From Stockholm’s Old Town market to Vienna’s Karlsplatz craft market and from Prague’s aptly named Wenceslas Square market to Dresden’s Striezelmarkt which is the world’s oldest Christmas market having first been held in 1434.

Our much-loved European specialists Kirker Holidays have always been our first choice for Christmas city-breaks for our clients.  They know all the best-located hotels and can also assist with concierge services to embellish a stay with city tours and excursions and help with pre-booking restaurants.

Follow this link for their expert insight into Christmas markets in 15 different locations across the continent – https://www.kirkerholidays.com/inspiration/christmas-holidays – and get in touch with us about arranging your own festive break.

Happy travels,
The Nomads

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Following an 18-year conservation effort, Gorongosa now offers excellent game viewing and Rob Slater, MD of Safari Consultants says he was blown away by its beauty.

“I knew it would be interesting and exclusive, and going somewhere for the first time is always exciting, but I didn’t realise it would be so scenically stunning. From fever tree forests to open floodplains and mahogany groves, I was mesmerised.   We had excellent game viewing, but beyond that I really loved the landscapes of the park and the authentic wilderness feel. At times we went hours without encountering anyone else.”

His full blog post can be accessed here if you wish to read more about the wildlife, restoration work and where to stay

Gorongosa – Africa’s Eden

Gorongosa is best visited from June onwards when the floodplains dry out and good wildlife viewing continues through to September / October.

Get in touch to make an enquiry and for details of possible itineraries.

Happy travels,
The Nomads

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In the past couple of years, our friends at Undiscovered Destinations have assembled an impressive collection of island-based and island-hopping trips which our clients have hugely enjoyed and given outstanding feedback upon.

Here are four current favourites of ours  – each offering a very distinctive travel experience.

Sulawesi Explorer

The oddly shaped island of Sulawesi is one of Indonesia’s cultural treasures, but is often neglected in favour of better-known Bali or Java. Yet it holds a wealth of treasures that should be on the itinerary of every serious traveller, with fascinating ethnic groups following elaborate social practices, which cannot be seen elsewhere.

This trip encompasses both the north and south of the island, starting in the bustling capital Makassar and heading into Tanah Toraja, an area of highlands where traditional architecture and practices are at their strongest. Explore villages with amazing carved houses visit incredible ‘hanging graves’ and walk along picturesque rice terraces to reach little visited communities.

Visit parks and reserves in the island’s north in search of unusual wildlife, including the tiny Tarsier, and enjoy traditional meals cooked by the inhabitants of local villages. See the unusual ‘waruga’ sarcophagi of the Minhasa Highlands and explore colourful local markets.

This is an intriguing and rather mysterious part of the Indonesian archipelago with unique and complex social customs that are unlike anything you will have seen before.

14 May to 28 May 2027 | £2345 per person | £525 single supplement

Caribbean Island-Hopping

The adventure starts in St Kitts from where a luxury catamaran takes you to its sister island Nevis with the chance along the way to snorkel and view the rich marine life.

Next stop is Antigua to explore the bustling capital of St John’s, with its English Harbour, historical forts and other vestiges of the colonial past. The next hop continues south to Dominica to enjoy its lush rainforests and natural hot springs. Then by local ferry to Saint Lucia to explore the island including the one-of-a-kind Sulphur Springs and the world’s first ‘drive-in Volcano’.

The adventure continues with a short flight to St Vincent and the Grenadines – a place of white-sand beaches, sky-blue water gently lapping the shores and barely a soul around.  Then onwards to Trinidad and Tobago to discover the country’s cultural and religious diversity before heading to the Dutch Antilles for the final leg of the trip. With its delightful Dutch colonial architecture, thriving art and culinary scenes and excellent history museums, Curacao feels like a little piece of Europe at the edge of the Caribbean.

Finally a short hop to Aruba, where the adventure ends travelling by off-road vehicle across the rugged terrain of Arikok National Park.

16 Feb to 7 March 2027 | £9950 per person | £1995 single supplement

Indian Ocean Explorer

This exceptional journey offers a rare chance to explore some of the least visited islands of the Indian Ocean.

