02 Dec 2015
Tired of tinsel and turkey? Sick of stuffing and sprouts? Had your fill of cards, crackers and cringe-worthy charades? If you're one of the estimated 2-million Brits (*) who dreads Christmas, then maybe 2015 is the year to ring the changes! Leading activity tour operator, Headwater, have limited Christmas availability on a selection of their walking, cycling and winter snow activities holidays - here is a selection of what's on offer:
From Headwater's Winter Sun WALKING Collection:
BERMUDA: Based at the exclusive Coco Hotel on the edge of one of the best private beaches on the island, this 7-night Self Guided Walk on Bermuda is perfect for those seeking a luxurious Christmas in the sun! Warmed by the temperate Gulf Stream, Bermuda is a stunning archipelago of 181 islands and islets, the 8 largest of which form the fishhook-shaped mainland. The oldest British colony, this tiny treasure trove is packed with history and natural beauty. Famed for its stunning turquoise waters in a whole rainbow of blues, incredible pink sands and coral reefs home to hundreds of colourful fish, Bermuda is a beach-lover's heaven. But venture beyond the postcard-worthy bays, and the islands offer a lush interior alive with a multitude of birds and flowers - plus its 21-mile traffic-free walking trail makes ideal for exploring on foot. Departing 20 and 27 December, prices for this trip are from £1679 (tour only)/ £2329 (inc return BA flights from Gatwick) and include 7 nights' half board hotel accommodation, detailed maps and meticulous walking route notes, 7-day Bermuda Travel Pass, 24/7 support from Headwater both in the UK and overseas.
GOZO: For a closer-to-home but equally luxurious Christmas break, we recommend the tiny island of Gozo and the ***** exclusive Ta' Cenc Hotel, set in 400 acres of private grounds, and boasting swimming pools, hydro-massage jacuzzi, fitness centre and tennis courts. Circular, gentle day walks have been hand-crafted to include secluded bays, honey-hued hamlets, amazing UNESCO World Heritage Sites and colourful fishing villages. Departs 19 and 26 Dec with prices from £1029 (tour only)/ £1328 (inc return flights from Heathrow to Malta and onward transfers. Prices include 7 nights' half board hotel accommodation, detailed maps and meticulous walking route notes, 24/7 support from Headwater both in the UK and overseas.
From Headwater's Winter Sun CYCLING Collection:
SPAIN: With a sunny, year-round climate, the quintessential region of Andalucia is "real" Spain at its finest: traditional white villages, classical Moorish cities, impressive wine bodegas and wide deserted beaches backed by the vast Atlantic Ocean. The gentle cycling here follows a tranquil loop along eco-friendly greenways, Roman roads and ancient olive-clad tracks. Costs from £899 (tour only)/ £1129 (inc return flights with Iberia from Heathrow-Jerez (via Madrid). Prices include 7 nights' B&B hotel accommodation (mix of *** and **** hotel levels), high quality bikes, detailed maps and meticulous cycling route notes, transport of luggage between hotels, 24/7 support from Headwater both in the UK and overseas.
PORTUGAL: A world away from the central developped coast, Portugal's Western Algarve has scarcely changed over the years with stunning beaches, tiny fishing villages and historic maritime towns remain wonderfully free from any tourist trappings. Headwater's 6-night Christmas cycle mostly follows quiet sun-kissed cycle tracks and takes in Cabo de Sao Vicente, Europe's most south-western tip. Departing 21 and 27 Dec, this holiday costs from £1029 (tour only)/ £1268 (inc return BA flights Heathrow-Lisbon and onward transfers). Prices include: 6 nights' hotel half board hotel accommodation (mix of *** and **** hotel levels), high quality bikes, detailed maps and meticulous cycling route notes, transport of luggage between hotels, 24/7 support from Headwater both in the UK and overseas.
From Headwater's Winter SNOW Collection
AUSTRIA: As well as being a world class cross-country ski centre, the postcard-pretty Austrian village of Leutasch also offers horse-drawn sleigh rides, tobogganing, curling, ice skating, winter walking and snowshoeing. For those wanting to up their ante, excellent downhill skiing is on offer in neighbouring Seefeld, just 10 minutes away. Departs 19 Dec with prices from £1249 (tour only)/ £1269 (self drive, including return Eurotunnel)/ £1437 (including return flights from Gatwick to Innsbruck and onward transfers). [Approx £60 supplement for 26 Dec departure.] Prices include 7 nights' half board **** hotel accommodation, afternoon coffee & cakes, ski equipment hire, 5 days' accompanied skiing & lessons, 24/7 support from Headwater both in the UK and overseas.
NORWAY: Winter Activities Week in Geilo is a great choice for beginners or nervous snow novices, with the chance to try out four different snow sports - cross country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding and gentle apine skiing - all included in the holiday price. There's also the option to take the local train to link up with the Flam Railway, one of the world's most scenic train journeys. Departures 20 and 27 Dec with prices from £1399 (tour only)/ £1769 (inc return BA flights Heathrow-Oslo and onward transfers). Prices include 7 nights' half board **** hotel accommodation, ski equipment hire, 2 x cross country ski lessons, 1 x downhill ski lesson with lift pass, 1 x snowshoe lesson, half a day husky excursion, 24/7 support from Headwater both in the UK and overseas.
(*) Survey carried out by Alcon-DailiesTotal1
NOTE TO EDITORS:
* Established in 1985, Headwater has over 30 years' experience in hand-crafting walking, cycling and cross country ski/ snowshoeing holidays in Europe and beyond;
* Appeals in the main to well-heeled, well-travelled couples, aged 45yrs+, looking to enjoy gentle activity by day without compromising on creature comforts in the evening;
* Gentle, interest-packed, relaxed activities with emphasis too on culture/ history, nature/ wildlife, gourmet cuisine and fine wines;
* Over 130 holidays on offer for 2016; mix of self-guided and small group trips; single centre and hotel-to-hotel itineraries; total flexibility in terms of age, ability and activity levels.
About the TUI Adventure Division:
The TUI Adventure Division offers premium, experience-based adventure holidays and expeditions worldwide for active travelers. The division includes expedition specialists International Expeditions (www.IEtravel.com), Quark Expeditions (www.QuarkExpeditions.com) and Zegrahm Expeditions (www.Zegrahm.com); leading European adventure and activity specialists Exodus (www.ExodusTravels.com), Headwater (www.Headwater.com), World Challenge (www.World-Challenge.co.uk), Sawadee (www.Sawadeee.nl), TrekAmerica (www.TrekAmerica.co.uk), and Grand American Adventures (www.GrandAmericanAdventures.com); and US-based destination management company AmeriCan Adventures (www.AmericanAdventures.com). From reaching the top of Kilimanjaro and canoeing on the Zambezi, to catching tiger cub sightings and breaking ice en route to the North Pole, the TUI Adventure Division offers inspirational experiences that create lifelong memories.
For bookings and further information, please call Headwater 0845 322 4672 or email sales@headwater.com
All press enquiries to Catherine Crone 0845 591 9342 ; email Catherine.press@headwater.com
