeable guides something of a saviour when it comes come with a price tag to match their to finding a holiday to suit your clients. the lowdown on level of expertise (and commission And whoever you’ve got on your hands how to secure to match). – whether it’s a photography guru or It’s also a good way to shine a new a green-fingered gardener, a wildlife more bookings light on adventure touring – after all, it seeker or a wannabe walker – you’ll find doesn’t always have to be about the slipper that fits. bungee jumping off a bridge, or ☞ I v e n n e o t PICTURE: fo PICTURE:

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TW_TANDADEC16_031-033.indd 31 23/11/2016 13:38 k r yo

Left: Switzerland’s Glacier Express it is a popular feature on rail tours i s Above: Contiki targets niche

interests such as food v PICTURE:

☞ trekking 200 miles in a day, as History buffs turned off opportunity and can hook you up with Brian Young, managing director at people drawn together by a common G Adventures, explains: “Themed tours by the prospect of an hobby – think running and cycling can act as gateway trips for agents to ❛ ‘adventure trip’ might societies for active trips, cooking classes get their customers thinking about for foodie tours or birdwatching clubs adventure in a different way.” reconsider on hearing for wildlife expeditions. And if you get it Paul Melinis, head of sales for Insight the word ‘battlefields’ right, you can pull in the bookings en Vacations, adds: “They are an masse, especially if you offer an opportunity to introduce customers to incentive for those who book with you. new destinations and travelling styles For Beverly Philpotts, business they might not have considered.” development manager at Great Rail The only tricky part is knowing how market tours,” says Donna Jeavons, Journeys, this is a tried-and-tested to sell a themed tour – and who to Contiki’s UK and Europe sales and strategy. “We have recently had success target. So let us lend a helping hand marketing director. “For budding with agents approaching their local with these tips from those in the know. photographers, it’s the expertise of a British Legion group about our professional Instagrammer as a guide, battlefield tours, and we supported the Target new clients and for those pursuing a truly local agents by holding a slideshow and Cracking a new market always comes experience, a focus on authentic and giving out flyers”, she says. “This has with its challenges, especially if clients – stylish accommodation is the key worked well with people who have and agents – come with pre-conceived selling point.” never tried escorted touring before”. ideas of what escorted touring involves. This works for people from all walks And once you’ve got one client on But as is clear from the example of the of life; clients who enjoy a drink or two board, they can recommend it to cruise industry, widening out the but wouldn’t normally consider a trip friends with a similar pastime. potential audience is crucial to a might be tempted by AmaWaterways’ “An individual client may suggest sector’s success, and a themed tour is wine and beer-themed voyages down such a holiday to their interest group, an ideal way of doing exactly that. the Danube, while history buffs turned resulting in more clients for the agent,” Steve Spivak, vice-president of global off by the prospect of an ‘adventure’ trip says Maria Cook, general manager at sales at Tauck, says: “For the agent, might reconsider when they hear the Ffestiniog Travel, which specialises in rail themed tours open up new markets word ‘battlefields’. tours. “The potential for group booking is and potential clients, and because they increased with themed tours.” share an affinity, they are easy to find.” Link up with local clubs So use a niche interest to get some Fortunately, finding the right clients for Host an in-store event touring first-timers on board. “For foodies, these tours should be relatively stress- Turning your agency into a space for this could be cooking classes and local free. Local clubs are chock-full of events or talks can be another effective

32 | Travel Weekly touring & adventure | December 2016

TW_TANDADEC16_031-033.indd 32 23/11/2016 13:48 themed tours touring & adventure k r o y t i Left: Castle Howard is among s i Great Rail Journeys’ new UK tours Above: The Galapagos Islands

