The following holidays are planned for 2009. Places are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and these holidays will only go ahead if we receive sufficient interest before the reservation deadline.
The prices shown are an estimate only and will vary depending on the final size of the group.
If you are interested in any of these holidays please either:
List of Holidays
Equador and the Galapagos
Australia and the Outback
Jordan
Verona Opera Festival
American East Coast
Dinghy Sailing on the Turquoise Coast
Mediterranean Cruise
Equador and the Galapagos
Dates: Summer 2009
Price for Visually Impaired: £3999
Price for Sighted Guide: £2999
This tour begins on mainland Ecuador, high in the old colonial capital city of Quito, surrounded by dormant volcanoes. Tour the Cotopaxi National Park, travel to the Central Highlands, a stronghold of indigenous culture, and visit the traditional markets. Journey through dramatic landscapes of crater lakes and cloud forests with an abundance of wildlife.
The enchanting islands of the Galapagos offer a dramatic record of geology and natural history. Discover the abundance of sea and bird life and walk in the footsteps of Charles Darwin as you tour the archipelago. Enjoy close encounters with basking fur seals and sea lions, iguanas and giant tortoise, and listen to the sound of vast colonies of finches, penguins, albatross and the unusual blue-footed boobies.
Snorkel in the warm tropical waters, walk over lava fields and along pristine coastline and experience the beauty of these delightful islands.
Suitable for Grade B
Reservation deadline 6 November 2008
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Australia and the Outback
Dates: Autumn 2009
Price for Visually Impaired: £3999
Price for Sighted Guide: £2999
Sample the very best of Australia on this comprehensive tour, guaranteed to leave you wanting to return to this fabulous country. The sixth largest country in the world, Australia is a land of extremes, from the vast open plains, eroded gorges and red earth of the Outback, where many Aboriginal tribes still live a traditional lifestyle, to the young, vibrant coastal cities where the majority of the population are found.
Australia’s greatest draw is its natural beauty with diverse landscapes, dramatic coastlines, beautiful beaches and unique wildlife. Visit the monolithic Ayers Rock and the sandstone domes of the Olgas, learn about Aboriginal culture and traditions and explore the coastal cities of Melbourne on the Yarra River and Australia’s oldest city of Sydney, built around Captain Cook’s famous landing site of Botany Bay and boasting the world-famous Bondi Beach, opera house and harbour bridge.
Suitable for Grade B
Reservation deadline 30 October 2008
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Jordan
Dates: Summer 2009
Price for Visually Impaired: £1489
Price for Sighted Guide: £979
For anyone interested in history and archaeology this is a fabulous opportunity to explore this fascinating middle-eastern country.
Visit the Roman ruins of Jerash which was part of the Decapolis, the ten important cities of the Roman Empire. The Greco Roman city of Jerash is the most well-preserved example of this mighty civilisation in this part of the world. From entering the city through the impressive triple arch gateway you can soak up this ancient civilisation wandering through the city streets with its temples to the many Roman gods, learning about the social activities of the theatres, bath houses and the stylish forum, the focus of the city where citizens met to hear news from around the Empire.
Travelling south, the King’s Highway takes us to the amazing rose-red city of Petra. Set in a canyon in the desert, with an entrance hewn out of the rock face Petra is a true archaeological wonder. The word Petra means rock in Greek and you can explore the city ruins with its many temples and climb the steep path to the Jebel Harin summit which affords fabulous views over the surrounding desert landscape.
And after that, float your cares away in the Dead Sea, camp under the stars in the desert surroundings of Wadi Rum, take a four-wheel-drive adventure over the dunes and snorkel in the Red Sea.
Suitable for Grade B
Reservation deadline: 6 November 2008
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Verona Opera Festival
Dates: Summer 2009
Price for Visually Impaired: £1099
Price for Sighted Guide: £665
The Verona Opera Festival has been held annually in this historic north Italian city since 1913 and each year there are spectacular performances of some of the world’s best-loved operas such as Tosca, Carmen and Aida.
