Self drive Itinerary

Day 1 - Canada vacation begins - arrive in Banff Arrive at the Calgary airport, and pick up your car. Watch as the rolling hills of cowboy country turn into soaring peaks. Check into your Banff hotel, and join in the fun of
this lively mountain village.

Day 2 - Banff Guided Heli- Hike Take a thrilling helicopter ride this morning, as you and a hiking guide soar the alpine meadows of the Canadian Rockies for a guided walk. Here wildflowers are in bloom everywhere, with the backdrop of vast mountain ranges. Along these quiet trails, away from the crowds you have an excellent chance of seeing wildlife, so keep your eyes on the tree line! Overnight in Banff.

Day 3 - Enjoy Banff Today is yours to discover Banff at your own pace. Rent a canoe from ‘Blue Canoe’ and paddle up the blue-green bow river, or discover all the intriguing historic sites, such as the Cave and Basin. Overnight in Banff.

Day 4 - Banff to Lake Louise Drive to Lake Louise this morning, to meet your rafting guides for the day. Drive to the mountain town of Golden and experience the fury of the Kicking Horse River. This is one of most exciting and scenic rafting adventures in the area. Afterwards, return to Lake Louse and relax in your charming chalet.

Day 5 - More Canada tours - Lake Louise Guided Hike Lake Louise is a hiker’s Mecca, and depending on the day of the week, a guide will take you and a small group on a fascinating interpretive hike in one of a few incredible locations. Some of the options include the Plain of Six Glaciers at Lake Louise, or the Stanley Glacier Lookout trail. Overnight in Lake Louise.

Day 6 - Lake Louise to Sun Peaks Wake up early today, to take advantage of the vast number of lookouts and historic sites on the way to Sun Peaks. By the time you reach Sun Peaks, you will notice a dramatic difference in the terrain. Enjoy the hot sun and sparkling river of this arid landscape.

Day 7 - Sun Peaks to Whistler Another beautiful drive is in store this morning. Take a little extra time to drive through Heffley, a charming hamlet once made prosperous by mining. Wandering rivers make their way through sandy pine forests, until you see the cedar wilderness surrounding Whistler. Overnight in Whistler.

Day 8 - Enjoy Whistler Whistler has so much going on, from world class restaurants, nightlife, opportunities for pampering, and most of all spectacular scenery. Enjoy a thrilling zip trek tour through a series of canyons with a guide, on a most unique eco-tour. Later in the day, you may like to head up the peak to peak Gondola, for a ride up to the alpine.
Overnight in Whistler.

Day 9 - Whistler to Tofino Wind your way down the beautiful Sea to Sky Highway, before embarking on a delightful ferry journey to Vancouver Island. Keep your eyes open for whales, along the way. Rainforests, valleys, lakes, and mountain peaks are all highlights of your drive to Tofino - you might even want to stop for a swim along the way! Arrive in the charming fishing village of Tofino and check into the Long Beach Lodge. For those wanting a truly secluded lodge experience, as your Fresh Tracks specialist to book you into the Eagle Nook Resort, accessible by the Lodge’s water taxi.

Day 10 and 11 - Tofino Kayaking and Whale Watching Spend two days on guided excursions, taking you into the
heart of magical Clayoquot sound. A kayak tour and hike lets you explore blue-green bays alive with marine life. Don’t be surprised if you feel watched, seals love to follow kayakers on their journey. Then join the team from Jamie’s Whaling Station, and feel awed by massive Humpback whales and majestic Orcas. Overnight in Tofino.

Day 12 - Free Day in Tofino Spend the day at your leisure, relaxing after all your adventure. Walk the rainforest trails through Pacific Rim National Park, through massive cedars and ferns. Suddenly find yourself in a sheltered sandy cove, full of weird and wonderful sea life in rock pools. Spend your day lounging on the beach, admiring the windswept trees and blue waters or browse some of the amazing First Nations works of art in the village.

Day 13 - Tofino to Vancouver With salt air still clinging to your clothes, say goodbye to Tofino and take the ferry back to the mainland. Check into a Vancouver hotel for one last night of your vacation. Make sure to go out and celebrate - Vancouver is renowned for its world class cuisine.

Day 14 - Last day of your Canada vacation Pack your bags and drop off your car at Vancouver’s
airport, and board your flight full of memories and wonder.

