Showing posts with label GAP. Show all posts
Showing posts with label GAP. Show all posts

Friday, 12 March 2010

Save 20% on Greek Islands Sailing Holidays


Sail the Greek Islands in May and Save 20% with GAP Adventures

With 4 different routes, GAP Adventures extensive Greek Islands sailing program offers affordable tours to some of the most remote, beautiful scenery in all of Greece.

For May departures, save 20% if you book any one of their 8, 10, 15 or 22 day Greek Sailing itineraries by April 30, 2010.

GAP Adventures small, comfortable yachts are perfectly suited to exploring remote, beautiful islands in Greece. Unbeatable prices, flexible and fun itineraries and plenty of fresh air, seafood, wine and ouzo make these trips the perfect getaway!

Experience the charming culture and laid back lifestyle of the Greek Islands, while absorbing ancient history by visiting places made famous in Greek mythology. Sail to seldom visited islands offering quaint shopping towns, or stroll through along the bright streets of picturesque Santorini.

To learn more about the islands, the yachts and itineraries visit the Greek Islands Adventure Page.

Terms & Conditions
20% off May departures of Greek Island Sailing tours. Promo must be redeemed by April 30, 2010. Promotion applicable to new bookings only, cannot be combined with any other discounts or promotions and does not apply to optional extras such as 'my own room', single supplements and applicable in-country fees. Promotion can end at any time.


Thursday, 25 February 2010

Mont Blanc Trekking Holiday


Trekking Mont Blanc.  A holiday with GAP Adventures.  Trek the Alps from France to Italy and Switzerland; cross glaciers and pine forests, visit remote villages and mountain refuges before finishing your days with local cuisine and wines. The Mont Blanc region boasts one of the world's premier hiking circuits and the highest mountain in Western Europe.

Highlights
The Alps, France, Italy, Switzerland, Chamonix, Les Houches, Col de la Croix du Bonhomme, Les Chapieux, Col de la Seigne, Val Veny, Courmayuer, La Fouly, La Forclaz.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Chamonix
Arrive in Chamonix at any time. Welcome meeting in the evening.

Day 2 Les Contamines (D)
Head to Les Houches and begin with a cable car ride to the starting point of your trek in Bellevue. Hike through beautiful spruce forests and alpine meadows, on past the magnificent Bionnassay Glacier, and continue along the old Roman road towards the Col Du Bonhomme. Enjoy views of the Chamonix Valley and Mont Blanc Range before descending to Les Contamines valley to the La Balme gite, near Col du Bonhomme.

Day 3 Col de la Croix du Bonhomme, Les Chapieux (B,D)
As we ascend the flanks of Mont Blanc, we are rewarded with awesome views down into the Vallée des Chapieux, where you'll spend the night.

Day 4 Col de la Seigne, Val Veny, Courmayeur (B)
Continue climbing through open pastures, arriving at the Col de la Seigne and the border with Italy. We pass Col Checroui, before descending into the beautiful Val Veny. Hike along picturesque glacial lakes en route and then enjoy a night in the Italian town of Courmayeur.

Day 5 Courmayeur (B)
Relax today with a much-needed rest day. Spend the day taking it easy, with options for a cable car ride to Pointe Helbronner on Mont Blanc or a transglacial crossing from Italy into France.

Day 6 Col de Grand Ferret, La Fouly (B,D)
Hike from Courmayeur to Mont de la Faxe. We take the "balcony road", for fabulous views of the Grandes Jorassses Ridge, and spend the night in the mountains at the rustic Bonatti Refuge.

Day 7 Champex (B)
Hike through the Grand Col Ferret to the border with Switzerland, before descending to the Swiss side of Val Ferret to the village of the same name. Here we hop on a local bus towards Champex, and onto Prazde Fort, where we can choose to hike the final segment of the walk, or continue by bus all the way to the village if your feet are weary!

Day 8 Trient (B,D)
Today’s hike starts at Champex d’en Bas. We take the spectacular Bovine Way, an ancient trail used to access the flower-filled summer cow pastures high above the valley. We cross the Col de la Forclaz and continue on to the Swiss town of Trient.

Day 9 Chamonix Valley (B)
Saying goodbye to Switzerland, we return to France via the Chamonix Valley. We hike over the Col de la Balme and the Col de Posettes, descending to Col des Montets in the Chamonix Valley, from where we jump on a train or bus back to Chamonix for our final night on the town.

