Splice the main brace, shiver me timbers and other such nautical nonsense... there'll be none of that on this experience, which offers an introduction to sailing in a friendly and informal atmosphere aboard the 34ft yacht Half Nelson. It's great fun - exhilarating and relaxing at the same time, and the best way to experience the beauty and freedom of the open sea. After coffee, biscuits and a safety briefing, your Yachtmaster skipper will introduce you to the basics of sailing and in no time at all you'll be sailing down to the Hamble or Cowes. After a lunch break ashore you'll be back on the water, and if you're feeling energetic you can put theory into practice and take an active part in the afternoon's sailing on the Solent or Southampton Water. If you'd rather, you can just sit back in the cockpit and let the crew do the hard work while you relax and enjoy an afternoon at sea. All refreshments aboard are also included. All in all a very civilised approach to a wonderful pastime.

Get your passport out! Your journey begins as you board the Eurostar in London, bound for Paris. On arrival, make your way to the Bateaux Parisiens pier on the River Seine and step aboard a spectacular Bateaux vessel to enjoy fine food and splendid views of some very famous sights. Enjoy a delicious three course a la carte lunch with half a bottle of wine, mineral water and tea/coffee whilst you float alongside The Eiffel Tower, Invalides, Musee d'Orsay, Institut de France, Notre Dame, Bibliotheque Nationale de France, La Conciergerie, Le Louvre, Place de la Concorde, Grand Palais, Trocadero, Statue de la Liberte then back to Eiffel Tower. From the Eiffel Tower to the Statue of Liberty a singer and a musician make your discovery of the capital richer with French anecdotes and songs. You can choose to return on Eurostar either the same evening or following day (but please note you must arrange your own accommodation if you decide to stay overnight). Paris travel pass even included!

Ahoy there me hearties! Splice the main brace, shiver me timbers and other such nautical nonsense... there'll be none of that on this experience, which offers an introduction to sailing in a friendly and informal atmosphere. It's great fun - exhilarating and relaxing at the same time, and the best way to experience the beauty and freedom of the open sea. After coffee, biscuits and a safety briefing, your Yachtmaster skipper will introduce you to the basics of sailing and in no time at all you'll be out at sea, either on the Brighton or Southampton Water. If you're feeling energetic you can put theory into practice and take an active part in the afternoon's sailing, but if you'd rather you can just sit back in the cockpit and let the crew do the hard work while you relax and enjoy an afternoon at sea. You'll also have afternoon tea on board. All in all a very civilised approach to a wonderful pastime.

Get your competitive spirit going with close yacht racing - combining the freedom of the open water with the thrill of racing and the satisfaction of hands-on involvement. You'll be on board a modern Sigma 8 metre keelboat, a performance boat. First you'll meet your instructor and the crew, before heading to the yachts for a safety briefing. Training includes hoisting sails, helming, practising the most efficient methods of manoeuvring the yacht and learning how to keelhaul landlubbers (or maybe not). Then you'll be briefed on the rules of the race, which takes place on a floating 'race track'. And it's all hands on deck - you'll participate fully in crewing the yacht during the race, putting into action everything that you've learned and pitting you against the competition and the elements. Afterwards you'll retire to the clubhouse for results, and you're welcome to go for a well earned drink with the instructor and crew in one of the local bars afterwards.

Choose from a wide range of experiences including: a White Water Raft Charter, a Marriott Weekend Hotel Break for Two, Subaru Impreza Rally Driving, Orient-Express Day Trips, Health Spa Breaks for Two, Classic Car Driving, Hot Air Ballooning for Two, Theatre Breaks for Two, International America's Cup Class Sailing for Two, Tall Ship Sailing for Two, Porsche 911 Turbo Driving, Ferrari F430 Driving, Teepee Retreat for Two, Glenmorangie Whisky Break for Two, Eurochallenge Supercars, Tandem Skydiving and Monster Trucks.

A Red Letter Days gift card offers the ultimate in flexibility. Your special someone can select from a wide range of experiences including: a White Water Raft Charter, a Marriott Two Night Hotel Break for Two, Subaru Impreza Rally Driving, Health Spa Break for Two, Classic Car Driving, Hot Air Ballooning for Two, Dinner and Theatre Evening for Eight, Tall Ship Sailing for Two, Porsche 997 Turbo Driving, Ferrari F430 Driving, Two Night Teepee Retreat for Two, Glenmorangie Malt Whisky Break for Two, Eurochallenge Supercar and Monster Truck Driving. Choose a gift card and give the gift of choice!

