Tuesday, 19 December 2017
Formula Rossa at Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi
Darren was recently in Abu Dhabi in the UAE and whilst there visited Ferrari World and the amazing Formula Rossa, the worlds fastest roller coaster..... certainly not for the faint-hearted as you can see!
Ferrari World is located on Yas Island, close to the Formula 1 Grand Prix race track, which is also well worth a visit!
Escape Worldwide - Home of Long Haul Holidays
http://www.escapeworldwide.co.uk
Labels:
Abu Dhabi,
Escape Worldwide,
escapeworlwide,
Fastest,
Ferrari,
Ferrari World,
Formula 1,
Formula Rossa,
Grand Prix,
Holidays,
middle east,
Racing,
Rollercoaster,
Theme Park,
Travel,
UAE,
World,
Yas,
Yas Islands
Tuesday, 24 October 2017
Mark's stay in a Deluxe Pool Villa at the Desamuda Village Seminyak in Bali
Mark was in Bali recently and spent a few days in
Seminyak staying that the Desamuda Village. Located in the heart of Seminyak,
Desamuda Village is 5 minutes' walk from shopping, restaurants and
entertainment options and a 20 minutes walk from the beach. The resort is a
20-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport.
The Desamuda Village boasts a spa, gazebo and 2 outdoor
free form swimming pools. There’s a restaurant and bar are also available.
Guests enjoy free shuttle service to Kuta area and free Wi-Fi access. The Rice
Table Restaurant serves a wide selection of Indonesian and European dishes.
This beautiful resort offers traditionally styled deluxe
rooms, and a select of impressive pool villas. However the highlight of this
resort are the amazing Deluxe Pool Villas. Mark opted for one of these for a
few nights and was very impressed.
“On arrival I loved the lovely Balinese feel of the
resort and also the friendly staff. I was swiftly checked and taken to my room.
My Deluxe Pool Villas was huge and started with a grand Balinese double door
entrance that lea into it’s own private oasis. Off to the left there is a full
kitchen offering everything from a large fridge / freezer, hob and all the
crockery you could need (though I had the room service a couple of times which was
really good value and the food amazing so probably didn’t really need any of
these!)
There was a large partly outdoor living area with a large
L-shaped sofa, coffee table and large flat screen TV. The bedroom itself had a
large king sized bed with all the usual trimmings, safe, dressing table etc.
The spacious bathroom was partly open with a large bath
and good sized shower. However the jewel in the rooms crown was the amazing
private swimming pool. Flanked by two comfy sun loungers, the pool was of a
good size and depth with a beautiful waterfall to one side.
The room was just stunning and also great value and it
would make for a perfect honeymoon or special occasion holiday. The only
disappointment was that I was only there for a couple of nights.”
Mark has seen and stayed at a number of resorts and
hotels in Bali and found the Desamuda Village to be one of his favourite and
would highly recommend their Deluxe Pool Villas.
Bali is a great holiday or honeymoon destination and
twins very well with the likes of Hong Kong, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur.
More details of the Desamuda Village Seminyak can be
found at: http://www.escapeworldwide.co.uk/far_east/desamuda_village_seminyak.html or some of the holiday options to Bali we can
offer can be found at:http://www.escapeworldwide.co.uk/far_east/bali_holidays.html
Escape Worldwide - Home of Long Haul Holidays
http://www.escapeworldwide.co.uk
Tuesday, 3 October 2017
Hiroshima.... a must visit on any trip to Japan.
Japan is a simply amazing destination and a visit to
Hiroshima is a must.
Where to stay in Hiroshima
Central Hiroshima is fairly compact so hotel location isn’t too important - although being close easy to use tram network is handy. There’s a good range of hotel options available in the city, with the area around Nagarekawa-Dori being ideal for restaurants and bars too. It’s also possible to stay on Miyajima Island, although options are limited and prices are high, but well worth it if you want to stay in a magical part of Japan.
Escape Worldwide - Home of Long Haul Holidays
http://www.escapeworldwide.co.uk
For most people the city of Hiroshima is synonymous with
one thing - the dropping of the world’s first atomic bomb, however today
Hiroshima is a modern, friendly city, with the Peace Memorial Park being a
constant reminder of what happened here.
A highlight in the area is nearby Miyajima which is one of
Japan’s primary sites with it’s beautiful shrine gate seeming to float on the
water. It a short train ride and boat trip and a must go see.
