Thursday, 23 October 2008

Adventure Sports from Extreme Element

The latest holiday provider to see their activity breaks listed on inspiringholidays.com is Extreme Element.

Based in Hove in East Sussex, this company specialises in all manner of activity-based holidays and short breaks.

The goal of Extreme Element is to promote extreme sports courses, training and experiences across the UK & Abroad. The staff are actively involved in a wide range of extreme pursuits and pride themselves in offering expert advice to make sure that you get the maximum out of your course or experience. The team at Extreme Element have been involved in the extreme sports industry in various guises for the last 10 years.

Here are a few examples of the holidays and courses on offer:

Special Offer on Ski & Snowboard holidays to Austria with Neilson




Skiing in Austria


Special Offer on Ski & Snowboard holidays to Austria with Neilson

Thursday, 16 October 2008

2009 Formula One Grand Prix Holidays

With the 2008 Formula One season drawing to its exciting conclusion thoughts are already turning to next year's competitions.

Will Lewis Hamilton be defending his first Formula One World Champion title or will the pressure get to him in the final few races?


If you are a Formula One fan then you'll be excited to hear that a number of tour companies are starting to release the details of their 2009 Formula One Grand Prix Holidays.

Click on the links below for more information:


Leger Holidays

2009 Hungarian Formula One Grand Prix Break
2009 Italian Formula One Grand Prix Break

2009 Belgian Formula One Grand Prix Break
2009 Monaco Grand Prix Break

2009 Spanish Formula One Grand Prix Break

Airtrack Motorsport

2009 Bahrain F1 Grand Prix
2009 Spanish F1 Grand Prix in Barcelona

2009 Monaco F1 Grand Prix
2009 French F1 Grand Prix
2009 British F1 Grand Prix at Silverstone
2009 German F1 Grand Prix
2009 Hungarian F1 Grand Prix
2009 European (Valencia) F1 Grand Prix
2009 Belgian F1 Grand Prix
2009 Le Mans 24 Hour Race Holiday (Camping)

Formula Tours

2009 Singapore F1 Grand Prix Holiday
2009 Italian F1 Grand Prix Holiday
2009 Monza Tifosi Tour
2009 Australian F1 Grand Prix Holiday
2009 Malaysian F1 Grand Prix Holiday
2009 Spanish F1 Grand Prix Holiday
2009 Turkish F1 Grand Prix Holiday
2009 Monaco F1 Grand Prix Holiday
2009 Canadian F1 Grand Prix Holiday
2009 French F1 Grand Prix Holiday
2009 British F1 Grand Prix Holiday
2009 German F1 Grand Prix Holiday
2009 Hungarian F1 Grand Prix Holiday
2009 Bahrain F1 Grand Prix Holiday
2009 Belgian F1 Grand Prix Holiday

Wednesday, 8 October 2008

Walk Andalucia - Experience the best of Spain

Walk Andalucia is the latest holiday provider to join the Inspiring Holidays website.

Based in Torrox in the historic heart of Andalucian Spain, Walk Andalucia offer guided and self-guided walking holidays, painting holidays, language holidays, cultural holidays and more.

The company is the brainchild of British couple, Gill Marsh and Dave Armstead who live on a small farm above the village of Torrox Pueblo. They are both experienced walkers, trained in hill safety and first aid, Spanish speakers, and with an infectious enthusiasm for the region!

They have developed a good knowledge of the area, and its plant and animal life, as well as local customs and traditions. With support from other specialist guides they can show you the very best walking routes through beautiful and varied countryside. This is one of the most fertile and beautiful regions of Europe, rich in flora and fauna, with spectacular scenery and fantastic views.

Walk Andalucia offers a variety of walking holidays on either a guided, self-guided or self-drive basis. Their holidays attract people of all ages and are suitable for people travelling alone, as couples or as groups of friends. The holidays are paced to suit the requirements of the group, and are designed to be flexible and accommodating.

