Welcome to the Spring newsletter from Discover the World. With Easter already behind us, this year is already gathering pace. So we'd like to help with your holiday choices by showing you some great alternatives - from last minute getaways to planning the trip of lifetime to some of the worlds most stunning destinations.

OUR NEWS

Voted 4th Top Tour Operator
Once again we have been ‘Commended’ in the Wanderlust Travel Awards held recently at Destinations travel show in London coming joint 4th in the Top Tour Operator category. New Zealand was voted ‘Top Destination’. To check out the rest of the awards, which include Top Travel Gear and Top Travel Writer, visit www.wanderlust.co.uk

ICELAND

		Iceland Self-drive Special - must book before 10th April ! Explore Iceland this April on a choice of two fabulous 3 or more night self-drive itineraries. Prices are from £336 per person, based on 2 people sharing for 3 nights including flights, accommodation, breakfast & 4WD included. Fuel surcharge applies. For more details visit Iceland Self-drive Special »
Travel in Good Company Sit back, relax and enjoy the views as an expert guide regales stories of Iceland’s past and present. We have several escorted itineraries including the two below:
		Classic Iceland - 10 day itinerary that has it all Discover Lake Myvatn's majestic lava pillars, craters, bubbling mud pools and steam vents. Witness impressive waterfalls, glaciers, tranquil fjords, glaciated mountains and delightful fishing villages on a 10-day itinerary that has it all. Departures from June to August to find out more visit Classic Iceland»
		Northern Countryside - week of nature and scenery Combine the magnetic appeal of the west coast, the northern fjords and the volcanic landscapes on this superb 7 night escorted holiday. Enjoy these in the company of a professional guide whose knowledge and enthusiasm is infectious. Departures from June to August, to find out more visit Northern Countryside»

NEW ZEALAND

Ben Fogle in New Zealand Last month we sent Ben Fogle to New Zealand to discover the natural wonders, indulge in local cuisine and experience some of the great outdoors New Zealand is famed for. Watch his 9-day video diary here»
Natural Wonders - Follow in Ben's footsteps In just 9 days Ben kayaked around Abel Tasman National Park, watched sperm whales off the Kaikoura coast and enjoyed a heli-flight over Milford Sound. Ben also samples fresh crayfish, goes kiwi-spotting, walks a coastal track and sand-boards down huge dunes. Imagine what you could do in 3 weeks! Read the itinerary»
The Great Walks of New Zealand In light of Ben’s recent travels, the Great Walks of New Zealand provide the focus this month. The Milford Track, Tongariro Crossing and Abel Tasman Coastal path are probably the best known walking trails. To find out more put your boots on here»

LAPLAND

		Visit the Swedish Icehotel - 4 nights There's still time to visit Sweden's ICEHOTEL this year. Set amongst the glorious wilderness of Lapland, enjoy optional excursions such as ice sculpting, snowmobiling and husky sledging. Flights operate via Stockholm until the 20th of April, so you may extend your trip with a stay at Sweden’s vibrant capital city. Our direct flight returns next winter. Visit the Swedish Icehotel»
		Ski Sunday - until late June! Swedish Lapland promises great skiing and boarding for people of all ages and abilities when all other resorts have packed up for the summer. So why not forget the midday sun and try the unique experience of skiing under the midnight sun! To find out more visit skiing in Sweden»

POLAR JOURNEYS

Limited Availability There are a few spaces available on our voyages to the Arctic this summer and with cabins booking fast for the Antarctica 2008/9 season don’t delay booking your polar holiday. Dates will soon be available for next season, that’s Arctic 2009 and Antarctic 2009/10 so pre-register now and be first in line. Arctic voyages»
Polar Bears in Canada Our land-based polar bear watching holidays in Churchill for October/November are also selling fast, so now is the time to book your trip! To find out more visit our Polar bear watching holidays »
Spitsbergen Solar Eclipse - this August! Journey to the High Arctic this August aboard the Aleksey Maryshev and cruise into the eclipse path as it crosses the earth near Spitsbergen, surrounded by icy vistas and looming mountain peaks. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and there are only a few places left, so don’t miss out!! Solar Eclipse (11 day) voyage»
Magical moments in East Greenland “The arrival into Scoresby Sund was one of the most magical experiences of my life! As we sailed through the mist, huge icebergs, one after the other began to appear. All exquisitely shaped, each was perfectly reflected in the calm water. Then to cap it all, a rainbow appeared casting a beautiful arc of light over one of the bergs. Wow!” Quote by Jo Cooper, our Arctic specialist recommends our 16 day Spitsbergen to East Greenland voyage»		View Slideshow»

LIVING PLANET (school study trips)

		Next Generation Scientists We are delighted to be looking at joint ventures with the association of young British Scientists (The UK Polar Network). The UKPN either research or have strong interests in the polar regions and are a subsidiary of APECS (Association of Polar Early-Career Scientists). The aim of both these is to continue past the International Polar Year 07-09 (IPY) and leave a legacy of international co-operation and friendship that future young scientists can benefit from.
		Exclusive study trip to Antarctica! For the first time we can offer up to 72 students a chance to visit Antarctica on an exclusive Discover the World charter, travelling at the end of October 2009. The students will be made up of groups large and small, from various educational establishments. To find out more visit page 46 of our online brochure»
		Iceland trip gains points for Chartered Geographers In collaboration with the Royal Geographical Society, you can now gain points towards your Chartered Geographer status on our study trip to Iceland. Whether you are working towards C Geog status or need the points to keep up your C Geog. Prices for this 2 night trip are from £535pp and departs 10 October 2008. For details visit our Continuing Professional Development trip in Iceland»

We hope you have enjoyed this months newsletter. If you have found a holiday that has inspired you then why not call our specialist team on 01737 218800 (sales@discover-the-world.co.uk) who would be delighted to tell you more and don't forget all our holidays can be tailor-made to your requirements.

Kind regards
Simon

Discover the World
www.discover-the-world.co.uk