Winter walking – complete with snowshoe and cross-country ski hire for snowy conditions – is the offer from specialist operator, Belle France.

In the Savoie region of the French Alps, for example, the company is highlighting holidays in the tiny village of St Nicholas la Chapelle – just 20 miles from Mont Blanc – where walks are under the instruction of the hotel’s owner who is an experienced and qualified mountain leader.

Raquette snow shoes and batons are provided and walking – which averages around six hours per day – is through a variety of cross-country terrain descending across open pastures and wooded slopes.

These seven-night holidays are available from 12 December until 20 March and cost – for bookings made by 24 December – from £659 per person (twin share) inclusive of full-board accommodation at the Chalet Hotel l’Eau Vive, local transfers, guided walking programme and services of an English-speaking guide.

Alternatively, a seven-night winter walk in the Auvergne – where mornings are spent practising snowshoe and cross-country skiing techniques in preparation for an afternoon of guided walks – is available throughout February.

Prices, for bookings made by noon on 24 December, start from £599 per person inclusive of full-board accommodation at the Hotel La Decouverte in the village of St Bonnet le Froid, guided walking programme and services of an English-speaking guide.

UK travel is not included in the above prices, but return ferry crossings or rail tickets can be booked by the company on request.

01580 214010, www.bellefrance.co.uk

· CLIMATE CHAMPIONS FROM ACROSS THE WORLD TO START THEIR JOURNEY FROM London

· UIC TRAIN TO COPENHAGEN TO SHOWCASE SUSTAINABLE RAIL TRAVEL

Eurostar, the high-speed provider of carbon neutral journeys between the UK and the continent, will on Friday 4 December take environmental campaigners, delegates and environmental journalists to Brussels to meet the UIC ‘Climate Express’ train to the United Nations Conference on Climate Change in Copenhagen (COP 15).

The journey will begin at London St Pancras International, where there will be an official send off with dancers from India and a brass quintet from the Royal College of Music.

The group will then travel on to Brussels where they will meet up with around 400 fellow travellers from across Europe, to continue their journey on the Climate Express the morning of Saturday 5 December.

Richard Brown, CEO of Eurostar who is also joining the UIC train to Copenhagen said:

“The journey to Copenhagen will be a crucial part of the build-up to COP15. Travellers will have the opportunity to take part in an ‘on-track’ conference focussing on the rail industry’s role in tackling climate change. It is great that the Climate Express offers the opportunity for conversation and debate, before it reaches Copenhagen and in advance of the arrival any World Leaders. ”

Also travelling with Richard Brown will be a group of 25 young people from the British Councils’ ‘Climate Champions’ programme. Selected from 3000 members, the group will have the chance to meet their official delegations at COP 15 itself and call for an ambitious and binding international agreement to reduce carbon emission at COP 15.

Head of the British Council Climate Change programme, Dr David Viner said:

“This conference is a crucial milestone in the global effort to reduce the rapid rate of climate change. There is an imperative to act now as it is this and future generations who will inherit the legacy and the full impact of global climate change that we are witnessing today. That is why the British Council is working to support young people to lead by example and make a real difference at a local level. Copenhagen is now an opportunity for our Climate Champions to take their message to the heart of the debate and make their voices heard at the top table. I am delighted that these passionate and committed young people are having the chance to make their voice heard on their journey to Copenhagen.”

As a company, Eurostar promotes the sustainability of high speed rail through its Tread Lightly plan which has the aim of reducing the rail provider’s actual CO2 emissions by 35% by 2012. The initiative is supported through a partnership with Friends of the Earth. The green campaign group has rallied 250 campaigners who will travel to Copenhagen with Eurostar on Friday 11 December. The campaign will flood the streets with people – calling for a strong and fair agreement to tackle climate change.

EUROSTAR PRESS PHOTOCALL NOTICE

What:

A UK send off for travellers joining the UIC ‘Climate Express’ from Brussels to COP 15 in Copenhagen. There will be an opportunity for interviews and photographs on the platforms at St Pancras International.

Interviews:

The British Council ‘Climate Champions’, Richard Brown, CEO of Eurostar and International Climate Campaigner from Friends of the Earth, Tom Picken.

When: Friday 4 December, 16h15 (The group will leave on Eurostar for Brussels at 1727).