Tips and Ideas for planning your Self or fly drive holidays

Taking a fly drive holiday is a fabulous way to see a country or a range of destinations all in one trip.  Fly drives give you the freedom of the road to explore at your own pace - simply fly into your destination airport, pick up your hire car and you're away. This is the one type of holiday where you can plan your own itinerary .Lastbeds can assist you in planning your independent self or fly drive holidays. Fly or self drive driving holiday is where you pay for a flight, hire a car and the rest is up to you. You can either follow a pre -planned itinerary or see where the road takes you - the choice is yours. Classic destinations are North America, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand and Europe. Some of the destination can be more challenging especially where there are language and cultural differences.

Following are a few pointers to help you to get started

A..How for to travel. and plan your route

If you are new to travelling fly drive a very good place to start planing is by looking at routes in travel brochures once you land at the airport and pick up your car, you're on your own. Don’t; be too optimistic about how many kilometer you will travel in a day. Give yourself enough time to stop and pause if you come across a view or attraction that may interest you. For great deals on Flights click here

B. Car Hire

As You'll be spending quite a bit of time in the car so opt for something all your party will be comfortable in, accommodating your entire luggage and allows you to enjoy your trip.  Upgrade to something bigger than you usually would hire if you can.  For great deals on Care hire click here

C. Overnight stay – Accommodation

whether you're planning on staying somewhere for a few days or moving on to somewhere new each night, book ahead so you're not driving around looking for somewhere to stay.  Click here for more information

D. Language/Culture

Fly drive holiday in some countries will be more challenging than others. Before you leave home  take some time to research any driving laws, cultural differences and if you're in a non-English speaking country try to pick up a couple of local phrases to help you on your way.

E.. Identification

Don't forget to have your driving license with you – International if required

F.  Travelinsurance.

Travel Insurance  is a must for your own comfort  and well being. click here

G.. Enjoy driving

if you don't like driving, this isn't the holiday for you. Decide which member of the party is going to be doing the driving and if going on a long-stretch of the journey, take plenty of breaks.

SELF DRIVE INTENARY ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND

1ST DAY
LONDON - STONEHENGE - SALISBURY - BATH - BRISTOL
This morning view Stonehenge, site of the mysterious ancient monoliths. See Salisbury Cathedral, featuring Britain’s tallest spire. In the city of Bath - famous for hot springs first discovered by the Romans over 2,000 years ago - with time to maybe visit the Roman Baths. Marvel at elegant Georgian architecture in the city’s squares where two of Jane Austen’s novels were set. Arrive later at your hotel in Bristol.

2ND DAY
BRISTOL - CHESTER - LAKE DISTRICT
Cross the River Severn to Wales and follow the Wye Valley. View the ruins of Tintern Abbey, a Cistercian abbey which has inspired both painters and poets. Continue north to Chester to view the Roman Walls, the cathedral and the black and white timbered buildings, known as the ‘Rows’. Your day ends in the beautiful Lake District, an area famous for lakes and mountains featuring breathtaking scenery!
3RD DAY
LAKE DISTRICT - GLASOW
Visit the village of Grasmere where the poet, William Wordsworth, lived and wrote his most acclaimed poem, 'The Daffodils'. Enjoy spectacular views of Lake Windermere as you head north to the Scottish border and stop at Gretna Green, where eloping couples married against their parents' wishes. Cross the Southern Uplands to Glasgow, one of Europe’s liveliest cities.
4TH DAY
GLASGOW - SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
Drive north through incredible scenery into the Scottish Highlands and follow the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. Pass Inverary Castle, home to the Dukes of Argyll and a remarkable example of unique architecture incorporating Baroque, Palladian and Gothic styles. Continue via pretty Oban - famous for its distillery - and Fort William, which lies in the shadow of the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, whose summit stands at 4,409 feet above sea-level. Dine tonight at your Highland hotel in Aviemore, a well-known Scottish ski resort in the Cairngorms National Park, which is also renowned as a centre for hill walking.
5TH DAY
SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS - ST. ANDREWS - EDINBURGH (FALKIRK) recommend 2 nights
Drive through Pitlochry, famous for salmon fishing, where a 'fish ladder' on the dammed river helps the salmon swim upstream to spawn. In St. Andrews, where Prince William went to university, stop to take a picture of the 18th hole at the home of golf, where the game has been played for over 600 years! Arrive later at the capital, Edinburgh, whose long rich history dates back to the Bronze Age.
6TH DAY
EDINBURGH
Explore  the city’s sights, including the Royal Mile, Princes Street and the famous castle, where the Edinburgh Tattoo takes place annually. Spend time exploring and don’t forget to shop for souvenirs
7TH DAY
EDINBURGH - YORK - LEEDS
From Edinburgh, cross the Border country back into England and drive through Northumberland National Park, and see part of Hadrian's Wall, which was built in of Emperor Hadrian’s visit in 122 AD. Continue south, crossing the River Tyne at Newcastle, and arrive in York, a city of extraordinary cultural and historical wealth. Your Travel Director takes you on a walk through the web of quaint, narrow streets known as the Shambles and shows you York Minster, one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the world. Finish the day in Leeds.
8 TH DAY
LEEDS - COVENTRY - STRATFORD-UPON-AVON - LONDON
In Coventry, view the old and new cathedrals, which stand side by side. The old cathedral was all but destroyed during the Blitz in 1940. Following a competition in 1950 for a suitable replacement, Sir Basil Spence’s controversial design was chosen and the new cathedral was consecrated in 1962.Dont forget to , visit Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare's birthplace, to see the sights and shop for souvenirs. Journey through pretty Cotswold countryside to back to London.

