TUITION FOR NOVICES

Departures 22 June from Gatwick: £459pppw

Join a social flotilla cruising the Greek Ionian islands with Sunvil Sailing departing Sunday 22 June from London Gatwick priced at £459 for one week or £729 for a fortnight with optional tuition for beginners. The price includes return flights from Gatwick, transfers and live aboard accommodation.

Beginners, or those with limited sailing experience, will literally learn the ropes under the watchful eye of a qualified instructor leading to a competent crew or day skipper certificate, dependent on their ability. Experienced solo travellers, or couples, can share-a-yacht with other sailors. After a day cruising around the islands, all the boats moor up in port together for a social evening ashore.

The live-aboard accommodation with or without tuition is based on two sharing a cabin and there is a contribution towards an onboard kitty for yacht damage waiver, fuel, a souvenir chart and other items including some meals and refreshments on board for those on a learn-to-sail yacht.

For further details call Sunvil Sailing on Tel: 020 8758 4780.

Email sailing@sunvil.co.uk

 or log onto www.sunvilsailing.co.uk

Why be modest when there’s something to boast about? Brandenburg’s new English-language brochure “Brandenburg Holiday Destination” starts off with saying that if it didn’t exist anyway, the people of Berlin would have had to invent it…

So, take a minute and get yourself acquainted with the wide choice of things to see and do in Brandenburg. The regions close proximity to Berlin offers ideal opportunities for combining a city break with a variety of holiday options. The brochure includes highlights such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site Potsdam with the palaces and gardens of Sanssouci or the natural landscape of the “Spreewald”, an atmospheric and secretive labyrinth consisting of thousands of small and larger waterways which is unique in Europe.

Brandenburg is also presented as a destination for active and well-being holidays and special features on the industrial culture, film and GDR history are included. Visitors will furthermore find information on culinary specialities and accommodation in the brochure.

Since 2007, Tourism Marketing Brandenburg has increased its activities in the UK market and is presenting the region as a travel destination to consumers, press and the travel trade. Activities include attending travel shows such as Destinations in London, sales calls and supplying regular information to the press. British travellers are now the third biggest group of international travellers to Brandenburg and in 2007 36.000 overnights were counted.

You don’t have to drive all the way down south to enjoy Europe. Sailing daily from Newcastle to Holland, our cruise ferries provide easy access to France, Germany - and beyond.

Unlike going via Dover-Calais, Folkstone or the Channel Tunnel, taking your car with us can save you many miles of driving - and pounds too.

Our cruise ferries from Newcastle to Norway and from Harwich to Denmark also offer excellent access into Sweden and the rest of Scandinavia.

Once onboard settle into your ensuite cabin, then enjoy fine cuisine, great bars and entertainment. Arrive relaxed and ready for your onward journey on the scenic roads of Northern Europe and Scandinavia.

Prices from £136 for 2 people plus car from Newcastle to Holland. Prices from £188 for 2 people plus car from Harwich to Esbjerg. Prices from £223 for 2 people plus car from Newcastle to Norway.

To book go to www.dfds.co.uk

Discovery at Marigot Bay on the scenic west coast of St Lucia is offering a special summer package which is sure to reel in fishing enthusiasts.

During the summer months, the waters surrounding this eastern Caribbean gem become calmer and clearer as the tradewinds diminish and the temperatures get warmer.

They also become fertile fishing grounds with an abundance of Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, Wahoo, Kingfish and Dorado.

Taking advantage of the ideal fishing conditions, anglers can now enjoy a four night stay at the beautiful five star Discovery at Marigot Bay with the added bonus of two exciting sport and game fishing excursions on a private fishing boat.

You don’t have to be a professional to have fun… If you’ve never fished before, don’t worry, our experienced fishing boat crew will be happy to show you the ropes. Meanwhile, experienced anglers can come and enjoy the thrill of new fishing grounds.