If you want to add some creativity to your Spanish holiday then Walk Andalucia also offer Painting Holidays. They offer a full week's programme of activity guided by experienced teachers in small groups of no more than 10 people. All easels, drawing boards, folding chairs are supplied and paper & canvasses can be purchased at cost price when you arrive. All you need to bring are your own brushes and your imagination!

If you want to immerse yourself in the Andalucian culture then look no further than a Walk Andalucia Language & Culture Holiday. The emphasis here is on acquiring skills that can be put into practice during your holiday. They have devised a programme of activities focused on helping you experience the flavour of the Spanish culture, weather, food, and traditions.

Their fully-qualified Language Tutor is a native Spanish-speaker with an excellent command of English. She has many years’ experience of teaching Spanish to adults, making learning an enjoyable process. She has designed training materials specifically for the Walk-Andalucia courses. These, together with teaching groups of no more than 8 people enable her to develop the skills of each individual.

"Gill & Dave are great hosts. Their genuine warmth and true hospitality ensured that a good time was had by all! This is our second WA holiday and it's proved to be every bit as good as the first!" Alan & Aleri Brown

"I thought Dave & Gill were fantastic hosts - knowledgeable,funny, friendly and really welcoming. They made the holiday. The walks were also exccellent and we saw some lovely scenery. There was a very convivial atmosphere - altogether a very pleasurable experience. Thanks!" Debbie King

Special Offers
To celebrate the launch of their holidays on inspiringholidays.com are offering two special offers:

November 24 - 28 Winter Sun Break
Special Offer - £450 including flights and no single supplement

November 8 Painting Holiday
Special Offer - £599 and no single supplement

View Walk Andalucia Holidays on inspiringholidays.com
Walking in Andalucia - Spanish Walking Holidays
Andalucia Self Guided Walking Holidays
Andalucia Self Drive Walking Holidays
Painting Holidays in Andalucia, Spain

Friday, 3 October 2008

Amazing offer on Shearings Christmas Market Holidays

For a limited time only save 40GBP per couple on selected European Christmas Market Holidays to Germany, France, Belgium, Holland and More.

Shearings collection of coach holidays to Germany, France, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland and the Czech Republic includes the very best and most famous of markets throughout Europe and allows you to combine essential Christmas shopping with a visit to somewhere new.

All coach tours include excursions to the markets and places of local interest throughout your holiday.

What's included on your christmas market holiday?
- Modern fleet of coaches with great legroom and convienent pick-up points

- Excellent standard of accommodation, including dinner, room & breakfast
- Included excursions to the Christmas markets and local places of interest
- En-suite rooms with colour TV
- Complete luggage handling service
- Special Requests can be booked in advance

Save up to £40 per couple on all the following holidays:

Blue Danube & Vienna Christmas Markets only £325 per person.
Join us to discover the magic of Advent in the Danube region, as we visit the traditional Christmas Markets of Passau, Linz and Steyr.

Cologne & Aachen from only £269 per person.
Cologne is the perfect location for festive shopping, with four different Christmas Markets in the city centre, including a lively and atmospheric market at the foot of the imposing cathedral.

Dutch & Belgian Christmas Markets only £269 per person.
Enjoy the Christmas markets of Maastricht, Liege, Valkenburg and Brussels on this exciting tour.

Option 1: French & Belgian Christmas Markets from only £229 per person.
Bruges, Brussels & Lille Christmas Markets offer festive stalls filled with decorations, local specialities with delicious aromas, handmade crafts and chocolates.

Option 2: French & Belgian Christmas Markets only £279 per person.

Bruges, Brussels & Lille Christmas Markets offer festive stalls filled with decorations, local specialities with delicious aromas, handmade crafts and chocolates.

Harz Mountains Christmas Markets from only £329 per person.
The Harz Mountains, a panoramic range of conifer-covered hills and picturesque half-timbered towns, are the perfect setting for the region's traditional Christmas Markets.

