Reflecting our ethos of touring excellence, A&K’s Escorted Tours combine authentic local access with five-star style, and unparalleled expertise. Designed by A&K experts in more than 55 offices in over 30 countries around the globe, any of our escorted tours make for the journey of a lifetime.
Discover more at: www.abercrombiekent.co.uk/holiday-ideas/escorted-tours
ESCORTED TOURS 2020-2021
The itinerary, resident
tour director, and my
fellow travellers were
all factors that made
for a joyful, relaxing,
yet educational
experience. It was my
first A&K escorted
tour, but it definitely
won’t be my last
Ms D, 2019
“Adventure by day, luxury by night”
Dear traveller,
In 1962, I founded Abercrombie & Kent with nothing more than a game-changing idea,
a refrigerated ex-Army truck, and $100 in my pocket. A&K pioneered a new way to
travel, one that combines authentic local access with five-star style, and unparalleled
expertise. Today, our escorted tours, which still reflect that nearly 60-year-old ethos
of excellence, illuminate the world’s most inspiring places in a style in which you have
always longed to experience them.
Carefully designed by A&K experts in more than 55 offices in over 30 countries around
the globe, any of the escorted tours in this brochure make for the journey of a lifetime.
Choose from two types of tours: in-depth Immersive Journeys, on which early-booking
solo travellers pay no single supplement; and faster-paced Luxury Small Group
Journeys, which feature the VIP Travelling Bellboy® and Traveller’s Valet® services.
Whichever you opt for, you will travel in a small group of no more than 18, on an
itinerary that balances must-see sites with overlooked attractions known only to the
locals. You’ll tailor your journey to your interests with the Design your Day® concept,
available on all tours in 2020. Your resident tour director will imbue each visit with
his or her unique perspective, while a handpicked luxury hotel, wilderness lodge, or
sanctuary-like river boat will provide a comfortable retreat at day’s end.
We hope you’re inspired to start thinking about your next luxury adventure on an
escorted tour with A&K.
As always, I wish you happy travels…
Geoffrey Kent
Founder & Co-Chairman
Abercrombie & Kent
Follow @geoffrey_kent on Instagram
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Contents
INTRODUCTION
Letter from Geoffrey Kent......................................................... 3
Why travel with A&K................................................................ 6
Why an A&K Escorted Tour..................................................... 8
Design your Day®..................................................................... 10
Luxury accommodation.......................................................... 12
Extend your journey & book your flights with A&K.......... 13
Immersive Journeys................................................................. 14
Luxury Small Group Journeys................................................ 15
A&K Philanthropy................................................................... 16
Why choose an A&K safari..................................................... 18
Deciding on your safari destination....................................... 19
AFRICA
South Africa & Victoria Falls.................................................. 20
Botswana Safari in Style........................................................... 22
The Great Migration Safari in Style........................................ 26
Kenya & Tanzania Wildlife Safari.......................................... 30
Climb Kilimanjaro: Summiting the Machame Route.......... 34
A Naturalist’s Guide to Madagascar
with Dr Charlie Gardner......................................................... 38
EUROPE
The Treasures of Russia............................................................ 58
INDIAN SUBCONTINENT
Splendours of the Golden Triangle........................................ 62
The Secrets of Southern India................................................. 66
The Spice Lands of Sri Lanka.................................................. 70
SOUTH-EAST ASIA & THE FAR EAST
The Wonders of China............................................................. 74
Across China: Tibet & the Yangtze........................................ 78
Journey Through Japan: From Tokyo to Kyoto.................... 82
Classic Japan.............................................................................. 86
Rhythms of South-East Asia................................................... 88
Images of Indochina & Angkor Wat...........................................92
Cruising the Mekong: Siam, Saigon & Angkor Wat............ 94
LATIN AMERICA
Peru’s Ancient Marvels............................................................ 98
Inside Tracks in Argentina & Brazil.....................................102
Marvels of Chile......................................................................106
NORTH AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST
Egypt: Cairo & Cruising the Nile........................................... 40
Jordan: Petra & Beyond........................................................... 44
Splendours of Oman: City, Mountain & Desert................... 48
The Delights of Morocco......................................................... 52
Israel: Crossroads of History................................................... 56
FURTHER INFORMATION
Calendar..................................................................................110
Terms & conditions................................................................112
Ways to travel..........................................................................115
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Why travel with A&K
A&K is the world’s leading luxury travel company. With over 55 years of
experience, more than 55 offices around the world, and a renowned network
of connections, only A&K can take you to the heart of a destination with the
privilege of authentic, local access
AWARD-WINNING
A&K’s service and reputation are tested every day
by the most discerning critics: our clients. Time and
again, we pass with flying colours. Travellers who
choose A&K often write to tell us they’re now too
spoilt to travel with anyone else.
Our guests vote for us too – thanks to those who
have journeyed with us, we have won distinctions
that include ‘Best Tour Operator 2018’ in the Luxury
Lifestyle Magazine Readers’ Travel Awards. In 2018,
A&K was ‘Best Luxury Tour Operator’ for the third
time at the annual News UK Travel Awards, voted
for by the readers of The Times, The Sunday Times,
and The Sunday Times Travel Magazine.
Among our peers, we are consistently recognised
as the gold standard for luxury travel. In 2019, for
the 10th consecutive year, A&K was voted ‘Africa’s
Leading Luxury Tour Operator’ at the World
Travel Awards.
WINNER
PEACE OF MIND
When you book with A&K, you can do so
with complete confidence. We’re ATOL (Air
Travel Organiser’s Licence) affiliated and ABTA
(Association of British Travel Agents) bonded.
Both ATOL and ABTA offer travellers forms of
protection to ensure that your money is protected
from the moment you pay your deposit until the
instant you return from your holiday.
These schemes differ depending on the type of
transportation that is included in your holiday.
Managed by the Civil Aviation Authority, ATOLprotected
holidays include flights. ABTA-covered
holidays include rail, cruise, or self-drive elements,
but no air travel. ABTA protection is both legal and
financial in nature and being associated with the
most-recognisable name in the industry means that
we adhere to a code of conduct that demands the
highest professional standards.
Additionally, we’re proudly part of IATA
(International Air Transport Association) and AITO
(Association of Independent Tour Operators).
World’s Leading Tour Operator
World’s Leading Luxury Safari Company
BEST LUXURY TOUR OPERATOR
BY TRAVELLERS, FOR TRAVELLERS
When Geoffrey Kent was 16 years old, he rode a
motorbike from Nairobi to Cape Town. On this
3,000-mile journey of self-discovery along some of
Africa’s most dangerous roads, the ethos on which
he would found A&K occurred to him: adventure by
day, security and luxury by night.
More than 55 years after our first pioneering
safari in Africa in 1962, we’re still setting the
standard for adventurous, luxury escorted tours.
A lot has changed in the intervening years, but we
still want to take you down the road less-travelled
by devising unique, meticulously planned journeys
into hard-to-reach wildernesses to commune with
authentic cultures.
Nearly six decades later, with Geoffrey Kent
still at the helm, we have grown into a family of
over 2,500 luxury travel specialists. These experts
are devoted to making your holiday dreams an
unforgettable reality.
ACCESS & AUTHENTICITY
A&K works tirelessly to design adventures you won’t
be able to undertake with any other tour provider,
thanks to our globe-spanning access. Underlying
each inspiring escorted tour is the most robust tour
operator support network in the travel industry
– more than 55 offices in more than 30 countries
around the world, all working 24/7 to uphold the
same impeccable standards. Unlike our competitors,
we train and manage our own full-time staff, who
orchestrate every aspect of your journey with
precision and flexibility down to the last detail.
At A&K, we forge lasting, one-on-one
relationships with the people who know your
destination best, from craftspeople and chiefs to
experts in local art and history. Our itineraries are
the result of the authentic connections established
between our experts and the friendly, hospitable
local people who lend your journey a unique and
personal touch.
What does this mean for you as an A&K client?
It means you experience each stop on your journey
from a truly local perspective, all while enjoying a
seamless travel experience in which every detail has
been anticipated by dedicated on-the-ground staff.
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Why an A&K
Escorted Tour
When it comes to choosing an A&K Escorted Tour, you can be sure
it has everything you need included – and that you’re not going to be
unpleasantly surprised at any stage. We pride ourselves on inclusions that
make your trip as authentic as possible, while ensuring it’s also as special as
you want. Here’s everything that’s included on each A&K Escorted Tour...
33OUR RESIDENT TOUR
DIRECTORS & GUIDES
Their expertise is unmatched, and their
excitement is contagious. Our resident tour
directors have lived for decades, sometimes
even their entire lives, in the places you
visit. Overseeing your entire journey, they
accompany you every day, sharing their
unique understanding of daily life as well as
your destination’s culture, history, and natural
environment. The result is a journey that reveals
the real spirit of a place, connecting you to the
people, sights, and wildlife you encounter in a
way you’ll never forget.
33GUARANTEED DEPARTURES
As long as we have at least two people booked on
an A&K Escorted Tour, it will take place. So you
don’t need to worry about a last-minute phone
call saying your holiday has to be cancelled. If
you’re committed to going, then so are we.
33INTIMATE GROUPS OF
LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE
Small groups make a big difference. We
guarantee that each tour features no more than
18 guests (unless otherwise noted). Seasoned
travellers say the best part of a journey is often
the people you meet. On an A&K Escorted
Tour, this extends not just to the fascinating
locals you encounter, but to the new friends
you make within your group. In addition, thanks
to these small group sizes, our clients can avail
themselves of the opportunity to enjoy deeper
interactions with the resident tour director and
expert local guides.
33AIRPORT MEET & GREET,
RETURN PRIVATE TRANSFERS
Be truly escorted on every step of your journey
with an airport meet and greet service on arrival,
and return private transfers to and from your
first and last hotels.
33EXCURSIONS AS STATED,
ENTRANCE FEES, TAXES, & TIPS
We ensure that, while on tour, you won’t
need to think about the usual sundry costs of
entrance fees, taxes, and tips (excluding one
for your resident tour director, which is at
your discretion). These are all included in the
price of the tour, meaning you can focus on
the experience, not the expense.
33INTERNAL/DOMESTIC FLIGHTS,
WHERE APPLICABLE
If internal or domestic flights are necessary
during your A&K Escorted Tour, rest assured
once again that the cost is accounted for within
the price of your holiday (unless otherwise noted).
33WELCOME &
FAREWELL DINNERS
Being part of an A&K Escorted Tour is more
than just a trip away. It’s a chance to meet other
travellers and enjoy the experience together. Our
welcome and farewell dinners provide the perfect
frame around your holiday – this is when your
memories will begin and then be cemented.
We also include most breakfasts in your stay, as
well as selected lunches and dinners throughout.
33WIFI IN ACCOMMODATION
If you choose to go online while on location –
checking emails or sharing the memories you are
making – wifi in accommodation is included in
your package, wherever we can make it happen.
33SCENIC SUNDOWNERS
There’s always time for a sunset celebration of
your travel experience, so on selected days and
in the most idyllic locations, toast the end of the
day with a beverage on us.
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Your escorted tour,
your way
Design your Day ®
There’s always room for personalisation on an A&K holiday – even an escorted tour. Experience your
destination your way thanks to the innovative Design your Day® concept. Available on one or more
selected days of your itinerary, you will be able to choose from at least three expert-crafted activities.
On these days you have the freedom to pick an experience that is suited to you and your interests. On
Immersive Journeys, these have been loosely grouped into three themes to help you pick the ideal way to
spend your day: arts and culture; culinary delights; and active. On Luxury Small Group Journeys, there
will always be one or more active options. So, whether you’re a foodie, fitness fanatic, or fine art aficionado,
there’ll be an option to suit.
ARTS & CULTURE
A chance to really understand what makes each destination
unique, and the influences that framed its development.
CULINARY DELIGHTS
Live like a local and learn how to make favourite foods and
signature dishes in classes taught by native cooks and chefs.
ACTIVE
Get the adrenalin pumping as you head out on more physical
adventures that will enhance your escorted tour.
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Luxury accommodation to
complement your journey
FIVE-STAR TREATMENT
When luxury is what you’re looking for, there’s no reason to settle for second-best.
Our local experts choose the premier hotels in each location – often award-winning
properties, and always synonymous with five-star style. In some developing or remote
regions occasionally featured in our pioneering, more adventurous itineraries, fivestar
accommodation may not always exist. In these rare instances, we choose the best
quality and most luxurious options available.
ONE-OF-A-KIND LOCATIONS
When considering a hotel, our specialists look at more than just the rooms. Wherever
possible, we arrange for stays close to the destinations you dream of seeing, in the
region’s best properties. Luxuriate at the ITC Mughal in Agra for easy access to
the Taj Mahal; or stay at The Victoria Falls Hotel to see the spray that rises from
‘the Smoke that Thunders’.
INTIMATE BOUTIQUE CAMPS & LODGES
As a home base to secluded and extraordinary wilderness adventures, many of our
journeys feature luxurious boutique camps and lodges available only to smaller
groups. While they vary in style, our handpicked accommodations all combine classic
local details with modern amenities and cutting-edge ecofriendly practices –
not to mention an incredible front seat to wildlife, often just outside your door.
STYLISH SHIPS
Our commitment to luxury doesn’t stop at the water’s edge. When your A&K
Escorted Tour includes cruising, your sleek, modern vessel offers the same comfort,
service, and style you would experience on land, all while discovering the joys of life
on the world’s greatest waterways.
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Extend your journey
PERSONALISE YOUR TOUR WITH A
TAILOR-MADE PRIVATE EXTENSION
Discover a region in greater detail with a tailor-made extension, added
to the start or end of your escorted tour. Speak to your A&K travel
specialist about your desires and needs, and they will be happy to
create a bespoke, compatible addition to your tour. Some non-group
extensions are highlighted in this brochure – for example, you could
top and tail Peru’s Ancient Marvels with a pre-trip Amazon adventure,
or Arequipa and Colca post-tour experience; or you might choose to
extend your time in India by visiting Amritsar, Shimla, or Varanasi
after touring India’s Golden Triangle.
START OR END WITH A
SMALL-GROUP EXTENSION
Alternatively, some escorted tours feature small-group extensions,
all led by local experts. Lengthen your well-deserved holiday with
a harmonious addition – for example, come back down to Earth in
style by enjoying a safari in Tanzania after the Climb Kilimanjaro:
Summiting the Machame Route tour.
Look out for the pre/post-tour extensions flagged throughout
this brochure. The extension prices listed are per person and based
on two sharing.
Book your flights with A&K
International flights are not included in the price of our escorted
tours – we believe this works to your advantage, allowing you to travel
when and how you wish. Thanks to our long-established partnerships
with the world’s premier carriers – not to mention decades of
experience – booking your flights with A&K affords you a multitude
of benefits including the financial protection guaranteed through our
ATOL affiliation (see page 7).
Your travel specialist and our internal ‘air team’ always know the
best flights that work with your itinerary’s start and end times, and in
the event that a flight is delayed or cancelled, we’re there 24/7 to assist
you and make sure you enjoy your journey as planned. We offer special
fares where available, as well as the freedom to earn mileage points as
your carrier allows.
Contact us or your travel specialist to learn more about the benefits
of booking your flights through A&K.
Choose your tour type
Our escorted tours are designed in two formats:
Immersive Journeys and Luxury Small Group Journeys.
They share all the A&K elements described on pages
8-13: read on to discover how they differ and to find
the right one for you.
IMMERSIVE
JOURNEYS
LUXURY
SMALL GROUP
JOURNEYS
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IMMERSIVE
JOURNEYS
Immersive
Journeys
The Immersive Journeys that A&K offers are ideally suited to
travellers who like the support of an escorted group, but with a little
bit more freedom. Taking every day at a more leisurely pace, these
trips are truly immersive. They are in-depth and informative, giving
you the chance to understand the culture, history, or lifestyle you
have travelled to experience
These trips offer the same promises whether you are travelling with family, with
friends, or alone, as well as all the features highlighted on previous pages.
33NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Travelling solo? Book early and the first four solo places won’t pay any single
supplement. The same journey, the same luxury, guaranteed at the same price.
33LEISURELY PACE
Clients travelling on these trips enjoy enough time at each location to take in
all of its sights – from the popular to the lesser known.
33FLEXIBILITY
Travelling at an unhurried rate also means more downtime in your chosen
destination. Go with the flow and explore under your own steam. Your resident
tour director and guides will be happy to make recommendations based on
your interests and tastes – from niche museums and specialist stores to hidden
city cafés that the locals all love – for you to find in your leisure time.
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LUXURY
SMALL GROUP
JOURNEYS
Luxury Small
Group Journeys
If you’re looking to fit as much as you can into your holiday,
our Luxury Small Group Journeys are just the ticket.
Travelling at a faster pace than our Immersive Journeys,
you will be sure to experience all the facets of a destination,
while gaining an understanding of exactly how these piece
together, thanks to our expert guides
Everything on these trips is designed to make life as easy as possible for you with
several elements you won’t want to miss out on, in addition to all the features
highlighted on previous pages.
33VIP TRAVELLING BELLBOY ®
With A&K’s exclusive Travelling Bellboy® service, travel becomes hassle-free.
Simply leave your packed bags behind in your room as you walk out the door
and find them waiting for you at your next accommodation.
33TRAVELLER’S VALET ®
Don’t worry about packing extra clothes on this trip as you will receive
a complimentary laundry service at the midpoint of your journey,
making sure you’re as fresh as the experiences you’re having.
33UNIQUE & VARIED DINING EXPERIENCES
Enjoy breakfast in bed at A&K’s expense on selected days. Participate in
‘Chef ’s Table’ experiences – cooking demonstrations, cookery classes,
or special culinary adventures led by a chef.
33RIDE LIKE A LOCAL
Experience the real locale as you take to the streets as the residents do.
This is the authentic way to see towns and countryside, in a way that
won’t harm the environment but will bring you closer to nature.
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Transforming travel:
from adventure to advantage
OUR FOUR MAIN MISSION OBJECTIVES
EDUCATION
Providing a supportive learning environment, we are committed to
enabling children and young adults to fulfil their potential with many
diverse opportunities.
CONSERVATION
Partnering with communities living on the edge of wilderness areas,
we support strategies to maintain a balance between endangered species,
fragile ecosystems, and economic opportunity.
HEALTHCARE
We actively support the water, sanitation, and other health-related needs of
residents within our partner communities, ensuring greater wellbeing for all.
ENTERPRISE
Training our partner communities in self-support and income-generating
activities, we help drive the growth of economic opportunity and deliver
other innovations to positively impact local livelihoods.
The travel industry is evolving. Greater
equity and sustainability from tourism is
becoming a key element of every holiday
– and ensuring that the local community benefits
from the tourist economy is important to the
majority of our A&K Escorted Tours clients.
From its inception in 1982, Abercrombie &
Kent Philanthropy (AKP) has been dedicated to
positively impacting lives and livelihoods in the
communities to which our guests travel.
From Africa to Asia, Latin America to the
Arctic Circle, we are working with partner
communities on 42 education, healthcare,
conservation, and enterprise development
projects, across 22 countries, and with nine
full-time A&K Philanthropy co-ordinators –
a philanthropic commitment unequalled by
our peers.
We are committed to ensuring guests learn
about our investment in local communities as
an integral part of their travel experience. For
many of our clients, their ‘wow’ moment comes
courtesy of A&K Philanthropy projects – the
co-ordinators at work on these projects, and
the face-to-face interactions with communities
reveal genuine local perspectives. From visiting
villages benefiting from tourism in their ancestral
homelands, to witnessing the impact of clean
water from AKP-dug wells in Cambodia, guests
learn how these communities are tackling big
challenges and achieving inspirational triumphs.
A non-profit organisation registered in the UK,
US, and Australia, AKP is committed to operating
with integrity, accountability, and openness. We
are proud to have received a gold-level GuideStar
‘Seal of Transparency’.
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AKP in action
Look for the AKP logo on our itinerary pages – it indicates an opportunity to visit an
A&K Philanthropy project on your Immersive Journey or Luxury Small Group Journey
HEALTHCARE PROJECT:
Cambodia Clean Water Project
ESCORTED TOUR:
Images of Indochina & Angkor Wat
EDUCATION/HEALTHCARE PROJECT:
Enkereri Primary School to see the Safe
Water for Schools Initiative
ESCORTED TOUR:
The Great Migration Safari in Style
ENTERPRISE PROJECT:
Dipetsana Women’s Bike Shop
ESCORTED TOUR:
Botswana Safari in Style
HEALTHCARE PROJECT:
Children of the Rainbow School
ESCORTED TOUR:
Peru’s Ancient Marvels
EDUCATION/HEALTHCARE PROJECT:
Deepalaya School
ESCORTED TOUR:
Splendours of the Golden Triangle
AKP PROJECT
SPOTLIGHT
Dipetsana Women’s
Bike Shop
See how bicycles are helping to transform
lives in rural Botswana. Empowering
local women through this community
enterprise, the shop employs five
women who have all learned valuable
business and bike mechanic skills.
Additionally, the local community
benefits from a new source of
transportation – vital so healthcare
workers can get to patients, and so
that children can travel to school.
It was wonderful to see that our
holiday helps make a difference
Mrs McG, 2019
For more information on AKP projects around
the world, visit akphilanthropy.org
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Why choose
an A&K safari
The original and still the best: while others seek to emulate A&K’s safari experience, ours
remain unparalleled. So what makes us the world’s finest safari company, year after year?
MORE THAN 55 YEARS OF
ON-THE-GROUND EXPERIENCE
A&K was born in Kenya in 1962, when Geoffrey Kent
invented the modern luxury African safari. More than
55 years later, A&K is still setting the standard for an
African journey like no other, delivering meticulously
planned tours into hard-to-reach wildernesses to meet
authentic cultures. Where other safari companies
sub-contract their services from a continent away, we
live and work every day in the very same areas you visit.
A PEERLESS LOCAL PRESENCE
Our long-standing connections – and 12 offices in
sub-Saharan Africa – allow us to offer the most desirable
room categories, the best wildlife-viewing locations for
lodges and camps, and unmatched service at every stage
of your journey.
SIMPLY THE BEST SAFARI GUIDES
A&K’s safari guides are handpicked for their expertise in
Africa’s culture, flora, and wildlife. In Kenya, every A&K
guide has attained a minimum of bronze-level certification
from the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association –
that’s more than any other tour operator.
CUSTOM SAFARI VEHICLES
WE DESIGN, BUILD, & OWN
While other safari providers rent or lease their vehicles,
A&K owns and maintains a custom fleet – the finest in
East Africa. These conveyances have been built to our
specifications, with high front and side windows providing
great views; air-conditioning in most vehicles (a blessing
on hot afternoons in the bush); a refrigerator filled with
chilled water; and even wifi access (for posting Big Five
sightings straight to Instagram).
ONLY THE FINEST SAFARI
CAMPS & LODGES
Retreat daily to your own veranda-fronted tent or restful
lodge to enjoy an unexpected haven of five-star comfort
in the heart of Africa. From Sanctuary Ngorongoro
Crater Camp in Tanzania and Sanctuary Chief ’s Camp
in Botswana, to Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
and renowned Gibb’s Farm, our safaris feature luxurious
accommodation set away from the crowds, and near an
abundance of wildlife and scenic views.
EXCELLENCE RECOGNISED BY
TRAVELLERS & TRAVEL PROS
A&K’s African safaris have won acclaim from guests
and travel professionals alike. At the World Travel
Awards in 2019, we were voted ‘Africa’s Leading Luxury
Tour Operator’ for the 10th consecutive year; and across
the pond in the US, we have been named ‘Best Tour
Operator in Africa’ for 12 years running by the readers
of Travel Weekly – accolades the global family is justifiably
proud of. In Africa and throughout the world, A&K
sets the standard.
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Deciding on your destination
In order to select the A&K safari journey which best suits your travel interests,
it helps to understand how the safari experience differs between East Africa
and Southern Africa
EAST AFRICA:
CLASSIC APPEAL
East Africa (including Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda) is the definition of classic safari country. Home
to the vast Serengeti and Masai Mara as well as the teeming Ngorongoro Crater, East Africa has formed
the backdrop for legendary safari expeditions since the days of Ernest Hemingway and Karen Blixen,
and served as the birthplace of A&K.
In northern Tanzania, the seemingly endless horizon yields to Mount Kilimanjaro – the tallest
mountain in Africa, at over 5,895 metres. Conquer it with surety – A&K enjoys the highest summit
rate of any operator in Africa.
Wildlife viewing throughout Kenya and Tanzania is reliably spectacular. The famed Big Five – lion,
leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo – are sighted here on a regular basis, along with hundreds of
other species, ranging from wildebeest and zebra to antelope and giraffe. And up-close encounters with
mountain gorilla are available, on an extension with A&K that takes you trekking through Uganda.
East Africa’s wide-open grasslands also bear witness to the Great Migration, when millions of herd
animals make their annual trek in search of water and fresh grazing land, stalked by predators every
step of the way. One of nature’s most incredible spectacles, the Great Migration vividly illustrates the
timeless circle of life in the wild.
SOUTHERN AFRICA:
DYNAMIC & DIVERSE
Southern Africa, an area encompassing Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa,
offers diverse topography. From the forests of Botswana to incomparable Victoria Falls, which borders
both Zambia and Zimbabwe, and from the stark, stunning sand dunes of the Namib Desert to the
bushveld of South Africa’s private reserves, variety abounds.
Southern African wildlife is similarly varied, with the iconic big cats – lion, leopard, and cheetah
– always on the prowl. In Botswana, the lush Okavango Delta draws a profusion of species, including
hippo, giraffe, crocodile, rhino, and baboon, which A&K clients encounter in private game reserves.
The nation of South Africa offers exceptional safari experiences, and first-rate culinary and cultural
opportunities, ranging from tastings at award-winning wineries in the ruggedly beautiful Cape
Winelands, to visits to historical sites and the majestic Table Mountain in the country’s cosmopolitan
‘Mother City’, Cape Town.
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 19
South Africa &
Victoria Falls
LUXURY
SMALL GROUP
JOURNEYS
9 days/8 nights | From £8,900 per person | Maximum 18 guests
This eclectic itinerary offers nine days of pure delight. Visit Cape Town’s most intriguing
attractions, tour mighty Victoria Falls, and experience the wildlife wonders of Kruger
INCLUSIONS
33
Five-star luxury
accommodation
33
Resident tour director
& English-speaking expert
local guides
33
Airport meet & greet,
& return private transfers
33
Entrance fees, taxes & tips,
& excursions as stated
33
Internal flights
33
Welcome & farewell dinners
33
8 breakfasts, 6 lunches
& 6 dinners
33
Wifi in accommodation
33
Scenic sundowners
33
Design your Day ® on Day 8
33
Travelling Bellboy ®
33
Traveller’s Valet ®
once per journey
33
Complimentary breakfast in
bed on two selected days
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
››
Experience South Africa’s
treasures, from Cape Town
to Greater Kruger
National Park
››
See Table Mountain,
the Cape of Good Hope,
and a penguin colony
››
Enjoy wildlife-viewing drives,
bush walks, and informative
talks while on safari
››
Cruise the mighty Zambezi
››
Visit the natural wonder
of Victoria Falls on a
private walking tour
Cape
Town
Victoria Falls
Johannesburg
Winelands
DAY 1: Arrive Cape Town,
South Africa
Land in Cape Town, a beautiful harbour
city where old and new converge in history,
architecture, cultural pursuits, and its people.
Warmed by the African sun, the city is
dominated by the towering, flat-topped Table
Mountain, set on a peninsula of rocky heights
and lush valleys. An A&K representative
transfers you to your luxurious hotel.
One&Only Cape Town
ZAMBIA
Livingstone
Hwange
National
Park
SOUTH AFRICA
ZIMBABWE
DAY 2: Cape Town
Wind your way to Table Mountain – ascend
to its sky-high plateau by cable car (weather
permitting) for dazzling views of city and sea.
Next, see Groote Kerk and City Hall on the
Grand Parade. Continue past the pentagonal
Castle of Good Hope, originally built by the
Dutch East India Company. When available,
stop at Streetwires, where locals craft unique
wire and bead art. Next, visit Kirstenbosch
National Botanical Garden alongside a private
local guide before tonight’s welcome dinner.
A resident chef or sommelier guides you
through a contemporary feast.
One&Only Cape Town | Meals: B L D
Greater Kruger
National Park
ARRIVE/DEPART
AIR
EXTENSION
DAY 3: Cape Town
Head to Cape Point, the mountainous
promontory at the south-western tip of the
continent. Pass by the beaches at the base
of the mountains known as the Twelve
Apostles, bucolic Hout Bay’s bustling fishing
harbour, and wind carefully along the
famous Chapman’s Peak Drive. Explore Cape
Peninsula and Cape of Good Hope Nature
Reserve in search of bontebok, chacma
baboon, and endemic plants. Ride the Flying
Dutchman, the funicular at blustery Cape
Point, and, from July to November, watch for
southern right whale. At Boulders Beach, see
endangered African penguin.
One&Only Cape Town | Meals: B L
DAY 4: Greater Kruger Area
Fly to your private wildlife reserve bordering
Kruger National Park, offering the finest
wildlife-viewing experience. After settling
into your elegant accommodation, relax by
the pool before setting off in search of the
Big Five. To enhance your experience, each
game drive is led by two safari professionals: a
driver-guide, trained to safely manoeuvre up
close to South Africa’s iconic wildlife, and an
expert tracker who will help you identify the
animals and predict where they are likely to be
found on both sunrise and sunset drives.
Lion Sands River Lodge | Meals: B L D
DAYS 5 & 6: Greater Kruger Area
Spend two days immersed in your private
wildlife reserve. Embark on game drives
in open safari vehicles and take morning
game walks with your ranger. This region
is one of the finest in Africa for abundant
wildlife. As you explore, learn about the flora
and fauna, and acquire some basic tracking
skills. Participate in a ‘Chef ’s Table’ culinary
experience, preparing a traditional South
African dish. At dusk, stop for a sundowner,
and then search for nocturnal animals before
returning to your lodge for dinner.
Lion Sands River Lodge | Meals: B L D
20 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
DATES & PRICING
GUARANTEED
DEPARTURE
DATES (2020)
PER
PERSON
FROM
SINGLE
SUPP.
FROM
AFRICA
JANUARY:
8 £8,900 £2,355
FEBRUARY:
18 £8,900 £2,355
MARCH:
3 £8,900 £2,355
APRIL:
18 £8,900 £2,355
SOUTHERN AFRICA
MAY:
10, 13, 24, 31 £8,900 £2,355
JUNE:
5, 23 £8,900 £2,355
JULY:
5, 12, 26 £8,900 £2,355
AUGUST:
10, 14, 23, 30 £8,900 £2,355
SEPTEMBER:
5, 12 £8,900 £2,355
OCTOBER:
2, 11, 25, 30 £8,900 £2,355
NOVEMBER:
15, 29 £8,900 £2,355
DAY 7: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Today, fly to Livingstone, Zambia, and then
transfer to your hotel in Victoria Falls,
Zimbabwe. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon
at leisure, anticipating tomorrow’s visit to the
falls, once called Mosi-oa-Tunya (‘the Smoke
that Thunders’). Before dinner, enjoy hearing
from a special guest speaker who shares tales
of celebrated explorer David Livingstone –
an exclusive A&K experience.
The Victoria Falls Hotel | Meals: B L D
DAY 8: Victoria Falls
This morning, cruise the mighty
Zambezi, viewing hippo and elephant dotted
along the banks.
Then Design your Day® – giving you the
freedom to choose the experience that is
best suited to you. Select from the following
fascinating options:
OPTION 1: Glimpse local life
Visit a rural village for an interactive
experience that offers insight into the
traditions of the Zimbabwean people.
OPTION 2: Private jewellery tour
Personal tour of the Ndau Collection to meet
the artisans who design this opulent jewellery.
OPTION 3: Cycle along the Zambezi
Private bike tour, cycling through Victoria
Falls and stopping at viewpoints along
the Zambezi.
After time at leisure, set out on a guided
walking tour of Victoria Falls, one of the
world’s greatest natural wonders. See rainbows
and clouds of spray as the wide Upper
Zambezi plummets into the Lower Zambezi.
Gather tonight for a farewell dinner.
The Victoria Falls Hotel | Meals: B D
JOURNEY DETAILS
Minimum age is 10 years. Each guest on this journey
will receive an A&K safari duffel. Please note
that Table Mountain closes annually mid-July to
mid-August. Alternative touring will be provided
for affected departures. On certain departures,
you will stay on Days 4-6 at andBeyond Ngala Safari
Lodge; and on Days 7 & 8 at Stanley & Livingstone
Boutique Hotel. Please speak to your specialist for
more information.
FLIGHTS
To provide you with flexibility and the latest flight offers,
we don’t include international flights. Our specialists
will be able to find the best travel options to suit you.
Visit abercrombiekent.co.uk for up-to-date
availability and pricing information; and to
see how A&K can tailor this escorted tour
itinerary into the perfect bespoke holiday.
PRE & POST-TOUR
EXTENSIONS
Winelands pre-tour extension –
three days from £2,270pp
Available on selected departures.
Hwange post-tour extension –
four days from £2,475pp
Available on selected departures.
Contact a specialist for more information
about how to extend your escorted tour.
DAY 9: Depart Johannesburg,
South Africa
Fly to Johannesburg, where you can access the
Premier Lounge, before departing for home.
Meals: B
YOUR LUXURY
ACCOMMODATION
One&Only Cape Town
Condé Nast Traveller Gold List
hotel with Table Mountain views
Lion Sands River Lodge
Luxurious lodge with incredible vistas
overlooking the Sabie River
The Victoria Falls Hotel
Historic colonial-style hotel just a
10-minute walk from Victoria Falls
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 21
Botswana
Safari in Style
LUXURY
SMALL GROUP
JOURNEYS
10 days/9 nights | From £8,410 per person | Maximum 16 guests
From the scenic to the sublime, this safari adventure offers a huge range of experiences.
Traverse this great safari destination and its landscapes as you seek out the Big Five
INCLUSIONS
33
Five-star luxury
accommodation
33
Resident tour director &
English-speaking expert
local guides
33
Airport meet & greet,
& return private transfers
33
Entrance fees, taxes & tips,
& excursions as stated
33
Internal flights
33
Welcome & farewell dinners
33
9 breakfasts, 8 lunches
& 9 dinners
33
Wifi in accommodation
33
Scenic sundowner
33
Design your Day ® on Day 3
33
Travelling Bellboy ®
33
Limited laundry service
available at all camps & lodges
3 3 Complimentary breakfast in
bed on one selected day
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
››
Get tips on capturing the
best Big Five images
during a private lecture with
a professional photographer
››
Glide through the Okavango
Delta in a mokoro
(dugout canoe)
››
Coast along the Zambezi
River on a sunset cruise
››
See the thundering
Victoria Falls, one
of the Seven Natural
Wonders of the World
ZAMBIA
Livingstone
ZIMBABWE
Chobe National Park
Victoria
Okavango Delta Falls
Maun
NAMIBIA
Cape Town
BOTSWANA
SOUTH AFRICA
DAY 1: Arrive Johannesburg,
South Africa
Land in Johannesburg and transfer to your
hotel. Tonight, enjoy a gourmet welcome
dinner prepared with locally sourced
ingredients. A professional photographer
joins you to offer tips for the days ahead.
Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa | Meals: D
DAY 2: Livingstone, Zambia
Fly to Livingstone, Zambia, where you’re met
by your A&K resident tour director. Continue
to Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma and settle into
your luxury treehouse built into the riverside
canopy. At twilight, cruise the Zambezi River,
sipping cocktails and gazing out across a
verdant vista and gliding past pods of hippo,
on a memorable scenic sundowner experience.
Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma | Meals: B L D
ARRIVE/DEPART
AIR
ROAD
EXTENSION
DAY 3: Livingstone
This morning, Design your Day®
– giving you the freedom to choose the
experience that is best suited to you.
Select from the following options:
Johannesburg
OPTION 1: View Victoria Falls from Zambia
Tour Victoria Falls from the Zambia side,
to see the Zambezi River cascade over a
two-kilometre-wide lip of basalt.
OPTION 2: Visit a village bike shop
Cycle or walk through Nakatindi Village
to see a bike shop, school, and clinic supported
by A&K Philanthropy.
OPTION 3: Walk with rhino
Walk close to rhino, pausing on a game drive
in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park to draw near
the giants on foot.
Return to camp for lunch and the rest of your
afternoon at leisure. Tonight, enjoy a cocktail
and a ‘Chef ’s Table’ tasting of traditional
Zambian fare, followed by dinner.
Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma | Meals: B L D
DAY 4: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe –
Chobe National Park, Botswana
This morning, see these awe-inspiring falls
from the Zimbabwean side. Afterwards,
visit an artists’ village, where you can meet
local artisans and observe them at work.
Enjoy lunch in the town of Victoria Falls
before continuing to Chobe National Park
in Botswana. Here your scenic lodge offers
panoramic views across the islands and
floodplains of the Chobe River. Set out on an
afternoon game drive – 120,000 elephant live
22 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
AFRICA
BOTSWANA
in the park, as well as impala and buffalo, and
you may also spot lion.
Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero | Meals: B L D
DAY 5: Chobe National Park
Head out on a sunrise game drive, when
animals are most active. Visit the village of
Kasane, to see how the Dipetsana Women’s
Bike Shop, a project supported by AKP,
benefits the local community. Later, embark
on a Chobe River safari cruise aboard a
double-decker boat. Look out for crocodile
and hippo, as well as elephant that come down
to drink. The park’s beautiful wetlands also
lure a wealth of birdlife. When you return to
the lodge, revel in the comforts of your luxury
accommodation and enjoy a meal.
Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero | Meals: B L D
DAYS 6 & 7: Okavango Delta
Fly to the vast private concession in the
Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta in
the world. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at
leisure with a choice of activities, such as a
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 23
DATES & PRICING
GUARANTEED
DEPARTURE
DATES (2020)
PER
PERSON
FROM
SINGLE
SUPP.
FROM
JANUARY:
7 £8,410 £1,215
FEBRUARY:
11 £8,410 £1,215
MARCH:
10 £8,410 £1,215
APRIL:
6, 21 £9,275 £2,435
MAY:
13, 16, 20, 23
28, 30
£9,710
£12,395
£2,435
£4,630
seasonal mokoro (dugout canoe) ride on the
delta or a night wildlife-viewing drive. The
next morning, continue with your choice of
activities. Set off on a thrilling, guided game
drive in a customised 4x4 vehicle or a bush
walk in the company of an armed, expert
guide, on the lookout for giraffe, hippo,
and lion.
Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp | Meals: B L D
DAY 8: Okavango Delta
Fly across the Okavango Delta to your next
amazing camp, from where you will enjoy
game drives in Moremi Game Reserve.
Widely acknowledged as the ‘predator capital
of the world’, this area is one of Botswana’s
best places for spotting the Big Five. Hunters
include cheetah, spotted hyena, and, at the
very top of the food chain, large resident lion
prides. White and black rhino are also found
here. This afternoon, enjoy wildlife-viewing
activities led by experienced driver-guides or
observe the wildlife from your private deck.
Sanctuary Chief’s Camp | Meals: B L D
DAY 9: Okavango Delta
Depart on another spectacular early morning
game drive. Beyond predators, the Okavango
Delta draws large concentrations of elephant,
buffalo, red lechwe, giraffe, and impala. Enjoy
a seasonal mokoro ride across deceptively
quiet marshlands alive with crocodile, bathing
hippo, tiny red reed frog, and many bird
species. If you opt for an afternoon game
drive, listen for roaring lion on the hunt or
spy nocturnal animals starting out for the
night. After a full day of wildlife-watching,
return to your camp to relax and enjoy a
farewell dinner.
Sanctuary Chief’s Camp | Meals: B L D
DAY 10: Depart Johannesburg,
South Africa
Fly from Botswana to South Africa, from
where you’ll depart for home. Relax in the
Premier Lounge at Johannesburg airport,
compliments of A&K.
Meals: B
PRE & POST-TOUR
EXTENSIONS
Cape Town post-tour extension
– four days from £2,030pp
Available on selected departures.
Contact a specialist for more information
about how to extend your escorted tour.
JUNE:
6, 14, 16, 20
30
£12,395
£13,615
£4,630
£5,685
JULY:
7, 10, 17, 19, 29 £13,615 £5,685
AUGUST:
1, 14, 19, 24 £13,615 £4,875
SEPTEMBER:
4, 7, 18, 22, 28 £12,800 £4,685
OCTOBER:
6, 13, 20 £12,395 £4,630
NOVEMBER:
6 £8,410 £1,215
DECEMBER:
18 £13,615 £5,685
JOURNEY DETAILS
Minimum age is 10 years. Each guest on this journey
will receive an A&K safari duffel. On certain
departure dates, the hotel on Days 2 & 3 will be
Victoria Falls River Lodge; on Days 6 & 7 will be
Belmond Khwai River Lodge; and on Days 8 & 9,
it will be Belmond Eagle Island Lodge. Activities on
these departures may vary. Please speak to your
specialist for more information.
FLIGHTS
To provide you with flexibility and the latest flight offers,
we don’t include international flights. Our specialists
will be able to find the best travel options to suit you.
Visit abercrombiekent.co.uk for up-to-date
availability and pricing information; and to
see how A&K can tailor this escorted tour
itinerary into the perfect bespoke holiday.
24 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
AFRICA
BOTSWANA
YOUR LUXURY
ACCOMMODATION
Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa
Lauded, peaceful hotel spread across 1.6
hectares in the heart of Johannesburg
Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma
A dozen romantic, air-conditioned
treehouses, set in a riverine forest
Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero
15 incredibly luxurious cottages
and a fully equipped spa
Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp
Classic camp with 10 tents
on a large private concession
Sanctuary Chief’s Camp
Luxurious bush camp with exceptional
amenities in Moremi
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 25
The Great Migration
Safari in Style
LUXURY
SMALL GROUP
JOURNEYS
14 days/13 nights | From £13,120 per person | Maximum 18 guests
Perfect for all wildlife-lovers, witness East Africa’s adundant animal life
firsthand. On this quintessential safari experience, enjoy game drives
through the region’s most stunning parks and reserves
INCLUSIONS
33
Five-star luxury
accommodation
33
Resident tour director &
English-speaking expert
local guides
33
Airport meet & greet,
& return private transfers
33
Entrance fees, taxes & tips,
& excursions as stated
33
Domestic flights
33
Welcome & farewell dinners
33
13 breakfasts, 12 lunches
& 12 dinners
33
Wifi in accommodation
33
Scenic sundowners
33
Design your Day ® on Day 6
33
Travelling Bellboy ®
3 3 Limited laundry service
available at camps & lodges
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
››
Experience six nights in the
heart of Great Migration
country – the Serengeti
and the Masai Mara
››
Observe Africa’s iconic
Big Five with A&K’s expert
driver-guides in our own
custom-made vehicles
››
Visit a vibrant Tanzanian
village, and explore by
tuk-tuk
Serengeti
National Park
To Entebbe,
KENYA
Uganda
Masai Mara
Migori Game Reserve
Tarime
Nairobi
Ngorongoro
Crater
ARRIVE/DEPART
AIR
ROAD
EXTENSION
DAY 1: Arrive Nairobi, Kenya
Land in Nairobi and transfer to the luxurious
Fairmont The Norfolk. Perhaps Kenya’s most
famous hotel, The Norfolk is in the heart of
Nairobi, welcoming generations of safari-goers
since it first opened on Christmas Day, 1904.
Fairmont The Norfolk
DAY 2: Amboseli National Park
Today, drive to Amboseli National Park
at the base of the soaring, snow-capped
Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest freestanding
mountain in the world at 5,895 metres. Set out
in search of the region’s spectacular wildlife –
African savanna elephant, leopard, cheetah,
and hosts of plains animals – all roaming freely
amid swamps, springs, and a shimmering
dried-up lakebed. This evening, gather with
fellow guests for a welcome dinner celebrating
the start of an unforgettable safari adventure.
Tawi Lodge | Meals: B L D
DAY 3: Amboseli National Park
Spend a full day exploring wildlife-rich
Amboseli National Park, watching for lion
and buffalo. Enjoy a morning on safari
before breaking for lunch. This afternoon,
take another game drive, capped off with a
refreshing sundowner.
Tawi Lodge | Meals: B L D
Tarangire
National Park
TANZANIA
Arusha
Amboseli
National
Park
From
Victoria Falls
via Livingstone
DAY 4: Tarangire National Park,
Tanzania
Drive to the Tanzanian border, stopping for
lunch in Arusha. From here, fly to Tarangire
National Park and settle into your luxurious
accommodation. Sanctuary Swala’s large tents
are built on raised decks under umbrella
acacia trees overlooking the Gurusi flood
plains. Expanses of wooded savanna are
nurtured by the Tarangire River. Resident
herds of impala often graze inside the camp,
while excursions through the dusty landscape
may be populated by abundant animal life,
such as lion, elephant, and buffalo, as well as
a range of bird species.
Sanctuary Swala | Meals: B L D
DAY 5: Tarangire National Park
Embark on morning and afternoon game
drives, with just six to a vehicle to allow
window seats for all. Observe the stunning
concentration of herd animals here, such as
elephant, zebra, and impala. You may opt for
a night safari, available at an additional fee,
to spy nocturnal creatures. With specialised
lighting, look for African wildcat, leopard,
hyena, and lion. You may also see bush baby,
spotted genet, serval, and bat-eared fox.
During your stay, partake of a ‘Chef ’s Table’
experience and learn to prepare local dishes
such as ugali, makande, and kachumbari.
Sanctuary Swala | Meals: B L D
26 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
AFRICA
KENYA & TANZANIA
DAY 6: Ngorongoro Crater
Today, explore the village of Mto wa
Mbu. Ride like a Local by tuk-tuk, see rice
fields, and try banana beer. Enjoy a walk
through the local market before heading for
lunch at your lodge set near the Ngorongoro
Conservation Area.
This afternoon, Design your Day® – giving
you the freedom to choose the experience
that is best suited to you. Select from the
following options:
OPTION 1: Walk with a Maasai healer
Enjoy a walk through the Ngorongoro Forest
with a Maasai healer, who will introduce you
to more than 20 different indigenous plants
and explain how they treat health problems.
OPTION 2: Bicycle the back roads
Take a guided bike ride through the rural back
roads to visit the village of Karatu.
OPTION 3: High tea and meet the artist
Relax on the veranda of Gibb’s Farm with
traditional high tea. Meet the artist-inresidence
and view their work.
Gibb’s Farm | Meals: B L D
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 27
DAY 7: Ngorongoro Crater
Today, set out on a game drive in Ngorongoro
Crater, exploring the panoramic, short-grass
prairies along the floor of this ancient volcanic
caldera, home to rare black rhino as well
as lion, hyena, and gazelle. The diverse and
profuse wildlife dwelling within the encircling
crater walls led this incredible ‘Lost World’
to be named a UNESCO World Heritage
Site. Enjoy lunch alfresco in the crater before
returning to your lodge. Tonight, gather for
dinner with your fellow guests.
Gibb’s Farm | Meals: B L D
DAYS 8-10: Serengeti National Park
Fly to Serengeti National Park, a vast
Tanzanian landscape that hosts one of Earth’s
last remaining wildlife spectacles: the annual
Great Migration, when millions of herbivores
trek across the Serengeti plains in search of
water and fresh grass, with hungry predators
awaiting them. Over the next two days, your
adventure may reveal giraffe, wildebeest,
elephant, and far more on morning and
afternoon game drives. You may also opt for
a hot air balloon ride across the boundless
Serengeti, at an additional cost, for an exciting
new perspective.
Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti | Meals: B L D
DAY 11: Masai Mara Game Reserve,
Kenya
Fly to the Masai Mara, the northern extension
of the Serengeti. Settle into Sanctuary Olonana
and take an afternoon game drive. Follow
the Mara River to see crocodile, hippo,
and other thirsty animals. Over 400 bird
species make their home here. Your riverside
accommodation is one of the finest safari
lodges in Kenya. As well as a great range of
on-site amenities, your private veranda offers
magnificent views of the Mara River. Tonight,
join fellow guests for a scenic sundowner,
followed by an elegant dinner.
Sanctuary Olonana | Meals: B L D
DAYS 12 & 13: Masai Mara Game
Reserve
Spend two full days exploring the open
savanna, woodlands and tree-fringed rivers of
the Masai Mara. Wildlife viewing is never dull
in the Mara, especially when the dramatic
annual Great Migration unfolds. On one day,
visit a Maasai village and meet with an elder
to learn about local culture and traditions.
During one of your mornings, enjoy an
optional hot air balloon ride over the
sprawling Mara (at an additional cost).
Connect with local residents when you visit a
village and primary school supported by AKP.
Learn firsthand how AKP’s LifeStraw
partnership is changing lives by providing
locals access to safe, clean drinking water.
Sanctuary Olonana | Meals: B L D
DAY 14: Depart Nairobi
Fly back to Nairobi and spend the afternoon
at leisure in a comfortable dayroom. In the
evening, transfer to the airport or begin a
post-tour extension to Uganda.
Fairmont The Norfolk (dayroom) | Meals: B
PRE & POST-TOUR
EXTENSIONS
Victoria Falls pre-tour extension
– four days from £3,065pp
Available on selected departures.
Uganda post-tour extension –
four days from £3,870pp
Contact a specialist for more information
about how to extend your escorted tour.
DATES & PRICING
GUARANTEED
DEPARTURE
DATES (2020)
PER
PERSON
FROM
SINGLE
SUPP.
FROM
JANUARY:
22 £13,120 £3,165
FEBRUARY:
19 £13,120 £3,165
MARCH:
11 £13,120 £3,165
JUNE:
3, 10, 17, 24 £14,545 £4,465
JULY:
1, 8, 15, 22, 29 £14,545 £4,465
AUGUST:
5, 12, 19, 26 £14,545 £4,465
SEPTEMBER:
16
2, 9, 23, 30
£13,730
£14,545
£4,465
£4,465
OCTOBER:
7, 14, 21 £13,975 £3,900
DECEMBER:
16 £15,440 £4,875
JOURNEY DETAILS
Minimum age is 10 years. Each guest on this journey
will receive an A&K safari duffel. On certain
departure dates, the hotel on Days 6 & 7 will be
The Manor at Ngorongoro; and on Days 8-10,
the hotel will be Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge. Please
speak to your specialist for more information.
FLIGHTS
To provide you with flexibility and the latest flight offers,
we don’t include international flights. Our specialists
will be able to find the best travel options to suit you.
Visit abercrombiekent.co.uk for up-to-date
availability and pricing information; and to
see how A&K can tailor this escorted tour
itinerary into the perfect bespoke holiday.
28 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
AFRICA
KENYA & TANZANIA
YOUR LUXURY ACCOMMODATION
Fairmont The Norfolk
A starting point for safaris since 1904,
located within central Nairobi
Tawi Lodge
13 cottages facing Mount Kilimanjaro,
set on a private reserve
Sanctuary Swala
12 elegant pavilions by a waterhole, with
panoramic views of Tanzania’s grasslands
Gibb’s Farm
17 cottages surrounded by gardens and a
coffee plantation near Ngorongoro Crater
Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
Elegant lodge situated on plains
blessed with prolific wildlife
Sanctuary Olonana
Superb luxury lodge in the Masai Mara,
14 spacious suites with private decks
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 29
Kenya & Tanzania
Wildlife Safari
12 days/11 nights | From £7,960 per person | Maximum 18 guests
Get fully focused on the fauna of Kenya and Tanzania on this 12-day safari.
Spot wildlife in the best national parks and game reserves, and experience
African hospitality at its finest
LUXURY
SMALL GROUP
JOURNEYS
INCLUSIONS
33
Five-star luxury
accommodation
33
Resident tour director
& English-speaking expert
local guides
33
Airport meet & greet,
& return private transfers
33
Entrance fees, taxes & tips,
& excursions as stated
33
Domestic flights
33
Welcome & farewell dinners
33
11 breakfasts, 10 lunches
& 10 dinners
33
Wifi in accommodation
33
Scenic sundowners
33
Design your Day ® on Day 11
33
Travelling Bellboy ®
33
Traveller’s Valet ®
once per journey
3 3 Complimentary breakfast in
bed on two selected days
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
››
Embark on daily game drives
with expert driver-guides in
custom-built safari vehicles
››
Visit a Maasai village to learn
about the nomadic herders’
traditions
››
Prepare and sample local
dishes during a ‘Chef’s Table’
experience
››
Explore Olduvai Gorge,
where fossils linking man to
his distant ancestors were
first discovered
Migori
Tarime
DAY 1: Arrive Nairobi, Kenya
Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to your hotel.
A microcosm of the African continent, this
capital city is your gateway to a dramatic
procession of natural spectacles in Kenya
and Tanzania, among the most thrilling
destinations in the world.
Nairobi Serena Hotel
Masai Mara
Game Reserve
Nairobi
Serengeti
National Park
Ngorongoro
Crater Arusha
Lake Manyara
National Park
ARRIVE/DEPART
AIR
ROAD
TANZANIA
KENYA
Amboseli
National Park
DAY 2: Amboseli National Park
Drive to Amboseli National Park, known for
its thriving animal population. Take in views
of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, with
its impressive Uhuru Peak soaring to 5,895
metres. Arrive at your lodge, set beneath
acacia trees in the shadow of the mountain.
After lunch, explore the acacia woodland,
freshwater swamps, scrub brush, and open
plains in search of wildlife. Part of the park
is composed of a dried-up lakebed, where
mirages rise in the shimmering heat. This
evening, share in a special welcome dinner
with your fellow guests.
Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge | Meals: B L D
DAY 3: Amboseli National Park
Spend the day on early morning and afternoon
game drives, crisscrossing the landscape in
search of elephant, zebra, and wildebeest
along the saltpan trails. Prepare for predator
sightings, as opportunistic animals begin to
roam these plains in search of prey.
Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge | Meals: B L D
INDIAN
OCEAN
DAY 4: Lake Manyara National Park,
Tanzania
Travel by road to Arusha. After stopping for
lunch in the town, continue to your lodge,
which is located in a picturesque region of the
Great Rift Valley. On arrival, settle in, freshen
up, and relax before venturing to a nearby
escarpment with picturesque views of the
valley below. Here, enjoy a refreshing scenic
sundowner as the equatorial sun slips toward
the horizon. This evening, gather with fellow
guests for a hearty dinner.
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge | Meals: B L D
DAY 5: Ngorongoro Crater
Set out on a morning game drive in search of
baboon, dik-dik, and large herds of buffalo,
wildebeest, and zebra. Along a narrow belt
of acacia woodland, you may even spot the
region’s unique tree-climbing lion, which
ascends branches for a cool breeze. After a
farm-fresh lunch, travel to the Ngorongoro
Crater, the largest unbroken ancient caldera
30 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
AFRICA
KENYA & TANZANIA
in the world, and a likely place to find lion,
elephant, hyena, and gazelle. This afternoon,
prepare and sample local dishes at a ‘Chef ’s
Table’ demonstration in the hotel kitchen.
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge | Meals: B L D
DAY 6: Ngorongoro Crater
Wake to explore this ‘lost world’ of animals;
its savannas are an ideal spot to see buffalo
and elephant. Bird lovers can view flamingo,
when in season, and countless other species
on the crater’s 259-square-kilometre floor.
You may even see the rare black rhino.
Following lunch, visit a Maasai village to gain
a better understanding of the nomadic cattleherders’
daily life and culture. Witness
a demonstration of traditional crafts.
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge | Meals: B L D
DAY 7: Serengeti National Park
Drive to vast, wildlife-rich Serengeti National
Park, stopping en route for a privately guided
tour of Olduvai Gorge, where ancient fossils
offer insight into humankind’s past. Pass
savanna grassland and volcanic hills, before
dropping steeply downward into the gorge.
Visit the small museum and examine the
excavations which revealed 3.7 million-yearold
footprints and a 1.8 million-year-old skull.
Your nearby lodge enjoys commanding views
of this landscape. The park is also on the route
of the annual Great Migration.
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge | Meals: B L D
DAY 8: Serengeti National Park
Spend your day in true safari country,
searching for the Big Five (lion, leopard, Cape
buffalo, elephant, and rhino), along with
giraffe, gazelle, and zebra. Along the rivers,
plains and rocky outcroppings, you may also
spot some of the Serengeti’s more diminutive
denizens, such as the leopard tortoise and
rhinoceros beetle.
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge | Meals: B L D
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 31
DATES & PRICING
GUARANTEED
DEPARTURE
DATES (2020)
PER
PERSON
FROM
SINGLE
SUPP.
FROM
DAY 9: Masai Mara Game
Reserve, Kenya
Fly to the vast Masai Mara Game Reserve,
Kenya’s finest wildlife spectacle. The unending
landscape hosts some 400-500 bird species,
95 animal species and all of the great predators,
including the country’s largest lion population.
The Mara lies within the territory of the
Maasai, who help administer the park and
protect it from poachers. After familiarising
yourself with your accommodation, ideally
situated at the confluence of the Mara’s four
wildlife-viewing regions, take a drive through
the famed reserve.
Mara Intrepids | Meals: B L D
DAY 10: Masai Mara Game Reserve
Spend the day exploring a region bestowed
with nearly 1,300 square kilometres of
savannas, woodlands, and tree-fringed rivers.
Observe crocodile basking in the sun,
ever-alert hippo wallowing in muddy water,
and mischievous monkey racing overhead.
Spot massive elephant and graceful giraffe.
In the evening, enjoy a scenic sundowner
experience overlooking the plains at dusk.
Optional experiences include a hot air balloon
ride over the plains (at an additional cost)
and a visit to a local school.
Mara Intrepids | Meals: B L D
DAY 11: Masai Mara Game
Reserve
Enjoy a morning game drive or choose a ride
in a hot air balloon, for an additional cost,
floating peacefully above the wildlife-dotted
plains and gaining a new perspective on life
in the Mara.
This afternoon, Design your Day® – giving
you the freedom to choose the experience
that is best suited to you. Select from the
following options:
OPTION 1: Guided bird walk
Set out on a guided bird walk for the
opportunity to spot some of the nearly
500 species of bird in the region.
OPTION 2: Beading with the Maasai
Make beads with the Maasai, learning the
craft of beading from tribal members and
creating your own jewellery.
OPTION 3: Throw the rungu hunting club
Throw the rungu with Maasai warriors,
testing your skills with their traditional
wooden hunting club.
Tonight, attend a memorable farewell dinner
with your fellow guests.
Mara Intrepids | Meals: B L D
DAY 12: Depart Nairobi
Return to Nairobi. Spend the afternoon at
leisure in a reserved dayroom before you
depart for home.
Nairobi Serena Hotel (dayroom) | Meals: B
JANUARY:
21 £9,585 £1,460
FEBRUARY:
4, 18 £9,585 £1,460
MARCH:
3 £8,935 £1,135
MAY:
19 £7,960 £730
JUNE:
16, 30 £10,400 £1,620
JULY:
7, 14, 17, 21, 28, 31 £10,400 £1,620
AUGUST:
4, 11, 14, 18, 25, 28 £10,400 £1,620
SEPTEMBER:
1, 8, 11, 15, 22 £10,400 £1,620
OCTOBER:
6, 13 £10,400 £1,620
NOVEMBER:
3 £10,400 £1,620
DECEMBER:
8
22
£9,585
£11,375
£1,460
£1,785
JOURNEY DETAILS
Minimum age is 10 years. Each guest on this journey
will receive an A&K safari duffel.
FLIGHTS
To provide you with flexibility and the latest flight offers,
we don’t include international flights. Our specialists
will be able to find the best travel options to suit you.
Visit abercrombiekent.co.uk for up-to-date
availability and pricing information; and to
see how A&K can tailor this escorted tour
itinerary into the perfect bespoke holiday.
32 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
YOUR LUXURY
ACCOMMODATION
AFRICA
Nairobi Serena Hotel
Oasis of serenity set within
the vibrant city of Nairobi
KENYA & TANZANIA
Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
Secluded safari lodge with
Masai-inspired guest rooms
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
Drink in panoramic views
of the Great Rift Valley
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
Luxury lodge perched on the crater’s rim,
with vistas of its natural wonders
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Stylish, well-located lodge offering
commanding views of the Serengeti
Mara Intrepids
Authentic safari tents in the heart
of Kenya’s wildlife-viewing country
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 33
Climb Kilimanjaro:
Summiting the Machame Route
9 days/8 nights | From £5,995 per person | Maximum 12 guests
This itinerary follows the scenic Machame Route to the summit, allowing extra time
to acclimatise to the altitude. Ideal for amateurs and experienced mountaineers alike,
enjoy unrivalled equipment and certified guides
LUXURY
SMALL GROUP
JOURNEYS
INCLUSIONS
33
Resident tour director &
English-speaking expert
local guides
33
Airport meet & greet,
& return private transfers
33
Entrance fees, taxes & tips,
& excursions as stated
33
Welcome dinner & farewell
lunch
33
8 breakfasts, 8 lunches
& 7 dinners
33
Complimentary breakfast in
bed on Days 2 & 3
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
››
Climb with confidence: A&K
has been leading treks up
Kilimanjaro for more than 30
years and boasts a successful
summit rate of 97 per cent
››
Superior, top-of-the-line
camping gear and safety
equipment, owned and
maintained by A&K
››
Quality assured: A&K directly
employs all chefs, porters, and
guides (who are all certified
Wilderness First Responders)
››
Stay in the largest and most
comfortable sleeping tents
on the mountain, with private
toilet facilities
››
Carry only a daypack, as
porters transport your
luggage and equipment
throughout the climb
and descent
3,990m
Shira Camp
3,850m
DAY 1: Arrive Arusha, Tanzania
Land in Arusha and transfer to your hotel.
Enjoy a good night’s rest as one of no more
than 12 guests on this epic journey.
Lake Duluti Lodge
MOUNT KILIMANJARO
Barafu Camp
4,680m
Karanga Camp
Mweka Camp
Machame Camp 3,100m
2,835m
DAY 2: Arusha
In preparation for the climb ahead, acclimatise
as you walk through Arusha National
Park. Situated between the peaks of Mount
Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, this scenic
park houses a wide range of habitats, from its
string of crater lakes populated by waterfowl
to its montane forest and imposing summit
views. The forest harbours a wealth of wildlife,
including frolicking black and white colobus
monkey and regal bushbuck. This evening, sit
down to a welcome dinner with fellow guests.
Lake Duluti Lodge | Meals: B L D
DAY 3: Mount Kilimanjaro
Drive from Arusha to the Machame village
on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro to begin
your climb along the challenging and scenic
Machame Route. Hike for about six hours
through dense rubber tree and giant fig
forests to reach your camp, set up near huts
once used for shelter. As you make your way
up through the forested terrain, keep an eye
out for elephant. Settle into your first camp,
poised at an altitude of 2,835 metres.
Machame Camp | Meals: B L D
Barranco Camp
3,900m
Uhuru Peak
5,895m
DAY 4: Mount Kilimanjaro
Awake early to a piping-hot cup of coffee
or tea. As you leave camp, absorb the
commanding view of Uhuru Peak. Trek out
of the forest up to the Hagenia zone, through
a savanna of tall grasses and haunting volcanic
lava landscapes. After a six-hour hike, arrive
at the Shira Plateau and your camp. At 3,850
metres, it boasts sweeping views across the
Masai Steppe to distant Mount Meru and the
Shira Needles.
Shira Camp | Meals: B L D
DAY 5: Mount Kilimanjaro
During a further six-hour trek, skirt the Shira
Plateau toward the Kibo Massif, continuing
upward to the pass at Lava Tower (4,600
metres). Descend towards Barranco Camp
through the immense, waterfall-punctuated
Grand Barranco Canyon, which is fed by
streams from the Umbwe River. Today’s camp
is situated at an elevation of 3,900 metres.
Barranco Camp | Meals: B L D
DAY 6: Mount Kilimanjaro
Hike for about five hours along the Barranco
Cliff with no increase in elevation. This
allows you time to rest and adjust to the
higher altitude. In the afternoon, you
may hike in the Karanga Valley set beneath
34 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
AFRICA
TANZANIA
the icefalls of the Heim, Decken, and
Kersten glaciers.
Karanga Camp | Meals: B L D
DAY 7: Mount Kilimanjaro
Take a four- to five-hour trek on another day
of acclimatisation as you near the mountain’s
peak, stopping at Barafu Camp (4,680 metres)
on a moraine, with views of majestic
Mawenzi Peak to the right and looming
Kibo Peak overhead. Gaze out over the
surrounding mineral terrain sparsely dotted
with lichens and moss. Don’t turn in too
late this evening – tomorrow, you make an
early start for the summit.
Barafu Camp | Meals: B L D
DAY 8: Mount Kilimanjaro
Rise early with a hot drink before setting
out on approximately 13 hours of trekking.
Should all go as planned, you’ll stand at the
highest point in Africa after about seven
hours. Ascend a winding path flanked by the
towering Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers to
soaring Stella Point on the rim of Kibo Crater.
As the sun rises, continue around to Uhuru
Peak (5,895 metres), the highest point in
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 35
Africa, where the air is rarefied. Savour your
achievement before you descend to your last
campsite at 3,100 metres.
Mweka Camp | Meals: B L D
DAY 9: Depart Arusha
Continue your way down to the base of the
mountain, where your A&K driver greets
and transports you back to Arusha. During a
farewell lunch, bask in your accomplishments
with fellow guests. Comfortable dayrooms are
provided until your departure flight.
Lake Duluti Lodge (dayroom) | Meals: B L
DATES & PRICING
GUARANTEED
DEPARTURE
DATES (2020)
PER
PERSON
FROM
SINGLE
SUPP.
FROM
JANUARY:
21 £5,995 £1,620
FEBRUARY:
4, 18 £5,995 £1,620
MAY:
19 £5,995 £1,620
JUNE:
9, 16 £5,995 £1,620
YOUR ACCOMMODATION
JULY:
7 £5,995 £1,620
AUGUST:
4, 18 £5,995 £1,620
SEPTEMBER:
15, 29 £5,995 £1,620
OCTOBER:
6 £5,995 £1,620
NOVEMBER:
10 £5,995 £1,620
JOURNEY DETAILS
This journey is strenuous with steep ascents and high
altitudes, however novice climbers are welcome.
Minimum age is 16 years. Each guest on this journey
will receive an A&K safari duffel.
FLIGHTS
To provide you with flexibility and the latest flight
offers, we don’t include international flights.
Our specialists will be able to find the best
travel options to suit you.
Visit abercrombiekent.co.uk for up-to-date
availability and pricing information; and to
see how A&K can tailor this escorted tour
itinerary into the perfect bespoke holiday.
PRE & POST-TOUR
EXTENSIONS
Tanzania safari post-tour
extension – five days from
£3,125pp
Available on selected departures.
• Our customised tents
are the most luxurious
on the mountain
• Sleeping tents are designed
to accommodate two. They
feature raised camp beds
and tall ceiling heights
• Dining tents are solar-lit
with comfortable chairs
and tables and all our
camps on the mountain
have hygienic private
toilet facilities
Lake Duluti Lodge
Spacious private chalets
with views over an expansive
coffee farm
Contact a specialist for more information
about how to extend your escorted tour.
36 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
AFRICA
TANZANIA
CLIMB KILIMANJARO WITH A&K
With a successful summit rate of 97 per cent (compared
to the 60-70 per cent average), A&K’s Mount Kilimanjaro
expeditions give you an outstanding chance of reaching
‘the roof of Africa’. Our experienced climbing team
oversees every factor that contributes to a successful climb
GUIDES & PORTERS
Every A&K guide is a certified Wilderness First Responder, trained in
mountain craft, natural history, and ecological awareness. Our guides
are also trained in first aid and are fluent in English, and most have
completed over 200 summits. A founding member of the Kilimanjaro
Porter Assistance Project and a proud Partner for Responsible Travel
with the International Mountain Explorers Connection, A&K is an
advocate for the welfare of our team of porters. Their hard work and
dedication are what make every A&K trek possible.
COMFORTS ON THE MOUNTAIN
Summiting Mount Kilimanjaro comes easier to those who are well
rested – and A&K campsites are famous for their comforts. Our
customised sleeping tents are the largest and most luxurious on the
mountain, designed for two people with raised camp beds and tall
ceiling heights. Solar-lit dining tents with comfortable tables and chairs
allow you to relax out of the elements and rejuvenate during the trek.
Hygienic private toilets are also exclusively available to A&K trekkers.
FOOD & NUTRITION
Another key element to conquering Kilimanjaro is to maintain proper
nutrition throughout your entire trek. Every meal is designed to
provide the fuel you need to reach the summit. Unlike many other
companies, A&K provides fresh food throughout the entire trek,
including abundant snacks between meals as well as unlimited,
purified water. Special diets can also be accommodated.
ACCLIMATISATION
While most trekkers spend a total of five days on the mountain,
we schedule seven days (six nights) to allow more time for premium
altitude acclimatisation, contributing to A&K’s successful summit rate
of 97 per cent.
SUSTAINABLE TREKS
A&K leaves no trace on the mountain and takes pride in operating
green campsites. Every A&K camp is completely portable with no
fixed ground structures or plumbing, and we remove all waste
and rubbish from our treks.
SAFETY ON THE MOUNTAIN
A&K climbs use the finest climbing and camping apparatus, safety
equipment, and communications network. On every climb, we supply
and carry all safety and emergency equipment, including emergency
oxygen, a portable altitude chamber, a defibrillator, pulse oximeters,
a stretcher, an extensive first aid kit, and three means of communication
(mobile phone, two-way radio, and satellite phone).
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 37
A Naturalist’s Guide
to Madagascar
with Dr Charlie Gardner
12 days/11 nights | From £9,315 per person | Maximum 10 guests
Discover a unique collection of animals and plants in this biodiverse hot spot, almost
untouched by tourism. Guided by our wildlife expert, come face-to-face with lemur,
hike between age-old baobabs, walk among orchids, and stroll along deserted beaches
INCLUSIONS
33
Resident tour director &
English-speaking expert
local guides
33
Airport meet & greet,
& return private transfers
33
Bottled drinking water,
wine, beer & some spirits
33
All entrance fees, taxes &
tips, & excursions
33
Three charter flights
33
Welcome & farewell dinners
33
11 breakfasts, 10 lunches
& 11 dinners
33
Scenic sundowner
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
››
Enjoy a rare insight into
the indigenous wildlife
from your guest host,
Dr Charlie Gardner
››
Spot indri lemur,
chameleon, and bird
species within the
national parks
››
Hike in the Sacred
Spiny Forest
››
Visit a local village and learn
about the cultural traditions
of the Antandroy tribe
››
Explore the historic Rova
(Queen’s Palace) crowning
the hill above the capital
››
Savour a scenic sundowner
from your hammock as dusk
falls over Manafiafy Beach
MOZAMBIQUE
CHANNEL
ARRIVE/DEPART
AIR
ROAD
DAY 1: Arrive Antananarivo
On arrival in the hilly Malagasy capital you’re
welcomed by our A&K representative. You will
be transferred to your hotel in the embassy
district of Haute-Ville (Upper Town). This
part of the city is a tangled assortment of
steep, partly cobbled streets, red-tiled roofs,
and pastel-coloured houses, with a lovely
cool climate. After a relaxing afternoon,
your guest host, Dr Charlie Gardner, will
introduce himself and give you a briefing on
the adventure ahead over welcome drinks and
dinner in the hotel.
Hotel Colbert | Meals: D
MADAGASCAR
DAYS 2-4: Andasibe
Enjoy three days watching the island’s unique
wildlife. Head to Andasibe, a rainforest
comprising Périnet Special Reserve and
Mantadia National Park. Spot the indri –
the largest lemur, which cannot survive
in captivity – along with 11 other species,
including the fat-tailed dwarf lemur.
Birdwatchers can observe the velvet asity and
nuthatch vanga. The reserve is also home to
reptiles and more than 1,000 orchid species.
Visit Mitsinjo Forest Reserve to take part in
a planting programme and head to Lemur
Island where four species are protected.
Mantadia Lodge | Meals: B L D
Antananarivo
Ifotaka
Andasibe-
Mantadia
National
Park
Manafiafy
Fort Dauphin
DAY 5: Antananarivo
Return to the capital to explore the Upper
Town with your guide. Visit the Queen’s
Palace, locally referred to as the Rova, which
crowns the highest hill in the city. The resting
place of the country’s monarchs, you can
explore this fortified structure designed for
Queen Ranavalona I by Scottish missionary
James Cameron. Round off your tour with a
stop at the newly built photography museum
showcasing the everyday life of the Malagasy
people. Learn more about the history of ‘the
city of the thousand’, a name referring to
the soldiers who once guarded it.
Hotel Colbert | Meals: B L D
DAYS 6-8: Ifotaka
Take a private flight south to Mandrare
River Camp, close to where the fascinating
Antandroy tribe lives. The next three days
are spent on a journey of discovery. Enjoy
seeing the entwined branches of the octopus
tree while walking in the Sacred Spiny Forest.
Visit a local village, and enjoy a sundowner.
Depending on water levels, walk or take a boat
across the river to the Sacred Gallery Forest,
home to the ring-tailed and Verreaux sifaka
lemur. Observe the nocturnal creatures on a
night walk through the Forest of Zenavo.
Mandrare River Camp | Meals: B L D
DAY 9: Manafiafy Beach
Today, fly to Fort Dauphin on a private charter
38 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
AFRICA
YOUR A&K HOST
DR CHARLIE GARDNER
MADAGASCAR
Charlie has worked as a scientific advisor
for the World Wildlife Fund and has published
many papers on Madagascar’s wildlife and
its conservation. He has appeared on natural
history documentaries and assisted with the
filming of Sir David Attenborough’s
BBC series Madagascar.
YOUR
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel Colbert
Homely hotel with views
over the colourful capital
flight and travel north to Manafiafy Beach.
This secluded tropical paradise, also known as
Sainte Luce, is a beautiful sandy bay, fringed
with forest-covered mountains and wildliferich
mangroves. Enjoy time at leisure for a
swim and sundowner overlooking the bay.
