Welcome to the June edition of Episodes! This month's edition is jam packed full of exciting travel options; including a special feature on 'The Greatest Show on Earth' - Rio Carnival and in conjuction with the Italian Tourist Board we are delighted be promoting a range of holidays to beautiful Italy.

Our Family Adventures expert Dan Cockburn, tells us his favourite family destinations, guaranteed to give the children a little culture shock to broaden their minds and show the real beauty of adventure travel - from the tropical island of Sri Lanka to a Scandinavian Summer Adventure.

We also have our top ten worldwide cycling trips for all you cycling enthusiasts, and an insight in to the archaeological world of the Middle East by Exodus' International Sales Manager Andrew Appleyard. Exodus' European Product Executive Cathy Shields also explains why Turkey is a must see destination for this summer.

Happy reading!
The Exodus Team

Make a nomination in the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards by 2 July 2007 and you'll get the chance to win a holiday to Uganda or Nepal!

Visit www.responsibletourismawards.com for more information. We work extremely hard to make sure our trips have a responsible travel ethos, and that we only impact the countries we visit in a very positive way.

Read more about our responsible tourism policy. Please vote for us - you know it makes sense!!

Exodus reaches new heights: One of our senior Nepali trekking/climbing guides is Kaji Sherpa. He has been leading Exodus groups to Mera Peak & Island Peak for several years and summited Everest 8,848m. from the Tibet side in May 2007. If you'd like to see some of the stunning views he's seen, take a look at the Himalaya and Everest Base Camp regions.

Extra Departures on our Lhasa to Kathmandu ride: We now have extra departures on our Lhasa to Kathmandu cycling trip, an epic ride across 'The Forbidden Land', with spectacular views of the north face of Everest. >>>

Latest Inca permit rules: The number of permits for the Inca trail is now limited to 500 people per day on all trails from all access points. This also includes the trek crews and porters who escort all tours on the trail. As permits are issued on a first come first served basis, it's crucial you book sooner rather than later. >>>

A Mission Impossible?: Exodus Leaders Andy Robinson and Mark Middleton are aiming to drive a £200, underpowered, somewhat unsuitable 19 year old car 10,000 miles through 18 countries in 4 weeks, from sunny England to sunnier Mongolia. Find out more about their epic adventure, the charities they are supporting and how you can help. >>>

Mountain Gorillas Rwanda: Book now to avoid disappointment. There are only a limited number of permits available to see these fascinating endangered animals. >>>

Morocco Tijhza School Project
Back in mid May, twelve hardy Exodus volunteers (plus many little local hands!) rolled up their sleeves and got stuck into the long anticipated renovation work on this small school, high in the remote Tijzha valley. Longtime Exodus leader Andy McKee, who has been the driving force behind the project, had a long to-do list for the week and there was no shirking of duty! Rooms were plastered and painted, new doors and windows were installed to keep out the harsh wind, new blackboards and benches were fitted and leaky pipes and toilets were plugged up and are now drip free. They're a sporty bunch there as well, so both the boys' and girls' football teams were kitted out with new gear, new balls were provided and a new basketball hoop erected. Future work includes providing computers for the school, and the first, badly needed, medical facility for the valley.

The Greatest Show on Earth
'As the sun begins to rise, the party is still going strong for the hardcore revellers, and the costumes and the floats seem to get brighter and even more elaborate as the night turns into day. Nick Nikolsky, Exodus' Product Executive, reports on his experience of what some might say is 'the greatest show on earth'.

With so much to choose from, it is difficult to grasp how Italy has become the specialist in everything ‘bella’ (beautiful). It could be the amazing variety of food, from the North’s pasta dishes to the pizza of the South, or the exquisite selection of Chianti and Bardolino wines. Maybe it's the ‘passeggiata’ (walk) through untouched landscapes or simply the warm and welcoming hospitality of charming Italians that make this such a beautiful country.

Around the World in 80 Treasures
Archaeology has come a long way since the days of Howard Carter when it was the domain of the rich and famous - it is now accessible to all. Exodus’ International Sales Manager, Andrew Appleyard, looks at Exodus trips that offer insights of these past and present cultures.

Culture Shock for the family!
Interaction with a different culture can be an overwhelming meeting of minds or a hugely entertaining, yet educational experience. Whichever it is, it’s likely to provide fond memories and funny stories for the future. With children, the experience is even more profound. Our family Adventures expert Dan Cockburn tells us his favourite family destinations...

Calling all cycling enthusiasts!
Whether you're a hardened mountain biker looking to challenge yourself on our Tour de France Special 2007 trip, or a weekend cyclist wishing to experience an exotic ride through dramatic scenery, Exodus has a cycling trip to suit you.

All our adventures have been carefully graded, with trips for the fittest cyclist to those who just want to go along for the ride.

Jacqueline Allan is this month's photo competition winner. Jacqueline took the shot on the right on our Highlights of Morocco trip in Sept/Oct 2006. Congratulations Jacqueline, Paul Goldstein's wildlife photography book is on its way to you!

Why it is a winner?
Morocco is a photogenic country but it can be particularly hard to produce anything original. Some photos win competitions because they are very well thought out and meticulously prepared, others because of beautiful light and symmetry. However this wins because of the shots fantastic composition, a common subject matter in unusual circumstances in very good light with a touch of humour. Just a grab shot, done brilliantly, which would make anyone smile.

Find out more about our trips to Morocco.