What to do in Hiroshima
In central Hiroshima there is the Hiroshima Memorial Peace Park and the sites close by are the main draw here - allow yourself a time to take in this area of the city, as its very moving. There is also an excellent museum and the eerie Atomic Bomb Dome close by. The island of Miyajima with the Itsukushima Jinja Temple and its iconic ‘floating’ torii gate is one of our top sights in Western Honshu, and a half day trip from the city is straightforward and very worthwhile - the main areas of the island can be explored on foot easily, or allow a full day if you want to go hiking.
In central Hiroshima there is the Hiroshima Memorial Peace Park and the sites close by are the main draw here - allow yourself a time to take in this area of the city, as its very moving. There is also an excellent museum and the eerie Atomic Bomb Dome close by. The island of Miyajima with the Itsukushima Jinja Temple and its iconic ‘floating’ torii gate is one of our top sights in Western Honshu, and a half day trip from the city is straightforward and very worthwhile - the main areas of the island can be explored on foot easily, or allow a full day if you want to go hiking.
Where to stay in Hiroshima
Central Hiroshima is fairly compact so hotel location isn’t too important - although being close easy to use tram network is handy. There’s a good range of hotel options available in the city, with the area around Nagarekawa-Dori being ideal for restaurants and bars too. It’s also possible to stay on Miyajima Island, although options are limited and prices are high, but well worth it if you want to stay in a magical part of Japan.
Holiday ideas to Hiroshima
A day or two will allow you time to take in Hiroshima’s key sites and atmosphere, along with nearby Miyajima. This area of Japan has easy rail connections to Osaka, Kyoto and other areas of Japan making Hiroshima and Miyajima easy to include in to any rail itinerary of the country - have a look at our suggestions http://www.escapeworldwide.co.uk/far_east/japan_holidays.html for some excellent ideas
A day or two will allow you time to take in Hiroshima’s key sites and atmosphere, along with nearby Miyajima. This area of Japan has easy rail connections to Osaka, Kyoto and other areas of Japan making Hiroshima and Miyajima easy to include in to any rail itinerary of the country - have a look at our suggestions http://www.escapeworldwide.co.uk/far_east/japan_holidays.html for some excellent ideas
Escape Worldwide - Home of Long Haul Holidays
http://www.escapeworldwide.co.uk
Tuesday, 12 September 2017
I want to go on safari in Kenya, but don’t want to keep moving around?
We are asked a fair bit, I want to go on safari in Kenya, but don’t want to keep moving around?
Well Karen has the answer:
I did a safari in Kenya last year and what I did was to fly from Nairobi straight into the Masai Mara by light aircraft, I then spent 3 nights at a camp before flying back to Nairobi.
I found this worked really well as the light aircraft was a FAB way of seeing the Masai Mara from the air and it only took about an hour and a half to get from Nairobi, Also it landed close to the camp so didn’t have to go too far to get to the camp, though on saying that the drive to the camp was amazing, littered with giraffe and zebra.
Whilst at the camp I did a couple of game drives a day, which I have to say were simply amazing. I saw the big five plus tons of other animals. I was pretty amazed when we came across a herd of elephant; I counted 20 with a couple of babies, which were so sweat. There is some much to see on the Masai Mara and the local driver/guide, David, was simply fantastic and it was really interesting hearing how he grew up on the Masai Mara.
I love big cats and wasn't disappointed, I same plenty of lions, cheetahs and we even lucky enough to see the elusive leopard, simply amazing!
OK you don’t get to see the full diversity that Kenya has to offer by flying just in the Masai Mara, but it was a great way to experience some of the most amazing wildlife I have ever seen.
The only thing that was a little disappointing was that my luggage allowance was restricted to 15kg because of the light aircraft, it wasn’t be biggest problem, but it would have nice to have had a bit more.
The landing strips are right in the middle of the Mara, so sometimes you need to clear the runway of Zebra and Wildebeest, all a bit off, but great fun!
We have a great range of lodges on the Masai Mara which make a great base for a fantastic safari - http://www.escapeworldwide.co.uk/safari/masai_mara_lodges_camps.html
Escape Worldwide - Home of Long Haul Holidays
http://www.escapeworldwide.co.uk
Well Karen has the answer:
I did a safari in Kenya last year and what I did was to fly from Nairobi straight into the Masai Mara by light aircraft, I then spent 3 nights at a camp before flying back to Nairobi.
