James Bond-inspired breaks in Madagascar and Venice

James Bond is one of the best-travelled film characters ever, his missions taking him all over the world, from the Middle East to Florida to tropical ocean islands.

The latest 007 adventure is no exception, with Daniel Craig making his debut as James Bond on November 17th in Casino Royale at glamorous locations in Venice and the wild island of Madagascar - the setting for his first mission.

Located in the Indian Ocean, off Africa's east coast, Madagascar is home to five per cent of the world's plant and animal species, and is a remote, huge island that is ideal for an adventure holiday.

Among the tour operators offering packages to the island are Explore, who have a 19-day tour that works as an introduction to the reserves and cultural sights of the south of the island.

One of the country's most famous residents are the endangered Lemur primate species, indigenous only to Madagascar.

Starting in the capital, Antananarivo, the tour visits Ambohimanga Palace and the Botanical Gardens, before going on to the Perinet reserve, where Indri lemurs can be seen along with brightly-coloured chameleons and many different bird species.

Further south are the green highlands and villages of Antsirabe and Lake Tritriva, where holidaymakers can go out into the rainforest to see Golden Bamboo lemurs, which were so rare they were thought to be extinct until 1987.

Also on the itinerary is Isalo National Park - Madagascar's 'Grand Canyon' - which has eroded rocks, rare plants and is home to tribal peoples, Ifaty Beach, where canoes can be rented to explore the coral reef, and Berenty Reserve, which has black and white Ringtail lemurs as well as huge fruit bats, tortoises and many different birds.

The 19-day tour costs £2,218 per person and departs November 29th 2006, and includes all transportation, 16 nights' hotel and lodge accommodation, most meals, local payments and the services of a tour leader. For more information see www.explore.co.uk.

Other tour operators offering adventures to Madagascar include the Adventure Company, Responsible Travel and Exodus.

For more Bond-style fun, Kirker Holidays has a three-night luxury break in Venice in the city's oldest hotel, the Luna Baglioni, for £915 per person.

Also included is a chance to don a tux and play it cool at Venice Casino, and discounts at two Venetian clothing boutiques.

If booked before November 1st holidaymakers can get also an extra night free. For more information see www.kirkerholidays.co.ukXXX