Manafiafy Beach & Rainforest Lodge |
Meals: B L D
DAYS 10 & 11: Manafiafy Beach
Enjoy two days to kick back in this barefoot
paradise. Your lodge offers easy access to
nature and a wide range of sporting activities,
which are all included. Wildlife-watching
options encompass guided day and night
walks in the rainforest, snorkelling in the bay
and nearby cove, kayaking, and scenic boat
trips to the mangroves and a whale-watching
tower (humpback whale pass between July
and September). Enjoy boat rides to nearby
islands for picnics and trips to the local village,
supported by the lodge. Toast your adventure
with a sumptuous dinner on the beach.
Manafiafy Beach & Rainforest Lodge |
Meals: B L D
DAY 12: Depart Antananarivo
Say a fond farewell to Madagascar and
transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Meals: B
DATES & PRICING
GUARANTEED
DEPARTURE
DATES (2020)
PER
PERSON
FROM
SINGLE
SUPP.
FROM
JUNE:
7, 18 £9,315 £1,540
NOVEMBER:
8 £9,315 £1,540
This escorted tour is a Hosted Journey: all standard
inclusions featured on pages 8 & 9 apply, however
please note that due to the specialist nature of this tour,
Luxury Small Group Journeys’ and Immersive Journeys’
additional extras are not included.
JOURNEY DETAILS
This journey includes some optional long and/or
steep walks.
FLIGHTS
To provide you with flexibility and the latest flight offers,
we don’t include international flights. Our specialists
will be able to find the best travel options to suit you.
Visit abercrombiekent.co.uk for up-to-date
availability and pricing information; and to
see how A&K can tailor this escorted tour
itinerary into the perfect bespoke holiday.
Mantadia Lodge
Comfortable base for
excursions to spot indri lemur
Mandrare River Camp
Classic tented safari camp offering
majestic views of the Mandrare River
Manafiafy Beach & Rainforest Lodge
Coastal bungalows from which you can
enjoy walks in the littoral rainforest
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 39
Egypt: Cairo &
Cruising the Nile
IMMERSIVE
JOURNEYS
9 days/8 nights | From £3,995 per person | Maximum 18 guests
Step back in time as you travel from the pyramids of Cairo to the temples of Aswan and
Luxor. Cruise down the Nile aboard Sanctuary Nile Adventurer. Unravel the mysteries
of ancient Egypt with the help of your own private Egyptologist, and come face-to-face
with the iconic death mask of King Tutankhamun
INCLUSIONS
33
Design your Day ® on Day 3
33
Five-star luxury
accommodation
33
Resident tour director &
English-speaking expert
local guides
33
Airport meet & greet
& return private transfers
33
Entrance fees, taxes & tips,
& excursions as stated
33
Domestic flights
33
Cocktail reception, welcome
& farewell dinners
33
8 breakfasts, 7 lunches
& 5 dinners
33
Wifi in accommodation
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
››
Explore inside the Great
Pyramid of Cheops
››
Cruise the Nile aboard
Sanctuary Nile Adventurer
››
Special entry into the tomb of
Seti I in the Valley of the Kings
››
Enjoy private, exclusive-to-
A&K docking facilities in both
Luxor and Aswan
››
Enjoy exclusive access to the
Grand Egyptian Museum if
travelling before Oct 2020
EGYPT
ARRIVE/DEPART
AIR
CRUISE
EXTENSION
DAY 1: Arrive Cairo, Egypt
Arrive in Cairo where you are met by your
A&K representative and transfer to your
luxury hotel. This superbly located hotel lies
downtown, set right on the banks of the Nile.
The Nile Ritz-Carlton
Alexandria
Cairo
DAY 2: Cairo
Drive to Sakkara, the site of hundreds of
tombs and 14 pyramids, including the Step
Pyramid of Djoser (the world’s oldest complete
stone building) and temple of Serapeum. Head
to Giza to venture inside the Great Pyramid,
the only survivor of the Seven Wonders of the
Ancient World. Explore the plateau, home to
the pyramids of Menkaure and Khafre, which
were built in the Fourth Dynasty. Visit the
Solar Boat Museum, which houses a pharaoh’s
funerary vessel. Tonight, gather for a delicious
welcome dinner.
The Nile Ritz-Carlton | Meals: B L D
Hurghada
Luxor
Esna
Edfu
Kom Ombo
Aswan
DAY 3: Cairo
This morning, head to the Grand
Egyptian Museum (GEM), the largest
archaeological museum in the world,
overlooking Giza’s pyramids. It contains
Tutankhamun’s treasures including the iconic
death mask. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Later, Design your Day® – giving you the
freedom to choose the experience that
is best suited to you. Select from the
following options:
OPTION 1: Discover Coptic Cairo
Visit the oldest area of Cairo to explore the
remains of the Fortress of Babylon, visit the
Church of St Sergius, the Hanging Church,
and the Ben Ezra Synagogue.
OPTION 2: Islamic walking tour
Visit the Citadel of Salah El Din, before
embarking on an Islamic walking tour down
the main street of the walled city of Cairo.
View beautiful Islamic monuments and busy
local markets.
OPTION 3: Take to the Nile by felucca
View Cairo from a different perspective as
you sail the waters of the Nile.
The Nile Ritz-Carlton | Meals: B L
DAY 4: Cairo – Aswan
Fly to Aswan where you will be met and
transferred to your hotel. Explore the spice
souks of Aswan and take a stroll along the
Corniche. This southern town lies along
the languid waters of the Nile, dotted with
feluccas gliding towards the botanical gardens
on Kitchener’s Island. Nubian villages run
down to the water and stand out against the
backdrop of the west bank’s desert escarpment.
Mövenpick Resort Aswan | Meals: B L
DAY 5: Cruising the Nile
Enjoy a morning at leisure before boarding
the Sanctuary Nile Adventurer from your
private dock. After settling into your cabin and
exploring your boat, which has an Arabianstyle
Sun Deck and a refreshing dipping pool,
it will be time to sail around the Aswan islands
on board a traditional felucca. Your cruise
will circumnavigate Elephantine Island, Lord
Kitchener’s Botanical Garden, and the Aga
40 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
NORTH AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST EGYPT
Khan Mausoleum. Tonight, it’s time to dress
up and head for a cocktail reception, gourmet
dinner, and on-board show.
Sanctuary Nile Adventurer | Meals: B L D
DAY 6: Cruising the Nile
This morning, take a motor boat to Philae
Temple on the island of Agilkia, dedicated
to the goddess Isis. The temple was moved
when the Aswan Dam was built. Proceed
to the impressive granite quarries and the
Unfinished Obelisk. Join your chef back on
board for a cooking lesson. Later disembark at
Kom Ombo (‘hill of gold’) to visit the temple
dedicated to Horus the sun god and Sobek
the crocodile god, and view mummified
remains of the ancient reptiles. Tonight, take
part in an Egyptian-themed night with buffet
and entertainment.
Sanctuary Nile Adventurer | Meals: B L D
DAY 7: Cruising the Nile
This morning, view the Temple of Horus,
falcon-headed god of the sky. Built in 230 BC
by Ptolemy III, this stunningly well-preserved
and colourful structure reveals what temple
worship was like in Edfu. Return to your
boat for lunch as you sail towards Esna. Join
your Egyptologist for a visit to the Temple
of Khnum, which lies below street level, and
marvel at its soaring columns and hieroglyphs.
Relax with afternoon tea as you sail towards
the temples of Luxor and feel the lure of the
Valley of the Kings.
Sanctuary Nile Adventurer | Meals: B L D
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 41
YOUR LUXURY
ACCOMMODATION
DAY 8: Cruising the Nile
Wake up in the ancient city of Thebes. Your
tour begins at the temples of Luxor and
Karnak. Pass the huge columns of Great
Hypostyle Hall. After lunch, explore the
Valley of the Kings with entry into the burial
chambers of Tutankhamun and Seti I. You
will also have the chance to visit the tomb of
Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens, before
heading towards the Mortuary Temple of
Hatshepsut, Egypt’s first female pharaoh, and a
photo stop at the Colossi of Memnon. Gather
for a farewell dinner.
Sanctuary Nile Adventurer | Meals: B L D
DAY 9: Depart Luxor
After a delicious breakfast, head to the airport
for your homeward flight.
Meals: B
PRE & POST-TOUR
EXTENSIONS
Alexandria pre-tour extension –
three days from £420pp
Available on selected departures.
Hurghada post-tour extension –
three days from £495pp
Available on selected departures.
Contact a specialist for more information
about how to extend your escorted tour.
DATES & PRICING
GUARANTEED
DEPARTURE DATES (2020)
PRICE
PER
PERSON
FEBRUARY:
17 £3,995
MARCH:
4 £4,150
OCTOBER:
10 £4,150
NOVEMBER:
3, 27 £4,150
DECEMBER:
13 £4,290
For additional early 2020 departures, please refer to our
website for the Egypt & the Nile LSGJ escorted tour.
JOURNEY DETAILS
Price is based on Nile Deck cabin. Upgrade prices
to superior cabins are available on request. Please
note that multiple groups may be travelling on board
Sanctuary Nile Adventurer simultaneously.
TRAVELLING SOLO?
Book early and the first four solo places won’t pay any
single supplement. The same journey, the same luxury,
guaranteed at the same price.
FLIGHTS
To provide you with flexibility and the latest flight offers,
we don’t include international flights. Our specialists
will be able to find the best travel options to suit you.
Visit abercrombiekent.co.uk for up-to-date
availability and pricing information; and to see
how A&K can tailor this escorted tour itinerary
into the perfect bespoke holiday.
The Nile Ritz-Carlton
Luxury hotel in downtown Cairo with views
of either the Nile or the Egyptian Museum
Sanctuary Nile Adventurer
Enjoy the river view from the Sun Deck,
pool, and all cabins
Mövenpick Resort Aswan
Spectacular Nile views from the quiet
shores of Elephantine Island
42 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
NORTH AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST
EGYPT
Sanctuary Nile Adventurer
Be one of the first to set sail on the journey of a lifetime aboard the Sanctuary Nile
Adventurer following its elegant makeover. Enjoy river views from all the luxury cabins
or private cabanas on the gleaming teak Sun Deck
A&K SIGNATURE ELEMENTS
33
32 contemporary cabins, including
two deluxe and two presidential
suites, all with Nile views
33
Expert A&K Egyptologist
accompanies all shore excursions
33
Boarding from your private dock
33
Cooking lesson with on-board chef
33
New massage room with floating
four-poster bed and outdoor gym,
both on the Sun Deck
33
Cosy wood-panelled library
33
Pool with inviting loungers
33
Egyptian-inspired rugs, tiles,
and textiles
RIVER VIEWS FROM ALL CABINS
Enjoy river views from all the newly
refurbished cabins. These spacious havens of
sophistication feature a new floating vanity
and a private dining space. The palatial
presidential suites include cinematic vistas
from vast windows, private balconies,
plus refined living areas. Relax at the end
of another memorable day in the new
four-poster bed, the epitome of graceful
indulgence. Dramatic new feature walls
and headboards with embedded lighting
add a touch of glamour to this intimate
boutique vessel.
PRIVACY & PAMPERING
After a day of sightseeing, you can relax on a
floating four-poster bed in the new massage
room, which offers a range of soothing
treatments. The outdoor Sun Deck with its
cabanas, sunloungers, and refreshing pool is
the perfect place to watch the world glide by
as you cruise down this majestic river. If you’re
feeling active, you can enjoy the ultimate
workout at the new outdoor gym, or you may
prefer to cosy up with a book in the library.
FINE FOOD & COOKERY CLASSES
Award-winning chefs offer fine cuisine
and Egyptian cooking classes so you can
savour authentic flavours when you return
home. Dine in the new restaurant, rich
with burnished bronze tones, the glow of
hammered copper, delicately patterned
tiles inlaid in the walnut floor, and carefully
selected antiques. With stunning views, this
is the perfect setting for gourmet dinners and
gala evenings.
DECK PLAN
Swimming Pool
SUN DECK
405 403 401
406 404 402 Lower Sun Deck
PROMENADE DECK
309 307 305 303 301
310 308 306 304 302
Lounge & Bar
BRIDGE DECK
209 207 205 203 201
210 208 206 204 202
Restaurant
MAIN DECK
111 109 107
110 108 106
NILE DECK
King presidential suite (42.4 sqm)
Twin presidential suites (42.4 sqm)
King junior suite (21.3 sqm)
Twin junior suite (21.3 sqm)
Standard king cabin (14.2-16.5 sqm)
Standard twin cabin (14.2-16.5 sqm)
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 43
IMMERSIVE
JOURNEYS
Jordan: Petra & Beyond
9 days/8 nights | From £2,450 per person | Maximum 18 guests
Adventurers can cross Crusader kingdoms and see biblical beauty on a nine-day sweep
through Jordan. Visit ancient Jerash and the rose-red city of Petra, then traverse Bedouin
desertscapes in the Wadi Rum, and float in the mineral-rich Dead Sea
Dead Sea
Petra
Jerash
Amman
JORDAN
ARRIVE/DEPART
ROAD
EXTENSION
DAY 1: Arrive Amman, Jordan
Touch down in Amman. You’ll be cordially
greeted and driven the 40 minutes to your
hotel. We recommend resting well before
tomorrow’s excitements.
Intercontinental Amman
DAY 2: Ajloun & Jerash
Start your Jordan adventure at the Crusader
castle of Ajloun. Strategically built in the
hilly contours, on a clear day you can admire
views all the way to the Dead Sea. Head to
Jerash, one of the best-preserved Greco-
Roman cities in the world. Once a hub for
spice traders, today you can walk around its
striking colonnades, crumbling archways,
and pavements permanently grooved by years
of chariot traffic. After lunch, you’ll have the
afternoon to explore and linger as you please.
Intercontinental Amman | Meals: B L D
DAY 3: Amman
Today, Design your Day® – giving
you the freedom to choose the experience
that is best suited to you. Select from the
following options:
OPTION 1: Get acquainted with Amman
Visit Amman’s ancient citadel to view the
monumental Temple of Hercules and the
Umayyad Palace. Then head to the Royal
Automobile Museum to see classic cars from
American cruisers to regal Rolls-Royces.
OPTION 2: Visit the Iraq Al-Amir Women
Cooperative Society
Take a look at the work of this local
44 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
NORTH AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST
JORDAN
cooperative aimed at developing craftwork by
women in the surrounding villages. Visit both
the fabric and paper workshop showcasing
artisanal designs.
This afternoon, take the opportunity to duck
into the Jordan Museum to see the Ain Ghazal
statues, which date from 7250 BC.
Intercontinental Amman | Meals: B
DAY 4: Amman – Petra
Take the scenic route to Petra, stopping at
Mount Nebo, from where Moses glimpsed the
Promised Land. From its summit you can
gaze out over Jerusalem. Follow the crosscountry
King’s Highway, forged by Old
Testament kings (and everyone who came
after). You’ll swoop through the Amman gorge
to Madaba, where you’ll enjoy lunch and see
the Byzantine Mosaic Map, made from two
million pieces of stone. Learn how to preserve
ancient mosaics before heading to dramatic
Shobak, a 12th-century Crusader castle, built
to guard the King’s Highway. Continue to your
hotel in Petra.
Mövenpick Resort Petra | Meals: B L
DAY 5: Petra
Despite Indiana Jones’s best efforts, nothing
can quite prepare you for Jordan’s rock star
landmark. Beguiling even the most discerning
travellers, Petra is located in rugged rift valleys
in what is now the southwestern region of
Jordan. The sandstone cliff-carved city was
once a thriving trade town and the Nabataean
kingdom’s capital from 312 BC to 106 AD. The
UNESCO World Heritage Site is 60 square
kilometres in total, so boot up to stroll around
remarkable sights such as the Monastery,
the Temple of Winged Lions, the Corinthian
Tomb, the Palace Tomb, and the magnificent
Treasury with your A&K guide.
Mövenpick Resort Petra | Meals: B L
DAY 6: Petra
Today, Design your Day® – giving
you the freedom to choose the experience
that is best suited to you. Select from the
following options:
OPTION 1: Explore Petra
Return to the Lost City and continue surveying
its network of tombs. This time you might
choose to walk the Siq, the kilometre long
passageway leading to the Treasury.
OPTION 2: Experience Little Petra
See Siq al-Barid, smaller but no less beautiful
than Petra. It’s mercifully overlooked by
tourists, so you can enjoy its cooling cave
dwellings and hand-painted frescoes in peace.
Mövenpick Resort Petra | Meals: B
INCLUSIONS
33
Design your Day ®
on Days 3 & 6
33
Five-star luxury
accommodation
33
Resident tour director &
English-speaking expert
local guides
33
Airport meet & greet,
& return private transfers
33
Entrance fees, taxes & tips,
& excursions as stated
33
Welcome & farewell dinners
33
8 breakfasts, 4 lunches
& 2 dinners
33
Wifi in accommodation
33
Scenic sundowner
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
››
Explore the Greco-
Roman city of Jerash
››
See Petra’s ancient
rosy temples & tombs
››
Trailblaze the Wadi Rum
desert in a 4x4
››
Float in the Dead Sea’s
mineral-rich waters
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 45
DAY 7: Petra – Dead Sea
Channel Lawrence of Arabia on a 4x4 journey
across the Wadi Rum. You’ll get your kicks
careering through rippled desert, speckled
with Bedouin Camps during World War I.
These still exist today, and you can pause for
lunch under canvas. Continue to the shores of
the Dead Sea, the lowest land on Earth, and
check into your shoreside resort. Spend the
rest of the afternoon hypnotised by the pale
blue waters, best enjoyed with an icy cocktail.
Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa | Meals: B L
DAY 8: Dead Sea
Set off for ‘Bethany Beyond the Jordan’, said
to be the site where Jesus was baptised by
John the Baptist. Its religious importance has
earned it UNESCO accreditation. No visit to
Jordan would be complete without floating in
the Dead Sea. Relax with a book as you soak
in the mineral-rich waters, an iconic picture to
share with friends, before heading to the hotel
spa for a mud treatment harnessing the power
of the salt lake. This evening, enjoy cocktails
and a farewell dinner with your group.
Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa | Meals: B D
DAY 9: Depart Amman
It’s time to say farewell. This morning you’ll be
taken to the airport so you can return home.
Meals: B
DATES & PRICING
GUARANTEED
DEPARTURE DATES (2020)
PRICE
PER
PERSON
FEBRUARY:
7, 21 £2,550
MARCH:
6, 20 £2,550
APRIL:
10, 24 £2,550
MAY:
8 £2,450
SEPTEMBER:
6, 20 £2,695
OCTOBER:
11, 25 £2,695
NOVEMBER:
8 £2,695
GUARANTEED
DEPARTURE DATES (2021)
PRICE
PER
PERSON
FEBRUARY:
7, 21 £2,890
MARCH:
6, 20 £2,890
APRIL:
10, 24 £2,890
MAY:
8 £2,790
TRAVELLING SOLO?
Book early and the first four solo places won’t pay any
single supplement. The same journey, the same luxury,
guaranteed at the same price.
FLIGHTS
To provide you with flexibility and the latest flight offers,
we don’t include international flights. Our specialists
will be able to find the best travel options to suit you.
Visit abercrombiekent.co.uk for up-to-date
availability and pricing information; and to
see how A&K can tailor this escorted tour
itinerary into the perfect bespoke holiday.
PRE & POST-TOUR
EXTENSIONS
Dead Sea post-tour extension –
three days from £285pp
Available on selected departures.
Contact a specialist for more information
about how to extend your escorted tour.
46 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
YOUR LUXURY
ACCOMMODATION
Intercontinental Amman
Contemporary outpost in an ancient
setting, atop one of the city’s seven hills
NORTH AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST
JORDAN
Mövenpick Resort Petra
Modern luxury meets the
ancient Middle East
Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa
Glamorous resort with sharp
design and stunning sea vistas
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 47
IMMERSIVE
JOURNEYS
Splendours of Oman:
City, Mountain & Desert
8 days/7 nights | From £3,195 per person | Maximum 18 guests
Explore Oman’s every aspect from the coastal capital Muscat, to the mountains
of Jebel Akhdar, through to the desert area of Sharqiya Sands.
Herein lies culture, nature, and relaxation
UNITED ARAB
EMIRATES
Muscat
Jebel Akhdar
DAY 1: Arrive Muscat, Oman
Arrive in Muscat, where you are met and
transferred to your hotel. Tonight, join your
fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.
Grand Hyatt Muscat | Meals: D
at the magnificent Al Alam Palace, official
residence of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos and
flanked by the 16th-century Portuguese forts
Mirani and Jalali. Spend the afternoon at
leisure discussing Muscat’s marvels.
Grand Hyatt Muscat | Meals: B
ARRIVE/DEPART
ROAD
EXTENSION
Sharqiya Sands
OMAN
Salalah
DAY 2: Muscat
Muscat is a unique city where modern
commerce co-exists with traditional culture.
Today explore the Sultan Qaboos Grand
Mosque and the National Museum in a brief
introduction to Oman’s fascinating history.
After visiting Muttrah Fish Market and
colourful Muttrah Souk, take your photo
DAY 3: Muscat
Today, Design your Day® – giving
you the freedom to choose the experience
that is best suited to you. Select from the
following options:
OPTION 1: Backstage at the opera
Choose to visit the Royal Opera House Muscat
48 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
NORTH AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST
OMAN
– a fusion of Omani tradition and modernity.
Culture is high on the Sultan’s agenda – take
your chance to indulge with a backstage tour.
OPTION 2: Omani cooking masterclass
Choose the best catch of the day with your
chef at Muttrah Fish Market and sample spices
at Muttrah souk. Cook up an Omani-style
dish, then savour the flavours at lunch.
Grand Hyatt Muscat | Meals: B
DAY 4: Muscat – Jebel Akhdar
Leave Muscat by 4x4 to see Barka’s fish market
and souk, before passing the Batinah Plain
and on to Nakhal and its fort. Turn off to Wadi
Bani Auf to see the sedimentary mountains
and canyon. Stop at Bilad Sayt – one of Oman’s
quaintest villages – and explore its streets on
foot. The patchwork of terraced fields and
traditional houses laid out against the rocky
slopes is breath-taking. Follow the mountain
roads from here to Al Hamra and its mud
houses and date plantations, before arriving
at the resort of Alila Jabal Akhdar.
Alila Jabal Akhdar | Meals: B D
DAY 5: Jebel Akhdar
This day is all about experiencing the best
of the region with a visit to the necropolis of
Al-Ayn, and the picturesque abandoned
village of Wadi Bani Habib. From here, you
can gaze across spectacular scenery of terraced
farms and valleys, and follow trails around
the wadi or farmlands, through the ancient
walnut trees and fragrant pomegranate
bushes. If you need some R’n’R, you might
prefer to spend time at the wonderful hotel
soaking up the views, fine meals, and relaxing
spa. The choice is yours.
Alila Jabal Akhdar | Meals: B D
DAY 6: Jebel Akhdar – Sharqiya
Sands
Today you’ll visit Nizwa, capital of the
interior and the birthplace of Islam in
the Sultanate of Oman. Discover Nizwa’s
famous Round Tower Fort, built in the 17th
century, and its souk. Renowned for its cattle
auction, hand-carved khanjars (daggers), and
ornamental silver jewellery, be prepared to
be wowed. Relax at Wadi Bani Khalid with
its deep blue pools fringed by palms. Head to
Sharqiya Sands, and see a variety of flora and
fauna. Practise your photography skills on
the patterns of the dunes, then check in at
Desert Nights Camp for sunset.
Desert Nights Camp | Meals: B D
DAY 7: Sharqiya Sands – Muscat
Take time this morning to enjoy camp
activities such as quad biking, dune trekking,
or sand boarding (additional cost to be paid
at the resort). Then see how traditional dhows
(sailboats) were made in the fishing town of
INCLUSIONS
33
Design your Day ® on Day 3
33
Five-star accommodation
33
Resident tour director &
English-speaking expert
local guides
33
Airport meet & greet,
& return private transfers
33
Entrance fees, taxes & tips,
& excursions as stated
33
Welcome & farewell dinners
33
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch
& 5 dinners
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
››
Spend a night under the
stars in a desert camp
››
Watch traditional dhow
building in Sur
››
Retreat to Alila Jabal
Akhdar, perched in the
Hajar mountains, a haven
for nature lovers
››
Visit the Grand Mosque
and National Museum
in Muscat
››
Marvel at the changing
colours of Sharqiya Sands
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 49
Sur when you visit the dhow factory. Relax on
Fins Beach or discover the pearl-white villages
of Wadi Tiwi, before visiting the mysterious
Bimmah Sinkhole where you can enjoy a
picnic lunch. Return to Muscat, where tonight
you’ll join together for a farewell dinner.
Grand Hyatt Muscat | Meals: B L D
DAY 8: Depart Muscat
Say goodbye to magical Muscat as you transfer
to the city’s stylish new airport.
Meals: B
DATES & PRICING
GUARANTEED
DEPARTURE DATES (2020)
PRICE
PER
PERSON
FEBRUARY:
9 £3,195
MARCH:
1, 15 £3,195
APRIL:
19 £3,195
OCTOBER:
4, 28 £3,250
NOVEMBER:
15 £3,250
GUARANTEED
DEPARTURE DATES (2021)
PRICE
PER
PERSON
FEBRUARY:
7 £3,290
MARCH:
14 £3,290
APRIL:
11 £3,290
JOURNEY DETAILS
To enter the Al Alam Palace on Day 2, women will
be required to be fully covered (including head
scarf) and men will be required to wear trousers.
TRAVELLING SOLO?
Book early and the first four solo places won’t pay
any single supplement. The same journey, the same
luxury, guaranteed at the same price.
FLIGHTS
To provide you with flexibility and the latest flight
offers, we don’t include international flights. Our
specialists will be able to find the best travel options
to suit you.
Visit abercrombiekent.co.uk for up-to-date
availability and pricing information; and to
see how A&K can tailor this escorted tour
itinerary into the perfect bespoke holiday.
PRE & POST-TOUR
EXTENSIONS
Muscat pre-tour extension –
two days from £440pp
Salalah post-tour extension –
three days from £415pp
Contact a specialist for more information
about how to extend your escorted tour.
50 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
YOUR LUXURY
ACCOMMODATION
Grand Hyatt Muscat
One of the most luxurious and opulent
Arabian-style hotels in the capital
NORTH AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST
OMAN
Alila Jabal Akhdar
Enjoy panoramic mountain views
from this luxurious desert retreat
Desert Nights Camp
Experience ultimate desert adventure
in Bedouin-style tents under the stars
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 51
IMMERSIVE
JOURNEYS
The Delights of Morocco
11 days/10 nights | From £3,240 per person | Maximum 12 guests
Ideal for travellers eager to experience Morocco’s many highlights. Featuring
cosmopolitan Casablanca, the imperial city of Fes, the windswept sand dunes
of the Erg Chebbi, cinematic Ouarzazate, and cultural Marrakech
Casablanca
Marrakech
Ouarzazate
MOROCCO
ARRIVE/DEPART
ROAD
Volubilis
Fes
Erfoud
Merzouga
DAY 1: Arrive Casablanca, Morocco
Arrive in the cosmopolitan port city of
Casablanca where an A&K driver will take
you to your hotel. After checking in, you have
the rest of the day to explore on your own.
Conjure romantic images of Bergman and
Bogart while strolling past Art Deco buildings,
or enjoy lunch at one of the waterfront
restaurants. Why not explore the city’s café
society and watch the world go by, or head
to the local market for the scents of fresh
oranges, peaches, and herbs?
Le Casablanca Hotel
DAY 2: Casablanca – Fes
Wake up early to visit the Hassan II Mosque,
the largest mosque in Morocco with the
tallest minaret in the world. It’s also one
of the most visually striking, with pale blue
marble, elaborate chandeliers, and glass
floors where worshippers can pray above the
Atlantic sea. Amble around the palm-studded
Mohammed V Square and the leafy Quartier
Habous district, where you’ll see the city’s
French influence. Then set off to Fes. En route,
you’ll take a pit stop at the capital city, Rabat,
for a look around its majestic Hassan tower.
Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner.
Palais Amani | Meals: B L D
DAY 3: Fes
It’s time to explore Morocco’s cultural capital,
a medieval city steeped in tradition. Walk
around its labyrinthian alleyways, riads, and
century-old souks. Visit the 9th-century
Al Quaraouiyine, the oldest university in the
52 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
of Erfoud, you may find 400 million-yearold
sharks’ teeth and ammonite fossils from
Morocco’s underwater past. A 4x4 will take
you through the Erg Chebbi’s rolling sand
dunes to your tented camp. Take in the sunset
and then tuck into dinner around
the campfire.
Merzouga Luxury Camp | Meals: B L D
NORTH AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST MOROCCO
world, and Al-Attarine, a splendid madrasa
patterned with mosaics. For centuries Fes
has been an artisanal hub. Experience this at
the leather tanneries and also at the ceramics
factory where you can see how zellige tiles
are made. Next stop the Dar Batha Museum,
filled with Moroccan arts, and finally Nejjarine
Square, with the city’s finest tiled fountain.
Palais Amani | Meals: B L
DAY 4: Volubilis & Meknes
Take a trip to the excavation of Volubilis,
once a 3rd-century Roman outpost that grew
rich by trading olives. Today you can still
see grandeur in the crumbling temples, a
triumphal arch, and vast mosaic floors. Then
on to the imperial city of Meknes, quieter
than Fes but no less intriguing. It was the
home of the Moroccan sultanate whose large
fortifications, royal stables (sheltering 12,000
horses), and the magnificent Bab Mansour
gateway have remained untouched since the
11 th century. Head back to Fes for the night.
Palais Amani | Meals: B L
DAY 5: Fes – Erg Chebbi
It’s an eight-hour drive from Fes to Erfoud, but
the journey offers spectacular vistas. Traverse
the vast Atlas Mountains where you’ll come
across Tafilalt, a huge oasis known for its
savoury dates and miles of palm groves. In
the Sahara, which skirts the fortified village
DAY 6: Erg Chebbi – Ouarzazate
Travel west to the city of Ouarzazate,
stopping for a snapshot of the Todra Gorges,
a series of rust-coloured river canyons. En
route, pop into a private museum for a peek
into kasbah culture. After five hours you’ll
reach Ouarzazate, the gateway to the Sahara
Desert and the setting for many a Hollywood
movie. After the trip, you’ll be ready for some
downtime by the pool with a fresh mint tea.
Berbère Palace | Meals: B L D
DAY 7: Ouarzazate
Today you can visit Taourirt Kasbah, one of
the most impressive kasbahs around, with
crenellated towers and a maze of chambers.
The seat of the powerful Glaoui family in
the 19 th century, you can still see traces of
delicate stucco décor and painted cedar
ceilings. Continue to Morocco’s most iconic
landmark, Aït Benhaddou, a fortified site
unchanged since the 11 th century. It’s one of
the best-preserved ksars – a group of earthen
buildings surrounded by high walls – and the
most cinematic. You may recognise its clay
architecture from films such as Gladiator and
Lawrence of Arabia.
Berbère Palace | Meals: B L D
DAY 8: Ouarzazate – Marrakech
Drive back through the Atlas Mountains
towards Marrakech. Take a photo stop at the
Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the journey’s highest point
at 2,260 metres. After taking in views over
the Marrakech plains, weave down through
red-hued Berber villages and eucalyptus
trees all the way to your hotel. Hungry? Make
sure to order a chwaya (grilled meat tagine),
a local speciality.
Hôtel & Ryads Barrière Le Naoura | Meals: B L
INCLUSIONS
33
Design your Day ® on Day 10
33
Luxury accommodation
33
Resident tour director
& English-speaking expert
local guides
33
Airport meet & greet,
& return private transfers
33
Entrance fees, taxes & tips,
& excursions as stated
33
Welcome & farewell dinners
33
10 breakfasts, 7 lunches
& 5 dinners
33
Scenic sundowner
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
››
Visit Morocco’s great
imperial cities, Fes,
Meknes, and Marrakech
››
Explore the Roman
ruins of Volubilis
››
Enjoy a night under the
stars in a desert camp
››
Spend three nights in
whimsical Marrakech
››
Rest your head in
boutique hotels
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 53
DATES & PRICING
GUARANTEED
DEPARTURE DATES (2020)
PRICE
PER
PERSON
DAY 9: Marrakech
Explore the medina bursting with Berber
carpets and spices. Lose yourself in Jemaa
el-Fna, a cacophony of fire-eaters and snake
charmers. Pause by the Koutoubia Mosque.
Its emblematic red stone minaret rises to
77 metres, inspiring others of its kind,
including the Giralda of Seville. Then visit
the 19th-century Bahia Palace, which took 15
years to build, noted for its marble, stucco, and
mosaic structures. Final stop is the recently
opened Dar El Bacha Palace, renowned for its
geometric zellige tilework and painted ceilings,
some of the finest in the city.
Hôtel & Ryads Barrière Le Naoura | Meals: B
DAY 10: Marrakech
Today, Design your Day® – giving
you the freedom to choose the experience
that is best suited to you. Select from the
following options:
OPTION 1: Visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum
Visit this 13,000-square-metre building
dedicated to the Yves Saint Laurent fashion
house. Peruse more than 5,000 dresses
and 15,000 haute couture accessories amid
architecture inspired by the dazzling colours
of Marrakech.
OPTION 2: Wander Marrakech’s gardens
Take a horse-drawn carriage to the Menara
Gardens, set among orchards and olive
groves. Then on to Jardins Majorelle,
designed by painter Jacques Majorelle
and filled with cacti.
You have the rest of the afternoon to explore
as you please. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner.
Hôtel & Ryads Barrière Le Naoura | Meals: B D
DAY 11: Depart Marrakech
After breakfast, you’ll be driven to the airport
from where you’ll depart.
Meals: B
MARCH:
9 £3,240
APRIL:
6, 20 £3,240
MAY:
4 £3,240
SEPTEMBER:
7 £3,450
OCTOBER:
5 £3,450
GUARANTEED
DEPARTURE DATES (2021)
TRAVELLING SOLO?
Book early and the first four solo places won’t pay
any single supplement. The same journey, the same
luxury, guaranteed at the same price.
FLIGHTS
To provide you with flexibility and the latest flight
offers, we don’t include international flights. Our
specialists will be able to find the best travel options
to suit you.
Visit abercrombiekent.co.uk for up-to-date
availability and pricing information; and to
see how A&K can tailor this escorted tour
itinerary into the perfect bespoke holiday.
PRE & POST-TOUR
EXTENSIONS
Marrakech post-tour extension
– three days from £290pp
Available on selected departures.
PRICE
PER
PERSON
JANUARY:
18 £3,595
FEBRUARY:
8 £3,595
MARCH:
8 £3,595
Contact a specialist for more information
about how to extend your escorted tour.
54 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
YOUR LUXURY
ACCOMMODATION
NORTH AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST
MOROCCO
Le Casablanca Hotel
Art Deco retreat in the heart of the city
Palais Amani
Palatial riad in Fes with 1920s-style flair
Merzouga Luxury Camp
Splendid tented camp among sand dunes
Berbère Palace
Oasis-like hotel built as
a kasbah in Ouarzazate
Hôtel & Ryads Barrière Le Naoura
Luxury boutique hotel located 10 minutes
from Marrakech’s bustling medina
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 55
Israel: Crossroads
of History
LUXURY
SMALL GROUP
JOURNEYS
9 days/8 nights | From £5,445 per person | Maximum 18 guests
Discover a beautiful land held sacred by three faiths. Your tour through the
Holy Land will take you beyond the ancient walls of Nazareth, Bethlehem,
and Jerusalem. Sail on the Sea of Galilee, catch a cable car to Masada for
spectacular Dead Sea views, and chill out in cosmopolitan Tel Aviv
INCLUSIONS
33
Five-star luxury
accommodation
33
Resident tour director &
English-speaking expert
local guides
33
Airport meet & greet,
& return private transfers
33
Entrance fees, taxes & tips,
& excursions as stated
33
Welcome & farewell dinners
33
8 breakfasts, 7 lunches
& 4 dinners
33
Wifi in accommodation
33
Design your Day ® on Day 8
33
Travelling Bellboy ®
33
Traveller’s Valet ®
once per journey
33
Complimentary breakfast in
bed on two selected days
Tel
Aviv
Haifa
I S R A E L
ARRIVE/DEPART
ROAD
Acre
Tiberias
Nazareth
Jerusalem
Masada
DAY 3: Sea of Galilee
Today, cruise the Sea of Galilee by private boat
and stop at Capernaum, site of the synagogue
where Jesus taught. See Saint Peter’s House,
now a converted church; Tabgha, where
the miracle of the loaves and fishes is said
to have occurred; and the commemorative
fifth-century mosaic in the Church of
Multiplication. Then, visit the Mount of
Beatitudes, site of the Sermon on the Mount.
Shift perspectives from the ancient to the
modern, as you continue to the Golan Heights,
and later enjoy wine tasting at your hotel.
Scots Hotel | Meals: B L D
DAY 4: Nazareth
Visit Nazareth, where Jesus lived, to see the
Basilica of the Annunciation; Mary’s Well,
where an angel is said to have visited; and the
basement of the Church of St Joseph, with its
cavern believed to have been the carpentry
shop of Joseph. Traverse the Jordan Valley
to the Decapolis city of Bet She’an (known
in the Hellenistic period as Scythopolis) –
one of the oldest cities in Israel. Later, arrive
in Jerusalem.
