Jetsettersblog

Specialist independent tour operator On the Go Tours has just launched brand new Mexico and Central America touring programs.

Its new flexible small group tours, with a maximum of 18 passengers that range from 9 – 22 days, provide an adventurous way to visit the very best that Mexico and Central America offer. From the Mayan sites of Palenque, Chichen Itza and Tiakal to the Colonial cities and towns of San Cristobal, Antigua and Granada the region is awash with history and culture. Added to this all of the countries in Central America and the southern regions of Mexico offer unrivalled natural beauty from lush tropical beaches to untamed rain forests.

Tour can also be combined so that it’s possible to travel from Mexico City to Panama City on a 51 day extravaganza passing through the Mayan Empires countries and onto the nature lover’s paradise of Costa Rica before finishing in the cosmopolitan capital of Panama City.

Each individual group tour has been designed to provide maximum local interaction and a true flavour of the individual countries. Throughout Central America local family run simple hotels and public transport has been selected so that the authenticity and charm of the region can be fully appreciated. All tours are fully escorted by an English speaking tour leader.

On the Go Tours run the following tours in Mexico and Central America:

Cancun to Antigua – 10 days from £610

Costa Rica Calling – 14 days from £1090

Cost Rica to Panama – 14 days from £1,030

Footsteps of the Mayans – 13 days from £740

Mayan Empires 22 – days from £1280

Mexico City to Guatemala – 22 days £1310

The Way to San Jose -15 days from £990

Wild Cost Rica – 9 days from £580

www.onthegotours.com
Tel: 020 7371 1113
ABTA, ATOL & AITO bonded

Blythswood Square picked up its biggest award yet earlier this week when the Glasgow hotel was named AA Hotel of the Year Scotland.

First introduced in 1992, this award is the AA’s ultimate accolade for hotels in the UK. It is awarded to those that are recognised as being outstanding examples in their particular market. Entrants can be small, family-run hotels to the most ambitious commercial ventures and hotels of every size and style are considered.

About Blythswood Square, the judges said: ‘Lovingly restored by the present owners, this hotel has everything you would expect from a five star hotel. Throughout the bedrooms & the public areas décor & objet d’art reflect this aspect of the building’s history creating a focal & discussion point.’

Peter Taylor, Chairman of The Town House Collection, owner of the five star property, was naturally thrilled to receive the award. He said: ‘It is exactly a year ago just now that we completed the transformation of the former Royal Scottish Automobile Club to Blythswood Square, and what a wonderful way to mark the anniversary!

‘Since we first came to Glasgow and began the restoration of this ‘grand old lady’ it has always been our intention to create the best hotel in the city. With this award from the internationally recognised AA I believe that we’ve achieved that. This is a true testament to the skill, dedication and hard work of the team and to the support that we have enjoyed from all our customers and guests since we opened our doors.’

AA Hotel Services manager, Simon Numphud, said, “Blythswood Square was selected as the winner of this award because it is a stunning new addition to the hotel scene in Glasgow. Any new hotel opening has many challenges, but Blythswood Square has had more than its fair share and the amazing result is a true testament to Peter Taylor for creating such as wonderful hotel. It is certainly a worthy winner.”

The AA Hospitality Awards bring together some of the most influential people within the hospitality industry to recognise the outstanding accomplishments of high-achieving AA establishments and individuals. The award event also sees the launch of the 2012 AA guides to UK hotels and restaurants, which contain details of all the winning establishments

Cox & Kings is delighted to continue as the appointed travel partner for The Royal Academy of Arts for 2012. On behalf of the Friends of the Royal Academy, the luxury tour operator has created a new collection of 25 expert-led art tours that are open to anyone with a passion for the arts, architecture and archaeology. The programme features destinations all over the world and many of the tours include access to artworks not normally accessible to the general public, or talks by curators of local exhibitions.

