Bordeaux & a Gourmet Retreat

Sample delicious cuisine and fine wine as you savour the numerous highlights of Bordeaux and the picture-perfect towns that surround it. From your excellent hotel – a converted manor house that prides itself on its superb restaurant – explore nearby Bazas and its UNESCO-listed cathedral, and tick off an array of local specialities on a ‘gourmet’ tour of Bordeaux. A visit to a vineyard in Sauternes is sure to be memorable, while Saint-Emilion offers magnificent architecture and another chance to sample the region’s famous tipple.

Burma & the Road to Mandalay

Hilltop temples affording spectacular views, shimmering gilded pagodas swathed in diamonds and gold-smothered Buddha images are among the sights to behold in the extraordinary land of Burma. All the must-see landmarks are well and truly accounted for on this awesome journey but you’ll also slip off the tourist trail to mingle with the locals on market day, step inside real homes and gain a unique insight into monastic life. You can stroll through unspoilt countryside where waving children and lazing buffalo are your only companions. This is a country where good luck and happiness are just a blessing away and it’s all yours to discover.

Global Explorer

India’s shimmering Taj Mahal and Brazil’s iconic Christ the Redeemer statue are two of the New Wonders of the World – and you will see them both on this epic 30-day adventure. From sophisticated Vienna to vibrant Shanghai, beautiful Honolulu to spectacular Sydney, you’ll experience a host of thrilling destinations and soak up many outstanding sights as you journey to nine very different but equally exciting countries.

Mysteries of Mexico, Guatemala & Belize

The fascinating remains of the ancient Mayan civilisation, stunning natural beauty and jungle adventures combine in this mesmerising holiday. See one of the ‘new’ Seven Wonders of the World, discover outstanding archaeological sites, visit indigenous communities, spot intriguing wildlife and get up close to an active volcano. When it’s time to relax, where better than on a beautiful white sandy beach lapped by the warm turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Ultimate Alaska

North America’s tallest mountain, breath-taking glaciers, serene wilderness – Alaska is blessed with extraordinary beauty. This immense landscape is home to an incredible array of wildlife and a drive along its highways, which are surrounded by natural wonders, is a treat in itself. Enjoy yet more mesmerising scenery as you cruise Prince William Sound and travel aboard a glass-domed rail car, and discover the fascinating history and culture of the 49th state in its modern cities and gold rush-era towns.

Verona Opera Break

A city with a rich Roman past and many intriguing ancient sites, Verona’s highlights are many. Discover the setting of The Bard’s tragic love story, Romeo and Juliet, and the impressive towers of the Castelvecchio, a stunning Gothic masterpiece in the heart of the city, but it’s Verona’s opera credentials that hog the limelight on this tour. Created especially for opera fans this holiday delivers not one but two evenings of this emotive art form as you soak up the grandeur of the remarkable Roman Arena, one of the world’s greatest opera venues.

I look forward to hearing your comments,

Julia

There are some fantastic new holidays here! It was a hard choice - and I haven't received my brochure yet so I've just looked at the online version. The Mexico, Guatemala and Belize tour stands out for me, it sounds a wonderfully diverse holiday and likewise Burma also sounds amazing. I would love to see Alaska at some point but I am hoping to do a couple of holidays next year, so Alaska is too expensive if I want to take a second holiday! The French gourmet tour also is very appealing, I hope it will be around for a few years so I get the chance to do it. The Global Explorer sounds utterly amazing and a once in a lifetime experience - if I hadn't already seen a number of the places it covers then it would definitely be top of my list. As things stand, it's the Mexico tour that I'll be most likely to do next year, but at the moment it's a toss up between it and Cuba. I'm going to wait until the Sept brochure comes out before I book, so I have the complete 2016 line-up to choose from - happy days!!

Well done to all the holiday creators!

Best wishes,

Bob

Like SarahS I'd like to be greedy and have two votes - Burma and Alaska stand out for me.

The Global Explorer also sounds fantastic, but like Bob, it covers a few places I've already seen. Otherwise it would be a great choice and a wonderful opportunity to circumnavigate the world. Unfortunately I couldn't justify the expense to go over some 'old ground' so I'll have to pass on that one.

Cheers

Mike

I really like the look of Alaska and Bordeaux, unfortunately neither offer dates that I can manage, so it's back to dreaming!

RM

Burma for me - with my new super duper hip!

Cheers

Hils

Just received the new brochure, and have been looking through it for my next holiday. 🙂 I'm glad to see there are more flights available from local airports (though there could be more Manchester or Birmingham departures still) and some interesting new tours. The Italian food tours in particular caught my eye.

As for this poll, I voted for the World Traveller because it is just a once-in-a-lifetime experience! In reality, it's way beyond my budget and capability so it'll remain a dream!

Haven't received my brochure yet and I have struggled to access on line brochure so will have to rely on your summaries. Defo Burma & Mexico for me for longer trips and Bordeaux is a must too. Is the Festive brochure also on it's way?

Sylvia

I can confirm that there are brochures in the post to both of you. In answer to your question Jonah - yes, the Festive holiday collection is also on it's way to you.

Kindest regards,

Julia

I voted for Global explorer would love all that has to offer and only Sydney done in recent times as well as Hong Kong and LA quite some time ago but all the rest is new to me though daren't ask for the amount of time off needed to do it so maybe at a later date, also as I have been looking for these new tours since they were mentioned i hadn't found any of them until that Global Explorer popped up tonight on the Home page so can't comment on the others as havn't seen them yet

regards

Dave

Bordeaux looks promising for one date only of the four. Verona has been done with Aida in June 2011 with Magnificent Lake Garda. Do not want to go to Alaska, Mexico or Burma.

As it is my 60th birthday on NYE 2016, I should be going to New Zealand as it has been on my list for the past 20 years. Still waiting to see what you have for the Festive period in 2016- pretty please ;)

Jan