Edinburgh Military Tattoo Holidays

The 2009 Edinburgh Military Tattoo celebrates its 60th season in the same year that Scotland pays tribute to the 250th anniversary of the birth of the national bard, Robert Burns. Set against the world famous backdrop of Edinburgh Castle the Tattoo this year promises to be an amazing experience.

A cosmopolitan cast of top-class talent will be present, including highlights such as the world-famous Massed Pipes & Drums, the Massed Bands of The Royal Air Force, Switzerland’s Top Secret Drum Corps, along with highland dancing, the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, the traditional haunting notes of the Lone Piper and, in their first Tattoo appearance, the Central Band of the Swiss Army.

The following Edinburgh Military Tattoo holidays can be found on the Inspiring Holidays website

5 Day Holiday with Leger Holidays - From: £399

2009 Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Northern Belle Train - From: £750

2009 Edinburgh Military Tattoo - 2 Night Break In Scotland With Gold Crest Holidays - From: £199

2009 Edinburgh Military Tattoo - 3 Day Short Break With Leger Holidays - From: £219

2009 Edinburgh Military Tattoo - 1 Night With Superbreak.com - From: £125

And why not visit the Windsor Military Tattoo as well:

2009 Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo - 2 Night Break With Superbreak.com - From: £179

More about the Military Tattoo

60th Show Stopper
Firm audience favourites, the (now not-so-secret) Top Secret Drum Corps from the Swiss city of Basel will, by popular demand, make a welcome return to the Scottish Capital for this year’s 60th Edinburgh Tattoo (7-29 August) and its three-week season on the floodlit Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle.

Fusing furiously fast and exceptionally precise percussion with clockwork precision visual effects, this 30-strong group is once again expected to drum its way in to the hearts of an anticipated 217,000 Tattoo-goers.

With over 1,000 performers, featuring Tongan musicians, an all-male Canadian choir, the Indian Navy, as well as entertainers from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music & Drama, the Tattoo is set to present a compelling mix of music, ceremony, and theatre, while continuing to showcase the very best of Scottish culture.

Indeed, 2009 sees Scotland’s showpiece military tattoo paying tribute to the 250th anniversary of the birth of the country’s national bard, Robert Burns, and playing its part in Scotland’s first ever year of Homecoming.

Tattoo Chief Executive & Producer, Major General Euan Loudon, said: “We are delighted to be part of this year’s important celebration of Scotland’s culture and heritage, when we plan to stage four exclusive extra Tattoo performances outside Edinburgh to mark this special Year of Homecoming.”

And, as 2009 is the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, a feature of next year’s show will be a series of vignettes depicting episodes from the popular poet’s works. This includes an extract of one of the finest examples of his craft, ‘Tam O’Shanter’, which will celebrate the legacy of this literary legend in poetry and dance.

This summer’s colourful production will also include contributions from Switzerland’s premier military band, the Central Band of the Swiss Army, in their first appearance at the Edinburgh Tattoo, the Massed Bands of the Royal Air Force, who previously performed at the 2004 Tattoo, and a 50-strong Australian Highland Dance troupe who will come together with the Tattoo’s own Highland Spring Dancers.

Using the latest sound and lighting technologies, the 60th event, which will also showcase some never-before-seen acts from overseas, will present a production of outstanding colour and variety from the four corners of the globe.

Yet the centrepiece and very heart of next year’s Tattoo is again expected to be the spine-tingling sights and sounds of the world-famous Massed Pipes & Drums as they emerge across the revered drawbridge of Edinburgh Castle each evening.

Special Offers on Machu Picchu Treks

The Adventure Company have special offers on a number of holidays incorporating treks to the amazing ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru.

Empire of the Inca - 15 days
From the colonial city of Arequipa, you embark on an amazing drive across a high barren Andean plateau en route to the incredible Colca Canyon. Here you can watch condors soaring majestically on thermals rising from the depths below. Your journey continues to vibrant Cusco - where you willl discover Sacsayhuaman, Tambo Machay and other amazing Inca ruins.

