Extraordinary experiences

It's time to widen your horizons on an extraordinary cultural journey
Our world, full of bigger, better planes, trains and other modes of transport, seems a much smaller place. In fact, is there anywhere today’s traveller cannot reach? Well, thankfully there are a few less-trodden paths for adventurers to take. But more interestingly, there’s also an increasing trend in luxury travel that has nothing to do with fancy hotels and over-the-top service.

The ultimate holiday for curious globetrotters now includes extraordinary experiences arranged just for you, unavailable to the majority of tourists.

Expert Cazenove+Loyd, which o€ffers tailor-made trips in South America, Asia and Africa, last year launched a programme of such holidays, called Inspired Journeys.

On one of these setdeparture, small group trips led by experts, you could meet famous artists in Cuba, learn to photograph people and landscapes in Morocco, It’s time to widen your horizons on an extraordinary cultural journey enjoy a culinary journey in India, or embrace culture and art in Peru.

In June, George Plumptre, CEO of the National Gardens Scheme, will accompany a Š ve-night trip encompassing private access to gardens in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire.

Further afield, explore Yangon accompanied by former British Ambassador to Burma, Robert Gordon, followed by 11 nights on board the new Belmond vessel, Orcaella, next year.

Or how about a trip to Seville in Spain, with special access to the Jerez horse fair to meet riders and horse breeders?

Travel-May02-02-590Colourful Bhutan

In October 2015, there is a very special journey to the States to meet musicians, singers and producers in New Orleans, Memphis and Tennessee, with VIP tickets and back-stage passes to live events.

Or this September, take one of those less-trodden paths in extraordinary Bhutan – it’s certainly one of the most fascinating places I’ve explored in recent years.

The 11-night, once-in-alifetime holiday, from £5,140 per person (full board but not including international › ights), will be led by Lama Neten, a well-respected senior monk in Bhutan, who has dedicated his life to the study of Buddhism.

The Inspired Journey to Bhutan, for just 12 guests, incorporates private blessing ceremonies, meditation and the Gangtey Festival, not only an important sacred occasion but also a lively social gathering for the local people. Lama Neten will explain the messages behind the dances performed in colourful costumes.

The journey also takes in beautiful monasteries and sacred temples, including the Taktsang Goemba and its cli€ -top location, where legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a › ying tigress, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan from Tibet. There’s also luxury: accommodation will be some of the best in Bhutan, including Uma Paro and Namgay Heritage Hotel and two new lodges, Uma Punakha and Gangtey Goenpa Lodge.

Cazenove+Loyd: 020-7384 2332, www.cazloyd.com

Contact Wendy at wendy.gomersall@lady.co.uk

Prices correct at time of going to press