Inspiring Holidays Newsletter | Holidays to stimulate the mind, body and soul.

Welcome to the March 2010 Newsletter from www.inspiringholidays.comApparently spring is now officially here which I suspect will be news to some parts of the UK still dealing with the winter weather. Here at inspiringholidays.com it's time to awake from our winter hibernation and start looking out for some of the best deals on activity holidays coming up this summer.

In our March newsletter we have some great deals from Sherpa Expeditions on walking and cycling holidays, some special offers on ski holidays from Club Med and Neilson plus many more last minute offers and special deals on activity holidays.

Mad March Savings on Walking & Cycling Holidays from Sherpa Expeditions

Bag a bargain by booking your 2010 walking or cycling holiday during March. Book before the end of March and ‘Save on your Cycling’ or ‘Walk for Less’ on the following selected trips:

Cycling Holidays
- £40 off Vienna to Prague: Self-guided May - October
- £30 off Turku Archipelago: Self-guided June - August
- £20 off Catalonia Cycling: Self-guided April - November

Walking Holidays
- £40 off Treasures of Tuscany: 11 days Self-guided April - November
- £30 off The Amalfi Coast: 11 days Self-guided January - December
- £20 off The Dordogne: 10 days Self-guided April - Mid October

Discounts are per person and can not be used in conjunction with any other discount.

Special Offer on Club Med Ski Holiday in Serre-Chavalier, France

Serre-Chevalier is home to a Club Med Resort that resembles a little hamlet of some fifteen chalets. With their wooden and stone facades and sloping tiled roofs, these beautiful buildings fit in perfectly with their surroundings.

Inside, the spacious, warmly decorated lounges and family rooms are ideal for sharing special moments with your loved ones. Serre-Chevalier offers a wide range of activities for all tastes, from action and excitement in the Snow Garden and on the slopes of the Grand Serre-Chevalier ski domain, to rest and relaxation in the indoor swimming pool and the Club Med Spa.

Special Offer
7 nights departing 7th March from £749pp excluding transport - Save up to £206pp with flights and transfers from London!

Grand Serre-Chevalier ski domain
- Altitude between 1,200 et 2,800m.
- 77 ski lifts ; 370 snow cannons ; illuminated ski run; snowpark
- 250km of ski runs: 15 black; 43 red ; 30 blue; 23 green
- At the end of the season, access to all the slopes depends on the snow conditions.

Resort Highlights
- Altitude: 1400 metres (4,590 ft).
- The architecture (typical roofs and wood and stone façades) blends in beautifully with the environment œ The Grand Serre-Chevalier ski domain and its 250 kms (155 miles) of ski slopes at an altitude of 1 400 m (4 590 ft)
- A cluster of stone chalets at the heart of the Écrins National Park
- Petit Club Med, Mini Club Med and Juniors' Club Med
- Relaxation area: Club Med Spa, Turkish bath, sauna, indoor swimming pool

This is a Family Resort that welcomes children from 4 months, with children's club facilities from age 2. This Resort offers the following children's facilities:
- Petit Club Med® (from 2 to under 4)
- Mini Club Med® (from 4 to under 11)
- Juniors' Club Med® (from 11 to under 18)

Find out more about this special offer

Formula One Grand Prix Holidays with Page & Moy

With the start of the Formula One Grand Prix series fast approaching now is the time to ensure you're at the heart of the action. The prospect of world champion Jenson Button teaming up with Lewis Hamilton at McLaren makes next year's campaign even more exciting.

You can get trackside with Page & Moy's range of motor racing packages, and whether you're a first-time traveller or seasoned pro, there will be something here for you. Choose from a wide range of travel arrangements, great hotel options and even helicopter transfers!

Events & Dates
2nd May 2010 - Spanish Grand Prix. From £499
16th May 2010 - Monaco Grand Prix. From £749
11th July 2010 - British Grand Prix. From £199
29th Aug 2010 - Belgian Grand Prix. From £299
12th Sept 2010 - Italian Grand Prix. From £599

Telephone 0845 358 2639 for more details

Neilson April Ski Holiday Offers

Neilson have the following offers available on April ski holidays in Italy, France, Andorra and Austria:

Arabba, Italy
Arabba sits almost at the head of a valley, one of the highest resorts in the Dolomites. With its snowsure north facing slopes, access to the Marmolada glacier, and being positioned right on the Sella Ronda circuit, the gateway to over a thousand kilometres of groomed pistes you could not pick a better place if your winter holiday is all about the skiing.

Date: 3rd April 2010
Airport: London Gatwick
Country: Italy, Resort: Arabba, Accommodation: Chalet Karin
Board: 3*
Price: £599pp - Saving: £135

Mayrhofen, Austria
The extent and variety of terrain makes this resort suitable for all abilities, as highly regarded by families and couples as it is by groups.

