DEPARTURES by Sarah Elliott

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DEPARTURES The trips we can’t wait to take, from the pick of the latest brochures

GO WILD IN THE FALKLAND ISLANDS

David Osborne

Commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Falklands War in a more peaceful manner with a Wildlife Encounter, courtesy of Windows on the Wild. Official military ceremonies will take place in the wintry months of June and July but arrive earlier in the year to enjoy a wildlife extravaganza, as the southern hemisphere summer melts into autumn and thousands of birds come home to roost. The islands were certainly worth fighting for – 700 remote outcrops in the Atlantic rimmed by dramatic coastline and whitequartz beaches. After a special flight from RAF Brize Norton, discover these treasures on your own private tour as you wade through a sea of rockhopper penguins, past colonies of cormorant , to watch sea lions and elephant seals basking on the beach. And that’s just the start. Visit Pebble Island to spot five more varieties of penguin (magellanic, gentoo, macaroni, king and erect crested), take a peek at the rare blackbrowed albatross, night heron and striated caracaras, climb Mount Weddell and spend time in Stanley exploring the museum and port. The trip concludes with a venture across the undeveloped interior to Volunteer Point for a final farewell to our flightless friends. Who: Windows on the Wild (020 8742 1556, www.windowsonthewild.com) How long: 13 days When: Tailormade from Dec 2006 – Apr 2007 How much: from £4,195 (incl flights)

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STRIKE A POSE IN ESTONIA

Would you like to spend your next holiday in an Eastern European bog? This may seem like a daft idea, until you realise 50% of Estonia is made up of virgin forest, including some of the most glorious and pristine bogs in Europe. The landscape is unmarred by human construction, save the boardwalks that penetrate this soggy countryside on Light & Land’s new Estonia photography trip . Mineral islands amongst the murky pools provide a haven for wildlife – bears, lynx, flying squirrels and elk – and denning sites for Estonia’s thriving wolf population.

Point your lens upwards to the peaks of the ancient pines and you’ll find an array of birdlife from golden eagles to white-backed woodpeckers. On the ground, there’s a host of curious flora and wildflowers including orchids, bittercress and lady’s slipper. Led by wildlife enthusiast and photographer Niall Benvie, this is an unusual and rewarding trip to a wilderness in our own back garden. Who: Light & Land (01432 839111, www.lightandland.co.uk) How long: 11 days When: 5 Jun 2007 How much: from £1,195 (excl flights))

SAILTHE GALÁPAGOS

Select Latin America’s Natural Selection Galápagos Cruise is a special seven-day expedition, in association with the Galápagos Conservation Trust. Sailing on the Sagitta is an experience in itself – three masts tower above this handsome tall ship and sails ripple into action as she sets off around the archipelago to mingle with the world’s friendliest wildlife.The trip is led by Galápagos naturalist, author and photographer David Horwell – pick his brains on the local fauna and flora over the scrumptious Ecuadorian food on board. Who: Select Latin America (020 7407 1478, www.selectlatinamerica.co.uk) How long: 12 days When: 22 Oct 2007 How much: from £3,089 (incl flights)

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DIVE DEEP INTO AFRICA

If size does matter, try Divetours’ new dive trip to track down big fish. And we’re talking really big – humpback whales, rag-toothed sharks and hammerheads lurk in the oceans off South Africa; giant manta circle Mozambique’s beaches; and a maelstrom of sharks fill the gaps between. And there is always the option to add on a safari in Kruger National Park or Tala Game Reserve to notch up a few more wildlife heavyweights back on dry land. Who: Divetours (01244 401177, www.divetours.co.uk) How long: 12 days When: throughout 2007 How much: from £2,199 (incl flights)

GETSPIRITUAL ININDIA

Palanquin Traveller has a new programme of cultural studies on location, designed to satisfy the seriously inquisitive traveller. Origins of the Buddha is a journey across northern India travelling in the Buddha’s footsteps . Visiting important sites in Buddha’s life is not just for pilgrims – this expedition stays in rural villages and homes to get a better understanding of how modern and traditional India strive to co-exist. The tour is led by scholar Shantum Seth, who is not only a charismatic companion and fascinating guide, but also an adviser to the UN and Unesco. Who: Palanquin Traveller (020 7436 9343, www.the-traveller.co.uk) How long: 16 days (18 days for Jan departure) When: 19 Jan & 7 Dec 2007 How much: from £3,410 (incl flights)