The King David | Meals: B L D
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
››
Visit the Church of the Nativity,
the site of the Sermon on the
Mount, and the Western Wall
››
Sail the Sea of Galilee
by private boat
››
Share a family meal in
a Bethlehem home
››
Stroll the streets of the
Old City of Jerusalem
››
Catch a cable car to Masada
››
View the Dead Sea – its shore
is the lowest land on Earth
DAY 1: Arrive Tel Aviv, Israel
Arrive in Tel Aviv, where you are met and
transferred to your hotel overlooking the
Mediterranean Sea.
Dan Tel Aviv
DAY 2: Caesarea – Haifa – Acre
Journey down the coastal highway to the
ancient port city of Caesarea. This city was
rebuilt and enlarged from 22 BC to 10 BC by
King Herod who constructed a revolutionary
artificial harbour. View a partial inscription
mentioning Pontius Pilate – the only secular
reference to his existence. Then, visit the
seaport cities of Haifa and UNESCO-listed
Acre. While at Acre, tour the Knights’ Halls,
view the El Jazaar Mosque and explore the
elaborate covered markets. Later, gather
for a welcome dinner, savouring your first
encounter with Israel’s vibrant culinary scene.
Scots Hotel | Meals: B L D
DAY 5: Jerusalem
Explore the Old City of Jerusalem, established
by King David in 1004 BC. Start at the Mount
of Olives for a view of the city. Visit the
Garden of Gethsemane and the Western Wall,
one of Judaism’s most sacred sites and a link
between Israel’s past and present. View the
Temple Mount complex and in the Christian
Quarter, stroll the Via Dolorosa and stop
at the Convent of Zion Sisters, where Pilate
tried Jesus. Arrive at the Church of the Holy
Sepulchre, site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial,
and resurrection.
The King David | Meals: B L
DAY 6: Jerusalem
Visit Yad Vashem, Israel’s poignant and
moving memorial to Holocaust victims. Pass
the Knesset (Israel’s Parliament) en route to
the Israel Museum, which houses a portion
56 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
NORTH AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST ISRAEL
of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Finish in Bethlehem,
located in the West Bank, for lunch with a
local family in their home and a visit to the
Church of the Nativity, the birthplace of Jesus.
The King David | Meals: B L
DAY 7: Masada
Drive to Masada, and take a cable car to the
last stronghold of the Jewish Zealots who held
out for three years against the invading Roman
army and ultimately took their own lives
rather than be enslaved. Stop at the Dead Sea,
the lowest place on Earth, before returning
to Jerusalem. Tonight, gather for a special
farewell dinner.
The King David | Meals: B L D
DAY 8: Jerusalem
Start today, with an early morning walk
of the Temple Mount. Circle the Dome of
the Rock and later eat lunch at the ethnically
diverse Mahna Yahuda Market.
This afternoon, Design your Day® – giving
you the freedom to choose the experience
that is best suited to you. Select from the
following options:
OPTION 1: View historic excavations
Learn about the exciting discoveries made
by archaeologists who excavated the City
of David.
OPTION 2: Visit the Christian Quarter
Tour this area with an opportunity to view the
tomb at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
OPTION 3: Revisit the Old City
Stroll the myriad bustling alleyways, home to
an eclectic array of merchants, and visit the
Tower of David in the Old City of Jerusalem.
Return to your hotel to relax or enjoy a
swim in the open air pool.
The King David | Meals: B L
DAY 9: Depart Tel Aviv
Enjoy breakfast before heading to the airport
for your homeward flight.
Meals: B
DATES & PRICING
GUARANTEED
DEPARTURE
DATES (2020)
PER
PERSON
FROM
JOURNEY DETAILS
This journey contains some active elements.
Minimum age is 10 years.
SINGLE
SUPP.
FROM
FEBRUARY:
23 £5,445 £2,680
MARCH:
8, 22, 29 £5,445 £2,680
APRIL:
26 £5,445 £2,680
MAY:
10, 17 £5,605 £2,760
SEPTEMBER:
9, 13 £5,445 £2,680
OCTOBER:
11, 18, 25 £5,445 £2,680
NOVEMBER:
1, 8, 29 £5,445 £2,680
DECEMBER:
20 £5,605 £2,760
FLIGHTS
To provide you with flexibility and the latest flight offers,
we don’t include international flights. Our specialists
will be able to find the best travel options to suit you.
Visit abercrombiekent.co.uk for up-to-date
availability and pricing information; and to
see how A&K can tailor this escorted tour
itinerary into the perfect bespoke holiday.
YOUR LUXURY
ACCOMMODATION
Dan Tel Aviv
Relaxing accommodation close to
the beach, shopping, and dining
Scots Hotel
Stay in a luxurious room at this historic
hotel on the Sea of Galilee
The King David
Historic property with deluxe rooms
overlooking the Old City, spacious
gardens, and an outdoor pool
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 57
IMMERSIVE
JOURNEYS
The Treasures of Russia
8 days/7 nights | From £2,850 per person | Maximum 18 guests
Discover a tale of two iconic cities as you journey from the majesty of Moscow to the cultural
capital of St Petersburg. Your itinerary will take you from the gilded splendour of Red Square
to magnificent palaces, and the wonders that lie within the State Hermitage Museum
ARRIVE/DEPART
RAIL
St Petersburg
RUSSIA
Moscow
DAY 1: Arrive Moscow
Land in Moscow where you will be met by
your English-speaking guide and taken to
your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day
at leisure. Your luxury hotel is in an ideal
location to explore Russia’s capital and offers
spectacular views of the Kremlin and onionshaped
domes of St Basil’s Cathedral. You can
choose to relax in the pool or treat yourself
to a home-made pastry in Café Kranzler.
This evening, gather for a welcome dinner.
Hotel Baltschug Kempinski Moscow | Meals: D
DAY 2: Moscow
Today, enjoy a tour of this gilded city with
your private guide. Explore resplendent Red
Square, from Lenin’s Tomb to the domes of
St Basil’s. Head to the Cathedral of Christ the
Saviour and Novodevichy Convent Cemetery,
final resting place of many Russian greats.
Hop on board Moscow’s elaborately adorned
metro, renowned for its stations which are
covered with frescoes. After lunch, you’ll
have the afternoon at leisure. Glitzy and
cosmopolitan, suavely European yet distinctly
exotic, explore a city that is the beating heart
of modern Russia.
Hotel Baltschug Kempinski Moscow |
Meals: B
DAY 3: Moscow
View the magnificent art, including the
Russian icons and pre-revolutionary Russian
art, at Tretyakov Gallery.
After lunch, Design your Day® – giving you
the freedom to choose the experience that is
58 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
EUROPE
RUSSIA
best suited to you. Select from the following
options:
OPTION 1: Visit Novodevichy cemetery
Explore the cemetery where Nikita
Khrushchev, Raisa Gorbachev, and former
president Boris Yeltsin are buried. Head to the
observation platform on Vorobiovy (Sparrow)
Hills, the highest spot in Moscow.
OPTION 2: Count down at the space museum
View Russia’s first rocket engine and capsules
that bear the scars of re-entry back to Earth,
along with the belongings of astronauts at the
Museum of Cosmonautics.
OPTION 3: Take in New Tretyakov Galley
Not to be confused with this morning’s tour,
the new gallery is Moscow’s premier venue for
20th-century Russian art showcasing avantgarde
artists such as Kandinsky and Chagall.
Evening and dinner at leisure.
Hotel Baltschug Kempinski Moscow |
Meals: B
DAY 4: Moscow – St Petersburg
Start your day with a visit to the Kremlin, the
symbol of Russia’s political power. A 14thcentury
walled fort, the complex is dazzling
and thought-provoking. Comfortable shoes
are a must for this tour of the Armoury
Museum and the diamond regalia. You will
also see the five-domed Assumption Cathedral
and Annunciation and Archangel churches.
Take the high-speed train to St Petersburg
where you will be met and driven to your
hotel. Known as the Venice of the North for its
network of canals, you can explore at leisure.
Kempinski Hotel Moika 22 | Meals: B
DAY 5: St Petersburg
The second largest museum in the world, the
State Hermitage Museum was commissioned
by Catherine the Great in 1764 as a court
museum, adjoining the Winter Palace. This
morning, you can view some of the huge
collection which includes works by da Vinci,
Rembrandt, Rubens, Picasso, Monet, and
Matisse with your guide. Not to mention the
ostentatious imperial rooms. Don’t miss the
Ambassador’s Staircase, the Throne Room,
and the Ballroom. After lunch, you will have
the afternoon to explore this cultural city.
Kempinski Hotel Moika 22 | Meals: B
DAY 6: St Petersburg
This morning, Design your Day®
– giving you the freedom to choose the
experience that is best suited to you. Select
from the following options:
OPTION 1: Explore the summer palace
Visit Peterhof Palace, the summer estate
of Peter the Great, nestled on the shore of
the Gulf of Finland. Your guide will lead
you around the park featuring palaces and
the pièce de résistance; the splendid Grand
Cascade of water.
OPTION 2: Glimpse the hidden Hermitage
Peek inside the Hermitage’s vaults with a
rare opportunity to view antique frescoes,
furniture, artworks, and a hall of carriages
that have been hidden away.
OPTION 3: Cruise the Venice of the North
Experience St Petersburg in the manner Peter
the Great intended with a one-hour private
journey by canal boat. View the palaces and
INCLUSIONS
33
Design your Day ®
on Days 3 & 6
33
Five-star luxury
accommodation
33
Resident tour director &
English-speaking expert
local guides
33
Airport meet & greet,
& return private transfers
33
Entrance fees, taxes & tips,
& excursions as stated
33
Welcome & farewell dinners
33
7 breakfasts & 2 dinners
33
Wifi in accommodation
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
››
View the gilded splendour of
the Kremlin and onion domes
of St Basil’s Cathedral
››
Visit Peterhof Palace, the
impressive summer estate
of Peter the Great
››
Browse the priceless art
collections in the State
Hermitage Museum
››
Take a ride on the palatial
Moscow Metro
››
Cruise through the Venice
of the North
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 59
ustle of everyday life above the long
granite embankments.
Following a relaxing lunch, the afternoon is
spent at leisure.
Kempinski Hotel Moika 22 | Meals: B
DAY 7: St Petersburg
This morning, visit Tsarskoye Selo – once
an imperial retreat, it’s also known as Pushkin,
after the Russian writer who studied here.
Take time to stroll around the Rococo
Catherine Palace and immaculate gardens.
Following lunch, you will head to Peter
and Paul Fortress, founded by Peter the
Great in 1703. It was later used as a prison,
incarcerating Gorky and Trotsky among
other left-wing figures. Round off your day in
style with a tour of the gold-domed St Issac’s
Cathedral, one of the city’s famous landmarks.
Gather tonight for your farewell dinner.
Kempinski Hotel Moika 22 | Meals: B D
DAY 8: St Petersburg
Today, you are driven to the airport for your
homeward flight.
Meals: B
DATES & PRICING
GUARANTEED
DEPARTURE DATES (2020)
PRICE
PER
PERSON
MARCH:
20 £2,850
APRIL:
10, 24 £2,850
MAY:
1 £3,350
JUNE:
5, 27 £3,490
JULY:
10 £3,490
AUGUST:
7, 21 £3,490
SEPTEMBER:
11, 25 £3,490
OCTOBER:
9 £3,120
DECEMBER:
11 £3,120
TRAVELLING SOLO?
Book early and the first four solo places won’t pay any
single supplement. The same journey, the same luxury,
guaranteed at the same price.
FLIGHTS
To provide you with flexibility and the latest flight offers,
we don’t include international flights. Our specialists
will be able to find the best travel options to suit you.
Visit abercrombiekent.co.uk for up-to-date
availability and pricing information; and to
see how A&K can tailor this escorted tour
itinerary into the perfect bespoke holiday.
60 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
EUROPE
RUSSIA
YOUR LUXURY
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel Baltschug Kempinski Moscow
Contemporary hotel with views of the
Kremlin and St Basil’s Cathedral
Kempinski Hotel Moika 22
Aristocratic mansion in St Petersburg with
Winter Palace and Moika River views
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 61
IMMERSIVE
JOURNEYS
Splendours of the Golden Triangle
12 days/11 nights | From £2,295 per person | Maximum 18 guests
Ideal for first-time visitors to India, this tour features Delhi, Agra, the pink city of Jaipur, and the country’s most
romantic city, Udaipur. Prepare to kick-start your senses as you journey through this intoxicating land
Udaipur
ARRIVE/DEPART
AIR
ROAD
EXTENSION
Amritsar
Jaipur
INDIA
Delhi
Shimla
Agra
Varanasi
DAY 1: Arrive New Delhi, India
Touch down in New Delhi, where you are met
and transferred to your hotel.
Sheraton New Delhi Hotel
DAY 2: Old & New Delhi
A busy day taking in the sights of
Old and New Delhi, and visiting the AKPsupported
Deepalaya School. Visit Jama
Masjid, the largest Indian mosque, then the
Red Fort for its teeming bazaars. You’ll drive
past the cremation sites of Gandhi and Nehru.
Then it’s over to New Delhi to Humayun’s
Tomb. You can’t miss the 42-metre-high India
Gate, before a drive along Rajpath, flanked by
ornamental ponds. Try to glimpse the
Rashtrapati Bhawan. Enjoy welcome cocktails
and dinner this evening with your group.
Sheraton New Delhi Hotel | Meals: B L D
DAY 3: New Delhi
Today, Design your Day® – giving
you the freedom to choose the experience
that is best suited to you. Select from the
following options:
OPTION 1: Seek out Sikhism
Spend time in the kitchen of Gurudwara
Bangla Sahib, where the community cooks
for the needy, and be blessed by Lakshmi
Narayan Mandir’s priest.
OPTION 2: Get spicy with Indian cuisine
Time to relish Indian delicacies cooked by
you, after visiting a local spice and vegetable
market and learning how to create the perfect
dish for your stomach and your heart.
OPTION 3: View modern art in one of the world’s
biggest galleries
Its 12,000 square metres of exhibition space
make the NGMA one the world’s largest
62 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
INDIAN SUBCONTINENT
a royal dowry. Spend your afternoon as you
choose: perhaps visiting Hansraj Children’s
Home, a residential school where an A&K
Philanthropy project is improving facilities.
Hotel Fateh Garh Udaipur | Meals: B
NORTHERN INDIA
modern art museums. Wander among
over 14,000 local pictures and sculptures,
as well as foreign works.
Spend the afternoon at your leisure.
Sheraton New Delhi Hotel | Meals: B
DAY 4: New Delhi – Udaipur
This morning, transfer to the airport and fly
to Udaipur, India’s most romantic city. Upon
arrival, you will be met and transferred to
your hotel and from here you can explore the
tumbling, whitewashed mansions and Aravalli
Hills. At sunset take a boat ride on the placid,
shimmering waters of Lake Pichola. From the
boat, view the city rising majestically above
the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert.
Be sure to visit the Jag Mandir Palace – a
second island palace in the middle of the lake.
You might recognise it from the 1983 Bond
film, Octopussy.
Hotel Fateh Garh Udaipur | Meals: B
DAY 5: Udaipur
Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast before a
morning city tour of Udaipur. Be amazed at
the enormous City Palace and the paintings,
mosaics, chhatries, and architecturally brilliant
façade. Visit the Crystal Gallery, which houses
crystal ornaments, fountains, crockery, and
furniture. Saheliyon-ki-Bari, ‘The Garden of
the Maids of Honour’, is a lavish tribute to
the 48 ladies-in-waiting who formed part of
DAY 6: Udaipur
Today, Design your Day® – giving
you the freedom to choose the experience
that is best suited to you. Select from the
following options:
OPTION 1: Hop in the saddle for the best views
Cycle up the Aravalli mountains and you’ll
be rewarded with stunning views of Udaipur
and Lake Pichola. En-route you’ll pass the
Monsoon Palace and Badi Lake and get the
chance to meet the locals along the way.
OPTION 2: Tickle the taste buds with
traditional cuisine
Learn the local Rajasthani approach to
cooking from a family with centuriesold
recipes, then enjoy the lunch you’ve
made. Guests will help the family shortlist
ingredients, and prepare the exquisite meal.
Spend the afternoon at your leisure.
Hotel Fateh Garh Udaipur | Meals: B
DAY 7: Udaipur – Jaipur
This morning, transfer to the airport and fly
the one hour to Jaipur. Upon arrival, you will
be met and transferred to your hotel. Spend
the afternoon at your leisure.
ITC Rajputana, a Luxury Collection Hotel | Meals: B
DAY 8: Jaipur
Today is all about understanding the city,
starting with a tour of the Amber Fort, with
its distinctive Mughal architecture. Initiated in
1600 by Raja Man Singh, the fort was added
to over the years by subsequent rulers. After
lunch, it’s time for a quick photo at Hawa
Mahal (also known as the ‘Palace of Winds’),
perhaps Jaipur’s most famous building, with
its red and pink façade. Head to City Palace,
a large complex, and then end your tour at the
Jantar Mantar Observatory.
ITC Rajputana, a Luxury Collection Hotel | Meals: B L
DAY 9: Jaipur
Today, Design your Day® – giving
you the freedom to choose the experience
that is best suited to you. Select from the
following options:
OPTION 1: Spot the leopard
Enjoy a safari in Jhalana Reserve Forest. With
INCLUSIONS
33
Design your Day ®
on Days 3, 6 & 9
33
Five-star luxury
accommodation
33
Resident tour director &
English-speaking expert
local guides
33
Airport meet & greet,
& return private transfers
33
Entrance fees, taxes & tips,
& excursions as stated
33
Domestic flights
33
Welcome & farewell dinners
33
11 breakfasts, 1 lunch
& 2 dinners
33
Wifi in accommodation
33
Scenic sundowner
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
››
View the Taj Mahal at
sunrise and sunset
››
Spend three nights
each in Delhi, Udaipur,
and Jaipur
››
Enjoy a sunset boat ride
on Lake Pichola
››
Discover the old and new
faces of Delhi
››
View the jewel of Jaipur,
the Amber Fort
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 63
around 15 elusive leopards living in this forest,
you stand a good chance of seeing one of the
beautiful beasts.
OPTION 2: Hike in the foothills of the Amer
Walk along the Amer to the Anokhi Museum
of Hand Printing. This popular traditional
pastime is housed in a haveli, which received
an award for its restoration from UNESCO.
OPTION 3: Stride out on a heritage water walk
Trek the water walk at Nahargarh to see
how water was channelled in ancient times
from hilltop forts. Take in the sights of
Madhavendra Bhawan and fine city views.
Spend the afternoon at your leisure.
ITC Rajputana, a Luxury Collection Hotel | Meals: B
DAY 10: Jaipur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra
It’s time to head to Agra, stopping off at the
deserted Mughal City of Fatehpur Sikri.
Located in Uttar Pradesh, the metropolis
shared imperial duties with Agra and is
regarded as Emperor Akbar’s crowning
architectural legacy. Its palaces, halls, and
masjids (mosques) satisfied his aesthetic
impulses, so typical of Mughals, and so
intriguing to us still. From here, head to Agra
and check in at your hotel. Tonight, visit the
Taj Mahal at sunset and drink in the view.
Then, join your group for a farewell dinner.
ITC Mughal, a Luxury Collection Hotel | Meals: B D
DAY 11: Agra – New Delhi
One visit to the Taj Mahal is never enough,
so rise early to wonder at the breath-taking
monument in a moment of peace before
sunrise. Then it’s time to return to your hotel
for breakfast. Once you’ve eaten, head to
Agra Fort on the bend of the River Yamuna,
almost in the heart of the town. Built by the
great Mughal emperor Akbar I as his citadel
between 1565 and 1573, it has imposing gates
and red sandstone walls – a beautiful example
of Indian architecture.
Sheraton New Delhi Hotel | Meals: B
DAY 12: Depart New Delhi
After breakfast, transfer to Delhi airport
and depart for the UK.
Meals: B
PRE & POST-TOUR
EXTENSIONS
Amritsar post-tour extension –
four days from £545pp
Available on selected departures.
Shimla post-tour extension –
four days from £595pp
Available on selected departures.
Varanasi post-tour extension –
four days from £480pp
Available on selected departures.
Contact a specialist for more information
about how to extend your escorted tour.
DATES & PRICING
GUARANTEED
DEPARTURE DATES (2020)
PER
PERSON
FROM
FEBRUARY:
7, 21 £2,495
MARCH:
6, 13, 27 £2,495
SEPTEMBER:
18 £2,295
OCTOBER:
9, 23 £2,550
NOVEMBER:
6, 20 £2,550
GUARANTEED
DEPARTURE DATES (2021)
PER
PERSON
FROM
FEBRUARY:
5, 19 £2,550
MARCH:
5, 19 £2,550
APRIL:
2 £2,390
JOURNEY DETAILS
During the 6 Nov 2020 & 19 Mar 2021 departures,
you will be in India on holy days (Diwali and Holi
respectively), therefore one day of each of these
tours will be ‘dry’.
TRAVELLING SOLO?
Book early and the first four solo places won’t pay any
single supplement. The same journey, the same luxury,
guaranteed at the same price.
FLIGHTS
To provide you with flexibility and the latest flight offers,
we don’t include international flights. Our specialists
will be able to find the best travel options to suit you.
Visit abercrombiekent.co.uk for up-to-date
availability and pricing information; and to
see how A&K can tailor this escorted tour
itinerary into the perfect bespoke holiday.
64 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
INDIAN SUBCONTINENT
NORTHERN INDIA
YOUR LUXURY
ACCOMMODATION
Sheraton New Delhi Hotel
Central location, cosmopolitan elegance,
and the best of Indian cuisine
Hotel Fateh Garh Udaipur
Rich in Rajasthani heritage, a blend of
modern luxuries and palatial touches
ITC Rajputana, Jaipur,
a Luxury Collection Hotel
A regal hotel where you can retreat
to enjoy its space and splendour
ITC Mughal, a Luxury
Collection Hotel
View the iconic Taj Mahal from the roof
terrace of this Mughal-themed hotel
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 65
IMMERSIVE
JOURNEYS
The Secrets of Southern India
11 days/11 nights | From £1,990 per person | Maximum 18 guests
Explore the lesser-travelled roads and waterways from Kerala to Tamil Nadu on this tour.
Punt through sun-dappled rivers on a houseboat, enjoy the ultimate high tea,
and experience the dazzling temple city of Maduri
ARRIVE/DEPART
AIR
ROAD
EXTENSION
Goa
Kochi
Munnar
Kumarakom
Madurai
Periyar
Chennai
DAY 1: Arrive Kochi, India
Land very early in the coastal city of Kochi
(or Cochin) where you’ll be chauffeured to
your hotel. You’ll have time to sleep after your
flight. Feeling refreshed, you can spend the
afternoon with a tour of Mattancherry Palace,
gifted to the King of Kochi in the 16th century,
displaying Hindu murals. Then visit St Francis
Church, India’s first European-built church,
before taking a boat ride along the harbour,
stopping at the Bolgatty Palace, one of India’s
oldest Dutch mansions. Return to your hotel
for cocktails and your welcome dinner.
Taj Malabar Resort & Spa | Meals: B D
DAY 2: Kochi
Today, Design your Day® – giving you
the freedom to choose the experience that is
best suited to you.
This morning, visit Paradesi Synagogue,
the oldest active synagogue in the entire
Commonwealth. Peruse Chinese handpainted
tiles, a brass pulpit, and Belgian
glass chandeliers.
Either select Option 1, which occurs prior to
the synagogue visit, or from Option 2 or 3,
which take place afterwards:
OPTION 1: Bike Kochi
Pedal around the city’s landmarks and
communities on a four-hour tour. Highlights
include the colonial-era Thakur House, the
Dutch Cemetery, Jeevamatha Church, and the
atmospheric dhobi khana (public laundry).
OPTION 2: Crabbing in Kumbalangi
Visit Kumbalangi, a tucked-away island
village. Watch weavers work with coir
(coconut fibre), learn about the traditional
nets, or take part in a spot of crab fishing.
66 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
INDIAN SUBCONTINENT
OPTION 3: Enjoy a kathakali performance
Traditionally, a kathakali dance performance
lasts all night until dawn. However, you can
experience a shorter version of its dramatic
choreography depicting Hindu epics.
Taj Malabar Resort & Spa | Meals: B
DAY 3: Kochi – Kumarakom
Leave Kochi after breakfast and head towards
Kumarakom, a traditional village in Kerala’s
backwater paradise. Sitting on the picturesque
Vembanad Lake, your hotel is accessible only
by boat. As you glide through hyacinth-dotted
water, you will feel Kerala’s serenity refreshing
your body and soul. After checking into your
hotel, you may want to spend the rest of the
afternoon unwinding with an Ayurvedic
massage or sit out by the lake, cocktail in hand.
Coconut Lagoon | Meals: B
DAY 4: Kumarakom
Exploring Kerala’s backwaters on a traditional
houseboat is a must. The cocoon-like rice
barge is one of the region’s most iconic images.
Punt along sun-dappled waterways and
through corridors of thick mangroves, coconut
palms, and paddy fields. From the deck, you
might catch glimpses of fishermen hauling
their nets, and an egret or two perched in the
vegetation. You’ll pass sleepy fishing villages
with women weaving on the shoreline and
children playing in the shallows.
Coconut Lagoon | Meals: B L
DAY 5: Kumarakom – Periyar
This morning, a driver will take you into
the Western Ghats to explore an area of
remarkable natural beauty. The Periyar
National Park is a sanctuary for wildlife
including the Indian elephant and tiger that
congregate around the rolling rivers. Spend
time exploring miles of tropical forest, huge
dams, and serene lakes. Then continue to your
hotel in the Cardamom Hills where you can
stroll around the spice gardens and take a dip
in the pool.
Spice Village | Meals: B
DAY 6: Periyar – Munnar
It’s a three-hour drive to the misty mountain
town of Munnar, famed for its emerald tea
gardens. Sitting at the confluence of three
rivers, its forested highlands are home to herds
of wild elephant and vivid flora and fauna.
You can visit the Tea Museum, showcasing
the work of British tea planters, before taking
a walk through the plantations. Here you’ll
see local workers clipping tea bushes and
collecting the valuable leaves. There’s time
to visit the nearby market before you return
to your hotel.
Fragrant Nature Munnar | Meals: B
DAY 7: Munnar
Today, Design your Day® – giving
you the freedom to choose the experience
that is best suited to you. Select from the
following options:
OPTION 1: Enjoy the ultimate high tea
Take a jeep ride to the world’s highest tea
estate, Kolukkumalai, for a behind-the-scenes
tour of its factory. Then enjoy a picnic lunch
amid rural countryside.
OPTION 2: Take a hike in the Letchmi Hills
Hike to the top of the Letchmi Hills from
which on a clear day you can see Anamudi,
the highest peak in southern India. Take a
picnic and enjoy wildlife spotting.
OPTION 3: Trek to Chokkarmudi
Follow the Chokkarmudi trail up craggy
mountain slopes from where you can see
rolling tea plantations and tiny villages
embroidered in the rolling contours.
OPTION 4: Climb to Top Station
The best views can be achieved in higher
territory. Trek the ridges of the Western Ghats
to Top Station where you can take in towering
mountain peaks from above the clouds.
Fragrant Nature Munnar | Meals: B
INCLUSIONS
33
Design your Day ®
on Days 2 & 7
33
Resident tour director &
English-speaking expert
local guides
33
Airport meet & greet,
& return private transfers
33
Entrance fees, taxes & tips,
& excursions as stated
33
A domestic flight
33
Welcome & farewell dinners
33
11 breakfasts, 1 lunch
& 2 dinners
33
Early check-in on arrival
33
Wifi in accommodation
33
Scenic sundowner
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
››
Punt through Kerala’s
backwaters on a
traditional houseboat
››
Sip a fresh brew made at
the world’s highest tea
plantation
››
Trek to Munnar’s Top
Station for peak views
››
Explore Southern India’s
star wildlife sanctuary,
Periyar National Park
››
Visit the iconic temple
town of Madurai
SOUTHERN INDIA
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 67
DAY 8: Munnar – Madurai
Cross over to the temple city of Madurai,
Tamil Nadu’s spiritual heart. On the banks of
the River Vaigai, it’s one of the oldest cities in
the world with over two millennia of complex
history. Today the metropolis pulses with
worshippers travelling to pray at its temples.
Your hotel sits in a quiet spot in the hills
where you can unwind and have lunch –
Tamil Nadu is renowned for fresh ground
masalas. Or take a tuk-tuk to investigate the
Dravidian architecture.
Heritage Madurai | Meals: B
DAY 9: Madurai
Every year, thousands make the pilgrimage to
the Meenakshi Temple, celebrating Lord Shiva
and the Meenakshi deity. This morning you
can explore its dazzling maze of courtyards,
grand pillared hallways, and towers of brightly
painted stucco carvings. Take a break in the
afternoon, perhaps recuperating in your
hotel spa. Return to the temple at dusk for
the closing ceremony, a spectacle of idols,
musicians, and rituals in procession. From one
celebration to another, return to your hotel for
a final dinner. Raise a toast to southern India
with dinner’s accompanying cocktails.
Heritage Madurai | Meals: B D
DAY 10: Madurai – Chennai
This morning you’ll be driven to the airport
for your flight to Chennai. On arrival, you’ll
be taken straight to your hotel. Relax by the
pool or you may want to stroll around the
city’s Victorian-era buildings. There’s also the
Chennai Fish Market and Fort St George,
a strategic outpost during the British Empire.
Trident Hotel | Meals: B
DAY 11: Depart Chennai
Your chauffeur will drive you to Chennai
airport from where you’ll depart.
Meals: B
PRE & POST-TOUR
EXTENSIONS
Goa post-tour extension –
four days from £395pp
Available on selected departures.
Contact a specialist for more information
about how to extend your escorted tour.
DATES & PRICING
GUARANTEED
DEPARTURE DATES (2020)
PER
PERSON
FROM
JANUARY:
11, 25 £2,455
FEBRUARY:
8, 22 £2,455
MARCH:
14 £2,455
SEPTEMBER:
18 £1,990
OCTOBER:
9, 23 £2,590
NOVEMBER:
6, 20 £2,590
GUARANTEED
DEPARTURE DATES (2021)
PER
PERSON
FROM
JANUARY:
8, 22 £2,590
FEBRUARY:
5, 19 £2,590
MARCH:
5 £2,590
APRIL:
2 £2,590
JOURNEY DETAILS
On certain departure dates, the hotel on Days 3 & 4
will be The Zuri Hotel. During the 6 Nov 2020,
22 Jan & 2 April 2021 departures, you will be in
India on holy days & public holidays, therefore one
day of each of these tours will be ‘dry’.
TRAVELLING SOLO?
Book early and the first four solo places won’t pay
any single supplement. The same journey, the same
luxury, guaranteed at the same price.
FLIGHTS
To provide you with flexibility and the latest flight
offers, we don’t include international flights. Our
specialists will be able to find the best travel options
to suit you.
Visit abercrombiekent.co.uk for up-to-date
availability and pricing information; and to
see how A&K can tailor this escorted tour
itinerary into the perfect bespoke holiday.
68 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
YOUR LUXURY
ACCOMMODATION
Taj Malabar Resort & Spa
Old-world charm combines with worldclass
luxury in this harbourside hotel
INDIAN SUBCONTINENT
SOUTHERN INDIA
Coconut Lagoon
Based on a traditional Keralan village
in the backwaters of Kumarakom
Spice Village
A tribal village, with all modern
luxuries, set in a spice garden
Fragrant Nature Munnar
Enjoy views of mist-clad mountains
from this authentic hill hotel
Heritage Madurai
Old-world charm among seven
hectares of lush gardens
Trident Hotel
Modern luxury near Chennai’s landmarks
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 69
IMMERSIVE
JOURNEYS
The Spice Lands of
Sri Lanka
13 days/12 nights | From £1,950 per person | Maximum 18 guests
Explore this teardrop-shaped island rich with ancient treasures, lush landscapes, and fascinating history. The scent of spices
lingers on the breeze as you travel from cave temples to rock fortresses, national parks, and botanical gardens
Colombo
Galle
Sigiriya
SRI LANKA
Habarana
Polonnaruwa
Kandy
Nuwara Eliya
INDIAN
OCEAN
Yala National Park
ARRIVE/DEPART
ROAD
DAY 1: Arrive Colombo, Sri Lanka
Land in Colombo, where you are met by an
A&K representative and transferred to your
hotel. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Galle Face Hotel
DAY 2: Colombo
Today, Design your Day® – giving you
the freedom to choose the experience that is
best suited to you.
Make the most of Colombo with a morning
tour. Sri Lanka’s capital blends historic value
and modern vibes. Dating back over 600 years,
it is incredibly diverse. An array of temples,
mosques, and churches reflect the various
beliefs on the island. Architecturally, beautiful
façades of colonial buildings contrast with the
modern. Discover the Gangaramaya Buddhist
Temple, the Pettah bazaar, the Wolvendaal
Dutch Church, the Old Parliament, and
Independence Square.
This afternoon, select from the following
options:
OPTION 1: Get arty in Colombo
Tour Saskia Fernando Gallery and admire
contemporary art, and the Asokaramaya
Buddhist Temple’s murals. Interact with street
artisans in Viharamahadevi Park. End in style
with a tuk-tuk ride.
OPTION 2: Be blessed with Buddhism
A supremely sacred site, Lord Buddha is said
to have visited Kelaniya Temple. Tour the
temple, then hear a short sermon and attend
a blessing ceremony.
70 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
of the Buddha cut into the stone, and ruins
of ancient palaces, intricately carved moon
stones, and royal baths.
Jetwing Lake | Meals: B D
DAY 5: Dambulla
Take time at breakfast before a trip to the vast
complex that is Dambulla cave temple. The
site is still a significant Buddhist monastery,
with the largest collection of cave temple
paintings in Sri Lanka on its ceiling. It also
houses the greatest number of Buddha
statues in a single place. Wandering through
the temple, absorb the serenity of this
well-preserved landmark. It is no wonder
Dambulla has been named a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. Spend the rest of the day at
your leisure.
Jetwing Lake | Meals: B D
INDIAN SUBCONTINENT
SRI LANKA
OPTION 3: Stretch your legs before tea
Join resident photographers to understand the
island’s history. See the Old Dutch Hospital
and Colombo Fort. Take tea then hit Pettah
Bazaar, before dinner and drinks at your hotel.
Galle Face Hotel | Meals: B D
DAY 3: Colombo – Sigiriya
The early start this morning pays off with a
stop at Ridi Viharaya cave temple. Admire
the gold-plated Buddha and Bible Tiles, then
linger on the cave’s carved door frame with
its intricate carvings inlaid with ivory. Spend
your afternoon at leisure or climb Sigiriya,
the famed rock fortress. A UNESCO World
Heritage Site, ‘the Lion Rock’ rises 200 metres
above the jungle and was a royal citadel for
almost 20 years. Admire the mirror wall, the
graffiti, the Sigiriya frescoes, and the great lion
paws. The 360-degree view is as breath-taking
as the climb.
Jetwing Lake | Meals: B D
DAY 4: Habarana & Polonnaruwa
Delve into dual destinations today and spend
time with monks, then see the archaeological
monuments of Sri Lanka’s second kingdom.
In Habarana, enjoy local hospitality, partaking
in dana, when meals are offered to the village
temple, followed by a Buddhist sermon. Travel
to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. See the
iconic man-made reservoir, the famous Gal
Viharaya or ‘Rock Temple’ with four statues
DAY 6: Dambulla – Kandy
After breakfast, head to Kandy for a personal
guided tour, ending at the sacred Temple of
the Tooth Relic, another UNESCO World
Heritage Site. Historic Kandy Lake, the Royal
Botanical Gardens, and the scenic Victoria
Golf Club are also worthy of your time.
Shop for silverware, brassware, and gemstudded
jewellery, carved by skilled Kandyan
craftsmen. Escape the evening city bustle to
watch the sunset and religious ceremonies
around the Sacred Temple. By special
arrangement, meet with the head priests and
receive their blessing.
Mahaweli Reach Hotel | Meals: B D
DAY 7: Kandy
Today, Design your Day® – giving
you the freedom to choose the experience
that is best suited to you. Select from the
following options:
OPTION 1: Learn local culinary secrets
Join a Sri Lankan family in a cookery session
at home. Learn authentic techniques and
flavours to create a fish or chicken curry and
accompaniments, tasting as you go.
OPTION 2: Experience temple traditions
Visit four ancient temples of Kandy –
Gadaladeniya, Lankathilaka, Degaldoruwa,
and Embakke in a half-day trip. See how
Hinduism has influenced Buddhist culture
and how each temple is highly individual.
OPTION 3: Channel your inner chieftain
Step into the past when you try on a richly
decorated royal costume, worn exclusively
by the ancient kings and noble chieftains of
Kandy (known as nilame). This is a rare photo
opportunity to revel in traditional splendour.
Mahaweli Reach Hotel | Meals: B D
DAY 8: Kandy – Peradeniya –
Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast, stroll through the Royal
Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, a 14thcentury
pleasure park for Sri Lankan royalty.