PICTURE: v PICTURE: feature on Tauck’s wildlife trips

way of getting the message out there The gym isn’t just a Chances are you’ll get found out – and making sure it reaches the right pretty quickly when they start asking people. Intrepid Travel’s head of hotbed for eye candy – questions about the dicentra eximia business development, Daniel Pawlyn, ❛ it’s also brimming with of the horticultural variety, or the says: “We often work with agents to host oleaginous hemispingus of the bird events in their stores, such as a wine active types who might family – apparently they both exist! and cheese evening to promote food jump at a cycling holiday trips, or inviting in an expert speaker to Highlight insider access talk about polar or astronomy trips.” It’s also worth emphasising the wider And don’t neglect other local venues. advantages of an escorted tour, such The gym isn’t just a hotbed for eye as gaining access to places and candy – it’s also brimming with active knowing they’ll meet like-minded experiences clients wouldn’t have types who might jump at the chance of people on a themed journey.” otherwise. Take Kirker Holidays’ New York a cycling holiday or some other And as Cook from Ffestiniog Travel tours, which give arty clients access outdoorsy adventure. After all, if a gym points out, that’s likely to appeal to solo to the Museum of Modern Art outside fiend isn’t going to climb Everest, who is? travellers in particular, including clients ordinary opening hours, guarantee whose better halves would rather stay hard-to-get tickets at the Met Opera Emphasise common interests at home and feed the cat than hike and offer backstage tours of the theatre. Let’s face it, identifying and reaching Kilimanjaro or kayak through glaciers. Explore’s Local Life tours, meanwhile, out to a potential client is no use “Themed tours appeal to individuals – take travellers everywhere from a unless you’re able to persuade them your client is unlikely to be the only farmer’s house in Georgia to a Miao to actually join the trip. single passenger,” she says. ethnic village in China – try doing that Group tours are an excellent option on your lonesome. for travellers wanting to meet similar Don’t be a know-it-all And of course it’s those off-the- people, so underline the fact your client When it comes to selling something this beaten-track regions that make ideal will be with others who share their niche, there’s the temptation to make touring destinations, so suggest a interests, however weird and wonderful yourself out as an expert. But Patrick guided expedition to clients who might they may be (naked cruise on Bare Millar, marketing manager at Kirker be a little nervous of venturing to these Necessities’ Big Nude Boat, anyone?) Holidays, says this is the wrong more unusual places alone. Ruth Hilton, sales and business approach. “Your clients will almost If you combine that with the other development director at Trafalgar, says: always be more experienced and bonuses – the reassurance of a guide, “Travellers who are new to guided knowledgeable in their specific area of the ease of a set itinerary and the joys holidays, or those who might be interest, so don’t pretend to know as of flexible travel – you’ll have a powerful travelling solo, can be confident much as them,” he says. wand to wave at eager clients.

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TW_TANDADEC16_031-033.indd 33 23/11/2016 13:48 adventureAppetite for

34 | Travel Weekly touring & adventure | December 2016

TW_TANDADEC16_034-037.indd 34 23/11/2016 15:21 THEMED TOURS touring & adventure Appetite for

adventureWhatever your clients’ tastes, there’s a food and drink tour to suit them

e’ve got a lot to thank Jamie The popularity of TV Mexico. For a more under-the-radar and Nigella for: 30 years cooking shows means destination, Kritikides recommends the ago, the thought of adding Balkans for their intriguing mix of avocado to your sandwich ❛ we’re becoming more Mediterranean and eastern European orW quinoa to your chicken would have flavours. Intrepid Travel’s 10-day Real adventurous with what elicited raised eyebrows from the Food Adventure to Macedonia and average Brit. we eat and drink Montenegro offers clients the chance Now, the popularity of TV cooking to master the art of perfect pastry with shows means we’re becoming more village women, enjoy a traditional adventurous with what we eat and barbecue, and dine on a home-made drink – even more so when we’re away. meal with a host family. Trying local cuisine has always been Foodie frolics Italy remains a classic foodie a big part of the travel experience, but “Food isn’t just about eating; it’s hotspot, and Cosmos Tours & Cruises’ it’s an increasingly important way for about being with friends and sharing new eight-day Gourmet Tuscany trip clients to get a real taste of a country’s experiences,” says Erica Kritikides, food comprises some of the destination’s culture. product manager at Intrepid Travel. most delicious elements, with highlights No longer willing to settle for a The company’s Real Food Adventures including olive oil and chocolate tourist trap, travellers want authentic let food take centre stage while tastings in the Chianti area, a baking experiences, whether it’s seeking out celebrating the sociable aspect of class, liquor tasting and a trip to the Thailand’s best street food, cooking with eating, by bringing a group of foodies market to buy ingredients before a top chefs in Italy, or wine tasting in the together to learn about local culture. cooking lesson in a rural farmhouse vineyards of Chile. Since launching in 2013, the range (from £1,335). Here we offer the lowdown on the has more than doubled to 20-plus Trafalgar’s nine-day Flavours of Italy best food and drink escapes. And if itineraries. The most popular trips are trip also explores Tuscany. It features an they don’t tempt travellers to book a to countries with a vibrant street-food excursion to a market followed by a tour, then nothing will. scene such as Vietnam, India and pasta-making class with Chef Libero, ☞

