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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60	A Twin centre holiday in Turkey: Istanbul + Coast Istanbul is one of the most interesting and atmospheric cities in the world, which is why it makes such as good combination with a stay on one of Turkey's beach resorts. Typically, people spend a few days in Istanbul before flying down to the coast for 7-10 nights relaxation. The city stands on the shores of the Bosphorus, the strait that separates Europe and Asia, with many day and evening cruises sailing past the stunning skyline towards the Black Sea. The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest covered markets in the world, a unique maze of shops and boutiques selling everything from spices to souvenirs and water pipes. Bargaining is part of the fun; just remember that the first price you are quoted is about double what the seller will settle for in the end. One of the great sights is the Blue Mosque, built in 1616 with over 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles and over 200 stained glass windows with intricate designs. You are welcome to visit most times in the day, apart from the period of the five daily prayers. At night it is a stunning sight as the 6 minarets and the cascading domes are brilliantly illuminated. Lastly in Istanbul, don't forget to enjoy a Turkish coffee in one of the many cafes and restaurants, just watching the world go by. There is a good choice of hotels available, and as ever we prefer the ones with a bit of character and especially those in a good location.
59	Riding one of the world's great trains Trains are becoming more popular than ever and this is partly because they take away a lot of the stress of airports. There are other advantages too. You obviously get a lot more space and can move around, go to the bar or dining car etc, but also you'll find that you get on and off right in the centre of a city rather than at an airport that could be several miles away. We have put together a list of our top 10 train journeys: 1. Rocky Mountaineer in the Canadian Rockies, going from Vancouver to either Banff or Jasper, including overnight in a hotel 2. The Ghan from Darwin to Adelaide, via Alice Springs in Australia - sleeper carriages and reclining seats available 3. The Hiram Bingham that travels through the Sacred Valley in Peru to Aguas Calientas, the last stop before Machu Picchu 4. The Indian Pacific that runs all the way across Australia from Perth to Sydney, taking three days 5. The Tranzcoastal train in New Zealand which runs through spectacular scenery from Christchurch to Greymouth 6. The bullet train in Japan from Tokyo to Kyoto 7. The Glacier Express in Switzerland which travels from Zermatt to St Moritz 8. The new and luxurious Maharajas Express in India, like a palatial hotel on wheels 9. The luxury Rovos Rail journey from Cape Town to Victoria Falls 10. The Eastern and Oriental Express between Bangkok and Singapore These journeys are a fantastic way to experience the scenery, and in the case of Australia, the sheer size and remoteness of the region. For example, The Ghan (pictured) starts its journey in Darwin and makes its way down the centre of Australia to Alice Springs. You can get on and off here, or continue to Adelaide, but before you reach Adelaide the train stops at Coober Pedy, a unique underground city where you can choose to spend a couple of nights before catching the next train to Adelaide.
58	Polar Bears of Churchill For a few short magical weeks each year in Churchill, Canada, hundreds of polar bears arrive and wait for the ice on Hudson Bay to completely freeze over. Then they're off again to hunt seals. This annual wildlife feast takes place around October and is one of the world's greatest spectacles; early booking is essential. Buggies ride on the tundra giving you amazing photographic opportunities. How to get there? Well there are a few escorted tours available, alternatively fly from Toronto which obviously opens up a great twin centre possibility.
57	All Inclusive in Antigua Cocobay is a collection of pastel painted cottages in the South West of Antigua with a unique and very homely atmosphere. Perched on a hillside between two pretty beaches, it's just a minute's walk down to the beach or you can just relax by the infinity pool or let yourself be pampered in the Wellness cottage. All of the 53 cottages are scattered across the hillside and have wonderful ocean views while some even have their own private plunge pool. All your drinks and meals are included in the price, and there is a second wonderful restaurant which offers an intimate waterfront setting for an extra charge. Antigua is famous for having a beach for every day of the year - 365 - and is very much a laid back island made for relaxation. If you want to get out, here are a few things to do... 1. Visit Nelson's Dockyard and English Harbour 2. Take the catamaran to the island of Barbuda for the day including snorkeling and a visit to the bird sanctuary. 3. Eli’s Eco Tour - Visit the most secluded and interesting places in Antigua and see the beautiful flora and fauna with snorkeling and hiking stops. 4. Hire a jeep and explore the scenic Fig Tree Drive, travelling through rainforest and past old sugar mills and churches. 5. Go snorkeling at Stingray City with these majestic creatures 6. Visit the capital, St. Johns and wander around the colourful shops And then it's back to your cottage at Cocobay, Antigua's most romantic resort.