The largest botanical garden measures 59
hectares and is home to over 4,000 species
of flora, and an array of butterflies and bird
species. Admire the incredible collection
of over 300 varieties of orchids – one of the
INCLUSIONS
33
Design your Day ®
on Days 2 & 7
33
Resident tour director &
English-speaking expert
local guides
33
Airport meet & greet,
& return private transfers
33
Entrance fees, taxes & tips,
& excursions as stated
33
Welcome & farewell dinners
33
12 breakfasts & 11 dinners
33
Wifi in accommodation
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
››
Meander the streets
of the ancient city of
Polonnaruwa
››
Visit the Temple of the
Tooth Relic in Kandy
››
Go leopard-spotting in
Yala National Park
››
Shop for spices at Galle
Dutch Fort
››
View the UNESCO-listed
Dambulla cave temple
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 71
garden’s highlights, as well as giant bamboo
and double palm trees, both of which are
imports to the island – some from more than
100 years ago. Visit the Commonwealth war
cemetery then leave for Nuwara Eliya.
Langdale by Amaya | Meals: B D
DAY 9: Nuwara Eliya
This morning you have the opportunity to
experience one of Sri Lanka’s highlights on
a tea factory visit. Personally guided by a
local expert, this is a tea experience like no
other. Breathe in the scents of handpicked
Ceylon tea, learn about the tea manufacturing
process, and sample several varieties in a
tasting session to understand the different
flavours and processes that make Sri Lankan
teas among the best in the world. Spend the
rest of the day at your leisure (with a cup of
your favourite brew).
Langdale by Amaya | Meals: B D
DAY 10: Nuwara Eliya – Yala
Head to Moon Plains, and visit the best
vantage points for the central highlands of Sri
Lanka. Suited to nature lovers, this is a halfday
trip an hour from the hotel. Nearly 2,000
metres above sea level and encircled by cloud
forests, take your fill of the view and of photos
of the surrounding mountain ranges and
peaks including Pidurutalagala, Kirigalpotta,
and Thotupola, and keep an eye open for the
sambar deer, and a variety of birds. From here,
it’s a five-hour journey to Yala.
Jetwing Yala | Meals: B D
DAY 11: Yala
Rise with the sun for an early game ride with
a local trekker, spotting wildlife unique to
the region, before breakfast. This national
park may be famous for having the highest
concentration of leopard in the world, but you
can also view elephant and sloth, three of Sri
Lanka’s Big Five, during a single safari. While
searching for the elusive leopard, herds of
spotted deer, wild boar, wild buffalo, crocodile,
and peacock will provide you with plenty
of fantastic photographic opportunities.
Spend the afternoon as you wish.
Jetwing Yala | Meals: B D
DAY 12: Yala – Galle
After breakfast, drive along the south coast
to Galle for a well-deserved rest before a late
afternoon transfer to Galle Fort. Take time for
a guided tour of the walled city – another of
Sri Lanka’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The exotic mixes with the colonial here and
the impressive fortress is a living example
of European architecture and South Asian
traditions melded together. Explore Galle Fort
on foot and pick up some spices to take home,
before enjoying a final sundowner and your
farewell group dinner.
Tamarind Hill | Meals: B D
DAY 13: Depart Galle
After breakfast, transfer to Colombo airport
and depart for the UK.
Meals: B
DATES & PRICING
GUARANTEED
DEPARTURE DATES (2020)
JANUARY:
12
26
FEBRUARY:
9
23
PER
PERSON
FROM
£2,240
£2,335
£2,335
£2,245
MARCH:
15 £2,145
OCTOBER:
20 £1,950
NOVEMBER:
17 £2,190
DECEMBER:
1, 10 £2,190
GUARANTEED
DEPARTURE DATES (2021)
PER
PERSON
FROM
JANUARY:
12 £2,450
FEBRUARY:
9, 23 £2,450
MARCH:
15 £2,450
TRAVELLING SOLO?
Book early and the first four solo places won’t pay any
single supplement. The same journey, the same luxury,
guaranteed at the same price.
FLIGHTS
To provide you with flexibility and the latest flight offers,
we don’t include international flights. Our specialists
will be able to find the best travel options to suit you.
Visit abercrombiekent.co.uk for up-to-date
availability and pricing information; and to
see how A&K can tailor this escorted tour
itinerary into the perfect bespoke holiday.
72 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
YOUR LUXURY
ACCOMMODATION
Galle Face Hotel
Colonial-style hotel in Colombo
with wonderful views of the ocean
INDIAN SUBCONTINENT
SRI LANKA
Jetwing Lake
Marvel at palatial gardens, centrally located
for exploration of the Dambulla area
Mahaweli Reach Hotel
Both peaceful and picturesque,
in an idyllic river location in Kandy
Langdale by Amaya
This boutique property has glorious hillside
views across Nuwara Eliya’s plantations
Jetwing Yala
Scenic ocean location enhanced
by proximity to the national park
Tamarind Hill
Occupying a former aristocratic colonialstyle
mansion, this Galle hotel is stunning
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 73
IMMERSIVE
JOURNEYS
The Wonders of China
11 days/10 nights | From £3,795 per person | Maximum 18 guests
This itinerary is the ideal taster for those wanting to take in China’s most famous highlights. Featuring
the capital Beijing, culture-rich Xian, rural Guilin, sleepy Yangshuo, and the Shanghai megalopolis
CHINA
ARRIVE/DEPART
AIR
ROAD
RAIL
EXTENSION
Xian
Guilin
Beijing
Hangzhou
Shanghai
Yangshuo
DAY 1: Arrive Beijing
Land in Beijing and you will be driven straight
to Tiananmen Square, the beating heart of
the city. It’s one of the largest city squares on
Earth, pulsing with kite-flyers and commuters.
Then retreat to the opulence within the walls
of the Forbidden City. Ringed by a scarlet
citadel, this is the world’s largest palace
complex. Enter through the Meridian Gate
and pass through into the Three Great Halls.
Look out for two Qing Dynasty sedan chairs,
and the largest collection of Chinese art in the
world. Tonight, enjoy a group welcome dinner.
New World Beijing | Meals: L D
DAY 2: Beijing
Travel an hour and a half outside the city to
the UNESCO-listed Great Wall of China. Built
over some two millennia, today you’ll walk
along the lesser-trodden Mutianyu section,
viewing Ming Dynasty watchtowers, merlons,
and fortresses. Take the cable car up and down
to cast your gaze over the Yan Mountains’
loftiest peaks. Refuel on dumplings, then
head to the Old Summer Palace, built in
the 18th century for the Qianlong Emperor.
Stroll around weeping willows, pavilions, and
lakes bobbing with dragon boats. The former
Imperial Gardens are a horticultural heaven.
New World Beijing | Meals: B L
DAY 3: Beijing
Start your day at leisure relaxing in
your suite or treating yourself to a traditional
Cantonese lunch of dim sum in the hotel’s
Sun Ming Yuen restaurant.
74 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
SOUTH-EAST ASIA & THE FAR EAST
CHINA
INCLUSIONS
33
Design your Day ® on
Days 3, 7 & 10
This afternoon, Design your Day® – giving
you the freedom to choose the experience
that is best suited to you. Select from the
following options:
OPTION 1: Contemplate the contemporary
Visit Beijing’s edgiest art community – 798
Art District – housed within an industrialstyle
complex. Brimming with studios,
galleries, restaurants, and bars, it showcases
works by China’s leading modern artists.
OPTION 2: Hop to a hutong
Take a pedicab through Beijing’s winding
alleyways, known as hutongs. Here you’ll
be able to visit the home of a friendly local
family and partake in a calligraphy class.
OPTION 3: Get cultural at the Capital Museum
Peruse the finest Chinese porcelain and
collections of jade. The main highlight is an
exhibition dedicated to Beijing’s history told
through bronze, calligraphy, and paintings.
New World Beijing | Meals: B
DAY 4: Beijing – Xian
You’ll be driven to the train station in the
morning for your journey to Xian. There’s no
dawdling on this high-speed train, which will
zip you to the one-time imperial capital in
just over four hours – and you’ll have more
legroom than if you flew. From the station,
you’ll be taken to your hotel. You may be
tempted to spend the rest of the afternoon
swimming laps in the indoor pool.
Crowne Plaza Xian | Meals: B
DAY 5: Xian
It’s time to explore Xian’s star attraction: the
Terracotta Warriors. See the subterranean
army built to guard the tomb of China’s first
emperor, Qin Shi Huang, in the 3rd century
BC. Visit pits one, two, and three, where from
balconies you can peer over legions of lifesized
sculptures, each created with a unique
face. You’ll also get to view bronze chariots
– the largest in Chinese archaeology. Leave
in time for lunch, after which you can weave
through the city’s Muslim quarter. A visit to
the Great Mosque is a must for its blend of
Chinese and Islamic architecture.
Crowne Plaza Xian | Meals: B L
DAY 6: Xian – Guilin – Yangshuo
Fly to Guilin, famed for its enigmatic karst
mountains. After landing you’ll be driven to
the fairytale setting of Elephant Trunk Hill,
where the curved rock resembles a snout
dipping into the Li River. Then steer towards
the limestone Reed Flute Cave, formed over
600,000 years ago. The cave was named
after the reeds growing outside, which can
be fashioned into musical instruments.
Inside is a vision of colourfully lit stalactites,
stalagmites, and Tang-era calligraphy.
Transfer to Xinggong Hill for sightseeing
and a scenic sundowner before returning
to your hotel.
Alila Yangshuo | Meals: B
33
Luxury accommodation
33
Resident tour director
& English-speaking expert
local guides
33
Airport meet & greet,
& return private transfers
33
Entrance fees, taxes & tips,
& excursions as stated
33
Domestic flights
33
Welcome & farewell dinners
33
10 breakfasts, 4 lunches
& 2 dinners
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
››
See into an off-limits
ceremonial hall in
Beijing’s Forbidden City
››
Walk the less-frequented
Mutianyu section of the
Great Wall of China
››
Meet Xian’s 2,000-yearold
Terracotta Warriors
››
Immerse yourself in
Guilin’s karst topography
››
Explore the Bund,
Shanghai’s buzzing
waterfront hot spot
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 75
DAY 7: Yangshuo
Board a bamboo raft and sail down
the Li River to Yangshuo, taking in the
bucolic views of rice paddies and cormorant
fishermen. Return to Yangshuo and stroll
down cosmopolitan West Street before lunch
at a local restaurant.
This afternoon, Design your Day® – giving
you the freedom to choose the experience
that is best suited to you. Select from the
following options:
OPTION 1: Partake in some painting
Try your hand at ink painting at the Peony
Xuan Art Gallery.
OPTION 2: Ready, steady, cook
Browse the food markets with a local
connoisseur. Then master the wok to whip
up a dish such as aubergine in oyster sauce
and ginger chilli duck.
OPTION 3: Join a fan club
Go to Fuli, a traditional village where paper
fans are the main commodities. Create a fan
yourself and perhaps purchase pre-made ones.
OPTION 4: Go ride a bike
Peddle off-piste through Yangshuo’s
picturesque countryside, past paddies
and along the Yulong River.
Alila Yangshuo | Meals: B
DAY 8: Yangshuo – Shanghai
Today you’ll travel to Shanghai. China’s
futuristic city is a sharp contrast to peaceful
Yangshuo, and after dropping your bags at
your hotel, you may want to hit the streets and
scout out the fashionable shops and eateries
which lie within walking distance.
New World Shanghai | Meals: B L
DAY 9: Shanghai
It’s possible to find the spirit of the old city;
you just need to know where to look. This
morning, you’ll travel to the ancient water
town of Zhujiajiao, where you can take a boat
ride down the canals. Drift between its narrow
alleyways and under arched stone bridges.
After spending time here, sample xiao long
bao back in Shanghai before scouting out the
Chinese old quarter. Visit the 16th-century
Yuyuan Gardens, quieter in the afternoons,
and view rockeries, vermilion pagodas, and
a maze of bridges.
New World Shanghai | Meals: B
DAY 10: Shanghai
This morning, your time is all your own.
This afternoon, you can Design your Day®
– giving you the freedom to choose the
experience that is best suited to you. Select
from the following options:
OPTION 1: Hit the Bund
A waterfront promenade where old and new
collide. Walk alongside colonial buildings and
former trading houses. Then discover West
Bund’s burgeoning art scene.
OPTION 2: Seek out some street food
Weave through Shanghai’s backstreets where
you can find the most delicious street food in
town. Tuck into deep fried wontons and slurp
bowls of chang shou mian.
OPTION 3: Enjoy the Shanghai Museum
Arguably China’s finest museum for ancient art.
Explore beautifully displayed ceramics, bronze
sculptures, jade, and traditional paintings.
Tonight gather for a farewell dinner with your
fellow guests.
New World Shanghai | Meals: B D
DAY 11: Depart Shanghai
Say goodbye to Shanghai and head to the
airport in good time for your flight home.
Meals: B
PRE & POST-TOUR
EXTENSIONS
Hangzhou post-tour extension –
four days from £465pp
Available on selected departures.
Contact a specialist for more information
about how to extend your escorted tour.
DATES & PRICING
GUARANTEED
DEPARTURE DATES (2020)
PER
PERSON
FROM
FEBRUARY:
20 £3,795
MARCH:
12, 26 £3,795
APRIL:
9, 16 £3,995
JUNE:
12 £3,795
AUGUST:
14 £3,895
SEPTEMBER:
18 £3,895
OCTOBER:
16 £3,995
NOVEMBER:
6 £3,895
GUARANTEED
DEPARTURE DATES (2021)
PER
PERSON
FROM
FEBRUARY:
26 £3,995
MARCH:
19 £3,995
APRIL:
2 £4,080
TRAVELLING SOLO?
Book early and the first four solo places won’t
pay any single supplement. The same journey,
the same luxury, guaranteed at the same price.
FLIGHTS
To provide you with flexibility and the latest flight offers,
we don’t include international flights. Our specialists
will be able to find the best travel options to suit you.
Visit abercrombiekent.co.uk for up-to-date
availability and pricing information; and to
see how A&K can tailor this escorted tour
itinerary into the perfect bespoke holiday.
76 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
SOUTH-EAST ASIA & THE FAR EAST
CHINA
YOUR LUXURY
ACCOMMODATION
New World Beijing
Luxurious low-rise hotel located near
the city’s cultural attractions
Crowne Plaza Xian
Panoramic views from the
tallest building in Xian city
Alila Yangshuo
Former sugar mill turned cutting-edge
hotel accommodation
New World Shanghai
Urban sanctuary overlooking Zhongshan
Park in Shanghai’s business district
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 77
Across China:
LUXURY
SMALL GROUP
JOURNEYS
Tibet & the Yangtze
17 days/16 nights | From £8,575 per person | Maximum 18 guests
Explore remarkable cultures with an intriguing journey through China, travelling from
Beijing and Chengdu to Lhasa, where you visit Potala Palace, before cruising through
the stunning Three Gorges region on the Yangtze River, and finishing in Shanghai
INCLUSIONS
33
Five-star luxury
accommodation
33
Resident tour director &
English-speaking expert
local guides
33
Airport meet & greet,
& return private transfers
33
Entrance fees, taxes & tips,
& excursions as stated
33
Domestic flights
33
Welcome & farewell dinners
33
16 breakfasts, 13 lunches
& 9 dinners
33
Wifi in accommodation
33
Scenic sundowners
33
Design your Day ® on Day 16
33
Travelling Bellboy ®
33
Traveller’s Valet ®
once per journey
33
Complimentary breakfast in
bed on two selected days
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
››
Walk the Great Wall at Mutianyu,
a less-crowded section of this
architectural wonder
››
Cruise the Yangtze River, on
board the luxurious all-balcony
Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer
››
Come face-to-face with the
Terracotta Warriors
››
Get up-close with the giant
panda in a recreated habitat
››
Discover Potala Palace in Lhasa,
Tibet’s spiritual capital and roof
of the world
››
Explore the Bund, Shanghai’s
buzzing waterfront hot spot
››
Visit Shanghai Museum
on a private tour with
an expert curator
ARRIVE/DEPART
AIR
CRUISE
RAIL
EXTENSION
Lhasa
CHINA
Chengdu
Xian
DAY 1: Arrive Beijing, China
Arrive in Beijing, China’s capital, where you
are transferred to your luxurious hotel.
Four Seasons Hotel Beijing
Guilin
Beijing
Yichang
Chongqing
DAY 2: Beijing
After a morning welcome briefing, take part
in a tai chi lesson at the Temple of Heaven, a
classic example of Ming architecture. After
lunch, explore Tiananmen Square, and then
walk in the footsteps of emperors in the
Forbidden City, seat of imperial power for
centuries. Learn how it was given its name as
no riff-raff were allowed to enter. This evening,
enjoy a welcome dinner.
Four Seasons Hotel Beijing | Meals: B L D
DAY 3: Beijing
Ride like a Local on a pedicab through a
hutong, a neighbourhood of small winding
alleyways dating back to China’s dynastic
period. This afternoon, travel to the wellpreserved
Mutianyu section of the Great Wall,
one of the great wonders of the world. Walk or
ride on a cable car to the top and take in the
sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.
Four Seasons Hotel Beijing | Meals: B L
From Mongolia
Shanghai
Hong Kong
ARRIVE/DEPART
AIR
ROAD
EXTENSION
Elevation:
Ngorongoro Rim –
7,500 ft.
Nairobi – 5,600 ft.
DAY 4: Xian
Fly to Xian, made famous by the explorer
Marco Polo and more recently by its collection
of Terracotta Warriors. Once a vital stop
on the Great Silk Road, Xian has become
a melting pot of Asian and Middle Eastern
influences. Enjoy a private ‘Chef ’s Table’
experience of noodle-throwing and dumpling
making. This afternoon, view the Great
Mosque, a fascinating site that blends classic
Chinese temple architecture and central Asian
embellishments. Visit the city’s lively Muslim
Quarter with its teeming markets.
The Ritz-Carlton, Xian | Meals: B L
DAY 5: Xian
View the incomparable Terracotta Warriors,
lost to the world for two millennia until
accidentally rediscovered by a local farmer.
Explore the excavation area with an on-site
specialist and marvel at the life-sized soldiers
and horses created during the Qin Dynasty to
protect China’s first emperor in the afterlife.
Look closely as you peer over the balcony
down into the three pits: every soldier bears a
unique face. Later, stroll along the impressive
ramparts of Xian’s City Wall.
The Ritz-Carlton, Xian | Meals: B L D
DAY 6: Chengdu
Travel to Chengdu, the charming capital of
Sichuan Provence, by bullet train. For lunch,
savour local specialities at a traditional hotpot
meal. Visit People’s Park, the city’s largest
public park, where you immerse yourself in
local life and culture, watching the old and
young play traditional Chinese instruments,
practise calligraphy, and engage in tai chi.
Later, enjoy a tea demonstration at your hotel.
Waldorf Astoria Chengdu | Meals: B L
DAY 7: Chengdu
Visit the Chengdu Panda Breeding and
Research Centre. Enjoy the rare opportunity
to observe these endangered animals roaming
freely in a specially designed habitat. Then,
enjoy an afternoon at leisure to relax at your
hotel or explore Chengdu. This evening, gather
with fellow guests for dinner.
Waldorf Astoria Chengdu | Meals: B L D
DAY 8: Lhasa
Fly to Lhasa, the heart and soul of Tibet,
78 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
SOUTH-EAST ASIA & THE FAR EAST
CHINA
which literally means the ‘Place of Gods’. One
of the highest cities on Earth at 3,650 metres,
this will be your home for the next three
nights. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and
getting acclimatised for your stay on the roof
of the world.
The St Regis Lhasa Resort | Meals: B D
DAY 9: Lhasa
Today, experience the spiritual heart of
Tibet at the sacred Jokhang, a 1,300-year-old
temple famed for its central golden Buddha.
Wander Lhasa’s Barkhor Bazaar and visit the
Dropenling Tibet Handicraft Development
Centre. Continue to renowned Sera
Monastery, home to about 500 monks, and
visit with a local family for first-hand insight
into Tibetan culture.
The St Regis Lhasa Resort | Meals: B L D
DAY 10: Lhasa
Discover the Dalai Lama’s former summer
residence at Norbulingka, surrounded by
trees, ponds, gardens, and pavilions. Next,
venture beyond the towering walls of the
awe-inspiring Potala Palace, former winter
residence of the Dalai Lama and Lhasa’s main
landmark. An architectural wonder, the palace
rises 13 storeys from Marpo Ri (Red Hill)
and contains more than 1,000 rooms. Explore
the magnificent chapels, golden stupas, and
prayer halls.
The St Regis Lhasa Resort | Meals: B L
DAY 11: Chongqing
Fly to Chongqing. Upon arrival, stop for
lunch at a local restaurant and enjoy a brief
city tour. Marvel at this new municipality,
stretching along the banks of the mighty
Yangtze River, which is one of China’s fastest
growing cities. Board your river cruiser and
settle into your cabin for a three-night journey
meandering downstream to the scenic
Three Gorges region.
Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer | Meals: B L D
DAY 12: Cruising the Yangtze
Disembark in the small city of Fuling and
enjoy a private shore excursion, beginning
with a visit to the White Crane Ridge
Underwater Museum. Descend 46 metres
underwater to see centuries-old rock
carvings. After, continue to a local market
to gain insight into the region’s rich culinary
culture. This afternoon, learn about Chinese
traditional medicine and reflexology.
Tonight, it’s time to dress up and attend
the captain’s reception.
Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer | Meals: B L D
DAY 13: Cruising the Yangtze
Early this morning, Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer
navigates the Qutang and Wu gorges before
anchoring at Badong, where you board a ferry
and travel up Shennong Stream. Transfer
to ‘pea pod’ boats poled by Tujia boatmen,
members of a minority culture famed for their
river skills, to privately explore a scenic gorge
and village. Tonight, enjoy a ‘Taste of China’
dinner experience.
Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer | Meals: B L D
DAY 14: Yichang – Shanghai
This morning, disembark your river cruiser
in Yichang and fly to Shanghai, stopping
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 79
DATES & PRICING
GUARANTEED
DEPARTURE
DATES (2020)
PER
PERSON
FROM
SINGLE
SUPP.
FROM
YOUR LUXURY
ACCOMMODATION
APRIL:
20, 27 £9,465 £3,490
MAY:
4, 11, 18
25
£9,465
£8,735
£3,490
£2,600
JUNE:
1
8, 15, 22
29
£8,735
£8,575
£8,735
£2,600
£2,435
£2,600
JULY:
6, 13, 20, 27 £8,735 £2,600
Four Seasons Hotel Beijing
Elegant, luxurious hotel renowned for
exceptionally high-quality service
briefly to photograph the Three Gorges
Dam. This 185-metre-tall engineering feat
submerged cities and was a project which saw
the resettlement of 1.2 million residents. On
arrival in Shanghai, transfer to your elegant
hotel located on the city’s historic Bund.
The Peninsula Shanghai | Meals: B L
DAY 15: Shanghai
Stroll the Bund, Shanghai’s popular
promenade. Wander the streets of Old Town
and visit the 16th-century Yu Garden. Enjoy
lunch, followed by an afternoon at leisure.
This evening, experience a scenic sundowner
at your hotel’s terrace bar, taking in the city’s
lights and Art Deco architecture.
The Peninsula Shanghai | Meals: B L
DAY 16: Shanghai
This morning, Design your Day®
– giving you the freedom to choose the
experience that is best suited to you. Select
from the following options:
OPTION 1: Walk Shanghai’s Jewish quarter
Learn how the city became a haven for Jews
fleeing Europe in World War II with a tour of
the Shanghai Jewish Refugee Museum and a
walk through the Jewish quarter.
OPTION 2: Explore the art scene
Discover new works by local artists at the
West Bund Art Centre. The former aircraft
factory now hosts many exhibitions from
cutting-edge artists.
OPTION 3: Seek out street food
Weave through Shanghai’s backstreets where
you can sample local specialities such as deep
fried wontons and slurp satisfying bowls of
chang shou mian.
Afterwards, explore the Shanghai Museum
accompanied by an expert curator, viewing
the exceptional collection of art. Visit the
Urban Planning Exhibition Centre to view
a model of the city. This evening, savour a
farewell dinner.
The Peninsula Shanghai | Meals: B D
AUGUST:
3, 10, 17, 24
31
£8,735
£9,465
£2,600
£3,490
SEPTEMBER:
7, 14, 21, 28 £9,465 £3,490
OCTOBER:
5, 12 £9,465 £3,490
JOURNEY DETAILS
Price is based on Main Deck cabin. Upgrade prices to
superior cabins are available on request. This journey
includes some active elements. Minimum age is 10
years. Please note that multiple groups of 18 A&K
guests and other passengers may be travelling on
board Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer simultaneously.
FLIGHTS
To provide you with flexibility and the latest flight offers,
we don’t include international flights. Our specialists
will be able to find the best travel options to suit you.
Visit abercrombiekent.co.uk for up-to-date
availability and pricing information; and to see
how A&K can tailor this escorted tour itinerary
into the perfect bespoke holiday.
PRE & POST-TOUR
EXTENSIONS
Mongolia pre-tour extension –
three days from £3,755pp
Guilin & Hong Kong post-tour
extension – four days from
£2,375pp
Available on selected departures.
Contact a specialist for more information
about how to extend your escorted tour.
The Ritz-Carlton, Xian
Newly opened luxury hotel blending
classic and modern Chinese decor
Waldorf Astoria Chengdu
Art Deco-styled luxury hotel,
offering stunning city views
The St Regis Lhasa Resort
Spacious resort with inspiring views
of magnificent Potala Palace
DAY 17: Depart Shanghai
After breakfast, transfer to the airport
for your flight home or to depart for a
post-tour extension.
Meals: B
Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer
Cruiser with the largest cabins on the
Yangtze, each with a private balcony
The Peninsula Shanghai
Luxury hotel on the Condé Nast Traveller
Gold List, set on the Bund
80 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
SOUTH-EAST ASIA & THE FAR EAST
CHINA
Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer
With luxurious staterooms and public areas, expert on-board guides, and a peerless
staff and crew, Yangzi Explorer is ideal for cruising the mighty Yangtze
DECK PLAN
Sanctuary ‘Yangzi Explorer’
A&K SIGNATURE ELEMENTS
33
38 deluxe cabins, 20 suites
and four speciality suites
33
Private balcony in
all cabins and suites
33
Viewing lounge & bar
33
International restaurant offering
a wide array of menu options
33
Double-decker theatre with bar
33
Spa and beauty salon
SPACIOUS, ELEGANT CABINS
The recently refurbished Yangzi Explorer’s
spacious, elegant staterooms range from a
roomy deluxe cabin – at 31 square metres, the
largest cabin of its kind on the river – to the
palatial Imperial and Celestial suites at 110
square metres. Some suites feature a private
sun deck/balcony, king-size bed and separate
lounge with panoramic views. All cabins and
suites include private balconies with alfresco
sitting area, private bathroom, minibar,
air-conditioning, and flat-screen TV.
FINE AMENITIES & SUPERB STAFF
Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer includes all the
amenities you would expect at a deluxe hotel,
with its fitness centre, business centre, spa and
beauty salon, and a laundry service. And,
with a staff-to-guest ratio of more than 1:1,
you can rely on the most attentive service.
EXCELLENT FOOD & WINE
A dedicated team of internationally
trained chefs prepare meals from fresh
ingredients, and perfectly pair each dish
with complimentary house wines.
ON-BOARD SPECIALISTS
Your A&K resident tour director and the
ship’s on-board China specialists co-ordinate
educational programmes and shore excursions
that reveal the Yangtze’s integral role in
Chinese history.
Function
Room
Spa/
Fitness Centre
Theatre
Mezzanine
Theatre
Main Floor
Restaurant
Suite
Lounge
EXPLORER DECK
QUTANG DECK
WU DECK
XILING DECK
MAIN DECK
Business Centre
Lift
Lift
Viewing Lounge
& Bar
501 503 505 507 509 511
502 504 506 508 510 512 514 Mandarin
Lift
401 403 405 407 409 411 413
Lift
402 404 406 408 410 412 414 416
Art Gallery/
Shops
301 303 305 307 309 311 313 Celestial
302 304 306 308 310 312 314 Imperial
Reception 201 203 205 207 209 211 213 215
Lobby
Viewing
Deck
202 204 206 208 210 212 214 216
Imperial/Celestial suite (110 sqm)
Mandarin/Jade suite (81 sqm)
Suite – Qutang Deck (39 sqm)
Suite – Wu Deck (39 sqm)
Deluxe cabin – Wu Deck (31 sqm)
Jade
Bridge
Deluxe cabin – Xiling Deck (31 sqm)
Deluxe cabin – Main Deck (31 sqm)
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 81
IMMERSIVE
JOURNEYS
Journey Through Japan:
From Tokyo to Kyoto
10 days/9 nights | From £6,595 per person | Maximum 18 guests
The ideal escape for those keen to embrace both modern and traditional Japan. Journey from futuristic
Tokyo to ancient Kyoto, seeing everything from samurai houses to the world-famous bullet train
ARRIVE/DEPART
ROAD
RAIL
EXTENSION
JAPAN
DAY 1: Arrive Tokyo
Land in Japan’s capital city where you will be
met and driven straight to your hotel. Spend
the rest of the day getting acquainted with this
metropolis. Pull up a stool at a sushi bar or
go for a walk to soak up the medley of neon
lights, modern skyscrapers, and buzzing
urban atmosphere.
next stop, famed for Japanese youth culture
and cutting-edge fashion. For something a
bit more refined, head to the shopping mecca
of Omotesando, an avenue known as Tokyo’s
Champs-Élysées. Tonight, gather for
a welcome dinner.
Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel | Meals: B L D
Hiroshima
Takayama
Kyoto
Nakasendo Way
Tokyo
Hakone
Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel
DAY 2: Tokyo
Start the day in the Asakusa district to see
the city’s oldest temple, Senso-ji. You can
pick up souvenirs at the nearby Nakamise
Arcade selling rows of traditional objects
and snacks. Continue to Meiji Shrine, one of
Japan’s most important Shinto sites. Its serene
forest setting is a far cry from Harajuku, your
DAY 3: Tokyo
This morning, Design your Day®
– giving you the freedom to choose the
experience that is best suited to you. Select
from the following options:
OPTION 1: Experience art two ways
Immerse yourself in the MORI Art Museum,
the world’s first digital museum. Enjoy
artwork on a large scale at the Suntory
Museum of Art.
82 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
SOUTH-EAST ASIA & THE FAR EAST
JAPAN
OPTION 2: Dive into Tsukiji Fish Market
Wake up early to see the world’s largest fish
market in full swing. Then learn how to make
sushi like a pro and tuck into homemade
maguro hosomaki (tuna rolls).
OPTION 3: Swing samurai swords
Don a kimono and begin your samurai
training journey. An expert will show you the
cuts and thrusts used by generations of these
famed warriors.
OPTION 4: Take up taiko drumming
Try out the Japanese drumming techniques
used in ancient religious ceremonies. Learn
the history and then join in a traditional
jam session.
Enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel | Meals: B
DAY 4: Tokyo – Takayama
Leave Tokyo behind and zip through the
country on the revolutionary bullet train.
Travelling at over 480kph, you’ll arrive at
Nagoya in just over an hour and a half, where
you’ll switch to a slower-paced train. Tuck
into a bento box and enjoy panoramic views
of mountains, gorges, and rural villages before
you glide into the town of Takayama. Your
driver will be waiting to transport you to your
retreat. Take the afternoon to relax or stretch
your legs on a hike through the hills.
Hotel Associa Takayama Resort | Meals: B L
DAY 5: Takayama
During spring, the whole town celebrates
the new season with a parade of precious
17th-century yatai (floats). You can view
these ornate vehicles at the Takayama Festival
Floats Exhibition Hall. Step back in time with
a stroll through the beautifully preserved
Old Town (Sanmachi-Suji District) dating
from the Edo Period (1600-1868), when the
city thrived as a wealthy town of merchants.
Head to Sannomachi Street, to browse the
old homes, shops, coffee houses, and sake
breweries, some of which have been in
business for centuries. Your afternoon is
free so you can explore further.
Hotel Associa Takayama Resort | Meals: B
DAY 6: Takayama – Kyoto
Today, you’ll transfer to Kyoto, pausing to
admire the rural beauty of Japan. Explore
the UNESCO village of Shirakawago, tucked
away in Shogawa River Valley. It is here you
can see its famed A-shaped, thatched gasshozukuri
houses, said to resemble the hands
of Buddhist monks. En route to Kanazawa
train station, visit the well-preserved samurai
residences and view the custom-made outfits.
Join your guide to catch the bullet train
to ancient Kyoto, the Imperial capital. The
journey takes just over an hour and when you
arrive, you’ll be driven to your hotel.
Kyoto Tokyu Hotel | Meals: B
DAY 7: Kyoto
Get ready to visit Kyoto’s iconic Kinkaku-ji,
glittering with gold. It used to belong to the
powerful Saionji family in the 14th century
and is now a Zen Buddhist temple offering its
visitors fantastical reflections in the mirrorlike
pond. Steer towards the 17th-century
Nijo Castle, harking back to the feudal era
with original moats and stone walls. Its
manicured gardens blanketed with cherry
trees are reason enough to visit, but make
sure to stop at the Ninomaru Palace for its
lavish gold-leaf décor and intricate ceilings.
Kyoto Tokyu Hotel | Meals: B
DAY 8: Hiroshima
Take the bullet train to Hiroshima, the site
where the first atomic bomb was dropped
on 6 August 1945. Today you can still see
INCLUSIONS
33
Design your Day ® on
Days 3 & 9
33
Luxury accommodation
33
Resident tour director &
English-speaking expert
local guides
33
Airport meet & greet,
& return private transfers
33
Entrance fees, taxes & tips,
& excursions as stated
33
Welcome & farewell dinners
33
9 breakfasts, 2 lunches
& 2 dinners
33
Wifi in accommodation
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
››
Explore geisha culture
and watch a timeless,
entrancing performance
››
Discover Tokyo’s
myriad facets
››
Speed through Japan
on the world-famous
bullet train
››
See traditional gasshozukuri
houses in
Shirakawago
››
Unravel Hiroshima’s
history with an expert
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 83
the ruins where this devastating attack took
place. While the city itself was rebuilt, the
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park remains as a
legacy of the attack, detailing its history with
pictures and memorabilia. Then take the ferry
to Itsukushima, known as Miyajima (‘Shrine
Island’), to see the famous floating red torii
gate. Board a bullet train to return to Kyoto,
where a sundowner cocktail awaits.
Kyoto Tokyu Hotel | Meals: B
DAY 9: Kyoto
Today, Design your Day® – giving
you the freedom to choose the experience
that is best suited to you. Select from the
following options:
OPTION 1: Don a kimono
Visit a town of machiya houses where you
can learn the history of the silk kimono and
try one on.
OPTION 2: Browse markets and make sweets
Visit Nishiki market, dating back to the 17th
century. Browse rows of fresh produce and
learn how to prepare Japanese sweets.
OPTION 3: Take a rickshaw ride
Travel by rickshaw around the Sagano
Bamboo Forest, idyllic in the light wind.
Buy bamboo baskets or mats made in the
local workshops.
OPTION 4: Cycle tour of the side streets
Smell burning incense and spot the vermillion
torii gate marking a shrine entrance during a
ride through the city’s side streets.
Tonight, enjoy a geisha performance during
your farewell dinner.
Kyoto Tokyu Hotel | Meals: B D
DAY 10: Depart Kyoto
A chauffeur will drive you to the airport from
where you will depart.
Meals: B
DATES & PRICING
GUARANTEED
DEPARTURE DATES (2020)
PRICE
PER
PERSON
MARCH:
10, 16 £6,795
APRIL:
1, 8 £6,895
MAY:
13 £6,650
SEPTEMBER:
11 £6,595
OCTOBER:
2 £6,795
NOVEMBER:
20 £6,850
GUARANTEED
DEPARTURE DATES (2021)
PRICE
PER
PERSON
FEBRUARY:
26 £6,750
MARCH:
19 £6,995
APRIL:
2, 16 £7,150
MAY:
14 £6,870
TRAVELLING SOLO?
Book early and the first four solo places won’t pay
any single supplement. The same journey, the same
luxury, guaranteed at the same price.
FLIGHTS
To provide you with flexibility and the latest flight
offers, we don’t include international flights. Our
specialists will be able to find the best travel options
to suit you.
Visit abercrombiekent.co.uk for up-to-date
availability and pricing information; and to
see how A&K can tailor this escorted tour
itinerary into the perfect bespoke holiday.
PRE & POST-TOUR
EXTENSIONS
Nakasendo Way post-tour
extension – four days
from £1,290pp
Available on selected departures.
Hakone ryokan-stay post-tour
extension – three days
from £525pp
Available on selected departures.
Contact a specialist for more information
about how to extend your escorted tour.