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TW_TANDADEC16_034-037.indd 35 23/11/2016 15:21 Top: Cosmos Tours & Cruises’ Gourmet Tuscany takes in the Chianti area Above: Limoncello tasting is part of G Adventures’ Local Living Italy – Sorrento tour Right: Journey Latin America’s Taste of Peru itinerary includes a walking tour of the markets of Cusco

☞plus a Be My Guest dinner with local What’s food without the opportunity to hone their skills in the people in a family-owned vineyard kitchen, with pasta-making in Tuscany (from £1,912). wine? There are plenty and a Spanish cookery class in G Adventures’ Local Living tours are ❛ of trips dedicated to the Barcelona (from £1,795). about getting under the skin of a Venturing farther afield, Wendy Wu destination, meeting the locals and good stuff, with delicious Tours offers a chance to discover the soaking up the culture. Food and drink food part of the package secrets of Vietnamese cooking in Hanoi, is integral to that experience, whether Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City. Its Living it’s making pasta in Umbria or Traditions Cooking Tour also explores preparing dinner with a family in food markets and features a cruise on Thailand. New for 2017 are its Limited the Mekong river, known as the ‘rice Edition trips, including Naples’ Pizzafest, trip to the markets of Lima and Cusco, basket of Vietnam’. a five-day adventure that allows cookery lessons, pisco tasting and a visit customers to sample the wares of some to a chocolate museum (from £3,039). Bottoms up of the world’s greatest pizzaiolis. Those seeking Latin flavours closer to What’s food without wine? Oenophiles Peru is enjoying a moment when home can head to the Med for some have plenty of trips dedicated to the it comes to food and drink, with its foodie indulgence on Contiki’s Limited good stuff, with delicious food served delicious recipes finally receiving Edition Munch trip, which takes up as part of the package. For fans of worldwide recognition. Clients who want travellers on a gastronomic journey malbec, merlot and sauvignon blanc, to better acquaint themselves with through France, Spain and Italy. send them to the vineyards of Chile the country’s culinary delights should Feast on tapas in Barcelona, taste and Argentina. consider Journey Latin America’s 12-day bouillabaisse in Aix-En-Provence and On Journey Latin America’s tour, Taste of Peru holiday, which includes a tortellini in Bologna. Travellers also have clients will stay in a luxury vineyard in

36 | Travel Weekly touring & adventure | December 2016

TW_TANDADEC16_034-037.indd 36 23/11/2016 15:21 THEMED TOURS touring & adventure PICTURE: INSIDEASIA TOURS INSIDEASIA PICTURE:

Left: Explore Hoi An market with Wendy Wu Tours Top: Osaka is becoming known as a street-food destination Above: Trafalgar’s Western Discoverer features a Be My Guest dining experience

the world-famous Mendoza wine region Stay in a luxury wider trip – and unmissable foodie and at the ultra-modern Matetic winery experiences can be a key selling point in Chile, plus they’ll get to taste the vineyard in Mendoza for an escorted tour. smoky meats of a traditional asado ❛ and taste the smoky Trafalgar’s Be My Guest dining lunch on an Argentine ranch. They’ll experiences, for example, give guests also visit Buenos Aires and Iguaçu Falls meats of an asado on the opportunity to get a real taste of (from £6,434). an Argentine ranch local culture by dining with people from In France’s Loire Valley, Insight the region for a night. In Santa Barbara, Vacations offers a nine-day holiday on as part of the Western Discoverer trip, which clients will visit various wineries for this means meeting Laurence, the chef, tastings and tours, while learning from farmer and host, who will create a sommelier Tom Leroy. to the ancestral home of the Trappist traditional Californian meal in Stella If bubbles are more their thing, offer breweries, six monasteries which just Mare’s restaurant. an introduction to the favourite tipple happen to brew some of the finest On Wendy Wu Tours’ Trails of Japan, on wine specialist Arblaster & Clarke’s beers you’ll ever taste. Sustenance clients will visit a sake brewery, where tour of France’s Champagne region, comes in the form of mussels, waffles, they’ll learn how the potent rice wine is which includes a visit to the home and chocolate galore. made and enjoy some samples. Osaka village of Dom Perignon, followed by is building a reputation as a street-food a tasting. Just a taste destination, and InsideJapan Tours’ For beer connoisseurs, it’s about While some escorted tours are wholly evening street-food itinerary hops from much more than a hop to the local dedicated to eating and drinking, roadside stall to snack bar to pub-like pub. G Adventures’ Limited Edition others will bring clients fantastic food izakaya for the full array of Japanese eight-day Belgian Beer Tour takes clients and drink experiences as part of a culinary experiences.

