Ultimate autumn adventures

September and October is the perfect time to book an overseas adventure, for a whole host of reasons, not just because you will miss the crowds of the Summer months.

From great value packages, to late summer sunshine, and excellent wildlife spotting, Bales Worldwide has sets the ultimate autumn adventures.

The Nile in Dahabiyya Style, Egypt and a free stay at the Villa Belle Epoque

Do the ‘Nile in style’ with a classic Dahabiyya cruise. September and early October departures offer great value and a chance to see this wonderful area before the high season kicks in. The 8 day Nostalgic Nile itinerary takes in the key sites of Ancient Egypt, as well as calling in at little visited Nile islands, and uses private moorings away from larger towns.

There is a maximum of 12 people per cruise and accommodation throughout is on one of Bales’ beautiful dahabiyya sailing boat. The dahabiyyas revive those elegant days of the early 19th century when aristocrats cruised the Nile on private wooden crafted sailing vessels. Explore Egypt’s cultural highlights as you cruise from Luxor to Aswan, take in the view from the top deck, savour the delicious meals, barbeques and picnics and enjoy unrivalled star gazing at night.

The Nostalgic Nile has weekly departure options. Depart on 6th or 20th September on the Amber for £1,845 per person based on two sharing, including flights, a week’s cruise with full board, guide and an extensive sightseeing programme and receive two free nights staying at the Villa Belle Epoque in Cairo worth up to £250 per person.

Highlights of Syria

Head to Syria and visit the wonders of the ancient world this autumn. September is a great time to see the sites without the intense and oppressing heat of the summer months – whilst still giving you a chance to enjoy some great weather.

The 8 day Highlights of Syria itinerary takes in many of the architectural gems that have been bequeathed by the great civilisations of the ancient world, including the breathtaking ruins of Palmyra and the massive Crusader Castle of Krak des Chevaliers. Walk around the atmospheric ruins, visit the Great Mosque of Aleppo and revel in the stunning desert vistas.

Highlights of Syria – 5, 12, 19 and 26 September departures from £1585 per person based on two sharing, including flights, accommodation, most meals, guides, entry to sites and transfers.

On the Tiger Trail in India

Opt for Bales’ On the Tiger Trail itinerary. The national parks open from mid October when Bales are offering huge savings of £1,325 per person on the 12 day holiday. This incredible trip takes in unmissable sights such as the Taj Mahal at Agra and the pink city of Jaipur, as well as an amazing two days in Ranthambhor National Park.

This 400 square kilometre park is the perfect habitat for tigers and other games, such as sambar and nilgai. Enjoy morning and evening game drives to spot these awesome animals. By October the monsoon rains have passed through Northern India and the weather is warm, making it a great time to visit.

On the Tiger Trail –October departures from £3,625 per person based on two sharing – discount of £1325 per person. The price includes all flights, accommodation, breakfast, sightseeing, local guide and transfers.

Highlights of Nepal

Late September sees the beginning of the dry season in Nepal, when the countryside is green, the air is clean and visibility of the Himalayas is at its best. Enjoy the 9 day Highlights of Nepal itinerary this September from as little as £1,260.

The ‘abode of the gods’, Nepal is a land of superlatives and the trip takes in the diversity and spectacle of this mountain land. Enjoy the cultural wonders of bustling Kathmandu, explore Buddhist stupas and holy shrines, gaze at the breathtaking Himalyan views and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the Valley of the Lakes.

Highlights of Nepal – 5, 12, 19 and 26 September departures from £1,260 per person based on two sharing, including flights, accommodation, breakfasts and transfers.

Cruise in the Galapagos

As 2009 is the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth, what better time to take a trip to the Galapagos Islands that inspired his most famous work? Bales’ Galapagos Eclipse Cruise is an exciting opportunity to travel aboad the 64 metre long M/V Eclipse and take in these unique islands in style.

Dine in the elegant indoor dining room or al-fresco under the stars, head to the observation/sun deck is for wildlife viewing and stargazing, and enjoy the daily excursions to the fascinating islands. The 13 day trip also includes two days exploring colonial Quito.

Eclipse Cruise – Depart 30 September or 14 October from £3,945 per person based on two sharing – discount of £450 per person. Price includes flights, accommodation, most meals, guide and transfers.

Tastes of Mexico

Make for Mexico in September and October for late summer sun and great prices. The 9 day Tastes of Mexico tour is a gastronomic extravaganza. Dine at Mexico City’s famous Café Tacuba with its colonial-era atmosphere, sample the famous Mexican ‘Mole’ in Puebla, taste Xtabentun liquor in Merida and take part in a Yucatecan cookery course. Not forgetting a visit to Chichen Itza, recognised as one of the world’s ‘new’ wonders, and a farewell dinner at Los Almendros restaurant.

Tastes of Mexico – departures throughout September and October from £2,195 per person based on two sharing. Price includes flights, accommodation, most meals, guides, sight seeing and transfers.

Oman – and Turtle Watching

September and October is the best time to see turtles nesting along the beaches of Oman, with thousands of them coming ashore to lay up to a 100 eggs at a time. Opt for the 10 day In the Land of Sinbad itinerary and see this wonderful spectacle, as well as other highlights of this exotic land.

Explore a country that is an enthralling mix of rugged coastlines and endless deserts, dramatic forts and traditional villages, colourful souks and timeless landscapes. Enjoy sight seeing without the intense heat of the summer months, visit the Grand Mosque in Muscat, wander around the majestic fortress at Nakhl, take in the clear green natural spring water pools of the desert oasis of Wadi Bani Khaled and of course spend an evening on the turtle beach at Ras al-Hadd.

Oman – In the Land of Sinbad – 12 September departure costs from £2,095 per person based on two sharing, including flights, accommodation, most meals, guide, sight seeing, Oman visa fee and transfers.

Vietnam Discovery

This autumn sees some great deals on trips to the Far East. Head off on the 12 day Vietnam Discovery itinerary from as little as £2,215 per person. Vietnam is home to a gracious and tolerant people, whose Buddhist beliefs, fascinating culture and extraordinary history stretches back across thousands of years. The trip takes in highlights including Hanoi, Halong Bay, a boat trip on the Perfume River, Ho Chi Minh city and an excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of My Son.

Vietnam Discovery – 30 September and 14 October departures from £2,215 per person based on two sharing – discount of £150 per person. The price includes flights, accommodation, most meals, guide, sight seeing, and transfers.

For booking and enquires see balesworldwide.com.