What’s included:

+ Four nights accommodation in a Resort View room or a Resort View Suite for two persons including all taxes at the luxurious Discovery at Marigot Bay resort

+ Full American breakfast each morning

+ Airport transfers

+ Two, half day Sport Fishing outings for two persons (this includes Captain, crew, fishing equipment, soft drinks, beers, rum punch and water on board. Max four per boat)

Total Cost

Resort View Room: US$2091
Resort View Suite: US$2655
Extra adult sharing (in suite only, sofa bed): US$580 (includes breakfast and fishing) Child under 12 sharing (in suite only): US$290

Additional Night Rate

Resort View Room Accommodation US$264.00
Resort View Suite Accommodation US$405.00

Valid to November 21, 2008

For more information, visit the Discovery website:

www.discoverystlucia.com or telephone: +1 758 458 5300

Discovery at Marigot Bay blends into its beautiful surroundings enhancing the natural loveliness of the bay described as “the most beautiful in the Caribbean” by novelist James A Michener. Opened November 30, 2006, the luxury Discovery resort provides guests with every possible modern facility. The 57 suites (half with private plunge pools) and 35 rooms feature spacious verandahs affording stunning views of the bay below. The interiors are a stylish combination of contemporary chic, state of the art fittings and Caribbean pizzazz. The world class Lapli Spa, fitness centre, watersports, marina, shopping, bars and restaurants make Discovery at Marigot Bay the ultimate holiday experience. Discovery is a member of Leading Small Hotels of the World.

Save 20% on a 3-night voyage amongst the channels, fjords and glaciers of Tierra del Fuego and Cape Horn with Latin America specialist, Trips Worldwide, part of a longer 14-night holiday also featuring land-based activities in Argentina and Chile. Departures from London by air are available throughout September 2008.

Spend the first part of the tour in Argentina’s capital - Buenos Aires. Wander through the galleries of San Telmos and visit the brightly coloured houses of the old port district, La Boca.

From Buenos Aires transfer to El Calafate, a modern town on the edge of Lago Argentino, and visit the remarkable glaciers at Los Glaciares National Park. Later, board the M/V Australis at Ushuaia, and set sail through the Beagle Channel and Strait of Magellan to explore one of the most captivating wilderness regions in the world - Southern Patagonia, and Tierra del Fuego.

First port of call is Cape Horn National Park, declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in June 2005. Cape Horn is the southernmost headland of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago and for many years it was a treacherous milestone on the clipper route (the main route for steam ships travelling from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific prior to the construction of the Panama Canal).

A shore excursion in the national park includes a visit to historic Wulaia Bay, once the site of one of the region’s largest aboriginal settlements, and the awe-inspiring Gunther Plüschow Glacier, named after the region’s pioneering German aviator. Next, sail to Chico Sound for an opportunity to observe the majestic Piloto and Nena glaciers.

Finally, visit Magdalena Island, one of Chile’s largest and most important Magellanic Penguin breeding sites with a huge colony of more than 120,000, before the voyage concludes in Punta Arenas. Here, guests disembark for a flight and transfer to the delightful Quincho Country House overlooking Lake Llanquihue and Osorno Volcano in Chile’s lush Lake District region. Delicious home cooked cuisine, fine wine and a range of excursions are all included here. A final couple of days are spent in Valparaiso (near Santiago), with its colourful tangle of houses and collection of ancient-looking funiculars ready to haul travellers up to amazing viewpoints.

The holiday costs from £3,695 p/p including international and internal flights, transfers, hotel accommodation with breakfast (full board at Quincho Country House, with a number of activities also included), a Tango Show in Buenos Aires, 3-nights full board accommodation on the M/V Australis and expertly guided wildlife viewing activities and excursions.

Trips Worldwide
0117 311 4400
14 Frederick Place, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1AS
info@tripsworldwide.co.uk
www.tripsworldwide.co.uk

For a cookery course with a difference, self-catering accommodation specialists, Mallorca Farmhouses is introducing a series of Guilt-Free Gastronomic Getaways to Mallorca this autumn and next spring.