Performances are held in the city’s ancient Roman Arena di Verona which was built in 30AD to host games and circuses, and benefits from near perfect acoustics. The Festival often attracts the biggest names in opera and the unique atmosphere makes Verona a fashionable and accessible way to experience opera. The holiday will include return flights from the UK and accommodation on the shores of Lake Garda.
With stunning mountains to the north and sun-drenched vineyards to the south this is a fabulously picturesque destination and during the holiday there will be opportunities to explore the area including the balcony of Romeo and Juliet in Verona, a boat trip on Lake Garda and day trips to the Dolomites and the ‘floating city’ of Venice.
Suitable for Grade A
Reservation deadline: 6 November 2008
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American East Coast
Dates: Autumn 2009
Price for Visually Impaired: £1755
Price for Sighted Guide: £899
Explore some of the highlights of America’s east coast starting in ‘the city that never sleeps’, New York. There are so many attractions to explore in this bustling and vibrant city. Visit the island of Manhattan with its electric atmosphere and fabulous shopping, including the famous Macy’s store on Fifth Avenue. Take a stroll in Central Park, travel to the top of the Empire State building for spectacular views of the city skyscrapers or take a boat trip to the iconic Statue of Liberty.
Straddling the border between New York State and the Canadian province of Ontario are the stunning Niagara Falls. With thundering waters falling nearly 200 feet into the Niagara River this is among the many awesome natural wonders of North America, attracting over 12 million visitors every year.
The Massachusetts state capital of Boston is one of the most historic cities in the United States. The city’s grand 19th century buildings are some of the best-preserved in the country and the centre of Boston is accessible, being compact and easy to walk between attractions, combining modern convenience with historic charm.
Suitable for Grade B
Reservation deadline: 1 February 2009
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Dinghy Sailing on the Turquoise Coast
Dates: Autumn 2009
Price for Visually Impaired: £785
Price for Sighted Guide: £485
This seven night dinghy sailing holiday is based at the family-run Tamarisk Hotel in the small Turkish resort of Ortakent.
The watersports centre is located next to the hotel on the longest beach of the Bodrum Peninsula and is a wonderful destination for a sailing holiday. There is a choice of dinghies on offer including Funboats, Picos, Lasers and Dart 16s as well as a host of additional activities including windsurfing, sea kayaks, masks and snorkels, yoga and fitness classes.
Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar, snack-bar, swimming pool and optional activities, available at additional cost, include waterskiing, wakeboarding, inflatable rides, scuba diving, intensive learning courses in sailing and windsurfing and luxury beauty treatments and massage.
Please note that no experience is required for visually impaired holidaymakers but sighted participants must have previous sailing experience.
Suitable for Grade B (visually impaired people) or C (sighted guides)
Reservation deadline: 2 March 2009
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Mediterranean Cruise
Dates: Autumn 2009
Price for Visually Impaired: £2200
Price for Sighted Guide: £1300
Touring by cruise ship is a great way to get the most from a sightseeing holiday, relaxing on board a luxury cruise liner as you travel the western Mediterranean in style. There will be time in each port of call to explore and get a flavour of Spain, France, Italy and Tunisia on this two week cruise.
Highlights include the fashionable city of Barcelona where you can take a stroll on the Ramblas or admire the unique eccentricity of Antonio Gaudi’s architecture on display throughout the city. Put your bartering skills to the test in the North African city of Tunis with the exotic treasures of the souks and the opportunity to visit the ancient ruins of Carthage and rub shoulders with the rich and famous in the tiny principality of Monaco. Reaching the ancient, bustling Italian capital of Rome, you can relax with a cappuccino, shop for Italian designer fashion or soak up over 2000 years of history with a visit to the amazing Roman Forum. And don’t forget to throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain to ensure that you will one day return to the Eternal City.
Suitable for Grade A
Reservation deadline: 23 October 2008
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