Discover the very best holidays of 2009 - where our customers have been, and where they are planning to go in 2010!

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40	Driving around Tuscany If you like good food, wine, properly made cappuccinos and stunning scenery then Tuscany is the perfect holiday for you. The transport links are very good between the main centres, so you could easily get around by bus and train, but for more flexibility it is worth hiring a car and satellite navigation system. Most customers fly in to Pisa - the leaning tower is of course the star attraction, and you can join a small group for the strange climb to the top. But the star city is Florence where you could spend several days exploring its little streets and alleyways, world class art galleries, churches, gardens and scenic viewpoints. After Florence we suggest a route that takes you to historical Sienna which is a gorgeous medieval town built around the large Piazza del Campo. Wander the cobbled streets and enjoy great food and wine in one of its many cafes and little restaurants. If you have a car, then just a short distance from here is the delightful hilltop village of Monteriggioni which provides an unbelievably beautiful location to watch the sunset and enjoy an evening meal. You can also easily visit Montecino which is a famous wine village, but just driving around here is a delight with picture postcard scenes of the Tuscan countryside, including the famous 'S' bend of Cypress trees that is seen in several books. At the end of your stay you can add a night of two by the coast at Viareggio which has a good long sandy beach.
39	Langkawi Island, Malaysia Langkawi is a laid back tropical island in the Andaman Sea, a short flight from Kuala Lumpur, and boasting some of the world's most beautiful beaches. If you can tear yourself away from the white sand beach, then there is a tropical rainforest to explore, as well as excellent snorkeling and diving in the National marine Park. Most of the hotels are 4-5*, and there are a few that stand out. The Datai is a world famous luxury hotel in a beautiful bay with exceptional standards of service, however very close and in the same bay is the Andaman, built right in the heart of the rainforest and a less expensive alternative to the Datai. Meanwhile there are a number of good value hotels such as the Sheraton Langkawi, Westin Langkawi and Meritus Pelangi, all of which are set in stunning locations. Wherever you stay though, Langkawi will provide you with a peaceful, relaxing holiday with the chance of exploring the natural side of the island.
38	Oman Interestingly Oman is now more popular with our customers than Dubai, and perhaps this is because of the massive construction going on in Dubai right now, but also because of the superb choice of hotels now available around Muscat. Our favourite is the boutique Chedi which has a calming relaxed atmosphere and a couple of top class restaurants, while the Al Bustan has just reopened after a major refurbishment and offers a luxury holiday in a dramatic setting. The Shangri La is the biggest hotel and actually made up of three parts depending on whether you are travelling as a family, as a couple, or want all-out luxury. There are no less than 19 bars and restaurants plus a huge range of excellent facilities, and all set right on a beautiful beach. During the day it's worthwhile taking one of the desert excursions even just to go and see the sunset, or even better why not spend a night in the desert? Nizwa is famous for its cattle market and old forts and is easily reachable from Muscat, while there are also dolphin watching, turtle watching and sunset cruises to enjoy. And finally you should visit the atmospheric old souk in Muscat and take a walk along the corniche where you'll see the boats bobbing up and down in the bay.
37	Borneo and the Orang Utan sanctuary The highlight of Borneo is of course the Orang Utans which are becoming almost extinct in the wild, but here in Borneo you'll get a unique chance to see them up close at the world famous Orang Utan sanctuary. It's about a 45 minute flight from the beach resort of Kota Kinabalu, and possibilities include both day trips and longer 3 day mini tours. Our favourite hotel on the beach is the Shangri La Rasa Ria because it has something quite unique - its own mini orang utan sanctuary which guests can visit and see them being fed. This hotel has 4 good restaurants and a large white sandy beach. But it's about 45 minutes from the town centre in the rainforest and so you'd come here if you want a peaceful relaxing break. If you want to be close to shops and nightlife then its sister hotel the Shangri La Tanjung Aru might be a better choice. Finally, we would also recommend a visit to Poring Hot Springs which has jungle trails and a walkway canopy in the rainforest branches from which to observe the wildlife.