56	A Greek Island and a good choice of tavernas One of the delights about Greece is the tasty food and the friendliness and good humour of the waiters, all of which makes for a wonderful (and relatively cheap) evening if you choose to dine out. One of our favourite islands is Rhodes because there is a good mixture of things to do, good scenery and decent beaches. And because it is quite far south, the weather stays excellent well in to October. The top resort is Lindos with its white washed houses, narrow alleyways and superb beaches, and in the evening you'll find tavernas down by the waterfront as well as rooftop restaurants and a variety of bars. During the day there are trips to the thermal baths at Kalithea, Marmaris in Turkey, and the pretty island of Symi, while in Lindos itself is the ancient temple ruins of the Acropolis. Another resort we would recommend is Pefkos which is close to Lindos but smaller. Even so, there are several excellent tavernas and a few bars. It has possibly the best beach on Rhodes and is surrounded by hills. And if you prefer a quiet relaxed place with just a few tavernas and a couple of bars then Haraki or Kalithea are to be recommended. Finally, there is a wide variety in the standards of accommodation. There are lots of small, relatively inexpensive, 3* hotels or apartments, right up to luxury resorts such as my favourite, the Lindian Village in Lardos.
55	Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan Japan has a slightly undeserved reputation as an expensive country to visit which is why most of our trips to Japan are combined with flights to or from Australia. We suggest 2-3 nights in both Tokyo and Kyoto, travelling between the two cities on the world famous bullet train. Sit on the right hand side (from Tokyo to Kyoto) for stunning views of snowcapped Mount Fuji. Kyoto is the cultural centre of Japan and home to beautiful Japanese gardens, many temples and shrines, a monkey park and geishas. You may easily spot one in the geisha district wearing full dress and their traditional white make up. For an authentic Japanese experience, book a night in a ryokan which is a small, traditional hotel, and enjoy a 'tea experience'. Longer escorted tours are also available up to a couple of weeks which take you to less commercialised traditional villages.
54	Stay in one of Kenya's idyllic beach hotels For most of the year Kenya's coast is bathed in glorious warm sunshine, perfect for relaxing on its white sand tropical beaches. Most hotels are on the coast around Mombasa, however further north is the dreamy island of Lamu, a small peaceful tropical island where you're more likely to find donkeys and dhows than cars. The choice of hotels around Mombasa is wide. As well as good value 4* options such as the wonderful Pinewood Village (pictured) are several high quality accommodations and small boutique hotels such as The Cove Retreat. This is a small collection of unique tree houses built in to Baobab trees, including a private jacuzzi on the decking and raised beds so that you can see the sea as soon as you wake up! For an authentic African experience we recommend The Gazi Retreat, again in a breathtaking location by the sea, with accommodation in luxury style tents with 4-poster bed and a separate lounge area leading out on to your patio overlooking the pool. And no trip to Mombasa would be complete without seeing bit of the local wildlife! There are various 1,2 and 3 night safaris available - if you get the chance then I recommend Amboseli for the incredible beauty - especially if you manage to get the dream photo of elephants in front of snowcapped Mount Kilimanjaro.
53	Peru Peru is the most popular destination in South America with the main attraction being the amazing ruins Machu Picchu which the world did not even know about until 1911. Getting to Machu Picchu is half the fun with a delightful train ride passing through charming villages and enjoying sensational views. For the energetic there is a 5 day Inca Trail tour, or a 'lite' 2 day version! But if you're getting there by the Machu Picchu shuttle then I recommend arriving as early as possible. Not only do you avoid the crowds of mid morning but the light is spectacular at this time and you have it almost to yourself! Many tours combine Machu Picchu with a stay in Cuzco, a charming town where the thing to do is rest when you first arrive! It is high altitude, so take a seat in one of the many cafes in the main square and chill out for the afternoon with a cup of green tea. You can also add a few nights in the Amazon rainforest, arriving in to the jungle by canoe. The main lodge is set on the banks of a river and offers exceptional wildlife and rainforest trips. Rooms are lit by candles and kerosene lamps and guided walks and boat trips are on offer. Finally many tours or tailor made itineraries include a visit to Lake Titicaca, 12,000 above sea level and the world's highest navigable waterway. Here you'll find the unique floating Uros Islands, made of reeds, and are able to visit them by boat and have a walk around. At the same time you'll notice the intense blue colour of the lake which is surrounded by the backdrop of snow-covered mountains. continue to Lake Titicaca where you can visit the unique Uros Islands, made out of reeds. Other options include staying in a lodge in the Amazon Rainforest or heading to Ecuador, the gateway to the Galapagos Islands.
