27 November 2017, 09:45

What’s Hot & New for 2018

With over 65 years’ experience in creating exciting travel itineraries for our customers, Saga’s expert holiday creators take a look at the year ahead in travel.  Here are their ‘HOT’ predictions for 2018!

Albania –Land of the Eagle

The Mediterranean’s best kept secret, Albania offers an array of unique attractions and an abundance of natural beauty. The country features notable diversity with the landscape ranging from the Albanian Alps in the north, Korab Mountains in the east, Ceraunian Mountains in the south and Skanderbeg Mountains in the centre. Saga’s new 11-night itinerary ‘Land of the Eagle’ will allow travellers to really get under the skin of this unique and fascinating country and truly allow them the freedom to adventure. With a number of activities and memorable experiences built into the programme this really is a must see destination to add to your 2018 travel calendar.

Richard Newsome, Head of Product and Purchasing said: “Albania is the Med's 'best kept secret', with some surprisingly high quality hotels at great prices set on a coastline that is the envy of the Croatians and Montenegro to the North. Throw a plethora of World Heritage sites and mountain scenery into the mix and you have the makings of a fantastic holiday”.

For details call free on 0800 092 0803 or visit https://travel.saga.co.uk/holidays/destinations/europe/land-of-the-eagle.aspx 11nights from £899 pp departing 23.04.2018

Price includes: 11-nights in hotels, 15 meals:  11 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 3 dinners, Optional travel insurance* , Return flights and transfers, Saga tour manager, Welcome drink reception, Porterage at all hotels

Trans-Siberian Railway

Experience a real sense of achievement as you embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey aboard the world’s longest railway which has captured the imagination of travellers since it was founded over a hundred years ago. Travellers will bond with new found friends on this small group tour, travelling aboard local trains for an authentic Trans-Siberian Railway experience interspersed with comfortable hotel stays.

The new and incredible itinerary will follow in the footsteps of conquerors and explorers and will see travellers adventure through eight time zones, spend the night in a Mongolian Ger and visit the breath-taking Great Wall of China to name just a few of the tours many highlights. Don’t just see the route, live it!

Julie Dent, Quality Executive said: “Having recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, and been brilliantly showcased in ITV’s recent 3-part series with Joanne Lumley, this is an ideal time to take a trip on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Spanning 8 time zones from Moscow to Beijing via mystical Mongolia, spending 6 nights on board local trains and traversing the heartland of Siberia, our new Saga tour is not just a holiday but an epic journey which beautifully embodies our customers’ spirit of adventure “.

For details please call 0800 056 0464 https://travel.saga.co.uk/holidays/destinations/asia/trans-siberian-railway-adventure.aspx 18nights from £5999pp 

Price includes: 12-nights in hotels and 6-nights aboard trains, 31 meals:  14 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 11 dinners, Optional travel insurance* and additional cancellation rights on overseas holidays for over 50s, or a price reduction if not required (cover is subject to medical questions), Return flights and transfers, Saga tour manager and Porterage at all hotel.

Greek Island Adventure

Explore the beautiful Greek Islands of Skiathos, Alonissos and Skopelos, the largest of the ‘Sporades’ islands on this 14 night island hopping tour. The Sporades are perfect for hiking and trekking in beautiful woodland scenery and home to a plethora of plants, animals and birdlife. The tour includes a stay on the unspoilt island of Skopelos made world famous in the 2006 film ‘Mamma Mia’, and opportunities to sample the delicious cuisine of a truly wonderful trio of islands.

Richard Newsome, Head of Product and Purchasing said: “The Greek Islands are becoming increasingly popular so 2018 is an ideal time to avoid the crowds and explore the more off the beaten track islands such as Skopelos and Alonissos. The Sporades are beautiful - Skiathos is renowned for its delightful old town but it has also retained its natural charm and you tend not to encounter many other walkers up in the wooded interior. The smaller islands of the Northern Sporades Marine Reserve are great for exploring by boat and provide great diving and snorkelling opportunities".

 For details call free on 0800 092 0803 - 14nights from £1299 pp departing 06.05.2018

Price includes: 14-nights in hotels, 30 meals:  14 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 14 dinners, Optional travel insurance* additional cancellation rights on overseas holidays for over 50s, or a price reduction if not required (cover is subject to medical questions), Return flights and transfers, Saga tour manager, Welcome drink reception, Porterage at all hotels

Contrasts of Central America

Saga’s new three-country tour of Central America will reveal its varied culture, wildlife and natural beauty. Experience the booming metropolis of Panama City on the shores of the Panama Canal, be captivated by the timeless majesty of Nicaragua’s grand colonial cities of Granada and León, and be moved by the the slumbering volcanoes, lagoons and wildlife-packed rainforests of Costa Rica, including Arenal volcano and Tortuguero National Park.

Kathy Vigolo, Senior Purchasing Executive said: “Costa Rica has always been a winner destination for Saga but we have noticed a particularly increased interest. As a business we listen to our customers and have created this new and unique tour, offering our customers an even wider view and knowledge of this stunning part of the world - from the impressive Panama Canal, to the volcanic landscapes of Nicaragua to the captivating flora and fauna of Costa Rica.”

For details call free on 0800 056 0464 or https://travel.saga.co.uk/holidays/destinations/north-america/contrasts-of-central-america.aspx 18-nights from £3499pp departing 19.09.2018

Price includes: 16 nights in hotels and 2 in flight, 48 meals: 16 breakfasts, 16 lunches and 16 dinners, Free bar open up to 12 hours on 7 nights plus limited drinks on 9 nights, VIP door-to-door travel service, Optional travel insurance*cancellation rights on overseas holidays for over 50s, or a price reduction if not required (cover is subject to medical questions), Return flights and transfers, Saga tour manager, Welcome drink reception, Porterage at all hotels, Tourist visa

ENDS

Editors notes:

Saga has created four new ‘Time to’ holiday styles: Go for it, Stay & Explore, Discover and Unwind. Each style helps guests decide on a holiday that feels right for them.

* Travel Insurance provided by Cigna Insurance Services (Europe) Limited and additional cancellation rights on overseas holidays for over 50s, or a price reduction if not required (cover is subject to medical questions)

Saga is a specialist in the provision of products and services for life after 50. The Saga brand is one of the most recognised and trusted brands in the UK and is known for its high level of customer service and its high quality, award-winning products and services including cruises and holidays, insurance, personal finance and publishing. Visit saga.co.uk

Contact

alex.brazier@saga.co.uk

Alex Brazier