Connections launches 2008 programme

Connections (cnww.co.uk), the specialist independent travel division of Titan Travel, has unveiled its collection of holidays to the USA for 2008.

The 115-page Connections America brochure contains a wide range of holiday options encompassing flexible multi-centre and self-drive itineraries, an enticing array of cruises and a choice of fully escorted tours from sister company Titan HiTours.

This comprehensive selection allows Connections’ discerning and adventurous customers to discover the very best of the United States at their individually preferred pace and style.

The brochure’s suggested range of flexible multi-centre itineraries allows customers to combine a variety of America’s signature sights and experiences into one great holiday. These unescorted holidays follow structured, themed itineraries and incorporate all travel arrangements including accommodation, transfers and various excursions. All itineraries offer complete flexibility, allowing customers to create their perfect holiday by substituting suggested hotels and day-trips or adding optional extras such as extended stays or additional activities.

The selection of multi-centre holidays leads in at £1,065 per person with the eight-day Taste of New England itinerary, which combines an exploration of the historic city of Boston with a relaxing escape to the pristine beaches of laid-back Cape Cod and includes flights from Heathrow with American Airlines to Boston, six nights’ accommodation in Boston and Falmouth, private transfers and the VIP Home Departure Service.

Other popular choices include the ultimate city break linking New York with Boston, super-chic Miami or dazzling Las Vegas; or the eight-day Southern Sounds tour, a musical journey through the Deep South to discover the varied rhythms of country & western, Rock’n’Roll and the Blues (from £1, 575 per person).

The brochure also contains a selection of self-drive itineraries through some of America’s most iconic landscapes. As with the multi-centre holidays, these are fully flexible options that can be tailored to each customer’s particular tastes. The suggested routes take in some of the country’s most celebrated views, from the Golden Gate Bridge and imposing Mount Rushmore to the awesome splendour of the Grand Canyon and California’s legendary Giant Sequoia trees.

One of the most popular of these fly-drives is the 16-day Historic Route 66 itinerary, a 2,000-mile odyssey through nine states and three times zones that costs from £865 per person and includes 15 nights’ accommodation, 12 days’ car hire and a personalised itinerary, but excludes flights, meals and National Park entrance fees. New for 2008 is the 13-day Inns & Resorts of New England tour; this costs from £765 per person and passes through all six of New England’s states, staying in charming and characterful accommodation along the way.

In addition, Connections allows customers to add some typical American flair to their fly-drive by offering the option of an RV motorhome, whilst the really adventurous could try California – Harley-Style, an exhilarating, self-guided driving holiday on two wheels using a classic Harley Davidson motorcycle (eight days from £665 per person, to include seven nights’ accommodation, six days’ motorbike and helmet rental, a detailed itinerary and airport transfers but excludes flights, meals and petrol).

As well as these structured holidays, the brochure offers an excellent selection of optional excursions and adventures on both land and water. From a relaxing retreat on a luxurious ranch in the Sonoran Desert to a chauffer-driven tour of California’s wineries or a scenic journey to the Grand Canyon on a vintage steam train, this tempting range of holiday add-ons contributes to a truly memorable experience.

A four-day Cape Cod Retreat, for example, costs from £185 per person and includes accommodation, a whale watching trip and a visit to the atmospheric resort of Martha’s Vineyard.

Those with more of a taste for the high seas may prefer the excitement of a four-day New England Schooner Cruise aboard an authentic, wooden windjammer (from £295 per person, full-board), whilst serious seafarers will enjoy the comforts and facilities of a modern cruise ship with itineraries ranging from the Jewels of the Caribbean (13 days from £1,365 per person, including flights, transfers and VIP Home Departure Service) to Alaskan Vistas & Vancouver (11 days from £1,565 per person).

For those who prefer the convenience and peace of mind of travelling in a group, the brochure includes a small selection of fully escorted tours from sister company Titan HiTours, led throughout by Tour Managers who ensure the high levels of standards and service expected from Titan HiTours. These tours operate on set departure dates and lead in at £1,075 per person for a 10-day visit to New York, Washington and Niagara Falls. This includes flights, accommodation, city tours, transfers and coach travel, as well as the services of a tour manager, plus the VIP Home Departure Service.

Other options include the California and the Golden West tour, a 16-day overland adventure through California, Arizona and Nevada costing from £1,145 per person; or the 10-day Nashville & Memphis itinerary from £1,245 per person, which includes a visit to Graceland, Elvis Presley’s palatial home.

Commenting on the launch of the new brochure, Hugh Clayson, Connections’ marketing director, said, “Our America brochure is built on extremely keen pricing, the combined result of the favourable exchange rate and our own extraordinary buying power that ensures we obtain the best rates possible.

“With this and our optional VIP Home Departure service, which collects guests from and returns them to their own front door, Connections customers can always be sure of a comfortable, hassle-free experience that’s guaranteed to offer the very best value for money.”

For details or to book visit the website Cnww.co.uk.