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Travelsphere holiday creator Yvonne visited Riga to experience first hand the places that feature on our new Experience Riga short break. Read Yvonne's blog to find out more about Latvia's intriguing capital: bit.ly/29klGzm

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If you’re hoping to broaden your horizons and learn about a mysterious and ancient culture, China is the perfect holiday destination: bit.ly/29ou1Gq

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Here's an update from Tour Manager Sarah as our All Around the World Adventurers visit one of the most anticipated destinations of the tour, Beijing... "And so, we are at the halfway stage of this world-wide adventure. Early starts are now the norm but, even allowing for enough time to combat the Bangkok traffic, we did have time this morning for breakfast before setting off for the airport. "Landing at Beijing is impressive; the airport design is very much in an oriental style but ultra-modern. We were greeted by our guide, David, and made our way to the hotel. Again, heavy traffic; the 9 million bicycles of Beijing no longer exist but it seems like there are 9 million cars and other vehicles! Our hotel was located in the China World Trade Centre district, a very impressive area. Directly across from it is the tallest building in Beijing, CWTC Tower 3 at 330m high, although it will soon be dwarfed by one being built nearby, expected to be 528m high. "We had an enjoyable, Chinese meal with all dishes placed on a 'lazy Susan', a typical feature in Chinese restaurants which does make sense, as it’s easy to pass around the sharing plates, although care needs to be taken to turn the serving utensils in, or move glasses away from the edge, as when someone spins it around drinks or other items can go flying off in all directions! "We had landed to a clear, un-smoggy afternoon and drove into the city as the sun was setting; it was a really clear night, so notwithstanding the early hour at which we had started the day, the Adventurers were keen to go up to the Atmosphere bar on the 80th floor of Tower 3, to admire the views and sample one of the imaginatively named and surprisingly flavoured cocktails. A great start to our visit. "Beijing in many ways is the centre of the Orient, this ancient capital has been a must for travellers over the centuries and, in a trip that has so many highlights, this was the place that practically everyone had been wanting to visit. "The following morning we started our day, as the locals do, with a visit to the Temple of Heaven; a beautiful structure and a place of peace and serenity in such a bustling, noisy city. The park area is where people gather for activities such as: card games, Chinese chess, tai chi, singing, dancing and various other exercises. We all had great fun joining in, including our very own Louis Smith - Ted on the parallel bars! It was impossible for Chinese people to meet in each other’s homes, in part because they didn’t have the space, but mainly due to the political regime. So instead people would congregate in the local parks and this continues today. It is a great way of getting exercise, whether physically or mentally, but also for socialising. Many of the group thought it would be a great idea to import this to the UK and regenerate the use of our local parks. "After a visit to a silk factory, a product that has played an important role in the trade and economy of China for centuries, we had lunch before setting off to one of the most well-known squares in the world, Tiananmen. "This vast space, bordered by the parliament building, the Mausoleum of Mao and the entrance to the Forbidden City, takes your breath away. Having seen pictures or footage of it on TV is one thing, actually standing in it, with that iconic portrait of Chairman Mao looming over you, is something else. With the 1st October being the start of the Chinese national holiday week, the square was decorated with some incredible floral arrangements. "Our journey through the Forbidden City was fascinating and we covered approximately 3 miles. Walking through the Meridian Gate, the immensity of this palace complex unfolded; huge squares, imposing Halls and Gates, like those of the Hall of Supreme Harmony and the Palace of Heavenly Purity; and all the time marvelling at how this had been constructed and its poignant history. "The day concluded by seeing a Kung Fu show; a dramatic telling of a folk story with so much action, we even had a go ourselves! "On our second day here, how were we to top yesterday’s experiences? There was only one way, by going to the Great Wall! But this was to be the climax to our time in Beijing. First stop was the Summer Palace, on another beautiful day this complex shone. At times we were as much a fascination to the Chinese visitors as this place was for us, receiving many requests for photos! Walking along the Long Corridor by the shore of the lake, admiring the beautiful detailing on wood and stone; at the far end was the Stone Boat, a replica of a wooden one that was burnt down. Then it was our turn on the lake, no need for pedalos though, we were transported by dragon boat. "A visit to the Sacred Way, an avenue of eighteen pairs of stone creatures in the area of the Ming Tombs concluded this part of our Beijing experience. Next stop, the Great Wall... "As we drove to the Badaling section the Adventurers caught tantalising glimpses of it, whetting their appetites for what was to come; and it didn’t disappoint. Coaches have to park a reasonable distance from the entry point and, although the road up to the entrance has been developed in recent years, it doesn’t detract from the wonder of the scale of the Wall itself. We posed for a group photo, it’s a must! Then was the choice of the hard route, or the harder one. There are many steps and once up on it the wall undulates and winds its way over the rugged hills; from a distance it resembles the spine of a dragon and it is certainly a challenge to try and conquer it. But just like with the Olympics, there is the reward of a 'gold' medal for those who do and even the team flag is raised in salutation! "The drive back to Beijing was full of quiet contemplation and wonderment at what we had seen and achieved today and in a short time; so what better way to conclude it than with a drive-by of the Olympic Park to see the Birds' Nest stadium. "Thank you Beijing, the Adventurers had an incredible experience."

