Andy and Sam Rowe have just returned from Java and Sumatra where they celebrated Andy’s ‘significant’ birthday at the 2600m-high crater rim of Mount Ijen.
The vivid blue lake of the caldera is the largest expanse of mineralised acidic water in the world and at a pH of <0.5 a ‘quick dip’ there would indeed be over with extremely swiftly!
Earlier in their trip, Andy and Sam also enjoyed seeing sunrise at sublime Mount Bromo and visited the magnificent temple ruins of Prambanan and Borobudur at Yogyakarta.
They went trekking too in search of wildlife in the jungles of Bukit Lawang where amidst plenty of super orangutan sightings they met this rather wonderfully photogenic male.
Other Nomadic clients have recently returned from exciting explorations too including travelling along the Karakoram Highway in Pakistan, crossing the Gobi Desert in Mongolia, wildlife-watching in Eswatini, hiking in the Jergalan Valley of Kyrgyzstan and camping in tribally-rich Oncocua in Angola.
We’re now looking ahead to trips departing in this coming autumn / winter season and beyond into 2025. Here are some new trips and special offers to get you thinking ahead about your next travels …
Winter break in Lisbon with Kirker Holidays
4 nights for the price of 3 at Hotel Turim Boulevard 5*, Lisbon
Price from £998 per person
Lisbon offers a rare combination of world-class museums, warm winter sunshine and delicious food & wine. The legacy of the Portuguese maritime empire can still be seen in the grand boulevards and ornate tiled facades, while traditional trams whisk you through the atmospheric cobbled streets around Castelo de São Jorge. On the Avenida Liberdade, the Turim Boulevard is a modern 5-star hotel in a classical building, with 101 light, contemporary-style bedrooms..
Based on 2 people sharing a Classic Room on a B&B basis departing from 1 November – 26 December ‘24 and 2 January – 31 March ’25.
Includes return flights from London with British Airways, private transfers, accommodation with breakfast, Kirker Guide Notes to restaurants and sightseeing, the services of the Kirker Concierge and a 48-hour ‘Lisboacard’ which provides entrance to 25 of the city’s best museums and monuments and free use of the bus, tram and metro network.
This winter, make the most of brand-new direct flights from Bristol to Tromsø!
Between 5 December 2024 and 27 March 2025, you can be in Norway’s northernmost region in just three hours.
We can arrange a variety of winter trips based in Tromsø including the 5-day ‘Tromsø Wonderland’ tour which includes a visit to a Sami camp to experience Norway’s indigenous culture, a snowmobiling safari and the chance to spot the northern lights aboard an evening cruise.
Cost from £960 per person.
Sri Lanka: Visa Free Access
and £200 discount per person
Sri Lanka may have had a rough time in recent years, but with its economic issues behind it, the Emerald Isle has gone from strength to strength and is back, riding high, as a sublime and affordable tropical destination.
Now, with ‘Free Visa entry’ and a fantastic £200 discount being offered by Trans Indus on all their group tour departures, the rambling temple ruins, leafy tea plantations, splendid national parks and alluring golden sand beaches await you. December to March is the best time to visit.
The Ultimate Antarctic Expedition Cruise
4th to 26th February 2025
The secret to getting the most from an Antarctica expeditionary voyage is to be aboard a small vessel that is dedicated to making as many shore landings as possible and this one-off special charter offered by Polar Routes gives you just this opportunity.
Aboard the M/V Ushuaia, this 23-day journey via the Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula is going for maximum exploration with 2 landings per expedition day of up to 3 hours each. There is also the added opportunity to visit Elephant Island too, the desolate refuge of the crew of the ‘Endurance’ during Shackleton’s heroic self-rescue mission.
At just 66 passengers, the M/V Ushuaia is about a third of the size of most polar vessels and so it can devote much more time to being ‘on the ice’.
As one of a small handful of Polar Routes appointed agents, we can offer the remaining cabins with a further 5% reduction off the already discounted prices. Get in touch to discuss and request the mini-brochure giving full details.
Discover North Vietnam with Bamboo Travel
This leisurely-paced private tour combines the fascinating culture and dramatic landscapes of northern Vietnam, whilst staying in luxury accommodation.
Spend three nights in the lively capital Hanoi, before continuing to the coast for a relaxing two-night luxury cruise around the remote islands of Lan Ha Bay.
Explore the tranquil countryside in Tam Coc and Ninh Binh before travelling to the stylish Avana Retreat, nestled in a stunning rural location surrounded by mountains and a patchwork of paddy fields around Mai Chau. Simply relax at the cloud pool or experience one of the Avana Retreat’s novel activities, designed to showcase the natural beauty and ethnic culture, unique to this region of Vietnam.
14 Days from £3,790 per person, including flights with Vietnam Airlines, accommodation, private transfers and English-speaking guides.
A special complimentary dinner in Hanoi will be included for all new bookings made before the end of December 2024.
Australia Highlights with Dubai Stopover
Discover the wonders of Australia and Dubai with Prestige Travel’s 18-night itinerary including international and internal flights, 4-star accommodation and private transfers ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Begin your adventure in Sydney, where you’ll spend 3 nights exploring the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Next, immerse yourself in the natural beauty & culture of Uluru for 2 nights. Relax in the tropical paradise of Port Douglas for 5 nights, where the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest await. Continue to Melbourne for 3 nights of vibrant culture and cuisine before returning home via Dubai for a 3 night-stopover in this luxurious city, famous for its stunning skyline.
Price from £4698 per person departing on 1st May 2025
Available throughout 2024 and 2025; price will vary depending on date of departure. Based on ex-Heathrow departure and on 2 people sharing a double/twin room.
Nomadic News
Our team are on the move as always – Fran has just returned from Sri Lanka, Rob is about to head off to Morocco, Maudie is booked to travel to Costa Rica in December and our newest recruit Pete had a Botswana safari arranged for 2025 within a week of joining us!
In between our own trips we look forward to helping you with your next journey – thank you as always for inviting us to arrange your travels.
Best wishes,
The Nomads