Where:

Report to the Eurostar Group Welcome Desk, opposite check-in at St Pancras International station.

Members of the media who are not travelling will need to pre-register with the Eurostar Press Office on Tel: ++ 44 (0) 20 7843 5400 or on press.office@eurostar.co.uk.

Media will need to have passports for ID purposes. TV crews please note that boom microphones are not permitted on

platforms at St Pancras International

Note to editors:

1. Since Eurostar returned to full service in February 2009, punctuality levels have remained high with 95% of trains arriving on time.

2. Eurostar provides high-speed rail journeys between St Pancras International, Ebbsfleet International, Ashford International, Paris, Brussels, Lille, Calais, Disneyland Resort Paris, Avignon and the French Alps.

3. Eurostar connects with domestic services in the UK and provides onward connections to destinations across mainland Europe. Travellers can buy connecting fares to the Continent from more than 200 stations with return fares from £63, including brighton from £71 and Edinburgh from £92.

4. Under its Tread Lightly environmental plan, Eurostar has set a target of reducing its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 35% per traveller journey by 2012. Because emissions cannot yet be eliminated, Eurostar is also the world’s first train operator to make all journeys carbon neutral, at no extra cost to travellers.

5. Eurostar and Friends of the Earth are working together in the UK on Eurostar’s Tread Lightly initiative and Friends of the Earth’s climate campaign. To find out more about Friends of the Earth visit www.friendsoftheearth.co.uk.

6. Eurostar is a founder member of Railteam, a partnership between Europe’s leading high-speed train operators that is developing simpler ways to book and travel on the fast-expanding, European high-speed rail network.

7. Eurostar is an entirely separate business from Eurotunnel. Eurostar operates high-speed passenger trains, whilst Eurotunnel operates vehicle shuttle services and the Channel Tunnel itself. Eurostar is Eurotunnel’s biggest customer.

8. To book tickets or for more travel information, please visit www.eurostar.com

or call 08705 186 186.

The Spanish use olive oil as a standard accompaniment to most meals, so why not stay in a wonderfully restored 200 year old olive mill in Andalucía for a chance to experience some of Spain’s most exquisite food. Using The Hotel Finca el Cerillo as a base, follow the ancient ‘Silk Route’ between Cómpeta and Granada and walk beneath the majestic peaks of the Sierra Almijara. After strolling through sweet chestnuts and olive and citrus groves, visit tiny hamlets where famers still travel by mule or take advantage of the hotel gardens with 100 year old carob and palm trees.

The pool has stunning views across the valley below and the Moorish village of Archez with its 13th Century tower. For cosy winter nights there is even a beamed lounge with a blazing log fire to relax in front of. The seven night guided walking holiday “Secrets of Andalucía” starts from £978 per person departing 23rd January 2010, including 4* full board (with wine) accommodation, walking briefing, local information, route notes and map kit. Prices inclusive of flights start from £1163 per person from Gatwick to Malaga with British Airways, including transfers. Flights can be arranged from most UK airports. Call Headwater Reservations Line 01606 720199 or book on line at www.headwater.com

The UK’s ultimate indoor Christmas attraction, Santa’s Magical Kingdom, at The Hop Farm in Paddock Wood, has opened to rave reviews from both visitors and attraction experts. Organisers were delighted that the decision to open an indoor attraction has proved a winning formula in the light of the heavy rainfall and high winds which are currently sweeping the country.

Over 1 million lights have been used to create the amazing Christmas scenes which use special effects and animatronics to wow visitors.

Experts from the attraction industry were full of praise for the new attraction and John Wardley, who is renowned for his breathtaking designs at Alton Towers, Thorpe Park and Chessington World of Adventures said, “I was absolutely blown-away by the sheer quality, scale and spectacle of Santa’s Magical Kingdom, made even more impressive by the fact that it is all under cover! For young families to be able to experience such a huge magical adventure without trudging through mud and cold is unique.”

Previous Chairman and CEO of the Tussauds Group Michael Jolly MBE, also said, “The scale of this attraction will make any child’s Christmas truly memorable, Santa has really arrived at The Hop Farm.”

Testimonials from visitors can be viewed on Santa’s Magical Kingdom website.