After plenty of time to explore the Sacred Valley you’ll begin an unforgettable trek along the Inca Trail. With the assistance of porters, you set off through fantastic mountain scenery, stopping at the various Inca ruins along the way. Finally arriving at the Sun Gate you will be rewarded with your first view of Machu Picchu itself – the ‘crows nest’ site of an amazing lost Inca citadel.

Peru Tour ref: PT
From £1,899 per person
Flight inclusive

Visit the Adventure Company Website for more information on this holiday

Classic Peru - 22 days
Following the desert coastline from Lima, you visit the Ballestas Islands with their prolific seabirds and further south, wonder at the mysterious and unexplained Nazca Lines. An exploration of colonial Arequipa reveals the harshness of convent life, followed by a spectacular drive over the Andes to watch condors soar in the Colca Canyon.

Then you’ll journey to Lake Titicaca – the fabled birth place of the Incas. Crossing the high altiplano you descend into the Sacred Valley and explore its profusion of Inca sites - before embarking on the spectacular Inca Trail to the fascinating ruins of Machu Picchu. You’ll finally take the train back to Cusco where you can relax and reflect on your journey of a lifetime!

Peru Tour ref: PU
From £2,049 per person
Flight inclusive

Visit the Adventure Company Website for more information on this holiday

Active in the Andes - 15 days
Take in the beautiful Lake Titicaca with its floating reed islands before crossing the altiplano to Cusco. This vibrant city - ‘the navel of the world’ - offers a great fusion of Inca and colonial sites. Next you’ll head out into the Sacred Valley. Visit the ruins and market of Pisac, hike deserted Inca paths to ancient ruins and stay overnight in a local village house. On your final day you’ll ride mountain bikes along the valley to the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo.

Having warmed up with your previous hikes and mountain biking you’ll embark on the four-day porter assisted trek to Machu Picchu. This ancient trail takes you past smaller ruins along the way to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, and your first spectacular views of the aweinspiring citadel itself. Once amongst the ruined temples why not climb Huayna Picchu for a remarkably different view of the site?

Peru Tour ref: PA
From £1,899 per person
Flight inclusive

Visit the Adventure Company Website for more information on this holiday

The High Inca Trail - 15 days
Cradled in the Andes, Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake, has a magical ambience and is the birth place of the Inca Empire. You’ll visit the famous floating islands of the Uros Indians fashioned from the tortora reed before crossing the Altiplano to explore bustling Cusco, the crossroads of South America where Inca stonework and colonial architecture fuse.

Whilst most trekkers opt for a four-day trek, you will experience the best of the Andes on a less-trekked and higher seven-day trail, encompassing spectacular views of Salkantay. Camp at the foot of the 5800m glaciated peak of Huamantay, cross a 5000m pass and marvel at the majesty of the Andes before trekking between Inca outposts on the way to mystical Machu Picchu.

Peru Tour ref: PL
From £1,799 per person
Flight inclusive

Visit the Adventure Company Website for more information on this holiday

The Inca Trail - 10 days
The Inca Trail from the Sacred Valley of Urubamba to the magical ruins of Machu Picchu is one of the world’s finest trekking routes – and one of the most famous. It offers an incredible mix of fantastic mountain views, different ecosystems from cloudforest to high altitude moorland and a series of fascinating ruins perched on incredible vantage points.

Having spent a couple of days in Cusco to acclimatise and explore this must-visit city, you’ll head out into the Inca heartland and onto the trail. Breathe the fresh mountain air, cross 4000m passes and catch your first breathtaking view of the lost city of Machu Picchu. How’s that for the perfect answer to the question ‘what did you do last week?’

Peru Tour ref: PI
From £1,499 per person
Flight inclusive

Visit the Adventure Company Website for more information on this holiday

Cactus Language Holidays - Special Offers

Get even more out of your language learning by enjoying a Cactus Languages Holiday. Cactus is an award-winning company and one of the world's leading providers of language travel abroad and tailor-made language training. Established in 1998 they offer language courses in over 25 languages, and in some 45 countries and 150 destinations, worldwide.

Look out for the following special offers on language holiday courses in France, Germany, Latvia, Mexico and Spain:

France - Montpellier
Now until 23rd Feb 2009
3 weeks for the price of 2!

