Wilderness Journeys

Wilderness Journeys is an award-winning travel company specialising in small group adventure holidays around the world.

They offer a diverse range of activities including trekking holidays, mountain biking holidays, walking safaris, wildlife adventures, canoe & kayak holidays and ski touring holidays.

The company itself is the creation of a small team of dedicated adventurers, committed to the principles of sustainable tourism and driven by a passion to share with others the earth's remaining wild places.

Their stated mission is to be the UK's leading provider of inspirational and sustainable high quality adventure travel experiences; raising the bar and setting the standard for how adventure tour operators around the world operate.

Holidays from Wilderness Journeys
Small Group Walking Holidays in Scotland
Sea-Kayaking in Scotland
Walking Safari Kenya - Ewaso Nyiro River
Walking Safari - Sarara Camp & Mathews Range, Kenya
Walking Safari Namibia - Desert Rhino & Elephants
Ski Touring France - The Haute Route
Trekking Patagonia - The Last Frontier
Trekking Venezuela - Auyantepui & Angel Falls
Mountain Biking Vietnam - The Vietnam Highlands
Trekking Peru - Choquequirao to Machu Picchu

Horse Riding Holiday in Turkey - Special Offer

Special Offer for Self-Catering Families/Groups
A discount of GBP100 per person (including any non-riders) is available for families/groups willing to go self-catering.

Perma Ranch is located in the ancient Lycian region on the Teke Peninsula, Kaya Valley is the very beautiful and scenic setting for Louise de Berniere's novel "Bird Without Wings".

They offer all year round riding and activity holidays that are tailored to individual needs and requirements.

You can ride every day or intersperse riding with trips to places of beauty and historical interest.

The ranch is run by Brits, Norma and Peter who have owned the ranch since 2002 and will show their guests how much this region of Turkey has to offer for both rider and non rider alike. This rural location offers a peaceful and tranquil holiday.

Norma has many years experience of running a working farm, livery stable and riding school in the UK and is able to provide tuition to riders of many abilities from beginners to the more advanced, including jumping. They also provide riding for the disabled.

Non-riding guests also welcome.

The accommodation has a fully fitted kitchen with washing machine.

Also included in the Special Offer holiday price:

- Transfers
- Any trips to the beach and nearby towns for market and shopping
- One free BBQ evening.

A trip to Saklekent etc can be arranged for the price of diesel and car hire can also be arranged from GBP30 per day.

Find out more about Horse Riding Holidays in Turkey

Because It's There...

This is another reminder that an intrepid team of explorers from inspiringholidays.com will be launching an attempt on the summit of Britain's tallest mountain, Ben Nevis, next week.

This little jaunt is aimed at raising money for a couple of charities:

Clic Sargent

CLIC Sargent provide care for children and young people with cancer and their families in hospital and the community. Every day 10 families are told their child has cancer. As the UK's leading children's cancer charity, CLIC Sargent is the only organisation to offer them all round care and support.

More information on Clic Sargent.

Dart Sailability

Since its formation Dart Sailability has helped many disabled people experience the fun of being afloat, either sailing single-handed or with others. Some are becoming proficient sailors, other enjoy just bobbing around on the water.

More information on Dart Sailability.

The Next Challenge

Not wanting to rest on our laurels, we'll also be attempting the infamous 3 peaks challenge in September. This gruelling challenge involves climbing the highest peaks of England (Scafell Pike), Scotland (Ben Nevis) & Wales (Snowdon) - all within a 24 hour period.

We've joined a team raising money for Penhaligon's Friends which is a Cornish charity supporting bereaved children, young people, parents and carers throughout the county.

They offer children and young people the chance to meet others and share their experiences, as well as practical resources for children and parents. They also deliver an extensive programme of training and advice for other childcare professionals and those interested in becoming a volunteer.

Find out more about Penhaligon's Friends

If you'd like to donate some money towards these good causes please feel free to contact the Inspiring Holidays office

Last Minute Availability from the Adventure Company

Last minute availability on these adventure holidays from the Adventure Company.

Book fast - when they're gone they're gone!

Kilimanjaro Trek

Available departures: 04 Jul 08 - 13 Jul 08 (4+ spaces) & 01 Aug 08 - 10 Aug 08 (4+ spaces)

Active Dalmatia

Available departures:05 Jul 08 - 12 Jul 08 (4+ spaces) & 02 Aug 08 - 09 Aug 08 (4+ spaces)

Atlas Trek

Available departures:06 Jul 08 - 20 Jul 08 (4+ spaces) & 27 Jul 08 - 10 Aug 08 (4+ spaces)

Bulgaria Trek

Available departures:13 Jul 08 - 20 Jul 08 (4+ spaces) & 27 Jul 08 - 03 Aug 08 (4+ spaces)

Petra & Wadi Rum

Available departures:17 Jul 08 - 25 Jul 08 (4+ spaces) & 02 Aug 08 - 10 Aug 08 (4+ spaces)

Turkey Activity Week

Available departures:18 Jul 08 - 25 Jul 08 (4+ spaces) & 01 Aug 08 - 08 Aug 08 (4+ spaces)

Horse Trek, Kyrgyzstan

Available departures: 21 Jul 08 - 03 Aug 08 (Limited!)