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4 5

6 10of the best 7 themed tours Whatever your client’s

ROWED interests, there’s a

TT O themed tour to suit, findsLaura French leo tamburri; SC / s 8 9 10 PhotoS: innovation bruvik; norway/gaute g adventure

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rom Rockies rail trips to foot- SAILING Book it: The nine-day Southern Grace tapping music tours, eclipse There’s nothing quite like the tour costs from £3,450, including flights, expeditions to sailing 2feeling of gliding along on the accommodation, transport, sightseeing extravaganzas, themed tours open water, wind whipping against and some meals. Fspan a broad spectrum. your skin beneath a beaming sun. So insightvacations.com And if sun, sea and sand were if that’s what floats your client’s boat Or try: For something a little more once the only ingredients for a summer (excuse the pun), suggest a sailing mellow, suggest a trip to Austria. Just holiday (as Cliff Richard seemed to holiday. You offers a music-focused trip, Sounds believe), it’s now rather more complex. Burma’s Mergui Archipelago is one of Austria, taking in The Sound of Music That’s both good and bad news. On of those rare places that feels happily city Salzburg, as well as St Florian, the plus side, it’s a sign that tours are undiscovered – the internet has yet to Vienna and beyond. doing extraordinarily well, but on the arrive and locals live as they did other hand, it means deciding what to centuries ago. Intrepid Travel makes PHOTOGRAPHY recommend has become a first-class reaching it possible thanks to its Burma From the dramatic icebergs of conundrum. To help whittle it down, Sailing Adventure, which takes clients 4Antarctica to the vast plains of we’ve selected a few of the best. past the untouched islands of the Kenya, there are certain parts of the Andaman Sea. world that just need to be captured on BIG EVENTS Book it: The nine-day trip starts camera, and a photography tour is well Kaleidoscopes of colour in India, at £1,360, including transport, worth recommending to clients looking 1heady parades in Rio, tomato accommodation and most meals. to learn from the pros. fights in Spain… the world plays host to intrepidtravel.co.uk Exodus offers tours to both some pretty whacky events, and in Or try: For clients after something a little destinations, and on its Photographic 2017, it’s all about the so-called Great closer to home, On The Go Tours’ Sailing Safari, clients can pick up skills first- American Eclipse, due on August 21. Split tour in Croatia could be the hand from wildlife photographer Paul Tour operators across the board – answer, meandering through Makarska, Goldstein, who guides game drives from Intrepid Travel to Grand American Dubrovnik, Sipan Island and beyond. through the Masai Mara. Whether it’s Adventures – are getting in on the a cheetah sprinting through the game. Explore has several itineraries MUSIC wilderness or a lioness nursing her themed around the event, including Music pulses through the veins cubs, he and his team make it that bit its Western USA Highlights Eclipse, 3of cities across the world, but easier to capture those blink-and-you’ll- during which clients will watch the nowhere swings to the beat quite like miss-it moments. action over the mountains of Grand the southern states of the US. Book it: Exodus has a nine-day Teton National Park. At the heart lie Memphis, Nashville, Photographic Safari to Kenya Book it: Explore’s tour starts at Natchez and New Orleans, which Insight starting at £4,699, including flights, £4,080, including accommodation, Vacations’ Luxury Gold Southern Grace accommodation and transport. transport and some meals. trip ties up in one lively and soulful exodus.co.uk explore.co.uk itinerary that takes music lovers from the Or try: If clients have always dreamed Or try: For an event of a slightly different birthplace of blues and rock ’n’ roll to of getting the northern lights on film, kind, suggest Newmarket Holidays’ Graceland, home of The King. This year, direct them to Artisan Travel’s Winter Canadian Rockies & Calgary to mark 40 years since Elvis’s death, Photography workshop in Sweden, Stampede, where clients experience clients will enjoy a tour around the latter which features adventures such as the world’s most famous rodeo, while with George Klein, who was the best ice fishing alongside photography embracing all things cowboy. man at the rock legend’s wedding. workshops led by Fredrik Broman. ☞

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Above: Panda Conservation Centre in Chengdu Top right: The northern lights in Norway Right: A toucan in Costa Rica