Aimed at those wishing to know the secrets of cooking impressive dishes for little effort guests will be under the instruction of master chef Bruno Canillao, who is also responsible for organising Mallorca Farmhouses’ private chef service. The four Gastronomic Getaways, each lasting three days, will take place on 27 September 2008, 1 October 2008, 28 March 2009 and 1 April 2009 and will include instruction in cooking local and international dishes.

Couples and friends can choose whether to take part in the two, three-hour long, cooking workshops or, if they are complete couch potatoes when it comes to food, they can simply sit back and relax. For a guilt-free conscience, guests can enjoy some of the additional activities such as walking, horse-riding and cycling between courses.

The programme also includes an escorted trip to the local food market in Felanitx with tips on how to buy the freshest of fish, meat and vegetables and a visit to Ca’n Vidalet in Pollenca with a wine tasting and tour of wines available exclusively to Mallorca Farmhouses. There will also be an organised lunch and dinner to two traditional Mallorcan restaurants to sample the local cuisine.

The courses will be based at the luxurious Finca Tort, a magnificent 250 year-old stone-clad country house which is set in seven acres of complete privacy amidst rolling natural countryside and comes complete with its own private swimming pool. All bedrooms are en-suite with two double and four twin bedrooms to choose from, easily accommodating couples or friends wishing to get away for some cooking tuition or a short break in the sun.

The Guilt-Free Gastronomic Getaway is priced from £799 per person (based on two sharing) and includes three nights’ accommodation on a full board basis and cooking workshops or alternative activities.

Should guests wish to extend their stay, they can choose from a selection of properties that are available for flexidate bookings of three nights or longer. These include the popular Burgues and Caselles de Baix in the north of the island or Es Serral and Finca Es Fasser, which can be found in the south.

For further information and reservations please contact Mallorca Farmhouses on 0845 800 8080 or visit www.mfh.co.uk

Trek amongst beautiful rugged Alpine-style ridges and summits (all less than 1,200m), explore picturesque fishing villages, sheltered inlets and stunning shorelines, experience a rich cultural heritage and stay in traditional fishermen’s ‘rorbus’ cabins in Norway’s Lofoten Islands. Walks Worldwide still has availability on its 8-day guided On Foot in the Lofoten Islands holiday, departing London 16th August 2008.

From Evenes, transfer to Henningsvaer, a small fishing village in Vestfjord and enjoy a freshly caught fish dinner in the traditional harbourside guesthouse. Next, hike the ‘Smatindan Trek’ (meaning ‘many small peaks’) taking in spectacular views of fjords and islands that make up the Lofoten Islands. Move south onto the island of Vestvagoy and visit the fabulous Lofotr Viking museum at Borg, before an ascent of Skottinden (671m).

Travel to Flakstadoy and overnight in a traditional rorbus in the fishing village of Nusfjord. Take a challenging walk up Mosestinden (770m) before returning to the beautifully preserved village in time to explore before dinner. Transfer to the Island of Moskenesoy, the last big island in the archipelago, passing beautiful sandy beaches with plenty of swimming opportunities. Hike in the mountains of Moskenesoy and stay in another rorbus in the village of Reine overlooking Kirkefjorden. Ascend the peak of Reinebringen (448m) for one of the most photographed views of the surrounding fjords before transferring back across the islands, enjoying a final view, before homeward flights.

The tour costs £1,895p/p including all transfers, guesthouse and cabin (rorbus) accommodation, most meals, entry fees and expert guiding.

Walks Worldwide
01524 242000
sales@walksworldwide.com
www.walksworldwide.com

The charming and relaxed city of Amsterdam is one of Europe’s top short break destinations, and DFDS is now offering a two night family cruise break to Amsterdam from just £47 per person.

Taking a wonderful DFDS cruise to the picturesque city of Amsterdam is a wonderful way to spend a holiday with the family. A DFDS cruise is always an adventure, but this break offers loads of fun for the kids as well.