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San Francisco is one of America's most vibrant cities. Read our handy guide to getting the most out of a trip to The Golden Gate City: bit.ly/29qFyXs

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Here's the latest update from Tour Manager Sarah on the All Around the World adventure as the group continue with the Far Eastern leg of their tour in Thailand's lively capital, Bangkok... "Another early start for the flight to Bangkok but it’s a short one, a bit like flying from the UK to Venice! We arrived around lunchtime, so the adventurers had a free afternoon and evening to relax and explore the area near the hotel. There are many skyscrapers in certain sections of the city which included ours; Bangkok is an expanding city, mainly upwards! With the nearby vast Terminal 21 shopping centre, the local Benjakiti Park and the hotel having a rooftop pool and a good restaurant, there was plenty to do. "We seem to be having a way with the weather! The news had told of heavy rain and flooding in the days before we arrived. As with our previous cities, there was again this evening a most incredible storm. And as with the previous places we awoke to the most beautiful day. Brilliant sunshine and a blue, blue sky! Most auspicious group! "First stop was the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo. There is such a delicacy and intricacy in the design of Thai temples, which was set off wonderfully against the blue of today’s sky. The dress code for visiting the Grand Palace is very formal and strictly enforced. However, this is not a bad thing; there is a serenity about the place and visitors seem to behave more politely and calmly because of it. Seeing the Emerald Buddha was interesting: firstly, he is very small; secondly, his garments are changed according to the weather or the season (this is the job of the King himself, although King Bhumibol has now delegated this to his son, it’s quite a climb to get up to the Buddha); thirdly, he isn’t emerald at all, but jade. All of this adds to the wonder of this little figure. "A real highlight was seeing the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho. In contrast to the petite Emerald Buddha this one is huge; lying on his side with his head on his hand he seems very at ease and, in spite of the many visitors who stream past him, there is a feeling of serenity about him and the Wat. "Traffic is heavy in the city, but as with Agra and Hanoi, it is an interesting experience getting around; chock-a-block traffic, 3-wheel tuk tuks alongside top of the range cars; contemporary malls with a Buddhist shrine outside; charmingly shabby 19th century wooden buildings next to avant-garde skyscrapers. "The setting for lunch was great, the restaurant is on the Chao Phraya river and we watched diminutive tugs pulling huge barges, river bus boats and motor boats going past whilst we dined. Afterwards it was our turn to take a boat ride, we motored along passing Wat Arun (the Temple of the Dawn), Wat Po and the Grand Palace, on to a side canal where we saw the Royal Barge boat house, some of the many houses on stilts and the boat people who sell fruit & veg and household items to the locals, as well as those who have souvenirs for the tourists. We also saw a water monitor lizard, eyeing up his lunch?! We were given loaves of bread, not a snack for us but the boatman pulled up and it was time to feed the fish, catfish! A feeding frenzy ensued, they linger in the river near temples as they know they’ll get a good feed! Then the boatman put his foot down and we sped along James Bond-style for quite a stretch before returning to the shore. "Our visit to Bangkok concluded with dinner and a show at Silom Village: tasty Thai dishes were served up as we sat on cushions at low tables, Thai-style, but with a footwell underneath to accommodate those unused to sitting on the floor. Then we were treated to a performance of Thai dancing, the slight figures of dancers dressed in exquisite outfits, their effortless bending back of fingers and toes, moving with grace and precision. A fitting end to our visit. Next stop, Beijing..."