I found this worked really well as the light aircraft was a FAB way of seeing the Masai Mara from the air and it only took about an hour and a half to get from Nairobi, Also it landed close to the camp so didn’t have to go too far to get to the camp, though on saying that the drive to the camp was amazing, littered with giraffe and zebra.
Whilst at the camp I did a couple of game drives a day, which I have to say were simply amazing. I saw the big five plus tons of other animals. I was pretty amazed when we came across a herd of elephant; I counted 20 with a couple of babies, which were so sweat. There is some much to see on the Masai Mara and the local driver/guide, David, was simply fantastic and it was really interesting hearing how he grew up on the Masai Mara.
I love big cats and wasn't disappointed, I same plenty of lions, cheetahs and we even lucky enough to see the elusive leopard, simply amazing!
OK you don’t get to see the full diversity that Kenya has to offer by flying just in the Masai Mara, but it was a great way to experience some of the most amazing wildlife I have ever seen.
The only thing that was a little disappointing was that my luggage allowance was restricted to 15kg because of the light aircraft, it wasn’t be biggest problem, but it would have nice to have had a bit more.
The landing strips are right in the middle of the Mara, so sometimes you need to clear the runway of Zebra and Wildebeest, all a bit off, but great fun!
We have a great range of lodges on the Masai Mara which make a great base for a fantastic safari - http://www.escapeworldwide.co.uk/safari/masai_mara_lodges_camps.html
Escape Worldwide - Home of Long Haul Holidays
http://www.escapeworldwide.co.uk
Tuesday, 11 July 2017
San Francisco, Yosemite, Death Valley & Vegas Fly-Drive
We love the USA and one of our favourite areas is between San Francisco and Las Vegas, via breathe taking Yosemite National Park and unworldly Death Valley. Mark recently did this trip with a hire car and had an amazing time.
Mark suggests starting in vibrant San Francisco before collecting a car and driving to stunning Yosemite national Park. Continue to Death Valley and finish your USA fly-drive in Las Vegas. The best time to travel is from April to September, when the weather is best and Tioga Pass should be open.
Day 1 - UK to San Francisco
Fly from London to San Francisco, arriving later the same day. On arrival into this amazing city, make your way to your chosen hotel, for I would suggest a three night stay, this should give you plenty of time to enjoy this cosmopolitan city.
Days 2-3 - San Francisco
Spend the next few days exploring San Francisco. Perhaps prebook our San Francisco Helicopter tour, the ultimate San Francisco sightseeing trip - witness stunning views of the city skyline. Take time to visit San Francisco Bay and world-famous landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, which I would strongly suggest prebooking as it books up fast. Head down to Fishermans Wharf for a the sea lions and a bay cruise.
Day 4 - San Francisco to Yosemite
After taking in all the San Francisco has to offer, collect your rental car from the San Francisco depot, and head out of town towards stunning Yosemite (approx 200 miles / 3 hours 15 mins) starting by crossing the vast Oakland Bay Bridge. If you’re in good time head straight in to Yosemite National Park and the spectacular Yosemite Valley (extra 50 miles / 1 hour 30 mins), in the heart of the park. I’d suggest two nights in the area to take in the fantastic scenery.
Day 5 - Yosemite
Spend the day exploring this spectacular national park - tomorrow you’ll cross the stunning Tioga Pass (weather dependent), so today we’d recommend focusing on the Yosemite Valley area. Maybe spend sometime hiking or just simply sit back and take in the scenery.
Day 6 - Yosemite to Death Valley
It’s a long drive today, but totally spectacular and extremely dramatic (approx 340 miles / 6 hours 30 mins, plus stops). As you head from the high altitude of Yosemite to the lowest place in the USA at Death Valley. From your hotel head across the spectacular Tioga Pass (weather dependent), and onwards to beautiful Mammoth Lakes - this is about half the journey time-wise, and Mammoth makes a good place to stop. Continue on via Bishop and Independence in to Death Valley National Park, visiting features such as Stovepipe Wells. As the names suggests, it’s pretty hot in Death Valley, and when I was there it reached a balm 100F, so glad the car had good aircon! On arrival in to Furnace Creek check in to your hotel for one night.