Bolivia Adventure

Available departures: 24 Jul 08 - 08 Aug 08 (Limited!)

Family Safari Tanzania

Available departures: 25 Jul 08 - 03 Aug 08 (Limited!) & 01 Aug 08 - 10 Aug 08 (4+ spaces)

Family Safari Namibia

Available departures: 25 Jul 08 - 06 Aug 08 (4+ spaces) & 01 Aug 08 - 13 Aug 08 (4+ spaces)

Travel Insurance - Do You Need It?

Insurance - It's dull and to be honest it's one of those things that's hardly going to get you excited about your next holiday. But to answer the question in the title to this piece - YES YOU DO NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE!

You should definitely consider taking out travel insurance whether you're travelling in this country or abroad. And if you're likely to be partaking in activities such as walking, climbing, sailing, skiing, cycling etc whilst on vacation get a good policy.

Many people deeply regret not taking out travel insurance. They often think that that will have sufficient cover via their credit card accident cover, home insurance, or private health cover.

However the real cost if things go wrong on holiday can be really frightening as an accident or emergency abroad can be extremely expensive. If you should need to be repatriated to the UK it could cost you thousands of pounds, unless you are adequately insured. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) website gives the following costs as examples:

• £35,000-£45,000 - air ambulance from USA’s East coast
• £12,000-£16,000 - air ambulance from the Canary Islands
• £15,000-£20,000 - scheduled flight, stretcher and Doctor escort from Australia

(Figures supplied by FirstAssist Services Ltd.)

Remember: The British Embassy or High Commission will not pay for this.

What should my travel insurance policy cover?
- medical and health cover in case you suffer an injury or are taken ill abroad

- 24 hour emergency service and assistance
- personal liability cover in case of legal action for causing injury or damaging property
- lost and stolen possessions cover
- cancellation and curtailment (cutting short your trip) cover
- extra cover for activities that are commonly excluded from standard policies, such as jet skiing.
- The policy should cover the whole time that you’re away.

Your policy may also have:
- personal accident cover
- legal expenses cover
- financial protection if your airline goes bankrupt before or during your trip.

For information about Travel Insurance Policies why not take a look at the following Insurance Providers:

Columbus Travel Insurance

Essential Travel

20% off Millets Walking, Hiking & Camping Gear

Millets is one of the high street's best-known names for activity clothing and accesories. They offer quality products and friendly, knowledgeable advice in over 280 stores nationwide.


If you need anything to do with camping, hiking & walking including rucksacks, walking shoes, tents, jackets and more then visit the Millets online store.


20% off Special Offer
Get 20% off at Millets with code "millets20" (valid til 20/06/08). The voucher code entitles the user to receive 20% off all orders over £60. Enter the code after your card details to redeem.

Win £200
For your chance to win £200 worth of Millets vouchers sign up to the monthly newsletter today! Just enter your email address in the newsletter on the Millets Website

Wilderness Scotland for a real taste of Adventure

Scotland is quite rightly viewed as one the best activity and adventure holiday locations in the world. With hundreds of miles of pristine coastline, soaring mountains and beautiful rivers you can try your hand at just about activity you can think of. Kayakers, walkers, cyclists, mountaineers and sailors are all drawn to this enchanted landscape.

Unless you are a budding Bear Grylls or Ray Mears then you are going to need support from people who know this country like the back of their hand in order to get out in the wild 'back country'. And this is where companies such as Wilderness Scotland can turn your holiday into the trip of a lifetime. Wilderness Scotland is an award-winning adventure travel and ecotourism company. They specialise in small group walking and adventure holidays in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

If you fancy sea-kayaking, walking, mountain-biking or sailing in some of the best scenery Scotland can offer then you really should check-out the Wilderness Scotland team. They cover all of the Scottish Highlands and visit locations such as Knoydart, the Cairngorms and Torridon, as well as islands including Skye, the Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland.

They also offer self-guided walking holidays, family activity holidays and can also provide a dedicated tailor-made holiday service where they apply their knowledge, experience and expertise to deliver a customised private group holiday.

Wilderness Scotland are driven by a passion for adventure and a desire to share with others the magic of the Scotland's last remaining wild places.

Being committed to the principles of sustainable tourism, their trips are designed to minimise your impact while maximising the experience for you. This approach was recognised by the award of Scotland's Tourism Business of the Year in 2005.

To find out more about Wilderness Scotland's Adventure holidays click on the links below:

Small Group Walking Holidays in Scotland

Sea-Kayaking in Scotland

Tennis Holidays at La Manga Club in Spain

With Wimbledon just around the corner it's time to dust off the rackets, break out the strawberries and prepare for another year of British tennis success (well, we can live in hope!).

If you're an experienced tennis player or enthusiastic beginner then a tennis holiday is just the thing to really take your game to another level. And the La Manga in Spain club is probably one of the best places in the world to help you brush up your strokes.