52	Sri Lanka tour The highlight on most people's itinerary is the Pinnawala Elephant sanctuary where they come down to the river each day to bathe. It is a wonderful spectacle and you'll come away with many great photographs. The best way to see Sri Lanka is on a tailor made tour with your own car and driver - this way you get a lot of flexibility and freedom - a few days in Habarana or Kandalama, a couple of days in Kandy and a night at Nuwara Eliya is an almost ideal itinerary before heading to the coast for some relaxation. There is plenty of choice here with our most popular beach hotel being The Fortress which has wonderful boutique accommodation near Bentota. But back on the tour, and Habarana or Kandalama would be your first stop. These are great bases for the top attractions of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Dambulla Caves. You are close to wonderful nature reserves which give you the chance to do numerous excursions and activities such as elephant rides, bike rides, bird watching, horse riding, and elephant safaris in the Minneriya National Park. Then it's down to Kandy which is the cultural capital of Sri Lanka and the chance to visit the Temple of the Tooth and the Botanical Gardens plus enjoy an evening of Kandyan dancing and culture. It is also the best place to stay if you wish to visit the famous elephant orphanage. Finally, The Tea Factory is a unique hotel in the cooler hills of Nuwara Eliya, restored from an old tea plantation factory with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Special features include the fine dining restaurant which is actually a restored train carriage, and a spa which specialises in tea treatments!
51	Hong Kong Hong Kong is more than just a stopover on the way to Bali, Australia or New Zealand, it is a great city break in its own right. With over 10,000 restaurants, you'll never be short of anywhere to get a good meal whether it be a cheap and traditional Chinese noodle bar or sophisticated Michelin starred cuisine. And with world class shopping, wonderful night markets and endless cafes you'd be forgiven for thinking Hong Kong was largely built up. In fact, over 70% is made up of greenery with miles of walking trails, fishing villages and temples to contrast with the vibrancy of the city. Every evening there is a spectacular light show which is best seen from the harbour in Kowloon. This is also where cruises depart from, and for something different why not take a ride in a traditional Chinese junk boat? Across from Kowloon is Hong Kong Island, where you can take a tram to the top of Victoria Peak for spectacular views of Hong Kong Island and over the water to Kowloon and the mainland. There are a number of excursions away from Hong Kong. You can take a day trip to China, or visit New Lantau Island which is home to the biggest bronze seated Buddha in the world at Po Lin Monastery. And a fast ferry ride takes you to Macau with its Mediterranean style streets.
50	The drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles. This is one of the world's great drives along a wonderful stretch of coastline, and between two very contrasting cities. We recommend this direction because as you drive on the right in America, travelling in this direction means you'll be on the 'coastal' side of the road. Starting in San Francisco, there's no need to pick up a car just yet. It is a compact city and best to get around on foot, electric trolley or cable car. The heart of San Francisco is Union Square with fashionable boutiques, restaurants and theatres. From here it is a cable car journey to Fisherman's Wharf which involves the steep gradients as it passes through Chinatown, the largest such district outside of China with endless restaurants and stalls. Down at Fisherman's Wharf are plenty of shops, restaurants and sea lions! Alcatraz is within easy reach although you need to book tickets early in the day. There are many attractions outside the city to keep you here for several days. Take a trip to California's wine country and the Napa Valley or take a helicopter flight over the city, and for an excuse to cross the Golden Gate Bridge, travel to the artist's village of Sausalto and the nearby giant redwoods. The drive to Los Angeles takes a couple of days at an easy pace. A good stopping point for the night is Carmel, home to artists and celebrities or the charming resort of nearby Monterey. On arrival in Los Angeles you'll be in the entertainment capital of the world. The original Disneyland is here as is Universal Studios Hollywood where the best moments from films and TV come to life. Hollywood itself has the iconic sign and the famous walk of fame. As well as upmarket Beverley Hills and Bel Air, great for celebrity spotting, there are numerous beaches such as Santa Monica and Marina Del Rey. Air links to other western cities are frequent, so multi centre itineraries with Las Vegas are quite easy, as are combinations with cities on the east coast such as New York, or even to the west, to Hawaii.