Day 10 Departure
Depart Chamonix at any time.

Trip Details
Trip Style: Active
Service Level: Basic
Physical Demands Rating: 5
Duration: 10 days
Trip Code: EFMB
Countries Visited: France, Italy, Switzerland

Dates and Departures
£719 GBPpp for 1 Adult
Local Payments now included on all Gap Adventures
International airfare is not included
Next Available Departure: Sat, Jun. 19, 2010

Trekking Mont Blanc - Find Out More


Monday, 22 February 2010

Costa Rica Rafting Adventure

Costa Rica Rafting Adventure with GAP Adventures.  Costa Rica is one of the world's great adventure destinations.  This 15-day adrenaline-filled journey has you trekking deep in the jungle, biking along a volcano and whitewater rafting the Reventazon and Pacuare Rivers.

Costa Rica Hike, Bike & Raft - 15 days
Trip Code: CHB
GBP999 GBP pp for 1 Adult
Next Available Departure: Sat, May. 8, 2010

- Local Payments now included on all Gap Adventures
- International airfare is not included

Trip Overview

Highlights: San José, La Danta Private Reserve, Rafting the Reventazon and Pacuare Rivers, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna.

Trip Style: Active

Service Level: Standard

Physical Demands Rating: 4

Start-Finish: ex San José

What's Included: 4-day hiking excursion to La Danta Private Reserve, 3-day rafting trip on the Reventazon and Pacuare Rivers, Guided visit to Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, Horseback ride from Monteverde, Hot Springs in La Fortuna, 2 half-day biking trips in La Fortuna.

Group Size Notes: Max 12, Avg 8

Group Leader: Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.

Meals Included: 6 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 5 Dinners.

Transport: Public bus, Private van, Bike, Boat, Rafts, Hiking.

Accommodation: Hotels/guest houses (10 nts), Jungle lodge - no electricity (4 nts).

Meal Budget: Allow USD260-345 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see Trip Details.

My Own Room: Not available on this tour

Recommendation: Want to be active, but not this active? Check out our ever popular Costa Rica Adventure - see code CRA.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive San José
Arrive in San José at any time.

Day 2-5 La Danta Private Reserve / Guápiles (4B,3L,3D)
Stay at a rustic rainforest lodge, after an excursion deep into the jungle, which will be our base of operations for a few days. Experience the stunning display of natural landscapes, waterfalls, and plant species endemic to this lush region during one of the many day hikes. Overnight in Guápiles on Day 5.

Day 6-7 River Rafting (2B,2L,2D)
Raft down the thrilling Reventazon and Pacuare Rivers as you revel in the strange sounds of the jungle animals and the rare trees and flora surrounding you. The afternoon and evening are spent at a remote rainforest tent camp.

Day 8-10 Arenal/La Fortuna (2L)
Leave the river and head to La Fortuna, located at the base of Arenal Volcano. We will explore the area by bike, taking in some varied routes including lakeside trails and rolling hills surrounded by lush rainforest and on a clear day great views of Arenal Volcano. The next day, cycle through small, rural communities and take a well-deserved dip in a secret swimming hole.

Day 11-13 Monteverde
Set off by van, then boat and then van again to Monteverde, where we do a guided horseback tour along the green rolling hills. Enjoy a guided tour of the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, a true bird lover's paradise. Explore the area or walk along bridges suspended above the trees, and don't miss the butterfly garden or the famous canopy zip line.

Day 14 San José
We return to San José for our final evening and dinner on the town.

Day 15 Depart San José

Find out More - Visit the GAP Adventures Website

Kayak Adventure in Belize

One of the original Gap Adventures tours!  Enjoy a week of island-hopping off the coast of Belize, and explore the second largest barrier reef in the world. The ultimate sea kayaking tour with plenty of independent time to relax.

Kayak Belize - 8 days
Trip Code: BKS
Next Available Departure: Saturday, March 20th 2010
GBP859 GBPpp for 1 Adult

 - Local Payments now included on all Gap Adventures
 - International airfare is not included

Trip Overview

Trip Style: Active

Service Level: Standard

Physical Demands Rating: 3

Highlights: Belize City, Placencia, Sea Kayaking between Cayes.

StartFinish: ex Belize City

Combination: This tour is a component of our Full Belize tour BFB.

