Azerbaijan Explorer

Explore Azerbaijan, a little visited country on the fringes of both Europe and Asia. Learn about its history - from its ancient Zoroastrian past to the upheaval of the years after oil was discovered. Navigate a surprising array of cultures, communities and languages as you travel from the Caspian shores to the Caucasus mountains. Discover vestiges of communism in Russian-speaking communes, visit Sheki's Persian-style palaces and explore rugged castles across the Abseron peninsula. Mud volcanoes bubble all across the mineral-rich lands of Azerbaijan. Natural gas fuels its ancient fire temples and eternal fires. Indeed the country is reputed to have taken its name from "Azer" meaning "fire" in Azeri. Welcome to the "Land of Fire"!

Astronomy of Chile: The solar eclipse tour

Travel to Chile for this once-in-a-lifetime astronomy tour that culminates with the awe-inspiring solar eclipse. Lose yourself in the fascinating history and colonial architecture of Chile’s capital city, Santiago and explore the sweeping coastal vista of Viña del Mar before meandering through the sloping streets and past the jumbled houses of the country’s most colourful UNESCO World Heritage Site: Valparaíso. Fly north to study the mysteries of the cosmos with an astronomy tour from San Pedro de Atacama, before heading into the Atacama Desert to behold the otherworldly scenery found there. Be amazed with a visit to the rustic Elqui Valley, where the deep sky comes to life with the dazzling lights of distant stars, and visit the renowned Cerro Mamalluca Observatory. Venture south to Temuco in the picturesque Chilean lake district and find yourself surrounded by towering waterfalls, verdant forests and smouldering volcanoes. The climax of the tour is the breath-taking solar eclipse that will occur over the dramatic landscape of Chile's northern Patagonia region.

Essential Lebanon

A turbulent recent history means this beautiful and welcoming country sees few visitors. However a trip to Lebanon is a deeply rewarding experience. Its ancient history, friendly and forward-looking people and wealth of natural beauty, ensures that this small country packs a lot of punch. Come see for yourself. Take a boat through the cave complex at Jeita, journey back in time at the incredible Roman complex of Baalbek and explore Byblos, the birthplace of the alphabet and the ancient heart of world-shipping before indulging in Ksara’s finest wines.

Silk Road Through China

Travel the ancient pathways of China's Silk Road. Discover China's ancient imperial capital, Xian, the beginning of this beguiling ancient thoroughfare - with its ancient walls, temples and the magnificent Terracotta Army. Experience Tibetan life and culture at Labrang Monastery with its throngs of worshippers and colourful temples. Enjoy dramatic mountain views from Jiayunguan's Great Wall Fort, the final frontier of China's Great Wall. Discover the ancient Buddhist heritage of the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, before making your way to the desert trading post of Turpan - one of the hottest, yet most charming, places in China. Finally, immerse yourself in the boisterous bazaars and livestock markets of Kashgar.

Ukraine Explorer

Discover the hidden charm of Lviv as you wander through the winding alleyways of the UNESCO protected old town. Visit the grand Olesko Casltle, along with its ornate gardens, mystical moat and surrounding fortified walls. Marvel at the remarkable 19th Century architecture of Odessa before exploring the extraordinary cave networks of the Odessa Catacombs. Learn more about Ukraine's history on an fascinating tour of the Strategic Missile Force Museum. Explore the magnificent city of Kiev, amble through its botanical gardens and wonder at the striking Vydubychi Monastery. Scratch further beneath the surface of this country with an interesting visit to Yanukovych Museum of Corruption. Uncover the history of the Chernobyl disaster as you take a poignant tour of the desolate ghost town.