Magic Of Rothenburg,Stuttgart & Ulm Christmas Markets from only £319 per person.

Enjoy visits to magical Rothenburg, with its famous Christmas shop, and Stuttgart's Christmas Market, with more than 200 stalls.

Munich & Fairytale Castles Christmas Markets from only £399 per person.

Enjoy visits to magical Rothenburg, with its famous Christmas shop, and Stuttgart's Christmas Market, with more than 200 stalls.

Northern France Christmas Markets from only £229 per person.
The Christmas markets of Lille, Arras & Amiens offer a festive atmosphere with stalls selling local specialities including Christmas beers and charming gifts.

Nürnberg & Munich Christmas Markets from only £399 per person.
The Nürnberg Christmas Market is regarded as the most famous of its kind in Germany, with many brightly coloured stalls lining the market square of the city's old town.

Prague & Nürnburg Christmas Markets only £269 per person.
Prague is a city with a unique atmosphere at any time of year but at Advent there's an extra special feel. As darkness descends the little wooden stalls start to twinkle and now is the time to enjoy a steaming mug of mulled wine.

Rhineland by Train Christmas Markets only £249 per person
Enjoy a ride on the Lahn Valley Railway as we explore the Rhineland, and visit the ever popular Christmas market in Rudesheim. We also visit the world famous Christmas markets in Aachen and Siegburg.

Rothenburg & Heidelberg Christmas Markets from only £399 per person.
A unique opportunity to stay in the beautifully preserved town of Rothenburg, famous for its beautiful Christmas shop and fairy-tale architecture.

Rothenburg, Ulm & Stuttgart Christmas Markets from only £399 per person.
Stuttgart plays host to one of Europe’s largest Christmas Markets, with more than 200 decorated stalls. Ulm's cathedral is the focal point for its Christmas market, and a visit Rothenburg's famous Christmas shop completes this wonderful holiday.

Rudesheim & the Rhine Valley Christmas Markets from only £249 per person.
The small town of Rudesheim in the Rhine Valley plays host to one of Germany's most famous Christmas markets.

Salzburg, Innsbruck & Nurnberg Christmas Markets from only £279 per person.
The many stalls and brightly coloured lights create a unique atmosphere in Salzburg, the 'City of Mozart', and the old medieval town of Innsbruck is a sightseeing and shopping paradise.

Stuttgart, Strasbourg & Reims Christmas Markets only £229 per person.
Europe's largest and most beautiful Christmas Market, Located in the squares and alleys around Stuttgart's Town Hall and Old Palace, dates back to 1692.

Swiss Christmas Markets only £359 per person.
Experience the magic of Advent as we visit Switzerland's Christmas Markets, including Zürich's famous Christmas Fair, held inside the main train station.

Trier & the Moselle Valley Christmas Markets from only £239 per person.
The small and charming Christmas Market of Trier is set in the medieval market place and against the backdrop of the magnificent cathedral.

Tuscan Christmas Markets only £279 per person.
The delightful streets of some of Tuscany's most famous cities are filled with traditional 'mercanto natale' in the run up to Christmas in such beautiful settings such as Florence and Pisa.

All holidays subject to availability and prices may change. Prices are per person based on two sharing and discounts are valid for a limited period only. Brochure price refers to Explore Europe Oct 08-May 09 and should only be used as a guide for holiday descriptions. Prices EXCLUDES the Euro currency surcharge.

Tuesday, 30 September 2008

Late Availability on Kilimanjaro Treks

Mt Kilimanjaro is one of the truely magnificent sights of Africa - an almost perfectly shaped volcano rising sheer from Tanzania's northeastern plains. Snowcapped and not yet extinct, at 5896m (19343ft) it's the highest peak on the continent.

If you relish a challenge then an ascent of this splendid mountain will provide you with an experience you'll never forget.