The Stunning La Manga Club Resort

Over 25,000 agencies from 182 countries have voted the La Manga Resort in Southern Spain a European resort category winner of the prestigious World Travel Award - an award achieved by only the very best.

Championship Tennis Courts

La Manga Tennis Centre has hosted many prestigious events such as the Davis Cup and Federation Cup matches. It is also the official winter training venue for the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA). The LTA has described La Manga Club as 'the premier sports and leisure resort in Europe'.

The Tennis Centre is situated in the heart of La Manga resort. Facilities include 28 courts (mostly floodlit) in a choice of clay, AstroTurf or hard surfaces.

La Manga Tennis Academy

If you want personalised tuition La Manga Tennis Academy offers the latest V1 digital coaching technology and first-class tuition for all ages. This is in addition to a tennis shop, equipment hire services, racquet service centre, fitness centre, beauty treatments, sauna and jacuzzi.

La Manga Club Tennis Academy will help you brush up your strokes in no time whether you're a complete beginner, a keen amateur or an up-and-coming club player,

Under the direction of La Manga Tennis Club head pro, Fraser Wright, the multilingual coaching team offers a comprehensive, personalised and professional service for individuals, teams and clubs, all year round.

Special Booking Discount

La Manga are pleased to offer an additional £10 per night discount on all provisional reservations made TODAY and confirmed prior to 22 June 2008.

For more information on tennis holidays at La Manga Club in Spain click n the links below:

- Adult Tennis Academy - Tennis Holidays at La Manga, Spain
- Junior Tennis Academy - Tennis Holidays At La Manga, Spain
- Junior Pro Tennis Academy - Tennis Training Holidays At La Manga, Spain

Horse Riding Holidays in the Kaya Valley, Turkey

If you fancy a truely exotic activity vacation then a horse riding holiday in Turkey's Kaya Valley could be perfect for you.

Situated near Oludeniz on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, the scenery is a mixture of sparkling sea, soaring mountains, scented pine forests and ancient towns and villages.

The hosts for your equine adventure are Norma and Peter Butler of Perma Ranch, one of the few select equestrian centres on Turkey's Mediterranean Coast. They are located in the beautiful Kaya valley which was the setting for Louis de Berniere's 'Bird Without Wings'.

The ranch is 3 km from the resort of Hisaronu and just 6 km away from Oludeniz with its wonderful beaches. Also nearby is Fethiye with its lively harbour, stunning sea views and many shops and bazaars.

Perma Ranch offer flexible all year round horse riding holidays and can cater for the disabled. They can offer guided trekking expeditions, jumping lessons and full tuition to complete beginners and experts alike.

Trekking
You will ride over majestic mountains, through pine forests, passing ancient villages where the way of life has remained unchanged for centuries. Perma Ranch offer a number of different horseback treks varying in length.

Jumping
Jumping lessons are available at the ranch and the more competent rider will enjoy their dedicated show-jumping course.

Tuition
Tuition is available from complete beginners to experienced riders and a learning programme can be tailored to each individual.

Horses
The horses at Perma ranch are a mixture of Arabian cross and thoroughbred cross. All are well mannered, safe, pleasant and responsive rides. Several of their horses are safe and capable jumpers.

Accommodation
At the end of a hard day's riding you'll really appreciate some creature comforts. Your stay will be in a luxury ranchhouse, with four air conditioned double bedrooms, all ensuite with tea making facilities & refrigerator.

There is a lounge / dining area with satellite T.V., Video and D.V.D. player.

There is also a fully fitted kitchen and the use of a washing machine, at your disposal.

The house has its own private walled gardens, shaded terrace with aviary and large jaccuzi.

Local Attractions
The Kaya Valley is famed for it's beauty and if you fancy a day off from horse riding you can be sure of a host of activities and distractions:

Beautiful resort of Oludeniz.
Fethiye with it’s magnificent harbour.
Kaya Koy – The largest deserted town in Asia Minor.
Swimming with Dolphins.
Boat trips.
Paragliding.
Scuba Diving.
Microlighting.
Quad Biking.
Jeep Safaris.
White Water Rafting.
Colourful local Bazaars.
Turkish Baths.
Sites of Historical and Archaeological Interest.

Note: we provide two trips at no extra cost – see our prices page for details of destinations.

Your Hosts at the Ranch
Norma & Peter Butler are the owners and managers of Perma Ranch since 2002. There aim is to provide you with an informal and enjoyable stay and a taste of what life is like living on a working ranch. They are genuinely delighted to show their guests everything that this region of Turkey has to offer and you will find, rider and non-rider alike, that there is an abundance of things to see and do. Equally, if you looking for peace and quiet their countryside location offers a peaceful and tranquil haven.

Norma has many years’ experience running a working farm, livery stable and riding school in the UK. She is herself an award winning rider and has also bred champion horses. She is able to provide tuition to riders of many abilities from beginners to advanced.