Open between 14 November and 24 December, Santa’s Magical Kingdom is a spectacular Christmas event full of amazing winter scenes which create an intimate atmosphere, with a surprise around every corner. The experience starts with a train ride to the kingdom. Once inside the journey takes you into a world full of surprises as you marvel at Christmas scenes created with some amazing special effects and impressive animatronics.

Children can write letters to Santa in his post office and watch as their letters are whisked away up the chimney. After walking past the elves workshops (don’t forget to press the buttons to see everyone working), see real reindeer, enjoy time making arts and crafts in Mother Christmas’ craft workshop and walk through beautiful winter scenes including the north pole and the forest of light areas. After the magic and puppet show you have to knock on the locked doors to gain entrance to the spectacular Magical Kingdom, the last stop before a private meeting with Santa in his study. At the end of your visit, a present for each child will come tumbling down Santa’s chimney. Tickets to the Kingdom also include a thrilling 45-minute interactive circus pantomime show.

There is also free entry into the Hop Farm during the event and tickets can be purchased for ice skating and rides which include a full size Victorian Carousel.

European activity holidays specialist UTracks is about to launch its first-ever selection of winter breaks. Starting in December, the new itineraries give travellers a chance to experience the exhilaration of snowshoeing or ski touring amidst some of Europe’s most dramatic winter landscapes.

Auvergne Winter Week (8 days)

A fine balance of activity and indulgence and an ideal trip for lovers of good food, mountain landscapes and the camaraderie of other travellers… Based in a converted convent, where your host will immerse you in French culture and old-fashioned hospitality, you will have the opportunity to experience the rugged mountains and authentic hamlets of the unspoiled Auvergne region. Whether you prefer to snowshoe or ski, each day the choice is yours. Warm lunches are provided as a picnic or in a local Inn, while in the evening you can explore the village, relax by the fire, take a sauna or visit the kitchen to witness the preparation of the local ‘grande cuisine’.

PRICE: from £530 per person

DEPARTS: 27 December, 13 February, 20 February, 27 March

Mont Blanc Snowshoe Adventure (7 days)

With many winter enthusiasts rediscovering snowshoeing, use this modern lightweight footwear as an alternative way to explore the stunning scenery of the Alps. Your guide will take you through forest trails, skirting glaciers and ascending mountain slopes, to experience the highlights of the Mont Blanc region. Each night you will return to your comfortable gîte (mountain cottage), to relax by the fire and enjoy traditional alpine cuisine. Also available is a combination snowshoe/thermal spa experience in St Gervais, with five treatments over three sessions during the week.

PRICE: from £470 per person

DEPARTS: Every Sunday from 7 December to 19 April

Ski Touring In The Dolomites (7 days)

A new dimension of winter wonderland awaits you on this ski touring loop amongst the mighty peaks of the Dolomites. Cross Italy’s fabled old country in true alpine touring style and enjoy unsurpassed long descents down beautiful snow-laden valleys as you ski through soft virgin powder snow. There is as much fun to be had off the slopes, where you will have the chance to make the most of the sumptuous local cuisine, the charismatic Italian culture and the charming mix of small boutique hotels and rifugios (mountain refuges) in which you’ll stay along the way.

PRICE: £1,480

DEPARTS: 4 January, 18 January, 1 February, 15 February, 1 March, 15 March, 29 March

Haute Route Ski Tour (8 days)

Haute Route Ski Tour is one of the most dramatic skiing experiences in Europe. First travelled in January 1924 by Dr Payot, this challenging traverse between the Mt Blanc massif and the Valaisannes Alps remains a point of reference in the catalogue of famous alpine routes. Winding through the highest, most spectacular peaks of the Alps, it offers breathtaking winter scenery, most notably on the arrival in the picturesque Zermatt resort, at the foot of the north face of the Matterhorn, famed as one of the great north faces of the Alps. Although not a technically demanding tour, a good level of physical conditioning and a competent standard of ski touring are required.

PRICE: £1,520

DEPARTS: Weekly on Sundays from 14 March to 2 May 2010

Book your 2010 UTracks trip before 31 December 2009 and save 5%

Quoted prices are inclusive of accommodation, most meals, equipment rental, experienced mountain guides, luggage transfers between hotels (where applicable) and clear maps with images. Flights from the UK are not included but can be booked on request.