France - Nice
Now until 02nd March 2009
4 weeks for the price of 3!

Germany - Hamburg
Nov 08 - Feb 09
4 weeks for the price of 3!

Latvia - Riga
Ongoing
General course and Spa weekend (20 lessons per week) 2 weeks

Mexico - Playa del Carmen
Ongoing
Free full-day excursion to Chichen Itza for General Course bookings of 3 weeks +

Spain - Barcelona
NEW! Special 1 week prog
1 week Spanish & Salsa (20 + 5 lessons p/w)

Spain - Vejer de la Frontera
Ongoing
Long term General Course Discount (20 Spanish + 4 cultural lessons per week)

Club Med Early Booking Bonus

With 2,000 instructors in 60 different sports, Club Med activity holidays make sport accessible to everyone.

Club Med Summer 2009 Early Booking Bonus for holidays between April and October 2009

The earlier you plan ahead, the more you save per head!

THE CLASSIC BONUS
Book between 9 December 2008 and 28 February 2009 and save GBP150 per adult and GBP75 per child (Short Haul) or GBP200 per adult and GBP100 per child (Long Haul)

THE SUMMER BONUS
Book between 1 March and 30 April 2009 and save £100 per adult and £50 per child (Short Haul) or £150 per adult and £75 per child (Long Haul)

CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS SAVINGS
- Infants go FREE
- children betweeen 0 and 5 years get free accomodation
- Great discount for older ones
- children between 6 and 11 years get up to 60% off adult price
- NEW for teenagers! - teenagers between 12 and 17 years get up to 20% off adult price

To find out more visit the Club Med website

The Club Med Package includes

Transport - Return flights and transfers to and from the Club Med Village(1).

Accommodation - Accommodation according to the level of room comfort you choose.

Dining - Full board throughout the stay including wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.

Open Bar & Snack - Open bar and snacks served at specific times during the day and night.

Sports activities - Sports activities with provision of equipment and/or tuition for beginners and/or advanced by qualified instructors.

Club Med Baby Welcome - Club Med Baby Welcome for babies up to 23 months (available in most of the Family Villages, if the service is reserved at the time of booking).

Mini Club Med - Mini Club Med for children from age 4 to 10 years.

Juniors' Club Med or Club Med Passworld - Juniors’ Club Med or Club Med Passworld for teenagers from age 11 to 17 (in some Villages).

Activities - Leisure and relaxation activities.

To find out more visit the Club Med website

Travelsphere Holiday Giveaway

Book any Travelsphere Holiday before 16th February 2009 and you could be one of five lucky winners of a GBP2,000 Travelsphere holiday voucher!

Within the UK, Travelsphere is the number-one operator of escorted holidays worldwide, with more than 30 years experience of creating great-value escorted tours to the most beautiful places. Wherever you go, one of their expert tour managers will take care of all the details and tell you everything you want to know about the attractions on your tour.

Travelsphere activity holidays include cycling holidays, walking holidays, train holidays, festivals and much more...

To view Travelsphere Activity holidays on the Inspiring Holidays website click here

Alternatively visit the Travelsphere website now or call 0845 358 2368

Why Travelsphere?

The best destinations
With Travelsphere you can choose from more than 300 escorted holidays in more than 70 countries. Our brochures for 2009 include Europe, America & Canada, Far Away Places, Scenic Cruises, Worldwide Cruise Collection, European River Cruises, UK & Ireland, Christmas & New Year and the activity brand Get Up & Go. Click here to request one or more of them.

The best options
From short breaks in Britain to around-the-world tours, Travelsphere offers just about every kind of holiday you can think of. Take a classic tour, resort stay, activity break, ocean cruise or river cruise, and choose from options by rail, air and coach (we offer 220 pick-up points across the UK).

The best value
Travelsphere is a direct-sell tour operator, which means you’ll only book your holiday directly with one of our trained holiday advisers. This helps us offer even better value for money, as there are no agents’ fees. We also plan and operate all our own holidays to keep standards high and prices low.

