I met a man recently who is organising some fascinating tours to South Africa. Roger Diski lived there for many years, working as a a teacher. He moved to the UK, but found that more and more people were interested in visiting South Africa and, having taken numerous groups to visit the country, eventually found himself in the travel business. His company, Rainbow Tours, promotes responsible tourism, and one of his tours in particular would be of interest to anyone who has followed the South African story. The Cape Cultural tour includes the sights of Cape Town, as well as the townships and Robben Island and Fort Hare University where the ANC archive is housed. It finishes with a couple of days visiting Johannesburg, Soweto and Pretoria. Brochures are available from Rainbow Tours, Canon Collins House, 64 Essex Road, London N1 8LR or tel: (00 44 20) 7226 1004 or its website: www.rainbowtours.co.uk
Over the summer I finally tried the Eurostar to Paris, and I loved it. It was wonderful to get on a train in one capital city and three hours later emerge in another. The journey was so easy and comfortable. The tunnel part, that everyone is so curious about, was all of 20 minutes and it was exciting to emerge in a completely different landscape, at a faster and smoother speed. In France, the Eurostar moves on continuous track at 300 kilometres an hour, compared with only 160 milometres an hour in the UK. You can book to Brussels, Paris and Lille and other points in France with Britrail on (01) 662 0317. PS: it's smoking friendly.
Sports fans will be delighted to hear that British Midland has re-introduced its Saturday fare of £59. You can travel to London for the day and spend it at a match or doing some shopping. Speed tip for travellers, use the Heathrow Express for the most rapid journey into Paddington - 15 minutes. Children up to 15 travel free with an adult.
Villa and Golf Holidays is establishing itself as the expert in travel to Spain for golfers and villa owners. Spring next year will see packages available for the Sunset Beach Apartments from £459: that includes three rounds of golf and car hire. In the Pyr apartments you can get the same package from £449. Details from (01) 662 5866.
Irish Farmhouse B&Bs located countrywide offer an ideal opportunity for a relaxing, affordable holiday in one of 500 farmhouses. Details from 2 Michael Street, Limerick or tel: (061) 400 700.
If you are going to be in the Co Down area this weekend, pay a visit to the Northern Ireland Festival of Racing at Downroyal. This two-day National Hunt festival is the first of its kind held in Ulster.
Joan Scales can be contacted at jscales@irish-times.ie