Starting in Zanzibar, with its rich spice trading history and the atmospheric alleyways of Stone Town, the adventure continues via Dar es Salaam to the Comoros to explore lush landscapes at the base of Mount Karthala and search for elusive lemurs.

A short hop onward then to Mayotte, where mangroves, volcanic lakes, and mudflats await, before moving on to the dramatic scenery of Reunion, with its waterfalls, volcanic coastline, and lava-surviving church, Notre Dame des Laves.

Next, fly to Rodrigues – isolated, enchanting, and untouched – where Creole charm and a slower pace define one of the world’s most remote inhabited islands. In Mauritius, the itinerary includes stunning beaches, sugar cane fields, waterfalls, and colonial-era Port Louis, along with time to relax.

The final leg of the tour lands in the Seychelles on Mahe Island, where you’ll visit botanical gardens, heritage sites, a rum distillery, and a tea factory, with time for swimming and snorkelling.

14 June to 1 July 2027 | £9950 per person | £1995 single supplement

East Timor Discovery

East Timor is a proud nation now at peace after many years of an independence struggle. It is a land of amazing variety with fine examples of its Portuguese colonial past awaiting discovery by the intrepid traveller. This tour takes in its highlights, starting in the relaxed capital Dili, a lovely place to wander around and soak up the East Timorese atmosphere.

Next there is an ascent of imposing Mt Ramelau, with its superb views over the surrounding area, before exploring delightful old colonial towns and spending time on the idyllic Atauro Island, home to a great eco-lodge with good opportunities for hiking and meeting local people.

Next head to the east of the island to relax on gorgeous beaches and visit remote islands before returning to Dili.

This trip shows the curious traveller the very best that this enchanting nation has to offer.

3 July to 16 July 2027 | £3495 per person | £815 single supplement

Trip costs exclude international flights and tours are subject to availability.
Contact us for more details. 

Happy travelling!

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As always, we have access to an expansive selection of tours and tailor-made itineraries, so if you’re looking for inspiration, get in touch and we can discuss plenty of options with you based on your personal preferences and style of travel.

For now, here is a hand-picked selection of trips that may whet your appetite.

Volcanoes & Ice – Iceland & Greenland

This adventure-packed holiday offered by Best Served Scandinavia takes in a range of exciting excursions combined with the opportunity to witness some of the world’s most impressive natural wonders.

Visiting both Greenland and Iceland, you’ll contrast the city sights of Reykjavik and the extraordinary landscapes of Iceland’s ‘Golden Circle’ before flying north to explore Greenland’s west coast. Based in the town of Ilulissat, you’ll embark on trips to its vast Ice Fjord, marvel at majestic icebergs and visit remote Inuit communities seemingly untouched by time.

7-day tailor-made itinerary from £4010 (including flights)

Ghana: Kingdom Of The Ashanti

Forged by the conflicts of ancient empires and colonial imperialism, Ghana is a destination of quite extraordinary contrasts.

This 10-day journey with Wild Frontiers takes us from its bustling capital, Accra, deep into the lush forests of the Volta region and crossing over to the heart of Ashanti country before finishing at the golden beaches of its Atlantic coast.

Ghana provides truly authentic encounters, from traditional celebrations of the Ashanti people to an outdoor movie night with locals in a remote village. Along the way there will also be opportunities to visit one of the highest waterfalls in West Africa, kayak on the gentle waters of a coastal lagoon and learn to cook Ghanaian style.

10-days from £2495 (excluding flights)

Comoros Discovery

Comoros comprises a delightful set of tropical islands which define the very essence of ‘off the beaten track’.

Flying between the three islands of Grande Comore, Anjouan and Mohéli, you visit local villages, explore the capital, relax on gorgeous beaches and, for the energetic, you can organise locally a day hike in Mohéli or Anjouan, or climb the volcano of Mt Karthala.

This small group tour offers an intimate way to experience the islands at a relaxed pace.

11-days from £2395 (excluding flights)

The Best of Bhutan, Manas & Kaziranga

This wildlife tour offered by Naturetrek visits three very different destinations – each dominated by the mighty Himalayan range.