For bookings and more information please go to www.UTracks.com or call 0845 241 7599

Simply Périgord & The Gascony Secret

Those who braved it out in the soggy UK for their summer holidays are likely to hedge their bets next year and follow the sun south, perhaps to Gascony and the Dordogne. Being in a charming time warp of their own, these lovely areas echo the UK as it was decades ago, unhurried and less materialistic. Collaborating on their 2010 brochure, south-west France holiday rental specialists, Simply Périgord and The Gascony Secret can offer an unbeatable choice of beautiful rural properties in the six principal départements of south-west France, ideal for discerning sunseekers in search of an affordable break.

Available for 2010 is an extended range of more than 95 houses across the Dordogne and Gascon regions, every one of them personally inspected. Among the new properties are impressive fairytale châteaux sleeping up to 20 with on-site staff and chefs, elegant manoirs and fabulous farmhouses, as well as some beautifully located smaller properties in villages and towns, almost all with private swimming pools. Simply Périgord this year celebrates its 20th anniversary of managing high quality rental properties, with 50% of its clientele being repeat customers.

For many of the larger properties prices are flexible for under occupancy, making them particularly competitive regardless of the size of party. For those keeping a keen eye on their holiday budgets, driving there and packing holiday essentials will be a solution to last summer’s concerns over the poor exchange rate. Others who prefer to fly should have an even greater choice of airports next year, with Brive Souillac airport set to offer daily flights to London from June 2010. Lead in Price: A one week stay in mid-season in a charming little farmhouse with a pool, set in four acres and 3kms from the village of Lupiac, costs just £124pp based on four sharing, or £107pp based on six sharing.

These two ancient regions offer something for everyone, whether seeking activity – golf, tennis, kayaking, fishing and riding is never far away – or looking purely for some R&R in a peaceful home-from-home. Gastronomes are also extremely well-catered for, whilst there is wonderful scenery and an array of pretty villages and prehistoric sites to explore.

With specialist knowledge of the regions, nothing is too much trouble for The Gascony Secret and Simply Périgord, an attitude that sets them apart from the rest. If ping pong makes a party tick, a table tennis table can be organised. Similarly bicycles can be delivered, a babysitter secured, cookery courses ordered or even private yoga lessons or a relaxing massage organised right in your own rental home. For those who want to relax and be spoiled, a chef can be on hand, or meals on wheels to die for delivered to your châteaux gates. It’s all so easy when Simply Périgord’s offices are based in the heart of the Dordogne.

GUIDE TO THE BEST PROPERTIES

Best for Spa (The Gascony Secret) – An elegant 17th century town house in Lectoure, within walking distance of the thermal spa which now plays an important part in the economy of the town. Officially designated a town of ‘history and art’ by the Minister of Culture, Lectoure was once an important stopping point on the pilgrimage route of St Jacques de Compostella.

Best for House Parties (The Gascony Secret) – Experience house party heaven in an 18th century château, new to the programme for 2010. Set in 50 acres of private parkland, the property at Castelnau Picampeau is blessed with the DNA of La France Profonde, classic France at its very best. Steeped in history, this 10-bedroomed château in the Haute-Garonne comes with a library, a music room and a covered pool, with plenty of cosy corners despite its immense size. Price: from £2,450 per week based on 10 sharing (£245 pp) or £3,640 based on 20 sharing (£182pp) in mid season.

Best for Two Families Holidaying Together (The Gascony Secret) – Travelling with good friends or extended family, but prefer not to be too close? A four bedroom converted 16th Century farmhouse is adjacent to a three-bedroom Napoleon III house, but both benefit from 66 acres of surrounding green meadows. The houses share an infinity pool with fabulous views of the Pyrenees.

Best for Gourmets (The Gascony Secret) – Head to the gourmet’s paradise of Gascony to stay at the Château at St-Sever where a chef and sous chef are on hand to cook one meal per day for guests. For those who wish to hone their own culinary skills, cooking lessons can be arranged. Page A4. Alternatively, offered by Simply Périgord, stay at the beautifully restored Chartreuse near Trémolat to indulge in Michelin-starred gastronomic delights. It really is the perfect base, located just five minutes from Le Vieux Logis in Trémolat, within 15 minutes of Le Centenaire in Les Eyzies and a short drive from Sarlat, Perigueux and Bergerac, each of them with several Michelin-starred restaurants.