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DEPARTURES

KEEPASECRETIN NORTH KOREA

Explore has just launched a new journey of epic proportions – South East Africa Overland. Kick off in South Africa with the dramatic scenery of Mpumalanga and game drives in Kruger National Park before crossing the Limpopo River and heading up the coast of Mozambique – with a few stops to kayak, snorkel and relax on a dhow. Continue north to Lake Malawi and the Great Rift Valley and into Zambia’s premier national park – South Luangwa. From here, there’s time to squeeze in a trip to Victoria Falls, and a raft ride on the Zambezi. Phew! Who: Explore (0870 333 4001, www.explore.co.uk) How long: 20 days When: 17 Mar, 7 Apr, 11 Aug, 6 & 27 Oct, 15 Dec How much: from £2,269 (incl flights)

Let’s Trek Australia’s new trip, The Great Divide, is an adventurous alternative to the traditional route up Australia’s East Coast. Heading inland, it packs in endangered wildlife, the ancient volcanic site of Warrumbungle, opal mines and thermal springs. Pitch your canvas in the vast landscapes of Carnarvon National Park, hike to remote villages in the bush and get friendly with the local population of roos. Return to the breathtaking coastline to sail and dive on the Great Barrier Reef. Who: Let’s Trek Australia (020 8772 3770, www.letstrekaustralia.com) How long: 14 days When: from 15 Apr 2007 How much: £674 (excl flights) plus £60 kitty

BREAK THE ICE IN GREENLAND Quark Expeditions’Greenland Odyssey is a recordbreaking trip to celebrate International Polar Year. +1 (203) 656 0499, www.quarkexpeditions.com; 20 days; 26 Aug 2007; from US$18,000 (excl flights)

OVERLAND ACROSS ASIA Take The Rhubarb Road across the roof of Asia with Imaginative Traveller. 0800 316 2717, www.imaginative-traveller.com; 42 days; 30 Apr, 28 May, 20 Aug,17 Sep 2007; £1,995 (excl flights) plus €330 local payment

RAFTTHE NILE ATNIGHT Raft from the source of the Nile by moonlight – one of many adrenalin options from Nalubale Rafting. +256 782 638 939, www.nalubalerafting.com; 2 days; tailormade; US$95 (excl flights)

PARTYATETHIOPIA’S TIMKATFESTIVAL Launch giant arks into rivers and dance until dawn on Silk Steps’ special departure to celebrate Ethiopia’s Timkat festival. 01749 685162, www.silksteps.co.uk; 12 days; 18 Jan 2007; £1,718 (incl flights)

JOIN THE DREAM TEAM IN ANTARCTICA Audley Travel’s new ship – Antarctic Dream– will ply the Classic Antarctica route in 2007.01869 276 222, www.audleytravel.com; 16 days; six departures in Jan & Feb 2007; from £4,665 (incl flights)

ALTERNATIVE AUSTRALIA

BESTOF THE REST

TREK PAPUA NEWGUINEA

Want wildlife, trekking and colourful tribal culture? Take a trip with The Adventure Companyto the mist-shrouded peaks of the Magic Mountains on its new Papua New Guinea Explorer.Learn to live like a local as you visit tribal villages along the Karawari river and stay in the homes of the Huli Wigmen. Then check out the coral at tranquil Bootless Bay. Who:The Adventure Company (0845 450 5312, www.adventurecompany.co.uk) How long: 14 days When: Group departures on 13 Jun & 10 Oct How much: £3,999 (incl flights) plus US $200 local payment

SEEK THE SUN IN KASHMIR

Kashmir is back on the map – and there’s simply no better place to escape India’s hot summer say the experts at Wild Frontiers. A Short Walk in the Himalayas starts with a four-day trek from Aarou to Sonomus, through primal forest and pristine lakes to scale dizzy mountain passes and marvel at the region’s wild landscapes. Drunk on fresh air, kick back in Srinagar for some sunshine and shopping, or simply drift across Dal Lake in a traditional shikaras (boat), back to your houseboat in time for high tea.

Who: Wild Frontiers (020 7736 3968, www.wildfrontiers.co.uk) How long: 11 days When: 21 Jun 2007 How much: £1,695 (incl flights)

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Niall Benvie; David Horwell; Carl Meadows; Explore; Regent Holidays; Australian Tourist Commission; The Adventure Company; Jonny Bealby

EXPLORE AFRICA

Sneak a peek at the Far East’s most secretive destination. Regent Holidays has spent the past 22 years nurturing relationships in North Korea, gaining access to many areas that are otherwise off-limits. Highlights of Ultimate North Korea, a small group journey, include the revered peak of Mt Paekdu, the evergreen valleys of Chilbo and the city of Chongjin. Combining hot spas and high peaks with a glimpse into the military history, this unusual trip is a real insight into a little-known culture. Who: Regent Holidays (0870 499 0911, www.regent-holidays.co.uk) How long: 15 days When: 7 Sep 2007 How much: £1,845 (excl flights)