Peter worked as an engineer in the UK and has used some of his expertise in totally renovating and extending the ranch and its facilities, resulting in high quality and comfortable accommodation.
Disabled GuestsNorma has twenty years' experience of working with riders with various conditions and disabilities ranging from multiple sclerosis and parkinson’s disease to autism and down’s syndrome, both in Turkey and the UK.

She provides individually tailored riding programmes for those whose riding is challenged in this way. Their accommodation is wheelchair friendly and can accommodate groups of up to 8 people, including carers where appropriate.

To meet the riding requirements of disabled riders who are unable to participate in our general riding programme, we reserve weeks for them exclusively so we can ensure that they fully benefit from their riding experience.

We are happy to discuss availability and requirements in detail at the enquiry stage.

Prices
The holiday price is £550 pppw for riders and £350 pppw for non-riders. This includes:

- Transfers to and from Dalaman Airport (transfer time is just over one hour).
- All meals (full board), including 3 dinners at local restaurants in the week.
- Daily riding in the countryside or in the menage as required.
- Two excursions from the options below:
- Trip to Fethiye
- Trip to Patara and Kalkan
- Trip to Sakli Kent, Yaka Park and Tlos

We do not charge a single person supplement.

Please note flights to and from Dalaman are not included and need to be booked independently.
Dalaman Airport is open all year round.

So if you're an experienced horse rider looking for some new challenging rides or a complete beginner looking for an unforgettable holiday experience a holiday at Perma Ranch in Turkey could be just the ticket!

More information on Horse Riding Holidays at Perma Ranch

Garden Tours & Flower Shows with Warner Leisure Hotels

Warner Leisure Hotels offer inspiring UK short breaks, exclusively for adults. You can choose from a selection of nine beautiful hotels, from Grade I listed properties, including a grand castle and manor homes to one with gardens designed by Capability Brown.

Every break at a Warner Leisure Hotel includes:
- Great accommodation
- Full English breakfast
- Three-course evening meal
- Daytime and evening entertainment
- A child-free environment

With summer well underway why not use one of the exclusive Warner Leisure Hotels as a base to take in one of the UK's many flowershows or garden tours. Warner offer a number of packages to help you get the best of the summer garden season. Budding gardeners should look out for the special packages which offer gardening advice and tips.

Warner Leisure Hotels Breaks include trips to Harrogate Flower Show, RHS Tatton Park, Hampton Court, Kew Gardens, RHS Harlow Carr, RHS Wisley and more

Click on the following links for more information on Warner Leisure Hotels Breaks:

Harrogate Flower Show
RHS Flower show at Tatton Park
Hampton Court Flower Show Experience
Littlecote House & Hampton Court Flower Show Day Trip
Summer at Kew Gardens
Yorkshire in Bloom - RHS Harlow Carr
RHS Garden Wisley Borders, Beds & Blooms
RHS Garden Wisley Glories of Autumn
Bodelwyddan Castle & Bodnant Gardens
West Dean Gardens, Sussex
Gunton Hall & Hoveton Hall Gardens Day Trip

About Warner Leisure Hotels

Whether planning a midweek break or an escape for the weekend, Warner short breaks will ensure the perfect getaway! Their hotels are equipped with excellent facilities, great activities and superb entertainment to cater for every break requirement.

Their short breaks include relaxing Spa breaks, lively music and performance breaks, seasonal and festive breaks and a unique range of experience breaks.

When you stay with Warner Leisure Hotels you can plan to do as much or as little as you like!

Guided Battlefield Tours

Are you interested in the great battles that have shaped our world? Perhaps your father or grandfather fought in one of the great wars. If you have an interest in military interest then you are sure to find a battlefield tour fascinating, moving and thought-provoking.

Because of the great interest in this subject a number of specialist tour companies have sprung up to provide informative and sensitive holidays to a variety of battlefield locations in Europe and around the world.

They visit a number of WWI and WWII battlefields across Europe including, D-Day Beaches, The Western Front, Flanders Fields, The Somme, Passchendaele and many more.

For details of battlefield tours available on the Inspiring Holidays website click on the links below:



All Quiet On The Western Front - Battlefield Tour in Belgium & France
The Falklands War Battlefield Tour
Waterloo Campaign Battlefield Tour in Belgium
Walking the Ypres Salient - Battlefield Tour in Belgium
Walking the Somme - Battlefield Tour in France
Battlefield Tour - Last Days of WWI - 90th Anniversary Armistice Weekend
Battlefield Tour - Armistice Day in Normandy
Battlefield Tour - D-Day Landings in Normandy, France
The Greatest Raid of all - Battlefield Tour in Brittany & Normandy, France
Operation Market Garden - Battlefield Tour in the Netherlands
Arnhem & the Rhine Crossings - Battlefield Tour in the Netherlands & Germany
Dunkirk & Fortress Europe - Battlefield Tour in France & Belgium
Battle of the Bulge - Battlefield Tour in Belgium
The Italian Campaign - Battlefield Tour of Italy & Germany
Colditz, Dambusters & the Great Escape - WW2 tour
Battlefields of the Second World War - Holiday in Belgium, The Netherlands & France
Battlefields of World War One - Holiday in Belgium, & France
The Normandy Landing Beaches - Battlefield Holiday in France
Battlefields of France & Flanders - Holiday by Coach with Travelsphere
Little Big Horn Battlefield Holiday with Travelsphere

Walk France with Sherpa Expeditions

Sherpa offer a variety of walking holidays in France encompassing practically the whole country.

