Chasing shadows

A total eclipse of the sun can be seen across the southern hemisphere on December 4. The moon will shadow the sun on a path that crosses southern Africa (Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa), the Indian Ocean and southern Australia. It will be the longest eclipse for the next four years. The Chobe National Park in Botswana has been chosen by Sunvil Africa (020-8232 9777) for views of the eclipse on a 10-night tour costing £2,752.

Limited overs

A handful of sports tour companies are offering package deals with tickets to the cricket world cup in South Africa in February and March. Catch England's three preliminary matches (at Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth) on a 13-day trip from February 19 with ITC Sports (01244 355390).

Festive atmosphere

Valencia doesn't sleep during Las Fallas, an extravagant week-long party-led festival from March 12-19. But visitors wanting a bed ought to book soon as hotels are quickly filled. Three nights' B&B from £345 with Thomson Cities (0870 6061476).