Farewell 2021, Hello 2022
What an extraordinary year 2021 has been. We began in another lockdown, but one set against a heroic vaccination roll out that offered hope for us all. By spring things looked better and, come July, restrictions were lifted, borders opened, and welcomed you all back to the joy of travel. And it is a joy - from the thrill of picking up a suitcase filled with anticipation at the energising new experiences ahead, to the awe and wonder of taking in new scenery, discovering historic locations, tasting new food and drinks, and experiencing local life.
Our new tour programmes capture that joy. Whether you opt to travel to the other side of the world, re-discover Europe or even stay right here in the UK, our holidays are more than just a welcome break from the daily routine; they are also filled with opportunities to connect with your destination’s history and culture and to actively participate, rather than simply observe.
Celebrating our Home City
We are lucky to be based in the beautiful, UNESCO World Heritage listed city of Bath and we have used that inside knowledge to create a series of fabulous weekend breaks that celebrate the city’s remarkable history and contemporary spirit. From guided walks and pampering spa treatments in the famous thermal waters, to personal shopping experiences and workshops with local designer-makers, these are city staycations for all seasons.
Celebrating Flora, Fauna, Birds and Beasts
We are delighted to bring you a range of unforgettable escorted holidays designed to connect you with the wonders of our natural world. Come and encounter Golden Eagles in the Austrian Tyrol; ancient Banyan trees and technicolour coral reefs in St Lucia; Wild Red Panda high in the Eastern Himalayas and majestic Siberian Crane in Rajasthan.
Celebrating the Return of Old Favourites
We have a long tradition of taking flower, garden and textile lovers to festivals across Europe and we are thrilled to be returning to our favourites in person once again. 2022 promises Keukenhof Gardens, International Horticultural Expo Floriade, Fleuramour, Alsace’s European Patchwork Meeting and Houston’s International Quilt Festival.
Celebrating the India Quilt Festival
India’s only international quilt festival is a celebration of the country’s rich textile tradition. Organised by the Quilt India Foundation, the 2023 edition, will be held in the historic city of Chennai, on eastern India’s Bay of Bengal. Our programme begins at the festival and then takes you on to fascinating destinations such Kanchipuram, famous for its silk saris, the French-Indian city of Pondicherry and the tie and dye textile producing village of Kaithari Nagar, near Madurai. And for those with more time, we are also offering two tour extensions; one to the tranquil and magical backwaters of Kerala on the Malabar coast, and the other to the compelling state of Karnataka with its glittering palaces, national parks and ancient ruins.
Of course, as I write, the world is facing the new threat of Omicron and the future looks uncertain once again. On a practical note, I can reassure you that, as a small and highly experienced tour operator, we can act swiftly to create holidays and short breaks that are both safe and enjoyable. We are on hand to answer your enquiries personally before you travel and, once you are away, our experienced Tour Managers are there to look after you. And, it goes without saying that, where refunds are due, we will continue to arrange these promptly.
More personally, over these difficult months, I have found my spirits lifted by these words from Mother Teresa:
Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is beauty, admire it. Life is a dream, realize it.
All of us at ECT Travel wish you and your loved ones a very happy, healthy Christmas and we look forward to creating opportunities, celebrating beauty and helping you to realise your dreams in the new year to come.