The tours, carefully designed by Cox & Kings’ experts in conjunction with the accompanying lecturers, appeal to the enthusiast and expert alike, with the aim of enriching an understanding of often complex subjects. The lecturers are with the clients throughout the tour, making themselves available for informal discussions as well as occasional evening lectures and site-talks, which will supplement the local guides.

Cox & Kings will pay a fee to the Royal Academy for every booking on the arts tours programme and any booking on any Cox & Kings holiday from a Friend of the Royal Academy, which will contribute to the work of the Royal Academy and specifically its Learning Department.

The new tours below are a selection of the tours departing in 2012:

Connoisseurs’ Florence – 6 days from £1,295 per person

1-6 April 2012 with Michael Douglas-Scott & 18-23 November 2012 with Clare Ford-Wille

Among the must-see sights on this tour are a number of Florence’s hidden gems and palaces not easily accessible to the public. This tour includes a private walk through the Corridorio Vasariano and private visits to Teatro della Pergola and Palazzo Corsini.

Connoisseurs’ Venice – 5 days from £1,145 per person

21-25 May 2012 with Caroline Brooke & 22-26 November 2012 with Michael Douglas-Scott

Each day of this tour explores a different area of the city to seek out treasures located in palaces, meeting halls and churches. It is ideally suited to those who have already been to Venice and are keen to explore further to find the city’s hidden treasures. The itinerary includes Santa Maria dei Miracoli, one of Venice’s architectural gems and there is an exclusive evening visit to Basilica San Marco.

Egypt: After the Pharaohs – 11 days from £1,795 per person

11-21 October 2012 & 28 February – 10 March 2013 with Jocelyn Gohary

This tour visits the Christian and monastic sights of Cairo, Alexandria and the Sinai Peninsula, as well as others from, late antiquity and early Islamic periods. During the tour, meetings with experts, including a monk at St Catherine’s and St Anthony’s monasteries and a professor from the American University in Cairo, will be arranged to provide a special insight into the region.

New York: Museums & Galleries – 6 days from £1,895 per person

25-30 October & 14-19 March 2013 with Harriet Landseer

Known for having one of the most dynamic art scenes in the world, New York’s museums and galleries house some of the finest collections of art treasures. Included in this tour is a visit to the Museum of Modern Art, one hour before it opens to the public and a private tour of the Whitney Museum of American Art. Special guided tours of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Neue Galerie have also been arranged.

Burma: Golden Temples & Pagodas – 14 days from £2,995 per person

11-24 November 2012 with Julian Brown & 12 February-2 March 2013 with Miranda Bruce-Mitford

Burma has a rich and colourful cultural history shaped by many influences. On this tour, a private visit with the museum’s curator has been arranged to the National Museum in Rangoon and an exclusive lecture will be given at the Pagan Museum by the former director of the Ministry of Culture. A visit by special permission will also be made to Mandalay’s Performing Arts School.

China: Ancient & Modern – 11 days from £3,295 per person

21 September-1 October 2012 & 12-22 April 2013 with Gerald Davison

This tour has been designed to combine the best of old and new China, combining visits to ancient temples, imperial palaces and rustic villages with urban cities, home to different architectural styles and fashionable art districts. The tour visits the Great Wall at Huanghuacheng, a quiet section of the wall, and there is an option to have a Chinese painting lesson in Shanghai. At the Terracotta Warriors, Shaanxi Museum and Hanyangling Museum meetings with the curators have also been arranged.

All tours include international flights, transfers, sightseeing escorted by English-speaking guides, accommodation with breakfast daily and other meals as specified and are accompanied throughout by an expert lecturer.

Other new destinations include Greece, Spain, Côte D’Azur, Ethiopia and Sri Lanka.

On the 28th, 29th and 30th of October, the Olympia, Kensington will play host to the 8th annual Yoga Show, London where 200 exhibitors will offer show-goers everything from free yoga & Pilates classes to wellbeing holidays.