Date: 3rd April 2010
Airport: Manchester
Country: Austria, Resort: Mayrhofen, Accommodation: Kristall Hotel
Board: 3*
Price: £628pp - Saving: £80

Flaine, France
Situated in the centre of a massive bowl, the pistes and lifts radiate out from the resort of Flaine like a giant snowy octopus. Literally a resort in the thick of things, designed with convenience for all in mind.

Date: 3rd April 2010
Airport: London Gatwick
Country: France, Resort: Flaine, Accommodation: Hameau De Flaine
Board: 3*
Price: £599pp - Saving: £119

Les Deux Alpes, France
One of our top selling resorts! Snowsure great on and off-piste and a lively resort. Unusually, some of the beginners' pistes are on the glacier, so have fantastic snow conditions ideal for learning.

Date: 3rd April 2010
Airport: Bristol
Country: France, Resort: Les Deux Alpes, Accommodation: Chalet Chartreuse
Board: 4*
Price: £749pp - Saving: £259

Arinsal, Andorra
The ski areas of Arinsal & La Massana and Pal have received substantial and continued investment over recent years. Things really have changed and it shows! This is a fantastic area for beginners, improvers and families and is certainly not given enough credit.

Date: 4th April 2010
Airport: Manchester
Country: Andorra, Resort: Arinsal, Accommodation: Hotel St Gothard
Board: 4*
Price: £399pp - Saving: £80

Neilson April Ski Offers - Find Out More

Top Holidays From TravelsphereTravelsphere offer quality escorted touring holidays. Here are some of their current top tips:

Secrets of The Harz- 7 days from £319
The beautiful rolling scenery of the Harz region, Germany’s northernmost mountain range, is the setting for this fascinating holiday. We combine the magic of enchanting medieval towns with the chance of a ride on the unique Harz Narrow Gauge Railway.

As well as a super programme in the Harz, your journey also contains lots of interest. We include a visit to Hamelin, legendary home of the famous Pied Piper, plus you will see the impressive Möhne Dam of ‘Dambusters’ fame.

Dutch Bulbfields & Amsterdam - 4 days from £269
Nothing can prepare you for the magnificent sights of the Dutch Bulbfields. Tulips, daffodils, narcissi, hyacinths and more sway in a kaleidoscope of colour as your coach carries you gently through one of the most beautiful scenes in Europe. A visit will also be made to the exciting city of Amsterdam to learn about the local diamond trade.

Tulips, daffodils, narcissi and hyacinths sway in a kaleidoscope of colour making one of the most beautiful sights in Europe.

Highlights of the Volga - 10 days from £1342
Experience the magic of St. Petersburg, the beauty of the Russian countryside and the majesty of Moscow on this marvellous cruise along the River Volga aboard the MS Simonov.

Marvel at the fantastic architecture from the Imperial days of the Tsars in Peter the Great’s ‘Window on Europe’, visit the breathtaking art collections in the Hermitage and stroll round the glorious gardens at Peterhof, Russia’s answer to Versailles. The cultural heritage and lovely landscapes come alive as we discover historic towns, ancient monasteries and magnificent scenery along the way to the country’s fascinating capital.

Tanzanian Safari - 10 days from £2842
Tanzania’s glorious coastline, fascinating history and stunning scenery are reasons enough to visit, but one attraction overwhelms all others – Tanzania is one of Africa’s prime game viewing countries.

Tanzania’s national parks and game reserves, which include the famous Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, are home to around a quarter of all Africa’s large mammals. We include four parks, with lots of opportunities to see lion, antelope, elephant, cheetah, zebra, wildebeest, rhino and many other species. What’s more, you will be pleasantly surprised by the comfort in which your safaris will be conducted – special safari vehicles, lodges with modern facilities, and expert guides.

Find Out More - Click on the links above or telephone 0845 358 23689

Tickets for RHS Flower & Garden Shows

With summer just around the corner it's time to start thinking about your garden. And what better way to get inspiration than to visit one of the Royal Horticultural Society shows:

RHS SHOW CARDIFF (16-18 April - Bute Park, Cardiff Castle)
A fresh and exciting start to the gardening season

RHS Show Cardiff is a spring celebration of everything that is great about gardening. Set against the magnificent backdrop of Cardiff Castle, this friendly show features Welsh horticulture at its very best. Enjoy inspirational show gardens, breathtaking floral marquees and educational talks and advice. Take home your own piece of the show by choosing from a delightful array of spring bulbs, plants and garden accessories, plus the very latest ideas and inspiration to give Spring a head start in your garden.

RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW (25-29 May - Royal Hospital, Chelsea, London)
The pinnacle of horticultural excellence

RHS Chelsea Flower Show is the beating heart of horticulture, showcasing the very best the gardening world has to offer. Eagerly anticipated, this spectacular extravaganza bursts at the seams with cutting-edge show gardens, inspirational plant and floral displays and leading experts in every field. You’ll be the first to admire exquisite new plants, buy the latest garden innovations, tools and accessories while soaking-up the atmosphere at this prestigious, world-class flower show.