The best tour managers
We pride ourselves on the outstanding service given by our tour managers. They’ll do everything they can to ensure you enjoy your holiday, from helping with any problems to telling you fascinating stories about the sights.

The best way to book
With Travelsphere you can book with confidence. We’re ATOL-bonded and a member of ABTA, which means your money, your holiday and your flights will be safe, whatever happens in the world.

Terms & conditions of £10,000 Giveaway Special Offer
1. Every booking received by 16th February 2009 for a qualifying Travelsphere holiday will be entered in our free prize draw. 2. A qualifying holiday is one featured in any of our current Travelsphere brochures with a departure date before 1st December 2009. 3. The holiday booked to enter the draw must be paid in full prior to taking your prize holiday. 4. All prize draw holidays must be taken no later than 1st December 2010. 5. The prizes will be offered on the basis of our standard Booking Conditions as supplied with each relevant brochure and taken at the winner’s own risk. 6. The winners will be randomly selected from the holiday reference numbers shown on each booking. 7. Each prize will be awarded to the person who made the booking irrespective of the number of people named. 8. Every holiday reference will be entered. The more bookings you make the more chances you will have. 9. Only one prize will be awarded to any one address. 10. Prize holiday vouchers may only be redeemed against a single booking for an unlimited number of people on the same holiday and departure date. No change or credit will be given if the value of the chosen holiday is less than the full amount of the voucher. 11. There are no cash alternatives. 12. The prize may be transferred by the winner to another party who will be equally bound by these rules and our Booking Conditions. 13. The draw will take place at the end of February 2009. Winners will be advised by post within 7 days. A full list of winners will be available on written request to the address below. 14. Travelsphere reserve the right to feature winners for promotional purposes in their own and other publications. 15. The judges will be the Directors of Travelsphere Ltd. No correspondence will be entered into. The judges’ decision on all matters relating to this prize draw is final. 16. Any employee of Travelsphere or their immediate family or any other person directly connected with this prize draw is ineligible to enter. 17. No purchase necessary. To enter please write to Prize Draw, Travelsphere Ltd, Compass House, Rockingham Road, Market Harborough, Leics, LE16 7QD. Only one postal entry per address will be entered.

A Day at the Races with Warner Leisure

Warner Leisure Hotels provide a huge range of experience and activity holidays at venues around the UK. These include a number of holidays incorporating days out at horse racing events.

Warner short breaks are exclusively for adults and with stunning hotels in the UK you will be spoilt for choice! At each of their hotels you can expect great activities, fine dinning and superb entertainment with breakfast a three course dinner and accommodation all included in the price.

They aim to do everything they can to help you relax, unwind and fully enjoy the fantastic facilities they have to offer.

If you fancy a day out at the races then take a look at the following:

Hereford Racecourse Box
Cheltenham Festival One Day - Tuesday
Cheltenham Festival Three Days at Races
Cheltenham Festival One Day - Wednesday
Cheltenham Festival Ladies Day - Thursday
Horse Racing - Fontwell Races
Horse Racing - Great Yarmouth Races at Corton
Horse Racing - Great Yarmouth Races at Gunton Hall
Horse Racing - Newbury Races Day Trip
Horse Racing - Newbury Races (2 days)
Horse Racing - Newmarket Races The Guineas
Horse Racing - Newmarket Races
Horse Racing - Ladies Day at Chester Races
Horse Racing - Ladies Day at York Races
Horse Racing - York Races
Greyhound Racing
Horse Racing - Grand National Experience
Horse Racing - Grand National West Tip Seated

US Masters Golf Holiday Package

US Masters - 9 - 12 April, 2009, Augusta National, Georgia, USA. For US Masters holidays, US Masters tickets and US Masters hospitality packages, Your Golf Travel.com offers a variety of options to ensure that your US Masters experience is unforgettable.

The Masters Tournament, commonly referred to as The Masters or The US Masters, is one of four major championships in men's professional golf and is the first to occur every year. The final round of the Masters each year is scheduled for the second Sunday in April. Unlike the other major championships, the Masters is held at the same location every year - Augusta National Golf Club, a private golf club estate in Augusta, Georgia, USA.