GoLearnTo.com, with their own range of unique wellbeing holidays, are pleased to announce they are exhibiting at the show for the first time. As learning holiday specialists with a wide range of innovative yoga and Pilates holidays across the globe, GoLearnTo.com have something to suit all show-goers.

To celebrate their debut appearance at the show, GoLearnTo.com has launched an exciting and fun competition that is challenging both wellbeing practitioners’ yoga skills and their creativity!

You may have heard of the internet crazes “planking” and “teapotting”, but this time GoLearnTo.com want to see people showing off their best attempts at “posing”! All entrants need to do is send GoLearnTo.com pictures of themselves adopting yoga poses in unusual locations and the most inventive posers, as voted for by Facebook users, will win pairs of 2-day tickets to The Yoga Show!

Entries should be emailed to yogashow@golearnto.com and they will then be uploaded to GoLearnTo.com’s competition album at www.Facebook.com/GoLearnTo. They’ve already had some great entries involving ice caves, planes and waterfalls and can’t wait to see what people come up with next!

The concept of “posing” is reminiscent of some other alternative ways to practice wellbeing that have emerged in recent years, such as anti-gravity yoga that involves holding stretches while suspended from the ceiling in a hammock!

Reflecting the fact that everyone has different preferences for how to reach their own state of wellbeing, GoLearnTo.com have holidays to suit all tastes and budgets: from “glamping” (glamorous camping) to luxury boutique Riads and with prices ranging from £248 to £1041, but all including accommodation and high quality, professional yoga tuition.

“Glamping” is another hot lifestyle trend and GoLearnTo.com is on the case combining it with yoga at their fantastic new “glamping” retreat in Fuerteventura, Spain. They also have a luxury yoga retreat in Morocco set in an exquisite boutique-style Riad, an oasis of tranquillity that is a fascinating mix of exotic culture and natural beauty.

As well as luxury, GoLearnTo.com can also offer plenty of fantastic affordable breaks. Their weekend yoga and Pilates break in Nerja, Spain is easy to get to and ideal for those who want to relax and unwind but are limited on time and, from only £329 per person for 3 nights/ 4 days, it certainly won’t break the bank.

Talking of value, how about a 2 for 1 yoga and Pilates holiday in beautiful Fuerteventura, Canary Islands? For one week only beginning October 22nd 2011, GoLearnTo.com are offering customers the chance to bring a friend for free to their amazing retreat set in volcanic surroundings and get some winter sun.

Winter sunshine is also on offer at our retreat in Dahab, Egypt. Ideal for beginners, guests learn to scuba dive in one of the most beautiful diving areas in the world and also practice pre-dive Hatha yoga in order to master all the elements that will improve their diving: breathing, relaxation, concentration and flexibility, from £595 per person for 7 nights/ 8 days.

It is unique combinations such as this that sets GoLearnTo.com apart from the competition. In both Italy and Thailand, yoga and cooking is combined for a taste of culture and relaxation from £230 and £565 per person respectively, while yoga and surfing is on offer in a variety of locations, including Costa Rica for £351 per person for 7 days.

In Greece, the winter walking and yoga holistic retreat is set in one of the most breath-taking and inspiring regions of Greece close to stunning beaches and is the perfect opportunity to take time out and relax from only £490 per person for 7 nights/ 8 days.

The quality of GoLearnTo.com’s tutors is also a standout feature. In Murcia, Spain, for example, GoLearnTo.com’s instructor has recently won Pilates Teacher of the Month from the Pilates Union. She uses her expertise to help beginners on reformer machines which, despite being in vogue, are often hard for people to get access to.

To book any of these amazing holidays visit www.GoLearnTo.com

To speak to one of GoLearnTo.com’s friendly and knowledgeable team call +44(0) 845 625 0445 or email hello@golearnto.com

Has ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ whetted your appetite for dancing? Always fancied learning some new moves for the dance floor? Do you aspire to be Ginger Rogers or Fred Astaire? Take part in dance weekend at the Castle Inn Hotel and be taught Ballroom and Latin American Dance by a top dance specialist.