You can choose between guided and self-guided options and a number of holidays have options to increase (or decrease) the length of walk.

The hotels used are chosen for their accessibility to the trail and for the warmth of their welcome. Many of their hoteliers are keen walkers themselves and take an active and helpful interest in our clients' progress.

Self-Guided Walks
You set your own pace as you are not limited by the constraints of group travel. You are free to shorten or lengthen your walk as the terrain permits and can even take a day off! As long as you are reasonably active you will be able to find a walk to suit you.

Guided Walks
For those that don't wish to travel alone or would prefer to have a guide Sherpa offer escorted versions of some of their most popular Inn to Inn treks throughout the year. These walks follow the same routes and stay in the same hotels as the self-guided independent trips. The only difference is that instead of getting a set of route notes and maps you get a guide with knowledge of the local area to escort you on your walk.

For more information on specific walks in France click on the links below:

Tarn & Aveyron, Medieval Bastides
The Ardeche
Burgundy Vineyard Trails
Mountains to the Mediterranean
The Cevennes
Dordogne Valley
Loire Valley Vineyard Trails
Corsica, Mountains and Sea
The Meridian Way
Provence with Pleasure
Walking in Haute Provence
The Way of St James
Provence in Van Goghs Footsteps
The Vermillion Coast
Alsace Vineyard Trails

Sherpa Expeditions was founded 30 years ago; long before adventure travel became as widely accepted as it is today, and long before the internet. Since their first offering in 1973 of a month in Nepal including flights for less than $500 (alas no longer available!), they have adapted and adjusted to their clients' needs.

Win an iPod Shuffle

To celebrate the launch of our Inspiring Holidays Facebook page we're giving you the opportunity to win a fabuolous Apple iPod Shuffle.

All you have to do is join the Inspiring Holidays Facebook page as a fan and you'll be entered into our draw.

The winner will be the chosen randomly by our rigorously-tested, scientifically-proven 'first out of the hat' method!

Click here to become a fan on Inspiring Holidays


Competition Terms & Conditions
1. The prize is open to all UK residents aged 18 and over except for employees and immediate families of Inspiring Holidays Ltd and associated companies.
2. Only one entry per person and only one iPod Shuffle as a prize.
3. Winner will be picked at random.
4. No purchase necessary.
5. Closing date for entries is 31st December 2008
6. No cash alternative is available and the prize is non-transferable.
7. Inspiring Holidays Ltd reserves the right to change the specification of the prize in unforeseen circumstances.
8. The winner will be notified in writing within 28 days of the draw.
9. Final decision by Inspiring Holidays Ltd Management.
10. Entry implies acceptance of these terms and conditions.
11. Winner's name and county is available 28 days after closing date. Send an SAE marked 'iPod Results’ to Inspiring Holidays Ltd, Hole Farm, Dittisham, Dartmouth, Devon, TQ60JG.

Special Offers and Late Availability from Leger Holidays

Leger Holidays offer escorted tours to Europe, so if you want to experience the best by coach, rail, air or cruising, then travel with them, as they have the knowledge and experience to make it easy.

Leger Holidays have the following late deals available:

Battlefield Tours
- All Quiet on The Western Front 09/06/2008 for 5 nights - £249 (Was £353)
- D-DAY Landings in Normandy 09/06/2008 for 5 nights - £249 (Was £353)

View more battlefield holidays on inspiringholidays.com

Walking
- Walking in the Italian Sud Tirol 14/06/2008 for 9 nights - £479 (Was £504)

View more walking holidays on inspiringholidays.com

Gardens
- Monets Garden; Versailles & The Splendours of Paris 27/06/2008 for 4 nights - £229 (Was £241)

View more Garden tours & flower shows on inspiringholidays.com

Last Minute Deals from Speedbreaks

Speedbreaks organise a huge range of activity holidays for single travellers include skiing, snowboarding, tennis, sailing, diving, and adventure holidays.

They have a few last minute deals but you’ll have to hurry fast:

Short Breaks in June

Fri June 13 - Lake District - gorge walking, abseiling, kayakiing…
A brilliant way to spend your weekend. They have lined up a fantastic program of activities for you around the beautiful Coniston in the Lake District. The activities you will enjoy over the course of the weekend include abseiling, gorge walking, canoeing, kayaking and archery.

Thurs June 19 - Italy Gourmet Holiday - 4 nights from £439 (men required - women sold out)
During this trip you will have the chance to discover the many flavours of the Friuli region, from its art and history to its renowned wine and cuisine.

Thurs June 19 - Soca Valley, Slovenian Adventure - 5 nights from £379
This Slovenian adventure will offer you a holiday you’ll never forget. The Soca offers just about everything you can ever imagine: impressive mountain scenery, unspoilt landscape and more than forty different land, water and air sports activities.