What's Included: 4-day guided kayaking trip with cook and support staff.

Group Size Notes: Max 15, Avg 10

Group Leader: Tour representative and qualified kayak guide.

Meals Included: 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners

Transport: Private van, Local flight, 1 and 2-person ocean kayaks, Motor boat.

Accommodation: Hotels/bungalows (3 nts), Camping (4 nts).

Meal Budget: Allow USD145-190 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see Trip Details.

My Own Room: Not available on this tour

Recommendation: For a Full Belize adventure, combine this with the Hummingbird Highway - see code BFB.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Belize City
Arrive in Belize City at any time.

Day 2 Placencia
Wander this unspoiled fishing village and enjoy its golden beach. Don't forget to sample the seafood.

Day 3-6 Island Hopping (4B,4L,4D)
Travel by motorboat to begin our sea kayaking adventure. Exact starting point and route vary depending on local conditions as we spend the next 4 days kayaking between islands with possible stops in a variety of cayes near the Gladden Split Marine Reserve. Paddle for approximately 2 to 4 hours per day, with plenty of time for relaxation and other activities. At night, we camp under the stars.

Day 7 Placencia
After a morning paddle or snorkel, return to the mainland town of Placencia. Enjoy a last night on the town with your fellow kayakers as you get your land legs back.

Day 8 Depart Belize City

Find out More - Visit the GAP Adventures Website

Kenya Wildlife Adventure Special Offer

Kenya Wildlife Adventure Special Offer.  Save 20% on this wildlife adventure holiday. Departs Sunday 18th April for 9 days.  Reduced from GBP1059pp to GBP848pp.

Wildlife is one of the big draws of Kenya, and this trip has it all!  Track down the Big 5 as you roam the savannah discovering the unique wildlife of Samburu, observe millions of flamingos at Lake Nakuru. Travel the vast open plains and rolling hills of the Masai Mara, and camp under the big African sky.

Kenya Wildlife Adventure Special Offer
Trip Code: DKWA
Save 20% on this Last Minute Departure

Local Payments now included on all Gap Adventures
International airfare is not included

Trip Overview

Trip Style: Classic

Service Level: Basic

Physical Demands Rating: 2

Highlights: Game viewing, Samburu, Great Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara.

Start-Finish: ex Nairobi

Combination: Venture down to Tanzania on our combined Kenya and Tanzania Wildlife Adventure, DKTW.

What's Included: Entrances and game drives in Samburu Game Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Masai Mara Game Reserve.

Group Size Notes: Max 14, Avg 10

Group Leader: Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, Certified driver/guide, Camp cook.

Meals Included: 8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 6 Dinners.

Transport: 7-seat 4x4 Safari vehicle(s), Supply vehicle for equipment when necessary, Private minibus.

Accommodation: Simple hotels (2 nts), Full service camping (4 nts), Permanent tented camp (2 nts).


Meal Budget: Allow USD40-50 for meals and drinks (including bottled water) not included. For additional expenses, see Trip Details.

My Own Room: Not available on this tour.

Recommendation: For a further adventure, continue with a visit to Amboseli National Park. Please see Amboseli Adventure TDKAAB.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Nairobi
Arrive in Nairobi at any time.

Day 2-3 Samburu Game Reserve (2B,2L,2D)
Samburu is a wildlife haven with many species that are rarely found elsewhere. Enjoy a full day game viewing in search of this unique wildlife!

Day 4-5 Lake Nakuru (2B,2L,2D)
Descend into the Great Rift Valley enjoying stunning views of the escarpment on the way. Lake Nakuru is a shallow soda lake, renowned for its huge concentration of flamingos and over 460 species of birds. Embark on a safari within Lake Nakuru National Park, in search of the resident black and white rhino, buffalo, impala, and the elusive leopard.

Day 6-7 Masai Mara (2B,2L,2D)
With its vast open plains and distinctive flat-topped acacia trees, no visit to Kenya would be complete without a visit here! Spend time game viewing with excellent chances of seeing the "Big 5" - lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino.

Day 8 Nairobi (B,L)
Enjoy one last morning game drive in the Masai Mara, watching the animal kingdom come to life as the sun rises over the Mara plain. Continue through the Great Rift Valley on your way back to Nairobi.