The Adventure Company currently have late availability on two Mt Kilimanjaro treks..


Rongai Route
You’ll see fewer other climbers on this less trekked route giving you a real sense of discovery away from the crowds. As the only route with views of the Masai lands you’ll have the best chance of seeing wildlife including monkey, buffalo and elephant. This is a fully supported six-day camping trip and offers the most ‘gradual’ ascent of Kili.
  • Gradual ascent
  • Porter assisted camping
  • Wildlife viewing
  • A less demanding route to Kilimanjaro’s summit
Dates: 10 Oct 08 - 19 Oct 08
Price:
£1,399

Find out more...


Machame Route
Get off the beaten track on the tougher Machame climb. This is a fully supported six-day camping trip through a remote wilderness area, with great access to the remaining glaciers and the western breach. You’ll enjoy inspirational views of Kibo Peak, the eternal icefields, and Kili’s scree-covered dome… before the ultimate achievement of summit morning!
  • Sweeping views
  • Challenging Trek
  • Diversity of scenery
  • Stunning camping trek to Kilimanjaro’s summit
Dates: 10 Oct 08 - 19 Oct 08
Price
: £1,399


Find out More...

For more information and to book either click on the links above or call the Adventure Company on 0845 609 0838 (Open 7 days a week)

Wednesday, 24 September 2008

Orient Express Train Holidays

Orient Express Trains are a by-word for classic, luxury travel. This famous travel group operate five luxury tourist trains and a river cruiser in amazing destinations across Europe, Asia and South America. The most famous is the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express which travels to a variety of locations across Europe. If you want to experience the golden age of luxury rail travel and discover exotic new locations then a holiday on the Orient Express will provide you with the holiday of your lifetime.

The routes covered by Orient Express trains include:

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe
A travel experience like no other, in the style of a bygone era. The legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express will transport you to the most exciting cities in Europe including Venice, Paris, London, Budapest, Prague, Istanbul, Vienna and Rome.

British Pullman, United Kingdom
Experience a day excursion or short break from London and other cities to some of the UK's most spectacular destinations. The vintage carriages of the British Pullman echo the golden age of rail travel. Superbly comfortable carriages make this the perfect way to travel.

Northern Belle, United Kingdom
The Northern Belle harks back to the days of the original Pullman "Belle" trains of the 1930s. Trips offered include day, weekend and Grand Tours in immaculate carriages, with ornate interiors and superb food. Departures are available from towns and cities throughout the UK.

The Royal Scotsman, Scotland
The Royal Scotsman runs on a selection of one to seven night journeys. The routes allow you to experience the majesty of the Scottish Highlands, ever-changing landscapes of sweeping glens, towering peaks and mirror-calm lochs of Scotland from the comfort of your luxury train.

Eastern & Oriental Express, South East Asia
The Eastern & Oriental Express carries passengers in luxury between Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. Your journey will see you travel through dense rainforests and towering mountains past golden temples, rubber plantations and remote towns and villages.

PeruRail, Peru
This South American railway is widely recognised as not only one of the highest rail journeys on the planet, but also as one of the world's most scenic railway service. If you want the ultimate way to travel to the legendary Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, then you simply have to travel aboard the Hiram Bingham luxury train.

Going Green

Over recent years, green issues and the principles of sustainability have become much more mainstream. Governments, businesses and individuals are increasingly seeing the need to act in a way that provides a balance between the environment and commercial pressures. Tourism, as a key economic driver in the world economy, has its part to play. That is where the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) comes in.

The GTBS is the leading sustainable tourism certification scheme in the UK. Businesses that join the scheme are assessed by a qualified grading advisor against a rigorous set of criteria, covering a range of areas, like energy and water efficiency, waste management, biodiversity and more.

Businesses that meet the required standard, receive a Bronze, Silver, or Gold award based on their level of achievement. The current network of members is comprised of a wide range of business types, including accommodation providers, visitor attractions, corporate offices and others.