Day 7 - Death Valley to Las Vegas
This morning we’d suggest exploring Death Valley a little more - the views from Zabriskie Point are spectacular and at Dante’s View you can see the lowest and highest points in the contiguous USA. From Death Valley continue to Las Vegas (approx 145 miles / 2 hours 15 mins), perhaps detouring to stunning Red Rock Canyon before arriving in to the part capital of Las Vegas. On arrival in to Las Vegas drop your car off at the airport depot and make your way to your chosen hotel, for I would suggest a five night stay. This will give you time to relax a little after all that driving and sightseeing and also time to enjoy, mad, lively Las Vegas.
Days 8-11 - Las Vegas
Spend the next few days exploring Las Vegas. There are plenty of trips you can do from here and I’d recommend a trip to the Hoover Dam (from £41 per person), a must do if you are visiting Las Vegas! Enjoy a fascinating visit to the Hoover Dam, one of America’s Seven Modern Civil Engineering Wonders. Constructed in 1935, the impressive structure stands more than 700 feet high and spans the width of Black Canyon. Or treat yourself and head out to the amazing Grand Canyon by helicopter, I have to say I think this was one of the main highlights of my trip.
Day 12 - Return
Finally make your way back to Las Vegas airport for your return flight the UK, arriving the next day.
The above is just a suggestion and the type of thing Mark did on his trip. It takes in a great mix of cities, sightseeing, partying and relaxation. All holidays to the USA are very flexible so why not let us help you design your perfect trip.
Escape Worldwide - Home of Long Haul Holidays
http://www.escapeworldwide.co.uk
Friday, 16 June 2017
Tokyo.... one of our favourite parts of Japan
We are huge fans of Japan here at Escape Worldwide and one of Darren’s favourite areas is Tokyo.
Japan’s hectic, frenetic capital, Tokyo, is one of the world’s greatest cities, and is packed with things to see and do. Its modern side of numerous neon billboards and crazy thronging crossroads is tempered by amazing traditional temples and beautiful cherry blossoms in the parks, but it’s an easy place to get to know - go shopping in one of the quirky quarters, eat sushi in the place to be seen or take in the crazy nightlife in Shinjuku.
What to do in Tokyo
Tokyo is a vast city so much sure to allow plenty of time to take things in - although the comprehensive modern subway and overland train networks make getting around straightforward. Tokyo Sky Tree is the world’s second tallest structure and gives incredible views across the city, laying out the various districts that make Tokyo tick beneath you. Make sure to arrive early though it does get very busy.Head to Akihabara for geek subculture, Harajuku for fashionistas, Ginza for snob value and Shibuya for the world’s maddest pedestrian crossing, simply crazy but great fun. There’s a myriad of temples, museums, parks and markets also on offer - Tokyo really is packed with interest and excitement.
Tokyo is also home to some amazing bars and restaurants, with a myriad of world class restaurants to fun and funky eateries. Make sure to check out a karaoke bar, the Japanese sure know how to have fun.
Where to stay in Tokyo
Tokyo has a huge range of hotel options across the city, ranging from budget to the utmost luxury, and with a superb public transport network getting around is fairly easy - meaning that your hotel location isn’t too important for sightseeing. Areas such as Marunouchi and Ginza tend to have upmarket hotel options with the city centre being quiet at night, while the likes of Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinjuku offer options in more budgets and are ideal for restaurants, shopping and lively nightlife.
Holiday ideas to Tokyo
You’ll need at least three or four days to make a dent in to Tokyo, so allow yourself enough time to see the main sites - don’t underestimate quite how large this city is! Great flight connections from the UK and to other parts of Asia make Tokyo a key point in any itinerary, although as it;s such a hectic place we tend to recommend starting your trip in somewhere a little smaller, such as Kyoto.