Day 9 Depart Nairobi (B)

Find Out More - Visit the GAP Adventures Website

Friday, 29 May 2009

Hike the Inca Trail

Limited Availability - Hike the Inca Trail with G.A.P. Adventures!

At the pinnacle of virtually any trip to Peru is Machu Picchu and there is perhaps no better way to experience this majestic archaeological site than by taking the 4-day Inca Trail trek. From the Sacred Valley, through the forests and mountain passes of the Andes, this most famous of Incan trails arrives at the aptly named Sun Gate for a sunrise viewing of Machu Picchu.

With permits in high demand and often sold out months in advance, G.A.P. Adventures have a handful of exclusive departures with limited permits available! If these dates don't work for you, they also have the scenic Lares Trek tour to Machu Picchu available on other dates. Happy hiking!
21 Days: September 01, 2009 - September 21, 2009
Pisco, Nazca Lines, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Cuzco, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, La Paz. Peru's austere desert coast, towering Andes and most spectacular lake combine for a 3-week exploration of the Inca heartland. Hike the ancient trail of the Incas and explore the colonial jewel of Cuzco, the continent's oldest continuously inhabited city.
Price: £889.00 (GBP)
9 Days: September 09, 2009 - September 17, 2009
Cuzco, Sacred Valley, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu.Spend a week living in the land of the Incas as you hike this great civilization's ancient trail to Machu Picchu. The long hike culminates in a once-in-a-lifetime sunrise over the ruins and Andean peaks that surround it.
Price: £529.00 (GBP)
12 Days: September 11, 2009 - September 22, 2009
Lake Titicaca, Sacred Valley, Cuzco, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu.This 12-day tour combines great scenery with in-depth cultural experiences. Trek in the Andes amidst ancient ruins, experience rural indigenous culture on Lake Titicaca and wander through bustling markets in Cuzco.
Price: £649.00 (GBP)
21 Days: August 29, 2009 - September 18, 2009
Nazca Lines, Colca Canyon, Arequipa, Lake Titicaca, Cuzco, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Amazon Rainforest. Our most in-depth 3 week exploration of Peru, featuring mountain vistas, jungle adventures, colonial cities and the once-in-a-lifetime Inca Trail.
Price: £1,239.00 (GBP)
7 Days: September 03, 2009 - September 09, 2009
Cuzco, Sacred Valley, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu. Spend a week retracing the steps of the ancient Inca civilization, highlighted by the spectacular Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu.
Price: £369.00 (GBP)

Wednesday, 15 April 2009

15% off Galapagos Cruises


Explore the Galapagos Islands with 15% off all 2009 cruises! Whether you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime journey or yearning to return to the islands, it is hard to resist an offer like this.
Book by May 15, 2009 and take advantage of 15% off all Voyage Galapagos departures - 6 , 7 and 10 day journeys around the Galapagos Islands. Use your savings to enjoy some extra activities or time in Quito...or give yourself an upgrade and book your spots in our spacious Comfort boat or luxurious Superior Catamaran. We even have some exclusive Family departures available!

Don't spend too much time contemplating this rare offer though, as our boats only carry a small group of passengers, and space will disappear quickly. Book your spots on any of the following departures, or any other 2009 departures for these trips.