The youngest passengers can enjoy the play area, while the older children can enjoy Jack the Pirate’s Kidz Club during the school year. Here they will enjoy competitions and treasure hunts, so getting there is half the fun.

Once you arrive in Amsterdam, you can take advantage of its wealth of exciting museums and parks. Challenge your knowledge at the Nemo Science Museum, take a stroll through the beautiful Vondel Park, and enjoy the sights on the canals and outdoor cafes.

The DFDS cruise will cross from Newcastle to Amsterdam overnight on either the m.s. KING OF SCANDINAVIA or the m.s. PRINCESS OF NORWAY. Arriving the next morning, you’ll take a coach to Amsterdam city centre, where you can either stay on for a sightseeing tour or begin to explore the city on your own.

With DFDS, your cruise break begins the moment you step onboard. No long queues in airports, no hassle with baggage, just check into your cabin and enjoy the journey.

Prices from £47 pp for 2 nights include:

Two nights onboard in en-suite cabin
Coach transfers to and from city centre
Coach sightseeing tour
One day Amsterdam City Pass
Live entertainment onboard

For further information go to www.dfds.co.uk  or telephone 0871 522 9955.

The Government of Montserrat has agreed a contract with Caribbean airline LIAT to operate a new scheduled air service between Antigua and Montserrat, beginning on July 1, 2008.

Catching a 20-minute flight from Antigua is currently the only way to reach Montserrat, other than by a private boat or aircraft, since Montserrat’s Gerald’s Airport opened in July 2005.

The LIAT flights will replace the current air service operated by Winair, which will end on June 30, 2008.

LIAT (1974) Limited has entered into a code share agreement with Carib Aviation Ltd on the Antigua - Montserrat route, which will also allow customers to connect in Antigua to or from other destinations on its network.

There will be a minimum of three return flights a day between Antigua and Montserrat during the low season, but this is likely to increase at high seasons such as Christmas. Carib Aviation will also schedule additional services to cater to un-seasonal peak demand for travel to Montserrat.

One way adult fares will cost between US$65 and US$85. This price is inclusive of fuel and insurance surcharges but not taxes and levies imposed by Governments and airport authorities. Flights can be booked online at www.fly-liat.com.

Day tourists who book with approved tour operators will be offered a net fare of US$100 for a return journey, again inclusive of fuel and insurance surcharges but not taxes and levies. This special rate is expected to attract an increasing amount of day-trippers from Antigua, many of whom are interested in visiting Montserrat to see its active volcano and other natural attractions.

The new agreement will make island-hopping within the Caribbean much easier as passengers flying connecting to or from LIAT or Carib Aviation in Antigua will be checked straight through from origin to destination, avoiding the inconvenience of having to clear Immigration and Customs in Antigua.

The development of Montserrat’s new airport and the re-commencement of flights from Antigua in 2005 have played a vital role in boosting the island’s tourism industry in recent years. After Montserrat’s volcano rumbled into life in 1995, the former airport was shut due to its proximity to the activity, limiting access to the island.

Gerald’s Airport is situated in the north of Montserrat, which remains green, beautiful and largely unaffected by the ongoing volcanic activity. Whilst the island was previously off the radar of tour operators, around a dozen have begun offering holidays on the island since the airport’s opening three years ago.

From Kung Fu and pandas in China to the archaeological mysteries of Peru, The Adventure Company’s family trips are offering all the drama and excitement of Hollywood’s new releases this summer.

Below, The Adventure Company recommends the best trips and destinations for families looking to re-create the adventures of the silver screen.