First, the journey starts in Bhutan, home to some of the world’s most pristine wildlife habitats to explore its forests and valleys in search of wildlife, as well as finding time to admire aspects of its unique culture.

Next, spend three days in the World Heritage Site of Manas National Park, enjoying the area’s wildlife before transferring to Kaziranga National Park. Situated on the Brahmaputra River in Assam, Kaziranga has a superb variety of birdlife and is probably the best place in the world to see the endangered Greater One-horned Rhinoceros.

19-days from £6995 (including flights)

Vietnam-Cambodia: Water & Stone Kingdoms

Discover the rich contrasts of Vietnam and Cambodia on a journey that flows from ancient capitals and lantern-lit towns to limestone bays and temple-strewn plains.

Begin in Hanoi, exploring its scholarly heritage and frenetic streets, then travel through the karst landscapes of Ninh Binh and cruise the emerald waters of Halong Bay. Continue south to imperial Hue and gorgeously atmospheric Hoi An, before experiencing the energy of Ho Chi Minh City and the waterways of the Mekong Delta.

Cross into Cambodia to uncover the artistry of Khmer crafts and the grandeur of Angkor, from the face towers of Bayon to the iconic silhouette of Angkor Wat. Conclude in Phnom Penh with its royal landmarks and poignant history closing a journey shaped by culture, history and life lived close to the water.

16-days from £2295 (excluding flights)

Goroka Show Adventure Group Tour

Venture deep into the heart of Papua New Guinea’s Highlands on this nine-day immersive small-group tour with Regent Holidays, where vibrant tribal cultures and stunning landscapes await.

The tour centres around the annual Goroka Show, an incredible spectacle that sees over 100 tribes from across the country come together in a dazzling display of traditional songs, dances, and rituals. Beyond the show, you’ll visit remote villages to experience local life first-hand – taste the famous “mumu” feast, witness the eerie Asaro Mudmen, and stroll through lush gardens tended by the locals.

From the rugged mountain scenery to the rich cultural heritage, this journey offers an intimate glimpse into one of the world’s most unique and untouched destinations.

10-day tour from £6175 (excluding flights)

Happy travelling!
The Nomads

The post Iceland & Greenland | Ghana | Comoros | Bhutan & India | Vietnam & Cambodia | PNG appeared first on Nomadic Travel.

It demonstrates that confidence is returning to the region, as well as enabling flight connections with airlines such as Emirates and Qatar Airways via Dubai and Doha onwards to India, South East Asia and Australia.

And despite concerns about flight fares being excessively affected by aviation fuel shortages, there are some excellent fares available to some of the key airport hubs.

Flying from Heathrow, there are currently fares on direct flight services in October to Delhi from £696 with British Airways, to Bangkok from £791 with Eva Air and to Kuala Lumpur from £657 with Malaysian Airlines.

Meanwhile, flights to Sydney start from around £1232 with Qatar Airways and are as low as £929 if you don’t mind some long connection times enroute.

If you have been waiting for an improvement in flight costs to secure the best fares for your travel in the second half of 2026, now looks a good time to get booked.

Contact us for the latest fares and route options.

Happy travels,
The Nomads

The post UK Foreign Office updated advice appeared first on Nomadic Travel.

Remaining spaces on tours to see this eclipse have long been snapped up but there are still places available for next year’s big eclipse event which occurs on 2nd August 2027.

This eclipse will pass over Spain, Gibraltar, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt.

Enjoying an eclipse to its maximum effect is very much about having clear skies and this particular swathe of countries which are famed for their sunshine, offer an excellent chance of getting an outstanding view.

Also, at a totality of around 5 minutes, this eclipse is one of the longest it is possible to see.

Get in touch for the latest update on availability for tours in the above countries.

If you wish to read more about the whole eclipse phenomenon, here is an excellent article that takes a deep dive into all you need to know:

https://www.explore.co.uk/blog/eclipse-chasing-trip-lifetime

Happy travels
The Nomads

The post Eclipse 2027 appeared first on Nomadic Travel.