Key Points of interest during your journey
•    Stonehenge View the mysterious and ancient stone circle.
•    Salisbury See the cathedral.
•    Bath Visit the Georgian town.
•    Tintern View the Abbey ruins in the Wye Valley in Wales.
•    Chester View the timbered buildings known as the 'Rows'.
•    Lake District Visit Wordsworth's village, Grasmere.
•    Gretna Green Stop at the Border town famous for eloping couples.
•    Glasgow Enjoy an orientation tour.
•    Scottish Highlands See Loch Lomond, Oban and Fort William.
•    St. Andrews View the famous golf course.
•    Edinburgh visit  the Royal Mile, Princes Street and views of the castle.
•    Hadrian's Wall View some of the remains of this Roman wall.
•    York View York Minster and explore the Shambles.
•    Coventry View the cathedrals.
•    Stratford-upon-Avon Visit the town where Shakespeare was born.

Plan you own drive Holiday

Christchurch - Dunedin - Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown - Wanaka - Christchurch

Travel along rugged and scenic coastline, visit towns seeped in history and enter the world of chocolate making. Also take time to explore the Alpine region of Queenstown, meet some of New Zealand's wildlife while in Dunedin and marvel at the Magnificent Milford Sounds on this 10 Day Southland Sojourn Tour.

Day 1: Arrive Christchurch Overnight accommodation, Christchurch.
Option: Why not arrive a day or two earlier into Christchurch and enjoy this elegant, rather English-feeling city with a refined sense of fun. You could saunter through Hagley Park and admire the Botanic Gardens; take a tram ride around the city centre; or go punting on the Avon River. Travel up the Christchurch Gondola for massive views of Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains, Banks Peninsula and Lyttelton Harbour, or visit Akaroa.

Day 2: Christchurch to Dunedin Estimated Driving Time: 5 hrs Distance: 359 kms From Christchurch take Travel south via Timaru along the rugged and scenic coastal highway to historic Oamaru, home of the Little Blue Penguins. Be sure to check out the unique geological formations known as the Moeraki Boulders located 70km's north of Dunedin "the Edinburgh of the South". Dunedin is memorable for its historical architecture. An early arrival into Dunedin allows a visit to Cadbury World. Two nights accommodation, in Dunedin City.

Day 3: Dunedin Today you have a full day to explore Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula, famous for it's eco tourism
and wildlife and there are a variety of tours and cruises showing all the best of the Dunedin region. You could
visit the Royal Albatross Centre or go on a guided tour of the Yellow Eyed Penguin reserve. Take time to explore
Larnach Castle and learn about its scandalous history. You might also want to visit Baldwin Street, the world's
steepest residential address. End the day with a tour of the 125 year old Speights Brewery, finishing with a
tasting of their range of world class beers. Dunedin is memorable for its historical architecture.

Day 4: Dunedin to Te Anau - Estimated Driving Time: 3 hrs 55 mins Distance: 290 kms Visit historic Olveston House,then travel across the lush green farmlands of South Otago and Southland, at Balclutha cross the mighty CluthaRiver and on to Gore. From here you travel across river plains, and onto Te Anau located on the shores of beautiful Lake Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park.In the evening you could take an evening cruise across the lake to visit the incredible limestone caves that shimmer of glow worms. Two nights accommodation, inTe Anau.

