DOLCE FAR NIENTE - THE JOY OF DOING NOTHING

Original Travel is living by the words of Italians and offering tailor-made packages that focus solely on the sweetness of doing nothing

'Dolce Far Niente' is the Italian art of finding pleasure in doing very little, but living in the moment – and Original Travel is here for it. The tailor-made tour operator has highlighted its favourite holidays that slow the pace and embrace simple pleasures, from gazing out of a train window as the countryside unfurls, to watching waves endlessly lap your toes and stopping stock still on a wildlife adventure, awaiting an animal to show itself.

Tom Barber, Co-founder of Original Travel, says: 'The concept offers the chance to regroup and refocus, which we all need after the last couple of years, and which ties in perfectly with our own concept of 'Gratifications'; the trend for booking dream holidays as a guilt-free treat to oneself and to once again embrace the pleasures of travel. Everyone needs a moment to sit back, enjoy the serenity around them and basically do very little. Our top destinations to do just that include the wild nature of Nova Scotia and Fogo Island in Eastern Canada, the bucolic French countryside, the majestic Namib Desert in Namibia and, of course, Italy and specifically the Amalfi Coast.'

Off the Beaten Track in Naples, Sorrento & the Amalfi Coast

On this eight-day trip, discover the beautifully-lit and sweet-scented Mediterranean landscape with its beaches, dizzying, scenic roads, old churches, palaces, and terraces. In Naples, linger over dinner in the fishing village of Marechiaro (a Neapolitan district at the foot of the Pausilippe) and join the locals on their their 'passeggiata' or evening stroll by the water. Explore the city of Sorrento to your heart's content, strolling the streets and window shopping with gelato in hand.  Enjoy a yacht cruise along the Amalfi coast across the nature reserve of Ieranto Bay, the '3 Pizzi Bay' of Nerano and around the Galli Islands, before reaching Positano where you can go swimming and snorkelling and indulge in picnics on board.

Prices from £2,900 per person with Original Travel, based on two sharing and including return flights, transfers, 7 nights' B&B accommodation, some meals and activities.  Original Travel (020 3582 4990; www.originaltravel.co.uk) 

Wildlife & Beaches of East Malaysia

Enjoy a leisurely riverboat cruise along the peaceful Kinabatangan River, keeping your eyes peeled to spot proboscis monkeys, elephants, hornbills, gibbons and dozens of exotic bird species and head out on an early morning trip on Kelenanap Oxbow Lake, as the stillness gives way to the wildlife's morning rituals. The trip finishes in Tanjong Jara, a magnificent spa retreat and base from which to explore the gentle, slow-paced life of the palm-lined east coast and the waterfalls and rock pools of the surrounding jungle. End with a dinner beach experience; a single private table is laid out on the rocks right beside the sandy beach for a truly magical, romantic five-course dinner.

Prices from £2,610 per person with Original Travel, based on two sharing and including return flights, transfers, 11 nights' B&B accommodation, some meals and activities.  Original Travel (020 3582 4990; www.originaltravel.co.uk) 

Maritime Culture and Wild Nature: A Nova Scotia and Fogo Island Holiday

Explore the rugged and remote coastline of Eastern Canada on this 11-day Nova Scotia and Fogo Island holiday. Learn about Halifax's fascinating maritime history and hike the stark landscape of Peggy's cove with an expert guide before heading towards the next stop, Cape Breton Island. Nature lovers will be in their element exploring the excellent highland hiking trails - including the world-renowned Cabot Trail in the Cape Breton Highlands Park and the Skyline Loop trail. The last stop of Fogo Island is where you can really sink into a relaxed way of life. Off the north coast of Newfoundland (basically at the end of the world), it is one of those places that feels untouched by time. A remote island experience like no other, here's where you where you can whale watch, stargaze, walk, cycle, swim and just be.

Prices from £4,300 per person with Original Travel, based on two sharing and including return flights, transfers, 9 nights' B&B accommodation, some meals and activities. Original Travel (020 3582 4990; www.originaltravel.co.uk) 

Wildlife and Wilderness: A Northern Namibia Safari

On this ten-day trip to Northern Namibia, you will enjoy both morning and nocturnal game drives in Okonjima Reserve, nestled among the Omboroko Mountains. In the early hours, you might see leopards lazing in the sun, wildebeest wandering through the grass and giraffes peering out from the treetops and at night, out come the bat-eared foxes, aardwolves to leopards, hyenas and owls. In the Ongava Game Reserve, expert guides will take you on walking safaris to immerse you in the extraordinary landscapes and at the neighbouring Etosha National Park, there's the opportunity to track rhino on foot or station yourself at a peaceful photographic hide to try your hand at capturing the beauty of the park's wildlife. Finish your trip at a wonderful wilderness lodge in the shadows of the volcanic Erongo Mountains. Experience the raw beauty of the Erongo Bushveld as you embark on a nature walk with an experienced guide through the mountains.