On their travels close to the Nepalese and Bhutanese borders they encountered all kinds of weather including early monsoon rain and even a late fall of snow, visiting the national parks of Jaldapara, Gorumara, Neora Valley as well as Singalila National Park where they crossed paths with their panda.

India offers the wildlife enthusiast exceptional opportunities with Snow Leopards in Ladakh, Asiatic Lions in Gir National Park, Rhinoceros in Kaziranga and of course the Bengal Tigers for which the country is always associated.

Get in touch to arrange your own bespoke wildlife holiday to India and we’ll be happy to assist.

Best wishes,
The Nomads

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In addition, there is an extra saving of £250 per person if you book a trip with flights included before 27 April.

Availability is limited and summer spots are filling up fast.

Don’t need to book flights? No problem, you can still save an extra £150 off per person on a land-only booking.

Terms and Conditions apply: https://www.exodus.co.uk/summer-offer

Get in touch for more details and to book your trip. 

The post Save up to 20% on Exodus Trips + £250 Off Flights appeared first on Nomadic Travel.

The new trips range from eight to 11 days in duration and will be led by local female tour guides.  They feature women-led activities that aim to break down gender barriers and will support eight new-to-Intrepid female-owned businesses.

On the Bhutan Women’s Expedition, join an 11-day trip through this wondrous Himalayan kingdom with a group of like-minded women and a local leader by your side.

Hike up a cliff to the Tiger’s Nest monastery in Paro, see the huge gilded bronze Buddha Dordenma in Thimphu, meet the nuns at the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery and experience a sound bath in the Bumthang Valley. Watch local artisans at work, then browse the vibrant wares at the Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar. Learn how to make Bhutan’s national dish in a cooking class led by local women, dine at women-owned restaurants and stay at female-owned accommodation.

The Cambodia Women’s Expedition, provides the opportunity to explore Cambodia through a ‘women-led lens’, starting with a tuk-tuk tour of Siem Reap. The eight-day Peru Women’s Expedition includes a series of day hikes including a lesser-known section of the Inca Trail and an Andean healing ceremony performed by a female shaman.

One of our other favourite tour partners, Undiscovered Destinations also offer women-only trips with tours in Algeria and Oman.

Their ‘Highlights of Northern Algeria and M’Zab Valley’ journey begins with exploring the Mediterranean charm of Algiers and the dramatic bridges of Constantine before continuing onwards to the well-preserved Saharan town of Ghardaïa, the route reveals a rich tapestry of Roman heritage, Ottoman history and living desert culture.

‘A Passage through Oman’ is designed for culturally curious female travellers and blends spectacular landscapes with meaningful local encounters. Highlights include time with the inspiring Sidab Women’s Group, shared meals in family homes and an atmospheric desert stay, offering a deeper and more personal perspective on one of Arabia’s most welcoming countries.

Undiscovered Destinations remain mindful of the current situation in neighbouring countries and with the first trip departure not scheduled until December, they are comfortable to continue offering this journey while closely monitoring developments.

For full details of these trips, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to assist.
Nomadic News

We’ve been working hard in the past few weeks getting clients safely home from their travels when affected by the disruption caused by the conflict in the Middle East.  Thanks to everyone for your forbearance during this period.

Despite the upheavals our ever-restless clients are still keeping on the move and finding locations away from the conflict.

We too are keeping up our travels – Fran is presently on holiday in South Africa and Maudie is shortly heading off to Nicaragua on an agent educational.

Happy travels!
The Nomads

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In the past 12 months the Nomadic team has visited some wonderful places with Zimbabwe, Costa Rica, Western USA, Hungary, Italy and the Greek islands all featuring … and we intend to keep the ball rolling in 2026!

We’re expecting to see lots of interest this year for destinations such as Algeria, Sierra Leone, Madagascar, The Philippines, Chile and Nicaragua as these have increasingly featured in our discussions with clients in recent months.

Tailor-made itineraries, adventure tours, wildlife and walking holidays and self-drive journeys continue to be our most requested trip types with small-ship expedition cruises and multi-country rail journeys seeing strong demand too.