84 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
SOUTH-EAST ASIA & THE FAR EAST
JAPAN
YOUR LUXURY
ACCOMMODATION
Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel
Sky-scraping splendour with
contemporary Tokyo style
Hotel Associa Takayama Resort
Mountain escape with a traditional onsen
Kyoto Tokyu Hotel
Modern retreat close to the sights
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 85
Classic Japan
9 days/8 nights | From £9,425 per person | Maximum 18 guests
LUXURY
SMALL GROUP
JOURNEYS
Combining fantastic foodie experiences, remote natural retreats, and a chance to
discover Japan’s historic and ultra-modern marvels, this diverse itinerary leads you
to the heart of an extraordinary and unique country
INCLUSIONS
33
Five-star luxury
accommodation
33
Resident tour director
& English-speaking expert
local guides
33
Airport meet & greet,
& return private transfers
33
Entrance fees, taxes & tips,
& excursions as stated
33
Welcome & farewell dinners
33
8 breakfasts, 6 lunches
& 4 dinners
33
Wifi in accommodation
33
Scenic sundowner
33
Design your Day ® on Day 3
33
Travelling Bellboy ®
33
Traveller’s Valet ®
once per journey
33
Complimentary breakfast in
bed on two selected days
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
››
Capture the spirit
of Japan in a traditional
tea ceremony
››
Experience Japan’s culture,
from ancient traditions to
ultra-modern bullet trains
››
Meet a geiko and a maiko at an
exclusive shabu-shabu dinner
››
Relax in an authentic ryokan
at a popular hot-spring
destination
››
View cherry blossoms in
spring or enjoy astonishing
autumnal colours
ARRIVE/DEPART
ROAD
RAIL
EXTENSION
Hiroshima
Kyoto
Osaka
JAPAN
Tokyo
Hakone
DAY 1: Arrive Tokyo, Japan
Arrive in Tokyo, Japan’s exciting, modern
capital. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy the
expansive views over the city’s skyline.
The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo
DAY 2: Tokyo
Start your day at Tsukiji Fish Market, a
bustling hub of Japanese daily life where a
dizzying array of seafood is on show. Continue
to an exclusive local workshop that specialises
in Japanese drum making and try your hand
at playing the taiko. Enjoy lunch at a local
restaurant, and then visit Asakusa Kannon
Temple, completed in 645 AD, before pausing
in the tiny shops of Nakamise-dori. Tonight,
enjoy a welcome dinner.
The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo | Meals: B L D
DAY 3: Tokyo
Start your day at the Samurai Museum,
where you learn about the customs of this elite
warrior class and get an up-close look at an
authentic collection of their ritualistic armour
and weaponry. Then, receive a lesson in sushi
making followed by lunch.
This afternoon, Design your Day® – giving
you the freedom to choose the experience
that is best suited to you. Select from the
following options:
OPTION 1: Experience Tokyo’s art
Explore the MORI Art Museum to take
in local, contemporary art.
OPTION 2: Step back in time
Learn about the country’s history at the
Edo-Tokyo Museum, built to preserve
the heritage of the city’s last 400 years.
OPTION 3: Sample Japan’s finest sake
Indulge in sake tasting, sampling some of
Japan’s finest rice wine and learning about
its cultural importance.
Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo | Meals: B L
DAY 4: Hakone
Travel to Hakone, among Japan’s most popular
hot-spring destinations, and view Hakone
National Park’s coastlines, mountains, lakes,
and many volcanic islands. Board an aerial
tram for inspiring views of Mount Fuji. Enjoy
lunch at a local restaurant before strolling the
grassy hillsides of Hakone Open Air Museum
to admire the contemporary sculptures and
artwork on display, including one of the
world’s finest Picasso exhibits, showcasing
some 300 works by the cubist master. Tonight,
enjoy unparalleled service and traditional
Japanese cuisine at Gora Kadan, a top-rated
ryokan (traditional inn).
Gora Kadan | Meals: B L D
DAY 5: Osaka
After breakfast at your ryokan, visit the Okada
Museum of Art to view its stunning paintings,
ceramics, lacquerware, and bronzes from
Japan, Korea, and China. Then, Ride like a
Local by bullet train to Osaka. Historically
known as a merchant city, today Osaka is
Japan’s undisputed culinary capital. Indulge
in everything from octopus dumplings to
okonomiyaki – a battered, grilled concoction
of cabbage, meat, or seafood, and seaweed,
topped with mayo. This evening, explore the
popular Dotonbori district on a foodie tour,
stopping at a diverse array of restaurants.
The St Regis Osaka | Meals: B L
DAY 6: Nara
Travel to Nara, Japan’s first capital, to visit
Todai-ji, a temple complex and UNESCO
World Heritage Site containing the largest
bronze Buddha statue in Japan. Proceed
to Nara Park, home to hundreds of deer,
86 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
SOUTH-EAST ASIA & THE FAR EAST
JAPAN
YOUR LUXURY
ACCOMMODATION
venerated here as divine spirits, which you
can feed by hand. Complete your Nara
excursion with a visit to Kasuga Taisha Shrine
to experience a Shinto ceremony. Pause for
lunch at a local restaurant before proceeding
to the Kehaya-za Sumo Pavilion. Observe a
demonstration of this popular Japanese sport.
Return to your hotel for dinner.
The St Regis Osaka | Meals: B L D
DAY 7: Kyoto
Head out early this morning to contemplate
the iconic Zen rock garden at Ryoan-ji, the
perfect spot for a meditative moment, and
discover the glittering Kinkaku-ji Temple
(Golden Pavilion) – covered with gold leaf,
surrounded by green gardens, and casting its
delicate reflection in the tranquil pond beside
it. After a traditional bento box lunch, explore
the Arashiyama neighbourhood, including the
garden of Tenryu-ji Temple. Later, bask in the
magical atmosphere of Arashiyama Bamboo
Grove, strolling through the towering shoots.
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto | Meals: B L
DAY 8: Kyoto
Visit Shogunzuka Temple for stunning views
of Kyoto, and then continue to the home and
studio of the late Kawai Kanjiro, one of Kyoto’s
most famous potters. View his creations as
well as his personal collection of ceramics,
sculptures, and wood carvings. Proceed
to a temple to experience the art of the tea
ceremony, noting its refined etiquette. Tonight,
savour traditional Japanese cuisine, while
watching geisha dance, sing, pour sake,
and converse about their fascinating lives.
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto | Meals: B D
DAY 9: Depart Kyoto
After breakfast, transfer to Kansai
International Airport or Itami Airport, both
located just outside Osaka. Alternatively,
begin a post-tour extension to Hiroshima.
Meals: B
DATES & PRICING
GUARANTEED
DEPARTURE
DATES (2020)
MARCH:
2, 9
16
20, 23, 27, 30
PER
PERSON
FROM
£9,425
£10,160
£10,810
JOURNEY DETAILS
This journey includes long walks.
Minimum age is 10 years.
FLIGHTS
To provide you with flexibility and the latest flight
offers, we don’t include international flights.
Our specialists will be able to find the best travel
options to suit you.
Visit abercrombiekent.co.uk for up-to-date
availability and pricing information; and to
see how A&K can tailor this escorted tour
itinerary into the perfect bespoke holiday.
PRE & POST-TOUR
EXTENSIONS
SINGLE
SUPP.
FROM
£4,465
£4,875
£5,120
APRIL:
3, 6, 10, 13 £10,810 £5,120
MAY:
4, 11 £10,160 £4,875
SEPTEMBER:
11, 28 £10,160 £4,685
OCTOBER:
5, 9
12, 16, 19, 23
£10,160
£10,565
£4,685
£5,035
NOVEMBER:
2, 9 £10,565 £5,035
Hiroshima post-tour extension
– three days from £3,005pp
Contact a specialist for more information
about how to extend your escorted tour.
The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo
A luxurious hotel in a trendy
downtown district
Gora Kadan
Traditional ryokan situated within
Hakone National Park
The St Regis Osaka
Luxury hotel set on Midosuji Boulevard,
the Champs-Élysées of Osaka
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
A modern sanctuary draped in
horticultural history
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 87
Rhythms of
South-East Asia
IMMERSIVE
JOURNEYS
12 days/11 nights | From £3,795 per person | Maximum 18 guests
Explore the rich tapestry of life from Vietnam and Cambodia to Laos.
Experience the buzz of city life, sail over emerald waters punctuated with
limestone karsts, and see the sun rising over Angkor Wat in this
intoxicating world of saffron-robed monks and golden stupas
INCLUSIONS
33
Design your Day ® on
Days 2, 6, 8 & 11
33
Five-star luxury accommodation
ARRIVE/DEPART
AIR
ROAD
EXTENSION
THAILAND
Hanoi
Luang
Prabang
LAOS
Ha Long
Bay
33
Resident tour director &
English-speaking expert
local guides
33
Airport meet & greet,
& return private transfers
33
Entrance fees, taxes & tips,
& excursions as stated
33
Internal flights
33
Welcome & farewell dinners
33
11 breakfasts, 3 lunches
& 3 dinners
33
Wifi in accommodation
33
Porterage at airports & hotels
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
››
Cruise the emerald waters
of Ha Long Bay as they lap
at limestone karsts
››
Watch the sun rise over
Angkor Wat
››
Experience the daily
tak bat ritual offering
alms to Buddhist monks
››
Enjoy a sunset cruise
along the Mekong River
››
Explore the depths within
the Cu Chi Tunnels
››
Enjoy a dawn cyclo trip
around Ho Chi Minh City
››
Kayak on South-East Asia’s
largest freshwater lake
at sunset
To Phuket
Bangkok
DAY 1: Arrive Hanoi, Vietnam
Arrive in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam,
where you will be greeted by your guide.
After transferring to your central hotel,
the remainder of the day is at leisure.
Hotel de l’Opera
Siem Reap
CAMBODIA
DAY 2: Hanoi
Enjoy your first taste of Hanoi with a
private tour of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and
the One Pillar Pagoda.
This afternoon, Design your Day® – giving
you the freedom to choose the experience
that is best suited to you. Select from the
following options:
OPTION 1: Lakeside bike ride
Jump on a bike and follow your guide around
the city’s largest freshwater lake. Cycle around
West Lake, stopping off at the Golden Lotus
Temple (Kim Lien Pagoda).
OPTION 2: Eat like a local
Embark on a foodie adventure to sample fresh
street eats. Tuck into a banh xeo (Vietnamese
pancake) and a glass of bia hoi (beer) before
tasting home-style specialities.
OPTION 3: Meet a Vietnamese War veteran
Gain a personal insight into the complex
Vietnam War by meeting in private with a
veteran, now an officer at Hoa Lo Prison
Museum, once known as the ‘Hanoi Hilton’.
Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner.
Hotel de l’Opera | Meals: B D
Ho Chi Minh City
VIETNAM
DAY 3: Ha Long Bay
Leave the city behind to discover one of the
wonders of Vietnam, the emerald waters of
Ha Long Bay. You will be driven to the port
and board a traditional wooden junk to cruise
through this UNESCO site. Enjoy a lazy lunch
as you gaze at the majestic bay made up of
islets formed from striking limestone karsts
topped by rainforests. After an afternoon of
cruising, return to the pier and transfer back
to Hanoi by private vehicle.
Hotel de l’Opera | Meals: B L
DAY 4: Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest and
most energetic metropolis. Join your guide
to begin exploring this city of culture and
commerce. French boulevards and colonial
architecture stand beside traditional temples
and shimmering skyscrapers, revealing a city
of diversity and charm. Keep an eye open
for the Central Post Office, designed and
constructed by Frenchman Gustave Eiffel,
and the iconic Reunification Palace. Retreat
to an oasis of calm with a visit to a seminary
and St Joseph’s church.
Hotel des Arts Saigon | Meals: B
88 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
SOUTH-EAST ASIA & THE FAR EAST
SOUTH-EAST ASIA
DAY 5: Ho Chi Minh City
Today, head northwest by private vehicle to
the Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible tunnel
network amounting to hundreds of miles. The
tunnels were built during resistance to French
colonisation and utilised extensively during
the Vietnam War. Catch a glimpse of life
during the conflict as you experience crawling
in tight, narrow passageways and through
a series of caverns which consist of storage
rooms, make-shift hospitals, and sleeping
quarters. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant
followed by an afternoon at leisure.
Hotel des Arts Saigon | Meals: B L
DAY 6: Ho Chi Minh City – Siem
Reap, Cambodia
This morning, Design your Day® – giving
you the freedom to choose the experience
that is best suited to you. Select from the
following options:
OPTION 1: See the city as it stirs
Join your guide at dawn to journey by cyclo
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 89
around the city’s landmarks. Pass Notre Dame
on the way to Tao Dan Park. Venture by Vespa
to local markets and refuel with a breakfast of
pho (noodle soup).
OPTION 2: Cooking with the experts
Discover the secrets of Vietnamese cooking
with tips from a professional. Shop in the
market and head to the chef ’s kitchen to
prepare your lunch before tucking in.
OPTION 3: Discover new wave artists
Enjoy a glimpse of Vietnam through the eyes
of its artists. Meet them in their small village
and view a collection of work before heading
to a contemporary art gallery.
This afternoon, fly to Siem Reap.
Treeline Urban Resort | Meals: B
DAY 7: Siem Reap
Awaken early to experience the serenity of
sunrise over Angkor Wat. Join your guide to
witness the moment the sun appears. Explore
the stunning ruins of Ta Prohm, where the
roots of great trees spill over the roof of
this iconic temple. Continue to the walled
city of Angkor Thom, the former capital of
the Khmer empire. This evening, celebrate
Cambodian cuisine by sampling a different
course at each of four top venues.
Treeline Urban Resort | Meals: B D
DAY 8: Siem Reap
Today, visit a less well-known temple,
Banteay Srei, dedicated to Shiva and
known as the ‘Citadel of Women’. Visit
Cambodia Clean Water Project, an A&K
Philanthropy initiative. Learn about its
essential work building pumping wells in rural
areas. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
This afternoon, Design your Day® – giving
you the freedom to choose the experience
that is best suited to you. Select from the
following options:
OPTION 1: Meet artisans putting Cambodia
on the map
Meet fashion designers, photographers, and
artists making a name for Cambodia. Learn
more about Khymer lacquerware and visit
the studio of a fashion designer. Browse the
boutiques of tree-lined Kendal Village.
OPTION 2: Kayak on the Tonle Sap Lake
Hop on a kayak to paddle out into South-East
Asia’s largest freshwater lake at sunset. Enjoy
birdwatching and seeing fishermen at work as
you skim over Tonle Sap Lake.
Treeline Urban Resort | Meals: Park B L
DAY 9: Siem Reap – Luang Prabang,
Laos
Today fly to Luang Prabang in Laos where
you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel.
You will have plenty of time to soak up the
atmosphere at your own pace. There are gilded
temples, orange-robed monks, golden stupas,
and the richly decorated Wat Mai to enjoy.
You can take it easy in this laid-back city and
relax next to the hotel’s lily ponds.
Satri House | Meals: B
DAY 10: Luang Prabang
Rise early to join residents offering alms to the
Buddhist monks in the daily ritual known as
tak bat. Before returning for breakfast, stop
by a market and shop with the locals. Feeling
refreshed, start your half-day tour of the
city visiting the Royal Palace Museum, Wat
Visoun, known as ‘the Water Melon Stupa’ and
the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, with its low,
sweeping roof. Learn more about the culture
of Laos with a visit to the Arts and Ethnology
Centre. Enjoy the remainder of
the day at leisure.
Satri House | Meals: B
DAY 11: Luang Prabang
This morning, Design your Day® –
giving you the freedom to choose
the experience that is best suited to you.
Select from the following options:
OPTION 1: Crop-to-bowl experience
Take part in an authentic crop-to-bowl
experience when you visit an organic farm.
Move from the garden into the kitchen where
you will transform grains of rice into strands
of noodle, called kaopun.
OPTION 2: Take part in a baci ceremony
Take part in a traditional baci ceremony in a
village. Learn more about this local custom
performed in celebration of important events.
This evening, enjoy a sunset cruise along
the Mekong River. A farewell dinner will be
served at a local restaurant.
Satri House | Meals: B D
DAY 12: Luang Prabang
Say a fond farewell to South-East Asia
and begin your journey home.
Meals: B
90 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
YOUR LUXURY
ACCOMMODATION
SOUTH-EAST ASIA & THE FAR EAST
Hotel de l’Opera
Centrally located in Hanoi’s French Quarter
with the opera house on its doorstep
SOUTH-EAST ASIA
Hotel des Arts Saigon
Art-filled, French-colonial-era boutique
hotel with world-class dining
DATES & PRICING
GUARANTEED
DEPARTURE DATES (2020)
PRICE
PER
PERSON
FEBRUARY:
9 £3,795
Treeline Urban Resort
Contemporary hotel on Siem Reap’s
riverside, offering laid-back luxury
MARCH:
22 £3,795
NOVEMBER:
15 £3,850
DECEMBER:
6 £3,850
GUARANTEED
DEPARTURE DATES (2021)
PRICE
PER
PERSON
JANUARY:
17 £3,895
FEBRUARY:
7 £3,945
TRAVELLING SOLO?
Book early and the first four solo places won’t pay any
single supplement. The same journey, the same luxury,
guaranteed at the same price.
FLIGHTS
To provide you with flexibility and the latest flight offers,
we don’t include international flights. Our specialists
will be able to find the best travel options to suit you.
Visit abercrombiekent.co.uk for up-to-date
availability and pricing information; and to
see how A&K can tailor this escorted tour
itinerary into the perfect bespoke holiday.
Satri House
Former royal residence a short stroll from
Luang Prabang’s historic Old Town
PRE & POST-TOUR
EXTENSIONS
Bangkok post-tour extension
- three days from £490pp
Available on selected departures.
Phuket post-tour extension
- three days from £695pp
Available on selected departures.
Contact a specialist for more information
about how to extend your escorted tour.
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 91
Images of Indochina
& Angkor Wat
LUXURY
SMALL GROUP
JOURNEYS
13 days/12 nights | From £7,550 per person | Maximum 18 guests
Whether you’re attracted by the striking natural beauty, the fascinating history
surrounding the glittering temples, or the unique charm of rural Indochinese
lifestyles, this diverse itinerary offers many unforgettable wonders
INCLUSIONS
33
Five-star luxury accommodation
33
Resident tour director &
English-speaking expert
local guides
33
Airport meet & greet,
& return private transfers
33
Entrance fees, taxes & tips,
& excursions as stated
33
Internal flights
33
Welcome & farewell dinners
33
12 breakfasts, 7 lunches
& 6 dinners
33
Wifi in accommodation
33
Scenic sundowner
33
Design your Day ® on Day 6
33
Travelling Bellboy ®
33
Traveller’s Valet ®
once per journey
33
Complimentary breakfast in
bed on two selected days
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
››
Spend two days exploring
the ruins of Angkor with your
expert guide
››
Take a tranquil overnight
cruise on Ha Long Bay
››
Enjoy expedited customs and
immigration formalities upon
arrival in Hanoi, Siem Reap,
Luang Prabang, and Bangkok
››
Step back in time as
you explore tranquil
Luang Prabang
››
Experience vibrant café
culture in Hanoi and
Ho Chi Minh City
Bangkok
THAILAND
ARRIVE/DEPART
AIR
ROAD
CRUISE
Luang
Prabang
Siem Reap
LAOS
CAMBODIA
DAY 1: Arrive Hanoi, Vietnam
Arrive in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, and
transfer to your colonial-style hotel.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Hanoi
Hai Phong
Ha Long
Bay
VIETNAM
Ho Chi
Minh City
DAY 2: Hanoi
Hanoi is the country’s cultural heart, bearing
traces of centuries of changing dynasties.
Visit Ho Chi Minh’s house, a simple structure
that served as home to the revolutionary
guerrilla leader. Continue to the lotus-shaped
One Pillar Pagoda, dating back to the first
independent Vietnamese empire. Also
visit the infamous ‘Hanoi Hilton’ prison,
where American prisoners of war were once
confined. Ride like a Local by cyclo through
the city’s Old Quarter. This evening, gather
with your fellow guests for a welcome dinner.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi | Meals: B L D
DAY 3: Ha Long Bay
Travel to Haiphong to board Orchid and cruise
picturesque Ha Long Bay. Pass the islets of
Con Vit and Gia Luan, their striking karsts
rising dramatically from the emerald waters.
On a course less frequented by other cruises,
wind past Cat Ba Island, Thoi Quyt, Coc Ngoi
islet, and Cua Van floating village. Halt in Lan
Ha Bay, where you can disembark to enjoy this
remote beach. Back aboard, watch the sun set
over the Gulf of Tonkin, before a ‘Chef ’s Table’
demonstration featuring Vietnamese cuisine,
followed by dinner.
Orchid | Meals: B L D
DAY 4: Ha Long Bay & Ho Chi Minh City
Greet the day on deck with sunrise tai chi
overlooking the bay. Then, set out to explore
Toi and Sang (Dark and Bright) cave. Return
for brunch on board as Orchid sails home
to port in Haiphong. Back on terra firma,
proceed to Hang Keng Temple and enjoy a
water puppet show. Later, transfer to Hanoi
and fly to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon,
where you settle in at your hotel.
The Reverie Saigon | Meals: B L
DAY 5: Ho Chi Minh City
Rise early for a cyclo ride around the city
and stroll through Tao Dan Park, alive with
birdsong, stopping by a memorial park
dedicated to a Buddhist monk. Changing
from cyclo to vehicle, continue along Nguyen
Dinh Chieu Street to visit a weapons bunker,
along with a food and flower market. Enjoy a
breakfast of pho (noodle soup) with locals in
a secret restaurant. This afternoon, take a drive
viewing St Joseph’s Seminary, the Central Post
Office, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Tonight,
gather for dinner at a local culinary hot spot.
The Reverie Saigon | Meals: B L D
DAY 6: Ho Chi Minh City
Travel into the countryside to explore
the expansive Cu Chi Tunnels. On arrival, talk
with a former Viet Cong soldier and, if you
wish, crawl through these small tunnels once
traversed by Viet Cong guerrillas.
This afternoon, Design your Day® – giving
you the freedom to choose the experience
that is best suited to you. Select from the
following options:
OPTION 1: View historic war images
Visit the War Remnants Museum to view
photographs from Bunyo Ishikawa,
a Vietnam War photojournalist.
OPTION 2: Sample sublime street food
Embark on a culinary tour to try some of
the mouth-watering street food cooked by
local vendors. Watch out for the blazing hot
chillies in some dishes.
92 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
OPTION 3: Explore the colourful markets
Visit Nguyen Hue Street and Ben Thanh
Market to discover the latest in trendy shops
and explore local market life.
The Reverie Saigon | Meals: B
DAY 7: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Fly to Siem Reap, the town nearest to Angkor
Thom and Angkor Wat, and enjoy lunch at a
local restaurant upon arrival. Then, begin your
exploration of Ta Prohm, where the roots of
great trees seem to have spilled over the roof
of this iconic stone temple. Enjoy an evening
at leisure.
Belmond La Résidence d’Angkor | Meals: B L
DAY 8: Siem Reap
Rise early this morning to experience the
incomparable serenity of watching the sun
rise over mystical Angkor Wat. Return to
your hotel for breakfast and a morning at
leisure. This afternoon, visit Angkor Thom,
the last capital of the Khmer kingdom and
Bayon Temple, its 172 large-scale faces bearing
beguiling smiles, representing gods, goddesses,
and characters from classical poems and
mythology. This evening, enjoy a scenic
sundowner on a gondola while floating on
the Angkor Thom moat.
Belmond La Résidence d’Angkor | Meals: B D
DAY 9: Siem Reap
Today, visit a less well-known temple,
Banteay Srei, dedicated to Shiva and known
as the ‘Citadel of Women’. Learn about the
essential work of the Cambodia Clean Water
Project, an A&K Philanthropy initiative that
builds pumping wells in rural communities
throughout the country. Enjoy lunch at a
local restaurant before bidding farewell to
Cambodia and flying to Luang Prabang.
Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao | Meals: B L
at leisure where you can relax and pack.
After lunch, take part in a baci ceremony –
a good-luck ritual for a safe onward journey
that is part of the local culture – before flying
to Bangkok, Thailand’s vibrant capital.
The Peninsula Bangkok | Meals: B L
DAY 12: Bangkok
Visit the sprawling Grand Palace, a complex
that housed the historic Siamese court, home
to Thailand’s most important shrine, the jade
Emerald Buddha. Also visit the Queen Sirikit
Museum of Textiles to view the dazzling array
of finely detailed ethnic fabrics on display.
Enjoy your afternoon at leisure when you can
swim or take a treatment in the spa. Tonight,
gather for a farewell dinner.
The Peninsula Bangkok | Meals: B D
DAY 13: Depart Bangkok
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to
depart for home.
Meals: B
DATES & PRICING
GUARANTEED
DEPARTURE
DATES (2020)
PER
PERSON
FROM
SINGLE
SUPP.
FROM
JANUARY:
9, 16, 23, 30 £7,710 £2,600
FEBRUARY:
16, 27 £7,710 £2,600
MARCH:
1, 5, 15, 26 £7,550 £2,355
APRIL:
12 £7,550 £2,355
SEPTEMBER:
20 £7,550 £2,355
YOUR LUXURY
ACCOMMODATION
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Condé Nast Traveller Gold List hotel
with stylish, spacious rooms
Orchid
All-balcony luxury vessel with superb
on-board service cruising Ha Long Bay
The Reverie Saigon
Contemporary luxury hotel
with beautiful river views
Belmond La Résidence d’Angkor
Serene, leafy hideaway set
close to Angkor Wat
SOUTH-EAST ASIA & THE FAR EAST
CAMBODIA, LAOS, THAILAND & VIETNAM
DAY 10: Luang Prabang, Laos
Step back in time for a day, as you explore
charming Luang Prabang and its tranquil
streets. Start your day of discovery with a
visit to Wat Xieng Thong, a Buddhist Temple
noted for its Tree of Life wall mosaic, and Wat
Khili, known for its mix of French and Lao
architecture. Next, visit the National Museum,
which was once a royal palace. After lunch,
enjoy your afternoon at leisure or explore on
your own. Gather this evening for dinner.
Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao | Meals: B D
DAY 11: Luang Prabang – Bangkok,
Thailand
Early risers can give alms to Buddhist monks,
which puts you in touch with the local culture
and community. Enjoy a hearty breakfast
back at the hotel and then spend a morning
OCTOBER:
4, 15, 18 £7,710 £2,600
NOVEMBER:
1, 5, 12 £7,710 £2,600
DECEMBER:
6
17
20
£7,710
£8,930
£9,990
JOURNEY DETAILS
This journey contains some active elements.
Minimum age is 10 years.
£2,600
£3,250
£3,655
FLIGHTS
To provide you with flexibility and the latest flight
offers, we don’t include international flights. Our
specialists will be able to find the best travel options
to suit you.
Visit abercrombiekent.co.uk for up-to-date
availability and pricing information; and to
see how A&K can tailor this escorted tour
itinerary into the perfect bespoke holiday.
Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao
Tranquil boutique luxury hotel,
appointed with teak and local textiles
The Peninsula Bangkok
One of Asia’s best hotels,
overlooking Chao Phraya River
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 93
Cruising the Mekong:
Siam, Saigon & Angkor Wat
12 days/11 nights | From £6,965 per person | Maximum 24 guests
This great eastern river is certain to satisfy those who hunger for diverse
experiences; explore secluded markets, wildlife-rich mangroves, and jungle
temples, learning from local villagers and Buddhist monks
LUXURY
SMALL GROUP
JOURNEYS
INCLUSIONS
33
Five-star luxury
accommodation
33
Resident tour director &
English-speaking expert
local guides
33
Airport meet & greet,
& return private transfers
33
Entrance fees, taxes & tips,
& excursions as stated
33
Internal flights
33
Welcome & farewell dinners
33
11 breakfasts, 9 lunches
& 9 dinners
33
Wifi in accommodation
33
Scenic sundowner
33
Design your Day ® on Day 11
33
Travelling Bellboy ®
33
Traveller’s Valet ®
once per journey
33
Complimentary breakfast in
bed on two selected days
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
››
Cruise for seven nights on
the luxurious, exclusively
chartered Mekong Princess
››
Tour the attractions of
Bangkok by tuk-tuk and
traditional rice barge
››
Explore magnificent
Angkor Wat at sunset
with an expert guide
››
Gain deeper insight into
South-East Asia’s varied
cultures as you meet locals
››
Enjoy access to lessfrequented
locales including
little-known river islands
Bangkok
Hanoi
Luang Prabang
LAOS
THAILAND
Siem Reap
ARRIVE/DEPART
AIR
ROAD
CRUISE
EXTENSION
DAY 1: Arrive Bangkok, Thailand
Arrive in Bangkok, the Thai capital, and
transfer to your luxurious hotel.
The Peninsula Bangkok
Phnom Penh
CAMBODIA
Kampong
Cham
Mekong Delta
VIETNAM
Ho Chi
Minh City
DAY 2: Bangkok
After your welcome briefing, discover the
temple of Wat Pho, with its huge Buddha
statue, and listen to the musical sound of coins
dropping into brass offering bowls. Ride like
a Local on a tuk-tuk around the sprawling
Grand Palace. Explore the royal Siamese court,
home to Thailand’s most important shrine,
the jade Emerald Buddha. Next, gather for
lunch aboard a traditional wooden rice barge.
Cruise the Chao Phraya River, taking in the
wonderful views. Later, fly to Siem Reap,
Cambodia, and transfer to your traditional,
Khmer-style boutique hotel.
Belmond La Résidence d’Angkor | Meals: B L D
DAY 3: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Explore the extraordinary temples of Angkor,
a breath-taking jungle city and Cambodia’s
most prized national treasure. Enter the
monumental gates of Angkor Thom, where 54
gods and 54 demons are represented in an epic
tug of war. Visit Bayon Temple, with its 172
large-scale faces wearing enchanting smiles,
and Terraces of the Elephant and Leper Kings.
Walk to the temple of Ta Prohm, an Indiana
Jones-worthy fantasy with crumbling towers.
Stay at Angkor Wat until sunset, marvelling
as the diminishing light washes over this
unforgettable, faraway world.
Belmond La Résidence d’Angkor | Meals: B L
DAY 4: Cruising the Mekong
Drive through the scenic Cambodian
countryside to Kampong Cham, where
you board A&K’s private charter, the
Mekong Princess, your boutique river cruiser
for the next seven nights. Tonight, enjoy a
Khmer-inspired dinner on board.
Mekong Princess | Meals: B L D
DAY 5: Cruising the Mekong
Explore the charming town of Angkor Ban this
morning. Stop briefly at the local monastery
complex on your walk back to the ship. Sail
to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s lush capital city,
and Ride like a Local on an engaging cyclo
tour. Discover the ornate Royal Palace and
wander past huge stupas, spirit houses, and
potted flowers en route to the famous Silver
Pagoda, home of Cambodia’s Emerald Buddha
and the diamond-encrusted Maitreya Buddha.
Visit the National Museum before returning to
the ship to enjoy a professional exhibition of
traditional folk dances.
Mekong Princess | Meals: B L D
94 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
SOUTH-EAST ASIA & THE FAR EAST
CAMBODIA, THAILAND & VIETNAM
DAY 6: Cruising the Mekong
This morning, learn about Cambodia’s darker
days as you walk the notorious killing fields of
Choeung Ek, one of history’s most infamous
places. Your afternoon is free for you to
explore the city on your own.
Mekong Princess | Meals: B L D
DAY 7: Cruising the Mekong, Vietnam
Cruise into Vietnam this morning, continuing
downstream to little-known Hong Ngu.
Experience a friendly welcome, before you
visit a local family home to watch the weaving
of kormas (traditional Khmer scarves). Later,
explore a local temple dedicated to Hoa Hao,
a Vietnamese Buddhist sect. In the afternoon,
board a sampan (wooden boat) to Gieng
Island, where these vessels are constructed.
Cruise a canal past orchards and rice fields,
heading to the French Cu Lao Gieng Church,
built in 1879.
Mekong Princess | Meals: B L D
DAY 8: Cruising the Mekong
Disembark at the village of Hoa An,
well known for its floral and craft industries.
See how locals grow and use flowers and meet
a family in their home. Then, enjoy an
exclusive visit to the Hoa An Kindergarten,
supported by A&K Philanthropy, and watch as
the children make local conical hats. Later,
reboard the ship and cruise downstream
toward Can Tho.
Mekong Princess | Meals: B L D
DAY 9: Cruising the Mekong
Rise early for a sampan cruise through a
fascinating floating market near Can Tho.
Weave between the boats selling a diverse
array of goods, capturing photographs of
dynamic market life. Fresh coconut water,
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 95
YOUR LUXURY
ACCOMMODATION
The Peninsula Bangkok
One of Asia’s premier hotels,
overlooking Chao Phraya River
the Vietnamese ‘anti-ageing drink’, refreshes
you before a stop at a local factory to see the
making of instant noodles. Back on board the
Mekong Princess, sail deeper into the Mekong
Delta, rarely touched by travellers, to see the
fourth-century Phuoc Hau Pagoda and meet
local monks to learn about their daily lives.
Mekong Princess | Meals: B L D
DAY 10: Cruising the Mekong
Today, it’s back onto a sampan to wend your
way through the thick mangroves, whose
tangled roots provide a sheltered habitat for
the smallest denizens of the river’s ecosystem.
Pause to see artisans produce coconut candy, a
favourite local snack. Next, board an intimate,
two-seater boat for a cruise through narrow
creeks lined with nipa palms, a native species
and the only one of its kind adapted to the
mangrove habitat.
Mekong Princess | Meals: B L D
DAY 11: Ho Chi Minh City,
Vietnam
Unlike other river ships, Mekong Princess
docks right in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.
Today, Design your Day® – giving you
the freedom to choose the experience
that is best suited to you. Select from the
following options:
OPTION 1: View historic war images
Visit the War Remnants Museum to
view photographs from Bunyo Ishikawa,
a Vietnam War photojournalist, and the
Reunification Palace.
OPTION 2: Sample sublime street food
Embark on a culinary tour of Chinatown
to sample the mouth-watering street food
on offer.
OPTION 3: Browse the colourful markets
Visit Nguyen Hue Street and Ben Thanh
Market to discover the latest in trendy shops
and explore local market life.
Tonight, gather for a special farewell dinner.
The Reverie Saigon | Meals: B D
DAY 12: Depart Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast, begin a Cu Chi and Hanoi
post-tour extension or transfer to the airport
to depart for home.
Meals: B
DATES & PRICING
GUARANTEED
DEPARTURE
DATES (2020)
PER
PERSON
FROM
SINGLE
SUPP.
FROM
JANUARY:
6, 20 £6,965 £810
FEBRUARY:
17 £6,965 £810
MARCH:
2, 16 £6,965 £810
SEPTEMBER:
28 £6,965 £810
OCTOBER:
12, 26 £6,965 £810
DECEMBER:
21 £7,775 £970
JOURNEY DETAILS
Price is based on Saigon suite. Upgrade prices to
Apsara, Tonle, and Angkor suites are on request.
This journey contains some active elements.
Minimum age is 10 years.
FLIGHTS
To provide you with flexibility and the latest flight
offers, we don’t include international flights. Our
specialists will be able to find the best travel options
to suit you.
Visit abercrombiekent.co.uk for up-to-date
availability and pricing information; and to
see how A&K can tailor this escorted tour
itinerary into the perfect bespoke holiday.
Belmond La Résidence d’Angkor
Serene, leafy retreat where ancient
tradition meets contemporary style
Mekong Princess
Exclusively chartered all-suite
river cruiser limited to just 24 guests
The Reverie Saigon
Contemporary luxury hotel with
beautiful river views
PRE & POST-TOUR
EXTENSIONS
Luang Prabang pre-tour
extension – four days
from £2,340pp
Available on selected departures.
Cu Chi & Hanoi post-tour
extension – three days
from £1,855pp
Available on selected departures.
Contact a specialist for more information
about how to extend your escorted tour.
96 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
SOUTH-EAST ASIA & THE FAR EAST
CAMBODIA, THAILAND & VIETNAM
Mekong Princess
Redefining intimate with an exclusive A&K charter of an extraordinary 12-suite vessel
A&K SIGNATURE ELEMENTS
33
12 elegant suites with private
verandas or Juliet balconies
33
Spa-inspired bath amenities
33
Nightly turndown service
33
Fully air-conditioned
with cabin control
33
Complimentary laundry
service, canapés, and scented
baths in Angkor suites
FRENCH-COLONIAL DECOR
Experience the treasures of the Mekong
River from aboard the 12-suite Mekong
Princess, stopping to explore unique ports and
destinations virtually unknown to travellers.
Adorned with French-colonial furnishings,
the vessel’s staff are gracious, and guests can
enjoy the comfortable spa, which offers a
complimentary, hour-long treatment.
The dozen tranquil, well-appointed suites on
Mekong Princess offer spa bath amenities,
with nightly turndown service, as well as
either a private veranda or Juliet balcony,
both with panoramic views.
DELICIOUS DINING
Breakfast and lunches on board are served
buffet-style. Come evening, sit down to
casually elegant, multi-course dinners in
the candlelit Indochine dining room amid
expansive, floor-to-ceiling windows.
ELEGANT ONBOARD LIVING
While plying the waters, pause to watch life
unfold from the Observation Deck, recount
activities in the lounge, and stay connected in
the library. Keep in shape in the fully equipped
fitness centre.
