Trekking Holidays in Nepal

The latest company to advertise on inspiringholidays.com is Botanical Treks and Excursions, a registered trekking company based in Kathmandu Nepal. They specialise in nature and scientific travel as well as adventure trekking throughout Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan.

The company leads trekking holidays which explore the unique natural environment in the high Himalayan valleys, national parks and wildlife reserves. These treks are carried out in association with amateur and professional botanists with specialist knowledge on high altitude plants.

As well as specialist botanical treks the company also leads treks and mountain expeditions for adventure seekers in Nepal, Tibet & Bhutan. They have a wide range of excellent trekking options for visitors ranging from easy walking excursions to strenuous climbs of the majestic snowy peaks. On a Botanical Treks Holiday you will be immersed in the culture and natural world of the Himalayan region.

Botanical Treks & Excursions is an active member of the Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN), Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), and Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) and recognized by Nepal Government, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. All treks are lead by professional trekking guides, climbing guides and sherpas with the relevant qualifications & proper training from government recognized institutions.

Here are just a selection of the wonderful trekking holidays offered by Botanical Treks:

• Everest Base Camp Trek
• Anapurna Base Camp Trek
• Mera Peak Climbing
• Ghorepani Pun Hill Trek (Annapurna)
• Langtang Valley Botanical Trek
• Mount Manaslu Trek via Larke La Pass

Great British Folk Festival Weekend

This December sees Skegness hosting the first ever Great British Folk Festival weekend. Enjoy a three night break where you can see big-name acts performing live and plus plenty of activities to keep you entertained during the day. This is a great opportunity to see live acoustic acts in a festival atmosphere without the mud!

Some of the finest folk talent in the world will be at the Great British Folk Festival weekend. We’ve got a fantastic line-up of folk stars of past and present, including Sandi Thom, Kate Rusby, Richard Digance, The Dylan Project and Legends of Folk Rock: current and former members of Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span, Jethro Tull, Lindisfarne and Magna Carta & The Albion Band.

There’s more acts yet to be announced and as with all Big Weekends, you'll be given plenty of activities to keep you entertained throughout the day.

The Butlins Skegness Folk Festival is set to be the best winter Folk Weekend of 2010. The line up of Folk artists and dance acts is just superb and the list is ever growing.

Confirmed

Sandi Thom - Singer Sandi Thom made it big in 2006 with a series of live internet broadcasts and had a UK Number 1 with I wish I was a Punk Rocker (With Flowers in my Hair).

Kate Rusby - Famed for her duet with Ronan Keating, Mercury Prize-nominated singer/songwriter Kate Rusby is bringing her stunning voice and songwriting talents to Butlins.

Jiggery Pipery - Jiggerypipery are now a well established act, forming in 1999, they quickly defined their own unique style and sound. With two albums, ‘Jiggerypipery’ & ‘The Drift’ under their belts, they continue to forge ahead with both albums having had extensive radio play on national and local radio.

Acoustic Strawbs - Acoustic Strawbs are David Cousins, Dave Lambert, and Chas Cronk , the front-line of the classic 1970s line-up of Britain ’s most successful international folk-rock band, and who tour regularly as Acoustic Strawbs.

The Gathering of: - Folk super group Gathering: The Legends of Folk Rock includes former members of Jethro Tull, Lindisfarne and Fairport Convention.

Away with the Faeries - Since forming "Away With The Faeries" in 2009 the band have worked to develop their own unique acoustic sound, blending traditional folk music with their own material.

Oyster Band - With 30 years of folk music and the BBC Folk Award for Best Group under their belt, the Oyster Band is one of the most experienced acts on the folk scene.

Also Appearing
 - The Gary Fletcher Band
 - Hunter Muskett
 - John Renbourn & Jacqui McShee
 - Phil Cool
 - The Dylan Project

STOP PRESS - Just Announced - Donovan will also be appearing

Fri 3 – Mon 6 Dec, Butlins Skegness Resort
3 nights from only £69 per person

Find out more...

The Trail of The Marrakech Express

Special offer on the The Trail of The Marrakech Express rail holiday.  Marrakech is known as the  Pearl of the South. It enjoys a spectacular setting between the desert and towering peaks of the High Atlas Mountains.

Board your train for a scenic journey via Meknes, past rolling hills and vineyards to Fez, one of the best-preserved medieval Islamic cities and the oldest cultural and spiritual city in Morocco.

