Madagascar Discovery

I have kindly been invited by the Madagascar Tourist Board to visit their beautiful country and I leave this week!

Madagascar is a new area for me this year but since I have been with Worldwide Holidays, I have learnt so much about the country and the delights that are on offer.

My chance is here, to journey through the northern part of this amazing country, starting in Antananarivo, then venturing north to Diego Suarez before discovering the Isles of the Nosy Be archipelago. I look forward to coming face to face with the Lemurs and perhaps taking a dip in one of the glorious waterfalls en-route. (I must go and dig out those trunks!!)

I truly cannot wait to immerse myself in the culture and to meet the local people absorbing the sounds and smells and to feast on their wonderful cuisine. I will make sure to take lots of pictures and publish my trip here soon, so stay tuned!

If you are thinking of organising a trip to Madagascar next year, be sure to contact me on my return – I will be more than happy to share my stories with you in the hope of organising a truly memorable trip for you.

All the best

Moreno

New Jordan sample itineraries online

We are pleased to launch four new sample itineraries for Jordan - the ancient, cultural and exceptionally friendly country of the Middle East. Our selection of four itineraries includes two unique group tour ideas. Our group tour options gives clients the opportunity to explore the breath-taking landscape of Jordan with like minded people. Just choose a departure date that suits you.

Here are some quick summaries of our refreshed itineraries. If you have any questions on these samples, or any questions about Jordan please do not hesitate to get in contact with me – moreno@worldwideholidays.co.uk   – I look forward to hearing from you!

Highlights of Jordan – Some of the best highlights of Jordan in one fantastically diverse itinerary featuring Amman, Petra and the Dead Sea.

Jordan Discovery – Get the most out of Jordan, this 10 night sample itinerary takes you to Amman, Petra, Dead Sea and the enchanting desert of Wadi Rum.

The Desert Ruins and Reefs group tour – Offers clients a chance to dip in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea, access the hidden archaeological treasures of the Rose City, roam the ruined cities and visit the impressive church of St Stephen with its huge and beautifully preserved mosaic.

Totally Jordan group tour - Heading north, you will visit Jerash built over 2,000 years ago which is widely regarded as the best-preserved city of the Decapolis. Before visiting Petra, boarding 4x4s jeeps, we take a safari through the sand dunes, getting up close and personal to the surrounding scenery of Wadi Rum.

New carnivorous mammal species found in Madagascar

Earlier this week BBC News reported that a new carnivorous mammal species has been found in Madagascar. The recently discovered species has been called Durrell’s vontsira named after the conservationist and TV presenter Gerald Durrell. Gerald Durrell set up the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust which is a conservation organisation aiming to prevent species from extinction. The mammal pictured below was first spotted in 2004 by Durrell’s organisation where it was photographed. After some examination by experts the organisation felt this mammal could be a member of a new and undiscovered species. The team returned in 2005 where a live animal was caught and blood samples taken. In the last few weeks the animal has been officially recognised as a new species closely related to the brown-tailed mongoose.

Durrell’s vontsira – the new species found in Madagascar. (Image from the BBC)

This news reminds us of just how un-discovered Madagascar is. A truely unique destination and it is a great time to travel Madagascar with its rich flora and fauna of amazing variety and diversity that can be found nowhere else on earth. We would be more than happy to discuss itinerary options for anyone considering visiting this unspoilt Country. We have a number of sample itineraries for you to look through below but please do not hesitate to contact us if you need any more information.

Discover Madagascar for yourself

Sample holiday itineraries:

From West to East
North & Islands Tour
Madagascar Dream Cruise
Masoala Sample Tour
Southern Adventure Tour to Ifaty
East Coast & St Marie Voyage
Tsiribhina River Rafting

These ideas are just a taster of the luxury holiday experience we can put together. To create your unique, tailor-made itinerary please feel free to
contact us.

Moreno Intranova joins the Worldwide Holidays team

Worldwide Holidays is pleased to welcome Moreno Intranova who joins the team as Senior Travel Specialist for our Madagascar, Jordan and Sri Lanka Countries. Moreno has been in the luxury travel industry for 15 years and has been passionate about travelling from an early age.

His travels has taken him to many exciting destinations around the world, discovering new hotel openings, meeting a variety of different people and learning more about their cultures and way of life.

With a fondness of the Middle East, one of his favourite places is Jordan, where he travelled around the country taking him to the spectacular Rose City of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and to experience the warmth and hospitality of the Jordanian people. With a particular interest in Biblical sites, Jordan is steeped in history, such as visiting the Baptism Site of Jesus and Mount Nebo, where Moses was said to have once stood. The Dead Sea was quite an experience, floating effortlessly on the water reading a book!

Sri Lanka is a beautiful tropical island with something for everyone – palm-fringed golden beaches, tea plantations, lush rainforest, wildlife and ancient cities. There are some beautiful places to stay, the cuisine is very good and spicy and the Sri Lankan people are friendly and welcoming. Its compact size allows you to appreciate the diversified attractions in just a couple of weeks.

Madagascar is his newest destination where this complex country offers a wealth of experiences from Lemur spotting to geological amazing sites including the Tsing and being around friendly people and relaxing on beautiful beaches.

Searching for the Aye Aye

Sunday night showed the next installment of Stephen Fry’s ‘Last Chance to See’, where he goes around the World in search of the elusive and unusual members of our animal kingdom. This week was the turn of Madagascar – and where do you start! With over 60 different species of lemur, all endemic to Madagascar he was slightly spoilt for choice. However Stephen Fry concentrated on the Aye Aye Lemur and his search took him the length and breadth of the country with some stunning scenery and peculiar encounters!

Try to watch it soon on the BBC i-player. Alternatively go and see the wonderful lemurs for yourselves – Madagascar is a treasure trove for wildlife and the viewing is effortless! (Although Mr Fry may not totally agree!!)