We can offer a fantastic range of holiday ideas to Japan that include this amazing city so why not make Tokyo your next amazing experience. Check out some great holiday ideas: http://www.escapeworldwide.co.uk/far_east/japan_holidays.html
Escape Worldwide - Home of Long Haul Holidays
http://www.escapeworldwide.co.uk
Labels:
Bullet Train,
Cherry Blossom,
Escape Worldwide,
Ginza,
harajuku,
Holidays,
Japan,
Japan by rail,
Japan Holidays,
mount fuji,
nightlife,
shibuya,
Shinjuku,
sky tree,
Tokyo,
Travel
Tuesday, 23 May 2017
Mark in Cairns, Port Douglas and a visit to the Great Barrier Reef
Mark was recently in Australia and part of his trip was to Queensland and included
a visit the Cairns and Port Douglas, both gateways to the amazing Great Barrier
Reef
Alternatively, classy Port Douglas is the closest resort
town to the Great Barrier Reef, and offers a more upmarket feel to Cairns,
which is an hour down the coast. The town has a more relaxed feel than Cairns and
has a great selection of places to eat, drink and shop, while the impressive
marina is the perfect jumping-off point for trip to the Reef itself - all of
this, backed by beautiful mountains and the beautiful Four Mile Beach, which is
well worth a stroll along.
Escape Worldwide - Home of Long Haul Holidays
http://www.escapeworldwide.co.uk
As one of the gateways to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is
the main hub for visitors to Far North Queensland and is a great place to base
yourself for a few days of relaxation and activity alike. Take a trip out to
the reef itself or head inland to the amazing rainforests of the Daintree
region to experience one of the few places where the rainforest meets the
beach. The town itself offers a huge range of activities from bungee jumping
and cableways gliding over the canopy to swimming lagoons.
Whatever you do whilst in Cairns, be sure to get yourself out to the Greater
Barrier Reef, one of Australia’s top attractions - there’s a myriad of options
of how to visit this unique place with option for every level from qualified
diver to total water-phobe, but the most important thing to our mind is just to
make sure you get out there - it’s amazing!
I was lucky enough to take a helicopter ride over the Great
Barrier Reef and would strongly recommend doing this as it give you a totally
different perspective of this world wonder.
Between classy Port Douglas and laid back Cairns are a string of smaller beach
resorts such as beautiful Palm Cove and Trinity Beach which offer a more
intimate hideaway for a Queensland beach retreat, with easy access to either of
their larger neighbours but a more low-key feel. This stretch of the Queensland
Coast is a picture-postcard of tropical gems.
We have a number of great holiday ideas to this part of
Australia, http://www.escapeworldwide.co.uk/queensland_holidays.html
, all are very flexible so let us know what you have in mind!
http://www.escapeworldwide.co.uk
Labels:
Australia,
Australian,
barrier reef,
cairns,
Daintree,
Escape Worldwide,
great barrier reef,
Helicopter,
Holidays,
palm cove,
port douglas,
queensland,
queensland coast,
trinity beach
Wednesday, 19 April 2017
Pool Villas at the Evason Hua Hin in Thailand a perfect Honeymoon option
If you are looking for something a little special then
how about a stay in a pool villa and nowhere does them better than Thailand.
Escape Worldwide - Home of Long Haul Holidays
http://www.escapeworldwide.co.uk
Thailand is home to some of the most luxurious hotels you
can find and many offer rooms that not only are stunning but also feature your
own private swimming pool.
One of Darren’s favourite pool villas can be found the beautiful
Evason in the Thailand beach resort of Hua Hin.
The resorts of Hua Hin and nearby Cha
Am are relaxed alternatives to some of the more commercialised resorts, and
offer a more Thai feel – I find this area of Thailand to be perfect for a
relaxed stay, without being dull. As they are reached by road from Bangkok they
also offer a straightforward and great value option with no domestic flights
involved. Hua Hin offers long, sandy beaches, great food (try the night market
in the centre of town or the restaurants along the beach – the seafood is
fantastic!) and a good range of quality hotels, while Cha Am has a more relaxed
pace, but is only 20 minutes from Hua Hin.
The 4*+ Evason HuaHin is perfect for a stylish, relaxing option. It’s about 30 minutes
to the south of the town centre in a peaceful setting – an excellent chill-out
retreat. The resort offers high standards with a natural feel, and I think it’s
a great option for a special trip without breaking the bank. The main bar is
perfect a chillout sundowner and with a choice of dining options it’s hard to
beat.
The pool villas here are not
only great value for money but are just stunning and very private. These spacious
villas come with a king sized bed and large indoor day bed perfect for lounging
around if it all gets a little bit too hot lounging around your pool.
Outside there is a bath tub set
within a water lily pond with an adjacent outdoor shower, however the most
outstanding feature is the good sized private plunge pool complete with
adjacent sala which is ideal for chilling out with a good book before taking a
cooling dip.