Enjoy a spectacular train ride to Rabat, Morocco’s ancient royal capital. On our included sightseeing tour you will visit the Mohammed V Mausoleum, the unfinished Hassan Tower, the Medina and the Oudaias Kasbah.

There is also an opportunity to visit the peaceful Ourika Valley and sample tribal village life, where many still live in mudbrick houses.

Departures from Heathrow/ Regional connecting flights available.

WHAT’S INCLUDED
- The services of an experienced Tour Manager
- 7 nights half board
- 4 or 5 star hotels

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
- Casablanca
-  Fez
- Volubilis, Moulay Idriss & Meknes
- Rabat
- Marrakech

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
- Ourika Valley
- Essaouira

Your Itinerary

DAY 1 UK/CASABLANCA - Fly to Casablanca and transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.

DAY 2 CASABLANCA - Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Casablanca. Later we board the train for a scenic journey to Fez. We travel via the old capital city of Rabat, then turn inland through orange groves before the train climbs, twisting and turning all the way to the Imperial city of Meknes. Our train then descends via horseshoe curves through the northern edge of Morocco’s main wine-producing area to Fez.

DAY 3 FEZ - We’ll explore Fez today, one of the world’s best-preserved mediaeval Islamic cities and the oldest cultural and spiritual city in Morocco. Hidden among a sea of flat roofs and tall minarets, you will find a maze of streets, alleys, passages and stairways that take you to a glittering array of stalls, selling everything from silver jewellery to the local mint tea. Our included sightseeing tour takes you to the souks, the 9th-century Karaouline University, the Nejjarine Fountain, the Tanneries and the Royal Palace. Join our optional folklore show this evening featuring a magician, belly dancing and live Berber music.

DAY 4 VOLUBILIS, MOULAY IDRISS & MEKNES - Leaving Fez behind, we head to the spectacular ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, with its forum and houses containing well preserved mosaics, then continue on to the hilltop setting of Moulay Idriss, a holy sacred town with whitewashed walls and green roofs. We have some free time here before continuing to nearby Meknes, one man’s unfinished vision, founded at the end of the 17th century. For 55 years, Moulay Ismail filled this great imperial city with palaces, mosques, gardens and much more. On our panoramic tour we see the monumental Khmiss Gate, the city walls and the Jewish Quarter, before boarding the train to Rabat for an overnight stay.

DAY 5 RABAT - The capital of Morocco, Rabat is where the King resides. The rich history all around is easy to see as you visit the sights or do some shopping at the street stalls. On our included sightseeing tour you will visit the Mohammed V Mausoleum, the unfinished Hassan Tower, the Medina and the Oudaias Kasbah, before we board the afternoon train to Marrakech.

DAY 6 MARRAKECH - Marrakech is known as the ‘Pearl of the South’. It enjoys a spectacular setting between the desert and towering peaks of the High Atlas Mountains. We include a city tour of colourful Marrakech. At its heart is the bustling square, Djemma El Fna. We also visit the Bahia Palace and prison ruins, before walking through the vibrant Jewish Quarter and spice markets to the Badia Palace.

DAY 7 OURIKA - Not too far from Marrakech is the peaceful valley of Ourika, the destination for one of today’s optional excursions.

DAY 8 MARRAKECH/UK - Transfer to the airport for the return flight to the UK.

Special Offer - Save £150

23/10/2010 - 8 DAYS
Was £1,199. Now £1,049. SAVE £150

06/11/2010 - 8 DAYS
Was £1,149. Now £999. SAVE £150

Find out more...
Visit the Page & Moy Website or tel: 0845 358 2639

South African Safari with Cape Town

South African Safari with Cape Town Add on Special Offer.

See incredible wildlife in its natural habitat. Experience the thrill of a safari in Kruger National Park, stroll through a Victorian Gold Rush village and a Zulu homestead, follow the Garden Route, take in the view from Table Mountain, experience the diverse and fascinating scenery of South Africa with Page & Moy.

This fantastic value for money holiday takes you to some of the best best game reserves in South Africa for a real holiday of a lifetime.  And to top it all you you can then choose to spend some time in Cape Town!

