Africa, Asia, Countries, Oceania

You book like a million pounds

Because we’re worth it Destinology, who promote themselves as tour operator to the stars and Premier League, like to flatter us by saying… you book like a million pounds.

So sit back, bask in the compliment, and pore jealousy at what you could have won if you had brains in your feet rather than your head.

Destinology has only launched a three-month long once-in-a-lifetime trip to Africa, India, Asia, Australia and Dubai.

Costing a million pounds for a family of four.

The perfect ten

Trunk call: And you’ll see the locals

Of course it’s the highest of high end and activities including off the beaten track wildlife and wilderness excursions.

And explorations of some of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in the world.

Accommodation has also been carefully picked to include fancy shmantzy hotels, wilderness lodges, rainforest cabins and glamping.

While air travel is business class or by private helicopter charter.

You’ll take in ten different countries… so that’ll be 100,000 worth of each.

Animal magic

Cool for cats… in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

You’ll kick off in Kigali, Rwanda, including three nights in a Forest Villa in Volcanoes National Park with a gorilla trekking excursion.

Guests are then transferred by private charter helicopter to Akagera National Park for safari… and we’re past masters here.

Sunset Champagne cruises, helicopter tours, a stay at Gorse Elephant Camp, explorations of the Cape Winelands and Treetop villas await in South Africa.

Before travelling to Mauritius for nine nights at the One&Only Le Saint Géran.

And then the Seychelles archipelago for an eight-night stay in a private villa at the secluded Six Senses Zil Pasyon.

Asia major

Ya dancer: India

Most trips to India are rushed but Destinology offers 12 nights.

Plenty of time to explore the heritage, glitz and glamour of Mumbai.

A private culinary walking tour of New Delhi, a visit to Agra – home to the Taj Mahal and the 16th century forts.

Followed by an exploration of Jaipur, famed for its spice markets and Rajput architecture.

The Shangri-La hotel in Bangkok, Thailand, is what you’d expect it to be.

And you’ll be treated to a private Grand Palace tour.

There is a two-night stay in Elephant Hills in a lake view villa and guaranteed Dumbos.

Before heading off on jungle trek and canoe excursions.

And then taking in seven nights in the tranquil Devasom Khao Lak Beach Resort & Villas on the island of Khao Lak.

Beach joys: In Asia

Singapore is noted for its tasty street food.

So dig in, and be sure to take in the private City and Bay of Gardens Tour.

Before retiring to a Premier Harbour View Room at the Swissotel The Stamford.

Out of the city is the enchanting heart of Bali, Ubud.

With adventures await in the lush oasis including a Monkey Forest and Tegalalang Rice Terraces.

Plus a full day tour of Bali’s lakes and temples.

Seven nights at the refreshing Alila Seminyak follow where the emphasis is on the pristine beaches and spa facilities.

Oz-some

D’Ohstralia: And follow Bart to Oz

Destinology are all over Australia, of course.

And you’ll get to do Sydney Harbour Bridge, hiking and wildlife in the Blue Mountains, Ayers Rock.

The world’s oldest rainforest at Daintree, and an eco-snorkeling adventure at the Great Barrier Reef.

And if you’re pooped at he end of all that then don’t fret.

Golden Dubai

Sheikh, rattle and roll: Dubai

You’ll finish up with seven nights in Dubai, the ‘City of Gold’.

Now just to get those lottery numbers right.

Because we know you and Destinology are right you book like a million pounds.

So check out the full itinerary here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Africa, Countries, Sustainable Tourism

Ellen and Rwanda

What do you get the woman who has everything… yes, that’s my Scary One, but I’m talking here about Ellen and Rwanda.

With Herself about to celebrate a landmark I’ve been racking my brain about what to get her.

Fine dining: Bisate

Not that I can stretch to Portia De Rossi’s largesse.

In establishing The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Rwanda for her wife.

Ellen’s pad

Birthday surprise: Portia and Ellen

And as I’m wanting to celebrate my own birthday a few days later than The Scary One, I’m not suggesting She is turning 60.

The Ellen Campus is going from strength to strength and is the focus of our growing interest in Eco and Nature tourism.

Now the best recommendation for where to stay surely comes from the Hollywood golden couple.

Lodge with us

Peak time: Bisate Lodge

And that would be Bisate Lodge.

Now I do like a hotel with an oul volcano view.

And I experienced just that in Mount in Tenerife in my walk through the ages.

And, of course Tenerife is more Western African landscape than Iberian Peninsula.

So when you’re in Rwanda, do like the locals, of which Ellen and Portia are now among the number.

And base yourself around the volcanoes.

Craters and lazy craters

Good hair day: The gorillas

Bisate Lodge is 5 star (obvs) and you will look out over the extinct (aaaw!) Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes.

This is where Fossey ran her research station Karisoke, dedicated to saving mountain goats from extinction.

Hike through the rainforest, up to nearly 3,000 metres, to visit Karisoke’s haunting ruins and Fossey’s grave, next to her beloved gorilla, Digit.

And my Scary One doesn’t know it yet, but she’ll rest for eternity with this hairy Scots gorilla!

On a roll: The big fella

Rwandan gorillas, now numbering more than 1000 throughout the Virunga massif, await you.

Bisate Lodge for March-May is $1750pps.

Who to fly with

The pioneer: Dian Fossey

And I will, of course, always flag up my friend Meseret and Ethiopian Airways as the guys to fly with.

And when you so get out to see Ellen and Rwanda be sure to tell them this Scottish gorilla says hi.