Whether you are taking your first steps or perfecting those intricate dance moves, this is your chance to experience the moves seen on TV. The exciting and friendly dance programme combines a special Gala Dinner Dance with young Rising Dance Stars in Cabaret and social dancing with other dance lovers throughout the evening.

Learn and improve morning workshops are designed to unleash your dancing potential building confidence, knowledge and stamina ready for the elegant evening entertainment.

The hotel has recently been awarded the prestigious Best Western Plus standard upgrading from four stars to include extra style, comfort and service, including bigger beds and quality bedding and a wide breakfast range, complimentary toiletries and technology.

Set in a picturesque location only 8 miles from Keswick at the top of Bassenthwaite, the Castle Inn overlooks some of the Lake District’s highest fells. Originally a 1770 Lake District Coaching Inn it has been transformed into a modern venue with 46 large bedrooms. Within the hotel is a Fitness Centre, large swimming pool, sauna, steam room, tennis court and Jacuzzi.

Dancing at the Castle Inn over 18th to 21st November 2011 costs from £180 per person for two nights or £230 per person for three nights in a double/twin en-suite room including dinner, breakfast and a full dance programme. Non-residents can enjoy the Bucks Fizz reception, Gala Dinner and evening dance and cabaret entertainment on 19th November for £39.50 per person.

For further information and bookings call 017687 76401 or visit www.castleinncumbria.co.uk

Wildzone, a dynamic group of Cumbrian private sector businesses and public sector wildlife charities, trusts and organisations, formed to put responsible Cumbrian wildlife and nature experiences firmly on the British tourism map, has launched with a 22-day-long promotion ‘Wear Red For Wildlife’ promotion.

The Wildzone’s ‘Wear Red for Wildlife’ initiative (October 8 to 30) draws inspiration from some of Cumbria’s most iconic creatures, the endangered red squirrel and red deer, but also focuses on birds such as red-breasted merganser and red kite, the red leaves of autumn, red flora and red sunsets over Morecambe Bay.

To celebrate the forthcoming promotion, Wildzone members gathered at Storrs Hall to dress a tree, demonstrating the engagement with nature that is Wildzone’s ethos. This builds on the belief that the best way to protect nature is to encourage people to engage with it in a responsible, yet exciting and interactive manner, to celebrate its many facets.

During ‘Wear Red for Wildlife’, the public is encouraged to wear red and go wild, taking part in a variety of interesting, fun, educational events and volunteering activities highlighted at www.wildzonecumbria.org
 By wearing red, they can access special deals from various Wildzone members. Arriving at Lakes Aquarium wearing red between October 8 and 21, gives adults a £2 admissions discount if referring to Wildzone. At the Leighton Moss café, a 10% discount can be had from October 8-30 if doing the same. Those wearing a red top will get a 20% reduction on a meal at The Wild Boar Inn, near Bowness, plus a complimentary trail map, to help exploration of the inn’s wild woods.

The thrilling range of wildlife, to be found in Cumbrian coastal habitats stretching from Morecambe Bay to Silloth, in and around its lakes, on wild peaks and fells, in wonderfully wild rivers and tarns, wild forests and woodlands and on its limestone pavements and marshes, is all showcased at the new Wildzone website.

The website fosters an engagement with nature and wildlife by inviting nature watchers to upload details of their sightings, upload photographs of wildlife and take part in a variety of exciting events and opportunities to volunteer for action in the wild.

Current members of the Wildzone on the public sector side are Cumbria Wildlife Trust, the National Trust, RSPB, the Forestry Commission, Northern Red Squirrels, the Lake District National Park, the Western Lake District Tourism Partnership, South Copeland tourism, Nurture Lakeland, Natural England and the Environment Agency.

Private sector partners are Ullswater ‘Steamers’, English Lakes Hotels, the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Woodclose Park, Hill of Oaks and Waterfoot caravan parks, Lakes Aquarium, The Wordsworth Trust and The World of Beatrix Potter.

