South American cruise

A new expedition cruise ship, the Mare Australis, has come into service this month, offering cruises around the southern-most tip of South America. The 129-berth ship sails between the Chilean city of Punta Arenas and the Argentinean port of Ushuaia.

A 13-night itinerary, including seven nights at sea, costs from £2,195 with Cox and Kings (020-7873 5000, coxandkings.co.uk). Four- and seven-night cruises can be added to other land tours.

Stepping out

The intricate steps and fluid movement of Kathak, the classic northern Indian dance, featured in the London hit musical Bombay Dreams, will be taught next summer on new breaks with Dance Holidays in the Spanish towns of Granada and Vejer.

Seven nights cost from £499 including flights, B&B and tuition with Dance Holidays (0870 2866000, danceholidays.com).

Hidden Peru

Only a handful of visitors to Peru head for the lesser-known north, where a ruined pre-Inca fortress at Kuelap can be visited in a new itinerary that heads from Lima to the pre-Incan city of Chan Chan and the Cordillera Blanca region.

A 17-day visit to northern Peru costs from £3,280 with Trips Worldwide (0117 3114400, tripsworldwide.co.uk).