Holiday Highlights
- Get close to nature on spectacular game drives
- City tour of Cape Town

Holiday Includes
- Services of a local guide
- Return scheduled flights to Johannesburg returning from Cape Town
- Transfers between airport and lodge
- Morning game drive in Kruger National Park
- Two game drives in the Thanda Nani Game Reserve
- All hotel baggage handling for one piece of luggage per person
- All State and local taxes
- All UK and overseas airport taxes and security charges

Included Excursions
- Game drive in Kruger National Park
- Two game drives in Thanda Nani Game Reserve
- City tour of Cape Town

Optional Excursions
- Game drive in Kruger National Park
- Game drive in Thanda Nani
- Range of excursions in Cape Town

Your Itinerary

DAY 1: UK to Johannesburg - Depart on your scheduled flight to Johannesburg.

DAY 2: Thanda Nani Lodge - On arrival in Johannesburg, transfer to the Thanda Nani Lodge, where you will stay for the next four nights. Settle into your room this afternoon before enjoying a traditional ‘Spitbraai’ – BBQ – dinner at the lodge.

DAY 3: Kruger National Park - This morning we include a game drive in the Kruger National Park. This is one of the most famous game reserves in the world and arguably the best in South Africa. It is home to the Big Five – elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard, and your guide will point these, and many other animals, out along the way. Enjoy time to relax while dinner is prepared over an open fire.

DAY 4: Thanda Nani Game Reserve - This morning we include a game drive in the Thanda Nani Game Reserve, which is home to black and white rhino, antelope, impala, giraffe, ostrich, hippo, crocodiles and much more. The reserve also has a breeding programme for endangered species. This afternoon, you are free to relax in the lodge, or join an optional game drive in the reserve. Dinner is included at the lodge tonight.

DAY 5: Thanda Nani Game Reserve - Join an optional game drive this morning into Kruger National Park, then we include an afternoon game drive in the Thanda Nani Game Reserve. Dinner this evening will be a traditional ‘Braai’, or BBQ, at the lodge.

DAY 6: Johannesburg - Transfer by coach to Johannesburg airport for your flight to Cape Town. On arrival transfer to your hotel for a four night stay.

DAYS 7 TO 9: Cape Town - Cape Town enjoys an incomparable setting, set in the shadow of spectacular Table Mountain and within easy reach of vine-covered valleys, plunging cliffs, spectacular mountains and golden sandy beaches. We have included a half day city tour of Cap Town, you are then free to relax or join our selection of optional excursions.

DAY 10: Cape Town to UK - After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight back to the UK.

DAY 11: UK - Arrival in the UK.

Special Offer
Save £150 on the following departures: 13/09/2010, 27/09/2010, 26/10/2010, 02/11/2010
11 Days - Was £1,499. Now £1,349. Save £150

Find out more...
Visit the Page & Moy Website or tel: 0845 358 2639

Culinary Tour of Vietnam and Cambodia

Save GBP150 on a magical culinary tour of Vietnam and Cambodia this November. The food of south-east Asia is a taste sensation, from the fiery curries and satisfying noodle dishes to the fragrant salads and fabulous fresh fruit. Explore this wonderful country in the best possible way through its food.

Highlights include a magical journey with two superb cookery classes included plus dine at excellent local restaurants to sample traditional cuisine.

Included excursions
- Angkor Wat
- Ta Prohm
- Cookery class in Siem Reap
- Phnom Penh
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Mekong Delta
- Hoi An walking tour
- Hanoi
- Angkor Thom
- Sunset at Angkor Wat
- Hanoi orientation tour
- Water puppets
- Halong Bay
- Tra Que & Red Bridge cookery class

Optional excursions
- Early morning in Hoi An
- Early morning in Hanoi

Meal arrangements
- 10 nights including 9 breakfasts, plus 9 lunches and 6 evening meals

Also included
- The services of an experienced Page & Moy Tour manager and an english-speaking local guide
- Hotel porterage

Special Offer
Save £150pp on 11th November 2010 departure.
12 days - Was £2,309. Now £2,159. Save £150

Find out more - Visit the Page & Moy website or tel: 0845 358 2639

Edinburgh Tattoo Rail Holiday

Scotland rail holiday featuring the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Enjoy the spectacle of marching bands at the Edinburgh Tattoo, with pipes and drums resonating from this marvellous setting. Combine this with the stunning lochs, glens and mountains of western Scotland . Join us to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee Year of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Tour highlights
- Glasgow
- Journey on the West Highland Railway
- Visit to a whisky distillery
- Journey on the Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway
- Edinburgh's Military Tattoo in its Diamond Jubilee Year

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Glasgow
Your tour begins in Glasgow, where your Tour Manager will be waiting for you in the Radisson Blu Hotel or the Park Inn (26 August departure). Take some time to settle in before we meet for dinner in the hotel's restaurant. (D)