Personally I think the pool
Villas at the Evason Hua Hin have to be some of the nicest I have seen and are
remarkable value for money. So if you’ve got a honeymoon planned or a special
birthday or anniversary then these have to be top of your list.
Visit www.sixsenses.com/Evason-Hua-Hin for more details of this hotel.
Escape Worldwide - Home of Long Haul Holidays
http://www.escapeworldwide.co.uk
Labels:
Birthday,
Escape Worldwide,
Evason Hua Hin,
Evason Pool Villa,
Honeymoon,
hua hin,
Luxury,
plunge pool,
six sense spa,
six senses,
swimming pool,
Thailand,
Thailand Holiday,
Thailand Honeymoon
Wednesday, 5 April 2017
Great Barrier Reef Helicopter Ride
On a recent trip to Australia, Mark took a helicopter ride over the Great Barrier Reef and we just loved his video of the helipad!
Escape Worldwide - Home of Long Haul Holidays
http://www.escapeworldwide.co.uk
Tuesday, 4 April 2017
Marks San Francisco, Yosemite, Death Valley & Vegas Fly-Drive holiday
Mark is a great fan of the USA and one of his favourite areas is California (and surrounding areas) which is so much more than just the glitz and glamour of the cities, he suggests:
I love the USA and would suggest starting in vibrant San Francisco before collecting a car and driving to stunning Yosemite national Park. Continue to Death Valley and finish your USA fly-drive in Las Vegas. Best from April to September.
Day 1 - UK to San Francisco
Fly from London to San Francisco, arriving later the same day. On arrival make your way to your chosen hotel, for a three night stay - we have a range to choose from, and your length of stay in San Francisco is flexible.
Days 2-3 - San Francisco
Spend the next few days exploring San Francisco. Perhaps prebook our San Francisco Helicopter tour, the ultimate San Francisco sightseeing trip - witness stunning views of the city skyline, San Francisco Bay and world-famous landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.
Day 4 - San Francisco to Yosemite
Collect your rental car from the San Francisco depot, and head out of town towards Yosemite (approx 200 miles / 3 hours 15 mins) starting by crossing the vast Oakland Bay Bridge. If you’re in good time head straight in to Yosemite National Park and the spectacular Yosemite Valley (extra 50 miles / 1 hour 30 mins), in the heart of the park. Check in to your hotel for a two night stay.
Day 5 - Yosemite
Spend the day exploring this spectacular national park, which I adored - tomorrow you’ll cross the Tioga Pass (weather dependent), so today I’d recommend focusing on the Yosemite Valley area.
Day 6 - Yosemite to Death Valley
It’s a long drive today, but totally spectacular and extremely dramatic (approx 340 miles / 6 hours 30 mins, plus stops). As you head from the high altitude of Yosemite to the lowest place in the USA at Death Valley. From your hotel head across the spectacular Tioga Pass (weather dependent), and onwards to Mammoth Lakes - this is about half the journey time-wise, and Mammoth makes a good place to stop. Continue on via Bishop and Independence in to Death Valley National Park, visiting features such as Stovepipe Wells. On arrival in to Furnace Creek check in to your hotel for one night.
Day 7 - Death Valley to Las Vegas
This morning I’d suggest exploring Death Valley a little more - the views from Zabriskie Point are spectacular and at Dante’s View you can see the lowest and highest points in the contiguous USA. From Death Valley continue to Las Vegas (approx 145 miles / 2 hours 15 mins), perhaps detouring to Red Rock Canyon before arriving in to Vegas. On arrival in to Las Vegas drop your car off at the airport depot and make your way to your chosen hotel, for a five night stay - we have a range to choose from, and your length of stay in Las Vegas is flexible.
Days 8-11 - Las Vegas
Spend the next few days exploring Las Vegas. I’d recommend a trip to the Hoover Dam, a must do if you are visiting Las Vegas! Enjoy a fascinating visit to the Hoover Dam, one of America’s Seven Modern Civil Engineering Wonders. Constructed in 1935, the impressive structure stands more than 700 feet high and spans the width of Black Canyon.
Day 12 - Return
Make your way back to Las Vegas airport for your return flight the UK, arriving the next day.
I did a similar trip to the above and loved every minute of it, though the holidays are very flexible so why not create your own perfect itinerary!
