Quest for gold

The Inca outpost of Choquequirao - the "cradle of gold" - compares in size and setting with Machu Picchu but is rarely visited because of the tough trek required to reach it. Journey Latin America is running one mule-supported trek across the Vilcabamba mountain range to Choquequirao this year.

The 14-day Choquequirao trek, departing on August 2, costs from £2,159 with Journey Latin America (020-8747 8315, journeylatinamerica.co.uk).

The Tuttle touch

Interior designer Ed Tuttle is combining traditional Milanese style with a contemporary twist in his design for the Park Hyatt Milano, which opens in Italy's fashion capital in August.

Details of opening from 0845 8881226, hyatt.com.

In Shackleton's tracks

Ice-strengthened cruise ship Marco Polo will follow the path of the ill-fated 1914 voyage of Sir Ernest Shackleton's Endurance to the Antarctic.

The 17-night Shackleton cruise, departing on January 17, 2004, costs from £3,175 with Orient Lines (0845 6588050, orientlines.co.uk).

Kiwi Bohemia

New Zealand's newest luxury lodge has opened on Waiheke, a Bohemian island with wineries and beaches a 35-minutes ferry ride from the centre of Auckland. The Glass House has a minimalist modern design.

One night's B&B costs from NZ$380 (£136) at the Glass House (00 64 9 372 3173, .theglasshouse.co.nz).

· by Desmond Balmer, balmerdesmond@aol.com