Travel around the world in 180 ways

With celebrity endeavours - including this month’s Comic Relief challenges - firmly putting adventure holidays on the holiday map, the time is ripe for exploring iconic ‘must-see’ destinations.

To celebrate 20 years of providing affordable small group adventures, travel specialist Imaginative Traveller has short-listed 176 of its most inspirational tours for its new 2011 / 2012 brochure, including 27 new tours.

The new additions are designed to ensure like-minded travellers get off-the-beaten track as they explore all corners of the world. With eight new trips in Africa, six in South East Asia, four in India and the Himalayas including one family adventure, four in China and Central Asia, four in the Middle East and one in Latin America, the new destinations for 2011 include Mozambique, Panama and the Philippines.

Using local transport such as trains, fishing boats and bikes throughout and staying in characterful accommodation including family homestays along the way, travellers are given every possible opportunity to interact with the people and landscapes they’re visiting.

Those inspired less by the promise of grassroots adventure than by something a little more comfortable on their travels are equally well taken care. Imaginative Traveller’s range of 30 ‘extra comfort’ tours still offer the same mix of adventure, culture and relaxation, with travellers staying in well-appointed en-suite accommodation and travelling by private transport where possible.

New tour highlights include:

AFRICA

BENIN, GHANA & TOGO: Gold Coaster (£550pp land only plus €250 local payment). From a golden stretch of Ghana coast, this 10-day journey takes adventurous travellers through distinct local and remote cultures to the seat of ancient kingdoms, the birth place of voodoo and the fetish markets of Togo. With 7 nights camping and 1 in a stilt village on Nigeria’s border, the tour takes you well off the beaten track.

MOZAMBIQUE, SOUTH AFRICA & SWAZILAND: Road to Mozambique (£695pp land only plus $250 local payment). This 11-day adventure mixes relaxation with wildlife through three of Africa’s most visually diverse countries. Travelling from Johannesburg to Mozambique via South Africa’s Blyde River Canyon and Kruger National Park, Swaziland’s Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and Mozambique’s lively capital Maputo, the holiday ends at Tofo Beach relaxing in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

ASIA 

INDONESIA: East Java & Bali (£850pp land only). This 15-day tour contrasts two islands vastly different in culture, history and vibe. From the laid-back traveller’s town of Yogyakarta – Java’s cultural capital - and Hindu temple complexes, natural highlights encountered throughout the fortnight include the chance to climb the still live volcano of Mount Bromo, explore Monkey Forest and snorkel or go dolphin-spotting from Menjangan (Deer) Island. 

NEPAL: Annapurna Community Lodge Trek (£495pp land only). This 11-day holiday showcases the beauty of the Annapurna region using the series of lodges well off the tourist trail that the operator has developed over the last few years in conjunction with local communities. Travellers have ample opportunity to interact with villagers along the 6-day trek, including the chance to visit a village school supported through the project whilst staying in excellent accommodation through some of the Himalaya’s most exhilarating mountains. 

PHILIPPINES: Phenomenal Philippines (£1450pp land only). Discover one of the few secrets left in South East Asia while spending 13 days enjoying some of the Philippines’ 7000 islands, exploring the dormant volcanoes and terraced hillsides and taking in the destination’s colourful ethnic groups and dramatic history. A 4-day Whale Shark & Volcano Extension is available for £720. 

TIBET: Tibet Overland (£1395pp land only). This is a classic overland journey across the ‘Roof of the World’, linking two of Asia’s most exotic cities – Lhasa and Kathmandu. Crossing the highest mountain range on earth, the high Tibetan plains, spectacular views of Everest and Himalayan peaks provide a magnificent finale before the holiday ends in Nepal. 

UZBEKISTAN: Uzbekistan Explorer (£725pp land only).A 9-day trip which combines an insight into modern-day Uzbekistan with the chance to venture deep into its heart. Having explored the former crossroads on the great Silk Road of Tashkent and marvelled at the UNESCO World-Heritage site of Bukhara, it’s time for a homestay in a tribal village of Tashkent-Samarkand reached only by donkey and used only by Imaginative Traveller.

LATIN AMERICA 

COSTA RICA & PANAMA: Costa Rica & Panama (£1095pp land only). With both countries offering some of Central America’s most impressive natural attraction, from spectacular volcanoes, incredible wildlife, palm-fringed beaches and idyllic waterfalls, the contrast of the Panama Canal – a testament to human ingenuity connecting two mighty oceans – stands out all the more. A 4-day extension to the San Blas Islands available from just £375.

MIDDLE EAST 

EGYPT: Nile River Cruise (from £150pp land only). Whether Northbound (4 days) or Southbound (5 days), this relaxing river adventure is as ideal for those looking for a great value short-break enjoying a Nile Cruise in air-conditioned comfort between Luxor and Aswan as those looking to fit in the iconic sights and ancient highlights as part of a bigger adventure. 

TURKEY: Turkey Adventure (£475pp land only): This activity-packed trip takes in many of Turkey’s lesser known highlights. From the famous Grand Bazaar of Istanbul, incredible Greco-Roman ruins of Ephesus and the humbling battlefields of Gallipoli to the surreal fairy chimneys of Cappadocia and the natural wonders of Pamukkale, this 10-day trip is an intoxicating mix of sights, experiences, beauty and history.

Imaginative Traveller’s Hiedi Hutchinson commented: “At the heart of all our tours is the chance to get to know the real essence of the country being visited and our new brochure is designed to cater for anyone keen to unleash their spirit of adventure, whether first-time explorers or experienced trekkers.

“As holidaymakers become more adventurous with how and where they go, this style of grassroots travel combines the highlights of independent travel with the added convenience, security, companionship and great value that a small group brings.”

For holiday inspiration visit: imaginative-traveller.com

** SPECIAL OFFER: 10% off all trips to India, Nepal, Africa and Central America when booked by 15 April. Quote ‘Inspiration’. **