14 - 28 May 2011

This tour shows you the real heart of Armenia and Georgia through a series of interactions with local historians, village and home visits. Travel from ancient Armenia, the world's first Christian country, to spectacular Georgia, whose long and complicated history has given it a colourful cocktail of influences from Turkey, Russia, Persia, Central Asia and beyond, with a legacy of spectacular art and architecture. This tour will give you insight into the ancient and often turbulent histories of both countries, and their new vibrant contemporary societies, while enjoying the delicious array of local foods and wine and the magnificent landscapes.

10 - 25 June 2011

The greatest trade route to ever link East and West has been a ceaseless flow of life and trade for many centuries. The Silk Road carried goods and ideas between Xi’an and Rome across savage terrain while empires rose and fell around it. The shimmering material that gave the road its name was highly coveted in Rome over 2000 years ago; but the Silk Road could just as easily have been named the Jade Road, or the Rhubarb Road, another unexpectedly prized commodity from China. Other precious cargoes included gold,incense, ivory, musk, spices and fur, but the most important of them all came without a price – ideas, technologies and religion.

15 September - 2 October 2011

Follow the ancient Trail of the Tea Horse from the little travelled province of Yunnan in China, an area of incredible cultural diversity and magnificent wild landscapes. Here you will find a China completely different to the one represented by Chinatowns all over the world. Continue into Tibet, perhaps the most spiritually and physically uplifting land in the world, situated high in the tallest mountains on earth. Dramatic landscapes,a culture where the devotional dominates the everyday and awe-inspiring devotional architecture make a deep and lasting impression on the visitor to Tibet.

18 September – 1 October 2011

Explore the ancient heart of Central Asia’s evocative Silk Road on this tour to Uzbekistan and intriguing Turkmenistan. The stunning architecture of Uzbekistan's ancient cities links the empires of China and Persia and Turkmenistan’s desert splendours have silently observed the passing of some of history’s most dominant empires. A diversion to enigmatic Tajikistan draws you to the abandoned ruins of an ancient city, untouched since its desertion over a millennia ago by a civilisation lost to history. Talks and visits give insight into aspects of contemporary society as well as focusing on some lesser known aspects of the region’s history.

7 - 21 October 2011

Aside from a wealth of dramatic historical sites and sweeping desert panoramas there are many fascinating smaller visits, including the traditional soap factory and hammam (bath house) in Aleppo and the winding streets and hidden courtyards of Damascus. Experience the stillness and complete absence of modernity as you walk along the colonnade at Apamea, through the Dead Cities and at St Simeon’s Monastery. See Palmyra at sunrise and the Sea of Galilee from Umm Qais and hear the Lord´s Prayer recited in the language of Christ in Maaloula. The talks of Lavinia Byrne and local speakers bring the past to life and reveal aspects of contemporary Syria and Jordan.

29 October - 12 November 2011

Now in its thirteenth year Mickey Walker Golf Tours visits North India. Beginning in the nation’s capital Delhi we venture west to Rajasthan, home to dozens of royal principalities each with their own character and history. Sumptuous palaces and breathtaking monuments abound including the magnificent Taj Mahal, Jaipur Palace and Mehrangarh Fort to name but three. We also play on some challenging courses with memorable settings, sample excellent cuisine and even watch an elephant polo match!

12 - 27 November 2011

The grand vistas of Fish River Canyon, 100 miles long, 1,800ft deep and second only to the Grand Canyon. The diamond ghost town of Kolmansop, where grand houses loom out of the surrounding desert. The spectacular sunrise and opportunity to see the 1,000ft giant dunes of the Namib desert glow a bright red in the early morning light. Cruising across Walvis Bay while sipping South African Champagne and eating oysters with an abundance of bird and sea life all around. Game drives in the Etosha National Park.

12 - 26 November 2011

Still relatively unspoiled, Vietnam holds many pleasant surprises for first-time visitors. The country possesses a unique historical legacy which is still in evidence today. Coupled with this are some excellent courses in spectacular locations.