Day 2 - Exploring the West Highlands
We set off today on the enchanting West Highland Railway, renowned for its incredible views across the Scottish countryside. Relax in your seat as the train carries us along the banks of rippling lochs and through verdant forests, past cascading waterfalls streaming down craggy rock-faces. Rugged peaks and untamed moorland stretch as far as the eye can see, and we reach Fort William under the looming bulk of Ben Nevis. After time for lunch, we make a visit to a whisky distillery, with a chance to sample a wee dram. Our return journey to Glasgow takes us through the spectacular scenery of the Glencoe region and past Loch Lomond. (B,D)

Day 3 - Edinburgh and the Edinburgh Tattoo
After a morning at leisure, we set out by coach for the Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway and our trip on one of the lovingly-restored locomotives. The line takes us along the shore of the Forth and climbs into the hills, before pulling into Birkhill, a picturesque town set on a wooded incline. We continue to Scotland's cosmopolitan capital, where we have plenty of time to enjoy dinner before settling into our seats for the highlight of our trip, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. This musical spectacular, featuring the massed pipes and drums of the Scottish regiments, is set against the magnificent backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the ancient city and dominating the skyline. (B)

Day 4 - A day at leisure in Glasgow
Today is free to explore the city of Glasgow. Admire the architecture of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, one of Glasgow's most famous sons, or discover one of the numerous art galleries and museums in the city. (B)

Day 5 - Homeward bound
After breakfast this morning you are free to say your goodbyes and leave Glasgow at your leisure. Alternatively, why not explore this delightful city further before departing later today? (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.  These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday

Diamond Jubilee Event
2010 marks the Diamond Jubilee Year of the Edinburgh's celebrated Military Tattoo, so promises to be an extra special event. Set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle the Tattoo will host military bands from across the globe, including South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

The tattoo reflects military tradition dating back centuries when regiments stationed in the Low Countries were signaled back to barracks in the evening by the pipes and drums being marched through the town.

Did you know that 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' means 'turn off the taps'.

Find out more - Visit the Great Rail Jouneys Website

Picos de Europa Walking Holiday in Spain

Explore the trails in these northern Spanish mountains. The Picos de Europa are a compact and dramatic range of limestone mountains in northern Spain. The rugged and unspoilt landscape is home to vultures and chamois, and is dotted with remote villages.

This trekking itinerary follows a circular route and passes through some of the most well-known areas, including the Cares Gorge, a dramatic chasm up to 1000m deep. Elsewhere, you will visit the natural amphitheatre at Fuente Dé and the remote valley of Valdeon before heading out of the mountains and reaching San Vicente, a delightful old fishing village on the coast.

• Walk in the dramatic Picos
• Picturesque villages
• Spectacular scenery

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Bilbao - After your flight to Bilbao you transfer to your accommodation in Arenas de Cabrales. From here you have views up to the highest peak in the national park. Distinctive hotel - 7 nights.

Day 2: Walk up Juan Robre - Today starts with a walk straight from the door of your hotel. Once you are out of the village, a Roman path takes you up to the high pastures of Nava, which become a sea of flowers in May and June. As you continue up, the scenery may start to look more familiar as features similar to the Yorkshire Dales appear, with limestone outcrops jutting out everywhere. If you look up in the air, you may be lucky enough to see a variety of eagles and vultures soaring above you and floating on the thermals. The path then leads you up to the summit of Juan Robre, from where you will have commanding views of Arenas far below and the jagged peaks of the Central Massif in the distance. You descend via the Juan Robre ridge, which brings you back to Arenas where you can enjoy a well deserved cold drink to cool you down. (BLD)

Day 3: Cares Gorge - Described as the "jewel in the crown of walking in Spain", today you visit Cares Gorge. For 12km , the engineered path has been blasted into the rock face. Originally built in the 1940s as part of a hydroelectric scheme, it has now become one of the most popular Spanish walks. The surrounding peaks reach over 2000m in places, making for a stunning backdrop. If you are lucky, you may also catch a glimpse of the rare and beautiful wall creeper; a pretty bird which is mostly grey with rounded black wings that have central red patches. You eventually emerge in the village of Cain, where you stop for lunch before returning back along the same routeto Puente Poncebos, where transport will be waiting to take you back to Arenas. (BLD)

Day 4: Pandebano Col - Today you walk up to the Pandebano Col with amazing views of the monolithic peak of Naranjo de Bulnes. From here you continue on up to what is one of the classic viewpoints of the Picos at the summit of Peña Main. You then descend through forest and pastures until you reach the village of Tielve, where you meet your transport and head back to Arenas. (BLD)

Day 5: Free Day - Today is a free day so you can choose what you want to do, whether you want to visit the coast or try a spot of caving, canoeing or canyoning. Alternatively, if you are really keen, you can go for another walk!