Best for Active Families (Simply Périgord) – Set in private grounds, a beautiful 15th Century château is 1km from Limeuil, one of France’s Plus Beaux Villages, and a short drive from the market town of Le Bugue with its colourful market. Sleeping eight, it is perfect for a large family holiday with plenty to keep all ages occupied onsite including a swimming pool, tennis court, satellite TV, music centre, internet access and a delightful card room within the tower of the château. Available locally are nature treks, cycling, canoeing and horseback riding or visit the Troglodyte caves where prehistoric man is believed to have lived.

Best for Romance (Simply Périgord) – Just outside the tiny village of Paunat and close to the beautiful village of Trémolat, with its Michelin-starred restaurant and other more intimate auberges, romantics will find their very own love nest – a renovated cottage sleeping two in a country setting. Guests can cosy up at home and enjoy their pretty surroundings whilst relaxing by the pool or visit the many sites including the quaint village of Paunat with its Abbey dating back over 1000 years. The village of Limeuil, situated at the confluence of the Dordogne and Vézère rivers, is also close by.

Best for Living Like a Local (Simply Périgord) – In the market town of Le Bugue, an elegant town house with a private pool in a quiet lane is within easy walking distance of all amenities, ideal for parties of four who prefer not to drive daily. A warm baguette for breakfast, the freshest market produce for lunch and that delicious bottle from the local cave are all just a stroll away. Price: from 995 euros for one week in mid season (€249pp based on 4 sharing).

Travel: There are eight airports to choose from in the Gascony and Perigord regions. Guests can fly to Toulouse, Pau, Carcassonne, Lourdes, Bergerac, Biarritz and Bordeaux, as well as Brive Souillac (from June 2010). St. Malo to Gascony is approx 438 miles.

Half of holidaymakers do not look into whether they need vaccines

before going abroad

56 per cent of holidaymakers don’t know which countries they need

vaccines for

A third of those who travel abroad don’t know which diseases they

have been vaccinated against

As the long haul holiday season gets underway, new research indicates that

UK holidaymakers may be travelling abroad without the recommended vaccines

and medications, putting their health at risk and potentially invalidating

their travel insurance.

According to the study by Post Office® Travel Insurance, almost half of

holidaymakers (44 per cent) do not research whether vaccinations or

medicines were recommended before going abroad and nearly a third (31 per

cent) do not recall which diseases they have been vaccinated against or

when they last received vaccines (36 per cent).

The research revealed that more than half of those who travel abroad (56

per cent) were unable to correctly identify holiday destinations where

vaccines and preventative medicines (e.g. malaria tablets) are recommended.

Slovenia and Bulgaria were the countries that tourists were most likely to

be confused about with a staggering 94 per cent of holidaymakers unaware

that tetanus and hepatitis A vaccines are usually advised by the Department

of Health before visiting these popular destinations.

Russia also proved particularly confusing with 91 per cent of people

believing that they did not need vaccines and 32 per cent of respondents

came unstuck on long haul favourite Thailand and were unaware that vaccines

are recommended before visiting.

As well as confusion about where they would need vaccinations, UK

holidaymakers are also unsure about which vaccines they can get for free;

71 per cent of people are not aware that typhoid, hepatitis A, meningitis

C, tetanus, diphtheria and polio are all usually available free on the NHS.

Top ten holiday destinations that UK holidaymakers did not know require

vaccines:

| Vaccines | | | | |

| usually | | | | |

| recommende | | | | |

| d for each | | | | |

| destinatio | | | | |

| n | | | | |

——————+————-+———–+———+————+———+———

Destination | Hepatitis | Hepatiti | Typhoi | Diphtheri | Yellow | Tetanu

(% of people | A | s B | d | a | fever | s

unaware they | | | | | |

would need | | | | | |

vaccines) | | | | | |

——————+————-+———–+———+————+———+———

Bulgaria (94%) | | | | | |

——————+————-+———–+———+————+———+———

Slovenia | | | | | |

(94%) | | | | | |

——————+————-+———–+———+————+———+———

Russia | | | | | |

(91%) | | | | | |

——————+————-+———–+———+————+———+———

Turkey (83 | | | | | |

%) | | | | | |

——————+————-+———–+———+————+———+———

Saudi | | | | | |

Arabia (62%) | | | | | |

——————+————-+———–+———+————+———+———

Argentina | | | | | |

(62%) | | | | | |

——————+————-+———–+———+————+———+———

Jamaica | | | | | |

(57%) | | | | | |

——————+————-+———–+———+————+———+———

China (55%) | | | | | |

——————+————-+———–+———+————+———+———

Morocco | | | | | |

(53%) | | | | | |

——————+————-+———–+———+————+———+———

Cuba (52 %) | | | | | |

*The Department of Health advises that vaccines are usually

recommended for each of the above destinations, source

www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk

Rachel Croft, Head of Post Office Travel Insurance said: “It is worrying to

see that so many of us are careless when it comes to checking whether

vaccines or preventative medicines such as malaria tablets are recommended

before visiting a destination. Not only are holidaymakers potentially

risking their health, but they also risk invalidating their insurance

policy should they become ill and need to seek medical treatment.

Rachel Croft continued: “In the unfortunate event that you become ill on

holiday, you don’t want to be worrying about crippling health costs,

particularly if travelling to long haul destinations where the EHIC is not

applicable. It is important that customers take the necessary care to

safeguard their health and avoid the potential financial implications – the

average cost of a medical claim last year was £800.”

Dr Peter Swinyard, Chairman of the Family Doctor Association, said: “When

going on holiday, being ill is the last thing you want to happen,

particularly if any illness could have been prevented. We recommend that

you speak to your GP or use a trusted source such as the NHS Fit for Travel

website before going on holiday so that you can help to cover yourself for

any eventuality. It’s easy for us to forget which vaccines we have had and

when, but you can find this out by speaking to your GP. Many of the

vaccines recommended before visiting certain countries are usually

available on the NHS, so make sure you do your research before you go.”

Visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk to find out which vaccines are recommended

for each country and to find out more health information before travelling

abroad. Post Office Travel Insurance offers a range of insurance products

for your needs, visit www.postoffice.co.uk, call 0800 294 6158 or pop into

your local branch for details.

European activity holidays specialist UTracks is about to launch its first-ever selection of winter breaks. Starting in December, the new itineraries give travellers a chance to experience the exhilaration of snowshoeing or ski touring amidst some of Europe¹s most dramatic winter landscapes.

Auvergne Winter Week 8 days A fine balance of activity and indulgence and an ideal trip for lovers of good food, mountain landscapes and the camaraderie of other travellersŠ Based in a converted convent, where your host will immerse you in French culture and old-fashioned hospitality, you will have the opportunity to experience the rugged mountains and authentic hamlets of the unspoiled Auvergne region. Whether you prefer to snowshoe or ski, each day the choice is yours. Warm lunches are provided as a picnic or in a local Inn, while in the evening you can explore the village, relax by the fire, take a sauna or visit the kitchen to witness the preparation of the local Œgrande cuisine¹. PRICE: from £530 per person DEPARTS: 27 December, 13 February, 20 February, 27 March

Mont Blanc Snowshoe Adventure 7 days With many winter enthusiasts rediscovering snowshoeing, use this modern lightweight footwear as an alternative way to explore the stunning scenery of the Alps. Your guide will take you through forest trails, skirting glaciers and ascending mountain slopes, to experience the highlights of the Mont Blanc region. Each night you will return to your comfortable gîte (mountain cottage), to relax by the fire and enjoy traditional alpine cuisine. Also available is a combination snowshoe/thermal spa experience in St Gervais, with five treatments over three sessions during the week. PRICE: from £470 per person DEPARTS: Every Sunday from 7 December to 19 April

Ski Touring In The Dolomites 7 days A new dimension of winter wonderland awaits you on this ski touring loop amongst the mighty peaks of the Dolomites. Cross Italy’s fabled old country in true alpine touring style and enjoy unsurpassed long descents down beautiful snow-laden valleys as you ski through soft virgin powder snow. There is as much fun to be had off the slopes, where you will have the chance to make the most of the sumptuous local cuisine, the charismatic Italian culture and the charming mix of small boutique hotels and rifugios (mountain refuges) in which you¹ll stay along the way. PRICE: £1,480 DEPARTS: 4 January, 18 January, 1 February, 15 February, 1 March, 15 March, 29 March

Haute Route Ski Tour 8 days Haute Route Ski Tour is one of the most dramatic skiing experiences in Europe. First travelled in January 1924 by Dr Payot, this challenging traverse between the Mt Blanc massif and the Valaisannes Alps remains a point of reference in the catalogue of famous alpine routes. Winding through the highest, most spectacular peaks of the Alps, it offers breathtaking winter scenery, most notably on the arrival in the picturesque Zermatt resort, at the foot of the north face of the Matterhorn, famed as one of the great north faces of the Alps. Although not a technically demanding tour, a good level of physical conditioning and a competent standard of ski touring are required.