49	Dubai Dubai is a unique destination with an abundance of exciting things to do, shopping, and iconic hotels. Go out of season when the weather is hot and you'll get some fantastic deals. Even in our winter months there are some great value hotels, and Dubai also makes a great twin centre holiday combination with Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, Thailand, many cities in Australia or even South Africa. You'll never be lost for things to do. Go skiing at the world's biggest indoor ski dome, or shop in the duty free malls or wander around the gold and spice souks in Old Dubai. This is the traditional side to Dubai, and you shouldn't miss a ride across the creek with the locals on a dhow. In the afternoon take a desert safari and you'll be rewarded with a sunset in unforgettable surroundings, followed by belly dancing and a BBQ feast. The hotels are worth a visit in themselves. A favourite is the Madinat Jumeirah complex where gondolas transport you to the cafes, restaurants and souks. And out to sea is the famous Atlantis resort where you can swim with dolphins. And with golf courses, water parks and sandy beaches, Dubai makes a perfect getaway for winter sunshine.
48	Rio, Brazil Rio de Janeiro is one of the world's most spectacular city offering near perfect weather year round, and has an array of great cafes, restaurants and sightseeing. The views from Sugar Loaf Mountain and Corcovado are magnificent, while the famous beach of Copacabana is not as crowded as some people imagine, and is a wonderful place to go for a stroll. Rio's other famous beach is Ipanema and is more relaxed next to a great selection of bars and restaurants. If you want to combine the lively atmosphere of Rio with a more gentle beach stay then I can recommend the secret gem which is Buzios. This resort is about three hours from Rio and is an absolute delight. There are shops, bars and restaurants, a delightful bay and many wonderful coves nearby. It compares itself to St. Tropez, and it does have a point. No trip to Brazil would be complete without visiting the mighty Iguassu Falls on the border with Argentina, which are taller than Niagara Falls in Canada. Most people spend a couple of nights here and view the falls from both the Brazilian side and the Argentinean side because you get a very different perspective. And for wildlife lovers there is the Pantanal region of Brazil where you can spot a variety of animals from macaws to monkeys.
47	Cruise and Stay in Dubai One of the biggest growth areas for cruising in the last few years has been Dubai and the Middle East as they have proved to be a fantastic way to see not just Dubai, but other destinations such as Oman and Abu Dhabi, both world class destinations in their own right, and both very different from Dubai. In Dubai, you'll see or stay in iconic hotels, wander round atmospheric souks, or head in to the desert for sunset before enjoying a bedouin feast. And where else can you sunbathe in the morning and go skiing in the afternoon? By contrast, the other places you'll stop at on this cruise are more traditional. Oman has a beautiful coastline around Muscat, an atmospheric souk and its famous corniche which you can stroll along watching the boats in the bay. The cruise also stops in Fujairah, Bahrain and Abu Dhabi which is a city of contrasts between old traditional life and ultra modern new buildings. And when you arrive back in Dubai, why not stay on land for a few nights? There is a bewildering choice from cheap apartments to the iconic hotels along Jumeirah Beach.
46	Cinnamon Lodge, Sri Lanka Cinnamon Lodge is an enchanting resort in the heart of Sri Lanka, surrounded by nature reserves, birds and elephants. Nearby is a beautiful lake, and here it is possible to help wash an elephant or have a birdwatchers breakfast. Elephant safaris are available, plus picnic excursions, wine tasting, cultural sightseeing, boating, nature walks, and even hot air balloon rides (November - April). The hotel has a relaxing swimming pool, cycle trails, jogging track, and a tropical Ayurvedic spa. The deluxe rooms provide more space and comfort, and have recently been beautifully refurbished. It is within easy reach of Sigiriya and Dambulla and so can act as your base for a sightseeing holiday in Sri Lanka. We can design a tailor made holiday for you, including a few nights at Cinnamon Lodge and then perhaps a stay in one of the beach hotels, or even a couple of nights at the world famous Tea Factory.
45	Mauritius on a budget The quality of accommodation and standards of service is so high in Mauritius that you can book a budget hotel and yet feel like you are still somewhere very special. Beaches all over the island have superb white sand with beautiful warm coral blue sea while a wide variety of watersports and other excursions are available. One of our favourite hotels is the four star Preskil Beach which because of its position feels like you're in the Maldives. It is located on probably the best beach and lagoon in Mauritius, and has fantastic feedback from customers. Upgrades to beautiful cottages just steps from the white beach are available. Another great and affordable hotel which also has wonderful feedback is Silver Beach, which is a three star All-Inclusive hotel with a great atmosphere. It is a smaller hotel with just 60 rooms and a good range of facilities.
