Blow the budget
Ten years ago, when a savings scheme matured, I should have spent the money on double glazing or something equally useful. Instead, I blew the whole lot on going to see tigers in India. These once-in-a-lifetime holidays are not cheap, but you’ll never regret splashing out on them…
Burma: A Step Back In Time is a 21-day tour and river cruise, running from 17 October to 6 November, starting from £11,830 per person. It includes a privately chartered cruise along the Irrawaddy River on board the new Sanctuary Ananda. You could also take the post-tour option and continue from Burma on a seven-day exploration of Bhutan, which features in the top 20 least visited countries of the world. This add-on costs from £3,915 per person.
Meanwhile, Quest To The North Pole is a 15-day expedition cruise from Finland to the Arctic, running from 18 July to 1 August, costing from £18,385 per person. It o ers the chance to travel on board the 50 Years Of Victory, the world’s largest nuclear icebreaker, on its last voyage before it returns to duty in the Russian Arctic.
0800-533 5342, www.captainschoice.co.uk
SPECIAL SAFARI
There’s no such thing as a cheap, good safari, so if you want memorable, go for this exceptional tailor-made Safari Of A Lifetime from experts Safari Consultants, starting from £15,195 per person. Taking in South Africa, Zambia and wonderful Botswana, this 17-day holiday offers incredible big-game viewing, diverse landscapes and some of Africa’s luxurious accommodation. It includes four nights at Mala Mala, famous as a ‘big ve’ spotting destination (that’s leopard, lion, bu alo, elephant and rhino). Stunning natural landscapes include Victoria Falls, the Makgadikgadi Pans of the Kalahari Desert (where semi-habituated meerkats will use you as look-out post if you’re lucky) and, in my view, the most beautiful place on Earth, the Okavango Delta.
01787-888590, www.safari-consultants.com
The itinerary takes in the cities of Udaipur, Jaipur and, one of my favourites, the Blue City of Jodhpur. Of course, you’ll also get to see the unforgettable Taj Mahal in Agra. Among other special experiences there’s the old city of Fatehpur Sikri and the Karni Mata Temple – or Rat Temple – in Deshnok… you have been warned! And there’s even a safari in the world-famous Ranthambore National Park included – good luck spotting tigers…
020-7666 1234, www.westernoriental.com
Contact Wendy at wendy.gomersall@lady.co.uk
PRIVATE TOURS
Captain’s Choice takes you to exceptional places in comfort and safety, often by privately chartered planes and ships, always in luxury. Its 2015 programme features two marvellous destinations, both featuring stunning sights, gorgeous landscapes and engaging people.Burma: A Step Back In Time is a 21-day tour and river cruise, running from 17 October to 6 November, starting from £11,830 per person. It includes a privately chartered cruise along the Irrawaddy River on board the new Sanctuary Ananda. You could also take the post-tour option and continue from Burma on a seven-day exploration of Bhutan, which features in the top 20 least visited countries of the world. This add-on costs from £3,915 per person.
Meanwhile, Quest To The North Pole is a 15-day expedition cruise from Finland to the Arctic, running from 18 July to 1 August, costing from £18,385 per person. It o ers the chance to travel on board the 50 Years Of Victory, the world’s largest nuclear icebreaker, on its last voyage before it returns to duty in the Russian Arctic.
0800-533 5342, www.captainschoice.co.uk
SPECIAL SAFARI
There’s no such thing as a cheap, good safari, so if you want memorable, go for this exceptional tailor-made Safari Of A Lifetime from experts Safari Consultants, starting from £15,195 per person. Taking in South Africa, Zambia and wonderful Botswana, this 17-day holiday offers incredible big-game viewing, diverse landscapes and some of Africa’s luxurious accommodation. It includes four nights at Mala Mala, famous as a ‘big ve’ spotting destination (that’s leopard, lion, bu alo, elephant and rhino). Stunning natural landscapes include Victoria Falls, the Makgadikgadi Pans of the Kalahari Desert (where semi-habituated meerkats will use you as look-out post if you’re lucky) and, in my view, the most beautiful place on Earth, the Okavango Delta. 01787-888590, www.safari-consultants.com
LUXURY TRAIN
With its beautiful palaces, temples and fascinating religions, India is mesmerising. See the best of it on an 11-day holiday from Western & Oriental, the Maharajas Express: Heritage Of India, starting from £7,549 per person, including ¨ ights. One of the highlights is a voyage on the new luxury train, the Maharajas’ Express. Other luxe accommodation includes the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai.The itinerary takes in the cities of Udaipur, Jaipur and, one of my favourites, the Blue City of Jodhpur. Of course, you’ll also get to see the unforgettable Taj Mahal in Agra. Among other special experiences there’s the old city of Fatehpur Sikri and the Karni Mata Temple – or Rat Temple – in Deshnok… you have been warned! And there’s even a safari in the world-famous Ranthambore National Park included – good luck spotting tigers…
020-7666 1234, www.westernoriental.com
Contact Wendy at wendy.gomersall@lady.co.uk