2026 sees the launch of a whole host of exciting new adventures by our tour operator partners and here we’ve showcased a few of our personal favourites.

There are also January Sale discounts of up to 20% off selected trips, so let us know your plans and we’ll obtain the best offers for you.

As ever, if you provide the will, we’ll find the way!

Happy travels,
The Nomads

‘Winter Cabin break at Brändön Lodge’

If you wish to fully embrace winter in these coming months, Best Served Scandinavia are offering the chance to venture into the remote Swedish Wilderness with this newly launched snowy break.

Bothnian Bay is one of the few places in the world where sea ice freezes over in the winter, creating a wintery playground perfect for husky sledding, cross-country skiing and fat-biking. Included excursions cover everything from wilderness skills and snowshoeing to a Northern Lights tour in snowmobile-led sleds.

Return each night to your wonderfully cosy cabin and enjoy  late-night strolls under the aurora.

Prices start from £1625 per person including flights for a 4-day tailor-made break.

‘Oman – The Rose of Arabia’  

Kirker Holidays have revealed a new small-group tour to Oman in the company of expert Christopher Monckton, taking in the imposing Hajar Mountains, beautiful Indian Ocean beaches and the country’s fascinating cultural heritage.

Starting in the interior, visit ancient ruins and medieval desert forts before climbing into the spectacular mountains where the landscape combines dramatic gorges and verdant terraces of pomegranate and walnuts, as well as the fine-scented Damask rose, highly-prized for producing aromatic rose oil.

Descending to the coast, explore the historic souks and striking modern architecture of Muscat, with time too to enjoy the idyllic sandy beaches.

This expert-led trip offers a superb introduction to Arabian culture.

8 days | Prices from £3996 per person including flights | Departs 20 April 2026

‘Uzbekistan Embraced’

This brand new 11-day itinerary through Uzbekistan offered by Undiscovered Destinations begins in Urgench and finishes in Tashkent, removing the need for any internal flights and creating a seamless travel experience.

International flights are made easy with Turkish Airlines, flying in and out of both cities, while travel within Uzbekistan is by the country’s highly efficient high speed rail network. These modern bullet trains allow for comfortable travelling across the country, maximising time on the ground and minimising logistical complexity.

The itinerary follows the legendary Silk Road through some of the country’s most celebrated cities and traditional mountain communities. Beginning in Khiva, explore the remarkably preserved Ichan Kala with its mosques, minarets and ancient clay ramparts that evoke centuries of caravan trade. The journey continues to Bukhara, long regarded as Central Asia’s holiest city, where visits include the Ark Fortress, the Ismail Samani Mausoleum and the atmospheric trading domes that reflect its rich mercantile past.

From Bukhara the tour ventures into the Nuratau Mountains where guests spend the night in a family-owned village guest house and gain insight into rural Uzbek life, with opportunities for gentle walks and home cooked meals. The itinerary then leads to Samarkand, renowned for its breathtaking ensemble of Islamic architecture including the majestic Registan Square, the Bibi Khanym Mosque and the vibrant necropolis of Shakhi Zinda. The experience concludes in Tashkent where travellers explore its elegant squares, museums and ornate metro stations before departing.

Throughout the programme participants encounter Uzbekistan’s diverse cultural heritage, its warm hospitality and a landscape shaped by centuries of history.

11 days | From £1595 plus flights | April, May, Sept, Oct

‘Kyrgyzstan – The Flora & Fauna of the Celestial Mountains’
Naturetrek

Enter the breathtaking landscapes of Krgyzstan on this tour in search of unique flora and alpine wildlife.

The journey begins in the alpine meadows of Ala-Archa National Park, with chances to see Himalayan Snowcock, Blue-capped Redstart and Brown Dipper before travelling onwards to Chon Kemin, a dry yet botanically rich region. Next ascend to Jashyl-Kol, a pristine mountain lake surrounded by alpine flora, before embarking on the scenic journey to Son Kol Lake, a vast, high-altitude grassland. Here, marvel at meadows filled with edelweiss, Trollius lilacinus and the rare Smelowskia calycina, while scanning for Tibetan Sand Plover, White-winged Snowfinch and Güldenstädt’s Redstart.

