Shop in the sun this Christmas
To find some extraordinary presents this year, travellers should head further afield than the usual Christmas Markets says Gap Adventures.
Here are their top three options for this Christmas:
Guatemala Adventure
Length of trip: 14 Days
Departure: 21 November 2010
Price: £609 per person
Summary: Rather than battling through department stores, sharpen your haggling skills at Chichicastenango, the most famous market in Central America and return to the UK in time to dish out some truly unique gifts. Selling a selection of Mayan crafts, it's a great place to pick up a present for every member of the family. The trip also visits Antigua, Lanquín, Semuc Champey, Flores, Poptún, Rio Dulce and Lake Atitlán.
Price includes: 13 nights' accommodation, overland transport, the services of a CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and the following excursions: Boat ride to Livingston from Río Dulce, entry and guided tour of Tikal, visit to Chichicastenango, Atitlán Lake tour and visit to Mayan community including typical meal.
Peru Panorama
Length of trip: 15 Days
Departures include: 13, 18 and 20 December
Price: £1469 per person
Summary: In the middle of Lake Titicaca float islands made up of layers upon layers of reeds, home to unique communities which make money by trading their high quality knitted goods. Never will a woolly jumper seem like a dull present again! The trip also includes the Sacred Valley, Cuzco, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and the Amazon Rainforest.
Price includes: 14 nights' accommodation, overland transport, some meals, the services of a CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and the following excursions: guided tour of Taquile and the Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca, guided tour of Sacred Valley, four-day Inca Trail hike with local guide, cook and porters, guided tour of Machu Picchu and a two-night Amazon Jungle excursion.
Highlights of Morocco
Length of trip: 14 Days
Departures include: 18 and 20 December
Price: £789 per person
Summary: Barter your way through the crowded souks picking up exotic bargains along the way. Meknes Market is a particular must-see for visitors with foodie friends and family to cater for at Christmas. From enormous, plump olives to sugary treats galore, the delicatessen stands will provide Christmas treats for all. This exciting trip also includes exploring the Sahara on camel, admiring the views from the heights of the Atlas Mountains and camping under the stars among some of the world's biggest sand dunes.
Price includes: 13 nights' accommodation, overland transport, some meals, the services of a CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and the following excursions: Orientation tour of Rabat, guided walk in Fez, orientation walk in Essaouira, guided tour of Volubilis, Todra Gorge, a hike in the Atlas Mountains and a guided walk in Marrakech.
To book or for more information, visit: gapadventures.co.uk