Escape Worldwide - Home of Long Haul Holidays
http://www.escapeworldwide.co.uk
I love the USA and would suggest starting in vibrant San Francisco before collecting a car and driving to stunning Yosemite national Park. Continue to Death Valley and finish your USA fly-drive in Las Vegas. Best from April to September.
Day 1 - UK to San Francisco
Fly from London to San Francisco, arriving later the same day. On arrival make your way to your chosen hotel, for a three night stay - we have a range to choose from, and your length of stay in San Francisco is flexible.
Days 2-3 - San Francisco
Spend the next few days exploring San Francisco. Perhaps prebook our San Francisco Helicopter tour, the ultimate San Francisco sightseeing trip - witness stunning views of the city skyline, San Francisco Bay and world-famous landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.
Day 4 - San Francisco to Yosemite
Collect your rental car from the San Francisco depot, and head out of town towards Yosemite (approx 200 miles / 3 hours 15 mins) starting by crossing the vast Oakland Bay Bridge. If you’re in good time head straight in to Yosemite National Park and the spectacular Yosemite Valley (extra 50 miles / 1 hour 30 mins), in the heart of the park. Check in to your hotel for a two night stay.
Day 5 - Yosemite
Spend the day exploring this spectacular national park, which I adored - tomorrow you’ll cross the Tioga Pass (weather dependent), so today I’d recommend focusing on the Yosemite Valley area.
Day 6 - Yosemite to Death Valley
It’s a long drive today, but totally spectacular and extremely dramatic (approx 340 miles / 6 hours 30 mins, plus stops). As you head from the high altitude of Yosemite to the lowest place in the USA at Death Valley. From your hotel head across the spectacular Tioga Pass (weather dependent), and onwards to Mammoth Lakes - this is about half the journey time-wise, and Mammoth makes a good place to stop. Continue on via Bishop and Independence in to Death Valley National Park, visiting features such as Stovepipe Wells. On arrival in to Furnace Creek check in to your hotel for one night.
Day 7 - Death Valley to Las Vegas
This morning I’d suggest exploring Death Valley a little more - the views from Zabriskie Point are spectacular and at Dante’s View you can see the lowest and highest points in the contiguous USA. From Death Valley continue to Las Vegas (approx 145 miles / 2 hours 15 mins), perhaps detouring to Red Rock Canyon before arriving in to Vegas. On arrival in to Las Vegas drop your car off at the airport depot and make your way to your chosen hotel, for a five night stay - we have a range to choose from, and your length of stay in Las Vegas is flexible.
Days 8-11 - Las Vegas
Spend the next few days exploring Las Vegas. I’d recommend a trip to the Hoover Dam, a must do if you are visiting Las Vegas! Enjoy a fascinating visit to the Hoover Dam, one of America’s Seven Modern Civil Engineering Wonders. Constructed in 1935, the impressive structure stands more than 700 feet high and spans the width of Black Canyon.
Day 12 - Return
Make your way back to Las Vegas airport for your return flight the UK, arriving the next day.
I did a similar trip to the above and loved every minute of it, though the holidays are very flexible so why not create your own perfect itinerary!
Escape Worldwide - Home of Long Haul Holidays
http://www.escapeworldwide.co.uk
Thursday, 19 January 2017
Our Top Trips in 2016 - Mark in India, October 2016
Mark was in India in October last year and spent a week
exploring the sights of the famous 'Golden Triangle' of the North, and a few
days discovering the charms of laid-back Kerala in the South. Here's why it was
his somewhat unexpected top trip of 2016 . . . .
I visited two sides of India in October in two different
ways, combined in to one trip. The first part of my trip was a group tour of
the classic sights of the 'Golden Triangle ' - Delhi, Agra and Jaipur - which
was arranged by our friends at G Adventures, who run amazing escorted tours
with an adventurous streak. I then said goodbye to my group of fellow G
Adventurers and headed to Kerala to spend a few days exploring the beaches,
backwaters and history of this charming area, in the company of the fabulous
folks at Kerala Travel Centre. Being an independent company ourselves we love
working with other independent companies around the world.
In all honesty an 'adventure' tour isn't really my kind of
thing - my days of roughing it are well past me (I wouldn't say I'm a travel
snob, but I do like a few nice touches at the end of the day!) but my friends
at G Adventures were sure I'd love it - and they were spot on! To my mind I was
expecting a trip more geared towards backpackers, with a young age group and
basic accommodation - not exactly my thing. Some of the accommodation was
fairly simple, but some were excellent and almost all were well located and
charming. The itinerary of the tour was excellent - all of North India's
classic sights, plenty of experiences away from the history, and just enough
downtime to take it all in. Our group gelled exceptionally well, and our CEO -
Chief Experience Officer - brilliantly balanced things to keep everyone happy.