Ticket Inclusive Packages

Practice Round Package 6th - 8th April 2009
2 Night's 4* accommodation at Augusta Marriott Hotel & Suites, Inclusive $185 per room per night food & beverage credit, US Masters practice round tickets (Mon-Tue), Services of Your Golf Travel.com event staff, Daily Transfers to The Masters (based on double occupancy)
Price - £1,165

The Par 3 Tournament Package 6th - 9th April 2009
3 Night's 4* accommodation at Augusta Marriott Hotel & Suites, Inclusive $185 per room per night food & beverage credit, US Masters practice round tickets (Mon-Tue), US Masters Par 3 Tournament tickets, Services of Your Golf Travel.com event staff, Daily Transfers to The Masters (based on double occupancy)
Price - £1,615

The Weekend Package 10th - 13th April 2009
3 Night's 4* accommodation at Augusta Marriott Hotel & Suites, Inclusive $185 per room per night food & beverage credit, US Masters weekend round tickets (Sat & Sun), Services of Your Golf Travel.com event staff, Daily Transfers to The Masters. (based on double occupancy) Price - £2,589

The Opening Rounds Package 8th - 11th April
3 Night's 4* accommodation at Augusta Marriott Hotel & Suites, Inclusive $185 per room per night food & beverage credit, US Masters Par 3 Tournament tickets, US Masters opening rounds tickets (Thu & Fri), Services of Your Golf Travel.com event staff, Daily Transfers to The Masters. (based on double occupancy)
Price - £2,925

The Championship Package 8th - 13th April 2009
5 Night's 4* accommodation at Augusta Marriott Hotel & Suites, Inclusive $185 per room per night food & beverage credit, US Masters tickets to all four rounds (Thu-Sun), Services of Your Golf Travel.com event staff, Daily Transfers to The Masters. (based on double occupancy)
Price - £4,800

The Masters Package 6th - 13th April 2009
7 Night's 4* accommodation at Augusta Marriott Hotel & Suites, Inclusive $185 per room per night food & beverage credit, US Masters practice round tickets (Mon-Tue), US Masters Par 3 Tournament tickets, US Masters tickets to all four rounds (Thu-Sun), Services of Your Golf Travel.com event staff, Daily Transfers to The Masters. (based on double occupancy)
Price - £6,339

The US Masters
The Masters was started by Clifford Roberts and Bobby Jones, who designed Augusta National with legendary course architect Alister MacKenzie, but at first one of the world's most famous and beautiful golf courses was nothing more than 365 acres of simple farming land. Due to the foresight of Bob Jones and Clifford Roberts, Fruitlands Nurseries purchased the land for $70,000 in 1931 and it is now home to the revered Augusta National Golf Course.

After the course was completed, its creators came up with the idea of organizing an annual tournament drawing all the best players from across the world. For the first five years of the tournament, it was called the Augusta National International Tournament but in 1939, its name changed to The Masters.

In line with the other majors, winning the Masters gives a golfer several privileges which make his career more secure. Masters champions are automatically invited to play in the other three majors (the U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and the PGA Championship) for the next five years, and earn a lifetime invitation to the Masters. They also receive membership on the PGA Tour for the following five seasons and invitations to The Players Championship for five years. In 2006 the prize fund was US$7 million.

European players collected eleven victories in twenty years in the 1980s and 1990s, by far the strongest streak they have had in any of the three majors played in the United States since the early days of the U.S Open. Jack Nicklaus became the oldest player to win the Masters in 1986 when he won for the sixth time at age 46. In 1997, headlines were made around the world when Tiger Woods won the Masters by twelve shots at age twenty-one. Jose Maria Olazabal was the last European to win the Masters in 1999.

Like many other courses, Augusta National's championship set-up has been lengthened in recent years. In 1998, it measured approximately 6,925 yards from the Masters tees but in 2006 it was almost 500 yards longer at 7,445 yards. As well as the course being extended, the teeing positions have been altered. Some experts predict that Augusta may now play as many as three shots more following the changes, which would be approved by Jones and Roberts, whose vision was to challenge the best players in the game of golf.