A competition at www.wildzonecumbria.org has a prize of a wild weekend at the Wild Boar Inn, near Bowness. This 4* inn has wild woods to explore, as well as a smokehouse, which can put the taste of the wild on the plate. The winner will bag a two-night stay, as well as an Ullswater ‘Steamers’ cruise and Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway trip.

Speaking on behalf of the Wildzone, Rachel Bell of Ullswater ‘Steamers’ says: “The Wildzone is unique, because it has brought public and private sector together, to work as partners. We are all committed to showcasing the best that Cumbria has to offer in terms of wildlife and nature experiences and will be taking our offer out to the wildlife tourist in an exciting and creative manner.

“Whilst we have our founder members and our initial Wear Red for Wildlife promotion, we want other private sector businesses to come on board, so we can grow the group and enrich the wildlife tourism product offered. We are also open to sponsorship offers, from the right sponsor, so we can increase marketing activity behind the Wildzone and make a tangible difference to wildlife tourism in Cumbria”.

The rich biodiversity of the Eskdale Valley is to be celebrated with a Wildlife Day at the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway’s Dalegarth Station, on October 22, when the station becomes a hub of wildlife activities, walks and talks to stoke up a passion for the wild Western Lake District.

The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is running train to Dalegarth all day, with the first train departing Ravenglass at 9.30am and the last train back departing Dalegarth at 4.30pm. At Dalegarth families will find representatives from Cumbria Wildlife Trust, the World Owl Trust and Save Our Squirrels, putting their own spin on wildlife and encouraging people to engage with it.

The Eskdale Valley is home to red squirrels and a host of other creatures, which passengers will be encouraged to look out for whilst on board the narrow gauge railway. The journey, often described as England’s most beautiful steam trip, will also offer spectacular views, as the seven miles from the coast and tidal marshes, through hidden Miterdale, and past mighty Muncaster Fell and on through Eskdale, unfolds.

Exploring the village centre close to Dalegarth is also an option, whilst children will be able to let off steam in the superb adventure playground.

With owls on hand, to wisely supervise activities, and the shadow of England’s tallest mountains falling close to Dalegarth, there’s lots of wildlife and nature to enjoy during the day.

Wild appetites can be satisfied at either the Turntable Café at Ravenglass, or the Fellbites Eatery at Dalegarth and purchases that can help support local wildlife, such as red squirrels and herdwick sheep, through support for the Herdwick Sheep Breeders Association, can be made in the Railway’s retail outlets.

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway’s marketing manager, Rachel Bell, says: “Our wildlife day will see us working in partnership with some of the custodians of both local wildlife and the landscape and our event will help them raise awareness of the importance of protecingt key species of both flora and fauna.

“With steam travel underpinning the whole experience, it’s a great way to discover the ‘wild West’ of the Lake District and stoke up the passion for days out amidst the world of nature”.

15 New Ports, 21 Grand Voyages & the North American debut of ‘Riviera’

Oceania Cruises’ newly launched 2012 / 13 Winter Collection features voyages from September 2012 through May 2013 with an exotic cruise schedule that includes 21 new Grand Voyages, ranging from 23 to 71 days, and Caribbean and Panama Canal cruises onboard the line’s new 1,250-guest, luxury ship Riviera.

“Our loyal repeaters and first-time guests alike will appreciate the depth and diversity of our 2012-2013 Winter Collection,” stated Bruce J. Himelstein, Oceania Cruises’ president. “With the addition of Riviera to our fleet, Oceania Cruises will expand its presence in every region of the world offering new and intriguing destinations to delight discriminating travellers.”

Canada, New England & South America

Oceania Cruises’ 684-guest Regatta will again offer her popular foliage cruises in September and October before cruising to the Caribbean and South America. New ports include Boston and Portland, Maine.

