Overland to Istanbul
An overland journey from Cairo to Istanbul via Jordan and Syria is now available at a 25 per cent discount from Dragoman. The four-week tour, departing from Cairo on 3 July, focuses on the Middle East's most important historical sites, including the Roman city of Jerash, the remains of Nabatean Petra dating from the third century BC and the twelfth-century crusader castle Krak des Chevaliers. Dragoman's use of their own rough-terrain Mercedes Benz vehicles mean that connections are never a problem and every need is taken care of with its onboard fridge, library and the services of a two-person crew. The tour costs £520 plus a kitty of £180. The price includes transport, camping, hotel accommodation, all camp meals, but not flights which must be booked separately. Phone 01728 861 133.
Cruising a Broad
Cruising holidays usually bring to mind opulent scenes on the Mediterranean or the Aegean, but it can also mean lazy days on the Norfolk Broads. Blakes Boating offers vessels that sleep from two to 10 people and promises that no expertise is needed to sail them. The cruisers are motor-driven and the short tuition provided before each trip begins ensures passengers can steer in a straight line. Suggested routes take in the River Ant and the River Bure towards Great Yarmouth, or inland to Horning and Wroxham. Many of the boatyards provide bike hire for those picking up boats so people suffering from cabin fever can get out and explore the surrounding countryside. A week's cruising for four people costs £336, with other prices available by phoning 01603 739 400.
Flora in the Dolomites
Alpine botanist Reginald Farrer had no idea what he was starting when he wrote his taxonomy of plant life in the Dolomites at the turn of the last century. His work has become the basis for a Naturetrek holiday in the Fassa Valley during which holidaymakers will have the chance to explore the rich flora of the lowland meadows, including Military, Dwarf and Marsh orchid species. The valley is home to so many different kinds of rock that a wealth of varieties flourish in the different environments. The trip, leaving London on 24 June, is led by expert botanists and follows many of Farrer's routes around the north-eastern Dolomites. The price of £895 includes flights, accommodation, all meals and the guides' services. Phone 01962 733051
Family insurance deal
Holiday insurance can be a problem for families that swing into hyperdrive during the summer, packing several different children off on as many different activity holidays as possible, indulging in older kids' desire to take their first sun holiday with their friends, while still finding time for parents to get a break. MRL insurance has devised an annual multi-trip insurance package that covers members of the same family, or two people of the same sex living at the same address, whether travelling together or separately. Winter sports and school trips are covered, as are young people in full time education up to the age of 23 and all under-18s. An added advantage for more chaotic travellers is that no notice of intention to travel is needed. A family package costs £99, while a couple can be covered for £89. Phone 01737 552100.