Cars? Cars are for wimps! If you want to drive something really amazing it's got to be a powerboat, if possible one that goes at speeds up to 125mph and powers along at such a rate that it flies above the surface of the water - no chance of a car doing that. With our powerboat experience you'll go out in the Hypercat, one of the fastest production powerboats in the world. Built in California, the boat is amazingly graceful and incredibly manoeuvrable. You'll start off with a safety briefing and introduction to the boat - with its hull the same as a Class 1 Powerboat, she rides on a cushion of air providing a fast, yet comfortable ride. Your crew will usually be veteran powerboat racing champions who know how to get the best out of the Hypercat. You'll learn how to control the boat at speeds up to 60mph+, then as you head out into open water there's an opportunity to have a go at driving - should blow a few cobwebs away!

It's hard to say what's best about Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons. Is it the glorious Cotswold location, the beautiful gardens, the individually decorated rooms or the exceptional food? Le Manoir is the fulfilment of chef Raymond Blanc's vision to open the perfect hotel and restaurant. Housed in a lovingly restored 15th century manor, it's the perfect place to relax, recharge, and spend some special time together. The menu has been described as 'a twist of imaginative genius' and the cuisine is undoubtedly the focus of every guest's visit. You'll enjoy a five course Menu Classique meal at the two-Michelin-starred restaurant, followed by an overnight stay in a superb Junior Suite. The following morning, after a fine French breakfast, take some time to wander in the beautiful gardens: a magnificent two acre vegetable and herb garden, an English water garden, fed by natural springs, and a tranquil Japanese tea garden. You'll also take home a signed copy of one of Raymond's cookery books.

Get your passport out! Your journey begins as you board the Eurostar in London, bound for Paris. On arrival, make your way to the Bateaux Parisiens pier on the River Seine and step aboard a spectacular Bateaux vessel to enjoy fine food and splendid views of some very famous sights. Enjoy a delicious three course a la carte lunch with half a bottle of wine, mineral water and tea/coffee whilst you float alongside The Eiffel Tower, Invalides, Musee d'Orsay, Institut de France, Notre Dame, Bibliotheque Nationale de France, La Conciergerie, Le Louvre, Place de la Concorde, Grand Palais, Trocadero, Statue de la Liberte then back to Eiffel Tower. From the Eiffel Tower to the Statue of Liberty a singer and a musician make your discovery of the capital richer with French anecdotes and songs. You can choose to return on Eurostar either the same evening or following day (but please note you must arrange your own accommodation if you decide to stay overnight). Paris travel pass even included!

Experience the extravagance of a luxury skippered sailing yacht. After a safety briefing on board the twin wheeled, teak decked 45ft Dufour yacht, you are given your sailing gear and lifejacket. Your yachtmaster instructor will introduce you to the basics of sailing, from hoisting the sails to helming, and may even teach you some sailing jargon. Depending on conditions, head out into the English Channel for some real open-water cruising, or go for a sightseeing tour along the beautiful Sussex coastline. If you're feeling energetic, why not put theory into practise and take an active part in the sailing. But if you'd rather, just sit back in the cockpit and let the crew do the hard work while you relax. Light refreshments (water, juice, teas, coffees and light snacks) will be provided during your sail. And then once everyone is back on dry land, logbooks can be signed off for those who want to take their sailing further. All in all, a very civilised approach to a wonderful pastime.

Get your competitive spirit going with close yacht racing - combining the freedom of the open water with the thrill of racing and the satisfaction of hands-on involvement. You'll be on board a modern Sigma 8 metre keelboat, a performance boat. First you'll meet your instructor and the crew, before heading to the yachts for a safety briefing. Training includes hoisting sails, helming, practising the most efficient methods of manoeuvring the yacht and learning how to keelhaul landlubbers (or maybe not). Then you'll be briefed on the rules of the race, which takes place on a floating 'race track'. And it's all hands on deck - you'll participate fully in crewing the yacht during the race, putting into action everything that you've learned and pitting you against the competition and the elements. Afterwards you'll retire to the clubhouse for results, and you're welcome to go for a well earned drink with the instructor and crew in one of the local bars afterwards.

This is the opportunity of a lifetime to spend the day on the River Test, the world's most renowned trout river. You will have exclusive access to a private beat on this famous river, with an experienced and helpful fishing guide at your side. The guide is a real local expert who knows all the best spots, flies to pick and carries the latest Orvis fishing outfit for you to use (if you don't have your own tackle). You will spend the day spotting and stalking brown trout that are just waiting to grab your perfectly cast fly in the gin-clear water! And all the while you will be soaking up the magnificent tranquillity of the Test Valley, where the occasional appearance of a kingfisher flashing by or a water vole poking his head up around your feet is as much intrusion on your fishing day as you can expect.