After a 25-day Enchanted Amazon (departing Nov. 2, 2012) cruise from New York, Regatta offers a 7-day Caribbean Interlude (departing Nov. 27, 2012) cruise before operating Panama Canal cruises between Miami and Los Angeles (beginning Dec. 4, 2012).

A 30-day South American Explorer (departing Jan. 23, 3013) itinerary from Lima to Rio de Janeiro showcases the very best of South America. From Rio, Regatta reprises her 12-day Radiant Rhythms (beginning Feb. 22, 2012) cruises between Rio and Buenos Aires before heading to Europe for summer 2013.

Caribbean & Panama Canal Onboard ‘Riviera’

Riviera – a sister ship to the widely acclaimed Marina – will make her North American debut with a winter season of Caribbean and Panama Canal cruises beginning with Idyllic Isles (departing Nov. 29, 2012). The new itineraries venture deeper into the Caribbean; a 14-day Island Holiday (departing Dec. 20, 2012), for example, will include stops at Kingstown, St. Vincent and Philipsburg, all new ports for Oceania Cruises.

‘Marina’ to Cruise Wonders Down Under

Due to the success of Oceania Cruises’ maiden season sailing the South Seas Marina will replace the smaller Regatta on cruises to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. The 20-day Ancient Legends (departing Dec. 27, 2012) journey to Polynesia via South America will visit such exotic outposts as Robinson Crusoe, Easter and Pitcairn islands and Fakarava in French Polynesia. Following her Down Under cruises, Regatta sails a 20-day Grand Panama Canal (departing May 6, 2013) cruise from Lima to New York. She then heads to Southampton on a 16-day Viking Passage (departing May 26, 2013) via New England, Canada and Ireland.

‘Nautica’ Returns to Africa & Asia

Oceania Cruises’ 684-guest Nautica will return to the mysterious and magical continents of Africa and Asia. For example, the 17-day Asian Treasures itinerary (departing Feb. 4, 2013) sails from Singapore to Hong Kong followed by the 17-day Empires & Dynasties (departing Feb. 21, 2013) sailing from Hong Kong to Beijing. Sands & Safaris (departing Jan. 5, 2013), is a 30-day cruise from Cape Town to Singapore via the Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Maldives.

Save up to £812 per guest on New ‘Grand Voyages’

For the first time ever, Oceania Cruises has introduced an exciting series of 23 to 71day Grand Voyages. By booking back-to-back cruises, guests can save 5 percent plus enjoy free prepaid gratuities and a $250 shipboard credit – a saving of up to £812 per guest, depending on the length of the voyage and suite or stateroom category reserved.

Examples include Ultimate South America onboard Regatta (departing Jan. 5, 2012), which starts in Miami, transits the Panama Canal and follows the samba rhythms south to Rio de Janeiro. On Marina’s 48-day Rendezvous to the Pacific sailing (departing Dec. 10, 2012), guests cruise from Rio across the Pacific to a bevy of Polynesian paradises. For the most intrepid of explorers, the 49-day Ultimate Odyssey (departing April 7, 2013) is voyage aboard Marina from Tahiti all the way to New York.

For more information on Oceania Cruises or to order a brochure, visit www.oceaniacruises.com  or call on 0845 505 1920.

This Autumn / winter, experience first-hand the traditional olive harvest season in Puglia with Borgo Egnazia.

From now until January 15th 2012, see how the process of oil production maintains ancient traditions, century after century. Olive oil is particularly important to Apulian cuisine, and with Apulia producing a full half of all Italian olive oils – the region can truly boast the best olives around. To celebrate the annual Olive harvest Borgo Egnazia have created a special package to ensure a unique insight into the origins of this culinary delight.

The Borgo Egnazia Olive Harvest Package includes accommodation, olive oil tastings, visits to an olive harvest and Oil Mill, traditional Apulian lunch, cooking class and spa treatment at the brand new Vair Spa. The two day itinerary is as follows:

Day 1: Embark on an Olive Harvest excursion followed by traditional Apulian lunch and a tranquil massage at the Vair Spa.