36	Bali, Ubud and Lombok Although Bali is a beautiful tropical island you must choose the right resort to have an enjoyable holiday. Our favourite is Sanur because it has a good selection of high quality hotels and nice restaurants, and an excellent atmosphere. But there are also great deals to be had at many of Nusa Dua's hotels plus a fine beach, while some of the top hotels are in upmarket Seminyak, a stylish resort with an excellent selection of good bars, restaurants and boutique shops. But it's also worth spending a night or two (or even more) in Ubud, a colourful artist's town inland from the coast where you can explore the local markets, boutique art shops and monkey forest. And not far from here is the unique elephant safari lodge, giving you a once in a lifetime chance to interact with rare and indigenous Sumatran Elephants. For something extra special though, head to Lombok or the Gili Islands for world class diving and snorkeling. There is a range of accommodation from luxury hotels to more modest choices with rustic thatched roofs.
35	A Kenyan Safari For first time visitors to Africa, Kenya is the one of the best destinations to enjoy a safari, especially if you want to keep the costs down. It has a good infrastructure, is easy to get around, and there is a wide choice of hotels and lodges depending on budget. Make sure you have at least a couple of nights in the Masai Mara which is the major game park in Kenya and home to the big 5, but other parks will offer something a bit different. And why not extend your holiday with a week at the beach - there is a big choice from 3* informal hotels right up to 5* boutique treehouses! One of our best selling safaris is the Kenya Masai Safari - great value for money and yet includes 5 star accommodation throughout. You'll get a night in Nairobi, 2 in Samburu, 1 at Aberdares (for excellent elephant spotting), 1 at Lake Nakuru, and two in the Masai Mara. Finally, for something extra special book a balloon ride over the Masai Mara - it ends with an unforgettable champagne breakfast in the bush!
34	Canadian Rockies The Canadian Rockies can't be more different between the seasons. In winter, much of British Colombia and Alberta is under a delightful blanket of snow, and outdoor activities such as dog sledding and skiing are the main reasons for coming. But in summer, you'll find long days of warm sunshine, the snow has all but melted, and you can enjoy the lakes, mountains and stunning scenery. The classic route starts in the beautiful city of Vancouver and takes you by the world famous Rocky Mountaineer to Jasper, recently voted the number one rail journey in the world. After a few days in Jasper the route continues down the Icefields Parkway, 150 miles of outstanding scenery. At the half way point is a glacier, and most people stop here to enjoy a snow coach ride on to the ice. The route continues to Banff, the main town inn the Rockies, but there are other quite stunning locations nearby such as Lake Louise which is home to the famous Lake Louise Hotel. Car hire is easy, however there are many different tours available if you prefer to go by escorted coach.
33	Pangkor Island Pangkor Laut Island is a tropical hideaway located just off the west coast of Malaysia. It is an exclusive resort, a favourite with those looking for luxury, seclusion, fantastic beaches and wonderful accommodation. It is frequently voted one of the top resorts in the world. There is a wide choice of accommodation from sea villas which are built on stilts over the water, to beachfront villas and Malay style hillside villas set amidst the rainforest. During the day there is a good choice of activities such as cruising, fishing, golf, Tai Chi, yoga, kayaking, sailing and snorkeling. There is also a jogging trail surrounded by rainforest. The spa village has eight treatment pavilions and three 'Healing Huts' where you can have a whole array of relaxing and rejuvenating therapies. The island also has a couple of swimming pools, jet pool, gymnasium, tennis and squash, gift shop, library, TV lounge, hair salon, and a boutique. In the evening there are several places to enjoy a romantic meal. Fisherman's Cove has an open show kitchen and stunning sea views, while Uncle Lim's Kitchen is set on top of a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea. At the Royal Bay Beach Club the area is transformed in the evening into a chic chill-out lounge serving cocktails. At The Straits you can sit in one of the private dining booths offering fabulous views of the sea. Holidays to Pangkor Laut are easily combined with a stop in Kuala Lumpur, plus there are numerous other twin and multi centre options possible.
