Capture the thrill of this summer’s blockbusters on a family holiday

From Kung Fu and pandas in China to the archaeological mysteries of Peru, The Adventure Company’s family trips are offering all the drama and excitement of Hollywood’s new releases this summer. Below, The Adventure Company recommends the best trips and destinations for families looking to re-create the adventures of the silver screen.

An epic voyage around China - As seen in Kung Fu Panda; The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor; and The Forbidden Kingdom

China is the setting for three of this summer’s big family films and the Adventure Company’s Land of the Dragon tour encapsulates the thrills and enchanting scenery of each. Beginning in Beijing, families will visit the magnificent Forbidden City and the Great Wall before taking an overnight train to Luoyang. Here, you will see true Kung Fu masters in action at Song Shan, home to the legendary Shaolin Monks. And although they may not be of the high-kicking variety, the Giant Pandas at the Chengdu Breeding and Research Centre are still an incredible sight.

Another major highlight of the tour is the Terracotta Army in Xian, which comes to life in a formidable fashion in the third film in the Mummy series. Families had better hope the army stays sleeping during their visit…

The 15-day Land of the Dragon tour departs on 17th August 2008 and costs from £2,219 per child (minimum age five) and £2,349 per adult. October half-term departures are also available from £1,569 per person. Prices include flights, transportation, activities and excursions as listed in the itinerary, plus the services of a knowledgeable local guide. No further local payments are necessary.

Fantasy lands – As seen in Journey to the Center of the Earth; Prince Caspian

Confession time – there are some places even The Adventure Company can’t take you, the centre of the Earth and Narnia being just two. But that doesn’t mean its trips can’t offer a taste of the same action.

The Journey to the Center of the Earth begins on a mountainous landscape before travellers are thrust deep beneath the surface of the earth on a voyage of the unknown. Learn the essential skills to prepare yourself for the journey – and visit the cave which legend says took Orpheus to the underworld - on the Bulgaria Activity Week. The first two days will be spent on challenges including orienteering, kayaking, walking and a rope course - all of which need to be successfully completed in order to win the key to the hotel for the next night. Families will then have their own underground adventure at the Devil’s Throat Cave, where it is said Orpheus started his journey into the depths of the earth.

Bulgaria Activity Week costs from £579 per child and £729 per adult for departures in August 2008.

Just like Narnia, the plains of Africa are home to strange and wonderful creatures – this is your chance to see Aslan in his natural habitat, ruling over the kingdom. The Adventure Company’s Rift Valley Adventure includes camping on the rim of the Ngorongoro crater and game drives in the Serengeti where you can spot giraffe, wildebeest, elephant and cheetah as well as mighty lions. The 10-day trip costs from £1,529 per child and £1,659 per adult in summer 2008.

An Indianadventure in Peru – As seen in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Get your hat and whip at the ready for an Indiana Jones adventure in Peru on the Land of the Incas tour. Explore the archaeological wonders of the ‘lost city’ of Machu Picchu and Sillustani – a pre-Incan burial ground where you can hear about the traditions of mummifying bodies. But are the ancient mummies hiding any crystal skulls? Families will also visit the Incan capital of Cusco and the floating reed islands of Lake Titicaca.

If this isn’t enough adventure, an Amazon Jungle Extension can be added on to the trip. Families will travel by plane and then by motorised canoe to a lodge on the Tambopata River where they will have two nights to explore the mighty Amazon rainforest.

There are four departure dates in August 2008 on the 15-day Land of the Incas tour, including two particularly for families with teenage children. Prices start from £1,979 per child and £2,229 per adult. The Amazon Jungle Extension is available at an extra cost.

For further information on The Adventure Company, or to book any of the trips outlined above, see Adventurecompany.co.uk.