Adventurous Ideas For Christmas

If just the thought of turkey, tinsel and tacky TV sends a shiver down your spine, then perhaps now is the time to consider heading off somewhere different. Dazzle your partner or family and find a new cultural experience? Imaginative Traveller visit far and wide and suggest the following three tours to enjoy a different festive period.

A Christmas lunch barbeque onboard a ship in Antarctica is very special – the ultimate White Christmas! Starting in Ushuaia, Argentina, there is plenty of time for any last minute Christmas shopping before boarding the ship and heading off through the Beagle Channel (named after HMS Beagle) towards the historical Falklands. The islands are full of marine life and wildlife with a large population of penguins as well as dolphins, whales and albatross. The ship sails on to South Georgia, where the snow covered mountains and glaciers are spectacular, and through the magical fjords to Salisbury Plain and Gold Harbour. These areas are so remote that they have evolved into magnificent wildlife havens with over 100,000 king penguins and their chicks on the beaches. There are also elephant and fur seals to see here, as well as the grave of Ernest Shackleton – one of the greatest Antarctic Explorers. The 20 day “Antarctica, The Falklands & South Georgia” tour starts from £6560 per person departing 19th December 2010, including 19 nights accommodation (18 nights twin share on board cabins, one night hotel), transport by fully equipped ice reinforced Antarctic vessel and all meals while on board. The price also includes the services of Antarctic expedition leaders, naturalists and lecturers, Zodiac pilots and ship’s crew. For those that can’t wait until next year there are tours departing 19th December and 28th December 2009 from £8399 per person. Flights are available on request. Call Imaginative Traveller Reservations Line on 08450 778803 or book on line at www.imaginative-traveller.com

Christmas Day in Ethiopia is on the 7th January. Every year, just before that date, thousands of pilgrims descend on Lalibela, a small village in the Ethiopian highlands; for in and around Lalibela are 11 rock hewn churches, the most holy place in Ethiopia. There are many stories surrounding this area – the churches were carved out of the rock in the 12th century by the legendary King Lalibela but they are so astounding that many believe they are the creations of angels and were built in a single night. At Christmas, pilgrims come from all walks of life, often arriving by foot having walked two or three weeks to get there. The ceremonies last for three days and nights and involve prayers, psalms, dances, music and songs. Witness this special occasion, as well as exploring Addis Ababa, the Blue Nile Falls and the Simien Mountains. The 14 day escorted “Ethiopian Explorer” tour starts from £1590 per person departing 27th December 2009, including 13 nights accommodation (11 nights hotels or guesthouses, two nights camping in Simien Mountains), most meals and internal transport (private bus, 4WD vehicles, boat and plane). The price also includes the services of an Imaginative Traveller tour leader. Flights are available from £305 per person. Call Imaginative Traveller Reservations Line on 08450 778803 or book on line at www.imaginative-traveller.com

To discover the real meaning of Christmas visit Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee and Masada on a fascinating introduction to Israel covering some of the most important historical and biblical sights in the world. Jerusalem in particular is a place of pilgrimage for people all over the world whether Jewish, Christian or Muslim, while in Bethlehem it is possible to visit Manger Square and Church of the Nativity. There are even chances to celebrate the special time of year with a dip in the Dead Sea or exploring the many bars and restaurants of lively Tel Aviv. The seven day “Secrets of Jerusalem” tour starts from £995 per person departing 27th December 2009, including six nights B&B accommodation in tourist class hotels, transport by private vehicle and the services of a tour leader. Flights are available from £305 per person. Call Imaginative Traveller Reservations Line on 08450 778803 or book on line at www.imaginative-traveller.com