32	A tour around Iceland If you're looking for a holiday with a difference, and one that's not too far away, then Iceland might be the answer. Summers bring 24 hours daylight and the bizarre phenomena of seeing the sun at midnight, at least in the northern parts. Some of the best sights are around Reykjavik. The Blue Lagoon is a massive geothermal spa which is excellent for the skin and is heated to around 38C. The minerals give the water its famous aquamarine blue colour. Gulfoss is a spectacular waterfall again within easy reach of Reykjavík. But nearby geyser is even more spectacular, shooting a boiling jet of water 30 metres into the air every quarter of an hour. There are also multi coloured thermal pools and spectacular walks. If you travel a bit further east you'll come to one of the world's most stunning sights - the Glacial Lagoon. The deep blue colours are unforgettable, and so is the superb boat ride among the glaciers. Watch as pieces break off from the main glacier and fall in to the lagoon. Further east still is a spectacular mountain which you can get to the top in a special vehicle. Leave your car at the bottom and enjoy a ride above the clouds to the summit where you can enjoy the views or try snowmobiling. In the north of the island is Lake Myvatn and again the scenery here is spectacular. But it is also famous for the bird life and many bird watchers come here. There are different ways of visiting Iceland. You could rent a cottage near to Reykjavik and use it as a base, or alternatively hire a car and make a route around the island. And of course there are a few escorted tours that take you to the best bits, especially around Reykjavik,
31	Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, Yellowstone This has to be one of the most amazing locations of any hotel in North America, set below the steaming limestone terraces of mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone national park. It is the only hotel open during the winter, when the scenery is very different to summer as snow covers much of Yellowstone, but it is also arguably the best time to visit - there are far fewer people than in the summer peak and the wildlife such as the woolly bison are easier to see as they gather around the thermal pools. Winter is also a time to enjoy activities such as cross country skiing, snowmobiling and husky safaris. Yellowstone is the first and the most spectacular of America's national parks, and its most famous attraction is 'Old faithful' a geyser that erupts at least 15 times every day shooting boiling water high into the air. If you're on a fly drive then it's easy to combine a stay in Yellowstone to the spectacularly beautiful Grand Teton National park, or head south to Las Vegas, Los Angeles or San Francisco, or even north to the Canadian Rockies.
30	A dream cruise around the Indian Ocean Can't make up your mind between Mauritius and the Seychelles? Then why not do both on Costa's amazing 14 night itinerary around the Indian Ocean. Starting in Mauritius, the ship then sails to the Seychelles for a couple of days before heading to Mombasa in Kenya. Then it heads to Madagascar, home to the lemurs, and then to the wild tropical island of Reunion before returning to Mauritius, where you can spend a few extra nights on land if you don't quite want to go home yet! As ever with cruises, the earlier you book the cheaper it is.
29	The Fortress, Sri Lanka This is a small boutique hotel with a stunning design in the South West of Sri Lanka. The rooms are worth the trip in themselves, with massive beds, state of the art entertainment systems, open-plan bathrooms, and jacuzzi baths in the ocean rooms. But the most spectacular of all are the two ocean loft rooms with their own heated private pool! Food here is superb, and I rated this place no.1 for cuisine out of the many hotels I have visited in Sri Lanka. Nearby in Galle, you can see traditional fishermen on stilts or visit the excellent turtle sanctuary. Back at the hotel, there are swing chairs in the bar, a fibre-optic swimming pool, tea-tasting (which is very good!) and of course a spa. A visit here can easily be combined with a few days in the cultural centre of Sri Lanka in Kandy, or up near the caves at Dambulla which is also close to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, worth a climb for the amazing views from the top.
