Seven Worlds, One Planet Holiday Ideas

Inspired by David Attenborough’s exciting new seven-part BBC documentary, Seven Worlds One Planet? Experience the wildlife of all seven continents for yourself with these holiday ideas:

Episode One ANTARCTICA

Unforgettable Antarctica & the 2021 Solar Eclipse – from £16,595 pp with Naturetrek
When it comes to once-in-a-lifetime holidays, it makes sense to plan ahead. And this 24-day trip – featuring a 19-night expedition voyage to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula on board the exclusively chartered, ice-strengthened MV Ortelius – is well worth the wait. As well as awesome wildlife, the itinerary is timed to coincide with the 2021 total solar eclipse over Antarctica (4 Dec), which you’ll witness from the Weddell Sea. The price is from £16,595 pp (two sharing), including flights (London), accommodation on the MV Ortelius, and in hotels in Ushuaia & Buenos Aires, most meals, and expert guides. Departs 22 Nov. 2021. Call AITO* member Naturetrek on 01962 733051 (www.naturetrek.co.uk).

ASIA

Discover Wild Cambodia – from £3,590 pp with InsideAsia Tours
Cambodia’s wild side is ripe for exploration, with a huge variety of habitats and species far removed from the tourist trail. Discover remote birding sites, like Dam Dak on the eastern Sen Monorom plateau and the Bengal Florican Grasslands Conservation Area, trek through Keo Siem Wildlife Sanctuary’s rainforests to search for elusive gibbons and analyse camera trap footage, all whilst staying in an eclectic mix of accommodation, from a Monkey Pod to an ecolodge. Wild Cambodia is priced from £3,590 pp (two sharing), including domestic flights, transfers, 15 nights’ B&B, ten lunches, six dinners and guided excursions. International flights extra. Call AITO* member InsideAsia Tours on 0117 244 3380 (www.insideasiatours.com).

NORTH AMERICA

The mind-blowing natural world of Nicaragua – from £1,470 pp with TravelLocal
Nicaragua is still under the radar of many travellers, and one of the country’s most obvious attractions is its diverse wildlife. Go birdwatching in the Montebelli Wildlife Reserve, home to more than 168 species of birds, and travel by motorboat tour to see turtles nesting in the wetlands of Juan Venado. Climb the volcanic slopes of Mombacho crater, looking out for the howler and white face monkeys, and stay right on the beach on Ometepe Island. The 12-day Nicaraguan Wildlife Experience costs from £1,470 pp (two sharing), including 11 nights’ B&B, transfers, excursions and the services of a local guide. International flights extra. Call TravelLocal on 0117 3257898 (www.travellocal.com).

EUROPE

High Arctic adventure in the Land of the Polar Bear – Norway from £3,245 pp with Jules Verne
One of the world’s last untouched wildernesses, Norway’s Svalbard Archipelago boasts epic landscapes and hardy wildlife. Voyage into an ocean at the end of the world on a seven-night expedition cruise that travels along imposing glaciers and through drift ice to encounter walruses, Arctic foxes, reindeer, myriad sea birds and, of course, the unforgettable polar bear. Land of the Polar Bears costs from £3,245 pp (two sharing), including flights (Heathrow), transfers, full-board cruise on the MV Ocean Atlantic, two nights’ four-star hotel B&B in Svalbard, on-board lectures, excursions, farewell dinner and the services of expedition leaders, local expert guides and representatives. Departs 20 & 27 June and 4 July 2020.

AUSTRALIA

Whales, Wombats & Wallabies – Tasmanian wildlife tour from £6,295 pp with Naturetrek
Discover Tasmania’s fascinating natural history on a 17-day holiday that focuses exclusively on the unique wildlife of this very special island. Look for endemic birds on Mount Wellington, seek out Forty-spotted Pardalotes and Fairy Penguins on Bruny Island, spot whales and dolphins on boat trips, explore the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers and Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Parks (home to Wombats, wallabies, quolls, echidnas and Tasmanian Devils) and more. Tasmania – The Wilderness Isle costs from £6,295 pp (two sharing), including flights (London), accommodation, most meals and the services of expert naturalist guides. Departs 1 Nov. 2020. Call AITO* member Naturetrek on 01962 733051 (www.naturetrek.co.uk).

SOUTH AMERICA

An Amazonian adventure – Brazil from £5,090 pp with Sunvil Latin America 
Go on a journey of discovery in breathtaking Brazil on this 15-night tour through jungles, waterfalls and wetlands. Travel to Manaus and stay in the heart of the rainforest surrounded by vibrant plants, bird life and reptiles, then journey through the lush landscape of Chapada dos Guimaraes National Park. Explore the tropical Pantanal, home to jaguars, anteaters and the world’s largest otter, and finally, marvel at the magnificent Iguacu falls – as one of the one of the planet’s most awe-inspiring sights it is worth getting wet for. Natural Wonders of Brazil costs from £5,090 pp (two sharing), including BA flights (Heathrow), private transfers, 15 nights’ B&B and excursions. Call AITO* member Sunvil on 020 8758 4774 (www.sunvil.co.uk).

AFRICA

Amazing wildlife with extraordinary value – Botswana from £4,569 pp with Expert Africa
Botswana’s wildlife safaris are perhaps the best in Africa: the vast reserves are usually un-fenced, allowing the wildlife to run free; and many areas are private, guaranteeing an exclusive experience. Expert Africa’s seven-day Black-backed Jackal Safari is exceptional value for money. Concentrating on Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta, guests stay at two top safari camps with crisp cotton sheets, hot bucket showers and traditional bush dinners. The trip costs from £4,569 pp (two sharing) including flights (London), full-board accommodation, activities, expert guiding, transfers, park fees and most drinks. Call AITO* member Expert Africa on 0203 405 6666 (www.expertafrica.com).

*AITO is The Specialist Travel Association: more than 120 specialist travel companies providing an unrivalled collection of holiday ideas that cover every corner of the world. Consumers booking with AITO can be assured of high-quality holidays and excellent personal service. Visit www.aito.com for further information.