Tierra-ific Trek
With longer days and a warmer climate, Patagonia offers escapism from the cold of the UK this winter. Journey into the mountains from the southern shores of Lake Argentina to the ‘trekking capital’ El Chalten. The views on these treks are stunning, taking in Laguna de los Tres with towering granite spires, rolling glaciers and Cerro Torre, the prettiest of mountain lakes. Across the border in Chile, the Torres del Paine is one of South America's finest national parks with glacial ice fields, dense forests, rivers and lakes. The Tierra del Fuego National Park is also a ‘must see’ with hikes among the lakes, glaciers, and snow-capped peaks. The wildlife is just as spectacular with penguins, beavers and seals to look out for! For the best scenery in Argentina and Chile, the 14 day “Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego” trekking tour starts from £1685 per person tour only, including 13 nights accommodation (eight nights hotel, five nights multi-share accommodation)
Christmas Countdown
With just 64 days until Christmas, there is no better time to explore the ancient biblical sites of Jordan and Israel while getting some winter sun in a short-haul destination. Visit the Amman and Petra with their reminders of the great Roman Empire, then visit Wadi Rum and take a camel ride to stay in traditional Bedouin tents and learn about the culture. With towering sandstone mountains rising from the desert this is a beautiful place to watch the sunset, and was also the location for the film of ‘Laurence of Arabia’. Crossing the border to Israel, discover Jerusalem with its mix of religions and see the Wailing Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Yad Vashem (Israel's memorial to the Holocaust). Continue to the biblical city of Bethlehem to explore Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity and then Nazareth and the fortress of King Herod. After all that exploring there is even time to relax and unwind while floating in the Dead Sea. The 12 day “Jordan & Israel Explorer” tour starts from £1740 per person tour only, including 11 nights accommodation (ten nights hotel, one night Bedouin tent), all breakfasts and some other meals, land transport, arrival transfers and the services of a tour leader and local guides. Flights are available from £386 per person. Call Imaginative Traveller Reservations Line on 08450 778803 or book on line at www.imaginative-
Annapurna Dhaulagiri
Get fit this autumn, the perfect time to visit Nepal, with clear, mild days and cool nights. Home to some of the most breathtaking treks in the world, the Annapurna foothills in Nepal lead to Kopra Ridge is an ideal vantage point to explore the Himalayas. It is also possible to observe the Buddhist monks in Kathmandu, while they pray in monasteries surrounding Bodhnath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist shrines in the world. With a backdrop of stunning views and small villages with different cultures and customs to explore, trekking through this area really is off the beaten track. The 15 day “Annapurna Dhaulagiri” trek starts from £1035 per person tour only including 14 nights accommodation (five nights hotel, nine nights lodge), five breakfasts, land transport, airport transfers and the services of a tour leader, local guides and porterage on the trek. Flights are available from £482 per person. Call Imaginative Traveller Reservations Line on 08450 778803 or book on line at www.imaginative-