An epic voyage around China - As seen in Kung Fu Panda; The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor; and The Forbidden Kingdom

China is the setting for three of this summer’s big family films and the Adventure Company’s Land of the Dragon tour encapsulates the thrills and enchanting scenery of each. Beginning in Beijing, families will visit the magnificent Forbidden City and the Great Wall before taking an overnight train to Luoyang. Here, you will see true Kung Fu masters in action at Song Shan, home to the legendary Shaolin Monks. And although they may not be of the high-kicking variety, the Giant Pandas at the Chengdu Breeding and Research Centre are still an incredible sight. Another major highlight of the tour is the Terracotta Army in Xian, which comes to life in a formidable fashion in the third film in the Mummy series. Families had better hope the army stays sleeping during their visit…

The 15-day Land of the Dragon tour departs on 17th August 2008 and costs from £2,219 per child (minimum age five) and £2,349 per adult. October half-term departures are also available from £1,569 per person. Prices include flights, transportation, activities and excursions as listed in the itinerary, plus the services of a knowledgeable local guide. No further local payments are necessary.

For further details on Land of the Dragon, see this link:

Fantasy lands – As seen in Journey to the Center of the Earth; Prince Caspian

Confession time – there are some places even The Adventure Company can’t take you, the centre of the Earth and Narnia being just two. But that doesn’t mean its trips can’t offer a taste of the same action.

The Journey to the Center of the Earth begins on a mountainous landscape before travellers are thrust deep beneath the surface of the earth on a voyage of the unknown. Learn the essential skills to prepare yourself for the journey – and visit the cave which legend says took Orpheus to the underworld - on the Bulgaria Activity Week. The first two days will be spent on challenges including orienteering, kayaking, walking and a rope course - all of which need to be successfully completed in order to win the key to the hotel for the next night. Families will then have their own underground adventure at the Devil’s Throat Cave, where it is said Orpheus started his journey into the depths of the earth.

Bulgaria Activity Week costs from £579 per child and £729 per adult for departures in August 2008. For full details, see this link:

Just like Narnia, the plains of Africa are home to strange and wonderful creatures – this is your chance to see Aslan in his natural habitat, ruling over the kingdom. The Adventure Company’s Rift Valley Adventure includes camping on the rim of the Ngorongoro crater and game drives in the Serengeti where you can spot giraffe, wildebeest, elephant and cheetah as well as mighty lions. The 10-day trip costs from £1,529 per child and £1,659 per adult in summer 2008.

For full details on the Rift Valley Family Adventure, see this link:

An Indianadventure in Peru – As seen in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Get your hat and whip at the ready for an Indiana Jones adventure in Peru on the Land of the Incas tour. Explore the archaeological wonders of the ‘lost city’ of Machu Picchu and Sillustani – a pre-Incan burial ground where you can hear about the traditions of mummifying bodies. But are the ancient mummies hiding any crystal skulls? Families will also visit the Incan capital of Cusco and the floating reed islands of Lake Titicaca. If this isn’t enough adventure, an Amazon Jungle Extension can be added on to the trip. Families will travel by plane and then by motorised canoe to a lodge on the Tambopata River where they will have two nights to explore the mighty Amazon rainforest.

There are four departure dates in August 2008 on the 15-day Land of the Incas tour, including two particularly for families with teenage children. Prices start from £1,979 per child and £2,229 per adult. The Amazon Jungle Extension is available at an extra cost.

For further details on Land of the Incas, see this link:

About The Adventure Company’s Family Adventures

The Adventure Company is a pioneer of family holidays, with almost a hundred inspiring journeys worldwide incorporating adventure activities, cultural discovery and wildlife encounters. The company’s dedicated family brochure includes Infant Adventures for children as young as two and Teenage Adventures, aimed at older kids looking for a bit more of a challenge.

Families travel together in small groups, meaning that both parents and kids can mix with like-minded people of their own age. With almost a third of family bookings containing only one adult, The Adventure Company has also established single parent departure dates on many of its trips.

All of The Adventure Company’s trips can be booked on a land-only basis for customers preferring to book their own international flights.

For further information on The Adventure Company, or to book any of the trips outlined above, see www.adventurecompany.co.uk  or telephone 0845 609 0890.