View more singles holidays on the Inspiring Holidays website:

Singles Activity Holidays
Singles Special Interest Holidays

Cycling Holidays on inspiringholidays.com

If you’re already a keen cyclist then you won’t need persuading of the charms of life on two wheels as opposed to four. If you like the idea of a cycling holiday but aren’t sure if it’s for you then read on. At inspiringholidays.com we’re sure to have a cycling holiday to suit you.

Whether you fancy gliding effortlessly through French vineyards or hurtling down the side of a Swiss mountain on an MTB then take a look at the Inspiring Holidays website for more information



Here’s just a selection of the cycling holidays we have available on www.inspiringholidays.com

Cycling Holiday in Haute Provence, France (Self-Guided)
The Vineyards Of Bordeaux - Cycling Through Gironde, France (Self-Guided)
Cycle The Loire Valley, France (Self-Guided)
Biking Through Burgundy, France (Self-Guided)
Historic Dordogne- Cycling In The Southwest Of France(Self-Guided)
Cycle The Back Roads Of Provence, France (Self-Guided)
Cycle England’s Cotswolds (Self-Guided)
Cycle The Yorkshire Dales In England (Self-Guided)
Cycle Catalonia - Pyrenees To The Mediterranean (Self-Guided)
Cycle The Lakes Of Lombardy, Italy (Self-Guided)
Cycling Holiday in Tuscany, Italy (Self-Guided)
Cycling In Sardinia, Italy (Self-Guided)
Cycling South Of Siena, Italy (Self-Guided)
Cycling Through The Alentejo, Portugal (Self-Guided)
Cycling Holiday In Finland’s Turku Archipelago (Self-Guided)
Cycling From Salzburg - The Mozart Cycle Path (Self-Guided)
Cycling From Vienna To Prague (Self Guided)

Antarctic Cruises - Journey to the Far South

Many superlatives are used to describe Antarctica but nothing prepares you for its awe-inspiring beauty. Sculpted aquamarine icebergs float beneath vast glaciers and soaring cliffs provide the backdrop to abandoned whaling and research stations.

Whilst the scenery is truly spectacular, for many the magical moments are those spent watching penguins run and slide on the ice, seals play or whales break the surface of the water.

Inspiring Holidays has a wide selection of Antarctic cruises to view on their website including holidays from the Adventure Company, Kuoni and Page & Moy:

Antarctic Peninsula - An Expedition Cruise with the Adventure Company

Antarctic Peninsula & Polar Circle - An Expedition Cruise with the Adventure Company

Falkland Islands & South Georgia - An Expedition Cruise with the Adventure Company

Antarctic Discovery Cruise on the MV Antarctic Dream with Kuoni Travel

Shackleton’s Antarctica ( 18th Oct 2008 ) - Cruise with Page & Moy

Realm of the Polar Bear - Expedition Cruise to Northern Norway

Edinburgh Military Tattoo - The Greatest Show on Earth

The 2008 Edinburgh Tattoo will take place from 1st - 23rd August 2008

Edinburgh Military Tattoo is one of those events that will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up as it celebrates over 50 years of music and spectacle.

For sheer excitement, grandeur and spectacle it just can’t be beaten.

Traditional pipes and drums, Highland dancers, intricate displays by cavalry, military dog teams, the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle! These are some of the images you will take home from this sight and sound spectacular.

Inspiring Holidays is pleased to present a number of tour options to the Tattoo from a range of established tour operators:

Edinburgh Military Tattoo - 2 Night Break in Scotland with Gold Crest Holidays
Edinburgh Military Tattoo - 5 Day Holiday in Scotland with Leger Holidays
Edinburgh Military Tattoo - 3 Day Short Break in Scotland with Leger Holidays
Edinburgh Military Tattoo - 2 Night Midweek Break with Superbreak.com

If you really fancy going to Edinburgh in style then how about a trip on the famous Northern Belle Train. Operated by Orient-Express this will be one holiday you really won’t forget in a
hurry:
Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Northern Belle Train

Tattoo Fact File
The Edinburgh Military Tattoo website details a list of interesting facts about the Tattoo:

1. The first Edinburgh Military Tattoo took place in 1950 with eight items in the programme.
2. The annual audience for the Tattoo is around 217,000. More than 12 million people have attended over the years.
3. The international television audience is around 100 million people
4. Approximately 70 per cent of each audience is from outside Scotland. Half of these are from overseas.
5. Each year 100,000 people visit the Tattoo's new attraction at the top of the Royal Mile. The Spirt of the Tattoo - the compelling story of Edinburgh's Military Tattoo, featuring an interactive exhibition, movie theatre and gift shop.
6. The first commercial twelve inch stereo LP record of the Tattoo was released in 1961.
   2007 marked the Tattoo’s ninth successive sell-out season, generating some £4.8 million in box office receipts.
7. Around 35 miles of cabling (the distance from Edinburgh to Glasgow) is required.
8. The event was first seen in colour on TV in 1968.
9. From 1950 to 1991, there were four producers - Lt Col George Malcolm of Poltalloch, Brigadier MacLean, Brigadier Sanderson and Lt Col Dow.
10. Major Michael Parker then took over as producer for the 1992, 1993 and 1994 Tattoos. He was succeeded by Brigadier Melville Jameson in 1995. who in turn was followed by Major General Euan Loudon in March 2007.
11. The first overseas regiment to participate was the Band of the Royal Netherlands Grenadiers. The year was 1952, and there were also performers from Canada and France.
12. The first lone piper was Pipe Major George Stoddart. He played in every performance for the first eleven years. His son, Major Gavin Stoddart, followed his father as lone piper at the Tattoo and became Director of Army Bagpipe Music for 12 years.
13. Hollywood movie producer Mike Todd, the fourth husband of film star Elizabeth Taylor, made a documentary programme on the Tattoo in 1950.
14. Not a single performance of the Tattoo has ever been cancelled.
15. The Tattoo is set up and run for charitable purposes. Over the years, it has gifted some £5 million to service and civilian organisations.
16. At the last official independent count, visitors to the Tattoo contributed an estimated £88 million to the Scottish economy.
17. The Tattoo has always been staged at Edinburgh Castle. Rehearsals take place at Redford Barracks in Edinburgh.
18. Over 40 countries have been represented at the Tattoo.
19. The word ‘tattoo’ comes from the closing-time cry in the inns in the Low Countries during the 17th and 18th centuries - ‘Doe den tap toe’ (‘Turn off the taps’).

For more information on the Tattoo visit www.edinburgh-tattoo.co.uk

10% off all Isango! Holidays on inspiringholidays.com

Isango! offers a fantastic source of exciting and colorful experiences, holiday tours, sightseeing, attractions, activities and things to do in more than 50 countries across the world.

And if you use the promotional code below you’ll receive a further 10% discount off your booking cost:

Promotion Code: CJHLNAK






Follow the links to view some Isango! holidays:
Six Day Ananda Yoga & Wellness Holiday

Four Day Ananda Yoga & Wellness Holiday

Salmon and Trout Fishing - Shannon, Ireland

Mixed fishing in the Shannon Region, Ireland

Brown Trout Fishing in the Shannon Region, Ireland

Pike Fishing in the Shannon Region, Ireland

Atlas Mountains Horseback Expedition Holiday

Bird Watching Holiday in Peru

Atlantic Coast Bike Tour, Cycling Holiday in Portugal

Alentejo Bike Tour - Cycling Holiday in Portugal

Bike Tour around Setubal - Cycling Holiday in Portugal

Baltic Bike Tour - Cycling Holiday in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia

Inspiringholidays.com - Find us on Facebook

Inspiring Holidays has taken a plunge into the world of social-networking. No, we’re not sure what that means either but if you want to find out then visit the Inspiring Holidays Facebook Page.

You can join as a ‘fan’ of inspiring holidays, take part in discussions, post comments, connect with other like-minded activity holiday enthusiasts plus use all the other widgets, bolt-ons & thingys that Facebook users use. Frankly, we’re baffled by the whole thing but if you know what to do please enlighten us by visiting our

Facebook Page.

About FacebookFacebook is a social utility that connects people with friends and others who work, study and live around them. People use Facebook to keep up with friends, upload an unlimited number of photos, share links and videos, and learn more about the people they meet.

Anyone can join Facebook - All that’s needed to join Facebook is a valid email address. To connect with coworkers or classmates, use your school or work email address to register. Once you register, join a regional network to connect with the people in your area.

Discover the people around you - Facebook is made up of many networks, each based around a company, region, or school. Join the networks that reflect your real-life communities to learn more about the people who work, live, or study around you.

Blog

You can also find links to our Blog on the following Directories:

blogarama.com

The Mosaic Studio join inspiringholidays.com

The latest holiday provider to join www.inspiringholidays.com is Leigh-on-Sea based ‘The Mosaic Studio’.

As their name would suggest they are specialists in the design, creation and installation of Mosaics. And if you think Mosaics are all about bits of old Roman pottery then you really do need to check out their website to see some of the fantastic contemporary designs they have produced.


The Mosaic Studio has created a large body of work for private clients, corporate businesses and public spaces. They range from small, intricate designs to large pieces that fill floors in shopping malls.

Paul Siggins, founder of The Mosaic Studio, is a skilled artist & craftsman. He combines innovative, contemporary design with over 20 years’ extensive technical knowledge - a combination which enables us to collaborate productively and successfully with architects & designers.

Paul has exhibited in London, France and the NEC. He was guest speaker at a gathering of International Mosaicists in France and is author of ‘The Mosaic Sourcebook’ . His work has featured in numerous national publications and he has contributed to a number of TV programmes.