HAMPTON COURT PALACE FLOWER SHOW (6-11 July - Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey)
Hands on gardening for everyone, everywhere

Set in the spectacular grounds of Hampton Court Palace; immerse yourself in the history, splendour and hedonistic pleasure of gardening. Explore inspirational show gardens and innovative displays featuring the latest ideas in ‘Grow Your Own’, sustainable gardening and much more. Discover rose and plant marquees bursting with the best in floral excellence and shop your way through a wide array of quality plants and must-have garden accessories. With a range of expert talks and demonstrations for gardeners of all levels and top class dining the world’s largest annual flower show is truly a great day out for all.

RHS SHOW TATTON PARK (21-25 July - Tatton Park, near Knutsford, Cheshire)
The North’s greatest gardening show

Set in one of Cheshire’s Gardens of Distinction, RHS Show Tatton Park has a fresh and vibrant feel bursting with sizzling colour and summer perfumes. Be inspired by conceptual and visionary show gardens, designed by up and coming talent and established designers. Enjoy fabulous collections of plants and flowers from leading nurseries and take time to discover stunning arts and crafts. Finally, seize the last chance of the season to pick-up expert advice, shop for all your gardening needs and enjoy top class dining at this spectacular summer finale.

Painting with Acrylics Short Breaks with Warner Leisure Hotels

Painting with Acrylics short break with Warner Leisure Hotels at Norton Grange on the Isle of Wight.

On this course you will learn how versatile acrylic paint is and how to use it. How to paint various subject matter and how to use the characteristics of acrylic paint to advantage. You will take home with you a work of art to be proud of, and the desire to return and learn more!

That's the belief of our expert tutor Murray Ince a local artist from Totland Bay on the Isle of Wight.

Acrylics are one of the most versatile of mediums and Murray will show you how it can be used thin like watercolour or applied heavily as with oil colour. He will demonstrate how it can be used to paint on many surfaces and how to use the quick drying properties to advantage and how to adapt techniques to suit the medium.

Murray will guide you through observation, colour mixing, composition, working from photographs and introduce you to landscape and seascape painting, still life and the painting of other subject matter. Acrylics aren't limited to traditional painting surfaces and can be used on many other surfaces including stones, flowerpots, wood, and is ideally suited to decorating walls and furniture. Once you get started you won't want to stop!

Our small classes - with never more than 12 mean that everyone gets plenty of individual tuition as well as the benefit of trying something in a great environment with like-minded people. This great value course comprises 10 hours of tuition spread over 2 days.

This course - NEW for Norton Grange, is suitable for novices and improvers and includes all materials required. If the weather permits, inspiration may be taken outside.

Dates Available
12 April 2010
10 May 2010
21 June 2010
19 July 2010
16 August 2010
27 September 2010
25 October 2010
22 November 2010

Find out More about Painting with Acrylics

Norton Grange Painting with Acrylics - Taster
Starting out with a new hobby can sometimes be a daunting experience, that's why it's important to get expert advice.

Our expert tutor Murray Ince a local artist from Totland Bay on the Isle of Wight will cover all the basics in this one day session. How versatile acrylic paint is and how to use it. How to paint various subject matter and how to use the characteristics of acrylic paint to advantage.

Once you get started you won't want to stop!

Our small classes - with never more than 12 mean that everyone gets plenty of individual tuition as well as the benefit of trying something in a great environment with like-minded people.

This course - NEW for Norton Grange, is suitable for novices and improvers and includes all materials required.

Dates Available
14 May 2010
30 July 2010
15 October 2010

Find out More about Painting with Acrylics Taster

Costa Rica Rafting Adventure with GAP Adventures

Costa Rica Rafting Adventure with GAP Adventures. Costa Rica is one of the world's great adventure destinations. This 15-day adrenaline-filled journey has you trekking deep in the jungle, biking along a volcano and whitewater rafting the Reventazon and Pacuare Rivers.

Costa Rica Hike, Bike & Raft - 15 days
Trip Code: CHB
£999 GBP pp for 1 Adult
Next Available Departure: Sat, May. 8, 2010

- Local Payments now included on all Gap Adventures
- International airfare is not included

Highlights: San José, La Danta Private Reserve, Rafting the Reventazon and Pacuare Rivers, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna.

Find out More - Visit the GAP Adventures Website

Belize Kayak Adventure with GAP Adventures

One of the original Gap Adventures tours! Enjoy a week of island-hopping off the coast of Belize, and explore the second largest barrier reef in the world. The ultimate sea kayaking tour with plenty of independent time to relax.

Kayak Belize - 8 days
Trip Code: BKS
Next Available Departure: Saturday, March 20th 2010
£859 GBPpp for 1 Adult

- Local Payments now included on all Gap Adventures
- International airfare is not included

Find out More - Visit the GAP Adventures Website