The Green Tourism Business Scheme website has details and links to its members, partners and destinations. There is also information on the criteria, case studies, news, and background to the scheme.

Look out for Green Tourism Business Scheme members on the Inspiring Holidays website

Tuesday, 23 September 2008

Early Booking Offers From Crystal Ski Holidays

2 for 1 lift passes
In all club hotels and chalets. Book your Crystal holiday before 30th September in a chalet or club hotel and get 2 adult area lift passes for the price of 1! Available in Austria, France, Italy, Andorra and Switzerland. Terms and conditions apply.

Free childcare
Free Pepi Penguin creche or Whizz Kids club place per booking, for departures in January or March. One free creche or kids club place (constitutes six half day sessions) per booking on departures to resorts with childcare facilities in January or March when booked before 31st October. If full day care is required, then you must pre-book and pay for the extra half days. Available on a first-come first-served basis & subject to availability.

Extra free places for groups
Groups of 8 and over travelling in January will receive an extra free place. Receive one extra free group place for all January departures. Book before 22nd October.

Ski packs
Fantastic special offers, including 2 for 1 lift passes, equipment and ski hire. Free 6 day, local lift passes for full fare paying adults staying in Club Hotels for 7 nights, departing on 14th/15th or 21st/22nd March. Subject to availability on a first come - first served basis.

Introduce a friend
When one of your holiday party pre-books one of our First Time packages, you can claim £100 off your holiday. Valid on departures in Jan & March. Available for bookings made up to 15th October, travelling in January and March. One beginner only per each full paying guest receives £100 discount off their booking. The beginner has to be a complete beginner and book a First Time package.

Ski Holidays on www.inspiringholidays.com
Andorra, Austria, Bulgaria, Canada, Finland, France, Italy, Norway, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland, USA


Crystal Ski - Click Here!

Ski & Snowboard Offers from Neilson

Here's a selection of the current online ski holiday offers from Neilson. These offers are available until the 25th Sept so you'll need to move quickly to snap them up.

Skiing in Italy only £325pp!
Top Apartments - Passo Tonale, Italy.
Price from £325pp (Includes flights, transfers, & 7 night self catering apts.)
Depart: 31/01/09
BOOK ONLINE

Luxury Chalet Service £499pp
Treat yourself to our Super Service chalet for indulgent extras.
Only £499pp, at Chalet Chardonnet du Lac, Tignes, France.
BOOK ONLINE

Christmas 08 Save £200
Vemdalen, Sweden. Fully catered chalet at Christmas.
Depart: 20/12/09
BOOK ONLINE

Austria Ski holiday Save £250!
Hotel Austria - Hinterglemm, Austria
From £389pp (Includes flights, transfers, & HB hotel.)
Depart: 24/01/09
BOOK ONLINE

All Inclusive Ski Holiday in Romania £409pp
At Hotel Bradul.
From £409pp! (Includes flights, transfers, HB hotel, FREE BAR, lift pass, equipment, ski/board tuition.)
BOOK ONLINE

Lift Passes in Norway only £1!
Forest Chalet, Geilo, Norway
From £539pp includes £1 lift pass.
Depart: 8/02/08
BOOK ONLINE

The savings quoted above are per couple unless otherwise stated. Neilson holds the right to withdraw these offers at any time.

About Neilson
Neilson have been around for around 25 years. They started as two separate companies, one providing top-end ski holidays and the other taking people sailing in Greece. For around two decades they became better and better at putting together holidays, one company doing fun things in the snow, the other having adventures in the Med. Then, in 1999, Thomas Cook, who owned both companies, decided that it would make sense for us to join together. That was when the famous orange logo appeared, and Neilson as we know it came into existence.

Ski Holidays on www.inspiringholidays.com
Andorra Austria Bulgaria Canada Finland France Italy Norway Romania Sweden Switzerland USA

Skiing in Austria