Next head south to Tash-Rabat, a historic Silk Road caravanserai before continuing via the dramatic Dolon Pass to Issyk-Kul Lake, exploring valleys brimming with orchids, primulas, and steppe flora, before experiencing the surreal beauty of Fairytale Canyon.

Onwards next to the high alpine terrain of Barskoon Gorge and Chon Ashuu, searching for botanical treasures such as Desideria flabellata, Primula nivalis, and Aquilegia atrovinosa, while birding for Himalayan Snowcock, Sulphur-bellied Warbler and the iconic Ibisbill.

The trip concludes with a 4WD expedition to Ala Kol Lake at 3,560 metres, where hardy alpine plants grow in the rugged, glacial landscape.

12 days | £4995 including flights | 9th to 20th June 2026

‘Olimba Camp’
Zambia 

‘Remote Africa’ are opening Olimba Camp, their newest property, in South Luangwa, Zambia in May this year.

Anyone who has stayed in Remote Africa’s current camps – Tafika Camp and their adventurous Tafika Walking Trails in South Luangwa, or the charming Mwaleshi Camp and Takwela Camp in remote North Luangwa, will know this well-established company has a superb operation, focusing on authentic camps and very experienced guiding.

Olimba will offer a slightly more upscale level of accommodation, with just four canvas, screed and thatch chalets. The camp is located on the northern boundary of the Nsefu Sector, to the east of the National Park.

The site itself was actually used as a National Geographic filming base for several years and the name Olimba is named after a star leopard featured in the documentaries.

Whilst Remote Africa is well known for their walking safaris, the focus from Olimba will be on game drives (day and night) and prime wildlife sightings. There are also two photographic hides, including a seasonal carmine bee-eater hide, which will offer up close encounters.

Get in touch with us to arrange a stay here, either as a stand-alone stay or part of a wider Zambian safari.

Add-ons including Victoria Falls can also be included.

The best time to visit is June to October

‘Premium Walking & Hiking in Vietnam’

Experience both the bustle of Hanoi and the gentle lifestyle of northern Vietnam’s hill tribe communities on this newly launched nine-day Premium hiking adventure through Vietnam offered by Intrepid Travel.

Hike with a knowledgeable local leader through valleys, tea plantations, limestone peaks and verdant rice terraces in Nam Ti and Hoang Su Phi, and capture the panoramic views from Horse Shoe Viewpoint and Raspberry Hill.
Spend the night at two Feature Stays, including the Garrya Mu Cang Chai Eco Lodge, surrounded by beautiful mountains and rice terraces, learn about northern Vietnam’s rural village culture in La Pan Tan and Tu Le, and enjoy Vietnam’s local cuisine with a traditional barbecue in Sapa and a Michelin-starred restaurant in Hanoi.

9 days | From £1547 plus flights | Feb- May & Sept – Nov

‘Argentina & Chile: Northern Deserts & Canyons’

This two-week trip with Wild Frontiers offers an unrivalled opportunity to explore the wild beauty and warm hospitality of the Atacama and Puna deserts.

The warm red hues of Chile and Argentina’s northern deserts are no less dramatic than the icy blue scenes found in their famed southern Patagonian deserts, but instead offer an alternative way to experience the countries’ striking scenery, world-class wining and dining and remote communities.

The trip gets off to a vibrant start with an evening of tango in Buenos Aires and folk music in Salta. The journey then begins in earnest through the otherworldly geological formations, picture-postcard villages and award-winning vineyards of the Quebrada de las Conchas (Shells’ Gorge) and Calchiqui Valley.

Heading further north to Purmamarca and Humahuaca Gorge, rainbow-coloured mountains, lunch with an indigenous community and vast salt flats then await before crossing the Andes into Chile. The pace winds down in the Atacama Desert to enjoy sundowners in the Moon Valley, breakfast by Tatio geysers and a telescopic look at the night desert sky.

The trip ends with tours and tastings in Santiago’s central market.

14 days | £5360 plus flights | 10th to 23rd October 2026

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