☞ WILDLIFE Picture an explosion Hotel too, making it an ideal It’s not only by heading out on a recommendation for adventurous types 5safari that clients can get up close of colour lighting up looking to get off the usual trail. and personal with wildlife. Seeing a ❛ the sky in dramatic Book it: Taber Holidays’ six-day trip giant panda has to be up there with starts at £2,115, including flights, the most in-demand experiences, and swathes of green, pink accommodation and some meals. Wendy Wu Tours has a trip which, after purple and yellow taberhols.co.uk passing iconic sites such as the Great Or try: Iceland has its fair share of Wall of China and the Terracotta Army, sightings too, and Regent Holidays’ culminates at the Panda Conservation eight-day Northern Lights Explorer is a Centre in Chengdu. good option for clients wanting to spot Book it: Wendy Wu’s nine-day In NORTHERN LIGHTS them while exploring hot springs, Pursuit of Pandas tour starts at Picture an explosion of colour waterfalls and lava fields. £1,890 per person, including flights, 6lighting up the sky in dramatic accommodation, meals and swathes of green, pink, purple and BATTLEFIELDS entrance fees. yellow, and you have the aurora The history of western Europe is a wendywutours.co.uk borealis, a once-in-a-lifetime sight that’s 7vast and complex affair filled with Or try: Costa Rica is a haven for animal happily easy to sell. bloody battles and historic victories, lovers, but for bird-watching fans, in Combine it with activities such as and a battlefields-themed tour gives particular, suggest Grand American dog-sledding and it’s even more clients a unique opportunity to explore Adventures’ Discover Costa Rica appealing. Taber Holidays’ Northern the events that shaped our heritage. itinerary, which has certain departures Lights Lodge, Husky Safari and Tromsø Back-Roads Touring has several such accompanied by a bird specialist – experience, in Norway, does exactly trips, including Anzacs on the Western binoculars at the ready. that, throwing in a stay at the icy Igloo Front, a five-day itinerary exploring the ☞

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Above: Hiking the Inca Trail on a group tour Above right: Jasper National Park, Canada

☞ Antipodean war effort, taking clients Adventure doesn’t have Or try: Closer to home, you’ll find Rail from the trenches of Ypres to the Somme. Discoveries’ Netherlands in Springtime Book it: Anzacs on the Western Front to mean base-jumping trip, which is centred on one of the starts at £895 per person, including ❛ off a cliff; it’s also most colourful gardens in the world, accommodation, transport, entrance Keukenhof. fees and some meals. about exploring backroadstouring.com natural beauty RAIL Or try: To explore the real story behind There’s something magical the famous Michael Caine film, Titan 10 about watching the world has a 15-day KwaZulu Natal trip – think go by from the comfort of a railway tales of Zulu warriors, Boer guerrillas and carriage, and it’s all the better when British redcoats told on the battlefields it a hotspot for hikers of any ability. Try the scenery is as spectacular as where it all happened. AAT Kings’ Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk, the Canadian Rockies – think a scenic and eco-friendly way to see snow-capped peaks covered in HIKING the Great Ocean Road. carpets of cedar trees. Making it to Machu Picchu, hiking For that, there’s Great Rail Journeys’ 8the Himalayas, trekking through GARDENS Canada and the Rocky Mountaineer Patagonia or scaling Kilimanjaro Adventure doesn’t have to mean tour, which winds its way through the feature on bucket lists the world over, 9base-jumping off a cliff; it’s also heart of the wild west, taking in Banff, but some can be near impossible about exploring natural beauty, and Vancouver, Niagara Falls and more without a guided tour. garden tours can be an appealing from on one of the world’s most G Adventures offers trips to all of the alternative to more outlandish options. legendary trains. above. The Peru Multisport itinerary, for Among some of the longer-haul Book it: This 18-day tour starts at £4,395, example, sandwiches the iconic Inca garden tours is Saga’s new Wild Flora of including flights, standard-class rail, Trail between biking excursions, the Cape itinerary, which combines visits accommodation and some meals. kayaking and cultural stops aplenty. to South Africa’s most floral regions with greatrail.com Book it: G Adventures’ 15-day trip starts a game drive, stargazing and activities. Or try: India is just as well set up for rail at £1,799, including activities, internal Book it: Saga’s 16-night trip starts at travel; recommend Ffestiniog Travel’s flights and accommodation. £2,449, including flights, excursions, Indian Hill Railways for a wide-angle gadventures.co.uk accommodation and all meals. view of this intriguing and culture-rich Or try: Australia’s opal coastlines make travel.saga.co.uk country.

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