Fuente Dé is one of the important tourist attractions in Cantabria due to the existence of its cable-car, which dates back to the beginning of the 20th Century. The top station (1834m) offers a fantastic viewpoint over the Picos and the surrounding mountains of the Cordillera Cantábrica. Fuente Dé itself is an impressive rock amphitheatre, actually a glacial corrie, of enormous dimensions. It is possible to walk up to the top cable car station, although the route gets rather steep at the end.

From the top, it is possible to walk down through the pastures of Áliva towards Espinama and Fuente Dé, perhaps stopping en route at a hotel to enjoy a drink and take in stunning views of the impressive rock face of Peña Vieja, the highest mountain in Cantabria at 2613 m. It is also possible to enjoy a refreshing dip in the Lagos de Lloroza. (B)

Day 6: Western Massif - A short drive takes you to the rarely visited foothills of the Western Massif for a varied circular walk, which includes an ascent of Peña Pandescura (1000m) before dropping down through an ancient forest to the Casaño Gorge, where in the summer months it's possible to bath in the rockpools along the course of the river. (BLD)

Day 7: Twin Summits of Mancondiu - To round off your holiday, your last full day will be spent enjoying the remaining stunning peaks. At 2000m, the twin summits of Mancondiu are the highest point that you reach during the week. The majority of the walking today will be done on disused mining tracks, apart from the last 200m. When you reach the top you will be rewarded with fantastic views of the Central and Eastern Massifs and for the brave, an easy but exposed traverse between the two summits marks a highlight to a varied week in an area that has been described as, "The most scenic exposure of compact limestone in Western Europe". (BLD)

Day 8: Fly Home - Today, it is time to say goodbye to Spain and your new found friends. You will drive to Bilbao where the trip ends for Land Only clients. Clients on group flights will fly home.

8 days from £669

Visit the Adventure Company Website or Tel 0845 609 0837

Cinque Terre Walking Holiday in Italy

Cinque Terre Walking Holiday in Italy with GAP Adventures.

Head out into the Cinque Terre National Park and walk the original coastal trail from Riomaggiore to Monterosso, passing through all five of the beautiful Cinque Terre villages. Enjoy spectacular views, with plenty of time for stops to sample some locally-produced wine (or Cinque Terre limoncello!) and freshly caught seafood for lunch.

Venture onto one of the inland and rather higher trails, which winds for much of the route through cool and shady woodland.

Enjoy the freedom to explore the Cinque Terre region. Choose from many optional activities to suit all interests - hiking, biking, boat trips, diving, relaxing on the beach or perhaps a cookery class in typical Ligurian cuisine.

Take the opportunity to jump on a train to visit some of central Italy's highlights. The iconic Tower of Pisa, the art galleries and culture of Florence, Genoa, Portofino and some fabulous beaches for the sun-seekers are all within easy reach!

From £399

Visit the GAP Adventures Website

The Best of Mont Blanc Walking Holiday

The Best of Mont Blanc Walking Holiday in France with The Adventure Company.

Reaching the summit of Mont Blanc in the French Alps is an ambition for many climbers, but you can enjoy the natural splendour of this region without actually climbing the mountain.

Following trails through woodlands and pastures, past glaciers and lakes, you will experience the full scale of the mountains without any need for technical skills or a head for heights. Some of the ascents use fixed cables or rails.

The Mont Blanc massif straddles the borders of France, Italy and Switzerland, and includes western Europe’s highest mountain – Mont Blanc (4810m). Throughout the itinerary there are opportunities for great views of the mountain, but there are also plenty of other attractions, including walks to Col de La Fenêtre, Lac de Pormenaz and the Tour Glacier.

The Alpine flowers add a splash of colour, and if you keep your eyes open you should spot marmots and maybe something bigger.

• Mountain walking
• Breathtaking views
• Lakes & glaciers

8 days from £899
Plus get an extra £50 off 17 Jul departure

Visit the Adventure Company Website or Tel 0845 609 0837