Day 5: Day Trip to Milford Sound -Estimated Driving Time: 2hrs 50 mins Distance: 234 kmsYou have the morning to enjoy in Te Anau and and maybe take a drive down to view Lake Manapouri. This afternoon drive one of New Zealand's most senic routes in Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound,an amazing 22km-long fiord dominated by Mitre Peak. Tall waterfalls,vertical rock faces and seals are some of the things you'll remember.

Day 6: Te Anau to Queenstown-Estimated Driving Time: 2 hrs 15 mins Distance: 171 kms.The Milford Mariner docks at Milford Wharf at 9.30am and return to Te Anau. Trout fishing rivers and high country scenery are features of the drive to Queenstown. The small towns of Mossburn and Lumsden can be explored for unique shopping opportunities - a farm tour is another possibility. From Kingston, the rest of your journey clings scenically to the edge of Lake Wakatipu as you make your way to Queenstown. A late morning arrival will give you time to experience one of the many activities available in this region such as a jet boat ride on either the Kawarau or Shotover Rivers. Alternatively enjoy the shopping and cafes. This evening, for a night to rememberyou could take a ride up the Skyline Gondola to a view that will take your breath away before sitting down a sumptuous buffet dinner.Overnight, in Queenstown,

Day 7: Queenstown to Wanaka -Estimated Driving Time: 55 min Distance: 69 kms The shortest route to Wanaka is over
the Crown Range Road. It's a challenging drive, but the views are amazing and you'll probably encounter friendly
keas (mountain parrots). More conservative drivers can take the route that runs beside the Shotover River, Lake
Dunstan and the Clutha River. The vineyards of the Gibbston area and bungy jumpers at the Kawarau River Bridge are
interesting distractions along the way. This afternoon is at leisure in Wanaka. Two nights accommodation, in Wanaka

Day 8: Wanaka Today is at leisure in Wanaka to enjoy the many activities of this stunning lakeside township, maybe
a thrilling jet boat ride, scenic lake cruise and walk or relaxing walk along the lakefront. Visit Puzzling world
or one of the many attractions at Wanaka Airport. Alternatively you could take a day walk into the impressive Mt
Aspiring National Park, located on the southern shores of Lake Wanaka. The choice is yours.

Day 9: Wanaka to Christchurch - Estimated Driving Time: 5 hrs 50 mins Distance: 460 kms Cross the spectacular
Mackenzie Country bounded by the Southern Alps to the glacial lakes and Twizel. It's a place to spy on the rarest
wading bird in the world - the Black Stilt. At Lake Tekapo you could take a spectacular scenic flight by helicopter
or fixed wing plane over Aoraki Mt Cook National Park; a magical world of permanent ice and snow, with New
Zealand's highest mountains, and largest glaciers. The Church of the Good Shepherd and the sheepdog statue at Lake
Tekapo are great photo opportunities. From Tekapo take the scenic route through Fairlie and Geraldine, before
passing Mt Somers and Darfield and on to Christchurch. Overnight accommodation, in Christchurch

Day 10: Depart Christchurch

Total Driving Time About: 20 hrs 45 mins Distance: 1,583 kms

Self Drive Itinerary of Northern Spain

This self-drive tour combines visits to the gastronomic heart of Spain, San Sebastian. Travelling from the largest Basque town, Bilbao, via the chic resort of San Sebastian and Pamplona, you will finish with a stay in the centre of the winemaking capital with time to explore the various villages and wineries.

Day 1: Arrive Bilbao and stay for 2 nights

Day 2: Bilbao
Full day to explore the city or optional visit to the futuristic Guggenheim Museum which houses a collection of modern and contemporary arts from across the world.

Day 3: To San Sebastian
Morning at leisure. Afternoon drive to the coastal resort of San Sebastian and stay overnight

Day 4: To Pamplona
Morning at leisure to explore the old town or just to relax on the beach. Afternoon drive to the city that is renowned for its annual bull running. Stay 1 night

Day 5: To Haro
Morning at leisure. Afternoon drive to the town of Haro, situated in the heart of La Rioja wine country. Stay for 2 nights.

Day 6 La Rioja
Full day to explore the vineyards in the region the Marques de Riscal and Cellars Ysiois wineries.

Day 7:  Drive to Bilbao airport for your flight.