Be inspired by some of the amazing experiences of our holidaymakers.
Nile cruise
Historical Normandy
Adventure in Peru
Spring in Iceland
Skiing in Livigno
Nile cruise
“I have been on a number of Vitalise Holidays but the recent Nile Cruise was one of the best.We saw amazing sights; huge temples and giant statues dating back to 1,500 BC; paintings on ceilings and walls as bright as when they were first done; walls covered with engravings telling, in symbols and pictures, of the life and times of the ancient Pharaohs.
We entered tombs that long ago had housed these great Kings. In contrast it was lovely to relax on board as we sailed gently down the Nile between palm trees,with the sand of the desert stretching beyond.
One morning we were awoken before dawn to visit the two immense temples dedicated to Rameses II and his Queen at Abu Simbel. They were rescued from the rising waters of the Nile after the building of the new Aswan Dam. Our early start was rewarded as the sun rose over the desert and the golden light illuminated the towering statues. Later we witnessed an amazing mirage shimmering over the sand as we returned to the boat.
We saw beautiful sunsets, learned how papyrus and perfume is made, visited an alabaster factory and learned how the ancient Egyptians cut and moved the massive stones used for buildings. The evenings were a time to relax and enjoy the lively entertainment.Once again I met new and interesting people and made new friends.
Sighted guiding challenges me to be more aware of my surroundings. I find I absorb more and remember more as I describe what I am seeing – colours, textures and impressions take on much more significance.”
Christine Wyatt, January 2009
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Historical Normandy
“The day was glorious as set out on my fourth Vitalise holiday, a Normandy History Tour. On the ferry crossing to Cherbourg and we enjoyed the sunshine and clean air. The crossing passed quickly as we got to know our companions.
After docking we were driven to the Chateau de Beaulieu where we were to spend the next five nights.This is run by a British couple and they made us very welcome in their venerable and comfortable house.
The holiday consisted of daily outings to places of interest,which included all five D-Day landing beaches, together with the American and Commonwealth war cemeteries, the sad result of these landings.
We also visited the famous Pegasus Bridge and the wonderful city of Bayeux, with the incredible cathedral and the famous Bayeux Tapestry. There was never a dull moment.
Roma (pictured) and the other sighted guides kept watchful eyes out to give us every assistance.They told me that while of course they enjoyed helping others, they also get a lot from these holidays themselves. As well as the experiences of the holiday one meets a nice bunch of people and many friendships endure.”
Colin Bennett, October 2008
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Adventure in Peru
“With the cold night air around us, our torch-lit procession wended its way around the Andean mountainside under a full moon. So here I was in Peru, acting as a sighted guide on the holiday of a lifetime. As I wrapped my scarf around my neck,we trekked along talking, as old friends do, of warm showers and hot chocolate beside a roaring log fire.
Who would have thought that just a few days earlier I was sitting at Heathrow Airport, waiting to meet the strangers whom I’d be spending the next two and a half weeks with. My work colleagues had asked why I wanted to give up my free time and spend my annual leave with people I might not even like. So why was I here?
My disabled and visually impaired brother Anthony had benefited greatly from his holidays at Vitalise Churchtown in Cornwall. What really impressed me was the genuine loving care given to the guests, each one being treated with dignity and respect, not just from the staff but from an army of volunteers as well. Following my brother’s death, I decided to give back some of what he received and registered as a sighted guide.
I had a long-held desire to visit Machu Picchu, and what better way than with a group of like-minded people. I was not to be disappointed. We were like a group of friends who loved life, loved adventure, had plenty of humour and get up and go,who grasped any opportunity with both hands and enjoyed life to the full. And if the going got tough we were all there to help each other out.The camaraderie within the group was amazing.
I have had such a wonderful experience that I’d love to do it again, so instead of retiring I have taken on a new part time job to fund my next unique experience with Vitalise Holidays and meet new friends in the process.”
Marion Smith, September 2008
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Spring in Iceland
“The raw natural beauty of Iceland, with its geysers, glacier fields, hot springs and waterfalls, is stunning. How could I not want to visit a country that’s known as the land of ice and fire?
The Icelanders are keen to keep their heritage alive, and even on our way from the airport we visited a traditional Icelandic house and a Viking long ship. What a start to our trip. The next day, after a sightseeing tour of Reykjavik, we visited the Blue Lagoon, where we swam in the mineral waters heated by the volcano. I felt great afterwards - refreshed and, dare I say, youthful!
Then we really experienced the natural beauty of Iceland. We visited the Gullfoss waterfall in the Thingvellir National Park. It is frozen for most of the year, though luckily not for us, but it was so windy we had to hang on to each other for dear life! Next we moved on to the Rift Valley at Pinguellia, then up to the Strokur Geyser, which very kindly erupted for us.
To cap it all, on our free day I got the chance to fulfil yet another dream of mine, dog sledging – 'Wow!' I remember thinking ‘the folks back home will be so jealous’. Seven husky dogs pulled us for over an hour across the ice – it was the ride of a lifetime!”
Keith Lauder, April 2008
Keith has been travelling the world with Vitalise Holidays for over 12 years
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Skiing in Livigno, Italy
“When I first heard about being a sighted guide, I thought ‘I could do that’, and I haven’t looked back. The week I spend each year with Vitalise is one of the most enjoyable week’s skiing of the season.
The highlight of the week in Livigno was when we went out with visually impaired skiers Mark and Jim. The guides were myself, Peter and David. David was our safety man, he comes down behind the skiers, watching for danger, sweeping in when needed and generally protecting the group.
We skied hard and fast all day. The thrill of doing a run of 1,302 meters top to bottom, with these guys matching each other turn for turn, is just unexplainable. Take your best run ever and then double the thrill you got and you’ll be getting close to the immense exhilaration, pleasure and reward that we get from being associated with these skiers.”
Adrian Eastwood, February 2008
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