Prices from £3,440 per person with Original Travel, based on two sharing and including return flights, transfers, 8 nights' B&B accommodation, some meals and activities. Original Travel (020 3582 4990; www.originaltravel.co.uk) 

Historic Cities & Charming Villages in France: A Cultural Train Trip to the French Riviera

Take a slow meander through the French countryside down to the riviera by way of a little-used network of local trains, overnighting in Vichy, Nimes and Avignon before reaching the riviera. The spa-town of Vichy is cradled in the bend of the Allier River and is famous for the thermal waters that bubble up from the town's hot springs. Explore the streets, enjoying the town's art-deco buildings before travelling onward to Nimes. Known as the 'Rome of France' by many, the city has incredible examples of Roman architecture, including a stunning amphitheatre. Enjoy the foodie city of Avignon, meeting local artisans, tasting regional products and learning about culinary traditions, before heading to your final destination of the French Riviera. Enjoy people-watching in Marseille,  hop on a private boat to explore hidden coves along the rugged coastline and venture into the chic, rustic villages of Le Dramont and Mougins.

Prices from £3,400 per person, based on two sharing and including return travel on Eurostar, all train travel in France and 11 nights' B&B accommodation. Original Travel (020 3582 4990; www.originaltravel.co.uk) 

-Ends-

For more information contact:  

press@originaltravel.co.uk 

020 3582 4990 

     _________________________________________________________________________

Notes to Editors:

Original Travel curates tailor-made itineraries, crafted by destination experts, to 77 countries worldwide from Anguilla to Zimbabwe. Since its launch in 2003, it has created 50,000 itineraries, each unique and adhering to the company ethos that “Life is in the Detail”.

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Original Travel launched a flexibility pledge that allows clients to change their dates or destination up to 30 days prior to departure. For new bookings made before 30th April 2022 and for departures until 31st December 2022, while you still need to pay a 20% deposit at the time of booking, your final balance is now not due until 30 days before travel (this is usually 60 days). We will also offer you the full flexibility to change the trip up to 30 days prior to departure. You can, for any reason, change your destination to any other, and to any date up until the end of 2022, and there will be no charge. For all bookings where we cannot fulfil the trip due to changes in travel restrictions, we will postpone your trip - again at no charge - to any departure date until the end of 2022, or offer credit against any future departure, or refund all monies paid.

Original Travel is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Campbell Irvine Ltd, who are authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority and who offer a brand new travel insurance policy that includes cover for cancellation or curtailment of a trip due to contracting coronavirus, or through being quarantined or refused permission to travel due to infection or suspected infection. This insurance policy is only valid for travel to countries where there is no FCDO advice against all but essential travel. Full details can be found on a new section on Original Travel's website, entitled 'Coronavirus Confidence'.

Original Travel also has its own specialist dive division. Original Diving is the world's only luxury dive travel outfit.

Three of our consultants were recognised in Conde Nast Traveler's 2022 Travel Specialists list, including Co-founder Tom Barber as family specialist, Jacqui Brooks as Indonesia specialist and Oliver Rodwell as Mexico specialist, giving an excellent snapshot of our expertise.

Original Travel clients enjoy a wealth of additional services they would not find with any other UK tour operator, including:

• Access to a network of 70-plus Concierges who live locally, know their destinations inside and out and are extremely well-connected. They lend fantastic ground support, offering insider recommendations, facilitating any last-minute changes and troubleshooting.
• A brace of additional services designed to make departure easier than ever. Every Original Travel client, regardless of whether they're off on a long weekend to Seville, or a multi-destination sabbatical, will enjoy UK airport meet and greet, fast track UK check-in, fast track UK security*, lounge access and pre-booked flight seats. There are also upgrade options to include: a luggage transfer service from your home to the airport; fast track check-in and security and lounge access on your flight home; fast track through immigration on your return to the UK.
• The knowledge that not only will Original Travel absorb the carbon footprint of their international flights, but also - in an industry-first - car-hire and transfers, and other flights (even if booked independently).
• The knowledge that they are contributing to Our Foundation, which supports nearly 100 humanitarian projects in 30 developing countries. To date, nearly £1.5 million has been invested to support five key areas: child protection, vocational training, economic development assistance, preservation of cultural and natural heritage and safeguarding the lifestyles of indigenous peoples.