Day 2: Excursion to the nearest Oil Mill followed by olive oil tasting, olive oil themed cooking class and dinner. Prices start at €595 per person per stay based on two sharing with half board.

Exodus’ NEW cycling trips include off road biking in the Pyrenees, cycling in Alaska, exploring Costa Rica and venturing to Iceland

NEW ‘Adventure Pioneers’ – highlighting unique or challenging trips in areas including Tibet, Bosnia, Mongolia and the Himalayas

SAVINGS of up to £50 on all new cycling trips for bookings before 31 December 2011

When the Olympic Games unfold in London in 2012, the most watched sport will be cycling, with a million people expected to watch. Tour de France attracted more than 15 million viewers and Olympic Champion Chris Hoy is a household name, but don’t stay glued to the TV screen – venture on your own cycling adventure, and with Exodus, the UK’s leading adventure tour operator, you can choose from up to 60 different trips across 35 countries.

The choice of trips for biking enthusiasts is vast and this year, responding to the massive growth in interest for cycling in general, Exodus has added 14 new trips to the menu. Travellers can now venture into an additional five countries on their two wheels – US (Alaska), Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Greece and Iceland – and enjoy trips that include cycling in Alaska, biking in the Southern Alps, cycling the Dolomites, Lake Garda and Venice and eight days cycling in Southern Iceland.

And if you needed any more persuasion, book before 31 December 2011, and benefit from savings of up to £50 per person per trip on any of Exodus’ new Cycling Holidays. There has never been a better time to escape on two wheels. Here is a selection of the newest trips:

CYCLE SOUTHERN ICELAND – eight days from £1,999 including flights and most meals. Next departure dates are 23 June and 7 July 2012.

A country shaped by violent eruptions and remorseless glaciers, it is a great place to explore from the saddle of a bike. In such a sparsely populated country, with so little traffic, cyclists can really get under the skin of the country and feel a great sense of isolation and wilderness, passing the infamous Eyafjallajokul Volcano, the colourful mountains of Landmannalaugar and the 25m high mass of water known as the Skogafoss Waterfall.

CYCLE ALASKA – 13 days from £3,559 including flights and most meals. Next departure dates are 9 June and 18 August 2011.

Nowhere else on earth offers such a perfect blend of excellent tarmac laid through pristine wilderness as Alaska. Thousands of miles of quiet roads and tracks offer the only interruption to a vast land of glaciers, rushing rivers, dense forest and towering peaks: ideal for the adventurous cyclist and an utterly unique biking experience. The wildlife is the epitome of North America and Grizzly bears, Bald eagles, moose, elk and wolf may be spotted from the saddle. Crossing Prince William Sound gives cyclists the perfect opportunity to look for whales, orcas and sea lions whilst another highlight is cycling close to North America’s highest peak, Mt McKinley at 6198m.

COSTA RICA COAST TO COAST RIDE – 15 days from £2,449 including flights and most meals. Next departure dates are 3, 31 March, 18 August and 24 November 2012.

For rainforest, volcanoes as well as stunning sections of coastline, Costa Rica is the only choice and to experience that variety of terrain by bike is an extraordinary. Starting in San Jose the Exodus group cycle south, covering a stretch of the picturesque coastal highway, with vast Pacific views to the right and dense forest to the left as far as the eye can see. Through the rainforests, travellers can hope to see wildlife including monkeys and iguanas as well as eagles, hawks and Scarlet macaws. Crossing the 11,000ft Cerro de la Muerte pass into the Orosi Valley the group cycle past coffee plantations and volcanoes to arrive on the fertile Caribbean plains where huge banana plantations cover the landscape. The final stage of the trip journey takes cyclists to pretty La Fortuna, a lovely spot located at the foot of Arenal – Costa Rica’s most active volcano.

To book, call Exodus on 0845 863 9601 or visit www.exodus.co.uk