Visit the Your Golf Travel Website now

Hosted Antiques Tours with Warner Hotels

One of the best known of the Antiques Roadshow experts, Eric Knowles has a compendious knowledge of all things antique and artistic, honed during his long career at Bonhams and fired by an infectious enthusiasm.

And when he is not appearing on the show or valuing artefacts at Bonhams, Eric can often be found hosting tours of museums, galleries and historic buildings all over the world.

Warner Leisure Hotels and Eric Knowles provide a range hosted antiques tours around the UK.

Their short breaks are exclusively for adults and with stunning hotels in the UK you will be spoilt for choice! At each of their hotels you can expect great activities, fine dinning and superb entertainment with breakfast a three course dinner and accommodation all included in the price.

They aim to do everything they can to help you relax, unwind and fully enjoy the fantastic facilities they have to offer.

If you want to feel a real sense of achievement and be truly inspired take a look at their drawing, painting and pottery breaks. You can start a new hobby, learn a new skill and have fun whilst you learn in small groups from expert tutors.

Antiques & The British Potteries with Eric Knowles
Antiques & The Newark Antiques Fair with Eric Knowles
Antiques with Eric Knowles on the Isle of Wight
The Brontë Experience & Antiques with Eric Knowles
Antiques and Treasures of the West Country with Eric Knowles
Antiques & The Best of British Ceramics with Eric Knowles
Antiques & Three Great Galleries with Eric Knowles

Also Available:
Antiques with Nicholas Merchant
Country House Tours - The William Morris Style

Book before 19th December and you could save 20% on selected breaks



View other activity holidays at inspiringholidays.com

Photography Breaks with Warner Hotels

Warner Leisure Hotels provide a huge range of experience and activity holidays at luxurious venues around the UK. These include a number of holidays incorporating courses in digital photography and wildlife photography.

Their short breaks are exclusively for adults and with stunning hotels in the UK you will be spoilt for choice! At each of their hotels you can expect great activities, fine dinning and superb entertainment with breakfast a three course dinner and accommodation all included in the price.

They aim to do everything they can to help you relax, unwind and fully enjoy the fantastic facilities they have to offer.

If you want to feel a real sense of achievement and be truly inspired take a look at their short breaks incorporating photography courses. You can start a new hobby, learn a new skill and have fun whilst you learn in small groups from expert tutors.

Digital Photography - Cricket St Thomas
Digital Photography - Gunton Hall
Digital Photography - Sinah Warren
Digital Photography
Digital Photography - Norton Grange
Digital Photography at Sea
Photoshop for Beginners
Wildlife Photography

Book before 19th December and you could save 20% on selected breaks

View other Photography Holidays on inspiringholidays.com

Creative Art Breaks at Warner Leisure Hotels

Warner Leisure Hotels provide a huge range of experience and activity holidays at luxurious venues around the UK. Courses in painting, drawing, pottery, ceramics and more are all on offer.

Their short breaks are exclusively for adults and with stunning hotels in the UK you will be spoilt for choice! At each of their hotels you can expect great activities, fine dinning and superb entertainment with breakfast a three course dinner and accommodation all included in the price.

They aim to do everything they can to help you relax, unwind and fully enjoy the fantastic facilities they have to offer.

If you want to feel a real sense of achievement and be truly inspired take a look at their drawing, painting and pottery breaks. You can start a new hobby, learn a new skill and have fun whilst you learn in small groups from expert tutors.

Joy of Painting with Peter Lawrence - Weekends
Joy of Painting with Peter Lawrence
Joy of Painting with Jayne Good
Pottery Painting
Pottery Painting at Nidd Hall
Drawing for the Terrified
Drawing from Nature
Watercolours for Beginners at Cricket St Thomas
Watercolours for Beginners at Sinah Warren
Watercolours for Beginners with Ronald Swanwick
Art for Leisure
Painting and Decorating Ceramics at Corton
Painting and Decorating Ceramics at Thoresby Hall
Festive Pottery Painting
Create and Paint Lowestoft Porcelain

Book before 19th December and you could save 20% on selected breaks



View other arts and crafts holidays at inspiringholidays.com