44	Governor's Camp, Kenya This is home to the BBC's 'Big Cat Diaries' and offers some of the best game viewing in Africa. The camp is located in the forest along the banks of the Mara River which teems with bird life, hippo and crocodile. Your stay is in luxury tents that either have views of the Mara plains or the river, and include en-suite bathrooms, while gas and paraffin lamps are used for lighting. It is a true authentic safari experience. A traditional campfire is lit at sunset every evening and after dinner the guests often talk about their experiences of the day. Unusually for Kenya it is possible to go on game walks - in the morning these finish with a champagne bush breakfast! You can simply stay here for the whole of your holiday in Kenya, or we can include it as part of a tailor made itinerary - please ask. One of our popular add-ons is a couple of nights at the beautiful colonial building of Loldia House at Lake Naivasha where you can relax, go on game drives or watch the hippos.
43	A luxury, active, all-inclusive holiday in Grenada For a small island, Grenada has a surprising number of beautiful hotels, and there are several that we would be happy to recommend. However if you like to do a bit more on holiday than lie on the beach, then LaSource (pictured) is fantastic luxury option. You'll find everything you'll need here such as golf, tennis, spa treatments, watersports including sailing, windsurfing, snorkeling, kayaking, scuba diving, and live entertainment. There are also yoga sessions as well as archery, hiking and bike hire. Please note that the hotel only caters for adults over 16. The all inclusive option is superb. As well as all meals and unlimited drinks, all the sports and watersports are included including one FREE dive per day for certified divers. And on top of this you also get one COMPLIMENTARY spa treatment every day! Grenada itself is known as the Spice Island because of the sweet aromas around the island such as nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and ginger, and of course all these spices are used to great effect in the food. And if you want to get away from the hotel for a bit, here's a list of our top things to do... 1. Take a hydrofoil trip to Carriacou with stunning beaches, snorkeling and diving. 2. Hike through tropical rainforest at Grand Etang perhaps spotting Mona monkeys, and swim in the Severn Sisters or Concord waterfalls 3. Visit one of the aromatic spice plantations - some of the tours have rum tasting thrown in! 4. See the capital St. George which is one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean with colourful houses and a superb waterfront setting. You will see French fountains, walk along cobbled pathways and admire the Georgian architecture of this laid back town.
42	Wildlife of the Cayman Islands The Cayman Islands are famous for two main attractions - the beautiful Seven Mile Beach and the amazing snorkeling and diving opportunities. You'll find that standards all over the Cayman Islands are very high, although the hotels have an informal atmosphere where you can just enjoy total relaxation and top class food. We have put together a top 10 list of reasons to visit ... 1. Take a boat trip to Stingray City to interact with these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat 2. Relax on the beautiful Seven Mile Beach 3. Visit the amazing butterfly farm 4. See thousands of turtles and hatchlings at Boatswain's Beach 5. Take a day trip to the barefoot paradise islands of Little Cayman or Cayman Brac 6. Explore the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park and blow holes 7. Go bird watching in one of the seven protected bird sanctuaries such as Little Cayman's booby pond reserve which has the largest colony of red-footed boobies in the Western Hemisphere 8. Enjoy fine dinners or visit one of the Cayman Island's wine cellars 9. Plunge the depths on the Atlantis submarine 10. Try the two mile Mastic Trail on Grand Cayman which takes you through a subtropical forest
41	Enjoy a boutique hotel in Turkey Away from the mass market resorts such as Marmaris and Bodrum are a number of delightful resorts in beautiful settings. One of these is Akyaka which has a number of excellent restaurants, serving inexpensive authentic food. Akyaka is set along the river front and has a traditional feel to it, not overrun by mass tourism, with a small beach and typical pine octagonal houses. During the day there are artists stalls, quaint shops, cafes and a few bars. Our choice of hotel is the unique Ottoman Residence (pictured), in an idyllic setting by the river, just 10 minutes walk into the centre or to the beach. Beside the hotel are orange groves, and in the distance are pine clad hills which make a stunning backdrop. The rooms are beautifully decorated and furnished with balconies covered with flowers and greenery, and overlook a central courtyard with a water feature. There are hammocks and big cushions in the garden on which to relax, plus sun loungers and sun shades by the pool. In the evening, dine in the a la carte restaurant or enjoy a cocktail in the bar. And the restaurants of Akyaka are only a 10 minute walk away.

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Welcome!
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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