Make this Christmas one to remember, with Explore

From escaping the routine festivities, to seeking company with new, like-minded friends, or simply a desire to try something new, there are plenty of reasons why people choose to head overseas for Christmas. With availability on departures exploring Jerusalem and the Church of Nativity, walking in the Atlas Mountains, spotting endangered tigers in India, laying on white beaches in Cuba, or cycling the back roads of Cambodia, adventure travel experts Explore offer plenty of opportunities to choose adventure over tradition this Christmas.

For those wishing to discover the real meaning of Christmas, Explore's Holy Land tour journeys through some of Israel's greatest cultural and religious sites. Roam through the narrow streets of the Old City of Jerusalem and visit the Church of the Nativity and the Wailing Wall. Then enjoy a dip in the Dead Sea, the local Bedouin hospitality, and take a cable car to the impressive sky fortress of Masada. Departing 22 December 2013, this eight day tour starts from £1,451 per person including return flights; five nights' hotel and two night's kibbutz; two dinners; transport; and the service of a driver and tour leader.

For families, Atlas Adventure provides the ideal adventure break in the Atlas Mountains with gentle walks, local Berber hospitality and majestic views of the dramatic landscape. Relax on the coast at the ancient fishing port of Essaouira and visit the vibrant and beautiful city of Marrakech. Departing 21 December 2013, this nine day holidays starts from £696 per adult and £646 per child, including return flights; seven nights hotel and one night riad all with breakfast; transport; and the service of a tour leader and drivers. Minimum age five years.

Or for a true winter escape, Explores Transylvanian Backwaters journeys through the beautiful country of Romania, uncovering dramatic mountains, medieval towns and fairy-tale castles. Travel deep into the legendary home of Dracula and visit the Saxon fortifications in Brasov. Departing 23 December 2013, this short, five day tour starts from £656 per person including return flights; one night hotel and three night's guest house with breakfast; two dinners; transport; and the service of a tour leader and driver.

Travel a little further for an eight-day winter Russian adventure. Moscow and St Petersburg visits the Kremlin, the 16th century St Basil's Cathedral and Lenin's embalmed body in its Red Square mausoleum. Later discover the contrasting architecture of St Petersburg, whose vast and flamboyant palaces were once home to the Tsars. Departing 21 December 2013, this eight day tour starts from £1,288 per person including return flights; six nights hotel with breakfast and one overnight train; transport; and the service of a tour leader, drivers and local guides.

Wildlife lovers can try the six day Tiger, Tiger, offering the chance to observe the endangered Bengal tiger in the wild. Spend three days in Ranthambore National Park, home not only to this rare creature but also to leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles and many species of bird. Also discover the architectural and cultural delights of New and Old Delhi. Departing 22 December 2013, this six day adventure starts from £1,479 per person including return flights; five nights hotel with breakfast; five other meals; transport; and the service of a tour leader, drivers and naturalist.

For a more relaxing break, Backroads & Beaches Of Cuba offers an exciting introduction to Cuba, exploring the captivating capital of Havana and wandering through the twisting alleyways of the colonial town of Trinidad. Along the way discover the dramatic limestone 'mogotes' landscape of Vinales, visit Che Guevara's mausoleum at Santa Clara and travel to the historic Bay of Pigs. Departing 22 December 2013, this eight day holiday starts from £1,530 per person including return flights; seven night's hotel with breakfast; transport; and the service of a tour leader, drivers and local guides.

Or if culture is top of the wish list, Old Siam & The River Kwai tours Thailand's ancient sights and cruise along bustling waterways. See the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai and explore ruined temples at the former royal capital of Ayutthaya. Cruise the Chao Phraya River in a converted rice barge, travel deep into the jungle, visit a Mon village and stay on a jungle raft house on the Kwai Noi River. Departing 20 December 2013, this 11 day tour starts from £1,934 per person including return flights; seven nights hotel, and two nights raft house all with breakfast, and one overnight train; six other meals; transport; and the service of a tour leader, driver, local guides and boat crew.

For keen walkers, Hilltribes of the North is an exciting trek visiting remote tribal villages in the mountainous back country of northern Vietnam. Stay in traditional village houses as you trek through the beautiful rice paddies of Sapa and Ban Lac, experiencing the culture, customs and cuisine of the friendly hilltribes; and enjoy an overnight junk cruise around the towering limestone islands of Halong Bay. Departing 19 December 2013, this 12 day adventure starts from £1,797 per person including return flights; 11 night's accommodation including hotel, boat, overnight train and village house; 16 meals; transport; and the service of a tour leader, drivers, local guides and boat crew.

Or, for enthusiastic cyclists Cambodia by Bike follows the tropical coastline before heading inland through rural back roads and deep into the interior. Along the way, visit the vibrant capital Phnom Penh, national parks, brilliant beaches and the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake. End the journey deep in the jungle of Angkor exploring temples of the once mighty Khmer empire. Departing 14 December 2013, this 13-day cycling holiday starts from £2,348 per person including return flights; 12 nights hotel with breakfast; one lunch; transport and bike hire; and the service of a tour leader/cycle guide, drivers, local guides, and boat crew.

For further information, or to book any of these tours, visit www.explore.co.uk or call 0844 499 0901.

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For further information please contact: Emily Davies emily.davies@explore.co.uk