The trip had many highlights - India's sights are incredible
and the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatephur Sikri and Jaipur's Amber Fort are
amongst the most impressive historic sites I've ever been to. However, for me
it was the experiences of the trip that will last long in my memory, just as
much as the sights. One night was spent at Dhula, a small village outside of
Jaipur and just off the well beaten 'Golden Triangle' route. G Adventures have
worked closely with a local landowner who has opened a small tented property on
his family land - simple but well equipped tents (more glamping than camping)
plus great vegetarian meals and a fab pool to cool off in, all set around
historic monuments that tell the family history. A few of us wandered around
the village in the morning, and the untouched nature of the place, located just
a few miles off the main road to Jaipur, was astounding. We were genuinely
welcomed by young kids and old villagers alike, and popping our heads in to the
local school brought huge smiles from the school kids - and everyone in our
group!
It was also great to see a few places that aren't on every
single itinerary of this area, and I think G Adventures are great at doing this
- one afternoon we went to the Abhaneri step well, which I can't even find in
the Lonely Planet guidebook. It's a thousand year old hole in the ground, part
water tank and part temple, and beautifully restored. It’s unusual to get 'off
the beaten track' these days, but along with Dhula village, this was one of
those moments where I found myself thinking 'where am I?!'
Two other highlights were all about the group - one of the
optional activities on the tour (most things are included) was a Bollywood
dance class on the roof of our Jaipur hotel. Almost all the group joined in
(one looked after the music and the other kept the beer flowing), and while
we're not holding our breath for a call from a Bollywood studio just yet, it
was incredible fun. Next evening in Jaipur was a walk around the old city as
the sun went down, then we were whisked off in rickshaws through the crowded
streets, stopping at a local lassi shop and various food vendors for a local
snack or two. Take a look at my high-speed Jaipur rickshaw video here!
From Jaipur I flew south to Trivandrum, the gateway to the
beaches of Kerala - and to a completely different world ! The big cities of
Northern India are crowded and noisy, bursting with life, whereas the South is
far more relaxed and laid back - the perfect antidote to the hectic North. The
main beach resort is Kovalam and the area has a very traditional feel - low-key
restaurants line the beachfront where fishermen bring their catches to shore
each morning, for dinner that night.
I then headed a little further north to the Backwaters, a
vast area of tranquil waterways, where I spend a day and a night on a
traditional house boat - this is seriously one of the best travel experiences
I've ever had, I adored it! The boat took two guests and came with a crew of
three (someone to steer, someone to cook and someone to generally look after
us), simple but fantastically tasty meals were served on deck and we stopped
once or twice to explore local villages. The boat moored overnight as the sun
went down and the peace and tranquility of this magical area will live long in
my memory - just incredible. Have a look at my video as the houseboat floatsaround the Backwaters!
Finally, I finished my Indian journey in the city of Cochin,
which has a long history of seafarers and traders, all of which can still be
seen today. A local historian walked me around the sights of Fort Cochin,
taking in the Chinese fishing nets, St Francis Church with the original burial
site of Vasco Da Gama, Jew Town with its historic Synagogue, and the old bazaar
district of Mattancherry (where I picked up a fab huge cooking pot for next to
nothing!) On my last evening I saw a traditional Kathakali dance (in all
honesty I had no idea what was going on!) and finished off with a few beers and
a superb meal at the fabulous Old Harbour Hotel. Cochin's appeal is immediate
and obvious, and I could easily have spent longer here.
This was my fourth visit to India and my second taking in
the classic sights of the Golden Triangle, but on this trip I discovered a
different side of the North, and fell in love with the charms of the South -
which is why it was my Top Trip of 2016!
Escape Worldwide - Home of Long Haul Holidays
http://www.escapeworldwide.co.uk
Labels:
ATOL,
backwaters,
Delhi,
Escape Worldwide,
g adventures,
golden triangle,
Holidays,
india,
india holiday,
India Tour,
jaipur,
kerala,
riceboat,
taj mahal,
touring,
tours,
Travel
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)