If you’ve ever fancied learning to produce mosaics, or indeed if you want to develop existing skills then you’ll be interested to hear that The Mosaic Studio also offer a range of courses in this fascinating artform:




Weekend & 1 Day Courses
Informal, inspiring and highly rewarding, they offer 1 Day and Weekend Courses at their delightful purpose-built studio in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. They supply all the tools, materials and guidance you need to design and produce a challenging mosaic project. On completion, guests leave with their own mosaic work and are equipped with the confidence to tackle future projects on their own.
To maintain the highest standards of one-to-one tuition, they offer limited places and advise early booking.

Corporate & Group Workshops
Much can be achieved by a group working together. Whether you are looking to reward staff with a truly unique experience resulting in a sizeable artwork for siting in your office or grounds - or simply want to attend a course as part of a group, they offer tailored packages to suit groups of all sizes.

For more information on The Mosaic Studio and their Courses see their listing on the Inspiring Holidays website.

Language Holidays from Cactus Languages

We’re pleased to welcome Cactus Languages on to the inspiringholidays.com website.

This Brighton-based travel company specialises in language holidays around the world. What’s particlarly great about them is the fact you can combine learning a language with a range of different activity based holidays.

Here’s just a sample:

- Learn Spanish & Surfing in Costa Rica

- Learn French & the art of Provencal Cooking in France

- Learn Italian & Opera in Italy

- Learn Spanish & Salsa Dancing in Barcelona

- Learn Spanish & Tango Dancing in Argentina

… & the list goes on including Yoga, Tennis, Sailing, Photography & more. Of course, you’re free just to take a simple language course in French, Spanish, German or one of the many languages they cater for.

For more information check out our language holidays section

A return to the Golden Age of Rail

Back in the Industrial revolution it was the development of the steam engine that gave rise to the relatively modern concept of holiday-making. The linking of the great British cities and the coast meant that factory workers could now travel quickly, cheaply and efficiently to seaside resorts to enjoy their free time.

For over half a century trains became the principal mode of transport for going on holiday. For many, the trips were cheap and cheerful but for others the golden age of railways represented the golden age of travel as well.


And then came the jet engine and cheap mass travel to foreign shores and somehow we managed to forget about the train. Years of under-investment in our own national rail network provided even more disillusionment with a service that had once been the envy of the world. However train travel is increasingly coming back into vogue, not only as a means to get from A to B but also as a holiday experience in its own right, and what’s more research has suggested that it’s a more environmentally-friendly way of travelling.

One only has to mention the name ‘Orient Express’ and you are instantly transported back to an age of elegance and style where ‘getting there’ wasn’t an ordeal but an integral part of the holiday. In fact Orient Express trains & holidays are alive and well and still providing the ultimate in luxury train travel. A number of Orient Express holidays are featured on the inspiringholidays.com website.


Although Orient Express represents the ultimate in train holidays there are in fact train holidays to suit all tastes and budgets. And one of the great things about holidaying by train is that it opens up views and landscapes often unseen by other forms of transport. In fact some train holidays such as the trans-Canadian railroad or cross-Australia route are consistently voted amongst the top travel experiences.


If you’re interested in holidaying by train inspiringholidays.com features a range of train holidays in countries as diverse as Peru, India and Canada as well as luxury journeys around the British Isles. They feature holidays from tour operators such as Orient-Express, Kuoni, Travelsphere, Cosmos and more.

View train holidays…

Focus on Windsurfing Holidays

There’s not much that can beat the sensation of skimming across a warm blue Mediterranean sea on a windsurf board. With your feet in the straps, your harness hooked in and your sail powered up, frankly life doesn’t get much sweeter!

Windsurfing, as we know it, has been around since the late sixties but developed rapidly during 1970s and 80s. With advances in design & materials the sport has become much more accessible at the entry level but has also pushed the boundaries at the extreme sports level.

Learning to windsurf has a number of advantages. It’s relatively cheap to get set up, it’s portable, it’s a sport that can be enjoyed by young and old, there’s a huge opportunity to develop new skills and you can do it in a wide range of weather conditions.

The only requirements for learning to windsurf are basic fitness, a good sense of balance and a willingness to ‘give it a go’. For anyone interested in learning to windsurf we would recommend a few taster sessions, either at a beach, river or lake near home or whilst on holiday. If the windsurfing bug then starts to bite then there are a large number of watersports holiday providers in this country and abroad who can help you progress whilst giving you a superb holiday at the same time.

If you’re interested in a windsurf holiday then there are a few things you need to think about

- Do you want a dedicated windsurfing holiday or are you looking a more general watersports holiday with other activities such as sailing or kayaking?

- Be realistic about your capabilities. Don’t go to an ‘extreme’ windsurf centre if you’re just learning and equally choose a centre with conditions that will let you develop.

- Are the family coming too? Nothing is guaranteed to spread family disharmony if a non-windsurfing partner and children are stuck on a wind-swept beach with no facilities. Choose a resort or holiday that has something for the whole family.

- Facilities: Make sure that the holiday provider has up-to-date kit, trained, experienced staff and a good reputation.

If you’re interested in a windsurfing or watersports break then inspiringholidays.com has a wide range of holidays from different providers and in some fantastic locations.

View Watersports holidays…
View Windsurfing holidays…
View Dinghy & Catamaran Sailing Holidays…