DECK PLAN
‘Mekong Princess’
Lounge
Observation
Deck
BASSAC DECK
Dining Room
MEKONG DECK
207
208
205
206
Spa Gym Library
Angkor suite (52 sqm)
Tonle suite (30 sqm)
Apsara suite (24 sqm)
Saigon suite (24 sqm)
203
204
103 101
104 102
201
202
Private
Veranda
Private
Veranda
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 97
IMMERSIVE
JOURNEYS
Peru’s Ancient Marvels
10 days/9 nights | From £3,995 per person | Maximum 18 guests
This itinerary is perfect for those keen to unravel Peru’s rich history and culture. Delve into the historic citadels and Incan
ruins from Lima to the Sacred Valley, stopping off at Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca along the way
Lima
PERU
ARRIVE/DEPART
AIR
ROAD
Colca
RAIL
EXTENSION
Arequipa
Elevation
Cusco: 3,400m approx.
Sacred Valley: 2,000m-3,000m approx.
Machu Picchu: 2,400m approx.
From Amazon
pre-tour extension
Machu Picchu
Sacred Valley
Cusco
Puno
DAY 1: Arrive Lima, Peru
Land in Lima, Peru’s spotlight capital city,
where you are chauffeured straight to your
hotel in the exclusive Miraflores district.
You may just want to relax and order room
service tonight.
Hilton Lima Miraflores
DAY 2: Lima
Enjoy your first taste of Peru’s capital with
a visit to the Plaza Mayor, which is the
birthplace of the city of Lima, and contains the
beautiful cathedral and government palaces.
Then head to Larco Museum. Its flower-filled
gardens alone are worth a visit, not to mention
its thousands of pre-Columbian artefacts,
pottery, and Incan relics. Over the years, Lima
has become a serious dining destination for
foodies from all over the world. Sit down to
a welcome lunch with your fellow guests at
Café del Museo restaurant before spending the
afternoon at leisure.
Hilton Lima Miraflores | Meals: B L
DAY 3: Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley
Today, fly to Cusco where you are met and
transferred to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Colonial architecture, including the 16thcentury
cathedral, and Incan remains are
dotted across this historic city. En route to
your hotel you have a chance to meet the
locals in the form of llamas and alpacas at
Awana Kancha, and to learn about their
valuable fleeces. Lunch is served at Hacienda
Sarapampa. Here, you can see how the Incas
developed a unique corn variety which helped
to boost their economy.
Tambo del Inka | Meals: B L
98 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
LATIN AMERICA
PERU
DAY 4: Sacred Valley
After a hearty breakfast, begin exploring the
Sacred Valley of the Incas with a visit to a
remote village, frozen in time. Here there is
the opportunity to mingle with the Andean
community and learn about the agricultural
methods they have used for centuries to
support themselves in this challenging
mountain environment. Before lunch, visit
the archaeological site of Moray. With
concentric terraces carved into a huge
earthen bowl, the deep amphitheatre-like
terracing creates a fascinating landscape.
It also offers magnificent views right across
the Sacred Valley.
Tambo del Inka | Meals: B L
Day 5: Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu
Today, travel by train to Machu Picchu. En
route to the station, visit Ollantaytambo to
look around its imposing fortress. Arrive at
Aguas Calientes, from where a bus takes you
to the last citadel built by a pre-Columbian
civilisation. Overlooking the Urubamba
River and discovered in a tangle of trees atop
a mountain, nothing can prepare you for
the sight of Machu Picchu’s wide avenues,
cascading terraces, and intricate stonework.
All this cradled by steamy forest and skypiercing
mountains. After a guided tour,
head to your hotel for dinner.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel | Meals: B L D
DAY 6: Machu Picchu – Cusco
Return to Machu Picchu for a second look.
You may want to linger here or walk to the
iconic Sun Gate. Those intrepid enough can
hike up the neighbouring Huayna Picchu
mountain – at 2,693 metres, it has staggering
bird’s-eye views. In the early afternoon take
the Vistadome train back to Ollantaytambo
from where you are driven to Cusco to
transfer to your hotel.
Palacio del Inka | Meals: B L
DAY 7: Cusco
It’s time to explore history-rich Cusco.
Once the Incan capital, before the Spanish
crushed their civilisation, today you can
witness both colonial architecture and Incan
remains on just about every corner. Sights
include the 16th-century cathedral on the
bustling Plaza de Armas, and Coricancha, a
former Inca palace turned Spanish church.
Head to Sacsayhuamán on the outskirts,
where Incas shaped giant polished boulders
into a Cyclopean fortress.
This afternoon, Design your Day® – giving
you the freedom to choose the experience
that is best suited to you. Select from the
following options:
OPTION 1: Museum and market
Enjoy a guided tour around the Inca Museum
and San Pedro market.
OPTION 2: Meet the artisans
Visit the San Blas artisans’ neighbourhood
and church.
OPTION 3: Photographic tour
Capture the images of Cusco’s hidden streets.
After an educational day, enjoy dinner at the
elegant MAP Café.
Palacio del Inka | Meals: B D
DAY 8: Cusco – Puno
After an early morning breakfast, leave the
hotel for your transfer to the station and take
the train to Puno. Today, set your sights on
the magical journey to Lake Titicaca’s
waterside city. Sit back in a Pullman-style
carriage and watch the Peruvian landscape
unfold before you, from vast plains to
lush, emerald mountain slopes. There’s an
observation car where you can take in the
views with a pisco sour. You can also enjoy
a three-course lunch. On arrival you will be
transferred to your hotel.
Hotel Libertador Puno | Meals: B L
INCLUSIONS
33
Design your Day ® on Day 7
33
Luxury accommodation
33
Resident tour director
& English-speaking expert
local guides
33
Airport meet & greet,
& return private transfers
33
Entrance fees, taxes & tips,
& excursions as stated
33
Domestic flights
33
Welcome lunch
& farewell dinner
33
9 breakfasts, 7 lunches
& 3 dinners
33
Wifi in accommodation
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
››
Explore the Inca city of
Machu Picchu, Peru’s
historic wonder
››
Walk to the iconic Sun Gate
››
Discover history-rich Cusco
and the Sacred Valley
››
Visit Lake Titicaca’s
floating reed islands
››
Watch breath-taking views
from the observation car
of the Vistadome train
››
Hotel with private train
station direct to the
Sacred Valley
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 99
DAY 9: Puno
Mirror-like, Lake Titicaca is considered the
highest navigable lake in the world. At a
surface elevation of nearly 4,000 metres, its
waters are home to indigenous communities
where life is conducted as it has been for
centuries. Take a boat to the Floating Island
of Uros, cleverly made of tightly woven reeds.
Learn how its people build their homes and
live a traditional way of life. Then visit Taquile
Island, where a hike will reward you with
views over the blue waters. Enjoy a farewell
dinner at the hotel, sharing memories of the
trip with new-found friends.
Hotel Libertador Puno | Meals: B L D
DAY 10: Depart Puno
Bid a fond farewell before transferring to Puno
airport for your flight home.
Meals: B
DATES & PRICING
GUARANTEED
DEPARTURE DATES (2020)
PER
PERSON
FROM
MARCH:
18 £3,995
APRIL:
15 £3,995
AUGUST:
26 £3,995
OCTOBER:
9, 23 £3,995
GUARANTEED
DEPARTURE DATES (2021)
PER
PERSON
FROM
MARCH:
26 £4,295
APRIL:
16 £4,295
TRAVELLING SOLO?
Book early and the first four solo places won’t pay any
single supplement. The same journey, the same luxury,
guaranteed at the same price.
FLIGHTS
To provide you with flexibility and the latest flight offers,
we don’t include international flights. Our specialists
will be able to find the best travel options to suit you.
Visit abercrombiekent.co.uk for up-to-date
availability and pricing information; and to
see how A&K can tailor this escorted tour
itinerary into the perfect bespoke holiday.
PRE & POST-TOUR
EXTENSIONS
Amazon pre-tour extension –
three days from £935pp
Available on selected departures.
Arequipa & Colca post-tour
extension – four days from £910pp
Available on selected departures.
Contact a specialist for more information
about how to extend your escorted tour.
100 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
LATIN AMERICA
PERU
YOUR LUXURY
ACCOMMODATION
Hilton Lima Miraflores
Elegant and stylish property ideally
located near Parque Kennedy
Tambo del Inka
Inca-inspired architecture
with a private train station
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo
Adobe whitewashed cottages
set within tropical gardens
Palacio del Inka
Grand colonial mansion in Cusco,
oozing with Iberian flair
Hotel Libertador Puno
Overlooking Lake Titicaca on
its own private island of Esteves
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 101
IMMERSIVE
JOURNEYS
Inside Tracks in
Argentina & Brazil
9 days/8 nights | From £3,295 per person | Maximum 18 guests
For those who want the inside story on Brazil and Argentina. Enjoy private access
to the thundering Iguazu Falls, scale the steps to Christ the Redeemer above
Rio de Janiero, and learn to tango in Buenos Aires
ARGENTINA
From Estancia
Iguazu Falls
Buenos
Aires
BRAZIL
To the Amazon
Rio de Janeiro
ARRIVE/DEPART
AIR
EXTENSION
DAY 1: Arrive Buenos Aires, Argentina
Land in Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital,
Buenos Aires, and transfer to the city
centre for a walking tour around Recoleta,
including a light lunch at La Biela. As far
as city boroughs go, few can compete with
Recoleta’s leafy plazas, European architecture,
and beautiful cemetery. Aside from igniting
postcode envy, this classical neighbourhood
is where the city’s well-heeled crowd comes
to shop in boutiques and dine on Michelin
star-worthy tasting menus. Tonight, return
to your hotel, renowned for showcasing local
artworks, for a glass of Malbec before dinner.
Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta | Meals: L D
DAY 2: Buenos Aires
Spend the morning visiting the 16th-century
Plaza de Mayo, the city’s political heart, and
then La Boca, a colourful neighbourhood with
an equally vibrant history. Wander through
Recoleta’s cemetery to see Eva Perón’s ornate
resting place as well as the tombs of other
celebrated figures. The pièce de résistance is
a private, guided tour of the Teatro Colón,
which hosted the likes of Pavarotti and Maria
Callas, lit by a 700-bulb chandelier. Tonight,
if you so choose, you can enjoy an intimate
tango performance at the Philippe Starckdesigned
Faena Hotel. Get up close to the
dancers in the cabaret-style setting.
Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta | Meals: B
102 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
LATIN AMERICA
thundering cataracts which you can view
from a platform. Cross the border into Brazil
to your jungle retreat. When the park closes
at 18.00 to visitors who aren’t staying at the
hotel, you will have the Falls to yourselves.
Belmond Hotel das Cataratas | Meals: B
DAY 5: Iguazu Falls
It’s impossible to soak up the Falls all in
one day, so today you have the chance to
investigate further. You’ll have the option
to zoom on a Zodiac boat along a threekilometre
stretch of the Iguazu River, and get
as close to the Falls as possible. Will you get
wet? Very. So make sure to don quick-drying
clothes. Tonight, foodies can opt to visit
the home of a prestigious chef for a private
dinner (at an additional cost). Learn about
native ingredients as you dine by candlelight.
Belmond Hotel das Cataratas | Meals: B
INCLUSIONS
33
Design your Day ® on
Days 3 & 7
ARGENTINA & BRAZIL
DAY 3: Buenos Aires
Today, Design your Day® – giving
you the freedom to choose the experience
that is best suited to you. Select from the
following options:
OPTION 1: Hit the galleries
Peruse controversial photography and
sculptures at two up and coming art galleries,
and visit MALBA for works by Latin
America’s champions – Diego Rivera,
Frida Kahlo, and Fernando Botero.
OPTION 2: Private dining at Bajollave
Cook Argentinean classics at Bajollave –
a ‘closed-door’ restaurant. Whip up the
perfect crêpe batter with a private chef and
have lunch in what feels like a chic friend’s
dining room.
OPTION 3: Tango in San Telmo
Head to San Telmo, a tango hot spot, where
you’ll learn the sharp, staccato moves. Then
stroll through the cobbled streets lined with
colonial buildings and artists’ studios.
Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta | Meals: B
DAY 4: Buenos Aires – Iguazu Falls,
Brazil
Fly to Iguazu Falls, a natural wonder
straddling both Argentina and Brazil. After
landing, head to the Argentinean side for
a train ride that circuits the mist-shrouded
waterfalls. You’ll have world-class views of
its curtain-like sheets of water. The most
impressive is the Devil’s Throat, a series of
DAY 6: Iguazu Falls – Rio de Janeiro
Pop into the bird park to see rainforestdwelling
toucan and macaw before your
transfer to Iguazu Falls airport. Fly to Rio,
a city famed for its flamboyant Carnival,
sultry samba, and ridiculously goodlooking
cariocas. The architecture is equally
handsome, from the towering statue of Christ
the Redeemer to the colourful 215-step
Selarón staircase. After checking into your
hotel, take a cable car to the top of Sugarloaf
Mountain, where from the summit you can
toast the sunset with a caipirinha.
Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana | Meals: B
DAY 7: Rio de Janeiro
Today, Design your Day® – giving
you the freedom to choose the experience
that is best suited to you. Select from the
following options:
OPTION 1: Sample art and cachaça
Explore artsy Santa Teresa, stopping at a
19th-century mansion and a spectacular city
viewpoint. Visit an artist’s workshop and
finish the day with a cachaça tasting.
OPTION 2: Carnival behind the scenes
Get a taste for Carnival. See how costumes
and floats are made and visit a top samba
school, where you’ll dress up in authentic
carnival costumes and enjoy a caipirinha.
Finally meander the nearby cobblestone
alleys to explore Rio’s history on foot.
OPTION 3: See Rio by bike
Set off on a gentle bike ride along the
patterned promenades of Rio’s iconic
beaches. Pedal through Copacabana,
Ipanema, Leblon, and around the Rodrigo
de Freitas Lagoon.
Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana | Meals: B
33
Five-star luxury
accommodation
33
Resident tour director
& English-speaking expert
local guides
33
Airport meet & greet,
& return private transfers
33
Entrance fees, taxes & tips,
& excursions as stated
33
Domestic flights
33
Porterage (two pieces of
luggage per person)
33
Welcome & farewell dinners
33
8 breakfasts, 1 lunch
& 2 dinners
33
Bottled drinking water
33
Wifi in accommodation
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
››
Rest your head in Buenos
Aires’ well-heeled Recoleta
››
Private tour of the famed
Teatro Colón
››
Zoom close to Iguazu Falls
on a Zodiac tour
››
Visit Rio’s treasured landmark,
Christ the Redeemer
››
Sip a sundowner atop
Sugarloaf Mountain
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 103
DATES & PRICING
GUARANTEED
DEPARTURE DATES (2020)
PER
PERSON
FROM
JANUARY:
10 £3,295
FEBRUARY:
7 £3,295
MARCH:
6 £3,295
DAY 8: Rio de Janeiro
It’s your last full day, so why not spend it on
a private yacht? From sparkling blue waters,
look back at Sugarloaf Mountain for a different
perspective. You’ll cruise past islands and
forts, stopping for dips along the way. Brazil’s
love of meat is eternalised in its restaurants.
In the evening, dine at a churrascaria
(barbecue restaurant), where guests
can tuck into melt-in-the-mouth cuts.
Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana | Meals: B D
DAY 9: Depart Rio de Janeiro
Be sure to take one last look at the Corcovado
Mountain as you bid farewell to Brazil and
are chauffeured to Rio airport. You’ll take
the scenic route along the foothills of the
Tijuca Forest and through traditional
Brazilian neighbourhoods.
Meals: B
PRE & POST-TOUR
EXTENSIONS
Estancia pre-tour extension –
four days from £1,250pp
Available on selected departures.
Amazon post-tour extension –
four days from £1,495pp
Available on selected departures.
Contact a specialist for more information
about how to extend your escorted tour.
APRIL:
24 £3,395
MAY:
15 £3,395
JUNE:
12 £3,395
AUGUST:
7 £3,395
SEPTEMBER:
11 £3,395
OCTOBER:
16 £3,395
NOVEMBER:
13 £3,495
DECEMBER:
11 £3,495
GUARANTEED
DEPARTURE DATES (2021)
PER
PERSON
FROM
JANUARY:
8 £3,495
MARCH:
12 £3,495
TRAVELLING SOLO?
Book early and the first four solo places won’t pay
any single supplement. The same journey, the same
luxury, guaranteed at the same price.
FLIGHTS
To provide you with flexibility and the latest
flight offers, we don’t include international flights.
Our specialists will be able to find the best travel
options to suit you.
Visit abercrombiekent.co.uk for up-to-date
availability and pricing information; and to
see how A&K can tailor this escorted tour
itinerary into the perfect bespoke holiday.
104 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
YOUR LUXURY
ACCOMMODATION
LATIN AMERICA
Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta
Sophisticated mix of European heritage,
inspired by its Argentine roots
ARGENTINA & BRAZIL
Belmond Hotel das Cataratas
Colonial-style residence with an
unbeatable location near Iguazu
Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana
Classic luxury on Copacabana’s
famed beachfront in Rio
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 105
LUXURY
SMALL GROUP
JOURNEYS
Marvels of Chile
9 days/8 nights | From £7,965 per person | Maximum 18 guests
Explore the diverse landscapes and lakes of this ribbon of land that is bookended by the
Pacific Ocean and the Andes. Venture through Chile from one of the driest deserts on Earth
to snow-capped volcanoes. Experience stargazing at its best in the Valley of the Moon
Calama
CHILE
Santiago
San Pedro
de Atacama
Pucón
ARRIVE/DEPART
AIR
ROAD
DAY 1: Arrive Santiago, Chile
Arrive in Santiago where you are met and
transferred to your hotel. This afternoon,
remain at leisure to relax or explore Chile’s
dynamic capital and get your first taste of the
Andean vibes and mountain views. Tonight,
after a welcome briefing, enjoy dinner at the
private home of an art lover and chef, who
has appeared on the popular TV show
MasterChef Chile. Relish every moment as
she delights you with dishes prepared with
locally sourced ingredients complemented
with fine Chilean wines.
The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago | Meals: D
DAY 2: Santiago
Today, set out on a guided walking tour of the
city’s boulevards. View the presidential palace,
La Moneda, Court of Justice, and National
Congress before visiting the Museum of
Pre-Columbian Art. Relax during a drive
to the wine district, for a full tour of a top
vineyard, where you will sample the organic
wines they produce on site. Enjoy a ‘Chef ’s
Table’ experience with a delicious lunch served
by the resident chef. Then take a brief streetart
tour in Santiago’s Bellavista neighbourhood
before returning to your hotel.
The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago | Meals: B L
DAY 3: Pucón
Fly to Temuco, gateway to the Chilean Lake
District, known locally as Los Lagos, and head
to your hotel at lakeside town Pucón. Set on
an organic farm, take in the views of the snowcapped
volcanoes mirrored in the blue-green
106 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
LATIN AMERICA
CHILE
INCLUSIONS
33
Five-star luxury
accommodation
33
Resident tour director &
English-speaking expert
local guides
33
Airport meet & greet,
& return private transfers
33
Entrance fees, taxes & tips,
& excursions as stated
33
Domestic flights
33
Welcome & farewell dinners
33
8 breakfasts, 8 lunches
& 7 dinners
33
Wifi in accommodation
33
Scenic sundowners
33
Design your Day ® on Day 7
33
Travelling Bellboy ®
33
Traveller’s Valet ®
once per journey
33
Complimentary breakfast
in bed on two selected days
glacial water that fills the lakes. Picturesque
villages and vast swaths of rugged forest
beckon if you want to explore by
foot, bike, or on horseback. Tonight, enjoy
a private wine tasting at your hotel, hosted
by a sommelier, an exclusive way to experience
the region’s most renowned bounty.
andBeyond Vira Vira | Meals: B L D
DAYS 4 & 5: Pucón
During your two-day stay, take part in an
array of curated activities. Join a private
tour of a cheese factory to see how premium
parmesan is made. You can also choose to
explore the mystic ambience of the Mapuche
territories on your own. Extending from
southern Chile into western Argentina, this
remains the home of its indigenous people.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
››
Visit Atacama Desert, one of
the driest places on Earth
››
See snow-capped mountains
mirrored in glacial waters
››
Enjoy organic wines
at a renowned vineyard
››
Explore the coloured cliffs
of the Rainbow Valley
››
Discover the landmarks
and art of capital Santiago
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 107
Outdoor activities include rafting on the
Trancura River, floating on Villarrica Lake,
or trekking in the Cordilleras. Toast your last
night here with a private dinner featuring a
chef-led cooking demonstration.
andBeyond Vira Vira | Meals: B L D
DAY 6: San Pedro de Atacama
Today, fly to the tranquil Atacama Desert.
Your adventure begins at Calama, the gateway
to the geological and archaeological wonders
of the central desert. On arrival, transfer to
your lodge near the oasis town of San Pedro
de Atacama. Surrounded by the Cordillera de
la Sal (Salt Mountains), Alto Atacama rests in
one of the driest places on Earth, the Atacama
Desert. This afternoon, set off on a private
excursion to the spectacular Valley of the
Moon. Enjoy a scenic sundowner under a sky
of orange and pink hues.
Alto Atacama | Meals: B L D
DAY 7: San Pedro de Atacama
Rise early to experience the sight of an
Andean sunrise as you enjoy breakfast on the
shores of Laguna Tebinquinche. Watch in awe
as the intense colour, texture, and shade shift
as light levels move across the plains.
Later, Design your Day® – giving you
the freedom to choose the experience
that is best suited to you. Select from
the following options:
OPTION 1: Cycle the Salt Mountains
Mountain bike through the gorges of
Cordillera de la Sal, taking in the inspiring
landscape views.
OPTION 2: Walk in the High Catarpe
Experience scenic lookouts and view
age-old petroglyphs and rock carvings.
OPTION 3: Explore the rainbow rocks
Visit the caves and view the mineral-coloured
cliffs of the Rainbow Valley.
Tonight, make the most of one of the
best places on Earth for stargazing.
Alto Atacama | Meals: B L D
DAYS 8: San Pedro de Atacama
Today, visit the pre-Columbian archaeological
site of Pucará Quitor, a stone fortress dating
from the 12th century. Built by the local
atacameños to defend themselves from attack,
it offers commanding views over the San
Pedro River valley. This afternoon, relax or
choose an excursion such as biking, trekking
to the Catarpe Valley, or a guided hike up to
the Toco Volcano. Enjoy your final night with
a visit to picturesque San Pedro de Atacama.
Gather for your farewell dinner complemented
with a glass of crisp Chilean white.
Alto Atacama | Meals: B L D
DAY 9: Depart Santiago
After a morning at leisure and lunch transfer
to the airport for your flight home.
Meals: B L
DATES & PRICING
GUARANTEED
DEPARTURE
DATES (2020)
PRICE
PER
PERSON
SINGLE
SUPP.
FROM
JANUARY:
9 £8,205 £2,355
FEBRUARY:
6 £7,965 £1,945
MARCH:
15 £7,965 £1,945
APRIL:
11 £7,965 £1,945
SEPTEMBER:
26 £8,205 £2,355
OCTOBER:
15 £8,205 £2,355
NOVEMBER:
19 £8,205 £2,355
DECEMBER
7 £8,205 £2,355
JOURNEY DETAILS
This journey contains some active elements.
Minimum age is 10 years.
FLIGHTS
To provide you with flexibility and the latest flight
offers, we don’t include international flights.
Our specialists will be able to find the best
travel options to suit you.
Visit abercrombiekent.co.uk for up-to-date
availability and pricing information; and to
see how A&K can tailor this escorted tour
itinerary into the perfect bespoke holiday.
108 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
LATIN AMERICA
CHILE
YOUR LUXURY
ACCOMMODATION
The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago
Enviable location with amazing cityscape
views from the glass-roofed spa
andBeyond Vira Vira
Riverside hacienda-style boutique hotel
with superb choice of seasonal activities
Alto Atacama
Adobe-walled wilderness lodge that
perfectly slots into the desert landscape
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 109
2020 Calendar of Journeys
PAGE JOURNEY NIGHTS
TRIP
TYPE
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
AFRICA
20 South Africa & Victoria Falls 8 • • • • • • • • • • •
22 Botswana Safari in Style 9 • • • • • • • • • • • •
26
30
34
38
The Great Migration
Safari in Style
Kenya & Tanzania
Wildlife Safari
Climb Kilimanjaro:
Summiting the Machame Route
A Naturalist’s Guide to Madagascar
with Dr Charlie Gardner
NORTH AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST
13 • • • • • • • • •
11 • • • • • • • • • • •
8 • • • • • • • • •
11 • •
40 Egypt: Cairo & Cruising the Nile 8 • • • • •
44 Jordan: Petra & Beyond 8 • • • • • • •
48
Splendours of Oman:
City, Mountain & Desert
7 • • • • •
52 The Delights of Morocco 10 • • • • •
56 Israel: Crossroads of History 8 • • • • • • • •
EUROPE
58 The Treasures of Russia 7 • • • • • • • • •
INDIAN SUBCONTINENT
62
Splendours of the
Golden Triangle
11 • • • • •
66 The Secrets of Southern India 11 • • • • • •
70 The Spice Lands of Sri Lanka 12 • • • • • •
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KEY:
IMMERSIVE JOURNEYS
LUXURY SMALL GROUP JOURNEYS
PAGE JOURNEY NIGHTS
TRIP
TYPE
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
SOUTH-EAST ASIA & THE FAR EAST
74 The Wonders of China 10 • • • • • • • •
78 Across China: Tibet & the Yangtze 16 • • • • • • •
82
Journey Through Japan:
From Tokyo to Kyoto
9 • • • • • •
86 Classic Japan 8 • • • • • •
88 Rhythms of South-East Asia 11 • • • •
92
94
Images of Indochina
& Angkor Wat
Cruising the Mekong:
Siam, Saigon & Angkor Wat
LATIN AMERICA
12 • • • • • • • •
11 • • • • • •
98 Peru’s Ancient Marvels 9 • • • •
102
Inside Tracks in
Argentina & Brazil
8 • • • • • • • • • • •
106 Marvels of Chile 8 • • • • • • • •
NOTE: Not all departures for 2021 had been released at the time of going to print. Please refer to the page of your specific tour for departure dates for 2021 and if none are listed,
please speak to one of our escorted tours travel specialists.
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 111
Terms & conditions For bookings made from 1 July 2019
The Terms and conditions apply to group journeys including Immersive
Journeys, Luxury Small Group Journeys, Luxury Expedition Cruises,
Hosted Journeys, and group pre/post-tour extensions departing between
1 January 2020 and 31 March 2021. Your contract is with Abercrombie
& Kent Limited, ‘the Company’ of St George’s House, Ambrose Street,
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 3LG, which is registered in England
under company number 1082430. The following conditions, together
with our Privacy Policy, the relevant information set out in this brochure
and on our website, and any other written information we brought to
your attention before we confirmed your booking, will form part of your
contract with the Company. Please read them carefully before you book.
By making a booking, the first named person on the booking agrees on
behalf of all persons detailed on the booking that:
a. he/she has read these Booking Conditions and has the authority to and
does agree to be bound by them;
b. he/she consents to our use of information personal data in accordance
with our Privacy Policy and is authorised on behalf of all persons named
on the booking to disclose their personal details to us, including where
applicable, special categories of data (such as information on health
conditions or disabilities and dietary requirements);
c. he/she is over 18 years of age and where placing an order for services
with age restrictions declares that he/she and all members of the party are
of the appropriate age to purchase those services;
d. he/she accepts financial responsibility for payment of the booking on
behalf of all persons detailed on the booking.
1. BOOKING YOUR HOLIDAY
(a) Our aim is to provide the right holiday to suit your requirements. You
can call us on +44 (0)1242 547 892 or email info@abercrombiekent.co.uk
to discuss or make a booking and provide you with a price per person.
In order to maintain our customer services standards and to assist with
the ongoing training of our staff we may record or monitor our telephone
conversations or emails with you.
(b) To secure your booking we require a deposit, typically the amount set
out below. Some suppliers and holidays may require higher deposits at
the time of booking. You will be notified of these requirements before you
pay your deposit.
Deposit per person required at time of booking
Immersive Journeys £500
Luxury Small Group Journeys
& Hosted Journeys £750
Luxury Expedition Cruises £2,500
Payment can be made by cheque, bank transfer or by most major credit
cards in favour of Abercrombie & Kent Limited. If for any reason we do
not accept your booking, your deposit will be returned.
(c) Many airlines now require the full name of all passengers travelling.
We will therefore ask you at the time of booking to confirm the number
of members in your party and to provide us with the first forename (as
shown in each passport) as well as the title and surname of each member.
(d) Special Requests, such as diet, room location, twin or double-bedded
room, a particular facility or flight seat which are an important factor
in the choice of holiday, should be indicated in writing at the time of
booking. We will pass your request on to the hotel or airline but cannot
guarantee that it will be accommodated. We will also pass on any dietary
requests to airlines but we recommend that you check directly with
the airline once your tickets have been issued. The Company will try to
arrange for Special Requests to be met, but cannot guarantee that they
will be, nor will the Company be liable if any Special Request is not
met. The provision of any Special Request does not constitute a term
of your contract with us unless we have confirmed in writing that your
requirement will be met. Most hotels allow check-in to take place during
the mid-afternoon. Should you wish to have a guaranteed room ready for
your immediate check-in upon arrival, it can be arranged for an additional
charge. Please ask A&K for details and prices.
(e) On receipt of your correct deposit we will book your arrangements
and issue a Confirmation Invoice. A contract will come into existence on
the date on which we issue a Confirmation Invoice. If your confirmed
arrangements include a flight, we (or if you booked via an authorised
agent of ours, that agent) will also issue you with an ATOL Certificate.
(f) It is important for you to check the details on the Confirmation Invoice,
and ATOL Certificate where applicable, as soon as you get it, as these set
out the services we have agreed to provide. In the event of any discrepancy
please contact us immediately. If you arrange your holiday direct with
the Company, all correspondence and other communications will be
sent to the address of the person who made the initial payment unless
you specify otherwise. If you request correspondence through a business
address, a residential address will also be required for emergency and
security reasons.
(g) If your booking is made through a travel agent, the Company will
address all communications to that travel agent, who will act as agent for
you in regard to all communications from us to you. All monies paid by
you to a travel agent under or in contemplation of this contract will be
held by the travel agent for the Company until such monies are forwarded
to the Company.
(h) Final payment of the cost of your arrangements is due 90 days prior to
departure. For Select Journeys indicated below* final payment is due 120
days prior to departure. If your reservation is made within this period, the
entire cost of the trip must be paid at the time of the request in order to
secure confirmation. If it is not paid in time, we reserve the right to treat
your booking as cancelled by you, in which case the cancellation charges
set out in clause 2 below will become payable. An additional £600 per
person non-refundable permit fee is required at time of booking for the
Uganda extension tour.
*Select Journeys: All Hosted Journeys; Ultimate Arctic Adventure;
Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands; Myanmar & the
Irrawaddy; India Wildlife Safari; Legends of the East by Rail; Mongolia:
Naadam Festival; Southern Africa Safari by River & Rail; Taj Mahal &
the Treasures of India; Cruising the Mekong: Indochina & Angkor Wat;
Churchill: Belugas & Bears; and related pre/post-tour extensions, or any
other Journey and related pre/post-tour extension indicated to you at the
point of booking.
2. AMENDMENTS & CANCELLATION
(a) Amendments by you
The Company will make every effort to assist you if you wish to alter
your arrangements, but it may not always be possible. Requests for an
amendment must be in writing, signed by the person who made the initial
payment. If it is possible to make the amendment, it will be subject to an
amendment charge of £50 per booking, together with all communication
charges or other expenses incurred by the Company as a result of the
change. These charges will be payable whether or not the Company
succeeds in confirming your requested amendment. Scheduled airlines
normally regard name changes as a cancellation and re-booking, and any
alteration may incur a 100% cancellation charge in respect of the airfare.
Please note that save for the transfer of a booking, it will not be possible
to make changes within 28 days of your departure date. Your request may
be treated as a cancellation and re-booking and the normal cancellation
charges detailed in clause 2(b) below will apply dependent upon the
conditions imposed by our suppliers.
If you wish to change your arrangements while on your holiday, all costs
are payable by you.
Date amendments: Should you wish to amend the date of departure of
your trip this will follow the rules outlined in part 2(a) above. The new
departure date must be initiated within six months of the original date of
departure. If travel commences after six months of the original holiday
departure date this will be treated as a cancellation and re-booking and
the normal cancellation charges detailed in clause 2(b) will apply.
Destination amendments: Should you wish to change the destination
(unless for reasons of extraordinary circumstances outlined below)
of your confirmed holiday before departure this shall be treated as a
cancellation and re-booking and the normal cancellation charges detailed
in clause 2(b) will apply.
Transfers of booking
If you or any member of your party is prevented from travelling, that
person(s) may transfer their place to someone else, subject to the
following conditions:
a. that person is introduced by you and satisfies all the conditions
applicable to the holiday;
b. we are notified not less than seven days before departure;
c. you pay any outstanding balance payment, an amendment fee of £50
per person transferring, as well as any additional fees, charges or other
costs arising from the transfer;
d. the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of
the contract between us; and
e. it is understood that flight tickets may not be able to be transferred
in which case a replacement ticket for the transferee would need to be
purchased.
You and the transferee remain jointly and severally liable for payment
of all sums. If you are unable to find a replacement, cancellation charges
as set out in clause 2(b) will apply in order to cover our estimated costs.
Otherwise, no refunds will be given for passengers not travelling or for
unused services.
(b) Cancellation by you
All cancellations must be advised in writing, signed by the person who
made the initial payment and sent to the Company at St George’s House,
Ambrose Street, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 3LG. Cancellations
are effective on the date they are received by the Company. Recorded
delivery is strongly recommended. Since we incur costs in cancelling your
travel arrangements, the following cancellation charges will be payable,
depending upon the number of days prior to departure the Company
receives your notice of cancellation.
Standard cancellation fees per person
91 days prior to departure or
more
90-61 days prior to date of
departure
60-31 days prior to date of
departure
30 days prior to departure or
fewer
Select Journeys listed above and related group
pre/post-tour extensions
121 days prior to date of
departure or more
120-91 days prior to date of
departure
90-61 days prior to date of
departure
60 days prior to date of departure
or fewer
Loss of deposit
25%
of total holiday cost
50%
of total holiday cost
100%
of total holiday cost
Loss of deposit
25%
of total holiday cost
50%
of total holiday cost
100%
of total holiday cost
We will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have
already paid to us.
Important note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they
have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a
cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in
addition to the charge above.
Partial room cancellation: If a guest cancels or leaves a journey and a
roommate remains, an additional supplement may apply to the price for
the remaining guest.
Please note that at certain times of year, for example peak season, or for
certain products, for example some game lodges and cruises, stricter
cancellation conditions may apply. Any such revised conditions will be
notified to you prior to booking.
We strongly recommend that you secure adequate travel insurance as per
clause 6 below.
(c) Cancellation by you due to unavoidable and extraordinary
circumstances
You have the right to cancel your confirmed holiday before departure
without paying a cancellation charge in the event of “unavoidable and
extraordinary circumstances” occurring at your holiday destination
112 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
or its immediate vicinity and significantly affecting the performance
of the holiday or significantly affecting the transport arrangements
to the destination. In these circumstances, we shall provide you with
a full refund of the monies you have paid but we will not be liable to
pay you any additional compensation. Please note that your right to
cancel in these circumstances will only apply where the Foreign and
Commonwealth Office advises against travel to your destination or its
immediate vicinity. For the purposes of this clause, “unavoidable and
extraordinary circumstances” means warfare, acts of terrorism, significant
risks to human health such as the outbreak of serious disease at the
travel destination, or natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes or
weather conditions which make it impossible to travel safely to the travel
destination.
(d) Re-booking following a cancellation
Should you wish to cancel a holiday and re-book an alternative this will
be subject to the cancellation terms within these booking conditions. If
the alternative booking requires a greater deposit than has already been
paid (after deducting cancellation fees) then the balance between what is
required as a deposit and any deposits sums already paid becomes due.
(e) Accuracy of information
We check the information which we provide about our holidays very
carefully. However, tour, excursion, or cruise itineraries may change
as a result of local conditions. Circumstances such as these, or weather
conditions, may cause some of the amenities we have described to be
unavailable or different from those advertised. When we are told of any
significant or long-term changes, we will always endeavour to advise you
prior to your departure.
(f) Amendments by the Company
Great care is taken to ensure that the description and prices given in our
brochures and on our website are accurate at the time of publication.
However, changes can occur, and the Company reserves the right to
change any of the details in company literature, including prices, in
which case the Company will advise you of any such change before
accepting your booking. After a Confirmation Invoice has been issued, the
Company makes every effort to operate all holidays as advertised. We plan
arrangements a long time in advance of your holiday using independent
suppliers such as airlines, hotels, local transport operators and guides,
over whom we have no direct control. In very rare circumstances, the
Company may have to modify a holiday before you depart. Most of these
changes are insignificant. If we make an insignificant change to your
holiday, we will make reasonable efforts to inform you or your travel agent
as soon as reasonably possible if there is time before your departure but
we will have no liability to you. Examples of insignificant changes include
alteration of your outward/return flights by fewer than 12 hours, changes
to aircraft type, change of accommodation to another of the same or
higher standard and changes of carriers.