PRICE: £1,520 DEPARTS: Weekly on Sundays from 14 March to 2 May 2010

Book your 2010 UTracks trip before 31 December 2009 and save 5%

Quoted prices are inclusive of accommodation, most meals, equipment rental, experienced mountain guides, luggage transfers between hotels (where applicable) and clear maps with images.

Flights from the UK are not included but can be booked on request.

For bookings and more information please go to www.UTracks.com or call 0845 241 7599

2009 News – Flights – Monarch launches onboard recycling in Manchester

Award winning airline Monarch is rolling out its onboard recycling programme to include flights from Manchester, meaning that all aluminium, plastic, glass and paper used during a flight will now be recycled on landing.

Monarch has pioneered the scheme since 2007, ahead of other UK carriers, as part of its MAP initiative (Monarch and the Planet), through which all aspects of the airline’s business are being evaluated as it strives to improve its environmental footprint. The launch of the onboard recycling scheme in Manchester on 01 December 2009 follows successful launches in Gatwick and Birmingham over the past few years, where feedback from passengers and crew has been positive.

The scheme will see all recyclable items, such as aluminium drinks cans, plastic wine and water bottles, glass wine and champagne bottles plus newspapers/magazines placed into a separate recycling bag by cabin crew during the flight. This will subsequently be passed over to cleaning staff at Manchester Airport on the flight’s arrival for recycling.

Commenting on the launch of the scheme, managing director of Monarch Airlines, Tim Jeans said, “Monarch has been operating a full onboard recycling programme on flights into Gatwick and Birmingham for a number of years and is delighted to be extending this to include services in Manchester.

“With 70% of the waste generated in the cabin being potentially recyclable, Monarch has been working with Manchester Airport on the initiative to ensure that the recyclable waste is removed from the aircraft on arrival and recycled appropriately. We are looking to extend the scheme to include all Monarch flights over the coming months and we urge our other UK and European airports to introduce the necessary recycling infrastructure to allow us to do so”.

Monarch is one of the UK’s largest leisure airlines, operating both charter and scheduled flights. The airline is the principal independent supplier of charter seats to tour operators large and small, flying to around 100 destinations across Europe, America, Africa and Asia from the UK’s principal and regional airports.

The scheduled service division of Monarch Airlines offers low cost services from Birmingham, London Luton, London Gatwick and Manchester Airports to destinations in Spain, Portugal, Gibraltar and Cyprus.

In addition to flights, Monarch also now offers a huge range of great value holidays, accommodation options, car hire and travel insurance.

For further information or to book Monarch flights, Monarch Holidays or Monarch Hotels, please visit www.monarch.co.uk.

Freewheel Holidays are delighted to announce the release of their 2010 brochure. With 12 additional pages of tours, taking you to 14 new locations, we are certain that we can offer the perfect leisure holiday. Cycling has not experienced such popularity and coverage for many years in the UK, and now many people are enjoying this leisurely pursuit whilst on holiday.

Our new locations include the west coast of Ireland, a picturesque trip through the lowlands of Holland, or an exciting tour between two capitals, Prague and Vienna. Not only this but there have been additions to our itineraries in France and Italy. There is also an increase in the number of our ‘boat and bike’ tours – predominantly in Holland and France. Explore glorious culture in towns and cities whilst also taking in stunning countryside in the day. In the evening relax in comfort on a converted Dutch barge with spacious living areas.

Don’t worry if you’re not a cyclist. We design our holidays to be fulfilling and enjoyable – we’re not asking you to enter the Tour de France! The large majority of our holidays are suitable for people with very little cycling experience and a moderate amount of fitness. However, for those who are still not sure, we have introduced our “terrain guide”. This simple 1,2,3 scale which is indicated on each tour page will allow you to easily identify the right holiday for you.

For your free copy of our brochure, contact us on 0845 372 0315, or download the brochure from our website, www.freewheelholidays.com