28	The Shandrani, Mauritius Out of all the superb hotels in Mauritius, we have chosen to feature The Shandrani because it has one of the best all-inclusive packages around. There is fine dining in a choice of three restaurants plus unlimited premium brand drinks, INCLUDING French champagne by the glass! There are over 40 different wines to choose from, all included in your rate as well as numerous free sports and watersports plus a FREE 45 minutes massage per stay! The Shandrani is set on a stunning peninsula in the South East of Mauritius, surrounded by the Blue Baie Marine Park. Along with award winning tropical gardens it has three distinctly different beaches for you to explore - the 'Wild Beach' for romantic seclusion, plus two other beaches by the tranquil turquoise lagoon.
27	Winter in the Canadian Rockies The Canadian Rockies in the cooler months are transformed into a spectacular winter wonderland with an array of winter activities including dog sledding, skiing, ice walks, skating, ice fishing, sleigh rides, snowmobiling and Snowshoeing . And there is nowhere better to stay than the magical resort of Fairmont Banff Springs in a magnificent setting by a lake. After a day in the snow you can come back to warm fires, hot drinks and top class food. Combine a few days here with the coastal city of Vancouver, or for more winter activities head to Whistler.
26	A Journey through South Africa: Spectacular wildlife, The Garden Route, and Cape Town If you're looking to see as much of South Africa as possible then this self drive itinerary is perfect. It is a hugely varied trip which will take you from the wildlife parks of the Eastern Cape through the spectacular Garden Route along the south coast of South Africa until you reach splendid Cape Town, your home for 5 nights. There are many ways to arrange such a trip, but this is our suggestion: Start by flying in to Port Elizabeth and driving up to Shamwari Game Reserve for 3 nights and check in to the breathtaking Bayethe Lodge. Here you can enjoy luxury tented accommodation with a private plunge pool and viewing deck, delicious al fresco meals, open fires and excellent game drives in 4x4 vehicles to see the big 5. One big advantage of staying at Shamwari is that you don't need to take malaria tablets! The next part of your journey is the famous Garden Route. You'll pass beautiful coastal scenery, and so we recommend you take it slowly, perhaps staying in a few different places along the route. Plettenberg Bay has unspoilt beaches, lovely walks and nature reserves, and is a good excuse to stay somewhere like the Lairds Lodge Country Estate, a wonderful boutique hotel which is a long time favourite. It's worth a couple of nights here to explore the area. Moving on, if you are here between June and November then stop at Hermanus for a whale watching trip, or head inland before reaching Cape Town to the winelands area and the historic town of Stellenbosch. Then you reach your final destination, Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Wander along the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront with its trendy bars, restaurants and shopping boutiques. You'll need a good few days to see the best sights: 1. Table Mountain - Walk or take the cable car for amazing views from the top. Take a bottle of champagne with you in the afternoon for an unforgettable sunset. 2. Mountain Walks - visit the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden on the eastern slope of Table Mountain for some lovely walking trails. 3. Robben Island - This is where Nelson Mandela was kept imprisoned, and you can now take a tour run by former inmates. 4. Cape Point - This is the famous spot where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet, with spectacular scenery along the way. 5. Beaches - Cape Town has a number of excellent beaches, offering something for everyone including Boulders Beach which is home to penguins. 6. Nightlife - Cape Town has a vibrant nightlife with dozens of excellently restaurants and bars. So, in just a couple of weeks or less you can have a fantastic and hugely varied holiday.
