Europe
Scotland: Golf-break to the Open, July 21-22, in St Andrews, staying in Glasgow at the Carrick Hotel with transfers to St Andrews and two all-day passes. Goldenrail Hotel Breaks (0990 992993).
Spain: Seven-day self-drive birdwatching, botanical and wildlife tour of Picos de Europa, based in Soto de Cangas and Espinama. Tour costs £595pp inc day flights from Heathrow, hotel and detailed bird and mammal lists and car rental. Wildlife Worldwide (020-8667 9158).
Asia
Vietnam: A 19-day trip, with 10 days moderate cycle touring. Dates start in September. Price from £1,860. World Expeditions (020-8870 2600).
India: A 19-day holiday in Ladakh, "Little Tibet" departing Delhi July 16. Trip includes trek to Markha Valley, coinciding with the full moon and the Hemis monastery's annual summer Buddhist festival. Tour cost is £1,240 but does not include international flights, which are available. Peregrine (01728 862222).
North America
New England: On the trail of the whale, from Gatwick or Heathrow to Boston, between July 22 and August 7. An eight-night holiday is £1,395 per person, including return flights, B&B (based on two sharing) in Rockport, a half-day tour of Cape Ann and whale trips. Discover the World (01737 218800).
Canada: Twelve-day self- drive motorhome from Vancouver or Calgary. Cost from £720pp including flights, first night hotel and 10-day motorhome rental and 160km per day allowance. Lakes and Mountain Holidays (01329 844 405).
Australia
Sydney: Celebrate the next New Year on a boat in the harbour then visit the vineyards of the Hunter, Barossa, McClaren and Clare on a wine tour. Lynette Arblaster and Tim Clarke act as tour manager and wine guide. Departing UK December 27, back January 9. Price is £2,999pp inc flights, meals and wines. Details from Arblaster and Clarke Wine Tours (01730 893344)
Middle East
Syria: Why make do with the guide book when you can take the author? An eight- day journey focusing on Bronze Age sites in Northern Syria is accompanied by Jonathan Tubb, curator of the British Museum's Syria-Palestine department. Departure is October 10 and costs £1,395 including flights and half-board. British Museum Traveller (020-7323 8895).