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Travelsphere holiday creator Amy visited Switzerland to experience first hand the places that feature on our Deluxe Swiss Railways tour. Read Amy's blog to find out more: bit.ly/29BHqfS

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From ancient traditions and peaceful temples to futuristic skyscrapers and the famous Bullet Train, Japan is a place like no other: bit.ly/29jdIJc

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Travelsphere Tour Manager, Yvette, led one of our tours to Bhutan and wrote a blog all about it. Find out what Yvette thought of this fascinating country: bit.ly/29BJ15h

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Travelsphere holiday creator, Josh, gives his top tips for choosing your perfect India tour: bit.ly/29qDBdF

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Travelsphere's Elaine went on an educational trip to France to experience our Monet's Garden & Chateaux of the Loire by Rail tour first hand. Read Elaine's blog to find out more: bit.ly/29v9RJt

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Here's the latest update from Tour Manager Sarah on the All Around the World tour, from vibrant and colourful Hanoi... "What a revelation! Coming into land the views of the countryside and its plains and peaked hills was curiously just how I had imagined it would be. So peaceful too, until we got onto the main road and it was back to crazy driving, this time without the horns but also without stopping for the traffic lights; really, they have a purpose? You’d think the red and green lights are just for decoration! Somehow though, the traffic flows and filter in turn has a whole new meaning... "A charming hotel and a warm, smiley welcome so we settled in quickly on the arrival afternoon. Having kitted them out with maps, the adventurers set off to explore, but there was a storm coming. Fortunately, everyone timed it right for getting back just before the heavens opened and the sky was lit up as if by strobe lighting! "We awoke the next morning to sunshine and blue skies, another 'washed clean' day and it was certainly a Day to Remember; Hanoi will be a highlight for everyone. In the company of our smiley guide Hoi we visited three key temples of the city; the Ho Chi Minh complex, a huge public square, so reflective of the country’s communist past, in the centre of which stands the mausoleum – its stark, brutalist style a dramatic contrast to the two mausoleums we saw in India, as well as to the romantic European 1900s architecture of many buildings throughout the city. We continued by walking through the grounds of the President’s residence and Uncle Ho’s cottage on stilts. After lunch we went to Hoa Lo Prison, better known as the 'Hanoi Hilton', although for the Vietnamese people it is a chilling reminder of just what they have been through, but have come through smiling and welcoming. "Then we had a cyclo-ride, for this one the cycle-guide was sat behind us; it was an experience not to be missed, although you may want to close your eyes at times. Remember the traffic? Well we were part of it! It was a great way to visit the Old Quarter and its 36 streets; and being at eye-level with the street stalls and local people instead of looking down at them from the coach. "Our day concluded with the Water Puppet show, a tradition from northern Vietnam and whilst telling folklore tales it was also humorous and charmingly played out. "As our visit was over a weekend, we saw the locals at rest and play; all round Hoan Kiem Lake people were dancing, playing games like 'pick up sticks', trying to walk on stilts, eating ice creams, or admiring the reflections on the lake. "A real joy of Hanoi is just how unspoilt it still is. Yes, there are tourists and travellers, but far fewer than in other places and whilst there are some high-end designer stores, most of the city is going about its business just as it would’ve been in the 60s or even a century or more ago. "We can’t leave Hanoi without mentioning the food, delicious! There is such a delicacy of flavour in the Vietnamese cuisine and we were treated to two very different styles, traditional for lunch and then a modern fusion flare at dinner. "Hanoi certainly whetted the appetite, in history, culture and cuisine, for a much longer visit to this fascinating country."