25	Little Arches, Barbados Little Arches is a peaceful and much sought after hotel on the South Coast of Barbados. It is a small boutique hotel, with only 10 charming individual rooms and suites, and only caters for adults over 16. There are a number of lovely touches such as a delightful rooftop pool with a Mediterranean influenced sun terrace and spectacular ocean views. It is situated just across from the white sands of Enterprise Beach and close to the fishing village of Oistins and Barbados Golf Club. There is an award winning rooftop restaurant which is also a perfect spot for sunset cocktails. The delightful mini-spa provides a range of treatments in a tranquil garden setting. Barbados has probably the biggest number of attractions for any island in the Caribbean, and here is our list of the top 12 things to do: 1. Swim with turtles on an unforgettable snorkeling trip 2. Explore the island's plantation houses and Harrison's Cave where you'll find stalactites, stalagmites, breathtaking waterfalls and emerald pools 3. Visit the East coast which is far more rugged and windswept than the West and South coasts 4. Go to Oistins fishing village on a Friday where abundant seafood is served in a party atmosphere 5. Take a trip on the Atlantis Submarine to see the marine life 6. If you have children, visit during the summer and take part in the Barbados Sport's Camp 7. See the Barbados Green monkey and other exotic animals at the Barbados Wildlife Reserve 8. Visit the colourful harbour and fine shops of Bridgetown 9. Take a day trip to the beautiful Grenadines - fly by light aircraft to Union Island and sail along the beautiful coastline with perfect white sandy beaches 10. Have a night out at St. Lawrence Gap - music shows, open-air dance clubs, bars and restaurants 11. Learn to scuba dive and take advantage of the warm clear waters of the Caribbean 12. Watch Cricket at the Kensington Oval
24	Diving and Nature in Dominica Experience one of the Caribbean's most spectacular natural environments on this unspoiled gem of an island. It is a place of natural beauty where you'll find dense rainforests, magnificent waterfalls and a mountainous interior. If you're here between November and March then there is superb whale watching as well as a good chance of seeing dolphins. It is also great for bird watching, snorkeling and scuba diving, in fact it is rated one of the top 5 dive spots in the Caribbean for diving. Other natural attractions include the stunning Emerald Pool, the world's second largest boiling Lake, and the cascading waterfalls. There are nearly 300 miles of footpaths, and the Morne Trois Pitons National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can take an aerial tram ride through the rainforest canopy, or even explore on horseback, or venture out on mountain bikes. Our choice of hotel is the Fort Young - it's built on the site of an original wooden fort and is close to the capital Roseau. The emphasis is on good food, comfortable accommodation and providing an ideal location for seeing and experiencing the best of Dominica. Although there’s no beach here, many of the rooms are right on the water and the pool has a lovely area where you can relax and soak up the sun.
23	Visiting the Taj Mahal The highlight of any tour to India is visiting the Taj Mahal, but remember that it makes all the difference when you visit. The best time is first thing in the morning when the sun comes up, there'll be no crowds and the light is magnificent. Watch as it changes colour, until about 9am when the magic has finished. A typical tour of the Golden Triangle will include a night or two in Agra (for the Taj Mahal) plus a couple of days in Delhi - a city with a huge contrast between the noise and atmosphere of Old Delhi and the wide tree-lined streets of New Delhi which serves as the place of the Government of India. Tours will also include a couple of nights in the pink city of Jaipur, famous for the Amber Fort and the City Palace.
22	China China is a vast land covering an area larger than Europe, but which boasts over 30 UNESCO World Heritage sites. In the big cities the skyline is often ultra modern while in the countryside it seems like another world, with life going at a different pace. Most China tours visit the iconic sights around Beijing such as the Great Wall and Tiananmen Square, and will also include an evening out at a Peking Duck restaurant. Xian is home to the terracotta warriors, one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century. There are over 8,000 soldiers plus over 100 chariots and 500 horses. Chengdu is home to the giant panda reserve where you'll get the chance to get up close. For something very special however take a cruise down the Yangtze River - they normally last 3-4 days, or for a shorter alternative a morning cruise down the Li River is equally spectacular. It will take you to the breathtaking village of Yangshuo.
21	Krabi, Thailand Because of excellent hotel deals, Thailand has been a popular choice this year, but it is important to choose your resort carefully. We think the best island for scenery is Krabi - the beaches are stunning - and there are some good value hotels such as the Centara Grand Beach set in a stunning location. It's worth adding on a few days in Bangkok at either the beginning or end of your trip, or even going up to Chiang Mai in the North for the cultural side of Thailand.

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Monday to Saturday 9am - 6pm     65 Station Road     Letchworth Garden City     Hertfordshire     SG6 3BJ   01462 677 111         holidays@onyourtravels.co.uk