Trips must be booked by May 15, 2009 for travel to December 31, 2009. This offer cannot be combined with other discounts and promotions and does not include optional extras such as my own room option.
10 Days: May 26, 2009 - June 04, 2009
Quito, San Cristóbal, North Seymour, Bartolomé, Cerro Dragon, Santa Cruz, South Plaza, Santa Fé, Floreana, Española, San Cristóbal.
Cruise the Galapagos aboard the G.A.P Adventurer IV, complete with all necessary comforts, including outside decks for relaxing, a dining room and a bar. Cabins include WC, shower, hot water and air-conditioning, and all meals are provided. As with all G.A.P Adventures yachts, staff includes a certified naturalist guide, ensuring you are in good hands both onboard and on land.
Original: £1,629.00 - 15% = Sale: £1,384.65
7 Days: May 07, 2009 - May 13, 2009
Quito, Santa Cruz, Santa Fé, South Plaza, Cerro Dragon, Bartolomé, Rabida, Black Turtle Cove.
Amazing wildlife, both on land and in the sea is the draw of the remote Galapagos Islands, and our motor yachts are the ideal vessels in which to explore them. The G.A.P Adventurer V is a comfortable air-conditioned 100-foot motor yacht built to accommodate 20 passengers with double occupancy in suites and twin double cabins with ocean view, air conditioning and private bath. Our clean and comfortable yacht is a Comfort Class boat, staffed with an exceptional crew including a certified naturalist guide. The spacious outdoor decks are ideal for ocean views and relaxing in the sun.
Original: £1,399.00 - 15% = Sale: £1,189.15
6 Days: July 12, 2009 - July 17, 2009
Quito, San Cristobal, Española, Floreana, Santa Cruz.
Experience the Galapagos Islands in the comfort of a small family group! Educational, fun and interesting for travellers of all ages, this is the ultimate family wildlife adventure. Travel onboard one of G.A.P Adventures' 16 person motor yachts in the company of our expert naturalist guide.Original: £1,119.00 - 15% = Sale: £951.15
10 Days: July 12, 2009 - July 21, 2009
Quito, Baltra, Española, Floreana, Santa Cruz, Bartolomé, Seymour, San Cristóbal.
Experience the Galapagos Islands in the comfort of a small family group! Educational, fun and interesting for travellers of all ages, our Galapagos Family Adventure is the ultimate family wildlife adventure. Travel onboard one of our 16 person motor yachts in the company of an expert naturalist guide.
Original: £1,799.00 - 15% = Sale: £1,529.15
7 Days: May 13, 2009 - May 19, 2009
Quito, Santa Cruz, Bartolomé, Seymour, San Cristobal, Baltra.
Experience the wonderful wildlife of the Galapagos on our 16 passenger, air-conditioned 75-foot motor vessel, the G.A.P Adventurer II. Cabins have upper and lower berths, private bathrooms and outside views. The crew of 8 includes a naturalist guide certified by the Galapagos National Park. Recently refurbished, this modern, comfortable yacht includes a cozy bar, spacious lounge and dining room.
Original: £1,119.00 - 15% = Sale: £951.15
7 Days: May 19, 2009 - May 25, 2009
Quito, Santa Cruz, Seymour, Bartolomé, Santa Fé.
Cruise the Galapagos in style aboard the G.A.P Adventurer VI, the newest and most comfortable vessel in our fleet in the Galapagos Islands, featuring special amenities such as a hydro-massage 4-person jacuzzi plus spacious outside decks for relaxing, a dining room and a bar. This brand new 16-passenger motor catamaran has 8 air-conditioned double-occupancy cabins with lower berths and private bathrooms with hot water, and all meals are provided while on board. Our staff includes a Level III bilingual naturalist guide certified by the Galapagos National Park Authority, as well as a dedicated Cruise Director ensuring you are in good hands both onboard and on land.
Original: £1,739.00 - 15% = Sale: £1,478.15

10% off all GAP Adventures Voluntours

Book now and get 10% off all GAP Adventures Voluntour Vacations. In honour of Earth Month G.A.P Adventures are offering 10% off their Volunteer vacations! Give back to the people and places you visit on your adventures.
Experience true cultural immersion by working alongside local people to improve basic living conditions through hands-on volunteer projects. Trips are balanced with both volunteer activities and plenty of time to relax and explore the areas. No training or special skills are required, just a desire to help make a difference!

Book by April 30, 2009 and receive 10% off the following next departures, or any other 2009 departures for these trips.

Please note - this offer cannot be combined with any other discounts or promotions and cannot be applied to optional extras such as my own room option.

Project Kenya
14 Days: July 12, 2009 - July 25, 2009
Nairobi, Masai Mara, Great Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, Limuru, Volunteer Project.
Your great African adventure begins with amazing game viewing in the Masai Mara and spectacular views while travelling through the Great Rift Valley to Lakes Naivasha and Nakuru. Make a difference by spending five days volunteering with children in an orphanage and assisting doctors in a local medical clinic.
Original: £1,059.00 - 10% = Sale: £953.10

Project Peru
8 Days: June 14, 2009 - June 21, 2009
Lima, Cajamarca, Cadmalca Community, volunteer project
Make a difference! Experience real life in the Peruvian Andes by participating on this specially designed, independent volunteer tour. Work alongside a local host family to permanently improve their health and standard of living. No experience necessary.
Original: £479.00 - 10% = Sale: £431.10