Occasionally we may have to make a significant change to your confirmed
arrangements. Examples of “significant changes” include the following,
when made before departure: a change of flight time by more than 12
hours, a change of international airport (except between airports serving
the same city), a change of destination or a change to a lower standard
accommodation, and/or price. If we have to make a significant change
we will tell you as soon as possible and if there is time to do so before
departure, we will provide you with three alternatives. You may accept
the modification, you may change your booking to another available and
comparable holiday, or you may cancel and receive a full and prompt
refund. If you choose another holiday which is cheaper, the Company will
make the appropriate refund.
You must notify us of your choice within seven days of our offer. If we
do not hear from you within seven days, we will contact you again to
request notification of your choice. If you fail to respond again, we will
assume that you have chosen to accept the change or alternative booking
arrangements.
If you cancel and receive a full refund following a significant change made
for any reason other than force majeure or low bookings, you will receive
the following compensation, calculated according to the number of days
prior to departure that you are notified of the change.
Compensation when notification of change is sent
Days prior to departure
Compensation per person
More than 42 days £10
29-42 days prior £20
15-28 days prior £25
0-14 days prior £30
IMPORTANT NOTE: We will not pay you compensation in the following
circumstances:
a. where we make an insignificant change;
b. where we make a significant change or cancel your arrangements
more than 91 days before departure (or 121 days in the case of the Select
Journeys listed in clause 1(h), above, and related group pre/post-tour
extensions, Hosted Journeys and Ultimate Arctic Adventures);
c. where we make a significant change and you accept those changed
arrangements or you accept an offer of alternative travel arrangements;
d. where we have to cancel your arrangements as a result of your failure to
make full payment on time;
e. where the change or cancellation by us arises out of alterations to the
confirmed booking requested by you;
f. where we are forced to cancel or change your arrangements due to force
majeure.
“Force majeure” has the meaning set out in clause 16.
“Low bookings” means that an insufficient number of people have
booked the arrangements to make their operation financially viable in the
advertised form.
If there is an insignificant change before you depart (that is, any change
not included in the definition of a significant change set out above), the
Company will try to notify you, although it is not obliged to pay any
compensation. lf the Company becomes unable to provide a significant
proportion of your holiday after it has commenced, every effort will be
made to provide suitable alternative arrangements, which will be made
for you at no extra charge to you (save in the case of force majeure) or,
alternatively, you will be returned to your point of departure and the
company will, where appropriate, pay compensation. No compensation is
payable in the case of force majeure.
(g) Cancellation by the Company
We reserve the right in any circumstances to cancel your holiday for
any reason, subject to the commitments in clause 2(g). However, we
will not cancel your hotel arrangement fewer than 90 days before your
departure date, except for reasons of force majeure or failure by you to
pay the final balance. If you fail to pay the balance of the holiday price at
least 90 days before departure, the Company will treat your booking as
cancelled and levy the cancellation charges set out in clause 2(c). If the
Company is obliged to cancel your holiday in any other circumstances
before departure, the Company will use its best endeavours to offer
alternative arrangements of equivalent or very closely similar standard
and price, if available; travel arrangements of a lower standard and a
refund of the difference in price; or will give you a full and prompt refund
of all monies paid. In addition, unless the cancellation has been caused by
force majeure, failure by you to pay the final balance, or low bookings, the
Company will pay you compensation as set out in clause 2(g).
(h) A&K guaranteed departures
All Luxury Small Group Journeys and Immersive Journeys are guaranteed
to operate with a minimum of two (2) persons. Guaranteed departures
will operate except in cases of force majeure, which could include any
major world event adversely affecting international travel patterns. If only
two, three, or four people are booked, we will advise you three months
before travel and check that you are happy to travel even if numbers do
not increase or whether you would prefer a departure with more guests
booked. If only one person is booked we will offer alternative dates at the
same price. Hosted Journeys are subject to minimum numbers.
(i) Design your Day® (DYD)
Immersive Journeys allow you to select guiding experiences on a
designated day from a choice of options. Each DYD experience is subject
to availability and may require a minimum number of travellers in order
to operate. If the minimum number of travellers have not selected your
experience you will be offered an alternative experience. Some DYD
experiences may have a maximum number of travellers. If your selected
experience is already fully booked an alternative from the menu will be
offered.
3. ABERCROMBIE & KENT PRICE POLICY
(a) We reserve the right to alter the prices of any of the holidays shown in
our brochure or on our website. You will be advised of the current price of
the holiday that you wish to book before your contract is confirmed.
(b) When you make your booking you must pay a deposit, see section
1(b) for relevant deposits. The balance of the price of your travel
arrangements must be paid by the date indicated on your confirmation.
If the deposit and/or balance is not paid in time, we shall cancel your
travel arrangements. If the balance is not paid in time we shall retain
your deposit.
(c) In respect of any booking covered by our ATOL, all monies you pay
to the travel agent are held by them on behalf and for the benefit of the
Trustees of the Air Travel Trust at all times. This is subject to the agent’s
obligation to pay it to us for so long as we do not fail. If we fail, any money
held at that time by the agent, or subsequently accepted from you by them,
is and continues to be held on behalf of and for the benefit of the Trustees
of the Air Travel Trust without any obligation to pay that money to us.
(d) The Company is under no obligation to give a breakdown of the costs
involved in a holiday.
(e) The Company reserves the right to notify you of an increase in the
brochure or advertised price before accepting your booking and prices
may go up or down. While we do our utmost to avoid such a scenario,
due to human or computer error there may on occasion be an incorrect
price shown in a brochure or online. When we become aware of any such
error, we will endeavour to notify you at the time of booking (if we are
then aware of the mistake) or within seven days of the time of booking,
or as soon as reasonably possible. We do have to reserve all our rights in a
situation such as this which may include cancelling a holiday if the actual
price applicable to the holiday is not acceptable to you. We will of course
allow you to amend your holiday with us, if you so wish, to an alternative
holiday at the correct price.
(f) We reserve the right to increase the price of confirmed holidays solely
to allow for increases which are a direct consequence of changes in:
a. the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from the cost of fuel or
other power sources;
b. the level of taxes or fees chargeable for services applicable to the holiday
imposed by third parties not directly involved in the performance of
the holiday, including tourist taxes, landing taxes, or embarkation or
disembarkation fees at ports and airports; and
c. the exchange rates relevant to the package.
Such variations could include but are not limited to airline cost changes
which are part of our contracts with airlines (and their agents), cruise ship
operators and any other transport providers.
(g) We will absorb and you will not be charged for any increase equivalent
to 2% of the price of your travel arrangements, which excludes insurance
premiums and any amendment charges and/or additional services or
travel arrangements. You will be charged for the amount over and above
that. However, if this means that you have to pay an increase of more
than 8% of the price of your confirmed holiday (excluding any insurance
premiums, amendment charges, and/or additional services or travel
arrangements), you will have the option of accepting a change to another
holiday if we are able to offer one (if this is of equivalent or higher quality
you will not have to pay more but if it is of lower quality you will be
refunded the difference in price), or cancelling and receiving a full refund
of all monies paid to us, except for any insurance premiums and any
amendment charges and/or additional services or travel arrangements.
Should you decide to cancel for this reason, you must exercise your right
to do so within seven days from the issue date printed on your final
invoice. We will consider an appropriate refund of insurance premiums
paid if you can show that you are unable to transfer or reuse your policy.
(h) Should the price of your holiday go down due to the changes
mentioned above, then any refund due will be paid to you less an
administrative fee of £10. However, please note that travel arrangements
are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes
have no impact on the price of your travel due to contractual and other
protection in place.
(i) There will be no change made to the price of your confirmed holiday
within 20 days of your departure nor will refunds be paid during this
period.
4. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMPANY
(a) The Company applies all reasonable checks to ensure that those
involved in the preparation and provision of your holiday maintain the
appropriate standards.
(b) We will accept responsibility for the arrangements we agree to provide
or arrange for you as an “organiser” under the Package Travel and Linked
Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018, as set out below and as such, we
are responsible for the proper provision of all travel services included in
your package, as set out in your Confirmation Invoice. The descriptions,
information, and opinions given in our brochures or on the website by
the Company in respect of the airlines, hotels, and other suppliers whose
services are used are given in good faith, based on the latest information
available at the time of printing. The Company accepts liability for any loss
you may suffer if due to fault on our part, or that of our agents or suppliers,
any part of the holiday arrangements you book with the Company before
your departure is not as described in our brochure, on our website, or
itinerary, or not of a reasonable standard and we don’t remedy or resolve
your complaint within a reasonable period of time, and this has affected
the enjoyment of your package holiday, in such circumstances you may
be entitled to an appropriate price reduction or compensation or both.
You must inform us without undue delay of any failure to perform or
improper performance of the travel services included in this package. The
Company limits its liability in respect of these claims to a maximum of
three times the holiday cost. Subject to the conditions set out below, the
Company also accepts liability if you or any member of your party suffers
death or personal injury as a direct result of negligence by the Company or
its suppliers. However, these acceptances of liability do not apply if there
has been no fault on the part of the Company or its servants, agents, or
suppliers, or if the loss, death, or personal injury suffered is attributable
to: (i) your own acts or omissions; (ii) the acts or omissions of a third
party not involved in providing the services which make up your holiday
and which were unavoidable and extraordinary; or (iii) force majeure. In
addition, where claims do not involve personal injury or death, they are
also conditional upon you following the procedures for notification of
complaints set out in clause 11, and upon you assigning to the Company
any right you may have against any other person whose acts or omissions
have given rise to the Company’s liability. Nothing in the above shall limit
or exclude the Company’s liability for fraud, or for death or personal injury
caused by negligence, or to the extent otherwise not permitted by law.
(c) The Company’s liability to compensate you and the amount of such
compensation is subject to the following limitations. First, in the case
of damage other than death, illness, or personal injury, compensation
is restricted to a reasonable amount having regard to such factors as,
inter alia, the holiday cost and the extent to which the enjoyment of
your holiday can be said to have been affected. Second, if any failure in
your holiday arrangements relates to, or if you or any member in your
party is killed, injured, or becomes ill during or as a result of carriage by
aircraft, ship, train, or coach forming part of the holiday arrangements
booked with us before your departure from the UK, our liability to pay
compensation and/or the amount of compensation we will pay is limited
as if we were the carrier under any international convention which
governs such services. International Conventions which may apply
include: in respect of carriage by air, the Montreal Convention 1999 or the
Warsaw Convention 1929 (including as amended by the Hague Protocol
of 1955 and by any of the Montreal Additional Protocol of 1975); in
respect of carriage by sea, the Athens Convention 1974; in respect of rail
carriage, the Berne/Cotif Convention 1980; and in respect of carriage by
road the Geneva Convention 1973. The terms of these conventions are
incorporated into and form part of your contract with us. In respect of
death or personal injury, the liability of an air carrier under the Montreal
Convention and the Warsaw Convention is limited to damage sustained
caused by an accident which takes place onboard the aircraft or in the
course of any of the operations of embarking or disembarking. You can
get copies of the relevant conventions if you ask us for them. You should
also note that these conventions may limit or remove the carrier’s liability
to you and the amount which the carrier has to pay you. You should also
know that the carrier will rely upon its “conditions of carriage” which may
limit or remove the carrier’s liability to you and limit compensation under
international conventions.
(d) Our suppliers (such as accommodation or transport providers)
have their own booking conditions or conditions of carriage, and these
conditions are binding between you and the supplier. Some of these
conditions may limit or remove the relevant transport provider’s or other
supplier’s liability to you. You can get copies of such conditions from our
offices, or the offices of the relevant supplier.
(e) If we make any payment to you or any member of your party for death,
personal injury, or illness, you must co-operate fully with us in seeking
recovery of any payment we make.
(f) Operational decisions may be taken by air carriers and airports
resulting in delays, diversions, or rescheduling. Abercrombie & Kent
has no control over such decisions, and is therefore unable to accept
responsibility for them. Where, as a result of circumstances beyond our
control, we are obliged to change or end your holiday after departure, but
before the end of your holiday, we will not pay compensation or reimburse
you for expenses incurred. We strongly recommend you have adequate
travel insurance for your holiday and should claim via your insurance
company for any loss or damage to luggage and/or personal possessions.
In the event that any claim is made directly with us, our liability to pay
compensation and/or the amount of compensation will be limited in
accordance with the conventions referred to in (c) above.
(g) If you suffer death, injury or illness during your holiday arising out of
an activity which does not form part of the inclusive arrangements booked
with the Company, the Company will offer assistance where appropriate
and in its sole discretion. This assistance must be requested within 90
days of your misadventure and will be limited to general advice and/or
assistance with legal fees up to £5,000 per party, such contributions to be
repaid to the Company out of any judgment or insurance payment you
subsequently obtain.
(h) Where it is impossible for you to return to your departure point as
per the agreed return date of your package, due to “unavoidable and
extraordinary circumstances”, we shall provide you with any necessary
accommodation (where possible, of a comparable standard) for a period
not exceeding three nights per person. If the circumstances continue
beyond a three-night period our responsibility under this clause will cease
and you will need to claim upon your travel insurance where you are able
to do so. Please note that the three-night cap does not apply to persons
with reduced mobility, pregnant women, or unaccompanied minors, nor
to persons needing specific medical assistance, provided we have been
notified of these particular needs at least 48 hours before the start of your
holiday. For the purposes of this clause, “unavoidable and extraordinary
circumstances” mean warfare, acts of terrorism, significant risks to human
health such as the outbreak of serious disease at the travel destination, or
natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes or weather conditions which
make it impossible to travel safely back to your departure point.
5. YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
(a) Make yourself travel aware: Before making a booking, please consult
the travel advice produced by the government of your home jurisdiction,
as well as that of the government who issued the passport and/or visa
you intend to travel under. Also ensure you make yourself familiar with
the Foreign & Commonwealth Office advice on staying safe and healthy
on your trip:
www.gov.uk/travelaware. Advice can change, so always
check regularly for the latest updates.
(b) If the Foreign Office advises that people should not visit a particular
country, we will act on this advice.
(c) In the event of active government advice and warnings against travel
to a specific destination or location(s) of a trip, should the traveller still
choose to travel, notwithstanding such travel advisory or warning, the
traveller assumes all risks of loss, personal injury, death, or property
damage from any event that may arise out of or associated with the travel
advice or warnings given. The Company strongly recommends you do not
travel against Foreign Office Travel advice and warnings as they are given
for your safety and security.
(d) It is important that you check the details on your Confirmation Invoice
when you receive it. In the event of any discrepancy, you should contact
the Company or your travel agent.
(e) General information concerning passport, visa, and health
requirements applicable to UK citizens is set out in our literature.
However, such requirements are subject to change and you must check
current requirements before departure. Passports for British citizens
are valid for travel to any EU country up to and including the passport
expiry date. Many countries outside of the EU require that passengers’
passports are valid for at least six months after the completion of their
journey, and/or contains blank pages (for visas). Please visit gov.uk/
foreign-travel-advice for advice by country. Some destinations also require
visas and additional documentation and you should contact the Embassy
or Consulate of the country which you are planning to visit in good time
before you travel. Further information is available from Visa Central
at visacentral.co.uk. You should also contact your medical advisor or a
specialist vaccination centre for details of the measures you will need to
take prior to departure. All children should travel on full passports. It is
your responsibility to obtain all documents required for your holiday,
including passports, visas, health certificates, and international driving
licences, to ensure that these are in proper order and to take them with
you. We recommend that if you are travelling with a child that does not
share your surname, in order to minimise the possibility of disruption
to your travel plans, you travel with documentation that proves your
relationship to the child as well as documentation that proves you have
permission to travel with them. The Company cannot be held responsible
should you or any member of your travelling party be denied entry to a
country due to non-compliance with these requirements. Please consult
the travel advice produced by the government of your home jurisdiction,
as well as that of the government who issued the passport and/or visa you
intend to travel under for further details. We will not be liable to make
any refund or pay compensation if you or any member of your party is
unable to proceed with the holiday as planned because of incorrect or
missing personal documents, or any other failure to meet passport, visa or
immigration requirements.
(f) Approximately seven days before departure you will receive your
airline tickets together with other information concerning your holiday.
Please ensure that you check the names and flight timings on your tickets
carefully and contact us immediately if you have any queries. The correct
timings, using the 24-hour clock system, may have been adjusted since
you received your Confirmation Invoice.
(g) You are responsible for checking-in for flights at the correct time and
for presenting yourself to take up all pre-booked components of your
holiday. The Company cannot accept responsibility for clients missing
flights as a result of late check-in and no credit or refunds will be given if
you fail to take up any component of your holiday. No credit or refunds
will be given for lost, mislaid, or destroyed travel documents.
(h) Most people go on holiday for rest and relaxation, so if in our
reasonable opinion or that of any airline pilot, hotel manager, tour leader,
or other person in authority, your behaviour is causing danger, damage
to property, or persistently affecting the enjoyment of others, we reserve
the right to terminate your holiday. Should this happen no refund or
compensation would be paid.
(i) If you lose any personal items while on holiday, please obtain a written
report from the police, to help with any insurance claim upon your return.
(j) You are responsible for the costs of any damage to the accommodation
and/or any extra charges incurred with our suppliers during your holiday.
Should you fail to make such payment at the time the charges and/or
costs are incurred, you will be liable to reimburse us for these and you
authorise the Company to automatically debit your credit card to the value
instructed by the supplier for any such costs and/or charges.
6. INSURANCE
We cannot emphasise enough the importance of purchasing
comprehensive travel insurance prior to date of travel. This insurance
should be commensurate to the value of your booking, and cover
cancellation and curtailment, all medical expenses including evacuation/
repatriation, personal baggage, personal liability, death and permanent
disability, and travel document insurance. If you suffer from a disability
or medical condition, you should disclose this to insurers. For those
who participate in sports and activities while on holiday that have been
organised and arranged independently of us, it should be understood that
participation is at the individual’s own risk and it is your responsibility to
obtain the relevant insurance. Note that special insurance may be required
if you intend to scuba dive or undertake any other dangerous or sports
activities. Please keep your insurance details with you while on holiday.
7. AIRLINES & OTHER SUPPLIERS
(a) As between you and the suppliers of the transport, accommodation
and other components making up your holiday, the conditions of the
supplier will apply. These conditions may be subject to international
Conventions which limit and/or restrict the supplier’s liability. Copies are
available on request – please allow 28 days. Under EU law you have rights
in some circumstances to refunds and/or compensation from your airline
in cases of denied boarding, cancellation, or delay to flights. Full details
of these rights will be publicised at EU airports, and will also be available
from your airline. Reimbursement in these cases is the responsibility of
the airline and will not automatically entitle you to refund of your holiday
cost from the Company. Your rights to compensation from the Company
is set out in clause 2(e). If your airline does not acknowledge your rights,
you should complain to the Civil Aviation Authority at caa.co.uk.
(b) Transport timings are provided by the carrier concerned and are
subject to such matters as weather conditions, maintenance requirements,
the ability of passengers to check-in on time, and, in the case of flights, to
air traffic control restrictions. Accordingly, the times of flights and other
forms of transport are estimates only and cannot be guaranteed.
(c) As airlines regularly overbook, we recommend that you check in
online as soon as you are notified by the airline that check-in is available,
or 24 hours before departure. If you do not check-in online or are unable
to, we recommend that you arrive at the airport three hours prior to
departure as airlines have been known to re-allocate seats in the event
of late arrivals. The Company is unable to check you in and it is your
responsibility to ensure that you are checked in within the appropriate
time. The Company is not responsible or liable if you are downgraded an
airline class as a result of the airline overbooking the class in which you
are booked. Seat reservations are at the discretion of the airline and may
be changed at any time without notice.
(d) The majority of airlines have introduced a total smoking ban on most
or all of their flights. Please ask before booking if this information is
important to you.
(e) The European Commission publishes a list of airlines that are subject
to an operating ban within European air space. To view the list, go to
Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners 113
ec.europa.eu/transport/modes/air/safety/air-ban/index_en.htm or search
for “banned airlines” at europa.eu.
Some itineraries may include one of the following airlines;
Air Dyanasty Heli. S.
Air Kasthamandap
Buddha Air
Costal Aviation
Fishtail Air
Goma Air
Himalaya Airlines
Makalu Air
Manang Air PVT Ltd
Mountain Helicopters
Muktinath Airlines
Nepal Airlines Corporation
Saurya Airlines
Shree Airlines
Simrick Air
Simrick Airlines
Tara Air
Yeti Airlines Domestic
(f) Some activities carry inherent risks and if you are participating in
such activities you may be asked to sign an additional form by the local
supplier. In rare cases beginners may have to take lessons at a charge
before being permitted to use hotel equipment otherwise offered for free.
8. EXCURSIONS
Please note that when you book an excursion locally you contract with
the local company providing that excursion and not the Company. The
Company has no legal liability for anything that goes wrong on such
an excursion and any claim which you might have arising out of the
excursion will be against the relevant local company and subject to the
local company’s terms and conditions. The Company will, at its discretion,
offer advice, guidance and assistance if you, or any member of your party,
suffer death, illness, or injury arising out of an activity which does not
form part of your holiday with the Company, or an excursion arranged
locally. Where legal action is contemplated and you want the Company’s
assistance, you must obtain the Company’s written consent prior to
commencement of proceedings. The Company’s consent will be given
subject to you undertaking to assign any costs or benefits received and
any relevant insurance policy to the Company. We limit the cost of the
Company’s assistance to you or any member of your party to £5,000.
9. DATA PROTECTION
(a) In order to process your booking and to ensure that your travel
arrangements run smoothly and meet your requirements, we need to use
the information you provide such as your name and address, any special
needs/dietary requirements etc. We take full responsibility for ensuring
that proper security measures are in place to protect your information.
We must pass the information on to the relevant suppliers of your travel
arrangements such as airlines, hotels, transport companies, and so on.
The information may also be provided to security or credit checking
companies, public authorities such as customs and immigration if
required by them, or as required by law. Additionally, where your holiday
is outside the European Economic Area (EEA), controls on data protection
in your destination may not be as strong as the legal requirements in
this country. We will not, however, pass any information on to any
person not responsible for part of your travel arrangements. This applies
to any sensitive information that you give to us such as details of any
disabilities, or dietary/religious requirements. If, however, we cannot
pass this information to the relevant suppliers, whether in the EEA or
not, we cannot accept your booking. In making a booking, you consent
to this information being passed on to the relevant persons. Please note
that where information is also held by your travel agent, this is subject
to your agent’s own data protection policy. You are entitled to a copy of
your information held by us. To see it, please contact the Company during
normal working hours.
(b) The information you are required to provide may include debit/credit
card details. As set out above, we take full responsibility for ensuring
that proper security measures are in place to protect this information. In
accordance with applicable legal, regulatory, and business requirements,
this information will be securely deleted as soon as it is no longer
required. However, it is necessary for the Company to retain your debit/
credit card details for a reasonable period of time after the conclusion of
you holiday, and you to consent to such retention, in the event that any
costs referred to in clause 5(j) above are incurred and you fail to settle
these directly with the supplier, in order that the Company can debit your
card for the relevant amount. This will be reviewed on a regular basis to
ensure that the information is not kept longer than is strictly necessary for
the purposes set out above.
10. ILLNESS AND DISABILITY
If you or any member of your party suffer from a disability or other
medical condition please tell us before you book. Abercrombie & Kent
is happy to give you advice and to try to assist you in choosing a holiday
that will meet your requirements. However, most of our holidays are in
destinations which are off the beaten track and lack even the simplest
facilities for disabled guests such as ramps for wheelchairs, lifts and so
on. Many of our holidays require a fair degree of physical fitness. Medical
facilities may not be readily available.
In order to assist you, we must be provided prior to booking with
full written details regarding your medical condition and any special
requirements which result from this. An appropriate medical form will be
sent to you for this purpose. Air travel can cause problems for some people
with circulatory or bronchial problems, such as deep vein thrombosis. It is
inadvisable for anyone with high blood pressure or respiratory problems
to visit high altitudes. You should consult your doctor for advice before
you book and in good time before your departure.
11. IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM
(a) If you are unhappy with any aspect of the Company’s arrangements
while you are on holiday, you must address your complaint immediately
to the Company’s local representative (or, if none, to the Company
by contacting the duty manager on +44 207 998 4141) and to the
management of the hotel or other supplier whose services are involved.
They will do their best to rectify the situation. It is unreasonable to
take no action while on holiday, but then to write a letter of complaint
upon return. If the problem cannot be resolved locally and you wish to
complain, full details must be sent to the Company in writing to arrive
within 30 days of your return. We will do our best to investigate and reply
to you within 28 days of receipt of your letter. Failure to take either of
these steps will deny the Company the opportunity to resolve the problem
immediately and/or investigate it properly.
In consequence, this may affect your rights under this contract.
(b) In the rare event of a dispute which cannot be amicably settled, you
may (if you wish) use ABTA’s approved Alternative Dispute Resolution
(ADR) scheme, available through abta.com which, though devised
by arrangement with the Association of British Travel Agents, is
administered quite independently by the Centre for Effective Dispute
Resolution (CEDR). The scheme (details of which will be supplied on
request) provides for a simple and inexpensive method of arbitration on
documents alone, with restricted liability on holidaymakers in respect of
costs. The scheme does not apply to claims for an amount greater than
£5,000 per person or £25,000 per party, neither does it apply to claims
which are solely or mainly in respect of physical injury, illness, nervous
shock, death or their consequences. The scheme can, however, deal with
compensation claims which include an element of minor injury or illness
subject to a limit of £1,500 on the amount the arbitrator can award per
person in respect of this element. Application for arbitration under this
scheme must be made within 18 months of the date of return from the
holiday, otherwise it will only be available if we agree, but the ABTA Code
does not require such agreement from us. For injury and illness claims,
you can request the ABTA Mediation Procedure and we have the option
to agree to mediation.
12. GOVERNING LAW
This contract and any matters arising from it are governed by the laws
of England and Wales and are subject to the jurisdiction of the Courts of
England and Wales.
13. DESCRIPTIONS
Every effort is made to ensure that the details, description, and prices
contained in company literature are correct, based on inspections and
information passed to the Company by its suppliers. However, changes
do occur, sometimes at short notice and therefore the Company will
advise you at the time of booking, or if after booking as soon as possible,
of any such changes to our published information. It is not always
possible for the Company to control all elements of the holiday whereby
advertised facilities can sometimes become unavailable at short notice
due to inclement weather conditions, lack of demand, emergency repair
works etc.
14. FINANCIAL PROTECTION
We provide financial security for flight-inclusive packages and ATOL
protected flights by way of our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence number
2881, issued by the Civil Aviation Authority, Gatwick Airport South, West
Sussex RH6 0YR, UK, +44 333 103 6350, claims@caa.co.uk.
When you buy an ATOL protected product from us you will receive an
ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can
get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things
go wrong. For further information, visit the ATOL website at www.atol.
org.uk. The price of our flight inclusive arrangements includes the amount
of £2.50 per person as part of the ATOL Protection Contribution (APC)
we pay to the CAA. This charge is included in our advertised prices. Not
all holiday or travel services offered and sold by us will be protected by
the ATOL Scheme. ATOL protection extends primarily to customers
who book and pay in the United Kingdom and European Economic Area
(EEA).
We, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL Certificate, will provide you
with the services listed on the ATOL Certificate (or a suitable alternative).
In some cases, where neither we nor the supplier are able to do so for
reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may provide you
with the services you have bought (at no extra cost to you). You agree
to accept that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder will
perform those obligations and you agree to pay any money outstanding
to be paid by you under your contract to that alternative ATOL holder.
However, you also agree that in some cases it will not be possible to
appoint an alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled to
make a claim under the ATOL Scheme (or your credit card issuer where
applicable).
If we, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL certificate, are unable to
provide the services listed (or a suitable alternative, through an alternative
ATOL holder or otherwise) for reasons of insolvency, the Trustees of the
Air Travel Trust may make a payment to (or confer a benefit on) you
under the ATOL scheme. You agree that in return for such a payment or
benefit you assign absolutely to those Trustees any claims which you have
or may have arising out of or relating to the non-provision of the services,
including any claim against us, the travel agent (or your credit card issuer
where applicable). You also agree that any such claims may be re-assigned
to another body, if that other body has paid sums you have claimed under
the ATOL scheme.
When you buy a package holiday that doesn’t include a flight, protection is
provided by way of a bond held by ABTA Ltd, The Travel Association, 30
Park Street, London SE1 9EQ, abta.com.
Abercrombie & Kent is a member of ABTA (number V6398/72314)
and holds an ATOL Licence (number 2881) issued by the Civil Aviation
Authority. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by
ABTA’s Code of Conduct. For further information about ABTA, The Code
of Conduct and the arbitration scheme available to you, or if you have a
complaint, contact ABTA, 30 Park Street, London SE1 9EQ. Tel: 0203 117
0500 or abta.com.
15. PROMPT ASSISTANCE
If, while you are on holiday, you find yourself in difficulty for any
reason, we will offer you such prompt assistance as is appropriate in
the circumstances. In particular, we will provide you with appropriate
information on health services, local authorities, and consular assistance,
and assistance with distance communications and finding alternative
travel arrangements. Where you require assistance which is not owing
to any failure by us, our employees, or sub-contractors, we will not be
liable for the costs of any alternative travel arrangements or other such
assistance you require. Any supplier, airline, or other transport supplier
may however pay for or provide refreshments and/or appropriate
accommodation and you should make a claim directly to them. Subject
to the other terms of these Booking Conditions, we will not be liable for
any costs, fees, or charges you incur in the above circumstances, if you
fail to obtain our prior authorisation before making your own travel
arrangements. Furthermore, we reserve the right to charge you a fee for
our assistance in the event that the difficulty is caused intentionally by
you or a member of your party, or otherwise through your or your party’s
negligence.
16. FORCE MAJEURE
Except where otherwise expressly stated in these Booking Conditions, we
will not be liable or pay you compensation if our contractual obligations
to you are affected by “force majeure”. For the purposes of these Booking
Conditions, force majeure means any event beyond our or our suppliers’
control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all
reasonable measures had been taken. Examples include warfare and acts
of terrorism (and threat thereof), civil strife, significant risks to human
health such as the outbreak of serious disease at the travel destination, or
natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes or weather conditions which
make it impossible to travel safely to the travel destination or remain at
the travel destination, the act of any government or other national or local
authority including port or river authorities, industrial dispute, labour
strikes, lock closure, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, chemical or biological
disaster, unavoidable technical problems with transport and all similar
events outside our or the supplier(s) concerned’s control.
Brexit implications
Please note that certain travel arrangements may be affected as a result of
the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union. This could
include an unavailability of certain flight routes, access to certain ports
and airports, and changes to the visa requirements of British citizens
travelling to, within, or through the EU.
Please rest assured that this is something we will continue to monitor
and we will advise our customers as soon as possible if we become aware
of any confirmed bookings that will be affected. However, since this is
something which is completely unprecedented and outside our control,
we would treat any such changes as force majeure, and while we will
endeavour to provide suitable alternative arrangements or refunds where
possible, we will not be liable to pay you any compensation.
17. PHOTOGRAPHY DURING TRAVEL
The Company reserves the right to take photographs during the operation
of any programme or part thereof and to use them for promotional
purposes. By booking a programme with the Company, guests agree to
allow their images to be used in such photographs. Guests who prefer that
their images not be used are asked to identify themselves to their tour
director at the beginning of their programme.
18. CHILD POLICY
The minimum age is 10 years old unless noted on the itinerary and all
children under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Minimum
age is 12 years old for Connections River Cruise Journeys and varies for
Family Journeys. Some activities contained within an itinerary may have
a different age restrictions than the overall minimum age requirement.
Details will be provided at the time of booking. The Company reserves the
right to marginally exceed the published maximum group size on Family
Journeys to accommodate a family.
WHAT YOUR HOLIDAY PRICE INCLUDES
• All accommodation, meals, and fully guided sightseeing (including park
and entrance fees) as noted in the itinerary.
• Airport transfers to/from hotel in the first/last published city regardless
of day of arrival and departure (for Luxury Expedition Cruises,
departure transfer is from the ship to the airport on day of departure
only).
• Services of A&K tour director or appropriate guide on extensions.
• Coffee, tea, soft drinks, and water at included meals; local wine and
beer at welcome and farewell dinners and onboard ship on Connections
European River Cruise Journeys; local bottled water during sightseeing.
• Porterage of two pieces of baggage – Luxury Small Group Journeys only.
• Complimentary internet access (Immersive Journeys & Luxury Small
Group Journeys only – where available on land, service levels are not
guaranteed).
• Hotel taxes.
• Gratuities throughout, except to the tour director/extension guide/safari
driver-guides, unless otherwise specified.
Luxury Small Group Journeys additional inclusions: A&K’s Travelling
Bellboy® service is provided; however, because of security regulations, this
service may be limited at airports, rail stations, and points of embarkation
for cruises. A&K’s Traveller’s Valet® includes laundry service for five pieces
on journeys of 10 days or fewer and eight pieces on journeys over 10 days
(except Mount Kilimanjaro and Galapagos programmes and extensions).
Dry cleaning is not included.
Immersive Journeys additional inclusions: Design your Day® optional
sightseeing and guiding, scenic sundowner
Expedition Cruises additional inclusions: Complimentary standard
bar drinks, beer, house wine, soft drinks, coffee, juices, and bottled
water (excluding premium wines and Champagnes) while onboard; all
shore excursions and full lecture programme while onboard; services
of an A&K expedition staff and local guides; tips for the ship’s crew and
A&K expedition staff; a complimentary expedition parka and backpack
provided onboard; and a post-cruise expedition logbook.
Africa Journeys additional inclusions: Medical evacuation service, when
available, including air transportation to medical care facilities, is included
within Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. For Climb
Kilimanjaro: Summiting the Machame Route programme participants,
medical evacuation is included from the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro to
Nairobi. Hospitalisation and medical expenses are at an additional cost.
YOUR HOLIDAY PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
• International flights: Where flights are included, they will be economy
class air travel unless otherwise specified. (World Traveller Plus, Business,
and First Class travel supplements available).
• United Kingdom Passenger Duty: Included where levied in connection
with flights booked by Abercrombie & Kent.
• Free baggage allowance: Full details will be supplied with your itinerary.
Normally on intercontinental flights, Economy Class passengers are
allowed 20kg of luggage, 30kg per person in Business Class, and 40kg per
person in First Class.
• Normal local flight baggage restrictions: Some of our arrangements
utilise local domestic airlines and charter flights operating small aircraft
with restrictions on baggage allowance. Full details will be supplied with
your itinerary.
• Passport or visa costs, porterage, and holiday insurance.
• Overseas departure taxes: Where these are levied and payable locally
by the client.
• Sightseeing tours: Except where specified in the itinerary.
• Personal expenditure: On such items as drinks, laundry, room service,
telephone calls etc, and any related tax and service charge.
• Excess baggage charges.
• Gratuities to the A&K tour director/extension guide/safari driver-guides,
unless otherwise specified.
• Meals other than those specified in the itinerary.
• Beverages other than those noted in inclusions above.
• Sightseeing not included in the published itinerary.
• Optional activities (which are subject to availability).
• Government levies or taxes: Any government levies or taxes introduced
after the publication of company literature.
114 Call 01242 547 892, visit abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours, or speak to one of our trusted travel agent partners
Other ways to travel with A&K
TAILOR-MADE
When it comes to discovering the world, the possibilities are
endless. There’s nothing like the exclusivity and freedom of
travelling tailor-made with A&K. We understand that no two
individuals are alike, so no two holidays are the same. Our
itineraries are merely suggestions, designed to inspire your
travels. You dream it, we’ll build it.
LUXURY EXPEDITION CRUISES
Backed by more than 30 years of cruising experience, enjoy
exclusively chartered voyages aboard the most luxurious boats.
Discover a diverse palette of destinations: from Antarctica to
the Arctic; with cruises in Europe, Asia, and Australia added
this year. Our cruises offer all-balcony accommodation,
all-inclusive itineraries, and unforgettable excursions, all
accompanied by an award-winning team.
VILLAS
A&K’s portfolio of European villas has been carefully curated
by our villa specialists and includes impressive properties,
sumptuous hideouts, and dream retreats. Stay in a wonderful
home-from-home anywhere from the Amalfi Coast to the Côte
d’Azur, and enjoy the five-star service that our in-destination
team provides, ensuring your villa holiday is the experience of
a lifetime – even if it’s an annual event.
BEACH
For many of us, there’s no better way to escape the pressures
of modern life than jetting off to some faraway sandy shore.
Sea, sand, and sun: it’s a formula guaranteed to make you
smile. Of course, we ensure some luxurious extras. Our beach
holidays to the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean place you at
the most gorgeous resorts just a coconut-kick from the sea.
For somewhere closer to home, choose our exquisite coastal
retreats in Europe, from Algarve gems to Cretan idylls.
Abercrombie & Kent Ltd
St George’s House, Ambrose Street, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 3LG
Cheltenham opening hours: Mon to Fri: 09.00-19.00; Sat: 10.00-19.00; Sun: 12.00-18.00
101 St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4AZ
London opening hours: Mon to Fri: 09.00-17.30
Abercrombie & Kent at Harrods
Lower Ground Floor, Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, London SW1X 7XL
Harrods opening hours: Mon to Sat: 10.00-20.00; Sun: 12.00-18.00
01242 547 892
abercrombiekent.co.uk
