Europe
Trek : The Definitive Cultural Tour of Central Asia, visiting Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. The 18-day adventure departs on August 22. Price is £2,950pp. Himalayan Kingdoms (0117 9237163).
Paris : See the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe as part of three-night trip travelling out on Eurostar on September 29 with a choice of hotels. Prices, including entrance to Longchamps, start from £179pp depending on the hotel. Eurotours (0870 3330889).
Finland : A week's walking holiday from August 5-12, run by guide Pete Hawkins, exploring the Koli National Park. Cost is £795, full board. Peakland Walking Holidays (01298 872801).
Malta : One-week painting courses by artist Jeni Caruana, including half-board, transport to sketching locations and use of some art materials. Courses run from October onwards and cost £380pp, excluding flights. Malta Art (01939 233311).
Africa
Namibia : A photographer's dream - a 17-day tour in November led by Peter Jones, the lecturer and wildlife photographer. The trip includes a tour of Sossusvlei, Etosha, Skeleton Coast, Damaraland and Kaokoland with the opportunity to see "desert elephants", black rhino, seal and bird colonies and big cats. Inclusive price is £2,720pp. Tana Travel (01789 414200).
North America
New York : Three-night Christmas shopping trips in November and December from £452pp, based on four sharing. Thomas Cook Holidays (01733 418100).
Vermont : Seven-night holiday over Christmas at the Rabbit Hill Inn, Lower Waterford. Price, based on two adults sharing, is £1,072pp. New England Vacations (01727 837100).
South America
Ecuador : Explore Andean villages and markets, go on a challenging four-day trek on foot and on horseback in Northern Ecuador and stay in a rainforest lodge on the Rio Napo on a 14-day holiday, starting October 22. Price is £1,205 excluding flights, which are approx £500. Tribes (01728 685971) .
Australia
Queensland : Explore the state by road. Travelling from Brisbane to Cairns, Austravel has a 16-night package from £1,158 (based on two people sharing), including international flights, three nights in Brisbane, nine days' car hire, eight nights' accommodation between Brisbane and Cairns and five nights in Cairns. Valid for departures from August 15. Flights into Brisbane and out of Cairns. Book and pay by August 8. Details: 0870 055 0206.