Project Machu Picchu
13 Days: May 03, 2009 - May 15, 2009
Cuzco, Sacred Valley, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu. Experience what life is really like in the Peruvian Andes. Spend half of your trip making a difference by assisting at a home for street children. Play games, teach English, help with cooking and participate in jewelry making or leather working workshops. Learn about rural life while volunteering in a rural community home to Inca Trail porters and our women's wearing project.
Original: £829.00 - 10% = Sale: £746.10

Project Costa Rica
15 Days: July 19, 2009 - August 02, 2009
San José, Volunteer Project, Monteverde Cloud Forest, La Fortuna. Spend 5 days volunteering on a Sea Turtle Conservation Project. Volunteer activities include night patrols along the beach, data collection, beach clean-ups, maintenance, monitoring of the turtle and if the timing is right, counting baby turtles and releasing them.
Original: £419.00 - 10% = Sale: £377.10

Project Zambia & Safari
16 Days: August 08, 2009 - August 23, 2009
Livingstone, Volunteer Project, Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park game viewing and river cruise, Okavango Delta excursion, Palapye, Johannesburg Make a difference while travelling on this adventure, highlighted by a five-day hands-on volunteer project. Round out this great African experience with some amazing game viewing by boat in Chobe National Park, stunning views of Victoria Falls, and a journey into the stunning Okavango Delta wilderness by dugout canoe.
Original: £1,139.00 - 10% = Sale: £1,025.10

Project Tanzania
13 Days: July 14, 2009 - July 26, 2009
White-sand beaches and volunteering in a community on Zanzibar, game viewing in the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro CraterGet to know Tanzania’s welcoming people, witness some of Africa’s most spectacular destinations, and make a lasting impact—the best of both worlds. Volunteer on a community project on the spice island of Zanzibar, and then roam from the warm waters of the Indian Ocean to the plains of the Serengeti.
Original: £1,029.00 - 10% = Sale: £926.10

Project South Africa
14 Days: July 11, 2009 - July 24, 2009
Volunteering with community projects in Cape Town, Hermanus, Caving and Canoeing in Outdshoorn, Knysna, Jeffreys Bay, Addo Elephant National Park, Port Elizabeth Experience the wildlife and beauty of South Africa while giving back a little. Volunteer with community projects near Cape Town, then follow the famously beautiful coastal Garden Route. Hike waterfalls and rainforests, spot whales, hippos and cheetah, and do a game drive to see the “Big 5.”
Original: £949.00 - 10% = Sale: £854.10

Friday, 13 March 2009

Special Offers on Greek Islands Sailing


Special Offers on sailing holidays in Glorious Greece in May 2009 with GAP Adventures. A yacht adventure is the ideal way to experience what many consider the most beautiful islands in the world, the Greek Islands. Sail aboard their 50 foot yachts, with time for hiking, snorkelling and relaxing. Explore ancient archaeological sites and taverna lined harbours, dine on fresh seafood and sample the local Ouzo.

Go sailing in the Greek islands this May and GAP Adventures will give you 20% off the following departures! Space is limited to only 8 people per trip, so tell your friends that you've just found the best deal on European getaways for 2009!

Blue skies, sandy beaches, tasty foods and islands steeped in centuries of mythical history and culture are waiting...don't forget your sunscreen and bathing suit.


Greek Islands Sailing Adventure Santorini to Santorini
10 Days: April 30, 2009 - May 09, 2009
Santorini, Sifnos, Paros, Syros, Mykonos, Naxos, Ios

Original: £649.00 - 20% Sale: £519.20 (GBP)

Greek Islands Sailing Adventure (Kos to Mykonos)
15 Days: May 03, 2009 - May 17, 2009
Aegean Sea, Kos, Dodecanese Islands, Santorini, Cyclades Islands, Mykonos.

Original: £859.00 - 20% Sale: £687.20 (GBP)

Greek Islands Sailing Adventure (Mykonos to Santorini)
8 Days: May 03, 2009 - May 10, 2009
Aegean Sea, Cyclades Islands, Mykonos, Santorini.

Original: £449.00 - 20% Sale: £359.20 (GBP)

Greek Islands Sailing Adventure (Mykonos to Santorini)
8 Days: May 10, 2009 - May 17, 2009
Aegean Sea, Cyclades Islands, Mykonos, Santorini.

