Educational Holidays

Learn to pair wines in the Loire Valley
There’s no better place to discover exactly what to drink with a steak or chicken than the Loire Valley, known for its array of exceptional wines. On Insight Vacations’ nine-day tour, you can take part in a wine tutorial or simply sip and sample to your heart’s content. And that’s not all – you’ll also see historical WWII sites. To book, visit www.insightvacations.com.au

Teach English in France
Fully immerse yourself in the French culture and language by staying with a local family and teaching them English. Real Gap Experience arranges placements with local families in the beautiful south of France. In return for a bed and meals, you will help the family – usually the kids – with their English studies for up to 15 hours per week. Previous experience isn’t required, although you need to be able to speak basic French. For more information and to book, visit http://www.realgap.com.au.

Get cooking in Italy
Take in the amazing tastes and aromas of Italy, then head to the local markets and prepare a delicious meal under the guidance of an expert chef with Trafalgar’s Flavours of Italy At Leisure holiday package. You’ll also visit a winery and enjoy the food of Tuscany, dinner at a Roman trattoria and Venetian specialities alongside the Grand Canal. Bellissimo! For more information, visit http://www.trafalgar.com/flavours-of-italy-2011.

Stargaze across the Atlantic ocean
Amateur astronomers after the ultimate stargazing experience should hop on board Star Clippers’ Star Flyer tall ship for an 18-night transatlantic crossing. You’ll be able to view the Milky Way with no light pollution, and may even enjoy a star-gazing session with astronomer Gerald Kistner, who will give talks about the sun, solar system and black holes. For more information and to book, visit http://www.starclippers.com.