Original: £449.00 - 20% Sale: £359.20 (GBP)

Greek Islands Sailing Adventure Santorini to Santorini
10 Days: May 10, 2009 - May 19, 2009
Santorini, Sifnos, Paros, Syros, Mykonos, Naxos
Original: £649.00 - 20% Sale: £519.20 (GBP)

Greek Islands Sailing Adventure Santorini to Santorini
10 Days: May 13, 2009 - May 22, 2009
Santorini, Sifnos, Paros, Syros, Mykonos, Naxos
Original: £649.00 - 20% Sale: £519.20 (GBP)

Greek Islands Sailing Adventure (Mykonos to Santorini)
8 Days: May 17, 2009 - May 24, 2009
Aegean Sea, Cyclades Islands, Mykonos, Santorini.

Original: £449.00 - 20% Sale: £359.20 (GBP)

Greek Islands Sailing Adventure (Santorini to Mykonos)
8 Days: May 17, 2009 - May 24, 2009
Aegean Sea, Santorini, Cyclades Islands, Mykonos.

Original: £449.00 - 20% Sale: £359.20 (GBP)

Greek Islands Sailing Adventure Santorini to Santorini
10 Days: May 20, 2009 - May 29, 2009
Santorini, Sifnos, Paros, Syros, Mykonos, Naxos,

Original: £649.00 - 20% Sale: £519.20 (GBP)

Greek Islands Sailing Adventure (Athens to Mykonos)
8 Days: May 24, 2009 - May 31, 2009
Aegean Sea, Athens, Cyclades Islands, Mykonos.

Original: £449.00 - 20% Sale: £359.20 (GBP)

Greek Islands Sailing Adventure (Athens to Santorini)
15 Days: May 24, 2009 - June 07, 2009
Aegean Sea, Athens, Cyclades Islands, Mykonos, Santorini.

Original: £859.00 - 20% Sale: £687.20 (GBP)

Greek Islands Sailing Adventure (Santorini to Mykonos)
8 Days: May 24, 2009 - May 31, 2009
Aegean Sea, Santorini, Cyclades Islands, Mykonos.

Original: £449.00 - 20% Sale: £359.20 (GBP)

Greek Islands Sailing Adventure (Mykonos to Santorini)
8 Days: May 31, 2009 - June 07, 2009
Aegean Sea, Cyclades Islands, Mykonos, Santorini.

Original: £449.00 - 20% Sale: £359.20 (GBP)


Thursday, 24 July 2008

Antarctic Cruises - Visit the Big Freezer!

If you're looking for the holiday experience of a lifetime then an Antarctic cruise should be at the top of your list.

Antarctica is a continent of extremes. It is the coldest, windiest, driest, iciest and highest of all the major landmasses in the world. It is the continent with the longest nights and the longest days and it plays host to the greatest concentration of wildlife in the world. It is also one of the last true wilderness areas left on earth and remains largely unchanged since the early explorers and whalers first landed on its inhospitable shores less than two centuries ago.


The lowest temperature ever recorded anywhere on earth (-89.2°C) was recorded on July 21 1983, at Vostok Station. Winds have been recorded at 200 mph in the interior of the continent and the average annual water precipitation in the interior is only about 50 mm.

The continent itself is roughly circular with a spindly arm, called the Antarctic Peninsula, reaching northwards towards Tierra del Fuego in South America, the nearest landmass, some 600 miles away. Considerably larger than either the United States or Europe, and twice the size of Australia, the continent is surrounded by a frozen sea that varies in area from one million square miles in summer to 7.3 million square miles in winter.


Ninety-five percent of the continent of Antarctica is ice covered and contains the freshest water on earth - about 70 percent of all fresh water on earth in fact. The highest point in Antarctica is Vinson Massif, with an altitude of 16,864 feet above sea level; the lowest point is the Bentley Subglacial Trench at 8,200 feet below sea level, located in West Antarctica. Antarctica has the highest average elevation of all the continents at about 7,500 feet about sea level.

The Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands abound with wildlife activity. Penguins gather with their fast-growing chicks, whales are seen in great numbers, seals haul out onto ice floes and beaches, and numerous albatross and other seabirds trail in our wake.

If you would like to visit this land of extremes then you'll need to book well in advance. Only a limited number of expeditions head to Antarctica each year and they book up fast.

Visit inspiringholidays.com for a selection of Antarctic Cruises from top cruise expedition companies like GAP Adventures, Kuoni, Page & Moy, The Adventure Company & Travelsphere: