Hayes and Jarvis Worldwide 2020

Extraordinary travels, tailored for you

Worldwide

2020

2 3

Contents

Contents

4 Why Hayes & Jarvis?

6 Your words

7 Meet our Destination Specialists

8 Our destinations

10 Multi centres

Africa

14 South Africa

22 Namibia

24 Botswana

26 Zambia

28 Zimbabwe

30 Mozambique

32 Madagascar

34 Kenya

38 Tanzania & Zanzibar

42 Rwanda & Uganda

44 Ethiopia

North Africa & the Middle East

48 Morocco

50 Oman

52 Jordan

54 Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Qatar

Far East

90 Thailand

100 Indonesia

110 Singapore

112 Malaysia

118 Vietnam

122 Cambodia

126 Philippines

130 Japan

134 China

The Americas

140 USA

144 Canada

148 Caribbean

150 Mexico

152 Costa Rica

154 Guatemala

155 Colombia

156 Peru

158 Ecuador & Galapagos

160 Brazil

162 Argentina

164 Chile & Easter Island

Indian Ocean

60 Maldives

64 Seychelles

68 Mauritius

Australasia

170 Australia

172 New Zealand

174 South Pacific

The Indian Subcontinent

74 India & the Himalayas

82 Sri Lanka

Polar

178 Arctic

179 Antarctica

Christ the Redeemer

towering above Rio de

Janeiro in Brazil

180 Fly in style

182 Terms & Conditions

Let us create your perfect tailormade trip 01293 762444 hayesandjarvis.co.uk

*Calls from UK landlines cost the standard rate, but calls from mobiles may be higher. Check with your network provider.

4 Why Hayes & Jarvis?

Why Hayes & Jarvis?

5

Why Hayes & Jarvis?

Petra, Jordan

China

We’ve got a long history with adventure. Mr Hayes and

Mr Jarvis set us on our very own journey back in 1952,

and ever since then we’ve been tailor-making travels with

the same passion and pride as our fervent founders. Our

origins lie in the joy of visiting a new place – demonstrated

no more aptly than by our namesakes. Their inspiration for

bespoke, detailed and truly personal holidays came from

their own adventures and experiences of the world – and so

the signature Hayes & Jarvis service was born. Today, our

Destination Specialists carry the same spirit for discovering

and re-discovering our world’s glorious offering, in a way

that’s personal to each and every traveller.

South Africa

Maldives

Morocco


A LIFETIME OF EXPERTISE

Whether your dream is to island hop in Indonesia or lose yourself in

India’s cities, we’re your Destination Specialists.

With over 65 years of experience, we guarantee insider

knowledge and personal service every step of the way.

Bali

THE WORLD IS YOURS

We’ll help you make more of your holiday, and can recommend

multiple destinations or city stopovers, so you can experience even

more of the world. Whatever you want, we take care of every detail.

TRAVEL MADE PERSONAL

What makes a trip extraordinary? It’s entirely up to you.

We’re here to listen to your travel dreams and exceed them.

And should you need help at any point, we’re on call.

Grand Canyon

AWARD-WINNING SERVICE

Our work within the travel industry is consistently recognised.

In the past three years alone we have won 14 trophies at the

prestigious British Travel Awards.

USA

El Nido, Philippines

Borneo

Thailand



Your words

Meet our Destination Customer Specialists story

6 7

Your words

Meet our Destination Specialists

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Once again Hayes & Jarvis

excelled themselves with their

choice of accommodation

for our trip. We stayed at five

different hotels on this multi

centre tour and they were all

out of this world”

“I have booked with Hayes

& Jarvis for over seven years

now… everything always

on time and no hassle with

pickup, hotel or staff.

Would not book with any

other company”

“From the minute I contacted

Hayes & Jarvis, with them

putting me in touch with their

specialist for the country

we were interested in, their

enthusiasm and assistance has

been first class”

You never really understand

a destination until you’ve

visited. While reading about and

seeing photographs of a country

can paint a picture, it doesn’t quite

compare to hearing all about it from

someone who has experienced it for

themselves – having tasted the food,

shared in its culture and all those

little intricacies that make it so

special. That’s why our Destination

Specialists are key to making your

trip exceptional. From all walks of

life, they have extensively travelled

in the destinations we visit, testing

hotels and visiting tourist spots as

well as exciting locations off the

beaten track. They make sure you

make the most of your time and

budget with their top tips, because

they’re passionate travellers too.

FEEFO ONLINE REVIEW

FEEFO ONLINE REVIEW

FEEFO ONLINE REVIEW

JAS

MATT

CHLOE

ROZARIO

INDIA

Destination Specialist

CANADA


USA


THAILAND


“India’s Golden Triangle

is the perfect tour for

first-timers, with the

option of extending

your trip to see

even more”

“Head out from Quebec

City to the incredible

Montmorency Falls,

higher than Niagara Falls

and only a 30-minute

drive from downtown”

“Witness easy-going

San Francisco and

spot iconic streets

and landmarks from

blockbuster films

of the past”

“Don’t limit yourself to

all inclusive hotels when

there is an abundance

of inexpensive and

delicious street food

out there to try”

ROBERT

SAMANTHA

JON

VALENTINA

ECUADOR


SEYCHELLES


SOUTH AFRICA


CARIBBEAN


Dhow sailing,

Azura Benguerra Island,

Mozambique

“The summer months

are most popular

here, as this is when

the wildlife is

most active”

“The flight between Mahé

and Praslin takes only

15 minutes, and the

views are absolutely

beautiful”

“Take the cable car up

Table Mountain. The

views are awe-inspiring,

especially at sunset when

Cape Town’s city lights

begin to twinkle”

“Getting around the

Caribbean is easy. With

daily flights and ferries

departing regularly, you

can see so much in one

trip by island hopping”



Our destinations

Our destinations

8 9

CANADA

USA

MEXICO

DUBAI

INDIA

THAILAND

VIETNAM

COSTA RICA

SRI LANKA

KENYA

MALDIVES

MALAYSIA

INDONESIA

So, where to?

MAURITIUS

AUSTRALIA

TAHITI

SOUTH AFRICA

Sink your toes in soft white sands, see a pride

of playful lion cubs as the sun sets over Africa’s

starlit skies, or sample tasty street food under the

bright lights on a city break. We offer worldwide

holidays to more than 60 destinations across the

globe. Add specialist destination knowledge from

our passionate team of experts to over 65 years of

experience, and you’ve got all the ingredients for the

holiday of a lifetime. From a relaxing all inclusive

sunshine break on a remote island to jet-setting

around the world on an epic trip, all our holidays are

tailor made to suit the way you want to travel. Travel

with us, and you’ll always adventure in style.

MULTI CENTRE HOLIDAYS

Soak up the charm and culture of

several destinations wrapped up

into one holiday, or break up your

trip with a stop over somewhere

en route. Turn over to find out how

we can help turn your holiday into

the adventure of a lifetime.



Multi centres

Multi centres

10 11

Bali Sri Lanka Maldives

Explore more

If the end of your holiday always comes too soon, or you find

yourself in need of a little downtime after an energetic adventure,

why not add on some lazy days on a world-class beach or break

up your journey home with a stop in a cosmopolitan city?

Anything is possible with our expert staff on hand to turn your

holiday into the adventure of a lifetime. That’s because we know

that everyone is different, so our personalised service means

each journey we craft is completely bespoke and perfectly

tailored to your needs and requirements.

Why stop at one destination, when the world is your oyster?

SOUTH AFRICA & MAURITIUS

From deluxe safari lodges in Kruger

National Park to the fascinating history of

the Battlefields region in KwaZulu Natal; the

oyster capital of Knysna, on the picturesque

Garden Route, to the cosmopolitan ‘Mother

City’ of Cape Town, you’ll never be bored

in South Africa. After your adventure here,

relax in Mauritius, just a four-hour flight away.

Head to the eastern or southern coast for

quiet stretches of white sand, turquoise

lagoons and coral reefs.

NEW YORK, TORONTO &

NIAGARA FALLS

After taking in the iconic sights of New York

– including the bright lights of Times Square,

viewing the Empire State Building from the

top of the Rockefeller Center and watching

a hit Broadway show – head across the

border to Toronto, explore the historic Distillery

District or kayak on Lake Ontario. Finish your

adventure by experiencing the sheer beauty

and magnificence of Niagara Falls. Get up

close on a Journey Behind the Falls and see

why it’s one of the wonders of the world.

DUBAI & THE MALDIVES

Dubai’s high-octane thrills are the perfect foil

to the peaceful atolls of the Maldives. Stopover

en route, spending three nights in the city to

ensure you have time to take in its many

pleasures. Visit Burj Khalifa, the tallest building

in the world, or escape to the desert for an

exhilarating 4x4 dune safari. Arrive at your

hotel in the Maldives by seaplane, keeping

your eyes peeled for pods of dolphins –

a holiday here is pure indulgence.

BALI & SINGAPORE

Combine the ultimate city break in the bustling

metropolis of Singapore with true relaxation

and luxury on the island of Bali. Singapore

has it all – ultra-modern streets, colonial

monuments and the breath-taking Gardens

by the Bay. Add a relaxing beach escape by

taking a two-hour flight to the Indonesian

island of Bali. Encircled by clear blue waters,

Bali’s laid-back atmosphere and dreamy

sunsets are perfect for the romantic at heart.

BOTH SIDES OF SRI LANKA

Explore both sides of Sri Lanka on a tour that

takes in its wonderful wildlife and vibrant

culture, and ends with a few days of luxury

on the beach. Climb the ancient rock fortress

of Sigiriya, witness majestic elephants in

their natural habitat in Minneriya National

Park, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site

of Kandy, then head to one of Sri Lanka’s

coastal resorts. Their palm-fringed beaches

are perfectly relaxing.

WHY STOP AT ONE?

Whatever your pleasure, find your

extraordinary on a multi-centre journey

planned to perfection by us. Contact our

Destination Specialists to find out how.

EXPERT

ADVICE

We’ve put together

some ideas, but our

Destination Specialists

can help you

create a bespoke

adventure

Mauritius

Singapore

South Africa

Niagara Falls

PLAN OF

ACTION

A short stopover

can still be big on

adventure – we’ll

book tours that make

the most of every

second

Dubai

TWICE

AS NICE

Our multi centre

holidays give you the

choice to visit multiple

places in one

amazing trip

Toronto

New York



12

Africa

South Africa 13

EXPERT

ADVICE

For a spectacular

experience, visit East

Africa during the

Migration, between

July and early

October

AFRICA

From the sandy dunes of Namibia to the roar of Victoria

Falls, the dizzy heights of Mount Kilimanjaro and the

idyllic shores of Zanzibar, to dream of Africa is to think

of wide-open spaces, huge star-spangled skies and, of

course, an abundance of wildlife. Make unforgettable

memories on safari to see the Big Five wander the

plains or witness the Great Migration of Wildebeest.

Watch giraffes, warthogs and elephants, have the

thrill of seeing cheetah on the hunt, and enjoy the

‘aww’ moments of watching lion cubs at play.

Lions, elephants and other majestic wildlife call South Africa’s beautiful Kruger

National Park home. See them for yourself on the Cape Town to Kruger National Park

multi centre. Speak to our Destination Specialists to find out how to amend this itinerary

or create your own, for a unique tailor-made holiday.

14 South Africa

22 Namibia

24 Botswana

26 Zambia

28 Zimbabwe

30 Mozambique

32 Madagascar

34 Kenya

38 Tanzania & Zanzibar

42 Rwanda & Uganda

44 Ethiopia



14

Africa

South Africa 15

South Africa

Explore cosmopolitan Cape Town,

spot the Big Five on safari, sip fine

vintages in the beautiful Winelands,

drive the famous Garden Route,

watch whales in Hermanus,

understand human history

in Johannesburg and

discover the country’s

historical past in the

battlefields of

KwaZulu Natal.

ZIMBABWE

NAMIBIA

BOTSWANA

SOUTH

AFRICA

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK

Around 11 hours

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT +2

CURRENCY

South African Rand (ZAR)

WHEN TO GO

As a large country with a long coastline,

the weather varies throughout. November

to February are the summer months, with

the end of this period being best for a visit

to the Winelands. For cooler weather and

whale watching, July to November is best

VISA REQUIREMENTS

British citizens do not require a visa for

stays of up to 90 days, but strict policies

apply if travelling with children under 18

GAME ON

Africa’s Big Five are top of the must-spot list for any wildlife watcher

The rainbow nation’s boundless

national parks and reserves offer

some of the world’s greatest

opportunities to see majestic species

in their natural habitat. Cross dusty

plains, rolling hills and rugged

mountains as you explore picture-book

scenery in search of the iconic lion,

leopard, elephant, buffalo and

rhinoceros – plus plenty more of their

striped and spotted neighbours.

South Africa is home to some of the

best safari experiences on the

continent, the most famous being the

expansive and beautiful Kruger

National Park, where your chances of

spotting the celebrated Big Five are

among the best. One of Africa’s largest

game reserves, Kruger lies within the

lush province of Mpumalanga and

Limpopo, and offers verdant and

varying scenery as well as

unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Whether you choose to self drive or

travel with an experienced guide,

there’s no bad time to safari in Kruger

National Park, where the fiery African

sunrise is nature’s alarm clock. Watch

the wildlife wake and flock to the

waterholes early in the morning, before

venturing further into the savannah in

search of the park’s hundreds of other

spectacular inhabitants, from cheetah

to hippo and zebra.

OPPOSITE:

See giraffe in Kruger

National Park

ABOVE:

Cheetah

TOP, FROM LEFT:

Buffalo are one of

the Big Five; The

fire pit at Lion Sands

River Lodge; the

majestic African

elephant

LION SANDS RIVER LODGE

Aside from its extraordinary flora and

fauna, Kruger National Park is known for

its luxurious safari accommodation. The

family-run five-star Lion Sands River

Lodge is one of the most exclusive sites,

made up of 18 elegant rooms, each with

its own private viewing deck. Relax at

one of the two pools, enjoy indoor and

outdoor all inclusive dining and take in

the magical setting on the banks of the

Sabie River – the perfect sunrise spot.

Ask our Destination Specialists about

spending a night in one of the unique

treehouse suites at Lion Sands



16

Africa

South Africa

17

EXPERT

ADVICE

For those not keen on

driving, the Eastern Cape

is only a short flight away

from Cape Town – get in

touch with our Destination

Specialists to discuss

your options

THE

BEAUTIFUL

SOUTH

From wild landscapes to beach towns

and big game, there’s a reason that

South Africa is described as ‘a world

in one country’. Explore cultured Cape

Town, spot lions on safari, drive the

iconic Garden Route, sample grapes

from the Winelands and discover the

past at the KwaZulu Natal battlefields.

Just two hours ahead of GMT, you

won’t feel any jet lag on arrival, making

South Africa a great destination for

family holidays, as well as adventurous

excursions and bustling city breaks.

South African hospitality and food culture

are fantastic, and the Rand to Pound

exchange rate means it’s affordable here

too. Our hand-picked hotels and resorts

include Kruger National Park and the

UNESCO-listed Table Mountain among

their impressive backdrops.

Cape Town is the epitome of seaside

lifestyle but also offers plenty in terms

of culture; history comes to life at

Robben Island, the District Six Museum

and in the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood.

Around the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

you’ll find an eclectic collection of

beautiful restaurants and high-end bars.

From whale-watching opportunities

around Hermanus to the penguin colony

on Boulders Beach, the spectacular

coastline of the Western Cape is

connected to the Eastern Cape via

the Garden Route. It stretches across

ABOVE:

Boulders Beach

national parks, deep blue lakes, dense

forests and picture-perfect beaches.

Savour Knysna’s excellent oysters then

visit the Featherbed Nature Reserve.

South Africa’s Eastern Cape region

is a great standalone destination,

particularly for families as it’s malaria

free. Offering unspoilt landscapes,

lush hills and dramatic mountains,

all backed by the semi-desert of the

Karoo, its wild, rugged beauty remains

untouched by time and there’s a vast

array of experiences to be had. Visit the

conservation areas of Mountain Zebra

National Park or Addo Elephant National

Park, or choose from a host of reserves

such as the Shamwari Game Reserve.

BEST FOR FIRST-TIMERS

BEST OF THE WESTERN CAPE

This 10-day itinerary is a chance

to immerse yourself in the Western

Cape and enjoy some of its incredible

highlights, taking in the cosmopolitan

city of Cape Town and the picturesque

coastal town of Hermanus, experiencing

a unique safari within the Little Karoo,

and spending time in the delightful

Winelands. From the mesmerising views

at the top of Table Mountain and the

San rock art of the Little Karoo, to the

penguins at Boulders Beach and the

world-famous wine regions, the Western

Cape is a destination for everyone.

BEST FOR FAMILIES

A TALE OF TWO CAPES

This 13-day itinerary will take you on a

journey between South Africa’s Western

and Eastern Capes, starting in the vibrant

city of Cape Town. Explore its iconic

sights, such as Table Mountain, and tuck

into flavoursome cuisine that’s rich in

cultural influences. Add to your gourmet

experience with a visit to the Cape

Winelands, where you can spend a day

enjoying the dramatic scenery while

sampling some of the best wines in the

world. Travel along the Garden Route

and finish your journey on safari in the

Eastern Cape, seeking out the Big Five.

ABOVE:

Cape Winelands;

RIGHT:

Aerial view

of Cape Town

As travel experts, we use our

destination knowledge and personal

understanding to help create the

holiday that’s right for you. Get in

touch to see how we can help.



18

Africa

South Africa

19

CLOCKWISE, FROM

FAR LEFT:

Elephant at Kruger

National Park; Swartberg

Pass; the Blue Train; zebra;

the V&A Waterfront

15-DAY TOUR

GRAND TOUR OF

SOUTH AFRICA

Embark on this escorted tour from

Johannesburg to Cape Town that

encompasses the best that South Africa

has to offer, from its epic scenery to

captivating wildlife and vibrant culture.

Travel along the awe-inspiring Panorama

Route to the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’,

search for the Big Five in the worldrenowned

Kruger National Park, explore

the beautiful Garden Route and discover

the iconic ‘Mother City’, Cape Town.

TOUR IN LUXURY

THERE ARE MANY

WAYS TO TRAVEL

SOUTH AFRICA’S

PANORAMA ROUTE

Arrive at Summerfields Rose Retreat

& Spa, a barefoot luxury retreat on

the Sabie River, close to South Africa’s

iconic Panorama Route. Set within a

working organic farm, its emphasis is

on romance, relaxation and rejuvenation.

Enjoy the award-winning cuisine and

spa, as well as a taste of Duke Gin at

the on-site distillery. Self drive – or take

a private tour – around the Panorama

Route region and end at The River Lodge

at Thornybush for a memorable Big Five

safari experience.

By road or rail, in a small group or in

utter luxury… there are many ways

to travel in South Africa

SMALL-GROUP TOUR

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE

GARDEN ROUTE

The fabulous Garden Route is a

highlight of any trip to South Africa.

This small-group tour gives you the

chance to view the magnificent Cape

Winelands, the scenic Route 62, and the

coastal Plettenberg and Knysna region.

Begin your journey from Port Elizabeth

and end in the ‘Mother City’ of Cape

Town, or choose to travel in reverse,

kicking off by admiring Cape Town’s

sights, from Table Bay to the Victoria &

Alfred Waterfront, before starting your

trip along the picturesque Garden Route.

TOUR BY TRAIN

SOUTH AFRICA

JOURNEY BY BLUE TRAIN

Travel in luxury by rail and experience

a world in one country. The Blue Train

prides itself on offering guests the finest

cuisine, with meals accompanied by

a wide selection of South African wines

sourced only from boutique vineyards.

Arrive into Cape Town and spend three

nights at The Table Bay Hotel, perfectly

located for exploring the lively Victoria

& Alfred Waterfront.

We create unique, individual and

fascinating journeys. Get in touch

to find out how our Destination

Specialists can create the perfect

holiday for you.



20

Africa

South Africa

21

MULTI STOP

PLAY & PAUSE

Why let the holiday end there? Pair a safari holiday with a beach break

in Mozambique, or drive South Africa’s Garden Route and then head to

Mauritius for some rest and relaxation.

WHERE TO STAY

LUXURY

LODGES

Hotels in South Africa allow you to get up close to its magnificent landscapes,

thriving wildlife and iconic sights

THORNYBUSH

The River Lodge

Views of the seasonal Timbavati River

Thornybush Community Projects support the

local community

uuuuu

Secluded within the vast bushveld landscape

of the Thornybush Private Nature Reserve, set

in the greater Kruger National Park, The River

Lodge discreetly accommodates five luxurious

suites overlooking the seasonal Timbavati

River. Enjoy exclusive safari experiences

either by vehicle or on foot and admire the

abundance of wildlife.

MOZAMBIQUE

With over 1,600 miles of Indian Ocean

coastline and four stunning archipelagos,

this really is a dream destination for

any beach lover. A truly exclusive

honeymoon or holiday choice, it offers

high-end luxurious accommodation;

arrive in style at the offshore resorts via

helicopter and succumb to the castaway

feeling as soon as your toes are in the

sand. We recommend you explore below

the surface of Mozambique too, trying

out its superb scuba diving in the dry

season, from June to September.

MAURITIUS

Palm-fringed white-sand beaches,

turquoise seas and friendly Mauritian

service is just a snippet of what the

island offers. Whether travelling with

family, your partner, or even alone,

there is a hotel and location to suit you.

With Championship golf courses, safari

walks and the ‘Seven Coloured Earth’,

a natural phenomenon and popular

tourist attraction, the island can be

both relaxing or an adventure.

EXPERT

ADVICE

Booking a multi

centre holiday can

be complicated, so

let us arrange it all

for you

Black River,

Mauritius

WESTERN CAPE

Grootbos Nature Reserve

Luxurious eco-reserve on 6,000 acres

One of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges

of the World

uuuuu

MADIKWE

Jaci’s Safari Lodge

Submerged Terrapin Hide for photographers

Wildlife conservation safaris

Luxury tented and ‘starbed’ suites

uuuuu

KRUGER

Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge

Indulgent Amani Spa reflects the soul of Africa

One of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges

of the World

uuuuu

Reconnect with nature with a stay at

the luxurious Grootbos Nature Reserve.

Surrounded by pristine wilderness, explore

fascinating flora and fauna that includes 100

endangered plant species and three milkwood

trees, each over 1,000 years old. Discover the

marine Big Five by shark cage diving or setting

out on marine or coastal safaris.

Situated in the spectacular – and malariafree

– Big Five safari destination of Madikwe

Game Reserve, in South Africa’s North West

province, Jaci’s Safari Lodge offers the ideal

destination for unrivalled game viewing. Jaci’s

Safari Lodge provides unique safari-style

accommodation with two exclusive ‘starbed’

suites, six luxurious tented suites and two

private family suites.

Located within South Africa’s prestigious

Sabi Sands Game Reserve, the award-winning

Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge is unique. Described

as one of the most environmentally sensitive

lodges in Africa, it is utterly embraced by

its setting, making you feel truly at one

with nature.

Mozambique



22

Africa

Namibia

23

Namibia

Namibia is the beauty queen of

Africa, a striking mix of endless

savannah, towering sand dunes,

deep canyons and the Atlantic

crashing onto the shore. A sparsely

populated land, it offers a totally

different holiday experience to

any other African country.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK

Around 13–15 hours for indirect flights

from London via Johannesburg

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT +2

ANGOLA

NAMIBIA

BOTSWANA

SOUTH

AFRICA

CURRENCY

Namibian Dollar (NAD) and South African

Rand (ZAR)

WHEN TO GO

The best weather is during the months

of May to September

VISA REQUIREMENTS

British citizens are not required to obtain

a visa to visit Namibia



TOUR ITINERARY

HIGHLIGHTS

OF NAMIBIA

Embark on this six-day journey to discover the highlights of

Namibia. Beauty lies in endless seas of red sand and golden grass,

rugged gorges and rubble plains

DAY 1

Take an optional afternoon drive to

witness huge herds of all antelope

species in proximity. Or set out on a hike

to explore the area and see a variety of

plants, birds and animals.

DAYS 2–3

Discover the rich and diverse culture

of the Basters, the people of Rehoboth,

descendants of early Dutch settlers and

native Khoi. Enjoy a wine tasting and

cheese platter for lunch at the Neuras

Wine & Wildlife Estate, before

choosing whether to join an optional

Sossusvlei Lodge Sundowner Drive.

On day three, take a morning tour of

Sossusvlei, exploring the iconic red

sand dunes of the Namib, said to be

one of Africa’s natural wonders. For

lunch, you will be served a picnic

on the dunes.

DAYS 4–6

Accompanied by your tour guide, you

will drive through the Namib Naukluft

Park where a peculiar endemic plant,

the Welwitschia mirabilis, can be found.

You also get to admire the impressive

canyons of the Moon Landscape. Take

a stroll around Swakopmund, a coastal

town where palm trees sway in verdant

gardens and wide streets are lined with

old German architecture, and discover

its abundance of bistros, craft shops

and galleries.

We know our destinations inside

out, which means we have the

perfect tools and experience needed

to create the best journeys. Our

Destination Specialists can help

you plan your dream itinerary.

Get in touch to find out how.

EXPERT

ADVICE

Explore Fish River

Canyon, the largest in

Africa, or venture to

the Skeleton Coast

to see its seal

colony

OPPOSITE:

The red dunes

of Sossusvlei

ABOVE:

Ancient baobab

trees and the

endangered

black rhino

EXPLORE NAMIBIA

Set out into the Namibian wilderness

on a journey of discovery. Meet one

of the last semi-nomadic tribes in

Africa, embark on safari in Etosha

National Park and visit the country’s

highest mountain, as well as the

coastal region of Swakopmund

WILDLIFE

Visit Etosha National Park, one of

southern Africa’s best-loved wildlife

sanctuaries. Search for elephants,

the unique black-faced impala, zebras

and the endangered black rhino –

plus more than 100 other mammal

species – on an afternoon game drive.

CULTURE

Meet the Ova (Himba) tribe and

experience their culture and way of

living first-hand. Learn about their

ancestors and herbal medicine, their

hairstyles and jewellery, the status

of each tribe member and their close

relationship with nature, their cattle and

their children.

HISTORY

Discover the Namib Desert, the oldest

desert with the world’s highest dunes. In

Brandburg, join a guided hike to visit the

famous White Lady bushmen painting,

believed to be over 2,000 years old.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

n 11 breakfasts

n 6 dinners

n Premium safari

vehicle transport

nGame drives in

Etosha National

Park

n Himba settlement

experience

n Hike to the White

Lady bushmen

painting

n Visit to Sesriem

Canyon

24

Africa

Botswana

25

Botswana

A huge network of waterways,

the vast Okavango Delta,

rambling open spaces and dense

bush, Botswana is one of Africa’s

most spectacular untouched

wildernesses. A safari through the

scrub-covered savannah combines

the beauty of the country’s varied

landscapes with the awe-inspiring

sight of wildlife at its most primitive.

EXPERT

ADVICE

Before heading

to Botswana, we

recommend a stay

in Victoria Falls,

Zimbabwe

ZAMBIA

ZIMBABWE

NAMIBIA

BOTSWANA

SOUTH

AFRICA

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK

Around 14–15 hours; indirect flights are

available from London via Johannesburg

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT +2

CURRENCY

Botswana Pula (BWP)

WHEN TO GO

June to September is the dry season,

with the floods of the Okavango Delta

at their peak from June to August; the

hottest months are October to February

VISA REQUIREMENTS

British citizens are not required to

obtain a visa to visit Botswana

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

GRAND TOUR OF BOTSWANA

Travel across diverse terrain,

from Chobe National Park to

the natural wonder of the Okavango

Delta, from beautifully lush game

reserves to the dry savannah of

the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

From Victoria Falls, travel towards

Chobe National Park and settle into the

Chobe Chilwero retreat. Situated in the

Kasane Forest Reserve bordering the

legendary Chobe National Park, Chilwero

means ‘place of high view’ and this unique

lodge lives up to its name. Soak up

splendid vistas across the Chobe River,

which is famed for its sunsets and the

number of elephant that come to drink

from the water’s edge. Expert guides will

lead you on game drives in open vehicles

and on water safaris by motorboat. Enjoy

a late afternoon boat cruise as you head

towards the sunset, spotting elephant,

hippo, buffalo and a plenty of birdlife.

ARRIVE IN STYLE

From Chobe, take a light aircraft into

the Okavango Delta and spend three

nights at the intimate Stanley’s Camp.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site,

Okavango is the largest inland delta in

the world; the magnificent Okavango

River spreads out over the dry sands

of the Kalahari Desert, forming this

flourishing waterlogged oasis. During

your stay, enjoy awe-inspiring game

viewing or take a unique guided

excursion through this wetland paradise

in a mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe.

Fly by light aircraft to Moremi Game

Reserve, ranked as one of the most

beautiful in Africa. With diverse terrain

OPPOSITE:

Spot a leopard

on safari

CLOCKWISE,

FROM ABOVE:

Sunset trip down the

Chobe River; Camp

Moremi; Sanctuary

Chobe Chilwero;

crocodile in Chobe

National Park; tribal

life in Botswana

including savannah, winding waterways

and dense forest, its ecosystem supports

an incredibly wide spectrum of wildlife.

Your final destination, before returning

to Maun airport, will be the Makgadikgadi

Salt Pans. Found in the heart of the dry

savannah of north-eastern Botswana,

they form the world’s largest network of

salt pans. During your stay, get up close

and personal with a group of meerkats

and spend time walking with bushmen

for a glimpse into their ancient culture.

We make sure that every step of every

journey – from our customer service to

the experience in hotel or resort – is of

the finest quality. Get in touch to see

how our Destination Specialists can

help book your dream holiday.



26

Africa

Zambia

27

Zambia

Delve into the heart of Africa in

Zambia – this is the real Africa

in all its wild glory. Explore wildlife

parks, see spectacular Victoria Falls

and step off the beaten track on

a walking safari.

CONGO

TANZANIA

ANGOLA

ZAMBIA

BOTSWANA

FACT FILE

ZIMBABWE

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

DISCOVER ZAMBIA

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK


available from UK airports

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT +2

CURRENCY

Zambian Kwacha (ZMK)

WHEN TO GO

Peak safari season coincides with the dry

season, running from June to October.

The months following the wet season

(March to May) are when Victoria Falls

is at its fullest and most dramatic

VISA REQUIREMENTS

British citizens will need to obtain a visa

for travel to Zambia

Embark on an exploration of Zambia

that includes a visit to the seventh

wonder of the world and UNESCO

World Heritage Site, the magnificent

Victoria Falls – also known as ‘The

Smoke that Thunders’. Travel by air

to Zambia’s spectacular national

parks and enjoy awe-inspiring

luxury throughout your journey

SUSTAINABLE LODGES

Set in Zambia’s Mosi-Oa-Tunya National

Park, just a short distance from the

famous Victoria Falls, Thorntree River

Lodge is where your journey begins.

Built to an environmentally conscious

brief, and drawing inspiration from local

customs and culture, it boasts a modern

design with tented roof structures to

maintain the feel of authentic Africa.

Visit the thundering falls, and consider

rhino tracking, bush walks, or a sunrise

or sunset boat cruise.

SLEEP BENEATH THE STARS

For the next three nights you’ll stay

at the stunning Sausage Tree Camp,

situated on the banks of the Zambezi

River, in the heart of the Lower Zambezi

National Park. Sleep beneath the stars

in Bedouin-style white canvas tents,

furnished in luxurious fabrics and

Zambian teak. Your own personal

butler can arrange private dining, day

and night game drives, walking safaris,

canoeing, boat cruises and fishing.

Food here is a mouth-watering fusion

of African flavours, and served by

atmospheric candlelight.

OPPOSITE:

Victoria Falls

ABOVE:

The Zambezi River

TOP, FROM LEFT:

Chikoko Tree Camp;

a walking safari;

Chinzombo Camp

RIVERSIDE HOME

For the final three nights of your

Zambian adventure, the riverside

Chinzombo Camp will be your home.

Set within 60 acres of private land, its

sweeping views and private access

into one of the most game-rich areas

of the South Luangwa National Park

combine to make this a very special

place from which to explore the

majestic wilds of the Luangwa in style.

Because everyone is different,

we create unique, individual and

fascinating journeys. Get in touch

to find out how our Destination

Specialists can create the perfect

holiday for you.



28

Africa

Zimbabwe

29

Zimbabwe

Remote trekking, wonderful

wildlife, local lodges and a very

warm welcome indeed. A holiday

to Zimbabwe will give you a new

perspective on a country that’s

rightly back on the tourist map.

For this is a special place that offers

so much more than Victoria Falls.

BOTSWANA

ZAMBIA

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK


available from UK airports

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT +2

ZIMBABWE

SOUTH

AFRICA

CURRENCY

Zimbabwean RTGS dollars

MOZAMBIQUE

WHEN TO GO

For warm, sunny days visit between

April and October. The rainy season

runs from November to March. Peak

season is July to September, when

conditions for white-water rafting and

wildlife sightings are at their best

VISA REQUIREMENTS


for travel to Zimbabwe



OFF THE TOURIST TRAIL

Away from the crowds, Zimbabwe is full of wonder and adventure

Zip-line over Victoria Falls, go whitewater

rafting down the Zambezi

River, canoe beside pods of hippo on

Lake Kariba and marvel at the herds of

elephant in Hwange National Park – all

while taking in the stunning contrasting

landscapes of these often overlooked

patchwork plains.

FALL IN LOVE

One of the main draws of this country

is Victoria Falls, where the thundering

sound of its tumbling water can be heard

from miles away. A force of nature, and

one of the seven natural wonders of

the world, its sheer power is truly

something to behold as you feel it

crashing beneath your feet.

Wander through the fascinating

ecosystem of the nearby Victoria Falls

Rainforest, spotting bushbuck, vervet

monkeys and baboons, before

ascending high above the ground for a

breath-taking and unique perspective of

the falls by helicopter. If you’re feeling

bold, choose from a range of adrenalinefuelled

activities, such as white-water

rafting and bungee jumping, or simply

book a sunset cruise along the

Zambezi River.

ON THE WILD SIDE

No African adventure is complete

without witnessing the iconic Big Five

– and while Zimbabwe offers ample

opportunity to spot lions, leopards,

buffalo, elephants and rhinos in their

natural habitat, there’s also a chance

to see more elusive species such as

the rare king cheetah, the sable and

nyala antelope.

Enjoy an unforgettable safari

experience at Hwange National Park,

home to one of the world’s largest

elephant populations, or head to Lake

Kariba where hippos and Nile crocodiles

thrive in the waters – and buffalo, lions,

cheetahs and antelope come to the

shores to drink.

Our journeys are unique; always

carefully crafted into a smooth and

individual experience for our guests

OPPOSITE:

Zebra

ABOVE:

See herds of

elephant on safari

TOP RIGHT:

Victoria Falls

TOUR ITINERARY

DISCOVER ZIMBABWE

This 12-day itinerary takes you

on a journey through Zimbabwe,

discovering its world-renowned

national parks, before completing

your stay alongside the Zambezi

River in Victoria Falls

DAY 1

Arrive into Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital city

and the country’s most cosmopolitan and

contemporary destination. Spend your

first night in Armadale Boutique Lodge, a

beautifully restored farmhouse set among

landscaped gardens.

DAYS 2–3

Take a flight to Mana Pools National

Park where you will spend two nights

in luxury tented accommodation. Set by

the Zambezi River, and with a backdrop

of the Rift Valley mountains, the camp is

surrounded by a dense forest of albida

and Natal mahogany trees.

DAYS 4–5

Continue to Bumi Hills Safari Lodge,

overlooking Lake Kariba. An abundance

of activities is on offer here, including

game viewing by vehicle, foot and boat.

DAYS 6–8

Travel by air to Linkwasha, a luxurious

camp situated in a private concession

in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s

biggest reserve. The park’s magnificent

terrain ranges from desert dunes,

savannah lands and mopane woodlands

to rocky outcrops and sparse forests.

DAYS 9–12

Travel to Victoria Falls by air and spend

the last three nights at Victoria Falls River

Lodge. Situated on the banks of the

mighty Zambezi River, with uninterrupted

panoramic views of African sunsets and

exceptional wildlife viewing, this uniquely

located retreat is the ideal place from

which to explore the area.

30 Africa

Mozambique

South Africa 31

WHERE TO STAY

Mozambique

This is one of travel’s best-kept

secrets. Known as ‘the pearl of the

Indian Ocean’, its pristine beaches

and unspoilt landscapes beckon

those with a romantic heart and

adventurous soul. Secluded, yet

only 45 minutes from South Africa’s

Johannesburg, the island draws a

stark contrast to city life, as roads

meander off to become sandy

tracks lined with native wildlife.

CASTAWAY

From luxurious overwater villas to sustainable

lodges, Mozambique has a wide variety of

hotels and all inclusive resorts. We know that

everyone is different, so if there’s something

specific you’re after, just get in touch with

our Destination Specialists who are always

happy to help.

TANZANIA

MOZAMBIQUE

ZAMBIA

Mozambique

ZIMBABWE

SOUTH

AFRICA

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK


available from London via Johannesburg

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT +2

CURRENCY

Mozambican Metical (MZN)

WHEN TO GO

April to September are the drier

months to visit, with more enjoyable

temperatures, but whales can be seen

from July to October

VISA REQUIREMENTS


for travel to Mozambique

A Dhow at the water’s edge on a beach in Mozambique

ILHA DE BAZARUTO

Anantara Bazaruto Island

Resort & Spa

Delicious cuisine inspired by the island, with

locally sourced seafood and indigenous herbs

from the resort’s garden

uuuuu

Known as the ‘Island of the Mist’, Ilha de

Bazaruto is situated around 18 miles off

the coast of Mozambique’s mainland. The

Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort & Spa is a

truly luxurious escape, with 44 villas positioned

along the edge of the picturesque azure

ocean, world-class diving facilities and an

award-winning spa.

BENGUERRA ISLAND

&Beyond Benguerra Island

Set in a protected marine conservation

area with pristine beaches, unspoilt coral

reefs and Africa’s only population of the

endangered dugong

uuuuu

Situated on Benguerra Island, the secondlargest

island in the Bazaruto Archipelago,

the lodge is an exclusive beach getaway, ideal

for swimming and snorkelling. Enhance your

experience with a castaway picnic on a whitesand

beach, or sail across the calm waters on

a traditional dhow cruise.

LAGOON COAST

White Pearl Resorts

Laid-back beachside chic, with a striking

beach bar set against a backdrop of white

and turquoise

uuuu

Situated in a sheltered bay on Mozambique’s

Lagoon Coast, 22 luxurious private pool suites

have been sensitively designed to showcase

their beautiful natural surroundings, while

protecting the fragile ecosystems beneath

them. Take a walk along the sands to discover

turtle nesting sites or indulge in an idyllic

beach picnic for two.



32

Africa

South Madagascar

Africa 33

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Madagascar

Here, deep jungles echo with the

calls of tropical birds and ring-tailed

lemurs. At the island’s edge, palm

trees fringe white-sand beaches,

while great mountains erupt from

the ground inland. Adventurous

travellers are drawn here by the

island’s unique flora and fauna.

Swim in crystal-clear waters, hike

amid giant trees and seek out some

of the 150,000 endemic species.

MOZAMBIQUE

MADAGASCAR

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

MADAGASCAR

CLASSIC TOUR

DID YOU

KNOW?

Madagascar has a

unique ecosystem

and it’s the only

place you can see

ring-tailed lemurs

in the wild

COLOURS OF

MADAGASCAR

Explore the main national parks

of the island, see wild lemurs and

encounter the Malagasy way of life

FOR THE CULTURE SEEKER

Journey along Route Nationale 7, your

path to uncovering Madagascar’s heart

and soul. Head to Ranohira through the

grassy savannah plateau of Ihorombe

and learn of the Zebu civilisation.

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK


available from London

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT +3

CURRENCY

Malagasy Ariary (MGA); Euros are also

widely accepted

WHEN TO GO

A destination that can be enjoyed yearround,

but visit from April to November

to avoid the wet season

VISA REQUIREMENTS

A 30-day visa is obtained on arrival for

a small fee, which must be paid in cash

in Malagasy Ariarys, US Dollars or Euros

With an abundance of dramatic landscapes, from the mountain ranges

of Andringitra, to the tropical rainforests of Ranomafana National Park,

this scenic tour of Madagascar is one to consider

DAYS 1–2

Visit Antsirabe and admire its beautiful

scenery, learning about daily life for

those in the highlands, and visiting

local villages and craft workshops.

DAYS 3–4

Leave the highlands and continue to

Ranomafana National Park, driving

through tropical rainforests. A morning

visit to the park will give you the chance

to spot birds, lemurs and chameleons.

Arrive in Fianarantsoa, meaning ‘place

of good learning’, in the afternoon.

DAYS 5–6

Visit a factory that produces handmade

paper, before continuing to Anja, a

community reserve where you will see

ring-tailed lemurs. The following day, trek

through the Andringitra Massif, passing

local villages as you go. Explore the

lush valleys and shady dry forests,

all the while discovering more lemurs

and many species of birds.

DAYS 7–8

Heading south, through the ‘Gateway

to the South’, witness the change of

scenery from Southeast Asian

influences to African architecture. In

Isalo National Park, walk through the

Tapia forest and swim in the natural

pool, while learning of the endemic

plants that pave the way.

DAYS 9–13

As you travel to the fishing village of

Ifaty, where you will spend days at

leisure, stop en route to capture your

memories with a photo of Zombitse-

Vohibasia National Park, a paradise

for birdwatchers.



fascinating journeys. Get in touch to

find out how our Destination Specialists

can create the perfect holiday for you.

OPPOSITE:

Ring-tailed lemur

ABOVE:

Webervogel bird,

one of 100 species

of bird found in

Madagascar

FOR THE WILDLIFE ENTHUSIAST

Admire the rainforests of Andasibe

and Ranomafana, as well as the Isalo

Massif, the oldest geological formation

in Madagascar. The country’s indigenous

wildlife includes both the world’s biggest

and smallest chameleons, the nearextinct

elephant bird and more than

70 species of lemur.

FOR THE BOTANIST

Visit the botanical gardens of Saidi and

Arboretum d’Antsokay, and spend time in

Berenty Private Reserve on the Mandrare

River, home to plant species such as

Tamarind, Didiereaceae, Euphorbiaceae

and Liliaceae.



34

Africa

Kenya

35

Kenya

This is where the journey began for

Hayes & Jarvis, and it’s the original

safari destination. See a variety of

wildlife including lion, elephant and

rhino in two of the world’s iconic

national parks, and discover the

fascinating culture of the people

who call them home.

DID YOU

KNOW?

Between July and

September, 1.5 million

wildebeest and

200,000 zebra

migrate across the

Masai Mara

SAFARI WITH US

SUDAN

ETHIOPIA

SOMALIA

UGANDA

KENYA

TANZANIA

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK

Around 9 hours; direct flights are


TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT +3

CURRENCY

Kenyan Shilling (KES)

WHEN TO GO

July to September, during the country’s

dry season, which also coincides with the

Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra

VISA REQUIREMENTS


for travel to Kenya

Immerse the senses in this

intoxicating land of wonder and

diversity. Welcome to the beating

heart of Africa

safari holiday should be on

A everyone’s list of life’s greatest

adventures. In Swahili, the local language

of Kenya, the word itself means ‘journey’.

So whether it takes you across the

wildlife-rich plains and grasslands of the

Masai Mara or through open savannah

that’s studded with jagged volcanic

outcrops; or to the sparkling waters of

Lake Nakuru and the beautiful lakes

of the Rift Valley, renowned for prolific

birdlife and flocks of flamingos; or even

to the eerie swamps of Amboseli, a safari

in Kenya is a thrilling experience.

It’s no coincidence that Kenya is where

the modern safari was invented back

in the 1920s. It’s also where we first

journeyed outside Europe, and we’ve

been honing our craft here ever since.

But Kenya’s not just about safaris.

Spend a day in the city of Nairobi,

haggling at street markets and sampling

traditional African street food, and explore

the wilderness of Karura Forest. See

Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain

in Africa, which sits across the border in

Tanzania, or relax on world-class beaches

along the coast.

FLY SAFARIS

It takes around nine hours to fly direct

from London to Nairobi. This ease of

access makes it a natural place for

first-timers. If you catch an overnight

flight from London Heathrow you can

transfer to a light aircraft the next morning

and be in the bush in time for brunch.

OPPOSITE:

Seeing a lion is

a special safari

moment

TOP:

Migrating

wildebeest

ABOVE, FROM

LEFT:

Maasai tribe

members; a light

aircraft on a fly-in

safari; flamingos

With a dazzling choice of lodges, some

inaccessible by road and each with its

own style, nothing is more exciting than

arriving into the heart of a national park

by light aircraft, watching animals roam

freely below you.

STAY AWHILE

For travellers looking to combine safari

adventures with a little rest and relaxation,

why not include a Mombasa or Watamu

beach stay? The powdery white sand

and sapphire-coloured waters offer a

slice of tropical paradise, where you

can unwind at the end of an exciting trip.

Give our Destination Specialists a call

today to plan your tailor-made holiday

in Kenya.

Turn over for more ideas and inspiration ⊲



36

Africa

Kenya

37

WHERE TO STAY

LUXURY

LODGES

Whether you stay in national parks and

see the Big Five, relax along the coastline

or choose a combination of the two, our

Destination Specialists can recommend

the right accommodation for you

TSAVO WEST

Finch Hattons

Located in Tsavo West National Park,

offering backdrop views of the Chyulu Hills

and Mount Kilimanjaro

uuuuu

Fly in from Nairobi by light aircraft to this

tented camp made up of just 17 luxury suites,

set in 35 acres of untouched wilderness. As

well as exciting game drives in Land Cruisers

you can enjoy Chyulu Spa treatments, the

12-metre-high observation deck, a stargazing

terrace, bush walks and crater climbs during

your stay.

MASAI MARA

Governors’ Main Camp

The first permanent tented camp in the Masai

Mara and still one of Africa’s best, occupying

a prime wildlife-viewing location

uuuuu

An authentic, tented safari experience to be

enjoyed year-round. Spot the Big Five out

in the bush, as well as a variety of birdlife,

hippos and crocodiles from the banks of

the Mara River. The attention to detail and

service received from the staff at Governors

is second to none.

FOUR TOURS

BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE

GRAND TOUR OF EAST AFRICA

A combined escorted tour of Kenya

and Tanzania, featuring the Masai Mara,

the Soysambu Conservancy and the

swamps of Amboseli, this safari begins

with three of the most picturesque

regions in Kenya. Cross the Tanzania

border, passing through Arusha, Lake

Manyara and on to the Serengeti. Enjoy

morning and afternoon game drives in

search of the Big Five, before departing

to explore the Ngorongoro Crater and

Tarangire National Park.

DISCOVER KENYA

Join this escorted tour, one of our most

popular, to discover Kenya and its most

iconic national parks. This seven-day

safari begins in the open plains of the

Masai Mara, moving on to shimmering

Lake Nakuru, then to the swamps of

Amboseli. Spot the Big Five, discover

birdlife and admire breath-taking

views of Mount Kilimanjaro. A sunrise

hot-air balloon flight, accompanied by a

Champagne breakfast, is an experience

that we highly recommend.

TRACKS THROUGH KENYA

Travel by rail from Nairobi to Mombasa,

in first-class comfort on board the

Madaraka Express. Disembarking at

Voi Station, enjoy a lunch at Taita Hills

Lodge then visit the in-house museum

that displays artefacts from World

War I. Check in to Sarova Saltlick Lodge,

then take morning and afternoon game

drives in Tsavo National Park for some

ABOVE:

Watch migrating

wildlife from a hotair

balloon

magnificent game viewing, before your

onward journey by rail from Voi Station

to Mombasa.

HIGHLIGHTS OF KENYA

Staying in the well-renowned Sarova

Lodges throughout your journey, this

seven-day escorted trip will begin in

Nairobi. From here you will continue

to Shaba Game Reserve, often referred

to as ‘Born Free Country’, made famous

by the late Joy Adamson and her

lioness Elsa.

We use our destination knowledge to

create the holiday that’s right for you

– get in touch to see how we can help

SOUTH DIANI

Kinondo Kweto

A paradise for those seeking a personal

experience on the coast, with unique dining

options on the beach and under the stars

uuuu

This boutique, family-owned, Kenyan beach

lodge is nestled on a tranquil private stretch

of beach south of Diani. Each suite has its

own personalised charm and unique style

of traditional Swahili craftsmanship. Kinondo

Kweto creates a covetable ‘home from home’

experience, making it a perfect barefoot

luxury destination.

CHALE ISLAND

The Sands at Chale Island

Keep an eye out for whale sharks, often

seen around the island between November

and February

uuuuu

Located on an intimate, picturesque island just

600 metres from the mainland, this is the ideal

place to unwind and get away from the world.

The beaches of Kenya rank within the top 10 in

the world and you will share your surroundings

with turtles, colourful fish, primates and an

abundance of birdlife.

BAMBURI BEACH

Sarova Whitesands Beach

Resort & Spa

A wide choice of continental, Arabic, Swahili

and Indian cuisine on offer, and an abundance

of activities at the Ozone kids’ club

uuuu

Set amid 23 acres of naturally landscaped

gardens, on the attractive white sands of

Bamburi Beach, the Sarova Whitesands

Beach Resort & Spa truly reflects its name.

Enjoy cuisine from five dining options and

the comfort of a well-appointed and tastefully

decorated room.



38 Africa

Tanzania South & Zanzibar

Africa 39

Tanzania & Zanzibar

DISCOVER MORE

Tanzania holidays offer the chance to explore stunning African plains, dramatic

mountains and the idyllic beaches of the Indian Ocean. There’s something for

everyone, from outgoing explorers on safari to a romantic break at a peaceful

beach resort – the incredible sunsets of the Zanzibar archipelago are calling.

From the 2.5-million-year-old

Ngorongoro Crater and the endless

safari options in the Serengeti to the

sun-kissed beaches of Zanzibar and

Pemba Island, Tanzania really does

have it all. With an air of mystery and

adventure, the ‘Spice Islands’ are the

perfect place to unwind after the thrill

of going on safari, with premier beach

resorts sitting on powder-soft sands.

MOUNT KILIMANJARO

Standing at 5,895 metres tall, and taking

around five days to climb to the summit, Mount

Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa. Even

if you don’t make it to the top, it’s still an

amazing sight to see.

KENYA

CONGO

TANZANIA

ZANZIBAR

ZAMBIA

MOZAMBIQUE

NGORONGORO CRATER

Formed 2.5 million years ago, the Ngorongoro

Crater covers 100 square miles of forest,

grassland, salt lake, springs and swamp. Some

25,000 large animals live here, including rhino,

hippo, elephant and lion.

STUNNING NATIONAL PARKS

Tanzania is studded with some of the world’s

most renowned conservation areas, from the

celebrated Serengeti to the unique Saadani

National Park, where the sea border means you

can watch both marine and mainland creatures.

FLY-IN SAFARI

Offering a fantastic introduction to the country

as you travel to your safari lodge by light

aircraft, these flights provide game viewing

from up high – you may even find a giraffe

on the runway when you come in to land.

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK

Around 11 hours direct

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT +3

CURRENCY

Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)

WHEN TO GO

The best wildlife-viewing months

in Tanzania are during the dry

season, from late June to October

(the wildebeest migration is in

June and July). The best time

to visit Zanzibar is between

August and October

VISA REQUIREMENTS

British citizens are required to purchase

a visa on arrival in Tanzania

African elephant

family

WILDLIFE WINS

Your chances of spotting the Big Five are

exceptionally high in Tanzania, not to mention

a host of other species that call it home. Time

your trip right and you’ll witness the thundering

hooves of 1.5 million wildebeest as they leave

the Serengeti during the Great Migration.

LUXURY LODGES

Stay in an opulent safari lodge that offers

excellent dining inspired by local cuisine.

For a more exclusive experience, head to

Thanda, an award-winning private island in the

Tanzanian archipelago where you’ll have your

own personal chef.

FIND ZEN IN ZANZIBAR

After experiencing an adrenaline-fuelled safari,

you’d be forgiven for seeking some relaxation

– and the picture-perfect paradise island of

Zanzibar beckons. Only a short flight away, this

white-sand archipelago is the ultimate retreat.


⊲



40

Africa

Tanzania South & Zanzibar

Africa 41

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

TOUR ITINERARY

ELEWANA SKY-SAFARI

TANZANIA

This eight-day journey encompasses

the baobab and elephant-dotted

landscape of Tarangire, the

breath-taking Ngorongoro Crater

and the world-renowned Serengeti

LUXURY TRAVELLER

Chauffeur-driven transfers, unique

accommodation and luxurious guest

amenities. You’ll receive exquisite service

from the moment you arrive.

WILDLIFE ENTHUSIAST

Tick off Tarangire, home to the largest

concentration of elephant in Tanzania;

the Ngorongoro Crater, where the Big

Five eagerly roam; and the Serengeti,

a UNESCO World Heritage Site and

host to one of nature’s most incredible

spectacles, the Great Migration.

FOODIE

Enjoy sensational food and drink, whether

it’s refreshments under a 1,000-year-old

baobab tree, ‘High Tea’ at an elegant

safari lodge, or extravagant bush meals

and magical sundowners in the Serengeti.

BELOW:

Cheetah

RIGHT:

See the Serengeti

from a hot-air

balloon

DISCOVER SOUTHERN

TANZANIA

This southern circuit fly-in itinerary

offers the opportunity to visit the

iconic Ruaha National Park and

Selous Game Reserve

DAY 1

Arrive into bustling Dar es Salaam,

and stay overnight at Dar es Salaam

Serena Hotel.

DAYS 2–4

Take a domestic flight to Ruaha National

Park, where you will stay at Jongomero

Camp for three nights. Ruaha, the largest

national park in Tanzania, offers an

extraordinary range of animals, plants

and birds due to the fact it contains a

unique transition zone, where eastern

and southern biomes intersect. Morning

and afternoon game drives will see you

observing great herds of elephant and

buffalo, and so much more.

DAYS 5–8

Fly on to Selous Game Reserve, a

UNESCO World Heritage Site, and

immerse yourself in unspoilt nature

at Siwandu Camp for three nights.

Choose to take an escorted bushwalk

for a chance to get close to nature and

learn about some of the reserve’s smaller

species, as well as its ecosystems and

flora. Take a cruise along Lake Nzerakera

for a memorable sundowner, as you

watch an array of animal life approach

the water’s edge.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

n Meet and greet

services

n Internal flights with

all airport fees and

taxes included

n All park fees and

government taxes

nFlying doctors

LUXURIOUS ESCAPES

TAKE IT EASY

After days spent roaming the plains and meeting the

local wildlife, retreat to Zanzibar’s shores for some

downtime. Our Destination Specialists can find

the hotel that’s your perfect match.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

WHERE TO STAY

HIGHLIGHTS OF

NORTHERN TANZANIA

Visit northern Tanzania’s iconic

national parks and explore

the town of Arusha during this

five-day escorted journey

FIRST-TIMER

Be sure to visit the must-see destinations

of Tanzania’s northern circuit, including

the Serengeti – a UNESCO World

Heritage Site and renowned for the

Great Migration.

ZANZIBAR

Zuri Zanzibar

ZANZIBAR

Park Hyatt Zanzibar

ZANZIBAR

Baraza Resort & Spa

WILDLIFE ENTHUSIAST

Morning and afternoon game drives in

Lake Manyara National Park (recognised

for its unique birdlife) and Serengeti

National Park (known for its vanishing

horizon and endless plains) will leave

you in awe. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the

Ngorongoro Crater, often described as

the world’s largest natural wildlife arena.

CULTURE SEEKER

Discover the town of Arusha, in a region

abundant with coffee, maize and banana

plantations. Enjoy lunch before heading

to Kilimanjaro airport.

In local language Swahili, ‘zuri’ means

‘beautiful’ – an insight into what awaits at

this idyllic retreat

uuuuu

The glistening turquoise Indian Ocean

welcomes you and is just one of the vibrant

colours found on this island. The private

white-sand beach of Zuri benefits from being

non tidal, which is unique in Zanzibar, and

the hotel also has a sensual spice garden

in which guests can take a cooking class

or simply relax.

A majestic location in Stone Town, direct

access to white-sand beaches, and a unique

dining concept with elegant restaurants

uuuuu

Step out to explore the rich culture of

Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Embrace the winding alleys, bustling markets

and ancient mosques of this enchanting area

before returning to the understated luxury of

the Park Hyatt Zanzibar. This five-star oasis

has an oceanfront infinity pool with spectacular

views of dhow harbours and the Indian Ocean.

Relax at the resort’s Frangipani Spa and

experience the ‘Sultans bath’, its signature

treatment for two

uuuuu

Baraza Resort & Spa, an all inclusive 30-villa

hotel, is recognised as one of Zanzibar’s

most exclusive boutique resorts. Each of

the spacious villas boasts its own plunge

pool and outdoor terrace, while interiors

showcase intricate Arabic, Swahili and Indian

architectural design. Experience genuine

Swahili hospitality at this Indian Ocean resort.



42

Africa

Rwanda South & Uganda

Africa 43

Rwanda & Uganda

Immerse yourself in lush rainforests

and rolling landscapes alive with

wildlife. Chimpanzees and gorillas

inhabit the vegetation, and trekking

to see them is a once-in-a-lifetime

opportunity. Home to a third of

the world’s mountain gorillas, the

region promises heart-stopping

adventure and wonderful

wildlife encounters.

TOUR ITINERARY

CONGO

SUDAN

UGANDA

GORILLAS THROUGH

THE MIST

Learn of Rwanda’s extraordinary

history and cherish a magical

opportunity to encounter mountain

gorillas in Volcanoes National Park

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK

Around 10–11 hours

TIME DIFFERENCE

Rwanda GMT +2

Uganda GMT +3

RWANDA

CURRENCY

Rwandan Franc (RWF)

Ugandan Shilling (UGX)

TANZANIA

WHEN TO GO

June to September is the long dry

season, with little or no rainfall

KENYA

VISA REQUIREMENTS

British citizens need to purchase a visa

for Rwanda, either before departing the

UK or on arrival in Rwanda. A visa for

Uganda must be purchased prior to travel

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

A GLANCE

AT GORILLAS

Explore Uganda’s national parks in search of mountain gorillas on a unique

adventure that will stay with you for a lifetime

Venture through Uganda’s diverse

landscapes, as you track mountain

gorillas in the misty rainforests of Bwindi

Impenetrable National Park.

CULTURE SEEKER

Pass through the beautiful countryside,

towns and villages, take a community

walk to meet the locals and enjoy

live evening entertainment around

the campfire.

NATURE LOVER

Uganda is a nature lover’s paradise. You’ll

spend your days visiting volcanic lakes

and cascading waterfalls, exploring fresh

green forests and driving across dusty

savannahs in search of wildlife.

TREKKER

Treasure an encounter with Bwindi’s

endangered mountain gorillas, observing

these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

n One gorilla

tracking permit

per person

n Domestic flight

from Kihihi airstrip

to Entebbe airport

n Private safari

vehicle with

a driver

n All entrance fees

OPPOSITE:

A gorilla in Rwanda

TOP, FROM LEFT:

A sleeping lion

in Uganda;

chimpanzee in

Rwanda; grey

crowned crane

in Uganda;

Volcanoes National

Park

DAY 1

Arrive in Kigali and travel to the Virunga

Conservation Area, and enjoy time

visiting the local markets and villages.

DAY 2

Prepare for what is often described

as the most profound natural history

experience in the world, as your day

begins with a briefing by the Volcanoes

National Park guides. Follow the lead

of your ranger as you trek through the

rainforest until you find yourself in the

presence of a mountain gorilla family.

On returning from your trek, enjoy lunch

at your hotel.

DAY 3

Visit the Genocide Museum, uncover

the country’s history and learn how

events have shaped the lives of

Rwandans today.

We understand that booking and

planning a journey is a special craft.

We know our destinations inside out,

which means we have the perfect

tools and experience needed to create

the best journeys. Our Destination

Specialists can help you plan your dream

itinerary. Get in touch to find out how.



44

Africa

Ethiopia

45

NEW DESTINATION

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Ethiopia

Surrounded by verdant mountains

– arguably the most dramatic in

Africa – this fascinating country

has developed a religion, calendar

and language all of its own. Explore

its many treasures, from the 13thcentury

rock-hewn churches of

Lalibela and the medieval castle at

Gondar, to the holy city of Harar and

Axum, said to be the resting place

of the Ark of the Covenant.

SUDAN

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK

Around 8 hours direct to Addis Ababa

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT +3

ETHIOPIA

KENYA

CURRENCY

Ethiopian Birr (ETB)

SAUDI

ARABIA

YEMEN

SOMALIA

WHEN TO GO

High season is October to March,

although there are great experiences

available in the off season

VISA REQUIREMENTS


for travel to Ethiopia



ON THE MAP: ETHIOPIA

Ethiopia is the newest destination in our portfolio

Rich with history, soul and beautifully

meshed cultures, Ethiopia truly is

a facet of Africa you’ll never forget –

home to epic landscapes, a legacy of

incredible architecture and a vibrant

food scene that’s now loved worldwide.

This is an African nation like no other,

perfect for curious travellers with a taste

for true adventure.

From green hills to sandy valleys and

the colourful cauldron of the volcanic

Danakil Depression, you won’t find

landscapes much more dramatic than

those of Ethiopia. Spectacular mountain

panoramas, untouched valleys and

towering rock formations make up this

largely undiscovered country. Must-see

natural sights include the famous Blue

Nile Falls and Ethiopia’s largest lake, Lake

Tana, which features 37 islands. Simien

Mountains National Park boasts unique

wildlife and a stunning landscape shaped

by nature and traditional agriculture.

Fusing a unique blend of African and

Middle Eastern influences, Ethiopia is

home to some of the oldest Christian

and Islamic communities in the world.

Visit and admire ancient places of

worship that have stood for years on

the country’s cliffs and hilltops, including

UNESCO World Heritage Sites Lalibela,

Gondar and Axum, once the ancient

capital of Ethiopia and, according to

legend, home to the Queen of Sheba.

Ethiopian flavours are loved all

over the world for good reason – try

traditional local coffee in the rustic

cafés of capital Addis Ababa, or head

to the Merkato, said to be the largest

open-air market in Africa, in search of

spices and delicious street food.

While Ethiopia isn’t the most traditional

of African wildlife destinations, it offers

a totally unrivalled experience when it

comes to local species. Nowhere else

will you get the chance to look out for

the extremely rare Ethiopian wolf or

the elegant walia ibex in their mountain

habitats – the colourful birdlife is

extraordinary, too.

OPPOSITE:

The Simien

Mountains

CLOCKWISE,

FROM ABOVE:

The cross-shaped

church of Bete

Giyorgis; the gelada

‘baboon’ is a species

of monkey found

only in the Ethiopian

Highlands; local

coffee beans

DISCOVER ETHIOPIA

In a fascinating country that’s rich

in history and culture, this nine-day

itinerary will provide an enlightening

experience, introducing you to

its natural wonders, wildlife and

historic masterpieces

DAYS 1–3

Take a boat ride on Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s

largest lake. Visit the monasteries of Ura

Kidane Mihret and Azwa Mariam, and

observe the treasures and paintings

of scenes of biblical lore. Take a short

hike from the small town of Tis Abay to

discover the famous Blue Nile Falls.

DAYS 4–5

A morning drive will take you to Gondar,

the 17th- and 18th-century capital of

Ethiopia and popularly known as the

‘Camelot of Africa’. Here you’ll have the

chance to visit six castles, including the

magnificent Fasiledes Castle. The next

day, a visit to Simien Mountains National

Park reveals its varied flora and the most

colourful endemic mammals in Ethiopia.

DAY 6

Explore Axum, once the ancient capital of

Ethiopia. According to local legend, it was

home to the Queen of Sheba and is the

current resting place of the Ark of the

Covenant. A city tour includes a visit to

the Archaeological Museum of Axum

and the Cathedral of St. Mary of Zion.

DAYS 7–9

Often dubbed the ‘Eighth Wonder of the

World’, Lalibela’s abundance of churches

high in the Lasta Mountains is an

exceptional sight. The following day,

visit a second group of churches at

Yimerhane Kirstos, including the

intriguing cross-shaped church of Bete

Giyorgis (St. George), which is said to

symbolise Noah’s Ark. Before your

departure, enjoy a tour of Addis Ababa,

including the city’s National Museum,

Trinity Cathedral and vast open-air

marketplace, Addis Merkato.

Add the five-day Ethiopia Wildlife

Extension and you’ll get to visit the Bale

Mountains National Park, where an array

of wildlife awaits, including mountain

nyala, Menelik bushbuck, warthogs

and many bird species, such as the

Abyssinian catbird, Abyssinian long-eared

owl and white-backed black tit. Ascend

the Bale massif onto the Sanetti Plateau

in search of the Ethiopian wolf. Get in

touch to find out how to extend your trip.

46


47

NORTH AFRICA

& THE

MIDDLE EAST

48 Morocco

50 Oman

52 Jordan

54 Dubai, Abu Dhabi

& Qatar

Welcome to a magical land. Camp under desert stars, float on

the salt-heavy waters of the Dead Sea and visit some of the

world’s most glittering cities. Choose from tours that delve into

history and culture, allowing you to really experience local life, or

short city stopovers among ultra-modern skylines and world-class

developments. As a global hub the region is a gateway to the rest of the

world. So, what are you waiting for? Unimaginable treasures, dramatic

landscapes and awesome adventures await.

Renowned for its ultra-modern cityscape and luxe attractions, the desert city of Dubai is rooted in

tradition too. Take it easy in one of our hand-picked hotels, then head out into the dunes for unexpected

adventures and a taste of Bedouin culture.

EXPERT

ADVICE

See two cities on

our Dubai and Abu

Dhabi multi centre

trip, or stopover

in one on a global

adventure



48 North Africa & the Middle East

Morocco 49

TOUR ITINERARY

Morocco

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

Combining bustling Marrakech, the port

of Essaouira and a desert experience

under the stars, this private tour

showcases Morocco’s past and present

Magnificent mountain ranges,

endless miles of mesmerising

desert, rich culture, ancient

history and very hospitable

residents. Morocco is an eclectic

fusion of Arabic and African

culture, alive with vibrant cities

and trimmed with pristine

golden beaches, making it

the ideal place to combine

exploration and relaxation.

DAYS 1–2: ESSAOUIRA

A lively coastal city with Portuguese and

Moroccan architecture; spend two nights at

Heure Bleue Palais, in the heart of the medina.

DAY 3: SCARABEO STONE DESERT CAMP

En route to the Agafay Desert you’ll visit the

famous Melia family’s vineyard, Val d’Argan, in

Chiadma, enjoying a tour of the vineyard and

lunch. In the evening, sleep underneath the

stars at Scarabeo Stone Desert Camp.

DAYS 4–7: MARRAKECH

Embark on an afternoon guided tour of the

city to visit some of its oldest quarters, passing

ancient fountains and historical gates, before

admiring the sunset.

SPAIN

Marrakech market

We know our destinations inside out, which

means we have the experience needed

to create the best journeys – just ask our

Destination Specialists how they can help

MOROCCO

ALGERIA

The port of Essaouira

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK

Around 3 hours and 30 minutes

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT +2

CURRENCY

Moroccan Dirham (MAD)

MARRAKECH

La Maison Arabe

Learn to cook traditional Moroccan dishes by

joining a cooking class at the hotel

ESSAOUIRA

Heure Bleue Palais

Recently renovated and a member of the

prestigious Relais & Châteaux association

WHEN TO GO

The best time to visit is from March to

May, or from September to November

VISA REQUIREMENTS


obtain a visa to visit Morocco

Saffron (zafrane), paprika

(felfla hlouwa) and other

spices scent the souks

uuuuu

Since opening in 1946, the hotel has achieved

a legendary status in Marrakech, hosting

celebrity guests such as Queen Ingrid of

Denmark, Jackie Kennedy and Winston

Churchill. Set out in the style of a riad, a

welcoming atmosphere greets you along with

exclusive, luxury facilities that are full of charm.

uuuuu

A former 19th-century riad, today Heure Bleue

Palais is a boutique hotel situated in the

heart of Essaouira’s medina, maintaining an

authentic Moroccan charm and decor. Several

different restaurants are on offer, and a visit

to the Oriental Restaurant is recommended.

Experience exotic flavours of classic Moroccan

cuisine with the choice to dine al fresco in the

inner courtyard.

Desert experience



50


Oman 51

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Oman

Undertake an Arabian adventure as

you explore the striking landscapes

of Oman. From the vast dunes of

Wahiba Sands to the Jebel Akhdar

Mountains and the sandy shores

and azure waters of Salalah.

Famous for its geological wonders

and strong sense of culture and

identity, Oman’s Bedouin charms

and values are still in place today.

Caption to go in

hereEcest as ea

quamus aut

HIGHLIGHTS OF OMAN

This four-night itinerary is the perfect

introduction to Oman

CULTURE

Oman maintains authentic Arabian traditions,

and the Omani people are incredibly hospitable

– find out for yourself in a Bedouin village. Visit

the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Royal

Opera House, and explore the Muttrah Souk,

one of the oldest souks in the Arab world.

ADVENTURE

Trek in the Jebel Akhdar mountains, race

over the rugged landscape on an off-road

experience or camp under the stars in

the desert.

BEACH LIFE

Oman has a spectacular coastline with many

five-star hotels dotted along the beachfronts.

Enjoy fine dining and exquisite cuisine, as well

as recognised spa brands during your stay.

UAE

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

If you’ve got questions, or there’s something

you’re not sure about when it comes to

booking, simply talk to us and we’ll take care

of everything. All you have to do is travel.

SAUDI

ARABIA

OMAN

YEMEN

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK



TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT +4

CURRENCY

Omani Rial (OMR)

WHEN TO GO

The weather is at its most pleasant from

October through to April, when the heat

of summer has died down

VISA REQUIREMENTS

British citizens will need to purchase

a visa on arrival in Oman

Sunrise on the Jebel

Akhdar, Oman

MUSCAT

The Chedi Muscat

Lounge by the Middle East’s longest pool,

measuring an astonishing 103 meters

uuuuu

Centrally located, yet beautifully secluded

within an elegantly landscaped garden

oasis, The Chedi Muscat is perfect both for

exploring the unique attractions of Oman

and for relaxing on a beach holiday. The

serene waters of the Gulf of Oman are on its

doorstep, a myriad of cuisines offer a journey

of discovery for gourmets, and true Arabian

hospitality greets guests.

SALALAH

Al Baleed Resort Salalah

by Anantara

Private 250-metre beach

Visit Al Baleed Archaeological Park

Cinema under the stars

uuuuu

With white-sand beaches, lush gardens and

unobstructed ocean views over the Arabian

Sea, Al Baleed Resort allows you to truly

switch off amid total tranquillity and serenity.

Perfect for a post-tour beach stay and easily

accessible by a direct flight from Muscat,

Doha or Dubai, experience an undiscovered

region of culture and heritage at this beautiful

desert oasis.

The Royal Opera House




52

Jordan

53

Jordan

Explore the lost city of Petra, camp

under desert skies, see the biblical

sites of Mount Nebo, or float on the

salt-laden waters of the Dead Sea.

A journey to Jordan is a journey

through time, and one that will

awaken your senses and bring

out the adventurer inside you.

SYRIA

ISRAEL

EGYPT

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK

Around 5 hours direct from London

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT +3

JORDAN

CURRENCY

Jordanian Dinar (JOD)

SAUDI

ARABIA

WHEN TO GO

For cooler temperatures in the high

teens, visit from March to May

VISA REQUIREMENTS

British citizens will need to purchase

a visa on arrival in Jordan



TOUR: BEST FOR FIRST-TIMERS

THE WONDERS

OF JORDAN

This tour is ideal for first-time travellers to Jordan seeking to explore all

the destination’s treasures, from the ancient city of Jerash to the famous

lost city of Petra and the sandy shores of the Red Sea

This journey starts in Amman, Jordan’s

capital city, where you can explore

the citadel, temples, churches and

museums before travelling to the eastern

desert to visit the ‘Desert Castles’ –

including Qasr Azraq, where Lawrence

of Arabia lived and wrote part of his

autobiography Seven Pillars of Wisdom.

To the north is Jerash, the bestpreserved

Roman city in the Middle East.

In Madaba discover the impressive

Basilica of St. George, where the floor

features a remarkable sixth-century

mosaic map that’s made up of over two

million pieces. To this day, it represents

the oldest map of Palestine in existence

and depicts all the major biblical sites of

the Middle East, from Egypt to Palestine.

On this trip you’ll see some of these for

yourself: at Mount Nebo you’ll stand

on the site where Moses is said to have

looked out over the Promised Land.

Later, visit the lost city of Petra –

discovered by Lawrence of Arabia when

he was searching for the source of the

Nile – a rose-red city carved into the

DID YOU

KNOW?

Although ‘lost’ for

hundreds of years,

Petra was built

around the third

century BC

OPPOSITE:

The lost city of Petra

TOP:

Discover the ancient

city of Jerash

ABOVE:

Floating in the

Dead Sea

rock. Continue to the city of Aqaba,

situated on the Red Sea, and relax

for a day. Nearby is the Jordan River,

where Jesus was baptised. Then head

to the Dead Sea, where you can float

effortlessly in the soothing salty waters.

We create unique, individual and


find out how our Destination Specialists

can create the perfect holiday for you.

54


Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Qatar

55

Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Qatar

Perfect ports of call for year-round

sun, these glittering Emirati cities

and the state of Qatar boast

gleaming skyscrapers and golden

beaches paired with modest

mosques and Arabian markets.

If you want to extend your journey,

they make ideal stopovers en route

to other countries around the world.

QATAR

DUBAI

ABU

DHABI

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK

Around 7 hours

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT +4

CURRENCY

Dirham (AED) / Qatari Riyal (QAR)

WHEN TO GO

The coolest temperatures are from

November to April

VISA REQUIREMENTS


a visa to visit Dubai or Abu Dhabi, but

will need to purchase one for Qatar on

arrival, only payable by credit card



SPECTACULAR CITIES

Ultra-luxurious resorts, towering skyscrapers and exquisite Islamic architecture

ABU DHABI

Home to one of the largest and grandest

mosques in the world, Abu Dhabi is fast

becoming a modern, cultural hub with

ground-breaking attractions such as

Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld –

proving quite a contrast to its authentic,

historical backdrop. We love this

beachfront haven for its luxury hotels,

upmarket dining and stunning views

across the ocean. Gently shift from

vibrant shopping in the markets and

souks, to a peaceful canoe trip down

the eastern mangroves. Every day in

Abu Dhabi is different.

DUBAI

Holidays in Dubai are a must for

seekers of indulgence. This desert

city features some of the world’s best

luxury hotels, spas, restaurants and

shopping. Head up the tallest building

in the world, the 828-metre-high Burj

Khalifa, the symbol of Dubai. Later, visit

Palm Jumeirah – a man-made

archipelago that’s shaped like a palm

tree and visible from space. Children

will love Dubai, too. KidZania, an indoor

city where they can learn life skills

through role play and activities,

is a must-do.

OPPOSITE:

The Burj Al Arab

Jumeirah, Dubai

TOP:

The soaring Burj

Khalifa in Dubai

ABOVE, FROM LEFT:

The beach at

Saadiyat Island

in Abu Dhabi; the

Sheikh Zayed Grand

Mosque, Abu Dhabi;

Qatar’s ultra-modern

cityscape

QATAR

Located in the heart of the Arabian

Peninsula, Qatar is the wealthiest nation

on earth – albeit one of the smallest.

This is clear when you drive through

the shining streets of the capital, Doha;

virtually non-existent 50 years ago, it’s

now a major world city. From the sand

dunes stretching 60 metres into the air

to the crystal-clear waters of the inland

sea, there’s truly no better place to

watch a sunset.

Find out more about our tours and hotels ⊲


Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Qatar 57

EXPERT

ADVICE

Make a pit stop at

Ferrari World in Abu

Dhabi to ride the world’s

fastest rollercoaster,

Formula Rossa

STOPOVER

BREAK

UP THE

JOURNEY

With dazzling cities, luxurious hotels, desert

adventures and gorgeous sandy beaches

– not to mention well-connected airports –

a Middle East stopover is so much more than

a few hours spent in the airport. You might just

tick off a bucket-list experience or two, and

stopovers can really help with jet lag as well.

Whether you’d like to stop in Dubai en route

to the Maldives, or Abu Dhabi on your way to

Australia, we can plan a bespoke itinerary to

suit your needs.

DUBAI

The Oberoi, Dubai

Internationally acclaimed personable service

to every customer, from in-room check-in to

private butlers, in all room types

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The Oberoi, Dubai is a leading luxury hotel in

Downtown Dubai, offering spectacular views

of the Dubai Canal, Burj Khalifa and Persian

Gulf. Personalised butler service, spacious

accommodation, complimentary transfers to

Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa, exquisite cuisine

and a desirable pool are some of the most

tempting reasons to stay in this centrally

located hotel.

ABU DHABI

The St. Regis Saadiyat

Island Resort

Exclusive dining experiences include

the Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi

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Set on Saadiyat Island on the Arabian Gulf,

this hotel showcases a wealth of opulence.

The rooms combine Mediterranean-influenced

architecture with private balconies that

overlook the breath-taking resort grounds

or picturesque cerulean waters. Rivalling the

Indian Ocean, the Gulf’s white-washed sands

and turquoise waters attract an abundance

of captivating marine life, including turtles

and dolphins.

DOHA

The St. Regis Doha

Stunning beachfront location

Signature St. Regis Butler Service

World-class Remède Spa

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With butler service as standard in all room

types, and a beautifully appointed range

of fine-dining options, there is little wonder

we love this resort so much. Located in West

Bay and with a private beach, two Gordon

Ramsey restaurants and an exceptional spa,

The St. Regis Doha is ideal for short breaks

and long stays.

DUBAI

Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort

Stay in the only overwater villas within

the United Arab Emirates

400 metres of private shoreline

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Located on the famed Palm Jumeirah, this

resort redefines beachfront luxury. Indulge

in an exclusive beach escape, with a private

shoreline and views of the Arabian Gulf.

Admire Asian influences as you relax

beside one of three lagoons. And discover

a profusion of global cuisines, including

custom culinary journeys with Anantara’s

Dining by Design programme.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi

DUBAI

One&Only Royal Mirage

The Palace

A regal presence amid beautifully landscaped

gardens, overlooking a private beachfront,

just minutes away from Dubai Marina

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Originally built as a palace, here the grandeur

and mystique of Old Arabia is presented in

mesmerising splendour. Look out towards

the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf as

you lounge by the idyllic pools and enjoy

extraordinary cuisine, from Middle Eastern

and Mediterranean to Moroccan flavours.

Explore beyond the hotel to Dubai Marina

and discover unrivalled shopping and

world-renowned restaurants.

ABU DHABI

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi,

Grand Canal

Views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Live entertainment dining experiences

Bedouin-inspired spa

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The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal

combines modern elegance with rich

traditions, boasting a private beach and one

of Abu Dhabi’s largest outdoor pools. Engage

the senses while admiring twilight views of

the Grand Mosque, or listen to live music

while watching the theatre of chefs preparing

Lebanese cuisine. Take a walk through the

Venetian Village to discover even more

dining options.

DOHA

Banana Island Resort Doha

by Anantara

Private-island resort

Overwater villas

Incredible activities – perfect for families

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A luxury catamaran ferry crosses crystal-clear

water from Doha to reach a breath-taking

island that feels a world away. Banana Island

Resort Doha by Anantara offers a luxury

getaway in the Arabian Gulf, combining Thai

and Qatari hospitality. A unique sanctuary, it

features unrivalled facilities such as a surfing

pool, cinema and bowling alley.



58

Indian Ocean

59

EXPERT

ADVICE

Add a relaxing Indian

Ocean beach holiday

on to your Sri Lankan

adventure – just ask

our Destination

Specialists how

INDIAN

OCEAN

60 Maldives

You’ll find peace and tranquillity on the tropical

islands of paradise that grace the Indian Ocean,

scattered like pearls across its sparking blue seas.

From overwater villas in the Maldives to Mauritius’

melting pot of cuisine and culture, a holiday here

is a truly indulgent experience. And with so much to

explore, why stop at just one island? Island hopping

will let you take in more of this diverse region, all

perfectly planned by our Destination Specialists.

So you can just sit back, relax and sink your toes

into sugar-soft sands.

64 Seychelles

68 Mauritius

While away the time with the azure seas and skies of the Seychelles as a soothing

backdrop. Pair with a stop in a shimmering city on our Abu Dhabi and Seychelles

multi centre holiday.



60 Indian Ocean

Maldives

61

Maldives

A barefoot paradise like nowhere

else on earth. The Maldives exudes

luxury with once-in-a-lifetime

experiences. From fine dining on

perfect white sands to exploring an

underwater world with unparalleled

diving and snorkelling. Start your

love affair with the Maldives with an

unforgettable bird’s-eye view of the

atolls as you arrive by seaplane.

EXPERT

ADVICE

If you’re not a diver

but want to explore

the ocean, choose

an island with its

own house reef

MALE

DESERT ISLAND BLISS

A barefoot paradise surrounded by turquoise sea

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK

Around 10 hours and

30 minutes

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT +5

CURRENCY

US Dollars (USD)

WHEN TO GO

The best weather is between

November and April

VISA REQUIREMENTS

British citizens will need to obtain

a tourist visa on arrival, allowing a

maximum of 30 days in the Maldives

Fall asleep listening to the lapping

of the waves of the Indian Ocean

beneath you, or experience undersea

restaurants featuring gourmet menus.

The Maldives is home to 26 atolls, with

its many islands hosting just one hotel

each. You’ll find some of the world’s best

and most picturesque hotels here, many

offering overwater villas.

ISLAND HOPPING

With so many luxury resorts offering

relaxing facilities and first-class dining

experiences, why stop at one destination?

WATER ACTIVITIES

A water-based wonderland, the Maldives

has something for everyone. Try water

skiing or windsurfing, snorkel amid

colourful fish close to shore or explore

world-famous reefs, and take a canoe

or catamaran across tranquil lagoons.

OPPOSITE:

Aerial view of

the Maldives

TOP: Idyllic

North Male Atoll

ABOVE, FROM LEFT:

Explore by kayak;

snorkel house

reefs; sunset at

the Emerald

Maldives hotel

FAMILY

A famously romantic destination, the

Maldives encompasses many islands

that are also perfect for families. Splash

through waterfalls and take a cruise on

a traditional dhoni as the sun sets.

ULTIMATE RELAXATION

Stay in world-class hotels where you can

arrive in ultimate style via a seaplane

or speedboat.



62 Indian Ocean

Maldives

63

EXPERT

ADVICE

Travel to your

castaway island resort

by seaplane for a

bird’s-eye view of

paradise below

SOUTH MALE ATOLL

LHAVIYANI ATOLL

LHAVIYANI ATOLL

SOUTH MALE ATOLL

WHERE TO STAY

HOTEL

HEAVEN

With just one hotel per island, hotels in the

Maldives are truly unique. Relax on white-sand

beaches, or snooze by your very own pool.

Ask our Destination Specialists to recommend

the right choice for you

OZEN by Atmosphere at Maadhoo

The Atmosphere Indulgence all inclusive

meal plan ensures complete flexibility when

it comes to dining on your holiday

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With 90 standalone villas, OZEN epitomises

lifestyle luxury. This tranquil island offers a

unique holiday plan for the ultimate hasslefree

stay. Indulge yourself with the option

to dine around in fine-dining restaurants,

including its underwater restaurant, and

sip premium branded spirits – including

a Hayes & Jarvis signature cocktail in the

Maldives’ first exclusive gin bar, ‘Gin is In’.

Hurawalhi Island Resort

Adults-only resort

Dine at 5.8 undersea restaurant

Snorkel in the spectacular house reef

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Surrounded by a beautiful lagoon, an excellent

house reef and long stretches of sandy beach,

this getaway paradise is pure bliss. The

resort’s 90 villas, some with private pools

over the water, are perfectly positioned along

the beachfront.

Kuredu Island Resort & Spa

Large island with a range of activities

Golf course and driving range

Sangu wine cellar

uuuuPLUS

Stretches of white-sand beach and a beautiful

turquoise lagoon characterise this extensive

island where you’ll find a treasure trove of

experiences. There are plenty of restaurants

to choose from, as well as a range of activities,

whether you’re an avid golfer, diver or enjoy

sports like football, tennis and badminton.

Anantara Veli Maldives Resort

Beachfront infinity pool

Overwater Baan Huraa Thai restaurant

Dining by Design programme

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Discover chic simplicity in a charming

adult-only tropical setting. Experience the

ultimate in relaxation at the Ayurvedic spa,

which provides a holistic approach to health

and wellbeing, and retreat to your overwater

villa where a spectacular plethora of marine

life swims beneath you. You’ll also have access

to the facilities at the sister resort.

RAA ATOLL

SOUTH MALE ATOLL

NORTH MALE ATOLL

RAA ATOLL

SOUTH ARI ATOLL

Emerald Maldives

Jumeirah Vittaveli

VARU by Atmosphere

Reethi Faru

LUX* South Ari Atoll

One of the Leading Hotels of the World

Brand-new deluxe all inclusive resort

Large, spacious beach and water villas

Freestanding ocean suites

House reef

Jumeirah ice rink – the first of its kind

Brand-new all inclusive resort

Contemporary Maldivian design

Enjoy unlimited snorkelling excursions

Eco-friendly resort

Be pampered in the Coconut Spa

Dine over the water at Dhiyavaru Restaurant

Private and modern villas

Extensive selection of fine-dining restaurants

Great resort to snorkel with whale sharks

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This brand-new resort perfectly blends

contemporary luxury with the natural

environment to create an idyllic sanctuary in

the Indian Ocean. Take time out in the Emerald

Spa, sample the cuisine in the three à la carte

restaurants or enjoy an unforgettable sunset

dinner on the beach.

This luxurious retreat has 89 villas and suites,

each with its own pool, along with unique

freestanding ocean suites located just a

short distance from the main island. Fantastic

leisure and wellness facilities include a

PADI Five Star Dive Centre, Talise Spa and

four restaurants.

Located in the North Male Atoll, the brand-new

VARU by Atmosphere resort is just a 40-minute

speedboat ride from Malé. Experience warm

hospitality and five-star service on your arrival,

with the VARU Plan including all dining,

premium beverages and unlimited cocktails

– as well as complimentary activities and

spa treatments.

With idyllic swaying palms and coral sands,

Reethi Faru is a one-of-a-kind paradise.

Throughout the property you’ll find Maldivianstyle

villas, each with a private terrace so

you can really unwind. Take advantage of

the PADI Five Star Dive Centre to explore the

surrounding reefs, or simply relax in the spa

and wellness retreat.

From its authentic thatched-roof beach

pavilions to the luxurious privacy of its

water villas, LUX* offers unspoilt island

living with pristine white sands and

spectacular ocean views. Make the most

of your stay by indulging in the famous

LUX* Me Spa or take an unforgettable

excursion to swim with whale sharks.

Sunset at Emerald Resort, Maldives



64 Indian Ocean Seychelles 65

Seychelles

Home to miles of untouched shores

and exotic flora and fauna, the

Seychelles boasts exclusivity, luxury

and privacy across its 115 remote

islands. Explore hidden waterfalls set

in the heart of tropical forests, stroll

along pristine beaches and gaze

upon the famous naturally sculpted

granite boulders.

PRASLIN ISLAND

Voted one of the top 10

beaches in the world, Anse

Lazio on Praslin Island is a

must-see. Explore the Vallée

de Mai Nature Reserve and

spot the rare black parrot.

Play golf on pristine greens

at the Constance Lémuria

while surrounded by stunning

views, or relax at its U Spa.

LA DIGUE

On an island where motorised

vehicles are replaced by pedal

bikes, take to two wheels and

cycle through the tiny town,

passing charming restaurants

and shops as you go. Follow

the coastline to L’Union

Estate to feed the island’s

oldest residents, the Aldabra

giant tortoises.

MAHÉ

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK

Around 11 hours; indirect flights via

Europe or the Middle East from the UK

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT +4

CURRENCY

Seychelles Rupee (SCR)

WHEN TO GO

Visit between April and May, or October

and November

VISA REQUIREMENTS


a visa to visit the Seychelles

Anse Source d’Argent,

La Digue

SILHOUETTE ISLAND

Marvel at spectacular views

above and below the Indian

Ocean from a glass-bottomed

boat before heading to

Silhouette Island. Surrounded

by coral barrier reefs and pure

white beaches, it’s an ideal

spot for snorkelling or diving.

MAHÉ ISLAND

Experience island bliss with

unspoilt beaches and lush

green palms on Mahé, where

you’ll also find the country’s

capital, Victoria. Wander

through the market, taste the

mouth-watering fresh fruit on

offer and pick up souvenirs.

Snorkel with whale sharks,

or relax on one of the many

stretches of stunning coastline.

Stay at Constance Ephelia,

where eight zip-line trails set

amid indigenous forest with

gorges, rocky outcrops and

views across Port Launay make

for an exhilarating experience.



66 Indian Ocean

Seychelles

67

EXPERT

ADVICE

From Praslin Island,

daytrip to La Digue by

ferry to visit one of the

most dazzling beaches

in the world, Anse

Source d’Argent

WHERE TO STAY

CASTAWAY

Whether you choose to stay at a small hotel with a boutique

feel or a thriving resort with everything at your fingertips,

our Destination Specialists know just the place for you

MAHÉ ISLAND

MAIA Seychelles Resort & Spa

All villa resort, all with private pools

Dedicated butler service

Beyond All Inclusive package

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Located on a private peninsula among lush

gardens and porcelain-white sands, MAIA

Seychelles is the ultimate luxury escape –

from its panoramic private pool villas with

dedicated butler service to its Whatever,

Wherever, Whenever dining concept,

encouraging off-menu requests and exactlyas-you-like-it

dishes. Create unforgettable

memories with a helicopter ride to an

uninhabited island or snorkel with turtles.

TOUR ITINERARY

SEYCHELLES

BOUTIQUE CRUISE

Made for exploring by sea, the

Seychelles offers white-sand

beaches, UNESCO World Heritage

Sites and incredible wildlife. As

you cast away, enjoy a deck-side

barbecue, or dip into the on-board

spa for some seaside pampering

DAYS 1–2: ST. ANNE

Set sail after your welcome cocktail

and visit the unspoilt islands of St. Anne

and Curieuse – a former leper colony,

it is now home to the famous Aldabra

giant tortoise.

DAYS 3–4: PRASLIN ISLAND

View the incredible bird sanctuary on

Cousin Island before sailing to one of

the most famous beaches in the world,

Anse Lazio on Praslin Island.

PRASLIN ISLAND

Constance Lémuria

All suite and villa hotel

Intimate and private

U Spa by Constance

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DAYS 5–6: FELICITÉ

Leave Praslin for an afternoon sail to

Felicité before discovering the quaint

community on La Digue. There, visit

a traditional coconut oil mill and the

colonial plantation house.

DAYS 7–8: MOYENNE ISLAND

Take a tour around Moyenne Island,

then enjoy a beach barbecue and one

last chance to swim in the turquoise

waters before heading back to Mahé.

Constance Lémuria is an ultimate tropical

paradise, surrounded by three secluded

beaches, offering first-class service, excellent

facilities and three incredible restaurants. Play

a round on the 18-hole Championship Golf

Course, rejuvenate your body in the U Spa

by Constance and, if you’re lucky, witness

hawksbill sea turtles hatching on the beach.

Constance Lémuria

Desroches Island

WHAT’S INCLUDED

n Full board

n English-speaking

cruise escort

n Use of fishing

and snorkelling

equipment






68 Indian Ocean

Mauritius

69

12-DAY MULTI-STOP TOUR

Mauritius

With a rich culture comprising

Indian, French, Creole and Chinese

influences, and home to tropical

landscapes that span junglecovered

mountains and white-sand

beaches, Mauritius is the ultimate

island paradise in the heart of the

Indian Ocean. Its colonial history

and heritage make this a great

place to experience, all to the

rhythm of the Sega dance.

REUNION

MAURITIUS

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK

Around 12 hours; direct flights from

the UK

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT +4

RODRIGUES

DISCOVER MORE

In this tropical paradise, white-sand beaches, shallow lagoons

and stunning landscapes are waiting to be discovered

MAURITIUS, REUNION &

RODRIGUES ISLANDS

DAYS 1–5: MAURITIUS

Famed for having some of the finest luxury

resorts in the world, Mauritius’ diverse and

friendly culture and spectacular coastline

make it a destination not to be missed.

Whether it’s enjoying traditional Creole

cuisine and music, taking in a spot of

shopping in lively Grand Baie, unwinding

on a sunset catamaran cruise or soaking

up the sun on one of the many beautiful

beaches, you’ll experience the best of

island life here.

DAYS 6–9: REUNION ISLAND

Fly 45 minutes from Mauritius to the

island paradise of Reunion Island. From

world-class diving and snorkelling to

hiking the magnificent mountainous

terrain, Reunion has plenty to offer.

Visit untouched waterfalls and the

island’s UNESCO-listed landscape of

peaks and craters, where the giant of

the island stirs, the Piton de la Fournaise

volcano. Amazing views reward explorers.

DAYS 10–12: RODRIGUES ISLAND

The rhythmic sound of lapping

waves against the white-sand shores

encapsulates the slow, laid-back

atmosphere of Rodrigues Island. Only

a 90-minute flight from Mauritius, it is

the smallest island of the Mascarene

archipelago, surrounded by a pictureperfect

lagoon and protected islets. Step

back in time at the weekly market, wander

coastal paths that stretch to the hills and

meander to the sea, and dive the famous

La Passe St. François.

CURRENCY

Mauritian Rupee (MUR )

WHEN TO GO

The best time to visit is from December

to April

VISA REQUIREMENTS


a visa to visit Mauritius

This island paradise has plenty to

offer the experience-thirsty family or

relaxation-ready couple. Take it easy on

idyllic beaches, dip into calm waters or

dive into underwater life. Stop in one of

the island’s markets, where the enticing

scent of dholl puri, a split-pea pancake

filled with spicy Creole tomato sauce,

drifts through the warm air. At night, feast

on fresh seafood cooked in turmeric and

chilli and watch a lively Sega dance.

REUNION & RODRIGUES ISLANDS

For the ultimate escape, pair a holiday

in Mauritius with a visit to Reunion or

Rodrigues Islands, both just a short

flight away. Reunion is like a world tour

in one destination, with a variety of

cultures all wrapped up in its stunning

UNESCO-listed volcanic landscape.

Peaks, craters and ramparts offer some

great adventures, or set out in canoes

or kayaks. On Rodrigues, known for its

biodiversity, visit precious island reserves

where bird and plant life flourish. Soak

up the laid-back way of life and visit the

market on Saturday when wonderful

fresh produce is on display. For divers,

La Passe St. François is a must, teeming

with exotic fish, turtles and rays.

OPPOSITE:

Le Morne, Mauritius

ABOVE: Tekoma

Boutik Hotel,

Mauritius

TOP, FROM LEFT:

Zilwa Attitude,

Mauritius;

LUX* Saint Gilles,

Reunion Island



Indian Ocean

70 71

Mauritius

EXPERT

ADVICE

Take a catamaran

cruise to explore

nearby islands,

go snorkelling and

tuck into a tasty

barbecue

WHERE TO STAY

ISLAND

LIFE

Year-round sunshine, warm blue seas and

powdery white sands make this a fantastic

place for a relaxing beach break. Hotels here

define luxury, with extra-special touches that

are hard to compare. Boutique hotels stud the

shoreline, with plenty of secluded coves for

a peaceful day of bathing in the warm waters.

We’ve hand-picked a selection of Mauritius’

finest hotels; find out more from our Destination

Specialists who are always on hand to help you

find your ideal choice.

Rivière Noire District, Mauritius

FLIC EN FLAC

Sugar Beach

Opulent plantation-style resort

Beautiful tropical gardens

Enjoy access to nearby Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club

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Reminiscent of a colonial sugar plantation,

Sugar Beach offers fine Mauritian hospitality,

elegant guest rooms and fabulous sports and

activities. The main pool has a whirlpool to

relax in as well as a separate kids’ zone, while

the South Pool is in a quieter area. For the

ultimate relaxing refuge, book a massage in

the Cinq Mondes Spa.

BEL OMBRE

Heritage Le Telfair

Member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Superb Gourmet Bliss All Inclusive package

Unlimited complimentary green fees at

the Heritage Golf Course

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Set by the water, nestled in the gorgeous

tropical landscape of Domaine de Bel Ombre,

this luxury resort has colonial-style architecture

and modern touches that create an elegant

holiday experience, with all suites offering

butler service. The dining options are superb,

with 14 restaurants and lobster dishes included

in the Gourmet Bliss All Inclusive package.

ANSE LA RAIE

Lagoon Attitude

Brand-new adults-only resort

Eco-friendly with sustainability practices

Discover Otentik experiences

uuuuPLUS

Situated in the north of Mauritius alongside the

lagoon at Anse La Raie, Lagoon Attitude is the

newest laid-back luxury resort in the Attitude

collection. Make the most of the fantastic

lagoon location with stand-up paddleboarding,

kayaking, an underwater snorkelling trail,

plus an excursion on the resort’s catamaran.

FLIC EN FLAC

PLAINE MAGNIEN

BELLE MARE

Maradiva Resort & Spa

Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort

LUX* Belle Mare

All villa hotel, all with private pools

Mini Club for the kids

Choice of international dining

New resort on the east coast

Three gourmet restaurants

Luxurious hammam spa

Designed by British designer Kelly Hoppen

Dining from a Michelin-starred chef

Enjoy a drink in the rustic rum shack

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uuuuu

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On a pristine beach overlooking Le Morne

Mountain, Maradiva Resort & Spa is composed

entirely of private pool villas and offers the

only five-star experience of this kind on the

west coast of Mauritius. You can make your

villa your home with private in-villa dining

or visit the two appealing restaurants for

delicious cuisine.

Nestled on the golden sands of Le Chaland

Beach on Mauritius’ south-east coast, Anantara

Iko Mauritius Resort is designed with Mauritian

culture and spectacular natural wonders in

mind. Learn about Creole flavours with an

interactive cooking experience or discover the

rejuvenating benefits of Thai massage in the

tropical spa.

An experience of authentic Mauritian luxury,

this five-star deluxe hotel has ocean-facing

suites designed by British designer Kelly

Hoppen, with bright and modern interiors.

Thatched-roof wooden architecture and

sparkling pools add to the appeal, and dining

is outstanding, with a Michelin-starred chef

offering Indian cuisine and even a homemade

ICI ice-cream parlour.

Prairie Beach, South Mauritius



72


India 73

THE INDIAN

SUBCONTINENT

EXPERT

ADVICE

Add a houseboat stay

in Kerala and find

yourself drifting along

endless backwaters,

passing villages

and rural life

Wrapped in majesty and mystery, colourful and

sometimes chaotic, India stretches from the

mighty Himalayas to the palm-fringed beaches

and backwaters of Kerala, the vibrant streets

of Delhi to the windswept deserts of Rajasthan.

Discover time-warped hill stations, extravagant

palaces, shimmering saris, and bazaars that burst

with silks and spices. Then there’s jewel-shaped

Sri Lanka and its many treasures. Here, no two days

– or regions – are the same and you’re guaranteed

to leave wanting more.

74 India &

the Himalayas

82 Sri Lanka

Sit back, relax and drift downstream on Kerala’s backwaters. Find out all

about the incredible culture here on our Discover Kerala and the Tropical South

Tour, or let our Destination Specialists tailor a holiday to your needs.



74


India & the Himalayas India 75

India & the Himalayas

An extraordinary mix of culture,

language and religion, this is a truly

enchanting place. Be astonished

and inspired by mouth-watering

cuisine, rich history, serene notes

of spirituality and breath-taking

landscapes. Wherever you travel –

from the mighty Himalayas to the

gentle beaches of the south – know

that you are in for an adventure.

CHINA

PAKISTAN

NEPAL

INDIA

MYANMAR

BANGLADESH

SRI LANKA

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK

Around 9 hours (longer to southern cities)

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT +5.5

CURRENCY

Indian Rupee (INR), Nepalese Rupee

(NPR), Bhutan Ngultrum (BTN)

WHEN TO GO

September to April is the best time

to visit. For Ladakh, the best months

are May to September

VISA REQUIREMENTS

British citizens must purchase an e-visa

for India before travel; a visa for Nepal

can be obtained on arrival. Bhutan visas

are issued on arrival but you must apply

in advance

A RIOT OF COLOUR

Intoxicating and beautiful, India is full of unique charm and charisma

Here you’ll find a fascinating

amalgamation of cultures, languages

and religions. The result is an intoxicating,

endlessly captivating country, from

the vibrant cities of Delhi, Mumbai and

Kolkata, to the snow-capped mountains

of the Himalayas and the windswept

deserts of Rajasthan. Visit the pristine

jungles of Ranthambore National Park,

and the tranquil backwaters and tropical

beaches of Kerala in the south. Wherever

you travel, our holidays here will leave

you with memories you’ll cherish.

Whether you want to stay in a

maharaja’s palace, witness the hustle

and bustle of Delhi’s street markets,

OPPOSITE:

The Kau Ban mosque

at the Taj Mahal

CLOCKWISE, FROM

TOP: The famed

Taj Mahal in Agra;

an Indian elephant;

celebrations in Delhi

or go on a photo safari in search of a

majestic Bengal tiger, a holiday in India

has so much to offer. Why not take a

boat trip down the Ganges, or relax as

you cruise the southern backwaters? Add

to this some of the most iconic historical

and cultural sights in the world, including

the Taj Mahal, and it’s easy to see why

our guests keep returning to this amazing

country time and time again.

Find out more about India at a glance

⊲



76



BE SURE

TO VISIT…


INDIA’S GOLDEN

TRIANGLE

EXPERT

ADVICE

No first-time trip to India

is complete without a

visit to the Taj Mahal.

It’s mesmerising at any

time of day, but aim for

sunrise for a magical

atmosphere

A vast, colourful patchwork of incredibly

diverse landscapes, tantalising flavours and

spiritual communities, India will send your

senses into overdrive. A holiday here means

myriad sights, sounds and scents, from

world-famous monuments and glimpses of

wildlife amid the greenery, to serene temples

and market stalls piled high with earthy spices.

FLAVOURFUL CUISINE

Aromatic, ample and sumptuous, India’s food is

reason enough to holiday here. Each region has

a distinct style and flavour, from sizzling seafood

to creamy coconut curries. Prepare to get stuck

into an exotic (and often spicy) gourmet heaven.

BREATH-TAKING LANDSCAPES

From the rust-hued deserts of Rajasthan to

the golden sands of Goa’s south coast, beauty

abounds. Sail across the Ganges, hike through

Himalayan valleys and spot elephants through

the trees in one of Kerala’s wildlife sanctuaries.

DAZZLING CITIES

Discover heritage, culture and architecture

at every turn. Head for the rushing rickshaws,

elephants and old-world charms of Old Delhi.

See skyscrapers glisten above Mumbai’s hectic

streets. Get lost in the hustle and bustle of

sprawling markets, and roam extravagant forts.

ENCHANTING BHUTAN

A land of mystery and mysticism, Bhutan is

a real-life Shangri-La hidden in the depths of

the Himalayas. With its charming inhabitants,

strong Buddhist traditions and colourful

festivals, this is a world still largely untouched

by tourism and western influence.

RICH CULTURE

A melting pot of spirituality and religions, India

is like no other place on earth. At the holy city

of Varanasi, perched on the banks of the

Ganges, marvel at this famous pilgrimage site

from a boat and see morning ablutions and

ceremonial offerings to the goddess Ganga.

MAJESTIC NEPAL

From watching the sun creep over the

Annapurnas to relaxing with a beer beside the

lake in Pokhara, Nepal is a place you won’t

forget. Explore the twisting lanes of Kathmandu,

the capital city that bursts with culture, and try

to spot the one-horned rhino and the majestic

ICONIC SITES

Monolithic sculptures and archaeological sites,

exquisite temples and palaces… there is so

much to see. From the shimmering white beauty

of the famous Taj Mahal in Agra to the Amber

Fort in Jaipur, the Red Fort in Delhi and the

Golden Temple in Amritsar, the list is endless.

Bengal tiger at Chitwan National Park. The

gateway to epic mountain regions, Nepal

guarantees adventure and wonder. For

moments of serenity, visit Swayambhunath.

Set on a hill amid fluttering prayer flags, it’s one

of the country’s most treasured Buddhist stupas.

Spend nine days exploring India’s famous Golden Triangle, discovering a

bygone era and vibrant everyday culture, from historic Delhi and the romance

of Agra, home to the Taj Mahal, to the colourful exuberance of Jaipur

DAYS 1–2: DELHI

Arrive in Delhi and spend the rest of your

first day at your leisure, dipping into the

delights of this intoxicating city or simply

relaxing in the comfort of your hotel. The

next day you’ll set out to discover Delhi,

past and present, exploring Old Delhi,

India’s capital city, with its teeming bazaars,

awe-inspiring Jama Masjid mosque

and later the serene Mahatma Gandhi

cremation site, Raj Ghat. In the afternoon,

take in the British heritage and Mughal

architecture of New Delhi, including

Lutyens’ many fine government buildings.

DAY 3: AGRA

Agra is a four-to-five-hour drive, and you

will have the opportunity to glimpse rural

life along the way.

DAY 4: TAJ MAHAL

An early rise will bring you face to face

with the breath-taking Taj Mahal, gleaming

in the first rays of sunlight and said to

be the greatest monument to love ever

conceived. Your day will also include

a trip to the Red Fort, another Mughal

masterpiece overlooking the river, and

a return visit to the Taj Mahal to watch

the sunset.

DAY 5: RAJASTHAN

Your day’s journey will take you through the

Rajasthani countryside to Jaipur, pausing at

mysterious Fatehpur Sikri en route. A city

of tombs, pavilions, palaces and mosques,

it was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 but

abandoned after just 10 years.

DAY 6: JAIPUR

Explore Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’, starting

with a visit to the sprawling hilltop fort

complex of Amber, with its ornate,

labyrinthine interiors. In Jaipur itself the

streets are alive with sights and smells;

visit the City Palace, the Hawa Mahal

(the Palace of Winds) and the observatory

of Jantar Mantar.

DAY 7: JAIPUR

Jaipur is worthy of personal exploration for

its markets and shopping, or perhaps join

an optional excursion to learn about its

handicrafts or cuisine.

DAYS 8–9: DELHI

Return to Delhi by road and after an

overnight stay take your return flight to

London, or perhaps extend your trip with

a beach stay in Goa, or a visit to Kathmandu

or Varanasi.

ABOVE:

The Palace of the

Winds in the ‘Pink

City’ of Jaipur

TAJ AND TIGERS

Add two nights to our Golden Triangle

tour and visit Ranthambore National Park

on safari drives in search of the majestic

Bengal tiger. Once the hunting grounds

of the maharajas of Jaipur, the jungles

of Ranthambore are home to a healthy

population of the elusive tiger and myriad

species of birds and other wildlife.



78



NORTH INDIA

The north of India takes in Rajasthan’s royal palaces and must-see cities

SOUTH INDIA

The south of India is a cultural and natural treasure trove, and you can experience it all on an in-depth tour

TOURS FOR CULTURE LOVERS

THE SPIRIT OF INDIA

A classic journey across north India,

taking in not-to-be missed cities

including spiritual Varanasi and

serene Khajuraho

ABOVE: The Ganges

at Varanasi

In Delhi, explore the capital’s contrasting

sites, from British architect Edwin Lutyens’

vision for a 1930s city to enigmatic

Mughal remnants of a culturally rich past

empire. Then travel by road to Jaipur,

the ‘Pink City’ – an early example of

town planning – where you will see the

towering Amber Fort, the City Palace

and the intriguing observatory of Jantar

Mantar, built in the 18th century.

Continue by road via the 16th-century

remains of Fatehpur Sikri to Agra, and

board a train to Gwalior, one-time capital

of a princely state, where maharajas

constructed impressive palaces and forts.

Then travel on to Jhansi and Orchha, a

medieval town built by Bundela rulers in

the 16th and 17th centuries that retains

much of its original splendour.

Khajuraho’s ornately carved temples

await, where some of the friezes display

erotic scenes! Then a short flight takes

you to Varanasi, the spiritual heart of

Hindu India, located on the Ganges.

Watch on as everyday rituals take

place on its banks.

TOP: Bathing

ghats at Varanasi

ABOVE: The Amber

Fort near Jaipur

PRINCES & PALACES

A quintessential journey from

the royal residences of the Mughal

dynasty to the traditional way of life

of the Bishnoi tribe of Rajasthan

Start this tour in Delhi, taking in the

sites from the Jama Masjid mosque

and bustling bazaars of Old Delhi to

the leafy avenues of New Delhi, lined

with colonial buildings.

In Agra, gaze in wonder at the

greatest monument to love ever built,

the ethereal Taj Mahal. It awes all those

who look upon it. Then journey by road

via ghostly Fatehpur Sikri, Emperor

Akbar’s short-lived capital, to Jaipur,

where the Amber Fort awaits.

Continue to Jodhpur, where you

will see the Mehrangarh Fort, which

dominates the city skyline, and visit the

Bishnoi villages and tribes in the desert.

Finally spend time in Udaipur, a city of

lakes and palaces that’s considered one

of the most romantic in India.

10-DAY TOUR

DISCOVER KERALA

& THE TROPICAL SOUTH

Kerala conjures up a rich palette of

greens, from its emerald tea plantations

to the deep hues of coconut-fringed

backwaters. Embark on a tour here and

you’ll soon see why this region is called

‘God’s own country’. We visit Cochin,

Munnar hill station and Periyar wildlife

reserve, tour backwaters by houseboat

and stay on the beach at Kumarakom.

15-DAY TOUR

SILKS & SPICES

OF SOUTH INDIA

This tour reveals stunning landscapes

and fascinating history. Seek out tigers in

Nagarhole National Park. Be mesmerised

by the scenery as you cruise Kerala’s

backwaters on a houseboat. Discover

the hill stations of Munnar and Ooty.

Delve into Madurai’s extraordinary Hindu

temple, Cochin’s heritage, and the British

legacy in Chennai and Mysore.

CLOCKWISE, FROM

TOP: Tea plantations

in Munnar; Mysore

Palace; Kerala’s

backwaters

From room decor and cuisine, to

excursions and activities, we strive

to make sure that every part of your

travel experience is truly authentic. Our

Destination Specialists will recommend

the right hotel or holiday for you. Get in

touch to start your journey today.



80



TOUR ITINERARY

THE HIMALAYAN

KINGDOM

OF BHUTAN

TOUR ITINERARY

NEPAL –

A HIMALAYAN JOURNEY

This tour will lead you through

terraced mountain landscapes and

jungle – where sacred sites wait to

be uncovered – and small

Nepalese villages that sit high in

the hills. Visit Kathmandu’s

medieval monuments and

magnificent temples, and discover

the preserved wilderness and

extraordinary wildlife of the Royal

Chitwan National Park.

DAYS 1–3: After flying to Kathmandu

via Delhi or the Gulf, explore some

incredible UNESCO World Heritage

Sites: Pashupatinath, one of the

holiest shrines of all Hindu temples;

Boudhanath, one of the oldest and

biggest Buddhist monuments in Nepal;

and Patan Durbar Square, home to

beautiful monuments from the medieval

Malla period. See the wonderfully chaotic

Kathmandu Durbar Square, which serves

as the heart of the old town. You’ll also

get to see the Swayambhunath stupa,

with its vistas of the city below and

mountains beyond.

DAY 4: Visit Bhaktapur, one of

Kathmandu Valley’s three royal cities,

before driving to the pretty mountainside

town of Dhulikhel, set high above the

valley itself.

DAY 5: A five-hour drive takes you to

Bandipur. If you wish to, you can walk

the last five miles of the journey – it’s a

stunning walk that will take you through

small villages, terraced fields and forest.

DAYS 6–9: Drive to Pokhara and stay

at Tiger Mountain Lodge, set in peaceful

countryside high above the city. Its

ABOVE: View of

the Annapurnas

TOP, FROM LEFT:

Holy men in a

temple; Patan City

in Kathmandu;

Buddah statues in

Swayambhunath

sunrise views of the Annapurnas

are unsurpassed. Explore the city’s

sights and picturesque lake on

included excursions, and use a day

at leisure to join an optional guided

trek from the lodge. Passing through

villages and fields, you’ll get to

meet local people and see their

way of life.

DAYS 10–12: Fly to Chitwan National

Park, the first and best protected area

in Nepal. It offers sanctuary to an array

of mammals such as the one-horned

rhino, the tiger, leopard, sloth bear and

wild bison, as well as more than 400

species of birds. During your stay enjoy

three jungle safari activities.

DAYS 12–13: Fly to Kathmandu for

an overnight stay before your flight

to the UK.

Tucked away between India and

China, Bhutan is a hidden Buddhist

world of magical monasteries,

temples and stupas set within the

towering Himalayas, where the

intriguing way of life seems

untouched by the modern world, and

where GDP is officially measured

with GNH, gross national happiness!

DAYS 1–3: Fly to Kolkata where you will

stay for three nights, giving you time to

explore this amazing ‘City of Joy’ – the

first capital of British India and home

to striking colonial architecture and

Mother Teresa’s house. Among other

sights you will see the gleaming

Victoria Memorial and take a river

cruise. But take time out to ride the

trams and see the dazzling flower

market too.

DAY 4: Fly from Kolkata in India to Paro

in Bhutan and then drive through lush

valleys to Thimphu, the capital.

DAY 5: Discover Thimphu’s Memorial

Chorten, a stupa that is a focus for daily

worship and socialising, and see the

stunning vista of Thimphu Valley at

Buddha Point. Visit the National Library,

the Institute for Zorig Chusum, and the

Textile and Folk Heritage Museum before

seeing Trashi Chho Dzong, the centre of

government and religion.

DAYS 6–7: The drive to Punakha is

spectacular, taking you over the dramatic

Dochula Pass (3,100 metres above sea

level) and revealing stunning views

over the Himalayas as you go. Punakha

Dzong is one of the most picturesque

buildings of its kind and entered by a

bridge over the river. You’ll also visit

ABOVE: Tiger’s

Nest Monastery

Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang,

a nunnery that overlooks the valleys, and

walk to Chimi Lhakhang – known as the

‘Fertility Temple’.

DAYS 8–9: Retrace your footsteps on a

drive back to Paro, stopping at Simtokha

Dzong en route. In Paro, visit Ta Dzong

– home to the National Museum – and

walk to Rinpung Dzong, taking a moment

to marvel at its courtyard lined with fine

wall paintings. The highlight of any visit

to Bhutan is Tiger’s Nest Monastery,

which clings to a near-vertical cliff face.

Anyone with relative fitness will enjoy the

climb to the monastery, up steady paths

and steps, through forests and glades, to

be rewarded with spectacular views.

DAYS 10–11: Fly from Paro to Kolkata

for an overnight stay before your return

flight to the UK.



82


Sri Lanka India 83

Sri Lanka

From its ancient name, Serendib,

comes the word ‘serendipity’,

meaning ‘happy and unexpected

discovery’ – there is no better

way to describe the Pearl of the

Indian Ocean. Picture golden sandy

beaches, fascinating temples, lush

rainforests and amazing wildlife.

Sri Lanka is all about sun-soaked

relaxation, friendly people, colourful

culture and a wealth of activities.

INDIA

SRI

LANKA

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK


TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT +5.5

CURRENCY

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

WHEN TO GO

October to April is the best time to

visit the west and south coasts and hill

country. If you plan on seeing the east

coast, you’ll get the best weather from

April/May to September

VISA REQUIREMENTS

British citizens will need to obtain an

online visa prior to travel

A JEWEL IN THE OCEAN

With pristine sandy beaches, jewelled cultural treasures and verdant rainforests to explore, Sri Lanka is the perfect escape

teardrop-shaped island gem in the

A Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is a magical

destination, brimming with rich heritage,

aromatic flavours and blissful serenity.

Awe-inspiring World Heritage Sites and

flourishing national parks are wrapped up

in mile upon mile of pristine beach. Visit

Sri Lanka’s shores and fall for its charms.

CAPTIVATING CULTURE

Sri Lankans are proud of their country

and so welcoming to visitors. Take to two

wheels on a cycling tour of Sri Lanka’s

cultural capital Kandy and see the Temple

of the Sacred Tooth – one of the most

sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Listen

to ancient instruments and watch

traditional Kandyan dancing.

DELICIOUS CUISINE

If you like curries with the most incredible

flavour, Sri Lanka is calling. The flavours

here are dominated by spices, coconut

and chillies. Sample delicious local

delicacies such as roti or wattalapam,

served in the traditional way on a plantain

or lotus leaf. Don’t forget to relax with

a cup of the country’s native Ceylon tea.

OPPOSITE:

Sigiriya

ABOVE,

CLOCKWISE

FROM LEFT:

The ancient

tradition of stilt

fishing; a reclining

Buddah; spot

elephants in Yala

National Park;

tea plantations

in Nuwara Eliya

WORLD-CLASS WILDLIFE

Go on safari with an experienced guide in

Yala National Park, the perfect setting for

spotting wildlife. See herds of elephants,

leopards, sloth bears, reptiles and birds.

ADVENTURE LOVERS

Take an early morning hike to World’s

End in Horton’s Plains and marvel at the

jaw-dropping scenery. Discover age-old

sculptures and paintings within the caves

of Dambulla, and roam the emerald-green

rolling hills of Sri Lanka’s famous tea

plantations in Nuwara Eliya.



84


Sri Lanka India 85

COLOMBO

Sri Lanka’s capital is a city of

contrasts – quaint buildings sit

in the shadows of gleaming

high rises, while modern

department stores blend with

local markets. There’s plenty

to see, from stunning temples

and museums to wildlife parks,

while local restaurants serve up

an array of delicious offerings.

TRINCOMANLEE

This all-rounder city surrounds

one of the world’s biggest

natural deep-water harbours

on Sri Lanka’s picturesque

east coast. Its standout beach

Nilaveli is widely considered

one of the country’s best.

EXPERT

ADVICE

Stay on after a

cultural journey, and

relax by the Indian

Ocean on one of

Sri Lanka’s inviting

beaches

PASSIKUDAH

The clear waters of

Passikudah’s beaches offer

plenty of opportunity to spot

shoals of tropical fish, whether

you’re swimming, snorkelling

or paddling. With a bevy of

luxury resorts, it’s the perfect

relaxation spot – though

still within easy daytripping

distance of nearby Batticaloa,

home to the awe-inspiring

sacred ruins of Polonnaruwa.

KALUTARA

Here, alongside beaches and

bustling markets, you’ll find the

38-metre-long Kalutara Bridge

and some of the world’s most

beautiful Buddhist temples,

including the Kalutara Vihara

and the Asokaramaya temple.

GALLE

A tour here takes you back

through the centuries, from

ancient mosques and churches

to the famed Dutch Fort,

a UNESCO World Heritage

Site, to picture-perfect

colonial architecture.

TANGALLE

The rustic charm of Tangalle

– or Tangalla – is irresistible

to all. A laid-back fishing town,

its harbour marks a meeting

point between one postcardworthy

beach and the next.

Medilla is the perfect place

to walk or laze, while Rekawa

is a nesting site for several

species of turtles.

YALA

Bordering the beautiful Indian

Ocean, there’s arguably no

prettier spot to safari. This

incredible reserve consists

of forests, lagoons, scrub and

grasslands and is home to 44

varieties of mammal and 215

bird species. A day out here

will reveal herds of elephants,

reptiles, birds and sloth bears,

plus one of its most famous

inhabitants – the leopard.


CLASSIC CEYLON

An all-encompassing eight-day tour

that takes in Sri Lanka’s rich history,

fascinating culture and beautiful

scenery, from the rolling tea

plantations of the hill country to

UNESCO World Heritage Sites such

as the ruins of Polonnaruwa and

the Sacred City of Kandy

This journey really begins in Dambulla

with a visit to the Cave Temple, which

was carved in the first century. With over

2,000 square metres of painted walls and

ceilings, it represents the largest area of

paintings found in the world.

The following day we visit

Polonnaruwa, which was the second

capital city of Sri Lanka, built in the 11th

and 12th centuries. Here you can see the

ruins of palaces, audience halls and

baths, as well as splendid statues of the

Buddha in ‘Upright’, ‘Sedentary’ and

‘Recumbent’ postures, all carved out

of rock. Later, a safari at Minneriya

will reveal deer, birdlife and herds

of elephant.

But, of course, you can’t leave this

part of Sri Lanka without climbing the

fifth-century Sigiriya rock fortress,

built by King Kashyapa. The ‘Lion Rock’

is a striking citadel that rises 200 metres

from the surrounding jungle. See the

world-renowned frescoes of the

‘Heavenly Maidens’, set in a sheltered

pocket of rock that’s approached by

a spiral stairway.

We spend two nights in Kandy, where

we drive around Kandy Lake and visit

the bustling bazaars, the arts and crafts

CLOCKWISE

FROM ABOVE:

See rock paintings

at Sigiriya; a golden

Buddha at Dambulla;

dancers outside the

Temple of the Sacred

Tooth; the Sigiriya

rock fortress,

‘Lion Rock’

centre and the Temple of the Sacred

Tooth. Enjoy a cultural show and

see Peradeniya’s 147-acre botanic

gardens.

We head into the countryside on a

spectacular drive, en route to the pretty

hill station of Nuwara Eliya. As you

ascend into ‘cool’ hill country that’s

cloaked in forest and tea plantations, see

locals picking tea leaves amid the mist.

We also visit a tea factory to see how it’s

grown and processed.

Another spectacular journey through

the hill country will return you to the

tropical coast. Here the adventure ends,

unless of course you want to add a few

days at a beach hotel for some rest and

relaxation. Alternatively, continue

on to Sri Lanka’s premier national park,

Yala. The choice is yours.



86


Sri Lanka India 87

TOUR FOR LUXURY LOVERS

SPLENDOURS OF SRI LANKA

Stay in a selection of boutique hotels as you

explore both Sri Lanka’s historical heritage,

encapsulated in an array of UNESCO World

Heritage Sites, and its mist-shrouded hill

country, home to lush tea plantations

DAY 1: From the coast, drive to Sigiriya to visit

the famous rock fortress. Also known as ‘Lion

Rock’, the citadel towers 200 metres above the

scrub jungle and once housed the king’s palace.

DAY 2: Visit Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World

Heritage Site, where highlights include statues

of the Buddha in a variety of poses – ‘Upright’,

‘Sedentary’ and ‘Recumbent’ – all carved

out of rock.

DAY 3: In the morning visit the Dambulla Cave

Temple World Heritage Site, the most

impressive of Sri Lanka’s cave temples.

Travel on to Kandy to visit the Temple of the

Sacred Tooth.

DAY 4: Stop at Peradeniya’s botanic gardens,

then drive to the tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya.

DAY 5: See the Kelani River in Kitulgala, the

main location for the film Bridge over the River

Kwai, before your tour comes to an end.

SHORT TOUR

WORLD HERITAGE

SRI LANKA

A short cultural journey that

combines with a Sri Lanka beach

stay, this tour is designed to give

you an insight into the rich heritage

and UNESCO-listed sights of the

island once called Serendib

DAY 1: Transfer from your beach hotel

to Dambulla and visit the Cave Temple,

built by King Walagambahu and now

a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The

complex of five caves contains over

150 images of the Buddha. Stay two

nights in Sigiriya.

DAY 2: Visit Polonnaruwa, which was

the second capital city of Sri Lanka built

in the 11th and 12th centuries. Another

World Heritage Site, here you can see

the ruins of this ancient city with its

impressive statues of the Buddha in

‘Upright’, ‘Sedentary’ and ‘Recumbent’

poses. In the afternoon, drive to

Minneriya for a game drive in the

national park. Spanning some 21,000

acres, it’s a sanctuary for elephants,

herds of deer and a rich variety

of birdlife.

DAY 3: Climb the fifth-century Sigiriya

rock fortress. A UNESCO World Heritage

Site, the ‘Lion Rock’ is a citadel, and

the innermost stronghold of a 170-acre

fortified town. A moat, rampart and

extensive gardens ring the base of

the rock. Continue to Kandy for an

overnight stay.

DAY 4: Kandy was the last capital

of the Sri Lankan kings and today its

importance is recognised with its

World Heritage Site status. The name

‘Kandy’ conjures visions of splendour

and magnificence. Explore the town

and visit the famous Temple of the

Sacred Tooth, before returning to your

beach hotel.

ABOVE:

Built in the 11th

and 12th centuries,

Polonnaruwa was

the second capital

city of Sri Lanka

ABOVE RIGHT:

Sri Lankan leopard

TOP RIGHT:

The Sathmahal

Prasadaya structure

is attributed to

Parakramabahu

the Great of

Polonnaruwa

EXTENSION

YALA NATIONAL PARK

Welcome to Sri Lanka’s oldest and

largest national park, a landscape of

light forest, bush, grasslands and

lagoons that’s home to 44 varieties of

mammal and 215 bird species. Among

its most famous residents are majestic

elephants, sloth bears, sambars,

jackals, spotted dear, peacocks,

crocodiles and, of course, the world’s

biggest concentration of leopards –

all to be discovered during two safari

drives. At the end of your two-night

stay, head to the former Dutchcolonial

trading port of Galle. An

atmospheric UNESCO-listed town, it

has a quiet, old-world feel, a

well-preserved Dutch Fort and a long

history that links back to King

Solomon. Afterwards, continue to

your beach hotel or Colombo airport.

BENTOTA

Taj Bentota Resort & Spa

Five restaurant and bars

Taj Hotels’ own-brand Jiva Spa

Fabulous oceanside setting

uuuuu

Nestled beside a fine beach, this is a relaxing

resort with 160 rooms and suites overlooking

the garden or ocean. From the comfortable

rooms and infinity-edge swimming pool to the

authentic Jiva Spa, the hotel offers the best

in Taj Hotels hospitality. Enjoy seafood by the

ocean or rich buffets at the main restaurant,

and head to Tease Bar in the evening for

refreshing tropical drinks.

BENTOTA

Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa

Luxury spa

360° Restaurant with river and ocean views

Contemporary styled accommodation

uuuuu

Accessed by a short boat transfer, the hotel

is located uniquely between ocean and river

on the Bentota peninsula. Here 165 rooms

and suites, each with a private terrace or

balcony, overlook the river or ocean. Kayak

up the river, relax by the pool or beachside,

or indulge at the spa. Five restaurants

and bars offer contrasting locations in

which to dine.

From room decor and cuisine, to excursions

and activities, we strive to make sure that

every part of your travel experience is truly

authentic. Because every single person is

different, our Destination Specialists will

recommend the right hotel or holiday

for you, and can tailor make every part

of your journey. Get in touch to start your

adventure today.



88

Far East

Indonesia & Bali 89

EXPERT

ADVICE

Stopover in

Singapore before

exploring more of the

Far East – ask us

for multi centre

ideas

FAR EAST

Zingy, vibrant and spicy all at once – just like its

fabulous food – the Far East boasts ancient civilisations,

spectacular wildlife and an astounding range of

cultures. Here, you’re never far from the swirl of

incense or a clash of colours that will leave your senses

tingling. Experience the warmth of the people and

soak up the spirituality that shimmers on the surface

– and you’ll never want to go home.

90 Thailand

100 Indonesia

110 Singapore

112 Malaysia

118 Vietnam

122 Cambodia

126 Philippines

130 Japan

134 China

Glorious temples such as Wat Non Kum await. Go beyond the beach and explore Thailand’s

rich history and culture on our Bangkok, Elephant Hills and Khao Lak multi centre holiday.



90

Far East

Thailand

91

Thailand

Limestone karsts, crystal-clear

waters and some of the most

beautiful beaches in the world;

Thailand has all the ingredients

of a paradisical retreat. Add to that

unique, friendly hotels and you’ve

got everything you need for an

unforgettable experience, whether

you want a family retreat, an active

trip, a relaxing beach break or

a holiday packed with culture.

MYANMAR

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK

Around 11 hours direct from the UK

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT +7

CURRENCY

Thai Baht (THB)

LAOS

THAILAND

VIETNAM

CAMBODIA

MALAYSIA

WHEN TO GO

The best time to travel is during

the cool and dry season, between

November and early April

VISA REQUIREMENTS

British citizens do not require a visa

for stays of up to 30 days




CLASSIC THAILAND TOUR

Experience the unique atmosphere of vibrant Bangkok and the mountainous jungle landscapes

of northern Thailand on this classic tour. Then, before returning home, spend a few days

relaxing on one of the gorgeous beaches in Phuket or Koh Samui

This journey starts in lively Bangkok,

a busy and bustling city with

fascinating sights including the Grand

Palace and many Buddhist temples.

With a vast array of restaurants

and street-food stalls, you’ll never

go hungry.

TEMPLES & TIME FOR PRAYER

Contemplate the ancient culture of this

captivating country at the temples of

Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, Wat Mahathat

and Wat Phanan Choeng, located in the

former capital of Ayutthaya. In Phitsanulok,

Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat houses

one of the most revered Buddha statues

in the country. Here you can join locals

for their morning prayers and make an

offering to the gods.

In Sukhothai explore an ancient

city packed with historical landmarks,

including the impressive Sukhothai

Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage

Site. Then there’s the evocative temple

ruins of Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat,

reached by crossing a wooden

suspension bridge. Its serene location

offers a perfect spot for quiet contemplation.

OPPOSITE:

Monks at an altar,

Bangkok

CLOCKWISE,

FROM TOP:

Ayutthaya, the

ancient Thai capital;

traditional dress

in Chiang Mai; an

elephant experience

EXPERT

ADVICE

Stay three nights

in Bangkok before

starting your journey

– we can recommend

the right hotel

for you

THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE

Of course, Thailand isn’t all about

temples. The next stop is the Golden

Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and

Myanmar meet. This natural wilderness

was infamous in the 1960s because of the

abundant opium cultivation in the area.

Wake up early to explore Chiang Rai’s

morning market; vibrant and lively, it has

an incredible range of fragrant herbs

for sale. Journey out of town on a relaxing

river cruise, taking a traditional long-tail

boat to the hill tribe village of Pha Tai.

Continue by road to Tha Ton and then

head to Chiang Mai and Wat Prathat Doi

Suthep, one of the most revered temples

in the country. Its sacred location at the

top of a mountain affords stunning

panoramic views.

WONDERFUL WILDLIFE

The jungles near Chiang Mai are alive

with flora and fauna. Get up close and

personal with the animal kingdom at

the Thai Elephant Care Centre, which

was set up to provide care for elderly

elephants retired from elephant shows

and logging camps. Learn about how the

elderly elephants are fed with ground

grass and herb balls, and have a go at

feeding them bananas. Time allowing,

watch on as bath time sees them

splashing about. You’ll also enjoy a tasty

lunch at a local restaurant, The Colour

Factory, where you can view full-size

elephant parade statues from cities

around the world and choose your

favourite from a collection of replicas.

The final day of the trip is spent in

Chiang Mai. You might choose to visit

the Lanna Handicraft Centre on San

Kamphaeng Road and learn how they

make colourful parasols, silk, silverware

and teak-wood carvings.

The journey doesn’t have to stop

there. Why not head to Phuket or

Koh Samui for some relaxing beach

time before heading home? Just ask

our Destination Specialists how.

92

Far East Thailand 93

CHINA

TOP 1O HOTELS

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly beach resort or an adults-only

retreat in the jungles of the north, our Destination Specialists are on hand to help

MYANMAR

HUA HIN

A small beach town with a

laid-back vibe, golf courses,

watersports, spas and temples.

BANGKOK

THAILAND

VIETNAM

LAOS

CHIANG MAI

& CHIANG RAI

Visit Chiang Mai for a culture fix

and its night bazaar, then soak

up Chiang Rai’s lush scenery.

Thailand’s hotels can take you to the top

of skyscrapers overlooking the bright lights of

Bangkok, to secluded jungles teeming with

wildlife, or to the shores of fantastic beaches

lapped by crystal-clear waters. Each one of our

hotels is hand-picked for its unique location,

boutique accommodation and opulent setting.

From world-class diving to mouth-watering

cuisine and excellent service, you’ll find it

all here, alongside some truly incredible

hotels that have all been tried, tested and

recommended by us.

Devasom, Khao Lak

For pure relaxation, sink into an infinity pool

with views of the shimmering sea or retreat

to an indulgent spa. Feel utterly at home in

a private villa adorned with local decor, then

stroll along the softest of sands. Watch the kids

splash about in on-site water parks.

Take the chance to explore the local way

of life, too – learn to cook treasured dishes

using the freshest produce from the hotel’s

garden, or have a go at Muay Thai boxing. With

all inclusive options available, mealtimes and

cocktail hours are always hassle free.

KHAO LAK

Devasom Khao Lak Beach

Resort & Villas

Spa and wellness centre

Private access to a stunning beach

Boutique property

uuuuu

With a freshwater natural lagoon on one side

and the glistening beauty of a sunset beach on

the other, Devasom Khao Lak Beach Resort &

Villas is the ideal place for a relaxing escape

by the sea. This beachfront resort features

69 luxurious guest rooms, pool suites and

beachfront villas that offer spectacular views

out to the Andaman Sea.

CAMBODIA

KHAO LAK

Explore deserted beaches and

raw jungle forests – a slice of

paradise, perfect for couples.

PATTAYA

KOH SAMET

KOH PHANGAN

KOH SAMUI

A true melting pot, with virgin

rainforest, idyllic shores, varied

cuisine and cultural attractions.

KOH LANTA

KHAO LAK

Apsara Beachfront Villas

Spacious and contemporary pool villas

All inclusive option available

Exclusive free Thai cooking class

uuuuPLUS

PHUKET

The ‘Pearl of the Andaman’,

with secluded bays, sleepy

villages and traditional markets.

INDONESIA

MALAYSIA

KRABI

For shallow waters and soaring

cliffs, calm temples and lively

nights, and great street food.

In a peaceful location, this hotel is the perfect

retreat thanks to its beautiful surroundings,

excellent facilities and optional all inclusive

package. Sit back with a cocktail, take a dip

in the infinity pool or chill out with a soothing

massage. With two zones on offer, you can

choose to stay in the hotel or in your own

private villa.



94


DID YOU

KNOW?

Thailand has three

coastal areas: the

south-eastern coast,

the southern Gulf

of Thailand and the

Andaman coast

PHUKET

Centara Grand Beach

Resort Karon

Excellent children’s facilities

Peaceful beachfront location

Club rooms available

uuuuu

This elegant beachfront resort is located on

the quiet northern end of Karon Beach. Kids

will love the landscaped water park complete

with lazy river. Enjoy delicious Asian and

international dishes at The Cove Restaurant

before retiring to the rooftop Luna Bar for

cocktails with a view.

KOH SAMUI

Chaweng Regent Beach Resort

All inclusive option available

Central location

Beachfront setting

uuuu

Combining a peaceful atmosphere with a

convenient location, Chaweng Regent Beach

Resort is the perfect retreat for couples and

families who like to be within walking distance

of restaurants, bars and shops. Designed in

the style of a traditional Thai village by the

sea, this resort offers contemporary living

with rooms set in bungalows or low-rise

two-storey buildings.

KRABI

Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort

Direct Klong Muang beach access

Perfect for exploring Krabi province

Contemporary low-rise resort with elegant

Thai decor

uuuuu

Set among the long, pristine sands of Klong

Muang beach, the Dusit Thani Krabi Beach

Resort welcomes guests with famously friendly

Thai hospitality. The resort boasts a luxurious

spa, impressive fitness suite – including a

tailor-made Muay Thai boxing ring – and two

infinity pools that overlook the golden beach.

HUA HIN

Hyatt Regency Hua Hin

Club rooms available

Five minutes from Hua Hin centre

THE BARAI Spa

uuuuu

This stylish beachfront retreat is set within

16 acres of tropical landscaped gardens,

lush with exotic foliage and secluded ponds.

Attractive low-rise accommodation is spaced

around interconnecting turquoise pools with

a waterfall and Jacuzzi. The resort hosts

THE BARAI Spa, an unrivalled sanctuary

of calm in Hua Hin.

Krabi, on Thailand’s

Andaman coast

PHUKET

Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket

Excellent choice for families

18-hole Championship golf course nearby

Large choice of dining options

uuuuu

This sanctuary of tranquillity is shaded by

casuarinas and coconut palms and features

unique architecture. Rooms are luxurious and

each has a private balcony. The resort has a

large swimming pool with Jacuzzi, and plenty

of comfortable sunloungers for you to soak up

the tropical sunshine.

KOH SAMUI

Anantara Bophut Koh Samui

Resort

Infinity-edge swimming pool

Charming fishing village close by

Beautiful landscaped gardens

uuuuu

This tropical resort offers the perfect setting

for a rejuvenating paradise escape in the land

of smiles. Rooms feature elegant interiors and

private balconies or terraces, while luxurious

resort facilities include the infinity-edge

swimming pool and indulgent Anantara Spa,

where a wide range of wellbeing and beauty

treatments are offered.

KRABI

Rayavadee

Four dining options including The Grotto

Ideal for honeymoons

Secluded location accessible only by boat

uuuuu

A member of The Leading Hotels of the World,

this romantic hideaway is set on the stunning

Phranang Peninsula, spread over 26 acres

of coconut groves and bordered by three

beaches. Rayavadee boasts two-storey pavilion

guest rooms, all hidden among palm trees and

surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.

CHIANG MAI

Tamarind Village

Located in the old town

Cookery classes and cultural activities

Boutique property

uuuu

This charming boutique hotel is designed in

the traditional Lanna style. Guest rooms are

simple yet elegantly furnished with views of

the courtyard gardens. Step out of the hotel

and you are just a few minutes’ walk from

ancient temples and shopping streets, making

this an ideal base for exploring.



96 Far East

Thailand

97

LUXURIOUS ESCAPES

THAI HIDEAWAYS

Because everyone needs to recharge their batteries from

time to time, to remember the joy of simply being rather than doing.

Our hand-picked selection of Thailand’s best hideaway hotels

will help you unwind in a discreet location that’s

off the tourist trail

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Elephant Hills

uuuu

Thailand’s first luxury camp

immerses African-inspired safari

tents in a tropical environment,

amid rainforest-cloaked mountains

and limestone cliffs

Elephant experience

Here you’ll have the chance to get up

close to Asian elephants, feeding and

bathing them, before taking a canoe

safari down the Sok River. In the evening,

enjoy dance performances and cooking

demonstrations before spending

the night at the Elephant Hills Luxury

Tented Camp.

At nearby Cheow Larn Lake, home

to the sister Rainforest Camp, you sleep

in overwater tents and explore the

serene lake by private canoe, with just

the buzz of the wildlife in the surrounding

jungle breaking the silence. Or for a real

sense of adventure, embark on a jungle

trek through southern Thailand’s unique

rainforest. There’s nothing else quite

like it.

We are committed to promoting

responsible tourism. So we have

made it our mission to protect the

environment and the local people in

the destinations you love. We support

suppliers who care about the planet,

just like Elephant Hills. Find out more

from our Destination Specialists.

KOH SAMET

Paradee

Beachside haven

Romantic hideaway

Secluded island getaway

uuuuu

If secluded beachfront luxury is what you’re

looking for, Paradee will not disappoint. This

boutique all-villa property is accessible only

by boat and is the ultimate island getaway.

All villas are spacious and have views of either

the jungle-clad gardens or white-sand beach.

KOH PHANGAN

Anantara Rasananda Koh

Phangan Villas

Romantic barefoot grandeur

Luxurious spa

Private pools

uuuuu

Tucked discreetly amid towering coconut

palms, the Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan

Villas offer expanses of sand, Thai design,

refined facilities and luxurious private

accommodation. An idyllic island hideaway

that’s perfect for a special getaway.

KOH LANTA

Layana Resort & Spa

Adults-only resort

Almost two miles of white-sand beach

Walking distance to bars and restaurants

uuuuu

A haven of peace and tranquillity, the Layana

Resort & Spa is renowned for its warm

hospitality and personalised service. This

romantic adults-only resort sits on almost

two miles of pristine beach and features

contemporary Thai-style accommodation.

Secluded within a walled garden, the awardwinning

Linger Longer Spa is the ultimate

sanctuary for relaxation and indulgence.



98


A food stall at

a floating market

Bangkok is a thrilling city that not only offers

temples, exciting cuisine and adventure, but

also represents great value. You could easily

spend a week soaking up all there is to offer in

the city without causing a dent in your wallet.

But if you only have a couple of days then

stand by your tuk-tuks and start the clock –

get ready for 48 hours in Bangkok!

CITY BREAK

BANGKOK

DAY ONE

Wander through the labyrinthine alleyways,

markets and ancient palaces of this sultry

metropolis, and soothe tired feet with a

traditional Thai massage or two. Get measured

up for that designer suit or outfit you’ve always

dreamed of, crafted by some of the best tailors

in Asia – at a fraction of the price you’d expect.

And there’s no better Thai food than the

authentic and aromatic street food found

at Sukhumvit Soi 38 and Ratchawat Market.

DAY TWO

Start early and head out to a floating market,

before a long-tail boat trip along the Chao

Phraya river. Up-stream, the bustling cityscape

will be replaced by calmer paddle boats. Here

a timeless world awaits, where you are jostled

by waterborne costermongers plying their

ancient trade selling fruit and flowers.

Then it’s time to kick-back in traditional

Bangkok style. Muay Thai is the national sport

and cultural martial art of Thailand. The locals

go crazy for it and so will you.

On your last night in Bangkok, celebrate

in style and spend your evening in the sky.

For delicious food with an epic view head to

one of the city’s exclusive rooftop bars. We

recommend Sirocco in the Lebua hotel at the

top of State Tower. If it looks familiar, it could

be because the restaurant is featured in

The Hangover Part II.

Continue your Thai adventure with a stay at

one of the many paradise island destinations,

or travel north to Chiang Mai to discover

fascinating hill tribes and try bamboo rafting.

Just ask our Destination Specialists how.

EXCURSIONS

OUT & ABOUT

Don’t let your adventure end there. Our itineraries are carefully crafted, and our hotels

hand-picked to suit you. Our range of holiday extensions gives you the chance to see

more of the region you’re in, or to just laze for a few extra days on the beach

ANCIENT AYUTTHAYA

BY RIVER CRUISE

An hour outside Bangkok, Ayutthaya was the

powerful ancient capital of Thailand until its

destruction some 230 years ago. Much of the

fabulous ornate city was lost at that time, but

what remains will still give you an excellent idea

of life during the four centuries that the Kings

of Ayutthaya ruled. Return to Bangkok by boat,

where you will cruise down the Chao Phraya

river, taking in all of the splendid scenery and

typical Thai waterborne life.

ADD THIS TO A STAY AT

Amari Watergate Bangkok

WHERE TO STAY

Ayutthaya

BANGKOK

Avani Riverside Bangkok Hotel

Glamorous rooftop swimming pool

Perfect for couples

Contemporary dining options

uuuuu

BANGKOK

Banyan Tree Bangkok

Award-winning spa

Large range of interesting dining options

Luxurious accommodation

uuuuu

BANGKOK

Siam@Siam Design Hotel

Glamorous rooftop swimming pool

Perfect for couples

Contemporary dining options

uuuu

HONG ISLAND

BY SPEEDBOAT

A visit to this peaceful and untouched island

allows you to enjoy crystal-clear water, unspoilt

nature and an abundance of colourful fish and

coral. Hong (which means ‘room’ in Thai) is

one of the most breath-taking destinations in

the country and a perfect daytrip from Krabi.

Experience unbelievable fine white sand,

dramatic karsts and interesting wildlife such

as white-faced gibbons and monitor lizards.

ADD THIS TO A STAY AT

Centara Grand Krabi

The Avani Riverside Bangkok Hotel overlooks

the city’s bustling Chao Phraya river and

boasts uninterrupted views across Bangkok.

The rooms feature stunning river and city

outlooks, and are furnished in a clean, elegant

style, with lots of natural light. Make use of

the complimentary shuttle-boat service to

Asiatique night market and entertainment area.

The iconic Banyan Tree Bangkok boasts

unparalleled panoramic cityscapes, elegantly

decorated guest rooms, legendary service and

the Banyan Tree Club Lounge. The 61-storey

property is famed for its open-air rooftop

restaurant, Vertigo Grill and Moon Bar, which

serves up a breath-taking 360-degree view

of the city.

Unique, quirky and artsy, the atmosphere

is informal and would suit those seeking

accommodation with a twist. Surrounded by

some of the city’s best shops and restaurants,

its location really is superb. Traditionalist

modern art that conveys the four elements

of earth, water, air and fire features throughout

the building.

Ao Nang, Krabi



100

Far East

Indonesia

101

Indonesia

The largest archipelago country in

the world, Indonesia is a bewitching

patchwork of cultures and customs,

landscapes and flavours. Each

island boasts unique draws, from

the legendary dragons of Komodo

to the pure shores and serene

spirituality of Bali, the epitome

of laid-back luxury. Island hop to

explore the very best of Indonesia.

PHILIPPINES

MALAYSIA

INDONESIA

AUSTRALIA

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK


TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT +8

CURRENCY

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

WHEN TO GO

The best time of year to visit is

between May and September,

when the days are dry and sunny

VISA REQUIREMENTS

British citizens are not required

to obtain a visa for stays of up

to 30 days

BE SPELLBOUND

Immerse the senses in this magical land of wonder and diversity

Formed of more than 17,500 islands, the

Indonesian archipelago is a fascinating

blend of people, culture and landscape –

an ideal destination for those after a slice

of diversity. From beautiful beaches to

historic temples and lush rice terraces,

there’s so much to see and do. Island hop

from Bali and Lombok to the Gili Islands,

discover remote villages, see Komodo

dragons in Flores and temples in Java.

WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS

Whether it be snorkelling with tropical

fish and turtles among the tropical reefs

of the Gili Islands or trekking in search of

Komodo dragons in Flores, Indonesia is

a land of absorbing wildlife encounters.

EPIC LANDSCAPES

There are few better island-hopping

opportunities in the world, from the

coral-sand beaches of the Gili Islands and

volcanic slopes and rice fields of mystical

Bali, to evergreen Java and Sendang Gile

waterfall in Lombok.

SENSATIONAL CUISINE

In Indonesia, food lovers are spoilt for

choice. Tuck into a wide range of exciting,

exotic dishes, from the everyday staples

OPPOSITE:

Tirta Gangga Water

Palace, Bali

ABOVE:

Morning view of

the Tegalalang rice

terrace, Bali

of nasi (rice) and mee goring (a spicy fried

noodle dish), to the rich signature flavours

of rendang and massaman curries.

IMMERSIVE CULTURE

Get to know the country’s captivating

culture and visit its many attractions,

including the Presidential Summer Palace,

tea plantations and traditional dance

performance shows, as well as its

evocative temples.




102

Far East

Indonesia

103

CHINA

KALIMANTAN

Head here for off-the-beatentrack

adventures. Visit a

national park that’s home to

orangutans, plant fruit trees

and trek into the forest to see

these great apes feeding.

CAMBODIA

VIETNAM

BALI

Perhaps the most popular

Indonesian island is Bali.

Here you’ll find elegant

beach resorts, lively shopping

centres, rice paddies and

the Sacred Monkey Forest.

PHILIPPINES

MALAYSIA

GILI MENO

The quietest of the Gili Islands,

with a relaxed vibe. Unwind at

your boutique hotel, snorkel

amid fish and turtles, or sip a

cocktail on coral-sand beaches

while you work on your tan.

SUMATRA

JAVA

The world’s most populated

island, it also has a magnificent

landscape of volcanoes and

rice fields. See Mount Bromo in

a sea of ashen, volcanic sand

and visit capital city Jakarta.

INDONESIA


HIGHLIGHTS

OF INDONESIA

Discover some of Java’s most impressive sights and attractions, from

the incredible Borobudur temple near Yogyakarta to Tangkuban Perahu

volcano crater. Explore temples and palaces, hot springs and gardens

EXPERT

ADVICE

For incredible photos

be sure to visit the

UNESCO World Heritage

Site of Borobudur

just before

sunrise

GILI TRAWANGAN

The largest of the Gili Islands,

it’s made for lazy beach days.

Explore the main hub, lined

with shops, restaurants and

bars, or stick to simple beach

cafés with sunset views.

AUSTRALIA

LOMBOK

This laid-back island is great

for a spot of peace and quiet.

Small, boutique hotels dot

the shoreline, while traditional

Sasak villages inland offer

a taste of authentic culture.

DAY 1: Start your Indonesian adventure

in Jakarta where you will visit the National

Museum, the old harbour at Sunda Kelapa

and the National Monument (Monas).

DAYS 2–3: Continue on to Bandung in

the heart of West Java. We recommend

a stroll along Cihampelas Walk, a famous

shopping area popular with locals.

DAYS 4–5: Enjoy a leisurely train

journey to Yogyakarta, with plenty of

time to explore Malioboro Street and its

myriad of outlets, Yogyakarta Sultan’s

Palace, Taman Sari Water Castle and the

historic district of Kotagede. Don’t miss

a visit to the famous Borobudur Buddhist

temple complex, a UNESCO World

Heritage Site.

DAY 6: Today you will visit Solo, one of

the least westernised cities in Java, with

stops at the Mangkunegaran Palace and

the Sukuh Temple. Afterwards, continue

to the city of Kediri in the Brantas valley.

DAY 7: Continue your journey to

Panataran, home to striking architecture,

then travel on to the volcanoes of Mount

Kelud and Mount Bromo where you will

encounter a lunar-like landscape of epic

proportions and surreal beauty.

DAYS 8–9: After experiencing a dramatic

sunrise over the caldera, head to Ijen.

You are now in the far east of Java where

you will enjoy a contrasting landscape of

rice paddies and pine forests. This part

of your adventure concludes with a ferry

journey to Bali.




ABOVE, FROM TOP:

Mount Bromo;

West Java



104 Far East

Indonesia

105

EXPLORING BALI

Known for its beautiful beaches, there’s so much more to explore in Bali.

On a tailor-made adventure to Indonesia’s ‘Island of the Gods’ you’ll

discover a place of wonder and magic, with a variety of cultural,

tropical and active experiences on offer

Menjangan

UBUD

Known as the cultural heart of Bali, Ubud

is perched in the hills and offers jungle

views, rice terraces, valleys and plenty of

ancient temples. The nearby villages are

bursting with art galleries and markets

selling local crafts, while the Sacred

Monkey Forest conservation centre

is home to around 600 monkeys.

SEMINYAK

Busy Seminyak is packed with luxury

hotels, trendy eateries and boutique

shops. By day, life revolves around

the wide sandy beach, which is an

excellent spot for surfing. By night,

make the most of the breath-taking

sunsets, fine-dining restaurants and

fun nightlife.

NORTH BALI

(LOVINA AND MENJANGAN)

Many visitors never venture to the north

of the island, but this authentic and

untouched part of Bali is definitely worth

the drive – from the former colonial

capital Singaraja, with its Royal Palace

and busy harbour, to incredible diving

in the crystal-clear waters of Menjangan,

and the volcanic black-sand beaches

of Lovina where wild dolphins visit the

shores every morning.

CANDIDASA

This unspoilt part of Bali is home to

traditional villages, lush rice fields

and sandy beaches. Unwind in the

surroundings of your boutique hotel and

take a bike ride into central Candidasa

for a simple meal at one of the humble

warungs. Active travellers will enjoy

trekking around the local hills or

taking trips to the nearby dive sites.

SANUR

Bali’s first tourist resort, Sanur is

filled with traditional hotels. There

are plenty of restaurants and bars for

a low-key evening, as well as many

souvenir shops. The beaches are reef

protected, making the waves calm,

while the beachfront path that stretches

the length of the resort is perfect for a

relaxing stroll.

NUSA DUA

There’s nothing but luxury at this gated

resort development. Home to some of

the best hotels in Bali, Nusa Dua offers

manicured streets, a sandy beach,

a shopping mall and even a theatre.

We recommend setting your alarm

for a peaceful sunrise walk along the

beachfront path.

TANJUNG BENOA

Just north of Nusa Dua, the three-mile

stretch of coast at Tanjung Benoa is

home to sandy beaches and plenty

of watersports. The majority of hotels

here offer all inclusive stays, however

there are some shops and restaurants

in the local area if you’d like to explore.

JIMBARAN

Originally a sleepy fishing village,

Jimbaran is now home to some of Bali’s

best hotels, but still retains its peaceful

feel. Nightlife here is very low-key,

centring on local seafood restaurants

with tables on the sand, especially

popular at sunset.

LEGIAN

With a wide sandy beach, beautiful

sunsets and a fine choice of

restaurants and shops, Legian sits

between Seminyak and Kuta, within

easy distance of both resorts. It’s

ideal for people who like to have

everything on their doorstep, from

a water park and shopping malls to

trendy beach clubs.

Why stop at Bali? Our Destination

Specialists can help you create your

perfect holiday. Combine your stay

with a multi centre trip to nearby

Lombok or the Gili Islands. With

no direct flights from the UK to

Bali, it’s the ideal destination to add

to a multi centre holiday to Dubai,

Bangkok or Singapore. All you have

to do is ask.

Candidasa

Seminyak beach

Tanjung Benoa beach

Jimbaran

Sanur

Ubud

Balinese dancers

Ubud monkey forest

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, Nusa Dua



106

Far East

Indonesia 107

WHERE TO STAY

SEVENTH

HEAVEN

Welcome to paradise. Bali offers an incredible

choice of luxurious hotels, from small

boutiques with friendly service and authentic

charm to luxury resorts where you won’t have

to lift a finger. Explorers should head to Ubud,

where you can make the most of the ancient

monkey forest, beautiful temples, art shops,

yoga studios and delicious local cuisine.

Alternatively, stay in Seminyak for glorious

golden beaches, large opulent hotels and a

selection of designer outlets. We understand

that perfection is personal, so our Destination

Specialists are on hand to help you choose the

perfect property for your holiday.

CANDIDASA

Alila Mangiss

Small boutique hotel

Peaceful gardens with ocean views

Optional Alila experiences

uuuu

This small boutique hotel has a pretty palmfringed

pool and ocean views. Enjoy daily

afternoon tea poolside and make the most of

the yoga and tai chi classes in the gardens.

The restaurant serves local and international

cuisine, or you may like to try the hotel’s

organic garden experience.

SEMINYAK

Alila Seminyak

Five infinity pools

Customised spa experiences

Tantalising seascape dining

uuuuu

Unfurling along the shores of Seminyak

beach, the Alila radiates sophistication and

contemporary cool. With lush green roofs,

wall-hugging plants and landscaped terraces,

it’s like you have discovered a secret garden.

Indulge your taste buds at Seasalt restaurant

or treat your senses with an Asian-inspired

treatment at Spa Alila.

SANUR

The Pavilions, Bali

Peaceful and stylish private villas

Romantic dining pavilions

Ideal for couples and honeymoons

uuuuPLUS

This charming all-villa boutique hotel is perfect

for couples and honeymooners. Stay in one of

the luxurious Balinese-decorated villas, many

of which have their own pool. Private dining

pavilions are dotted throughout the gardens,

or enjoy in-villa dining. Should you wish to

explore the beach and attractions in Sanur,

they’re just a walk away.

NUSA DUA

Grand Hyatt Bali

Spectacular beachfront setting

Low-rise village style

Excellent kids’ club

LOVINA

The Lovina Bali

Sunrise dolphin-watching cruise

Beachfront restaurant

Free bicycle hire

NORTH BALI

Menjangan Dynasty Resort

Luxury tented accommodation

Cliff-edge infinity pool

Bordered by West Bali National Park

UBUD

Alila Ubud

Holistic Alila Spa

Stunning valley views

15 minutes from central Ubud

uuuuu

uuuu

uuuuPLUS

uuuu

Split into four low-rise villages, each with

a pool, this expansive resort is set in no less

than 42 acres of peaceful gardens that lead

down to a sweep of sandy beach. There are

five restaurants, including Italian and Japanese

cuisine, and the outstanding Kriya Spa makes

this perfect for an indulgent break.

This boutique resort is situated on a dark

volcanic-sand beach with a backdrop of the

Bedugul Mountains. Take advantage of free

bicycle hire or the shuttle service into the

centre of Lovina, where local restaurants and

bars offer a real taste of Bali – and don’t miss

a sunrise dolphin-watching cruise.

This unique resort in the far north-west is one

of Bali’s most exciting concepts, in an area

renowned for superb diving and snorkelling.

Perfect for a secluded hideaway, guest rooms

are luxurious safari-inspired tents. A variety

of activities are available including trekking,

paddleboarding, kayaking and horse riding.

Set on a hillside overlooking the Ayung River,

this intimate boutique hotel features guest

rooms built on stilts into the banks of the

river valley. Soak up the incredible rainforest

and valley views from the infinity pool, indulge

at the spa and make the most of the yoga and

tai chi classes.

Floating pagoda



108 Far East

Indonesia

109

ISLAND HIDEAWAYS

TOURS FOR WILDLIFE LOVERS

WONDERFUL

WILDLIFE

BEYOND BALI

Travellers come from far and wide to experience Lombok’s barefoot luxury

and natural beauty, and it’s a superb destination for paradise honeymoons

and anyone seeking a relaxing break. If you are feeling more energetic

you might like to climb Mount Rinjani, take a daytrip to the beautiful

Sendang Gile waterfall, or hop over to the Gili Islands for snorkelling,

diving and kaleidoscopic sunsets

From ancient Komodo dragons to endangered

orangutans, Indonesia is fantastic for wildlife lovers

KOMODO TRAILS

Take in the sights of the beautiful

Komodo National Park – including the

main attraction, the Komodo dragons.

First discovered over 100 years ago,

the Komodo dragon is a truly fascinating

and robust species, recommended to

be seen in its natural habitat. This

two-night tour from Bali is the ideal

extension for those seeking wildlife,

nature and off-the-beaten-track

adventure. There are daily private

departures on request.

KALIMANTAN ADVENTURE

Visit Tanjung Puting, the most popular

national park in Indonesian Borneo,

where you can see wild orangutans,

proboscis monkeys, crocodiles and a

variety of birds. On this three-night tour

you will have the opportunity to plant

fruit trees for the orangutans and get to

trek into the forest to see them feeding.

It’s a great way to see conservation

efforts at work, and to experience

this jungle habitat. There are daily

DID YOU

private departures on request.

KNOW?

In the Malay

language, the word

‘orangutan’ literally

means ‘person of

the forest’

Orangutan

Gili Islands

GILI TRAWANGAN

Vila Ombak

In the heart of Gili Trawangan

Traditional guest rooms

Three swimming pools

uuuu

Walking distance from Gili Trawangan’s many

restaurants, bars and shops, this popular hotel

is a fantastic choice for your stay on these

idyllic islands. A variety of accommodation

is available, from traditional Lumbung Huts

to private pool villas. In addition to three

swimming pools, the hotel also has a dive

centre and spa.

LOMBOK

Sudamala Suites

& Villas Senggigi

Intimate boutique hotel

Authentic Balinese atmosphere

Luxurious suites and villas

uuuuPLUS

A charming boutique hotel with an authentic

Balinese atmosphere, just 10 minutes from

Senggigi. Set on a pristine stretch of beach

with amazing sunset views, the hotel offers

excellent personalised services. Facilities

include a swimming pool overlooking the

ocean, a semi-outdoor restaurant serving

à la carte meals and a spa.

GILI MENO

Mahamaya Gili Meno

Beautiful beachfront location

Great snorkelling and diving nearby

Contemporary boutique resort

uuuuPLUS

This gorgeous boutique resort on Gili Meno’s

west coast is perfect for watching the sunset.

With just 19 rooms, the small but perfectly

formed hotel is the ideal place to unwind on

this peaceful island. Spend your days around

one of the two freshwater pools or relax on the

beautiful coral-sand beach.

Komodo dragon



110

Far East

Singapore

111

Singapore

On the surface the city state of

Singapore is a picture of futuristic

skyscrapers and ultra-clean

shopping malls, but at its heart

is a bubbling multiculturalism that

the city’s insiders thrive on. It’s one

of Asia’s hit-list destinations for

cutting-edge food, landscaping,

architecture and shopping.

CITY BREAKS

THE LION CITY

A great stopover at the start of a multi-stop trip, there’s so much more to Singapore than the airport

MALAYSIA

SINGAPORE

DAY ONE

For panoramic views, ride the Singapore

Flyer which soars to 165 metres over the

city, then head to buzzing Marina Bay

for entertainment and luxury shopping.

For some well-earned downtime, visit

Gardens by the Bay and admire its

‘supertrees’: towering metal structures

– covered in vegetation and lit up at

night – connected by a skywalk.

DAY TWO

This is arguably the world’s best city

for gourmets, whether your tastes lean

towards Michelin-starred dining or

sensational street food – or, in the case

of Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice

& Noodle, both in one. Try a Singapore

Sling at the legendary Raffles Hotel, or

satisfy the film buff in you at Universal

Studios on Sentosa Island.

OPPOSITE:

Supertrees at

Gardens by the Bay

ABOVE:

Marina Bay

BELOW RIGHT:

A Raffles Hotel

Singapore Sling

Small and accessible, the ‘Lion City’

is a rich tapestry of characterful

neighbourhoods and world-class

attractions, with Chinese, Malay and

Indian communities creating its unique

flavour. Singapore is a great launch

pad for a tour of Asia before you head

south to Australia. Ask our Destination

Specialists to add it to your trip.

INDONESIA

WHERE TO STAY

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK


TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT +8

CURRENCY

Singapore Dollar (SGD)

WHEN TO GO

Singapore is a year-round destination,

but the dry season runs from February

to April

VISA REQUIREMENTS


a visa for stays of up to 30 days

SINGAPORE

Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore

The flagship property of Shangri-La

Largest outdoor pool in Singapore

Set in 15 acres of tropical gardens

uuuuu

Offering an exclusive and refined oasis in the

heart of the city, Shangri-La Hotel sets the bar

high when it comes to luxury accommodation

and exemplary service. There are no less than

three wings of accommodation to choose from,

our personal favourite being the Garden Wing

with its spacious rooms and tropical feel.

SINGAPORE

Pan Pacific Singapore

Magnificent views

The longest bar in Singapore

Spacious and contemporary rooms

uuuuu

Located in the heart of Marina Bay, close to

the Singapore Flyer and Boat Quay, Pan Pacific

Singapore provides an ideal setting for a

luxurious and relaxing stay in this cosmopolitan

city. Connected to three malls, there are plenty

of shopping and dining options directly on

your doorstep.



112 Far East

Malaysia 113

Malaysia

From the sounds and scenery of the

jungle to the sandy beaches and

barely touched coral reefs teeming

with rainbow-coloured fish, this is

a country richly blessed by Mother

Nature. Cheeky macaque monkeys

and long-limbed orangutans are

just a couple of the animals who

will touch your heart.

VIETNAM

SINGAPORE

MALAYSIA

INDONESIA

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK


available from the UK

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT +8

GIFTS FROM NATURE

Vibrant Malaysia means sandy beaches, jungle adventures and bustling cities

EXPERT

ADVICE

In Penang, visit

the storied Eastern

& Oriental Hotel

in George Town and

sip on its signature

E&O Sling

CURRENCY

Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)

WHEN TO GO

The best time to visit is between

December and February

VISA REQUIREMENTS


a visa for tourist stays of up to 30 days

From the suspended walkways in the

ancient rainforest of Taman Negara to

the bustle on the streets in Kuala Lumpur,

Malaysia is a rich mix of ancient and

modern, offering something for every

kind of traveller.

BORNEO

For nature and adventure, look no

further. Go on canopy walks, trek into

the jungle or even climb Mount Kinabalu.

Explore enchanting rainforest and

national parks – keeping an eye open

for wild proboscis monkeys – and relax

on long sandy beaches. Be sure to visit

the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation

Centre in the north.

LANGKAWI

Discover a sun-soaked isle of

outstanding natural beauty. Boasting

miles of white-sand beaches, turquoise

coves, virgin rainforest and a myriad of

birds and butterflies, Langkawi is ideal

for a tranquil break.

PENANG

The food capital of Malaysia, the Penang

region is the place to savour its worldfamous

curry – go to the colourful night

OPPOSITE:

The Batu Caves,

Kuala Lumpur

ABOVE:

Orangutan in

Borneo

markets and be spoilt for choice. With

colonial architecture, temples and

striking street art, state capital George

Town is a must-visit.

KUALA LUMPUR

A thriving metropolis with spectacular

architecture, Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s

buzzing capital city. Shop at the bustling

malls and vibrant street markets, then

take a pause and enjoy panoramic views

from the iconic Petronas Towers.

Find out more about journeys to Malaysia ⊲



114

Far East Malaysia 115

KUALA LUMPUR

Frenetic yet charming, Kuala Lumpur has glittering

skylines, cosmopolitan style and mouth-watering

cuisine, all rolled into one

For an Asian city, Kuala Lumpur is by no means

an old city, carved out of virgin jungle in the

19th century by Chinese and Malaysian tin

miners. The British began to arrive in the early

18th century as evidenced by the charming

colonial houses brought back to life as

Art Deco hotels. These days, a futuristic

skyline dominates the city. Skyscrapers

mingle with mosques on the horizon as

ancient cultures merge on the streets below.

There’s also fantastic shopping and a rich

culinary heritage.

The usual greeting here isn’t, ‘How are you?’,

instead translating as, ‘Have you eaten yet?’

The city is a true melting pot of flavours –

there’s a Little India, as well as a Little China

and a multitude of Malay kampung houses

where you can sample local fare. Join the

Kuala Lumpur Lifestyle and Food Experience

to explore more of Malaysia’s culinary heritage.

If you have a head for heights, head to the

famous Petronas Towers and jaunt across the

Skybridge, a glass walkway that links the two.

Back on the ground, take in the picturesque

Lake Gardens, ideal for a serene stroll, and

the sacred Batu Caves, home to giant, gold

statues of the Hindu gods.

BEACH BREAKS

BEACH LIFE

The Petronas Towers

From here, head to Penang, a feast for the

senses; Langkawi for amazing beaches and

views; or Singapore for more city excitement

Sit back and relax on one of Malaysia’s

beautiful beaches. Life is easy here

Perhentian Islands, Malaysia

EXCURSION

KUALA LUMPUR

Enchanting Fireflies

& Seafood Dinner

Seafood dinner by the river

Fireflies at the mangrove forest

Spend an evening away from the buzzing city

at the village of Kuala Selangor, known for

its mangrove forest. Appreciate wonders of

nature as you stroll the jungle trails, dine in

a riverfront restaurant, then boat upstream to

watch thousands of fireflies sparkling in the

thick mangroves along the river banks.

Fireflies tour

KUALA LUMPUR

Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur

Rooftop pool and bar

Contemporary guest rooms

Close to the city’s business hub

uuuuu

With a distinctive vibe, Hotel Stripes Kuala

Lumpur offers luxurious and contemporary

accommodation, perfect for your stay in

the city. All guest rooms are designed

to reflect the history and character of

the neighbourhood and feature custom

furnishings, HD television, an espresso

coffee machine and complimentary minibar.

KUALA LUMPUR

Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur

Highest hotel rooftop bar in the city centre

Banyan Tree Spa

Open-air swimming pool

uuuuu

This boutique property is ideally located in

the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle,

perfect for shopping, sightseeing and

exploring the huge number of restaurants

on offer in the capital. Most rooms offer

stunning cityscape views – and whatever

room you choose, you will enjoy a sanctuary

for the senses.

LANGKAWI

The Danna Langkawi

Three-tier infinity pool

Idyllic beachfront setting

Outstanding levels of service

uuuuu

This award-winning colonial-style hotel has

spacious, elegantly furnished rooms, each with

a private balcony offering spectacular views.

The three-tier infinity pool and white-sand

beach overlooking Telaga Harbour is the

perfect place to relax, while Planter’s, one of

Langkawi’s finest restaurants, offers gourmet

food in opulent surroundings.

PANGKOR LAUT

Pangkor Laut Resort

Fine-dining restaurants

Private island location

Tranquil and brimming with wildlife

uuuuu

Offering a true private-island escape, villas

here are set on stilts over the azure sea,

on the hillside amid the rainforest or within

landscaped gardens. Lie back on the powdery

white sands of Emerald Bay or head to the

award-winning Spa Village and indulge in a

world-class pampering experience.

PENANG

Golden Sands Resort

by Shangri-La

Guaranteed interconnecting rooms

Extensive family facilities

Walking distance to night markets

uuuu

This family-friendly hotel has a great spot on

Batu Feringgi Beach, within walking distance

of the night markets. A free shuttle service

runs into George Town, but there is plenty to

keep you entertained at the hotel including the

Adventure Zone family entertainment centre

and two lagoon pools.



116 Far East Malaysia 117

THE

REALLY

WILD

SHOW

Borneo is home to the most

diverse wildlife in Southeast Asia

An untamed and magical destination with

natural beauty in abundance and a rich

cultural heritage, Borneo is heaven for

wildlife lovers. Visit the famous Sepilok

Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to learn

about the incredible work being carried out

and witness the morning feeding session.

Cruise Kinabatangan River in search of

proboscis monkeys, take in sunrise and

birdwatch from a boat on Kelenanap

Oxbow Lake, snorkel in the waters of Tunku

Abdul Rahman National Park and visit the

Gomantong Caves, the largest cave system

in Sabah where edible birds’ nests are found.

BORNEO

Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria

Resort & Spa

Deluxe accommodation at the heart of

the Rasa Ria Nature Reserve

Exclusive Ocean Wing with private pool

uuuuu

WHERE TO STAY

Escape to an oasis of luxury and tranquillity

nestled on the pristine sands of Pantai Dalit

beach. This enchanting retreat is surrounded

by 400 acres of tropical forest, bursting

with local flora and captivating wildlife.

Sample delights from the resort’s eight

bars, dine al fresco in the courtyard and

unwind at the spa.



DID YOU

KNOW?

Orangutans are

critically endangered,

and visiting a sanctuary

in Borneo supports

conservation

work

FAR LEFT:

Orangutan

CLOCKWISE,

FROM LEFT:

A monitor lizard,

Sumatran pit viper,

proboscis monkey and

blue-eared kingfisher

TOUR ITINERARY

BORNEO LUXURY

WILDLIFE TOUR

A big part of any visit to Borneo

will be seeing its diverse wildlife,

with the main attraction being

one of man’s closest relatives, the

endangered orangutan. This tour

will take you up close to these

incredible animals, as well as

showing you so much more

DAY 1: SEPILOK

Visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation

Centre and Bornean Sunbear

Conservation Centre, then take to

the water to witness magical fireflies.

DAY 2: PITAS OXBOW LAKE

Experience the unique beauty of the

lake before going in search of wild

orangutans, pygmy elephants and

exotic birds.

DAY 3: GOMANTONG CAVES

Delve into this complex cave system,

where magnificent chambers teem with

swiftlets and bats. At sunset, see the

amazing flying squirrels in action.

DAY 4: SANDAKAN &

SIM SIM WATER VILLAGE

Explore Sandakan city before moving

on to see how local fishermen and their

families live in neat wooden houses

built on stilts over the water.




travel experience is truly authentic.

Our Destination Specialists will

recommend the right hotel or holiday

for you. Get in touch to start your

journey today.

118 Far East

Vietnam

119

Vietnam

Bordering the South China Sea, this

is a country of dramatic seascapes,

verdant countryside and buzzing

neon-hued cities. Take in green

paddy fields, sleepy villages, stilt

houses and floating markets selling

an astounding array of the freshest

herbs and vegetables. No trip

here would be complete without

sampling the fragrant street food.

WHILE

YOU’RE

HERE…

Vietnam’s lush landscapes and fascinating

culture blend seamlessly. Animated cities

brimming with bustling markets give way to

ancient towns with labyrinths of narrow streets.

Along the 2,000 miles of Vietnamese coastline

you’ll find sun-baked beaches lined with

swaying coconut palms and precarious stilt

houses alongside curious floating markets.

HANOI

Exotic and charming, this is Vietnam’s cultural

heart – with traces of Chinese and French

occupation. Step back in time in the Old

Quarter, with its maze of ancient streets and

quirky shops. Combine with historic Hoi An for

colourful lantern-lined streets and beaches.

NINH BINH

Ninh Binh is home to some of Vietnam’s most

beautiful rural scenery. Explore Tam Coc –

also known as ‘Halong Bay on Land’ – with its

many limestone cliffs and caves rising out of

the rice paddies, as well as the scenic ruins of

10th-century royal city Hoa Lu.

CHINA

LAOS

THAILAND

VIETNAM

CAMBODIA

HUE

Hue is the former imperial capital, surrounded

by ruins, tombs, palaces and pagodas. Walk

alongside Perfume River – or take a boat

ride – and think of all this natural landmark has

witnessed, from imperial rulers behind protective

city walls to the tragedies of the Vietnam War.

HOI AN

Charismatic and enchanting, this is one of our

favourite Vietnamese towns. Stroll, cycle or

rickshaw-ride through the Old Quarter to

explore the winding lanes and Chinese-style

architecture dating back to the 15th century.

Come evening, enjoy a riverside lantern-lit meal.

HO CHI MINH CITY

Ho Chi Minh City is buzzing with tradition

and modernity. With its French grandeur,

bustling markets and street-food stalls,

the city fuses old and new with aplomb.

Visit the War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi

Tunnels and Ben Thanh Market.

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK


TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT +7

CURRENCY

Vietnamese Dong (VND)

WHEN TO GO

The best times to visit are spring

(February to April) and autumn

(August to October)

VISA REQUIREMENTS

The Vietnamese government has

extended visa exemption for all British

citizens until 30 June 2021, for tourist

stays of up to 15 days on single-entry

itineraries only

MEKONG DELTA

Known as the ‘Rice Bowl of Vietnam’, the fertile

green landscapes along the great Mekong

River are punctuated with paddy fields, sleepy

villages, floating markets, stilt houses and

fishing boats. Explore this lush region on

a full-day tour from Ho Chi Minh City.

DA NANG

This is where some of the country’s most

luxurious beach resorts are found, set on the

doorstep of central Vietnam’s most tempting

destinations. Visit stunning China Beach,

popular pilgrimage site the Marble Mountains

and the fascinating Museum of Cham Sculpture.

PHAN THIET & PHU QUOC

Teeming with fishing boats, the busy port

town of Phan Thiet is famous for nuoc mam

(fish sauce). Meanwhile, the small palm-fringed

island of Phu Quoc has perfect shores, quaint

fishing villages and a peaceful feel.

Halong Bay




120 Far East Vietnam 121

EXPERT

ADVICE

Pass time on your

balcony or take tea

at the open-air bar as

the Mekong Delta is

bathed in twilight

ADULTS-ONLY GROUP TOUR

VIETNAM IN STYLE

ADULTS-ONLY GROUP TOUR

CRUISE

THE LOST CIVILISATION

This unique tour of Vietnam will

appeal if your adventurous side

demands that you really connect

with a country, ensuring you get to

touch, feel and taste this land of

sublime beauty and culture. This

is a tour of contrasts and luxury

– and available for adults only

EXPLORE LIKE A LOCAL

Discover the bustling streets of Hanoi

and old Saigon (aka Ho Chi Minh City)

like the locals do – on the back of a

Vespa. Your driver will take you to see

some of the most spectacular views

and iconic sights, such as the famous

Long Bien Bridge that spans the

Red River. It’s an invigorating way to

experience Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh

City, zooming through narrow alleyways

and cutting across railway tracks.

DISCOVER LOCAL DELICACIES

You’ll have plenty of opportunities

to stimulate your taste buds on this

Vietnamese adventure… whether it’s

stopping at an ancient Banyan tree in

Nam Phuoc to enjoy a real Vietnamese

coffee; learning how to make a local

dish at the Red Bridge Cooking School;

watching the world go by at Café Zoom

as you enjoy cocktails and nibbles; or

venturing to favourite local eating spots

on a Vespa foodie tour.

CRUISE THROUGH HALONG BAY

Explore Halong Bay in luxury on board

a traditional-style junk boat, the Jasmine.

Enjoy Vietnamese cuisine as you sail

past the most beautiful and quiet areas

of Halong Bay, including Incense Burner,

Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock and

Finger Islet. Take a ride on a small

bamboo boat rowed by locals from the

TOP:

Halong Bay

ABOVE, FROM LEFT:

Tour Vietnam by

Vespa; try delicious

pho; women

break for lunch

in local dress

Cua Van floating village to gain a unique

insight into life here, as you move around

the calm sea of this secluded area.

UNWIND ON THE BEACH

An Lam Retreats Ninh Van Bay is the first

and only adults-only resort in Vietnam,

exclusive to adults and families with

children over 16 years old. Located on

a secluded jungle island where stunning

surroundings, a natural stream and the

beach create absolute privacy and

tranquillity, it is the perfect destination

for personal comfort, relaxation and

rejuvenation away from everyday life –

ideal for those seeking a genuine retreat.

Not many rivers are as diverse as

the mighty Mekong. Create lifelong

memories on a voyage between

Vietnam and Cambodia on board

the luxurious MK Jayavarman. Relax

in the spa, take a dip in the pool or

lounge on the sun deck as you

watch the world glide by

DAY 1: Leave the bustle of Ho Chi

Minh City behind as you board the MK

Jayavarman. You will anchor mid-stream

near Cai Be, famous for its Catholic

French church and traditional crafts,

and spend the night there.

DAY 2: A morning tour takes you to

Cai Be, where boat-to-boat trading

still takes place. In the afternoon,

board a traditional boat bound for

Binh Thanh Island.

DAY 3: Explore Tan Chau by xeloi (a local

vehicle used as a taxi) and take a boat trip

past floating houses to a fish farm. Then

sail to the Vietnamese–Cambodian border,

towards Phnom Penh.

DAY 4: Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Phnom

Penh and its surrounding areas. Visit the

Killing Fields and S21 prison, learning

about a cruel chapter of Khmer history

when the Khmer Rouge ruled the country,

or explore the city on your own.

DAY 5: During the high-water season

your journey will take you to the Angkor

Ban village before continuing by road to

the colourful monastery of Wat Nokor. In

low-water periods you will sail to Kampong

Tralach on the Tonle River.

DAY 6: The high-water itinerary sees

you sail downstream to the island of

CLOCKWISE,

FROM TOP LEFT:

A suite on the

luxurious MK

Jayavarman; exterior

of the ship; relax by

the on-board pool;

excursion to Wat

Hanchey, Cambodia

Koh Oknha Tey, which you explore by

tuk-tuk, before anchoring overnight near

Kampong Chhnang. During the low-water

season, visit the island of Okhna Tey and

the Angkor Ban village.

DAY 7: High-water travellers explore

a rural village near Kampong Chhnang

before cruising to the Great Tonle Sap

Lake and Siem Reap. During low-water,

your itinerary includes a land tour of Wat

Hanchey, Wat Nokor and Kampong Cham.

DAY 8: Your tour comes to an end in the

city of Siem Reap. In low-water season

you will disembark in Kampong Cham

and take a road transfer to Siem Reap.






122 Far East

Cambodia 123

Cambodia

Ascending to an empire of temples

during the Angkorian period and

descending into anguish during

the Khmer Rouge, Cambodia is

a charming and beautiful country

with a fascinating history. Its real

treasure is its people, who have

emerged from the past with

an infectious optimism and an

indomitable spirit.

EXPERT

ADVICE

See fascinating

archaeological

sites and sample

delicious street

food

THAILAND

LAOS

CAMBODIA

VIETNAM

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK

Around 14–15 hours from London, indirect

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT +7

CURRENCY

Cambodian Riel (KHR)

WHEN TO GO

There is little rain between November

and May, the country’s dry season; the

cool season (November to February)

is the peak time for tourism

VISA REQUIREMENTS

British citizens will need to obtain

a visa for travel to Cambodia

CITIES & BEACHES

Whether you prefer to soak up unique culture or glorious sunshine, Cambodia is an exciting adventure for all

land of lush greenery, beautiful

A beaches and ancient sights,

Cambodia has the power to continually

surprise all those who visit. With ancient

temples and archaeological ruins,

Siem Reap gives you an insight into

Cambodia’s rich heritage. Spend a day

or two exploring the vast complex of

temples of the once mighty Khmer

Empire. Angkor Wat is the most famous,

while Ta Phrom is well known as the

temple from the movie Tomb Raider.

From glimmering palace spires to

saffron-scented markets, the capital of

Cambodia, Phnom Penh, is full of exotic

Asian intrigue. Explore the Royal Palace

and Silver Pagoda before learning about

the country’s troubled past at the Choeung

Ek Killing Fields. It’s a moving experience.

Then lift your spirits by haggling for

trinkets in the markets before relaxing

with a sunset cruise along the Mekong

River. The small town of Kratie offers a

chance to see freshwater dolphins, while

Kompong Thom has silk farms and rubber

plantations, ideal for history lovers.

Like the rest of Southeast Asia,

Cambodia has fantastic beaches too.

Accessible via a short flight from Siem

Reap or Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s main

beaches are the ideal place to relax

after exploring the country’s cultural

delights. Stroll along pretty beachfronts

lined with restaurants and shops, or take

OPPOSITE:

The Angkor

complex

ABOVE:

Wat Ounalom,

Phnom Penh

a boat trip to idyllic islands such as

Koh Rong or Rabbit Island.

A few hours’ drive from Phnom

Penh lies Kep, a former French seaside

resort with a shoreline that’s dotted

with thatched-roofed seafood shacks,

famed for their crab.

Then there’s Koh Kong, a tranquil

base for exploring waterfalls and tropical

islands, visiting fishing villages on the

Koh Poi River and trekking in the

Cardamom Mountains, an area only

recently opened up for eco-tourism.




124

Far East

Cambodia

125

WHERE TO STAY

BEACH HOTELS

From low-key oceanfront indulgence to a private-island getaway, we’ve

enchanting hotels and resorts for every type of guest. Our Destination Specialists

are here to help you choose the one that’s right for you

CAMBODIA BEACHES

Alila Koh Russey

An ecological luxury escape

Extensive range of activities and experiences

uuuuu

Alila Koh Russey is the latest addition to

Cambodia’s luxury beach offering. With just

63 pavilions and villas, this is a small and

intimate resort – ideal for those who seek

serenity and world-class service. The style is

minimalist and the structures are so discreet,

they are virtually invisible from the sea.

10-DAY TOUR

CAMBODIA DISCOVERY

Royal Sand Resort, Koh Rong

CAMBODIA BEACHES

Song Saa Private Island

Overwater, jungle or ocean-view pool villas

Committed to sustainable tourism

uuuuu

This luxurious and sustainable private-island

resort is one of Cambodia’s best-kept secrets.

There is a real emphasis on sustainability

and barefoot luxury here, and a variety of

optional experiences include island safaris,

Khmer cooking classes and beach picnics

on nearby Koh Rong.

Get off the beaten track and see

the real Cambodia. From the Royal

Palace in Phnom Penh to the ancient

temples of Angkor, this beautiful

country has so much to offer.

Experience life in traditional Mekong

villages and visit the haunting

genocide museum, a testament

to Cambodia’s troubled past

DAYS 1–2: PHNOM PENH

Tour Phnom Penh’s highlights such as the

Independence Monument, Wat Langka,

the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda.

Hop on a tuk-tuk to explore Wat Phnom

and the Central Market. Learn about the

country’s turbulent history at the notorious

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and enjoy

a sunset cruise along the Mekong River.

DAY 3: PHNOM PENH TO KRATIE

Leaving Phnom Penh behind, journey

to the small provincial town of Kratie,

situated on the Mekong. A short trip

further north will find you at the best

riverside vantage point to view the rare

freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins, which

can be seen best from late afternoon.

DAY 4: KRATIE TO KOMPONG THOM

Visit the Kratie pagoda and market before

heading to Kompong Thom. Stop for lunch

along the way at Kompong Cham and

visit Wat Nokor and the Santuk Silk Farm,

arriving in Kompong Thom for dinner.

DAY 5: KOMPONG THOM TO SIEM REAP

Depart Kompong Thom for Sambor Prei

Kuk. Visit the ancient capital of Chenla

with its 100 temples dating from the

CLOCKWISE,

FROM ABOVE:

The Angkor

complex; monks

reading; Phnom

Penh Royal Palace;

the faces of South

Gate and Bayon

Temple, Siem Reap;

Khmer dance

pre-Angkorian period. After lunch

continue to Siem Reap, pausing to

see the Naga Bridge.

DAYS 6–10: SIEM REAP

Siem Reap is home to some of the

country’s most spectacular sights

and you will have plenty of time to

explore its wonders. Discover the

Angkor complex, from the statues at

the South Gate to iconic Angkor Wat.

Learn about daily life with a visit to a

local village, a guided walk along the

Siem Reap River and shopping time

at a local market.

Get in touch with our Destination

Specialists to find out more



126 Far East

Philippines 127

Philippines

Picture a cluster of over 7,000

verdant islands thrusting upwards

from glittering sapphire waters: this

is the Philippines. Rice terraces

form a lush green carpet over the

countryside, smouldering volcanoes

stretch towards clear skies, whitesand

beaches border secluded

lagoons and massive networks of

caves and tunnels run beneath it all.

EXPERT

ADVICE

The Philippines is

made up of over 7,000

islands, so do a few

island-hopping

daytrips to

explore

PHILIPPINES

MALAYSIA

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK

Around 13 hours, direct

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT +8

CURRENCY

Philippine Peso (PHP)

WHEN TO GO

The most popular time to visit is the dry

season, from November to April

VISA REQUIREMENTS





ISLAND HOPPING

Breath-taking beauty spots and adventure pursuits abound in this Far Eastern archipelago

An archipelago of 7,107 islands,

each with its own unique charm,

the Philippines remains relatively

undiscovered. It’s believed that Alex

Garland’s novel The Beach is based

on a secret island in El Nido, but he

set it in Thailand instead so as not to

bring too much attention to the pristine

stretches of white sand here.

Split between three geographical

divisions, the Philippines has much

to offer, from the 2,000-year-old

rice terraces in Luzon in the north

to incredible opportunities for island

hopping. Manila is a neon-hued

megacity and the Philippine capital –

make sure you ride a colourful jeepney,

an iconic form of public transport. The

central Visayan Islands have white-sand

beaches and amazing marine life. And

the south is home to rustic Mindanao.

It’s when you’re hopping between

the islands that you’ll see what makes

the country so special. Famous for its

beautiful beaches, incredible coral reefs

and breath-taking rice terraces, the

Philippines offers a true slice of paradise.

ISLAND-HOP YOUR WAY TO

A TAILOR-MADE ADVENTURE

By exploring several islands, you’ll not

only see more of the Philippines, you’ll

also get to create your ideal mix of

activities and downtime. Start your

journey in Manila before taking a short

flight to historic Cebu for a few nights,

and then take a fast ferry to Bohol. Then

there’s palm-fringed Siargao, the wilds

of Palawan and award-winning Boracay.

Many of the islands have their own small

airports, or you can travel between them

on ferries or traditional bangka boats.

Just ask our Destination Specialists to

help you book your perfect trip.

SAMPLE LOCAL CUISINE

The country’s most popular dish adobo

consists of chicken or pork marinated in

OPPOSITE:

Coron, Palawan

CLOCKWISE,

FROM ABOVE:

A beach on

Palawan; travel on a

traditional Philippine

outrigger boat;

see tarsiers

garlic, vinegar and soy sauce. Another

tasty option is kaldereta, a beef stew

made with tomato sauce, garlic, onions,

peppers and potatoes. There’s fantastic

seafood too.

EXPLORE UNDERWATER

The region’s many coral reefs support a

host of marine life, making the Philippines

excellent for diving and snorkelling. In

Puerto Princesa, explore the magical

Subterranean River, one of the new

seven natural wonders of the world.

DISCOVER A NEW CULTURE

See tiny tarsiers in Bohol’s sanctuary,

meet local tribes in the far north of

Boracay and explore Manila’s old city,

Intramuros. With many of the islands

still relatively undiscovered, the time

to go is now.


128

Far East

Philippines

129

CHINA

BORACAY

Days here are all about relaxing

on the beach, trying your hand at

the plentiful watersports on offer

or diving at one of the nearby

sites. By night, the island comes

alive with a vast array of beach

bars, cafés and restaurants. The

2.5-mile-long White Beach is split

into three ‘stations’, each with its

own vibe, from vibrant nightlife

to chilled boutique hotels.

Highlights: Powdery whitesand

beaches; windsurfing;

family friendly.

Get here: Fly to Caticlan then

catch a ferry to Boracay.

PALAWAN

A narrow mainland amid many

smaller islands, some of which

are home to just one hotel.

Be surrounded by dramatic

limestone rocks and enjoy

cove-style beaches in El Nido

– with plenty of opportunity

for diving and snorkelling in

lagoons. In Coron, dive to

World War II shipwrecks and

kayak through mangroves.

Puerto Princesa offers the

fantastic UNESCO-listed

Subterranean River National

Park, one of the longest natural

tunnels in the world.

Highlights: Island-hopping.

Get here: Fly to El Nido from

Manila or Cebu then take a

boat to island resorts; fly to

Coron from Manila or El Nido.

INDONESIA

BOHOL

Brimming with natural beauty,

history and amazing beaches,

it’s also the home of the

bug-eyed tarsier, the smallest

primate in the world. See the

majestic Chocolate Hills, cruise

along the Loboc River, hike

through rainforest, or take a

boat to the stunning Panglao

Island beach, just off the

south-west tip.

Highlight: See tarsiers in

their natural environment.

Get here: Fly to Cebu from

Manila (or internationally) then

take a ferry to Bohol.

PHILIPPINES

SIARAGO

Composed of 48 islands, this

up-and-coming hotspot is a

haven for year-round surfing,

with gorgeous beaches,

turquoise waters, romantic

beach villas and plentiful

snorkelling opportunities.

Swim with stingless jellyfish

at Sohoton Cove or simply

relax with a cocktail.

Highlights: Surfing; beaches;

stingless jellyfish; snorkelling.

Get here: Fly from Manila.

CEBU

Rich in history and multifaceted

culture, Cebu offers a glimpse

of the country’s past, from its

Spanish colonial architecture

and the Lapulapu Memorial to

the Cebu Taoist Temple, built

by the local Chinese community

more recently. Walk through

lush mangroves and swim

under jaw-dropping waterfalls,

or take an island-hopping boat

trip to spot whale sharks and do

some snorkelling.

Highlights: Spanish colonial

architecture; lush mangroves;

waterfalls; whale sharks.

Get here: Fly from Manila

or internationally.

El Nido

Chocolate Hills of Bohol

TOUR ITINERARY

PHILIPPINES

ISLAND DISCOVERY

Explore the diverse islands of the

Philippines on this 15-day adventure.

Experience historic Cebu with its

pristine beaches, visit the Chocolate

Hills of Bohol and island hop in

El Nido

DAYS 1–4: CEBU

Witness nature at its best in Cebu where

you can snorkel the crystal-clear waters

and enjoy an island hopping adventure.

DAYS 5–8: BOHOL

Take the ferry over to Bohol, home to the

smallest primate in the world, the tarsier.

Observe these rare creatures in their

natural habitat before visiting the island’s

other attractions, such as the famous

Chocolate Hills, and taking a cruise along

the Loboc River. Head to the ocean to

spot the gentle whale sharks who call

Oslob home.

DAYS 9–15: EL NIDO

A short flight will take you to El Nido

to discover the extraordinary natural

splendour and ecosystem. Explore more

of the Bacuit archipelago as you island

hop to hidden coves and secret beaches.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

n Accommodation

in Cebu, Bohol and

El Nido

n Ferry transfer

between Cebu

and Bohol

n Inter-island flight

between Bohol and

El Nido

n Whale shark

watching

n Bohol tour

with lunch

n Island-hopping

activities in Cebu

and El Nido,

Palawan



the experience in hotel or resort – is

of the finest quality. Get in touch to see





130 Far East Japan 131

Japan

Discover a country of contrasts,

where treasured traditions exist

side by side with the modern

world. Get around on the superfast

and efficient ‘bullet trains’ and

explore a varied landscape, from

snow-capped mountains to sandy

beaches, neon cities to tranquil

gardens and ancient temples.

Japan never stops surprising

even the most seasoned traveller.

RUSSIA

CHINA

NORTH KOREA

SOUTH KOREA

JAPAN

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK

Around 11–12 hours direct from London

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT +9

CURRENCY

Japanese Yen (JPY)

WHEN TO GO

Late spring (March to May) and late

autumn (September to November), when

there is little rainfall and temperatures are

mild. What’s more, the spring display of

delicate cherry blossom is stunning

VISA REQUIREMENTS





IN THE PINK

On a journey to the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ you’ll discover why tourism in Japan is blossoming

From majestic landscapes to cuttingedge

cities, from fascinating culture

to exquisite cuisine, Japan has it all.

To travel with ease through one of

the most polite nations on earth, call

our Destination Specialists and start

planning your adventure to this endlessly

intoxicating country.

ADVENTURE ALL YEAR ROUND

From the cherry blossom season in spring

to the Gion Matsuri festival in July, and the

flaming autumn foliage of Daisetsuzan

National Park to the wintry frosting of

snow that caters to families and adventure

lovers alike, prepare to be astounded by

your holiday to Japan, whenever you visit.

SPELLBINDING SIGHTS

Marvel at the snow-tipped peak of

Mount Fuji, wander through photogenic

forests of bamboo in Kyoto, surround

yourself with world-class Japanese

architecture in Tokyo and shop on

the neon-lit streets of the megacity’s

Shinjuku district. Feel utterly serene as

you step into a perfectly tended Zen

garden, explore imposing temples and

castles, and reflect on the scars of

history in evocative Hiroshima.

CULTURE & WILDLIFE

Witness the famous Yakushima

macaques, those loveable snow

monkeys bathing in the hot springs

OPPOSITE:

Mount Fuji and the

Chureito Pagoda

in spring

ABOVE:

Cherry blossom

over the Meguro

River, Japan

EXPERT

ADVICE

Include a visit to

Sagano Bamboo Forest

in Kyoto and take

the short walk to the

Tenryuji Temple

of Jigokudani Monkey Park. Explore

imperial Kyoto, studying the history and

craftsmanship of Nijo Castle. Observe

the fascinating art of a Japanese tea

ceremony, immerse yourself in unique

Geisha culture and see sumo wrestling

in Osaka. The shinkansen – the

renowned bullet train – will whizz you

at high speeds across an ever-changing

landscape that’s studded with cultural

treasures, from Kyoto’s Kiyomizudera

Temple to the Peace Memorial Park

in Hiroshima.

Turn over to find out more about Japan ⊲

132 Far East Japan 133

MULTI CENTRE

CHINA

& JAPAN

Combine two fascinating countries rich

in history and culture. Walk the Great

Wall of China and sample the famous

Peking duck before arriving in Xi’an

to discover the ancient warriors – the

Terracotta Army. Explore Tokyo, standing

in awe under bright neon lights, and try

mouth-watering dishes in one of the

city’s many izakaya bars. Finish in Kyoto

and learn the artful ways of the Geisha,

explore the many temples and stroll

through the bamboo forest.

TOUR ITINERARY

JAPAN AT A GLANCE

Explore the vibrant capital, Tokyo, followed by the rural landscapes of

Hakone and famous Mount Fuji, before finally experiencing the culture and

history of Kyoto. The combination of guided and self-guided days allows

you to uncover Japan at your own pace

DAYS 1–3: TOKYO

Experience the capital like a local. Take

your time to see Tokyo’s many highlights

with a local guide, getting around by

public transport. Your first stop is Meiji

Jingu, Tokyo’s most famous shrine

dedicated to the spirit of the late

Emperor Meiji. Follow this with visits

to the Omotesando shopping district,

the city’s old town, or Shitamachi, and

Sensoji Temple. Enjoy a boat cruise

along the Sumida River, passing under

12 bridges. You will visit the former

de facto capital of Japan, Kamakura,

and be amazed by the many shrines

and temples.

DAY 4: HAKONE

This is the gateway to Mount Fuji and the

surrounding national park, and armed

with a two-day Hakone Freepass you

can take advantage of the numerous

forms of transport on offer throughout

the area. During the day you will have the

chance to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji.

Spend the night at a traditional Japanese

inn, a ryokan, where you can relax in your

yukata (a lightweight kimono) and dine

on a sumptuous traditional meal.

DAYS 5–6: KYOTO

Kyoto is home to an astonishing

2,000 shrines and temples, including

17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Explore the former imperial capital with

a local guide, starting with a visit to

Kinkakuji and then Ryoan-ji Zen Temple,

which is the site of Japan’s most famous

rock garden. You will continue on to

Kiyomizu Temple before the day’s

tour ends with a stroll through the

Higashiyama district, where busy lanes

are filled with shops selling souvenirs,

pottery and sweets.

FROM TOP:

Geisha; Fushimi

Inari Shrine, Kyoto

OPPOSITE FROM

TOP: the Great

Wall of China;

Forbidden City,

Beijing; Akihabara,

Tokyo; women in

kimono, Kyoto

DAY 7: NARA

For 74 years during the eighth century

Nara was Japan’s capital, and many of

the temples and shrines built at that time

still remain. Especially worth visiting on

your daytrip here is the Todaiji Temple,

the world’s largest wooden building and

home to Japan’s largest Buddha.

For us, adventure is crucial. But

this doesn’t have to mean climbing

mountains. Every adventure is

individual, and it’s our job to find the

right one for you. Get in touch to start

your adventure today.

CHINA

On arrival in Beijing, transfer to your hotel

and spend the rest of the afternoon at

leisure. During the next two days you

will tick some of Beijing and Xi’an’s most

fascinating and iconic sights off your

travel wish-list. Start in Beijing with the

Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square

before heading to the Great Wall of

China. Next, take the high-speed bullet

train to Xi’an (around five hours) and

marvel at the Terracotta Army. On your

final day in Xi’an, take a leisurely stroll

or cycle along the ancient City Wall.

JAPAN

After the short flight to Tokyo, transfer

to your hotel and enjoy free time for

the rest of the afternoon. Tokyo is the

world’s most populated city and home

to the Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree,

Meiji Shrine and Tokyo Disneyland

Resort to name just a few of its countless

attractions. Visit the Tsukiji Fish Market

to watch the tuna auction and taste fresh

sushi. After a few days in Tokyo, travel

in comfort on Japan’s super-efficient

high-speed rail network to Kyoto,

where you can spend a few days visiting

a handful of the imperial city’s 2,000

temples. Stroll through the gardens of

the historic wooden Nijo Castle and enjoy

an authentic Japanese tea ceremony, or

walk among the deer and cherry blossom

trees in beautiful Nara Park.



134 Far East China 135

China

From climbing the Great Wall

to strolling along bustling

Shanghai’s Bund River, China

offers an experience like no other.

A land of captivating culture,

historic landscapes and futuristic

developments, one moment you’ll

find yourself exploring the lush

rice fields and traditional Chinese

villages, before venturing to busy,

vibrant cities the next.

ICONIC

SIGHTS

Tick these incredible experiences

off your bucket list on a holiday to

remember in China

vast land of hypnotic culture,

A historic landscapes and futuristic

developments, China boasts the perfect

mix of tradition and innovation – a true

country of contrasts. A holiday here is

often the trip of a lifetime and we have

a selection of signature experiences to

offer just that, taking in a host of must-see

sights. Our Destination Specialists are on

hand to create the holiday that’s right for

you, whether that’s exploring 21st-century

China, stepping back into its past, or

delving into everything on offer.

RUSSIA

MONGOLIA

BEIJING

Discover China’s capital city, from centuries-old hutong

alleyways and the Forbidden City to the eye-popping

CCTV Building, the iconic Bird’s Nest National Stadium

and, of course, the Great Wall of China.

XI’AN

Home to the striking Terracotta Army, Xi’an is the

birthplace of Chinese civilisation. See the 10,000

Chinese warriors in all their glory, lined up ready for

battle in this Ming-era destination that’s rife with history.

INDIA

CHINA

CHENGDU

Best known as the home of one of the

world’s most endangered species, the

giant panda.

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK

Around 9 hours and 40 minutes direct

from London

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT +8

CURRENCY

Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY) and Hong

Kong Dollar (HKD)

YANGTZE RIVER

Take in the stunning scenery as you

cruise down the longest river in China.

WHEN TO GO

Any time from March to May and from

September to early November is best

VISA REQUIREMENTS


for travel to China

the Great Wall of China

BULLET TRAINS

Travel between some of the major cities

in China by bullet train, reaching speeds

of around 180mph.

SHANGHAI

From stately colonial buildings to glittering

skyscrapers, Shanghai’s cityscapes are a feast for

the eyes. Cruise along the Huangpu River, see the

Bund’s 19th-century architecture and learn more

about the region’s history at the Shanghai Museum.




136 Far East

China

137

EXPERT

ADVICE

Shanghai by night is

a spectacular sight

– the lights shining

down the river are

beautiful

DAY ONE

If a single image could encapsulate Hong Kong,

it would be the panorama from Victoria Peak,

reached only by a 120-year-old funicular

railway. From the top there are fantastic views

of Kowloon’s myriad skyscrapers, Victoria

Harbour and the surrounding islands. Back on

ground level, escape the hustle and bustle of

24 HOURS IN

HONG KONG

city life and head to Stanley Market. It has

maintained a quaint, small-town feel and is

the perfect place for a wander, with shops and

markets selling souvenirs. End the day with

a drink in one of SoHo’s upmarket bars – ideal

spots for people-watching – then head over to

Kowloon to try the aromatic street food found

at the Temple Street Night Market.

DAY TWO

If you’ve a head for heights, jump on the Ngong

Ping 360 cable car for a sky-high perspective

of the city. Lantau Island is home to many

attractions, including Hong Kong Disneyland

Resort, the world-renowned Po Lin Monastery

and the Big Buddha. Kowloon’s Walled City is

a snapshot of the past – it was once thought

to be the most densely populated region on

earth, where 50,000 people lived. They were

relocated in 1992, but the township was

preserved as a park and is now a place of

serenity and peace. Back in modern-day

Hong Kong, head to Mong Kok. It’s a bustling

shopping district where entire sections are

dedicated to just one item, be that goldfish,

tropical birds, jewellery or kitchenware... but

be prepared to haggle, it is expected! Come

evening, make time to watch the spectacular

Symphony of Lights, with the best view at

Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. For one last nightcap,

head to the swankiest rooftop bar in town,

at The Cordis hotel in Mong Kok, for a drink

under the stars. Hong Kong will prove to be

an enchanting stopover, and this is a great

place to plan your return visit.

We understand that booking and planning

a journey is a special craft. We know our

destinations inside out, which means we have

the perfect tools and experience needed to

create the best journeys.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

MAGNIFICENT CHINA

This extensive tour is an unforgettable journey, combining historical and

cultural sites with both modern and contemporary China. The tour begins

in Beijing, taking in an array of cities and a cruise along the mighty

Yangtze River, before finishing in cosmopolitan Shanghai

HERITAGE SITES

You will have the opportunity to visit many

of China’s impressive heritage sites on

this tour. Stroll through Tiananmen Square

to see the Great Hall, discover the secrets

of the Forbidden City and explore the

Summer Palace in Beijing. In Xi’an you

will meet the Terracotta Army of Emperor

Qin Shi Huang and visit the Temple of

Heaven, where the emperors worshipped

and prayed for a good harvest during the

Ming and Qing Dynasties. No trip to China

would be complete without a photo stop

at the impressive Great Wall. Take one

of our private tour options to make this

once-in-a-lifetime experience extra

special, choosing from a Forest Picnic

or Champagne on The Great Wall.

ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS

In Chengdu you will have the chance

to come face to face with China’s

most famous residents – giant pandas.

They’re among the most endangered

species on the planet, and you will get

to see these gentle creatures at the

Giant Panda Research Base. Spend

time learning about the conservation

of these amazing animals and get the

wonderful opportunity to watch the

pandas at close range.

YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

Spend four days sailing along China’s

longest waterway in elegance and style

aboard a luxury Century Cruises ship.

Your trip will include the enchanting

FROM TOP: Yangtze

River; the Chengdu

Panda Sanctuary

Three Gorges area in the heart

of China, where many of the local

population still live in a traditional way.

Join optional excursions to visit the

Ghost City of Fengdu, Baidicheng,

Shi Bao Zhai Temple and the Shenv

River. Soak up the spectacular scenery

along the Yangtze River from the ship’s

sundeck, try delicious local cuisine

and enjoy the hosted evening

entertainment on board.




HONG KONG

Harbour Grand Hong Kong

Fine-dining restaurant offering an 188-degree

harbour view

27-metre-long outdoor pool

uuuuu

Harbour Grand Hong Kong blends the best

of East and West under one roof. Situated

in the heart of Hong Kong Island and within

two minutes’ walk of the MTR public transport

network, the hotel’s rooms boast views of

the world-renowned Victoria Harbour or the

surrounding cityscape. Head up to the rooftop

bar to enjoy unobstructed vistas.

HONG KONG

The Cordis

Two-Michelin-starred restaurant

Fascinating Chinese art collection

Rooftop pool

uuuuu

Located in the heart of Mong Kok, with the city

on your doorstep, The Cordis offers five-star

luxury without being the least bit pretentious.

From the stunning rooftop pool where you

can take an early morning swim to the awardwinning

CHUAN Spa, wellness and relaxation

are themes that run throughout this hotel.

Caption to go in

Tian hereEcest Tan Buddha as ea at

Lantau, quamus Hong aut Kong



138

The Americas

EXPERT

ADVICE

This is a fantastic

destination for

families – try a ranch

stay in North America

or an all inclusive

resort in Mexico

THE

AMERICAS

Make a voyage of discovery into a vast land that

encompasses scenic coastlines, majestic mountains

and Caribbean sunshine – not to mention vibrant

culture, diverse wildlife and endless activities. From

Canada’s Rocky Mountains to the USA’s iconic cities

and outstanding national parks, to the wild landscapes

and ancient monuments of Central and South America,

this continent offers some of the greatest adventures

on earth. Because we know that each one of you is

different, we can tailor make your perfect journey here.

Craggy terrain and red-rock landscapes await on a trip to the Grand Canyon.

Explore America’s Wild West on our Canyons and Indian Lands Tour.

140 USA

144 Canada

148 Caribbean

150 Mexico

152 Costa Rica

154 Guatemala

155 Colombia

156 Peru

158 Ecuador &

Galapagos

160 Brazil

162 Argentina

164 Chile &

Easter Island

The Americas

140 141

USA

USA

A lifetime wouldn’t be enough to

see all that the USA has to offer.

Here, some of the world’s most

iconic cities make you feel like

you’re walking on a film set and

incredible national parks beckon.

Hire a motorhome to camp out

in Yosemite or Yellowstone, or

soar over the Grand Canyon by

helicopter for full immersion into

this world of natural wonders.

WIDE OPEN

ROADS

SAN FRANCISCO

Cruise the bay, spotting sea

lions on Pier 39. Enjoy views to

Alcatraz and the Golden Gate

Bridge from the waterfront.

CHICAGO

Head up the Magnificent Mile’s

iconic John Hancock Building.

The views from its observation

deck are unbeatable.

NEW YORK CITY

The sights of the Big Apple

need no introduction. Pair visits

to Times Square and Central

Park with a trip to Brooklyn.

NEW

HAMPSHIRE

WASHINGTON

MONTANA

NORTH

DAKOTA

MINNESOTA

VERMONT

MAINE

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK

Around 7–18 hours from the UK

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT -5 to -11

CURRENCY

US Dollar (USD)

WHEN TO GO

The USA has differing seasons in each of

its regions, but in general the best time to

visit is during spring and autumn

VISA REQUIREMENTS

British citizens must have a valid ESTA,

obtained prior to departure through the

USA’s Visa Waiver Programme

OREGON

NEVADA

YOSEMITE

NATIONAL PARK

HIGHWAY ONE

CALIFORNIA

IDAHO

UTAH

ARIZONA

GRAND

CANYON

YELLOWSTONE

NATIONAL PARK

WYOMING

MONUMENT

VALLEY

HAWAI‘I

Six of Hawai‘i’s 19 paradisical

islands can be explored.

Visit volcanic national parks,

where exotic wildlife thrives

in unique ecosystems.

COLORADO

NEW

MEXICO

ROUTE 66

SOUTH

DAKOTA

NEBRASKA

KANSAS

TEXAS

OKLAHOMA

IOWA

NASHVILLE

Nashville is the epicentre

of country music. Lose

yourself on the dance floor

of honky-tonk bars alongside

passionate locals.

WISCONSIN

MISSOURI

ARKANSAS

LOUISIANA

ILLINOIS

MISSISSIPPI

MICHIGAN

INDIANA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

ALABAMA

OHIO

WEST

VIRGINIA

GEORGIA

FLORIDA

PENNSYLVANIA

VIRGINIA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

NEW YORK

NORTH

CAROLINA

RHODE

ISLAND

CONNECTICUT

MASSACHUSETTS

NEW

JERSEY

DELAWARE

MARYLAND

WASHINGTON DC

Tales of power and

democracy run through the

capital’s veins. Learn of them

through its monuments,

museums and memorials.

Golden Gate Bridge,

San Francisco

HAWAI‘I



The Americas

142 143

USA

TOUR ITINERARY

ROUTE 66

The ultimate road trip, this

legendary route takes you through

the heart of the USA, opening up

a fascinating world of Americana

along the way

DAYS 1–2: CHICAGO

Explore the city’s architectural treasures,

and be sure to stand on the corner of

Michigan and Adams, marked as the

starting point of Historic Route 66.

DAY 3: ST. LOUIS

Head west across Illinois, bound for

St. Louis, Missouri, taking in prairie

landscapes that are pure Americana.

DAY 4: SPRINGFIELD

Continue through the Ozark Highlands to

Springfield – the birthplace of Route 66.

USA AT A GLANCE

America’s vast and varied states can often be defined by their world-famous landmarks. But

away from the skyscrapers and monuments, there’s lots of cool culture to immerse yourself in

From state-defining produce to

world-class sports and impressive

stadiums, travellers are treated to truly

special cultural experiences when they

visit the United States. There’s something

to appeal to everyone, from those with a

passion for fashion, to holidaymakers who

wish to unwind in sleepy states known for

taking things at a relaxed pace.

NATIONAL PARKS

From the arid landscapes of the Grand

Canyon to the lush forests of the Great

Smoky Mountains, the US boasts some

unique national parks – more than 60 in

fact. They’re home to countless creatures

and natural wonders, world-famous sights

and ample opportunity for adventure.

AUTHENTIC FLAVOURS

Classic key lime pie down in Florida,

bowls of fresh, colourful poke in Hawai‘i

and indulgent deep-dish pizza in Chicago

are just a few of the States’ defining

dishes. Look for quintessential plates

served up at age-old diners and familyrun

restaurants, and keep an eye out for

fresh local specialties, from pink tomatoes

in Arkansas to oysters in Virginia.

RANCH LIFE

America’s cities might be buzzing with

activity, but out in the countryside there

are sprawling, peaceful getaways offering

a different pace of life. Learn ranch skills,

get back to nature, or just relax.

ROAD-TRIPPING

Get behind the wheel of a roaring

American classic and take to the long,

wide roads. Cruise the Pacific Coast

Highway and explore the best of the

west, or travel world-famous Route 66.

It’s an unbeatable way to see the States.

TOP:

Yosemite

National Park

ABOVE, FROM LEFT:

Pacific Coast

Highway; ranch life;

Virginia oysters

DAY 5: OKLAHOMA CITY

Head into cowboy country, destination

Oklahoma City, pausing at a much-loved

roadside landmark en route – the cheerful

25-metre-long Blue Whale in Catoosa.

DAY 6: AMARILLO

Delve into 60 years of Route 66 history

at Clinton’s dedicated museum, then

cruise the pancake-flat plains of the

Texas Panhandle.

DAYS 7–9: ALBUQUERQUE

Take a break from the wheel to explore

Downtown Albuquerque’s Central Avenue,

a treasure trove of Route 66 landmarks.

DAY 10: HOLBROOK

Spot concrete tepees standing roadside

by the brilliant red-rock landscape of

Arizona’s Petrified Forest National Park.

DAY 11: GRAND CANYON

Spend the day discovering the South Rim,

pausing at lookouts and walking on the

Rim Trail or travelling historic Hermit Road.

DAYS 12–13: LAS VEGAS

Walk the famous Strip, lined with megaresorts,

dine at world-class restaurants

and catch the latest must-see show.

DAYS 14–16: LOS ANGELES

Continue to Pasadena, West Hollywood,

Beverly Hills and Santa Monica for a true

Hollywood ending to your epic journey.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

n 15 nights’

accommodation on

a room-only basis

n International flights

n Car hire (any

applicable one-way

fees are paid locally)

Caption to go in here



RIVER CRUISE

AMERICAN QUEEN

For a quintessentially American

experience, journey down the

mighty Mississippi on an opulent

paddle steamer, enjoying a unique

perspective of the region – and

every comfort along the way

As one of the world’s greatest rivers, the

Mississippi demands an equally grand

vessel to ply its waters, and the elegant

American Queen is just the ticket. The

largest steamboat ever built, she glides

gracefully along the river, a triumph of

authentic American design.

Classic detailing transports passengers

back to the era when steamboats

dominated the waterways, while a host

of amenities provide every pleasure for

modern-day travellers. Soak up the joy

of time spent aboard, indulging at the

spa, lingering on the decks, or savouring

award-winning, regionally inspired

cuisine. Whether you’re in the formal

dining room or enjoying a meal in your

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

OK

TX

THE MISSISSIPPI

AR

LA

BATON

ROUGE

TN

MEMPHIS

MS

AL

JACKSON

NEW

ORLEANS

elegant stateroom, an all-American

crew will ensure the very best service.

Be dazzled by Broadway-quality

shows in the Grand Saloon, and

appreciate the musical heritage of

Mississippi river country, listening to

jazz, blues and rock ’n’ roll in the Engine

Room Bar. Gain more insight into the

region’s past from the on-board historian,

before stepping ashore for signature

excursions to river cities that helped

define the heart and soul of America.

FROM TOP:

The American

Queen; fine dining

on board; the twostorey

Grand Saloon

If you’ve got questions, or there’s

something you’re not sure about

when it comes to booking a holiday,

simply talk to us and we’ll take care of

everything. All you have to do is travel.



The Americas

144 145

Canada

Canada

The vast scale and incredible

natural beauty of Canada is

astounding. Witness the spectacle

of the Northern Lights and take

an epic cross-country train ride or

motorhome journey to explore the

landscape and see bears, moose,

eagles and bison. For a culture

hit, head to vibrant Vancouver

or historic Montréal.

CANADA

HIGHLIGHTS

LAKE LOUISE

Canoe on glacial waters and

wander the lakeside path as

rugged peaks watch over you.

OTTAWA

Cycle alongside the historic

Rideau Canal as it weaves

through Downtown.

MONTRÉAL

Embrace winter as the locals

do, joining them on one of

the many outdoor ice rinks.

YUKON

NUNAVUT

NORTHWEST

TERRITORIES

NEWFOUNDLAND

& LABRADOR

BRITISH

COLUMBIA

ALBERTA

MANITOBA

SASKATCHEWAN

QUEBEC

FACT FILE

ONTARIO

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK

Around 7–11 hours direct from the UK

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT -5 to -8

CURRENCY

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

WHEN TO GO

For milder temperatures ideal for

sightseeing, visit from May to October

VISA REQUIREMENTS

British citizens must have a valid eTA

(electronic travel authorization), obtained

prior to departure

VANCOUVER

Take to the waters off the

Vancouver coast in search of

humpbacks and orcas – peak

viewing from May to October.

CALGARY

Help the city celebrate its

Western heritage at the

Calgary Stampede in July.

NOVA

SCOTIA

PRINCE

EDWARD

ISLAND

NEW

TORONTO

BRUNSWICK

Whizz up to the CN Tower’s

LookOut Level in a glassfronted

lift for a sky-high view.

Grizzly bear cub,

British Columbia



The Americas

146 147

Canada

EXPERT

ADVICE

Experience Niagara

Falls in multiple ways,

from flying overhead

in a helicopter to

cruising into the

spray itself

TOUR ITINERARY

CANADIAN CONTRASTS

The ultimate Canadian tour, contrast

the culture and history of the east

with the mountains and glaciers

of the west

WHISTLER

VANCOUVER

ROCKY MOUNTAINEER

ROUTES

QUESNEL

CANADA

KAMLOOPS

JASPER

LAKE LOUISE

BANFF

DAYS 1–2: TORONTO & NIAGARA FALLS

Explore Toronto’s city sights before taking

a day excursion to the world-famous

Niagara Falls.

USA

DAYS 3–6: OTTAWA, QUEBEC CITY

& MONTRÉAL

Enjoy sightseeing tours of Eastern

Canada’s major cities including the

country’s capital, Ottawa.

CANADA AT A GLANCE

Your adventure awaits: see cosmopolitan cities, towering mountains, expansive

glaciers, vivid turquoise lakes and cascading waterfalls in this breath-taking country

The immense scale and incredible

natural beauty of Canada never

fail to astound us. The second-largest

country in the world, its 13 provinces and

territories span 3.8 million square miles,

from British Columbia in the west, home

to the cosmopolitan coastal metropolis

Vancouver, to Quebec in the east –

a country within a country, with its own

distinctly unique culture – and beyond.

Its furthest corners have treasures too,

from the mesmerising Northern Lights

that dance in the vast skies of the remote

Yukon and Northwest Territories, to the

12,000-year-old icebergs drifting down

Newfoundland’s Iceberg Alley.

National parks pepper the country, and

lovers of the great outdoors will be spoilt

for choice whatever region they’re in.

Find the oldest in Alberta, where Banff

and Jasper National Parks guarantee

spectacular scenery – mountain vistas,

turquoise lakes, ancient glaciers and vast

open spaces are what draw people to

these magical places.

Get out in the wilderness for a chance

to see Canada’s ‘big five’ in their natural

habitat, spotting moose, elk, bear, deer

and wolf. Ontario’s stunning Muskoka

lakes region offers up more chances

for wildlife encounters, while the thrill of

seeing a whale breach in front of you

is a memory that will last a lifetime –

head out on a boat from Vancouver with

a guide and keep your fingers crossed!

COUNTRY LIFE

Adventurers can get their kicks countrywide,

with every type of adrenaline rush

on offer, from hitting the famed ski slopes

of Whistler to taking a canoe expedition

along the thundering Yukon River. But

culture seekers are more than catered for

too. British Columbia has Canada’s most

diverse Indigenous heritage, so it’s the

perfect place to immerse yourself in

the country’s rich First Nations culture.

In colourful Quebec you’ll find a vibrant

mix of French, British and Amerindian

influences, as well as towering mountains,

meandering rivers and quaint villages,

while Canadian capital Ottawa, on the

Ontario–Quebec border, combines

famous sights with a European influence.

Take time to explore before heading

south-east to entertainment capital

Toronto, where glimmering skylines await

and the crashing waters of Niagara Falls

beckon. A holiday in Canada is sure to

be an adventure you’ll never forget.

ABOVE:

Boat tour of

Niagara Falls

TOP RIGHT:

Canoes floating

on Lake Moraine

DAY 7: TORONTO

On the way back to Toronto you may

choose to join a cruise through the

beautiful Thousand Islands, before

having time at leisure in the city.

DAY 8: CALGARY

Discover Calgary’s mix of modern and

historic landmarks on a sightseeing tour

that includes Fort Calgary and the

financial district.

DAYS 9–10: BANFF NATIONAL PARK

Explore the snow-capped peaks,

sparkling glaciers and emerald lakes

of the Rockies, and take time to browse

Banff’s boutiques.

DAYS 11–12: KAMLOOPS & WHISTLER

Contrast icefields and canyons with ranch

lands and coastal mountains as you travel

westwards to Kamloops and Whistler.

DAYS 13–15: VANCOUVER

Join a sightseeing tour that includes

Stanley Park, Gastown and Prospect

Point, then make the most of free time

to explore more of this vibrant city.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

n 14 nights’

accommodation

on a B&B basis

n Arrival airport

transfer

n Internal flight

between Toronto

and Calgary

n Transportation by

modern coach with

experienced tour

director and driver

n Sightseeing tours in

eight key locations

CANADA BY RAIL

ROCKY MOUNTAINEER

Take one of the world’s greatest

train journeys, aboard one of

the world’s greatest trains, for

a privileged view of the majestic

Canadian Rockies

Rocky Mountaineer is so much more

than just a train. It’s a luxury

experience like no other, taking you

through the unparalleled beauty and

untamed wilderness of the Canadian

Rockies, into landscapes that would

normally be completely inaccessible.

Enjoy picturesque valleys, dramatic

canyons and plentiful wildlife. Aboard,

you are asked to do nothing more than

sit back and relax, drink in hand, choosing

from two travel styles to tailor this unique

experience to you.

Panoramic views are guaranteed,

with oversized windows in the SilverLeaf

Service more than a match for Canada’s

mighty natural marvels, such as its highest

peak, Mount Robson. As the landscape

rolls by, listen to fascinating commentary

and enjoy five-star gourmet meals and

complimentary beverages and snacks –

all served at your seat for comfort.

To add an extra dimension to your

journey, opt for the GoldLeaf Service

and step out to an exclusive outdoor

vestibule for open-air viewing. Inside,

take your seat in the upper level of a

glass-domed coach to let unparalleled

views wash over you, before indulging

in culinary treats in the lower-level dining

room. And with award-winning service

included across both travel styles, you

are promised the trip of a lifetime.

MAP KEY

Rainforest to Gold Rush

Journey Through the Clouds

First Passage to the West

Scenic Highway Motorcoach self drive

ABOVE:

Travel on the iconic

Rocky Mountaineer

through the

Canadian Rockies



The Americas

148 149

Caribbean

Caribbean

Pristine, powder-soft beaches,

gleaming azure waters, swaying

palms and a warm, sunny climate

with a cool breeze, the Caribbean

islands have an irresistible allure.

From Antigua and Barbados to

St. Lucia and the Dominican

Republic, the region is studded

with gems, each with its own

distinct character and charm.

DIVERSE

AND

DIFFERENT

With idyllic beaches, sparkling waters

that span every shade of blue and

seemingly endless hours of sunshine,

the Caribbean islands have called out

to travellers for generations, captivating

visitors with their natural charm. Yet while

all holidays here promise unforgettable

memories, there’s rich diversity to be

found across the islands.

THE BAHAMAS

DOMINICAN

REPUBLIC

PUERTO

RICO

ANTIGUA

JAMAICA

ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES

COLOMBIA

FACT FILE

ST. LUCIA

BARBADOS

VENEZUELA

ANTIGUA

White-sand beaches attract visitors here year

after year, but venture beyond the beach to

discover so much more. Enjoy great cuisine and

an even greater atmosphere at Shirley Heights

on a Sunday afternoon, explore lush rainforest

landscapes on two (or four) wheels, and delve

into naval history at Nelson’s Dockyard.

Marigot Bay, St. Lucia

ST. LUCIA

Mother Nature put a lot of love into St. Lucia,

so it’s no surprise that it’s a dream destination

for honeymoons. Lounge on perfect beaches

and relax in incredible spas at our selection

of luxury resorts. Those looking for adventure

can hike the island’s iconic Pitons or zip-line

through the rainforest.

For us, adventure is crucial. But this doesn’t

have to mean climbing mountains. Every

adventure is individual, and it’s our job to

find the right one for you. Get in touch to

start your adventure today.

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK

Varies by country

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT -4 to -6, depending on country

CURRENCY

Varies by country

WHEN TO GO

December to April is generally

considered the best time to visit, when

it’s slightly cooler and less humid

VISA REQUIREMENTS

Varies by country

The Pitons, St. Lucia

ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES

In this collection of 32 islands, only nine

are inhabited, meaning you have quite

the choice of deserted islands to explore.

A paradise, the Tobago Cays is a hotspot for

seeing brightly coloured corals and an array

of marine life.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Discover colonial cities, mountainous terrain

and Latin influences, as well as the stunning

white sands of Punta Cana, the Coconut

Coast. Explore a wonderland of caves and

lagoons at Three Eyes National Park, and

visit postcard-perfect Isla Saona, a protected

island with idyllic beaches, mangroves and

swaying palms.

BARBADOS

Picturesque beaches, sizzling food and a warm

welcome are just some of the factors that will

make your visit to Barbados memorable.

Whether you stay on the south or west coast,

there’s plenty to do. Dine at local restaurants,

hit Oistins Fish Fry on a Friday evening or head

inside Harrison’s Cave for a day of exploration.



The Americas

150 151

Mexico

Mexico

Alive with art, culture and history,

here you can marvel at towering

temples and immerse yourself

in a world of warring Aztec gods.

Mayan cities burst from lush jungles,

dazzling skyscrapers pierce the

sky and marine life thrives amid

colourful reefs. Add to that worldclass

hotels and glorious beaches,

and you’ve got the perfect break.

MEXICO

USA

LUXURIOUS ESCAPES

DREAMS ARE

MADE HERE

Those yearning for rest and relaxation will find comfort in the warm hospitality

of the Mexican people, whiling away hours on picture-perfect sandy shores

Tulum

PLAYA DEL CARMEN

Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya

Free minibar

Lazy river

On-site live performances

uuuuu

EXPERT

ADVICE

Los Cabos is a great

mix of luxury resorts

and authentic Mexico,

with lots of fantastic

places to eat

and drink

Nestled among the trees on the shoreline

of the Playa del Secreto, the all inclusive

Valentin Imperial Maya offers a truly quiet

getaway with only adult guests allowed.

Enjoy exquisite all-suite accommodation

with beautiful Caribbean views, then

choose to dine at one of the seven à la

carte restaurants, or have a romantic

dinner on the beach while watching

the sun set over the ocean.

Welcome to paradise.

GUATEMALA

NICARAGUA

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK

Around 11 hours and 30 minutes to

Mexico City, 11 hours to Cancun and

13 hours to San Jose del Cabo

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT -5 to -8, depending on region

CURRENCY

Mexican Peso (MXN)

WHEN TO GO

The best time to visit is during the dry

season, between December and April

VISA REQUIREMENTS


obtain a visa to visit Mexico

Cinco de Mayo, Mexico

CANCUN

Óleo Cancun Playa

The personalised Óleo Artist Service

includes a welcome cocktail and reflexology

hand massage on arrival, as well as use of

a VIP concierge

uuuuu

Located in the heart of Cancun’s beachfront,

the Óleo is a new contemporary hotel offering

a lagoon on one side and crystal-clear ocean

on the other. The resort is perfect for families

or couples, and features an infinity pool, two

speciality restaurants with premium drinks,

a steam room and sauna.

LOS CABOS

Secrets Puerto Los Cabos

Golf & Spa Resort

Free on-site activities including cookery

classes, yoga and Pilates

All-suite resort, each with a Jacuzzi

uuuuu

Enjoy world-class service at the all inclusive

Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort.

The hotel offers direct beach access, a

luxurious spa and eight restaurants serving

a variety of international food and drinks,

from Mexican cuisine to Asian and Italian.

PLAYA DEL CARMEN

Fairmount Mayakoba

Kids aged 5 to 11 can enjoy epic adventures

in the sacred Mayan jungle and learn about

natural and cultural wonders

uuuuu

Located in a private gated community,

Fairmount Mayakoba sits within 240 acres

of tropical rainforest next to crystal-clear

waterways and the idyllic Caribbean coast.

The Riviera Maya boasts the world’s secondlargest

coral reef – just a short trip from the

resort. The hotel itself features numerous

wellbeing activities, the Willow Stream Spa,

on-site birdwatching boat tours and the use

of bicycles throughout this delightful resort.



152 The Americas

Costa Rica

153

Costa Rica

Welcome to the eco-tourism

capital of the world, famed for

its wonderful wildlife, impressive

volcanoes and action-packed days.

Zip-line through cloud forests, soak

in natural hot springs, go whitewater

rafting and explore national

parks and tropical rainforests. In

this nature lover’s paradise you’ll

spot monkeys, butterflies, birds,

laid-back sloths, and so much more.

NICARAGUA

FROM JUNGLE

TO BEACH

Zip-line through mist-shrouded canopies in the cloud forest, glide along

tranquil canals in Tortuguero National Park and see green turtle hatchlings

scramble across the beach towards the Caribbean Sea. For those looking

to relax, head to Papagayo for beautiful beaches and sunsets

COSTA

RICA

8-DAY TOUR

10-DAY TOUR

FACT FILE

PANAMA

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK


COSTA RICA JUNGLE & BEACH

Discover the history of chocolate.

See cocoa beans transformed into

a dark, mouth-watering product, then

experience the adrenaline of white-water

rafting and go pedal-boarding across

Lake Arenal. Explore rainforests, spotting

monkeys and sloths, and snorkel in the

crystalline blue waters off some of the

best beaches in the world.

Arenal - Manuel Antonio

TROPICAL WONDERS

Visit volcanoes, admire numerous

species of birds, from toucans to

hummingbirds, then unwind on stunning

beaches. Be captivated by the array

of monkeys you see while travelling

through the brackish waters, and catch

glimpses of Damas Island as you pass

beneath natural tree tunnels.

San Jose - Turrialba - Dota - Uvita -

Manuel Antonio

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT -6

CURRENCY

Costa Rican Colón (CRC)

WHEN TO GO

The best time to visit is during the dry

season, from mid December to April

VISA REQUIREMENTS

British citizens receive a 90-day tourist

visa upon arrival; longer stays require an

appropriate visa to be obtained

OPPOSITE:

Red-eyed tree frog

TOP RIGHT:

Macaws

ABOVE, FROM TOP:

View of Arenal

Volcano from the

jungle; the brightly

coloured keel-billed

toucan; Playa Conchal

on the Pacific coast

RIGHT:

Three-toed sloth

9-DAY TOUR

HIGHLIGHTS OF COSTA RICA

Discover lagoons and rainforests and

see plentiful wildlife in Tortuguero

National Park on the Caribbean coast.

Trek around an active volcano and visit

the cloud forest, walking through the

treetops on suspension bridges. After

your time in the jungle, relax on the

beach or snorkel in Pacific waters, off the

coast of Manuel Antonio National Park.

San Jose - Tortuguero - Arenal -

Monteverde - Manuel Antonio

11-DAY TOUR

MYSTIC JUNGLES

Explore white-sand beaches lapped by

clear waters in Cahuita National Park,

discover the secrets and wonders of

chocolate and take a tour of the Frio

River and its lagoons. Visit Rio Celeste

National Park, a sanctuary for tropical

species such as pumas, tapirs, sloths,

giant butterflies and wild orchids.

At Rio Negro, relax in incredible hot

springs, then get your heart racing as

you fly through the trees on a Canyon

Canopy Tour.

San Jose - Puerto Viejo - Sarapi Qui -

Cano Negro - Rio Celeste - Rincon de

la Vieja



Guatemala

The Americas

154 155

Colombia

Guatemala

Colombia

Welcome to the heart of the Mayan

world. History here goes back

4,000 years, when the Mayan

civilisation emerged. Its legacy

lives on today in the traditions of

the Guatemalan people. A place

of extraordinary cultural and natural

richness, the country is known as

the ‘Land of the Eternal Spring’ and

has a pleasant climate year-round.

With its unspoilt Caribbean

coastline, archaeological ruins,

cobbled colonial communities

and soaring Andean summits,

Colombia has it all. Its cities are

transformed, and fast becoming

known for their rich culinary

offerings, from UNESCO-listed

Cartagena to Medellin and the

capital city of Bogota.

PANAMA

MEXICO

BELIZE

VENEZUELA

COLOMBIA

GUATEMALA

HONDURAS

ECUADOR

BRAZIL

EL SALVADOR

PERU

8-DAY TOUR

8-DAY TOUR

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK

Around 15 hours from London via

Madrid or Amsterdam

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT -6

CURRENCY

Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ)

WHEN TO GO

The dry season (November to April) is

generally considered the best time to visit

VISA REQUIREMENTS


obtain a visa for stays of up to 90 days

THE LAND OF THE

ETERNAL SPRING

Surrounded by volcanoes, the

UNESCO-listed city of Antigua was

once the country’s capital. Tour the

sights, taking in Spanish-influenced

architecture and the Palace of the

Captains General. Visit a coffee

farm, learn Guatemalan folklore

and admire traditional textiles. In

Chichicastenango, visit the openair

market before stepping inside

the Church of Santo Tomás. In Tikal

National Park, discover an ancient

Mayan citadel set within the jungle,

and visit the Palace of the Windows,

the Pyramids of the Grand Jaguar and

Temple IV, the tallest pre-Columbian

structure in the Americas.

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK

Around 11 hours direct from

London to Bogota; around 14–15

hours indirect to Cali and Cartagena

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT -6

CURRENCY

Colombian Peso (COP)

WHEN TO GO

December to March has the least

rainfall, particularly in the mountains

VISA REQUIREMENTS


obtain a visa for stays of up to 90 days

BEST OF COLOMBIA

Dating back to 1538, Bogota is

Colombia’s largest city. Take a trip

to the food and flower markets and

visit the historic neighbourhood of La

Candelaria. Travel to Zipaquira to the

famous underground salt cathedral,

a masterpiece carved by the hands

of miners. Drive up to Lake Guatavita,

said to have been a sacred site where

the Muisca tribe would take offerings

of gold, and soak up the lush scenery

of the coffee area in the Cocora Valley,

before taking part in a coffee-tasting

session. In Cartagena’s old town,

a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stroll

cobbled streets and visit the Castillo

de San Felipe de Barajas and the

convent of San Pedro Claver.

The ruins of Tikal,

an ancient Mayan city

Antigua - Lake Atitlan - Tikal

Squirrel monkeys live

in the tropical forests

Bogota - Armenia - Cartagena



156 The Americas

Peru

157

Peru

Peru is a land of enchanting

Inca ruins and jaw-dropping

landscapes. See floating islands

on Lake Titicaca, hike the Inca Trail

to Machu Picchu (or take the train

for comfort), wander the streets

of Cuzco and enjoy local life in

Ollantaytambo. Capital city Lima

has become a leader in fine dining,

with three of the top 50 restaurants

in the world found there.

EXPERT

ADVICE

Sip a Pisco Sour

in Cuzco’s central

square before

heading to view the

imposing Basilica

Cathedral

13-DAY TOUR

ECUADOR

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK

Around 12–13 hours direct

from London

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT -5

CURRENCY

Peruvian Sol (PEN)

COLOMBIA

PERU

WHEN TO GO

May to September is the driest

season, although Inti Raymi (Festival

of the Sun) takes place annually

on 24 June, in honour of the

revered Incan Sun God

VISA REQUIREMENTS


to obtain a visa for stays of

up to 90 days

BRAZIL

BOLIVIA

9-DAY TOUR

BEST OF PERU

Once the most important city of the

Spanish viceroyalty, Lima is the largest

city in Peru and is still its most important.

Discover the colonial architecture of the

Government Palace, the town hall, the

Archbishop’s Palace, and the largest

collection of religious art in America at the

San Francisco monastery. Continue to the

Miraflores district with its coastal views,

and discover the pre-Inca ruins at Huaca

Pucllana. Afterwards enjoy a guided tour

of the Larco Museum, housing one of the

biggest collections of pre-Columbian

artefacts. Journey down to the Sacred

Valley and visit Cuzco, South America’s

oldest continuously inhabited city, and

Chinchero, where colonial temples

are built on Incan foundations. At

Ollantaytambo, stone terraces rise

steeply from the edge of town up to the

hilltop fortress ruins. Travel by train and

bus to the remarkable ‘Lost City of the

Incas’, Machu Picchu, where stone blocks

fit together perfectly without any mortar.

Take the bus along the snow-capped

Andes to Puno and sail to the Uros

Islands of Lake Titicaca, then on to

Taquile Island, where the locals have

maintained their traditions and culture

over centuries.

Lima - Cuzco - Yucay - Machu Picchu -

Cuzco - Puno - Lima

OPPOSITE:

Machu Picchu

ABOVE:

Peruvian dancers

TOP:

The Plaza

de Armas in Lima

LAND OF THE INCAS

Founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro

as ‘The City of the Kings’, Lima is one of

South America’s largest cities, boasting

splendid colonial architecture and worldclass

museums. Explore the Peruvian

capital’s sights, including the Plaza de

Armas; it’s home to some of the city’s

most impressive architecture, such

as the Government Palace and the

Archbishop’s Palace. Visit the San

Francisco monastery, which houses the

catacombs. Travel to Cuzco (once the

capital of the Inca Empire) in the Sacred

Valley, see the royal hacienda of Tupac

Inca Yupanqui in Chinchero, and the ruins

of a huge Inca fortress at Ollantaytambo.

Take a train journey through the

Urubamba Valley and then a bus up to

the UNESCO-listed Machu Picchu, one

of the most impressive sites in the world.

At Puno visit the floating Uros Islands

on Lake Titicaca, where the inhabitants

live as their ancestors did. Colca Canyon

is one of the world’s deepest, with

views of the Misti, Chachani, Ampato

and (still active) Sabancaya volcanoes.

Tour the ‘White City’ of Arequipa, with

its Baroque buildings crafted from white

volcanic stone.


Cuzco - Puno - Colca Canyon -

Arequipa - Lima



the experience in hotel or resort – is of

the finest quality. Get in touch to see





158 The Americas

Ecuador & Galapagos

159

16-DAY TOUR

Ecuador & Galapagos

Here you’ll find dense Amazonian

rainforest, the famous Galapagos

Islands, towering volcanic peaks,

lush Andean highlands and

Ecuador’s high-altitude capital

city, Quito. Natural wonder,

cultural intrigue and rare

wildlife all wait to greet you.

Prepare to be utterly enthralled.

IMAGES OF ECUADOR

Explore the UNESCO-listed city of Quito,

visiting the richly sculpted façade and

interior of La Compañia church. Spot a

variety of birds in the Yanacocha Reserve,

barter at the colourful handicraft markets

in Otavalo, brimming with belts, tapestries

and ponchos, then visit the crater lake

of Laguna Cuicocha at an altitude of

3,000 metres above sea level. Journey

along the river in the Cuyabeno Wildlife

Reserve, enjoying the biodiversity along

the way.

Quito - Bellavista - Otavalo -

The Amazon - Quito - Cotopaxi

4-DAY ADD-ON TOUR

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

COLOMBIA

ECUADOR

PERU

GALAPAGOS

LEGEND CRUISE

The Galapagos Legend is a luxury cruise

ship offering a personal and professional

service on board. At El Barranco, climb

the rocky path to a high cliff face, home

to red-footed boobies. Dragon Hill is

a low-lying hill where you can find the

Galapagos land iguana. Las Bachas

Beach has species such as flamingos

and Sally Lightfoot crabs, and is one of

the main nesting sites for sea turtles on

Santa Cruz Island.

Embark ship - El Barranco (Genovesa

Island) - Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz Island)

Las Bachas (Santa Cruz Island) -

Disembark ship

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK

Around 13–15 hours; indirect

flights from London

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT -5

CURRENCY

US Dollar (USD)

WHEN TO GO

October to June is the best time to visit

VISA REQUIREMENTS


obtain a visa to visit Ecuador



5-DAY ADD-ON TOUR

ISABELLA II CRUISE

The Isabela II is a luxury yacht that will

make your cruise unforgettable. On Santa

Cruz Island, see giant tortoises, lava

lizards and great blue herons. Santa Fe

Island is a volcanic uplift with a variety

of wildlife, including the Galapagos hawk

and playful sea lions. Trek across North

Seymour Island and spot rare Galapagos

snakes and blue-footed boobies. On

Bartholomew Island, go snorkelling with

penguins and sea lions.

Embark ship - Santa Cruz Island -

Santa Fe Island - North Seymour Island -

Bartholomew Island - Disembark ship

We use our destination knowledge to

create the holiday that’s right for you

– get in touch to see how we can help

OPPOSITE:

An iguana in the

Galapagos Islands

CLOCKWISE,

FROM TOP: The

Galapagos Islands;

a giant tortoise;

Quito, Ecuador

160 The Americas

Brazil

161

Brazil

Everyone should visit Brazil

at least once in their lifetime.

The atmosphere is always lively,

the landscapes colourful and

the scenery tropical. Iconic

sights include Copacabana

Beach, the Amazon Rainforest

and Iguazu Falls.

PERU

BRAZIL

12-DAY TOUR

5-DAY TOUR

BOLIVIA

BEST OF BRAZIL

& THE AMAZON

RIO CULINARY

TOUR

ARGENTINA

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK

Around 11–12 hours; direct flights

from London

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT -3 and -5, depending on destination

CURRENCY

Brazilian Real (BRL)

WHEN TO GO

Brazil can be visited year-round and has

various climatic extremes. The warmer

months are November to March, when

temperatures can reach 30–40˚C

VISA REQUIREMENTS


to obtain a visa to visit Brazil

This round trip of Brazil takes in amazing

attractions across the country. Start with

a tour of vibrant Rio de Janeiro, seeing

classic sights such as Sugar Loaf

Mountain, Christ the Redeemer and

Copacabana Beach, then visit the

Sambadrome, the site of Rio’s famous

carnival processions. Travel to the

thundering Iguazu Falls, one of the

wonders of the natural world. Walk

along the paths and catwalk, and enjoy

magnificent views at the bottom of the

Devil’s Throat. Stay in a jungle lodge in the

Amazon Rainforest, and trek through this

dense undergrowth, discovering its rich

flora and fauna. Sail down the Rio Negro

to the Meeting of the Waters, a must-see

natural phenomenon. Finally, visit one of

the oldest cities in the Americas, Salvador

da Bahia, with its narrow cobbled streets

and colonial architecture, taking time to

explore the famous Mercado Modelo

where you can buy Brazilian handicrafts.

Salvador also boasts some of the best

beaches in Brazil, with beautiful white

sands fringed by palm trees.

Rio de Janeiro - Iguazu - Manaus -

The Amazon - Manaus - Salvador

da Bahia

From simple markets and street food

to some of Brazil’s top restaurants, all

served up alongside iconic sights, this

is the ultimate way to explore Rio. Begin

with a city tour, sip cocktails at Sugar

Loaf Mountain and try Brazil’s national

dish feijoada at a restaurant run by

a local mother and daughter. Enjoy

dinner at Iraja Gastro, a contemporary

restaurant set in a large, restored old

house. Take a Jeep tour to see Christ

the Redeemer, then travel on to Santa

Teresa for a lunch of locally sourced

produce including fish from the Amazon.

Dinner is a tasting menu consisting

of five, seven or nine courses. Join

a cooking class and master a mix of

recipes and techniques, then visit a

samba school to learn this famous

dance. Dinner is at Giuseppe Grill, said

to have the best meat in Rio – as well

as a wine cellar with over 650 different

labels. Take a morning walking tour

through Rio’s historic centre and stop

for lunch at Ancorama with views of the

bay. Dinner is at The Olympe, one of

the 50 best restaurants in Latin America.

This tour is ideal as an add-on.

Rio de Janeiro

OPPOSITE:

Rio de Janeiro

ABOVE, FROM TOP:

Squirrel monkey;

the Amazon River;

Copacabana Beach




travel experience is truly authentic. Our

Destination Specialists will recommend

the right hotel or holiday for you. Get

in touch to start your journey today.



162 The Americas

Argentina

163

9-DAY TOUR

Argentina

Be swept away by the infectious

Latin spirit in Argentina, home

to a world of excitement and

experiences. Visit characterful

Buenos Aires, head to Tierra

del Fuego National Park and

see the crashing waters of Iguazu

Falls. Continue to the eastern

foothills of the Andes, to Mendoza

– famed for its wine, nightlife and

atmospheric markets.

CHILE

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK

Around 14 hours; direct flights

from London

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT -3

ARGENTINA

CURRENCY

Argentine Peso (ARS)

BRAZIL

WHEN TO GO

Buenos Aires is very pleasant during

June and July; Patagonia is most

accessible during the warmer season,

from December to March

VISA REQUIREMENTS


obtain a visa to visit Argentina

URUGUAY

EXPERT

ADVICE

Mendoza is known

worldwide for its

wine. Visit vineyards

by day, then embrace

a lively café and bar

culture by night

OPPOSITE:

Perito Moreno

Glacier, Patagonia

ABOVE:

Fitz Roy Mountain

LEFT:

Buenos Aires’

La Boca

neighbourhood,

and passionate

Argentine tango

BELOW:

Wine country in

Argentina

BEST OF ARGENTINA

Explore cosmopolitan Buenos Aires with

its grand European architecture and

Latin spirit. Drive along the widest

avenue in the world, 9 de Julio Avenue

– named in honour of Argentina’s

independence from Spain in 1816 – and

see sights such as the Teatro Colón

(considered one of the best opera

houses in the world), the Metropolitan

Cathedral and the Casa Rosada

presidential complex. Visit the La Boca

neighbourhood with its colourful tin

houses, then head to Recoleta, home to

the cemetery where Eva ‘Evita’ Perón

is buried, and spend an evening taking

in an Argentine tango show. Head to

Ushuaia in Patagonia – nicknamed the

‘End of the World’. Tour Tierra del Fuego

National Park, spotting nesting seabirds

and seeking out sea lions. Sail over to

Martillo Island to see Magellanic and

gentoo penguins. Journey to El Calafate,

home to the ever-growing turquoise

Perito Moreno Glacier, the third-largest

reserve of fresh water on the planet –

its towering face soars 70 metres high

and spans more than three miles.

Buenos Aires - Ushuaia - El Calafate -

Buenos Aires

3-DAY TOUR

WINE TASTING IN

MENDOZA

Nestled in the Andes, the Mendoza

region is at the heart of Argentina’s

wine county, famed for its Malbec

grapes and stunning vineyards.

Discover the city of Mendoza, with its

tree-lined streets, boutique cafés, leafy

plazas and bustling markets. Walk

around the old town and see the ruins

of San Francisco church; in the ‘new

city’, stop at the Museo Municipal de

Arte Moderno and enjoy a panoramic

view at General San Martin Park. Visit

three wineries, or ‘bodegas’ as they are

known locally, and enjoy wine-tasting

sessions with an expert guide. Learn

how the wine is produced and the

importance of the cork, as well as

techniques for tasting wine and the

correct way to handle a glass. This tour

is ideal as an add-on.

Mendoza






164 The Americas

Chile & Easter Island

165

Chile&Easter Island

A land of outstanding natural

beauty, from the driest desert in

the world to the icy glaciers of

Patagonia. Snow-capped volcanoes,

pink flamingo-filled lakes and fertile

wine regions allow you to get lost

amid Chile’s stunning wonders.

Visit the Atacama Desert for some

of the best stargazing in the world,

and fall in love with the vibrant cities

of Santiago and Valparaiso.

EXPERT

ADVICE

Marvel at the

Atacama Desert’s

Moon Valley before

visiting the salt flats

to see three species

of flamingo

BOLIVIA

PARAGUAY

BRAZIL

➜

EASTER

ISLAND

ARGENTINA

CHILE

URUGUAY

11-DAY TOUR

BEST OF CHILE

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK


TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT -4

CURRENCY

Chilean Peso (CLP)

WHEN TO GO

October to March is the best time to visit

VISA REQUIREMENTS


a visa to visit Chile

Santiago is Chile’s largest city and sits

in a valley surrounded by the magnificent

Andes. Begin with a tour that takes in

sights such as the famous Alameda – the

city’s colourful main avenue – the Plaza

de Armas, San Francisco church and the

cathedral. Drive up San Cristobal Hill and

enjoy views of the city and the Andes.

Travel to Puerto Varas in Chile’s Lake

District, see the Petrohue Waterfalls and

set sail on a boat trip on the stunning

Todos los Santos Lake, taking in

beautiful vistas of the majestic Osorno,

Puntiagudo and Tronador volcanoes.

See the influence of German settlers

in the wooden houses at Puerto Montt

and visit the traditional fish and seafood

market in the port of Angelmo. Travel to

Torres del Paine National Park in Chile’s

Patagonia region, part of UNESCO’s

Biosphere Reserves system, with its

diverse landscapes that span lakes,

mountains, forests and rivers. Here you

can immerse yourself in outdoor pursuits

such as hiking, horseback riding and

boat trips.

Santiago - Puerto Montt - Puerto Varas -

Puerto Montt - Punta Arenas - Torres

del Paine National Park - Punta Arenas -

Santiago

OPPOSITE:

Moai, Easter Island

CLOCKWISE,

FROM TOP:

Dunes of the

Atacama Desert;

Chilean flamingo;

Patagonia’s rugged

landscape

4-DAY TOUR

ATACAMA DESERT

One of the driest places in the world,

the Atacama Desert encompasses a

600-mile-plus strip of land alongside

Chile’s Pacific coast, west of the Andes.

Here you can explore arid landscapes,

volcanic rock formations, active geysers,

lagoons and salt flats, then relax in

natural hot springs and marvel at the

awe-inspiring expanse of starry skies

overhead. Start at the salt flats in the Los

Flamencos National Reserve; surrounded

by mountains, they’re the largest in Chile,

stretching over 60 miles from north to

south. From here see the Andean and

James’s flamingos at the Chaxa Lagoon,

a protected reservoir. Visit the colonial

town of Toconao and stop at its rustic

San Lucas Bell Tower, built from mud

and limestone. Wander round the local

handicraft stalls, selling goods crafted

from alpaca wool, cactus and volcanic

rock. Also in the reserve is Moon Valley,

or Valle de la Luna. Sculpted by water

and wind, it features extraordinary rock

formations, jagged mountains and craterlike

valleys that resemble the surface of

the moon – and it’s where NASA tested

its lunar vehicles. This is ideal as an

add-on to the Best of Chile Tour.

Santiago - Calama - San Pedro

de Atacama



The Americas

The Americas

166 167

4-DAY TOUR

EASTER ISLAND TOUR

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Easter

Island – or Rapa Nui to the locals – is a

remote volcanic island in Polynesia that’s

famous for its monumental moai statues,

created by the early Rapa Nui people.

Rano Raraku is a volcanic crater formed

of consolidated ash and was a quarry

for some 500 years, supplying the stone

for the statues. Almost 900 moai remain

at Raraku, some of which are partially

buried. The site of Ahu Tongariki is home

to the largest ceremonial platform on

Easter Island, with its 15 moai including

an immense 86-tonne giant. Take the

opportunity to swim in the Pacific Ocean

off the white-coral beaches at Anakena.

Climb the extinct Rano Kau volcano and

appreciate spectacular views of the whole

island, then drive to the ceremonial village

of Orongo. At one time the centre of the

‘Birdman’ cult, the site has rock carvings

reflecting the annual egg-gathering ritual.

Delve further into the moai on a visit to

Ahu Akivi, where seven identical moai

sit in the middle of the island, believed

by the early Rapa Nui people to be their

ancestors, and the ceremonial site of

Tahai. This is ideal as an add-on to

DID YOU

another tour.

KNOW?

Easter Island

Remote and

mysterious, Easter

Island, or Rapa Nui,

is a five-hour flight

from Santiago

Chilean vineyard

3-DAY TOUR

SANTIAGO WINE TOUR

Chile has a long history with wine, the

Spanish conquistadors having brought

vines with them in the 16th century. The

Maipo Valley wine region has over 7,000

acres of vineyards, half of which produce

Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet blends.

Viña Undurraga was founded in 1885 by

Don Francisco Undurraga, one of the

pioneers of winemaking in Chile. Here

you will learn about the growth of the

grapes and the storage of fine wines, and

have the chance to indulge in some wine

tasting. Founded in 1880 by politician Don

Domingo Fernandez, Viña Santa Rita

is one of Chile’s oldest wine producers.

Get to know the wine cellars, learn

more about the produce and savour

two different wines. The Casablanca

Valley is best known for its white varieties,

Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. At the

William Cole Vineyards, founded in the

Moai on

Easter Island

1990s, you will visit the fermentation

facilities, bottling line and barrel room,

before topping off the tour with a

sampling in the wine shop. Founded in

1996, Veramonte is an organic vineyard

spanning more than 800 acres. See

the production process, learn about the

characteristics of the grapes and taste

the vineyard’s fantastic wines.

Maipo Valley - Casablanca Valley -

Santiago

We understand that booking and

planning a journey is a special craft. We

know our destinations inside out, which

means we have the perfect tools and

experience needed to create the best

journeys. Our Destination Specialists

can help you plan your dream itinerary.

Get in touch to find out how.

EXPLORE MORE

Overflowing with natural wonders and fascinating cultures – old and new – South America

is calling. There’s no better place for an extraordinary multi centre adventure

15-DAY TOUR 14-DAY TOUR 12-DAY TOUR

THE BEST OF

SOUTH AMERICA

For a rich insight into South America,

take our ‘best of’ tour through Peru,

Argentina and Brazil. Experience the

very different cities of Lima, Buenos Aires

and Rio de Janeiro and be amazed by the

Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, the glistening

Lake Titicaca and the historic Christ the

Redeemer statue. In Peru, known as

the ‘Kingdom of the Sun’, uncover the

mix of native Indian, Afro-American

and European cultures. In Argentina,

experience the country’s heart and soul

through tango, while in Brazil, gaze out

at breath-taking views from the top of

Sugar Loaf Mountain.


Puno - Lima - Iguazu - Buenos Aires -

Rio de Janeiro

HIGHLANDS &

CARIBBEAN –

A JOURNEY THROUGH

PERU & COLOMBIA

Combine two very different cultures

with this fascinating 14-day tour

through Peru and Colombia. Peru is a

land where traditional customs have

transcended generations, where you

will visit sacred lakes and ancient ruins.

In Colombia, the home of coffee, soak

up the culture in the lively capital city

of Bogota and the truly mesmerising

UNESCO-listed port city of Cartagena.

This is a country that’s fast becoming

one of South America’s most

captivating destinations.

Lima - Cuzco - Yucay - Machu

Picchu - Puno - Lima - Bogota -

Cartagena

CLOCKWISE,

FROM TOP:

Iguazu Falls spans

the Argentina–Brazil

border; Cartagena,

Colombia; Lake

Titicaca

BEST OF ARGENTINA

& CHILE

Starting in Argentina’s cosmopolitan

capital city, Buenos Aires, and ending

in the Chilean capital of Santiago –

surrounded by snow-capped

mountains – this 12-day tour will take

you through stunning scenery. Meet

real-life gauchos at an Argentine

estancia, watch the whales in

Peninsula Valdes in Patagonia, take a

catamaran cruise along the Beagle

Channel and gaze at the wonder of

the waterfalls in mighty Torres del

Paine National Park – this tour will live

long in your memory.

Buenos Aires - Ushuaia - El Calafate -

Perito Moreno - Puerto Natales -

Torres del Paine National Park - Punta

Arenas - Santiago



168

Australasia

EXPERT

ADVICE

Combine Australia,

New Zealand and

Tahiti with stops in

Japan or the USA

for a worldwide

adventure

AUSTRALASIA

Welcome to a spellbinding world of varying landscapes.

From Australia’s famed reef, lush tropical rainforests,

sun-baked Outback and unique animal species, such as

kangaroos and wombats; to New Zealand’s spectacular

fjords, easy-going lifestyle, outstanding cuisine and

New World wines; to the diverse culture and soft

white sands of the South Pacific, there’s a

holiday for everyone in Australasia.

170 Australia

172 New Zealand

174 South Pacific

The breathtakingly beautiful Great Barrier Reef is

the world’s largest coral reef. See it for yourself on

our Queensland Classic Self Drive, ideal for first-time

visitors to the Sunshine State.

170

Australasia

Australia

171

TOUR ITINERARY

Australia

There are few places in the world

that offer quite as much diversity

as mighty Australia. Ancient tropical

rainforests, thick with emerald

vegetation; the Great Barrier Reef,

where waters swirl in shades of

turquoise and jade; the country’s

Red Centre, where earthy sunscorched

hues reign; ribbons of

sand in gold and the whitest white.

This is travel in technicolour.

ULURU (AYERS ROCK)

Visit this immense and sacred

monolith in the heart of the

Red Centre.

DAINTREE RAINFOREST

Venture into Queensland’s

ancient tropical rainforest,

the only place on earth

where two World Heritagelisted

areas lie side by side.

SYDNEY, ROCK

& REEF

Combining the icons of Sydney,

the fiery red sands of the Outback,

and the spectacular colours of the

Great Barrier Reef, this is a perfect

introduction to wonderful Australia

DAYS 1–2: SYDNEY

Discover the stunning Sydney Opera

House and the mighty Harbour Bridge,

and head to famous Bondi Beach.

DAY 3: BLUE MOUNTAINS

Venture to the steep canyons and lush

eucalypt forests of the Blue Mountains,

and marvel at the striking Three Sisters

rock formation.

DAYS 4–5: ULURU

Fly to the baked earth of the Red Centre

and watch the changing colours of the

sunset behind Uluru. Head to Kata Tjuta

for a guided walk.

DAYS 6–7: DAINTREE

Explore the dense tropical rainforest,

and enjoy a guided walk through

Mossman Gorge.

DAYS 8–10: GREAT BARRIER REEF

Discover the underwater wonders of this

UNESCO World Heritage Site and spot

turtles, rays and countless colourful fish.

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK

Around 23 hours (London to Perth direct

19 hours)

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT +7 to GMT +10, depending on

daylight saving

CURRENCY

Australian Dollar (AUD)

WHEN TO GO

Head to the north between May and

September; November to February is

best for enjoying the south

KANGAROO ISLAND

See native wildlife and rugged

coastline in South Australia’s

‘zoo without fences.’

GREAT BARRIER REEF

Snorkel, dive or even fly over

the stunning Great Barrier

Reef – the world’s largest

living organism.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

British Citizens require either an eVisitor

visa (no charge) or an Electronic Travel

Authority/ETA (charge applies)

Icons of Australia, koalas

are among the country’s

140 species of marsupials

SYDNEY HARBOUR

Soak up the iconic views

of the Sydney Opera House

and Harbour Bridge.




find out how.



172 Far Australasia East

New Zealand

173

New Zealand

A contrasting landscape of

steaming volcanoes, spectacular

fiordlands, magnificent mountain

ranges and dense forests, there’s

a reason New Zealand is voted

best country in the world year

after year. This is a holiday haven

for those looking for peace

and rejuvenation, as well as a

playground for thrill-seekers

and adventurers alike.

TONGARIRO CROSSING

New Zealand’s ‘greatest day

walk’, the Tongariro Alpine

Crossing is a challenging hike

across a remarkable volcanic

landscape. Marvel at the active

crater, steam vents, emerald

lakes and stunning scenery.

BAY OF ISLANDS

Enjoy kayaking, boat trips

and helicopter tours. Eat

fresh seafood and immerse

yourself in the fascinating

Māori culture. Head

underwater and scuba

dive or swim with dolphins

after kayaking through the

Hole in the Rock.

ROTORUA

A beautiful stretch of

landscape, known for its

Māori cultural attractions

and geothermal parks.

Explore the clear waters

by kayak or boat, or head

below ground to discover

caves lit up by glow-worms.

After, relax in a mud bath at

a geothermal spa.

NORTH

ISLAND

SELF-DRIVE ITINERARY

NORTH ISLAND

WANDERER

Discover the best of New Zealand’s

North Island. Explore dramatic

coastlines, swim with dolphins,

discover Māori culture and indulge

in the best of local produce

DAYS 1–2: AUCKLAND –

COROMANDEL PENINSULA

Explore the city of Auckland before

hitting the road. At the Coromandel

Peninsula, visit Hot Water Beach or take

a guided kayak tour of Cathedral Cove.

DAY 3: COROMANDEL PENINSULA

– ROTORUA

Spend the evening at a Māori concert

and savour a traditional hangi meal.

DAY 4: ROTORUA – LAKE TAUPO

Spend the morning in Rotorua before

travelling to Lake Taupo, pausing at the

Orakei Korako geothermal area en route.

DAYS 5–6: LAKE TAUPO – NAPIER

Head to Hawke’s Bay, famous for its

wine, food and scenery. Admire Napier’s

Art Deco architecture, and check out the

region’s vineyards.

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK

Around 26 hours

SOUTH

ISLAND

KAIKOURA

The best spot to gaze at

orcas, fur seals, sperm

whales and blue whales.

Walk the coastal track for

dramatic views and try a

plate of the local crayfish.

DAY 7: NAPIER – MARTINBOROUGH

Head south to Martinborough then

swap four wheels for two and spend

the afternoons on a guided cycling tour

of the vineyards.

DAYS 8–9: MARTINBOROUGH –

WELLINGTON

Drive the winding Rimutaka Hill Road

to Wellington, the nation’s capital. Don’t

miss the interactive Museum of New

Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa – the

‘container of treasures’.

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT +11 to GMT +12

CURRENCY

New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

WHEN TO GO

Most visitors choose to come during

the country’s summer season, from

December to February

VISA REQUIREMENTS

As of October 2019, British citizens

require a visa to visit New Zealand

Milford Sound

MILFORD SOUND

A pristine stretch of clear, deep

waters, home to emeraldgreen

rainforests, waterfalls

and spectacular wildlife. Take a

boat trip, kayak or even scuba

dive through the fiord, where

you can see seals, dolphins,

penguins and even rare

black coral reefs.

FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER

The sparkling 7.5-mile Franz

Josef Glacier will leave you

breathless. An hour and a

half’s walk brings you to the

terminal face – if you want

to get closer, take a guided

ice trek or heli-hike.

If you’ve got questions, or there’s

something you’re not sure about when it

comes to booking a holiday, simply talk

to us and we’ll take care of everything.

All you have to do is travel.



174 Far Australasia East

South Pacific 175

16-DAY TOUR

South Pacific

Take in tropical islands with whitesand

beaches and crystal-clear

waters, as well as an abundance

of local culture that’s brought to

life by friendly and welcoming

communities. Relax at adults-only

resorts in incredible overwater

villas, or dive into a host of

activities with all the family. From

Fiji to the Cook Islands to Tahiti,

there’s so much to discover.

FIJI

In the heart of the South

Pacific you will find familyfriendly

Fiji – blessed with

over 300 magical islands –

where you will be welcomed

with smiles. Dive or snorkel

the beautiful coral reefs,

relax on stunning beaches

or visit waterfalls and

tropical rainforests.

SAMOA

Experience ‘Fa’a Samoa’,

the Samoan way of life.

Explore 10 magical islands,

meeting proud locals and

sharing in their treasured

3,000-year-old culture.

COOK ISLANDS

Less visited but just as

beautiful, the Cook Islands

have dense forests, rich

culture and a slower pace

of life. A quintessential

paradise island holiday.

TAHITI &

ISLANDS CRUISE

Go snorkelling in coral gardens

and kayaking in sparkling waters,

and opt for a barbecue lunch

on a tiny private island, a motu,

in Bora Bora. Get set for the

sailing trip of a lifetime.

Settle into life aboard a luxurious

catamaran as you discover some of

the paradise destinations that make up

the Islands of Tahiti. Weigh anchor from

Tahiti or Raiatea and over the course

of your 11-day cruise you’ll visit Moorea,

Huahine, Bora Bora and Taha’a, before

returning to shore in Raiatea or Tahiti.

Finish your trip relaxing on the idyllic

island of Vahine.

HIGHLIGHTS

n Enjoy a visit to a

vanilla plantation

on Taha’a

n Explore the crystalclear

waters of Bora

Bora on a kayak tour

n Swim in a pristine

bay in Moorea

n Visit Papeete and

its bustling harbour,

markets and

restaurants

n Travel to the village

of Uturoa on Raiatea

and hike over

Mount Tapioi

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK

Around 28 hours, plus one or two stops

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT -10 to -14

CURRENCY

Varies by destination

ISLANDS OF TAHITI

Visit the iconic Bora Bora,

where honeymooners can

stay in adults-only resorts

with overwater bungalows

and plunge directly into the

sparkling lagoon. Or why not

travel between the islands

on a small-ship cruise?

WHEN TO GO

The South Pacific is a year-round

destination, with the drier season

from May to October

VISA REQUIREMENTS

Most South Pacific islands do not require

British citizens to obtain a visa

Moorea beach,

French Polynesia

VANUATU

Head underwater at this

80-plus island archipelago.

Superb visibility and a diverse

range of accessible sites

make for world-class diving.

TONGA

Throw yourself into incredible

marine worlds, volcanic

landscapes and rich cultural

heritage. Or simply relax into

‘Tonga time’ and take it easy.

As travel experts, we use our

destination knowledge and personal

understanding to help create the

holiday that’s right for you. Get in

touch to see how we can help.



176

Polar

POLAR

178 Arctic

179 Antarctica

Take a voyage to the ends of the earth, on an

awe-inspiring journey to the polar regions of

the Arctic or Antarctic. Here you’ll find an icy

wilderness made up of some of the most beautiful

and wild scenery you could imagine, with immense

icebergs and remarkable wildlife, from polar

bears and walruses to penguins, seals and whales.

It doesn’t get more dramatic than a trip to the

end of the world.

A land of polar bears and immense fjords, reindeer and icebergs, Spitsbergen

provides the perfect setting for an epic Arctic experience. See it for yourself on our

Spitsbergen in Depth Tour: Big Island, Big Adventure.

TOP TIP!

If you’re hoping

to see polar bears,

remember they are

only found in

the Arctic

178 Arctic

Antarctica

179

Arctic

Antarctica

On an epic voyage to the North

Pole you’ll find yourself on top

of the world. Trips will leave you

feeling more than a little humbled

as you take in the gargantuan

glacial landscape, from a place

where all directions face south.

Keep your eyes peeled for some

remarkable wildlife sightings, from

polar bears to seals and whales.

A destination once reserved for

ground-breaking pioneers and

seasoned adventurers, these days

you can explore Antarctica from

the comfort of a ship crewed by

specialist staff. Immerse yourself in

the world’s last pristine wilderness,

inhabited only by animals. This is

an extra-special journey.

ALASKA

CANADA

NORTH POLE

RUSSIA

ANTARCTICA

GREENLAND

14-DAY GROUP TOUR

8-DAY GROUP TOUR

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK

Varies according to destination

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT +1 and +2

CURRENCY

n/a

WHEN TO GO

April to October

VISA REQUIREMENTS


obtain a visa for Arctic travel via

Spitsbergen (Norway) or Iceland

UNDER THE

NORTHERN LIGHTS –

EXPLORING ICELAND

& GREENLAND

Explore the unspoilt wilderness areas

of Iceland and East Greenland. Cruise

alongside Iceland’s mountainous

Westfjords and Greenland’s remote

and mythical north-east coast – home

to the largest fjord system in the world.

Discover the cinematic landscapes

and the iconic wildlife and

experience authentic Inuit culture

first-hand. If you’re lucky, you

may witness the Northern

Lights dancing across the

sky (subject to time of year).

FACT FILE

FLIGHT TIME FROM UK

23 hours to Ushuaia,

Argentina via Buenos Aires

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT -3

CURRENCY

n/a

WHEN TO GO

November to March

VISA REQUIREMENTS


to obtain a visa to travel

to Antarctica via Argentina

ANTARCTIC EXPRESS –

FLY THE DRAKE

Experience all the highlights of

a trip to Antarctica, as well as a

spectacular scenic flight over the

Drake Passage to King George

Island, where you’ll explore the

majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Look out for whales, get up close

to glaciers and icebergs, and walk

along beaches dotted with Adélie,

gentoo and chinstrap penguins.

We offer lots of other tours to the

Arctic and Antarctica – get in touch

with our Destination Specialists to

find out more



180

Fly in style

Fly in style

181

FLY IN STYLE

We work with the world’s leading airlines to ensure you have the flexibility and choice

you want. Many airlines offer departures or connections from regional

airports so why not start your holiday closer to home?

Discover multi-award winning Singapore Airlines with four daily flights from

London Heathrow and five weekly flights from Manchester to Singapore.

Enjoy a seamless transit experience through Changi Airport to an extensive

network across Asia and Australasia.

Whichever cabin you choose, a high standard of care and service can be

expected, epitomised by the airline’s iconic cabin crew who train for twice

the industry average. From a generous 32” seat pitch and cabin layout in

Economy, to champagne served in Premium Economy, a “Book the Cook”

meal pre-order service for all premium cabins and state-of-the-art inflight

entertainment systems with over 1800 choices throughout, you can look

forward to a comfortable journey ahead.

As a holder of a Singapore Airlines boarding pass, you can take advantage

of several exclusive discounts and privileges both at the airport and around

Singapore.

Qatar Airways is one of the world’s fastest-growing airlines, and operates

six daily departures from London Heathrow, 16 flights a week from London

Gatwick, 16 from Manchester, and daily services from Birmingham,

Edinburgh and Cardiff.

In Qatar Airways’ Economy Class, passengers experience one of the widest

and most spacious seats for its class, on board one of the youngest fleets

in the sky. Settle into your own personal space with plenty of room to eat,

sleep and stretch out.

Recognised as world’s best business class by Skytrax 2019, Qatar

Airways Business Class gives you the privacy to work or rest in your own

environment. Stay on top of the world with WiFi connectivity up in the

clouds, choose to dine on demand, browse up to 4,000 entertainment

options and enjoy a fully-flat bed.

The UK’s flagship carrier, British Airways offers the most comprehensive

flight network from the UK, offering year-round low fares and an extensive

global network flying to many of our most popular holiday destinations

worldwide.

World Traveller – Designed for comfort

Sit back and relax in an ergonomically designed seat with lumbar support and

an adjustable headrest helping you to achieve maximum comfort. Friendly

and highly trained crew will serve you a complimentary three-course meal

and drinks. British Airways also offers a child meal option and a ‘children

served first’ service.

Emirates flies up to 20 times daily to Dubai from a choice of eight UK

airports, offering convenient onward connections to over 150 destinations

worldwide. On board, passengers can enjoy world-class service, regionally

inspired gourmet cuisine and up to 4,500 channels of the latest awardwinning

entertainment – plus free Wi-Fi connectivity on selected aircraft.

Sit back and relax in Emirates’ spacious Economy Class. Enjoy your own

personal in-seat widescreen TV with the widest selection of world movies,

music and language options in the air. Tuck in to regionally inspired multicourse

meals and complimentary beverages served by multilingual

cabin crew.

World Traveller Plus – Worth the difference

World Traveller Plus is a separate, quieter and smaller cabin providing you

with a more relaxing and peaceful journey. Enjoy the luxury of more personal

space than in World Traveller. Stretch out with an additional seven inches of

legroom and benefit from the adjustable headrest, footrest and leg support.

Your journey is enhanced with a three-course premium dining experience,

served with beers, wines and spirits to complement your meal.

Club World – Your club, your choice

Start your holiday the right way, with dedicated check-in and exclusive

facilities. Choosing Club World means travelling in style and luxury. Dedicated

departure lounges are designed to give you choice before your flight,

whether you wish to relax, dine or be pampered. On board, the Club World

seats give you your own space and time to do what you want, when you want.

Bigger, wider and more comfortable than ever, you can guarantee complete

comfort in any position, should you be upright or lying down. The very best in

local and international cuisine is served, along with a dedicated wine list.

In Business Class, taste your way around the world with fine dining

complemented with exclusive wines and spirits. Stretch out and relax in

lie-flat Business Class seats. Enjoy dedicated check-in along with priority

boarding and priority baggage arrival at your destination.

Arrive inspired in First Class. Unwind in your own Private Suite. Refresh

yourself in the First Class Shower Spa and savour fine dining served on

demand. Fly First Class and make every journey your own.

First and Business Class passengers can relax in comfort from door to

door. The Emirates Chauffeur-drive service available in more than 70 cities

across the globe, and more than 40 exclusive Emirates Lounges worldwide

provide a personal haven before you fly.

Sri Lankan Airlines flies non-stop from London Heathrow to Colombo,

where connections are offered to a host of destinations in the Indian

Subcontinent, including the Maldives, Chennai (Madras), Kochi (Cochin),

Trivandrum, Bengaluru (Bangalore), Madurai, Delhi and Mumbai (Bombay).

Choose to fly Economy Class with Sri Lankan Airlines and benefit from

a 32-inch seat pitch with lumbar support, Wi-Fi connectivity, a personal

television screen for every passenger – providing access to over 275

hours of on-demand entertainment – and a choice of meals as well as

complimentary bar service.

Business Class passengers enjoy a dedicated check-in and access to

lounges, lie-flat beds with a 77-inch pitch, a 15-inch personal entertainment

screen, and à la carte meals served with fine wines. A complimentary

airport limousine service is also available for passengers within a 50-mile

radius of London Heathrow (restrictions apply).

Thai Airways International is the national airline of Thailand, a founding

member of the Star Alliance network and a multi-award-winning carrier,

named as one of the World’s Top 10 Airlines at the prestigious Skytrax

World Airline Awards in 2019. With legendary service and the latest

aircraft, THAI promises a truly pleasurable flying experience with a

distinctly serene Thai touch.

Enjoy generous reclining seats in economy class, with a 32-inch pitch and

18-inch width, interactive entertainment with movies, music and games, and

a 30kg checked baggage allowance.

In Royal Silk class, enjoy an enhanced experience with fully-flat seats,

increased device connectivity, bespoke amenities and authentic Thai cuisine.

Experience ultimate luxury in Royal First Class, with private eight-foot

pods, a spacious dressing room, on-board lounge and tailored dining, all

combined with the highest levels of discreet personal service.



182 183



Terms & Conditions

Please read these booking conditions, and the additional information on our

website carefully, they form an important part of the contract for your holiday.

All holidays are advertised in our brochures and on our website are operated

by Hayes & Jarvis (Travel) Limited trading as Hayes & Jarvis, registered number

509596 (hereinafter called ‘the Company’, ‘we’, ‘us’ or ‘our’), a member of the

Travelopia Group of Companies, of Origin One, 108 High Street, Crawley, West

Sussex RH10 1BD, and are sold subject to the following conditions:

Insurance:

Please Note: Adequate and valid travel insurance is compulsory for all our

travellers and it is a condition of accepting your booking that you agree you will

have obtained adequate and valid travel insurance. We recommend you take out

insurance as soon as your booking is confirmed.

1. Your Financial Protection

The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 require

us to provide security for the monies that you pay for the package holidays booked

from us and for your repatriation in the event of our insolvency.

We will provide you with financial protection for any ATOL protected flight or flight

inclusive holiday that you buy from us by way of our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence

number 1275, administered by the Civil Aviation Authority (‘CAA’). When you buy an

ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday 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.

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 or

a suitable alternative (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

claim 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.

The price of your holiday 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.

When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday, all money

accepted from you by a travel agent acting as our agent is held by that agent on

behalf of and for the benefit of the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust at all times, but

subject to the agent’s obligation to pay it to us for so long as we do not fail. If we

do fail, any money held at that time by the agent, or subsequently accepted from

you by the agent, is and continues to be held by that agent on behalf of and for

the benefit of the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust without any obligation to pay that

money to us.

When you buy arrangements other than an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive

holiday, all money accepted from you by a travel agent acting as our agent is held

by that agent on our behalf at all times.

We will provide you with financial protection for any package holidays you buy

from us that do not include travel by air by way of a bond held by ABTA. For further

information, visit the ABTA website at www.abta.com.

If you book arrangements other than an ATOL protected flight or a package holiday,

the financial protection referred to above does not apply.

We are a Member of ABTA, membership number V1464. We are obliged to maintain

a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct.

2. How to Book

To make a booking you can contact us in several ways; directly over the telephone,

via our website at www.hayesandjarvis.co.uk, through an approved Travel Agent or

by email at res@hayesandjarvis.co.uk. The person making the booking (the ‘lead

name’) must be 18 years old or over and possess the legal capacity and authority

to make the booking and accepts these booking conditions on behalf of everyone

in their party. Whether you book alone or as a group, we will only deal with the

lead name in all subsequent correspondence, including changes, amendments

and cancellations. The lead name is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the

personal details or any other information supplied in respect of yourself and any

other person travelling on the booking and for passing on any information regarding

the booking or any changes made in relation thereto, to all persons travelling

on such booking, including but not limited to information on schedule changes

or copies of booking confirmations. You will need to pay a deposit at the time of

booking in the amount notified to you at the time of booking. You may also be

required to pay for any non-transferable and non-refundable items such as special

air fares, theatre tickets, attraction tickets or entry permits and any other applicable

supplements due at the time of booking, for example, including without limitation

“Accommodation Only”, “Late Bookings” and “Weddings”. Some airfares are booked

at especially competitive rates to which airlines may attach severe restrictions.

You may be asked to pay for these in full at the time of booking and they may be

non-refundable in the event of cancellation. Details will be given at the time of

booking. Please note that cheques require 5 working days to clear. Cheques that

will not clear by the balance due date cannot be accepted. We only accept card

payments from passengers travelling on the booking. We will then invoice you for

the remainder of the cost due before you travel, which you must pay not later than

69 days before departure for bookings made via an agent, or no later than 97 days

before departure for bookings made directly with us. To pay your final balance,

amend your booking or discuss any other aspect of your holiday booked directly

with us, call our Customer Services team. When you book your holiday through an

approved travel agent, all communication between you and us will be made through

that agent, as such please contact your agent in the first instance, as no changes

can be made to your booking unless they are done through your agent.

If you book less than 69 days before departure for bookings made via an agent, or

less than 97 days before departure for bookings made directly with us, full payment

(less any payment which must be paid locally) must be made on booking by credit

or debit card. If you do not pay the balance by the due date your booking will be

cancelled and you will forfeit your deposit plus any other relevant charges. If you

do not pay the local payment on the due date your booking will be cancelled (and

we shall have no further liability to you) and cancellation charges will be levied as

appropriate.

If we accept your booking, we will issue a Booking Confirmation and Invoice. A

contract will exist between us from the date we issue the Booking Confirmation

and Invoice or if you book within 7 days of departure the contract will exist when

we accept your deposit payment. When you receive the Booking Confirmation

and Invoice and your Departure Documents please check the details carefully and

inform us immediately if anything is incorrect. Names on travel documents must

exactly match those in your passports. Unless we are responsible for the mistake,

we will not accept liability if an airline or other supplier refuses boarding because

the name(s) shown in your passport differ from those on your ticket. If there is an

obvious error on the Confirmation Invoice, we reserve the right to correct it as soon

as we become aware of it, but will do this within 7 days of issuing the Confirmation

Invoice or, if your departure is within 7 days, no later than 24 hours before you go.

If any of these changes are not acceptable then you will be entitled to a full refund.

Travel documents will be sent or emailed to you (to the address given to us by the

lead name at the time of booking) approximately 2 weeks before your departure,

and will not be issued unless payment of the due balance has been received and

any cheques have cleared. Bookings made 14 days or less before departure incur

a £15 per person administration charge and tickets will not be sent out by post but

will more than likely have to be collected at the airport on the day of departure.

It is essential that you ascertain whether or not you can obtain relevant visas and

inoculations before making your booking. We cannot accept any liability for tickets

lost in the post. Departure Documents may be in paper or email form depending on

your chosen holiday. If requested in the Departure Documents or locally provided

holiday information, you must reconfirm the reservations, timings and check-in

details of your flight with the airline concerned at least 72 hours before departure.

This applies to your outward flight and to your return flight. If you miss a flight or

suffer any disruption as a result of not following our instructions as to reconfirmation

we will have no liability to you.

For those holidays where an additional local payment is required this will be

confirmed to you. A local payment is a portion of the holiday cost which must be

paid directly to the local representative as instructed. If the price of your holiday

includes a local payment this must be paid in the currency specified. Please note

that your tour price will not be considered to have been paid in full until the local

payment has been made.

Tourist taxes, resort fees or similar that are charged locally may be implemented

or changed without prior warning. We do not accept responsibility for these costs,

which must be paid by you and are not included within your holiday price.

Your personal safety is of paramount importance to us and therefore it is imperative

that you advise us at the time of booking of any condition, medical or otherwise, that

might affect your or other people’s enjoyment of the trip.

It is a condition of your booking that you and all members of your party provide

certain information that may be sent to governmental authorities and border control

and security agencies for the purpose of security and counter terrorism. This is

known as Passenger Name Records (PNR) or Advanced Passenger Information,

sometimes known as APIS. For the United Kingdom, it may be referred to as

‘E-Borders’. The information you must provide will include, but not be limited to,

full name – as shown in your passport or travel document, gender, date of birth,

travel document type, number, country of issue and expiry date, and for travel to

the U.S., your country of residence and the address for your first night’s stay. You

must provide this information to the airline between 6 months and 24 hours before

departure.

We may transfer your booking to another company within our group, but this will

have no effect on your holiday arrangements.

3. Prices, Surcharging, and Air Passenger Duty

All guide prices we advertise are accurate at the date published, but we reserve the

right to change any of those prices from time to time. Prices include a cost for fuel

that was estimated at the date of this publication. Prices on our website are updated

regularly. In the unlikely event of an administrative error leading to an incorrect price

being displayed, we reserve the right to correct it. Offers are not combinable unless

expressly stated and may be withdrawn at any time. All quotations are provisional

until confirmed in writing on your Booking Confirmation and Invoice. Before you

make a booking, we will give you the up-to-date price of your chosen holiday

including the cost of any supplements, upgrades or additional facilities which you

have requested.

Changes in transportation costs, including without limitation the cost of fuel,

dues, taxes or fees chargeable for services such as landing taxes or embarkation

or disembarkation fees at ports and airports mean that the price of your travel

arrangements may change after you have booked. However, there will be no

change within 30 days of your departure. Any changes in taxes, entry fees and/or

charges that we collect at net cost on behalf of local and government bodies will be

passed on to you in full or refunded to you in full (Net Cost Charges). 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, Net Cost Charges and

any amendment charges. You will be charged for the amount over and above that,

plus an administration charge of £1.00 per person together with an amount to cover

agents’ commission. If this means that you have to pay an increase of more than

10% of the price of your travel arrangements, you may either accept a replacement

holiday from us of equivalent or similar standard and price (at the date of the

change) if we are able to offer you one or you may cancel your holiday booking and

receive a full refund, except for any amendment charges.

Should you decide to cancel for this reason, you must exercise your right to do so

within 14 days from the issue date printed on your final invoice. If any change in

our costs would cause a reduction in your holiday price, we will not make refunds

of amounts less than 2% of the price of your travel arrangements, which excludes

insurance premiums, Net Cost Charges and any amendment charges, but we will

refund in full amounts exceeding such 2%, after deducting an administration charge

of £1.00 per person. 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.

In all cases, we will only consider an appropriate refund of insurance premiums paid

if you can show that you are unable to transfer or reuse your policy.

Dates and itineraries shown for tours are indicative only and subject to change.

Air Passenger Duty “APD”, which is payable by all passengers departing from UK

airports, is included in the price of your holiday/flight ticket. Children under 12 on the

date of travel (under 16 from March 2016) are exempt from APD when travelling in

economy class. The price of your holiday will include APD for an economy seat. If

you upgrade to a premium cabin this will be included in the upgrade cost. In view of

the current volatility of world oil prices, a fuel supplement may be added to the price

of your holiday at the time of booking.

4. Insurance

Adequate and valid travel insurance for your chosen itinerary is compulsory for all

travellers and it is a condition of accepting your booking that you agree you will

have obtained adequate and valid travel insurance. We recommend you take out

insurance as soon as your booking is confirmed. You are strongly advised to insure

yourself against any possible risk that may occur and in particular to ensure that

you have sufficient insurance in respect of dependent relatives and force majeure

events. You are required to carry proof of insurance with you and produce it if

reasonably requested by Company employees or suppliers.

You must ensure that there are no exclusion clauses which limit cover for the type of

activities included, or the altitudes attained, in your holiday. Furthermore, you must

advise us of the details of your own insurance including the name of the insurer and

the policy number as soon as possible. Our representative abroad has the right to

see the policy so that appropriate advice and assistance can be given. Clients in

breach of this condition will be deemed to have indemnified the Company for any

loss incurred by the Company as a result of such breach and such costs will be

redeemable from them.

5. If You Change or Cancel Your Holiday

5.1 If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you (i) make a change to your

existing booking, we will charge an amendment fee of £35 per change (ii) or wish

to change to another holiday or change departure date, we will try to make the

changes subject to availability, provided that notification is received in writing at our

offices from the lead name at least 69 days before departure for bookings made via

an agent, or at least 97 days before departure for bookings made directly with us

and you pay £35 per person to cover our administration costs.

5.2 In addition to the fee we charge, any alteration, whether a change to an

existing booking or a change to another holiday or departure date, will also be

subject to payment by you of any costs imposed by any of the suppliers providing

the component parts of the booking. If the holiday to which you transfer is more

expensive than the one you originally booked, a further deposit will also be

payable. Any alteration by you within 69 days of departure for bookings made

via an agent, or within 97 days of departure for bookings made directly with us

will be treated as a cancellation of the original booking and will be subject to

cancellation charges.

5.3 Subject to section 5.4, where you are unable to travel you can transfer your

booking to another person, providing the following conditions are met:

a) you must notify us in writing at least 69 days before departure for bookings made

via an agent, or at least 97 days before departure for bookings made directly with

us and give us authority to make the transfer; and

b) your request is accompanied by all original travel documents which you have

received and the full name and address of the person to whom you wish to transfer

your holiday booking (“transferee”); and

c) the transferee is acceptable to us, accepts the transfer and these Booking

Conditions and fulfils any conditions that apply to the booking; and

d) payment is made by you of an administrative charge of a minimum of £35 per

person plus payment of all costs charged or levied by those supplying your travel

arrangements.

Both the transferor and transferee will be jointly and severally liable for payment of

the holiday price and other associated expenses.

5.4 Some airline carriers and other transport providers treat name and departure

detail changes, such as date and time changes, as a cancellation. If you miss a

portion of your flight journey, some airline carriers and other transport providers

treat this as a cancellation and may cancel the rest of your flights. It is your

responsibility to check with the relevant airline to ensure the subsequent journeys

have not been cancelled, as if this does happen, you may be charged again for the

missed flight and any subsequent journeys. Accordingly you may have to pay for the

cancelled ticket and be required to pay for the full cost of a new ticket. Once airline

tickets have been issued, all changes are likely to incur the cost of a new ticket.

5.5 When the price per person is dependent on the number of people in the

accommodation and the number of people changes, the price will be recosted

based on the new party size. Any increase in price payable is not a cancellation

charge. A separate cancellation charge will be levied in respect of bookings

cancelled. A new confirmation invoice will be issued as appropriate on which the

cancellation charge will be shown.

5.6 You, or any member of your party, may cancel your booking at any time

providing that the cancellation is made by the lead name in writing. Notice of

cancellation will be effective upon receipt by us of your written communication. As

we start to incur costs from the time the contract is confirmed we will retain your

deposit and in addition will apply other cancellation charges as shown below. These

charges are based on how many days before your booked departure we received

your cancellation notice. These charges are a percentage of the total cost of your

booking, not including your insurance premium. If you want to cancel one or more

passengers on the booking you will have to pay a proportion of the applicable

cancellation charge based on the number of passengers you wish to cancel from

the booking:

* Please note that for certain travel arrangements e.g. many scheduled transport

providers, the cancellation charge may be higher than those shown. In certain

cases a 100% cancellation fee applies as soon as the booking is made and the

ticket is issued. Please ask for full details of cancellation charges at time of booking.

We strongly recommend you to take out insurance that includes cover against

irrecoverable cancellation costs. Additionally, you will remain responsible for the full

amount of your insurance premium and this will not be refunded in the event of your

cancellation. You may however be able to transfer this cover to another holiday. If

you are travelling on a scheduled flight, we cannot give you any refund until we

have received your old travel documents, including tickets.

5.7 All communications relating to this contract (in particular any requests to cancel

or amend your holiday arrangements) must be from the Lead Name in writing and

in English and delivered by hand or email hjcustomer.services@hayesandjarvis.

co.uk. (please call also to ensure your email has been received) or sent by recorded

delivery post to Hayes & Jarvis (Travel) Limited, The Atrium, London Road, Crawley,

West Sussex, RH10 9SR.

6. If We Change or Cancel Your Holiday

We reserve the right to cancel your booking or change any of the facilities, services

or prices described in our brochures or website. We will endeavour to advise you of

any changes known at the time of booking.

We plan the arrangements for your holiday many months in advance and may

occasionally have to cancel your holiday or make changes, most of which are minor.

Flight timings and carriers shown in the brochure are for guidance only and are

subject to change. Your Booking Confirmation will show the latest planned timings.

Your actual flight timings will be shown on your ticket (including any e-ticket itinerary)

which you should check carefully as soon as you receive it. A change of carrier or

type of aircraft will not be considered a major change. If a major change becomes

necessary, we will advise you of the change as soon as reasonably possible.

Whether a change is ‘major’ depends on the nature of the holiday and may include:

a significant change of destination, a change in accommodation to that of a lower

category; a change in time of your scheduled departure or return flight by more

than 12 hours (but not a flight delay); or a change of UK departure airport (excluding

changes between London airports, London, Ebbsfleet and Ashford stations and

between Dover/Folkestone ports). A delay to your flight that we need to make

within 24 hours before you are due to depart will not be considered a major change

unless the change is for more than 24 hours. These changes are only examples and

there may be other significant changes which constitute major changes. When a

major change occurs, you will have the choice of either:

• accepting the change, or

• accepting a replacement holiday from us of equivalent or similar standard and

price (at the date of the change), if we are able to offer you one, or

• cancelling your holiday, in which case you shall receive a full refund of all monies

paid.

We may also have to cancel your travel arrangements. Operation of some holidays

are dependent on a minimum number of persons booking the holiday. If that

number is not achieved, we reserve the right to cancel the holiday. However we

will not cancel your booking less than 4 weeks before the scheduled departure

date except for reasons of force majeure (as defined below), or failure on your part

to pay the deposit and/or final balance, or any other reason beyond our control. If

we are forced to cancel your holiday after departure we will, wherever possible,

make suitable alternative arrangements. If we are unable to make such alternative

arrangements, or you reject these for good reason then we will return you to your

point of departure and refund you for any unused services, if appropriate.

Where we make a major change to or cancel your holiday, except where a major

change or cancellation arises from circumstances amounting to force majeure,

consolidation due to minimum numbers not being attained, flight schedule changes,

third party resort development, failure on your part to pay the deposit and/or final

balance or for any other reason beyond our control, we will pay you, as a minimum,

compensation as detailed below. Any compensation payable will be on these

scales, based on how many days before your booked holiday departure we tell you

of a major change:

Period before departure when we notify

Compensation

you of a major change

payable per person*

Before balance due date

Nil

Between balance due date and 29 days

(inclusive) before departure £10.00

Between 28 and 15 days (inclusive) before departure £20.00

Between 14 and 8 days (inclusive) before departure £30.00

7 days or less before departure £40.00

This standard compensation payment will not affect your statutory or other legal

rights. *We will only make one compensation payment for each full-fare-paying

adult in the holiday booking. Any children not paying the full adult fare will receive

compensation on a pro rata basis of the adult fare. Children using a free child place

will not receive any standard compensation payment.

We strongly recommend that you make no travel arrangements to your point of

departure, make any connecting travel that is non-refundable or non-changeable or

incurs penalties or incur any costs in respect of visas or vaccinations until such time

as your travel itinerary has been confirmed on your Departure Documents. If you

make such arrangements, which you are then unable to use due to a change in your

itinerary, we shall not be liable to you for the cost of those arrangements.

Circumstances amounting to “force majeure” include any event which we or the

supplier of the service(s) in question could not even with all due care, foresee or

forestall such as (by way of example and not by way of limitation) war, threat of war,

riots, civil disturbances, industrial disputes, actual or threatened terrorist activity and

its consequences, natural or nuclear disasters, fire, acts of God, unavoidable and

unforeseeable technical problems with transport for reasons beyond our control or

that of our suppliers, closed or congested airports or ports, hurricanes and other

actual or potential adverse weather conditions, flood, epidemics, health risks or

pandemics illness and any other similar events.

In the unlikely event that there are any changes made to other holiday

arrangements, we will try to tell you before you go, although we are not obliged

to do so, nor are we obliged to compensate you. If your booking for other holiday

arrangement are cancelled we will do our utmost to ensure you receive a full and

prompt refund of the price of these arrangements.

Tour, Safari and Excursions: Some are dependent on minimum numbers, others

will operate with one booking. In the case of insufficient demand we reserve the

right to consolidate or cancel. If this is required you will be offered a full refund. We

will not make any such changes within 69 days (for agent bookings) and 97 days

(for direct bookings) of departure. We reserve the right to make changes such as

dates, itineraries (those shown are indicative only, are subject to change and may

be affected by local conditions), accommodation, cruise ship, boat. Changes to

that of a similar standard will not be considered a major change. Should there be

a discrepancy between the itinerary or additional information in the brochure or

website and the Departure Documents, the latter information will be considered the

most up-to-date and accurate.

7. Our Liability, Conditions of Carriage and Limitations

Our obligations, and those of our suppliers providing any service or facility included

in your holiday, are to take reasonable skill and care to arrange for the provision

of such services and facilities. You must show that reasonable skill and care has

not been used if you wish to make any claim. Standards of, for example, safety,

hygiene and quality vary throughout the transport and destinations that your holiday

may involve. Sometimes these standards will be lower than those which would be

expected in the UK. The suppliers of the services and facilities included in your

holiday should comply with local standards where they are provided.

Our liability, except in cases involving death, injury or illness, shall be limited to a

maximum of 3 times the cost of your travel arrangements. Our liability in all cases

will be limited in accordance with and/or in an identical manner to the contractual

terms of the companies that provide the transportation for your travel arrangements.

These terms are incorporated into this contract; and any relevant international

convention as detailed below. We are to be regarded as having all benefit of

any limitation of compensation contained in these or any conventions. You can

ask for copies of the transport companies’ contractual terms, or the international

conventions, from our offices at Hayes & Jarvis (Travel) Limited, Legal Department,

Origin One, 108 High Street, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 1BD.

We shall have no liability where the cause of the failure to provide, or failure in, your

holiday or any death or personal injury you may suffer is not due to any fault on

our part or that of our agents or suppliers, because it is either attributable to you,

transfer if your booking includes flight(s). We do this by listing carriers to be

used or likely to be used on the Flights information section of our FAQs at www.

hayesandjarvis.co.uk.

The airline may use wide and narrow-body jets. Any changes to the actual airline

after you have received your tickets will be notified to you as soon as possible

and in all cases at check-in or at the boarding gate. Such a change is deemed to

be a minor change. Other examples of minor changes include alteration of your

outward/return flights by less than 12 hours, changes to aircraft type, change of

accommodation to another of the same standard. Some flights may need to stop

en route. If we know about this in advance we will tell you. Flight times shown in the

brochure, on the website and on your booking confirmation are not guaranteed.

Actual flight times are shown on your tickets. Flight times are local times based on

the 24-hr system.

Please check with the airline regarding luggage allowance limits and the maximum

allowable single item baggage weight. If you have a medical condition, serious

illness, recently undergone surgery, or have suffered a recent accident, you must

advise us and your airline and you may need to be cleared for travel by the airline

which will involve obtaining a Fitness to Fly Certificate from your GP.

9. Complaints

If you have a complaint about your holiday whilst away, you must immediately notify

our Service Representative and the relevant supplier of the service and contact us

in the UK if further action is required by us. If you are not happy with their action

taken in response please follow this up within 35 days of your return from holiday

by writing to our Customer Relations Department at Hayes & Jarvis (Travel) Limited,

The Atrium, London Road, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 9SR or emailing us at

customer.relations@hayesandjarvis.co.uk, giving your booking reference and all

relevant information. We will acknowledge your written notification within 7 days

and aim to provide a full response within 28 days. We can also offer you ABTA’s

scheme for the resolution of disputes, which is approved by the Chartered Trading

Standards Institute. If we can’t resolve your complaint, go to www.abta.com to use

ABTA’s simple procedure. Further information on the Code and ABTA’s assistance

in resolving disputes can be found on www.abta.com. You can also access

the European Commission Online Dispute (ODR) Resolution platform at http://

ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr/. This ODR platform is a means of registering your

complaint with us; it will not determine how your complaint should be resolved. If

you prefer, you can take your complaint to the County Court or another suitable

court. Information regarding complaints may be shared with other tour operators.

10. Behaviour

On tours, safaris and excursions provided by us, it is necessary that you abide by

the authority of the leader, who represents the Company. If you commit any illegal

act when on the holiday or if in our reasonable opinion or the reasonable opinion

of the Company representative or another person in authority your behaviour is

disruptive, threatening or abusive, causes unnecessary inconvenience or is causing

or likely to cause danger, damage, distress or upset, disturbance or annoyance to

others or others’ property, or puts any other traveller or our staff or agents in the UK

or in resort in any risk or danger, on the telephone, in writing or in person, we may

terminate your travel arrangements without any liability on our part.

If the Captain of your flight or ferry or any of our overseas staff or agents believes

that you could be disruptive or that you are suffering from a contagious disease,

they can also refuse to let you proceed with your travel arrangements, restrict your

movements on board, disembark from the ferry or aircraft, or remove you from your

accommodation or excursion. If this means you are not allowed to board the flight

outbound from the UK, we will treat your booking as cancelled by you from that

moment, and you will have to pay full cancellation charges. If this occurs overseas

then you will become responsible for your own return home and any other

members of your group who cannot or will not travel without you. In any of these

circumstances no refunds or compensation will be paid to you and we will not be

liable for any costs or expenses you incur.

If you are refused carriage because of your behaviour, or you are under the

influence of alcohol or drugs, your airline may pass on your details and date of

refusal of carriage to other airlines for their information. This in turn may make

it difficult for you to book other airline tickets. In any of these circumstances no

refunds or compensation will be paid to you and we may make a claim against

you for any damages, costs and expenses (including legal expenses) incurred

as a result of your behaviour including but not limited to (i) repairing or replacing

property lost, damaged or destroyed by you, (ii) compensating any passenger,

crew, staff or agent affected by your actions and (iii) the cost of diverting the

aircraft or ferry to remove you. Criminal proceedings may also be instigated. If

you are affected by any condition, medical or otherwise, that might affect your or

other people’s enjoyment of the holiday, you must advise us of this at the time of

booking.

The accommodation we arrange for you must only be used by those people named

on your Booking Confirmation or Departure Documents. You are not allowed to

share the accommodation or let anyone else stay there. You are responsible for

the cost of any damage caused to your accommodation or its contents during your

stay. These charges must be met by you and may have to be paid locally.

We expressly reserve the right to prevent you from participating in the excursions

we provide, whether pre-booked or purchased in resort, if in the reasonable

opinion of our staff or those of the excursion provider, you are either unsuited to

undertake the excursion, or if you appear to be under the influence of drugs or

alcohol. In these circumstances your sole remedy against us will be to obtain a

refund of the cost of that excursion.

For the purpose of this section, reference to “you” or “your” includes any person

in your party.

11. Visa, Health, Passport, Travel Documentation

It is essential that you ascertain whether or not you can obtain relevant visas and

inoculations before making your booking, particularly for late bookings. Whilst

we are able to provide basic advice to clients regarding passports and visa

requirements, you should check with the appropriate embassy, consulate or the

British Foreign Office for the exact requirements for your chosen holiday and date

of travel. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct passport and

visas to gain access to any country/region included in the travel arrangements

which you purchase from us. If you fail to do so, we have no liability to you for

any cost, loss or damage which you suffer, nor will we refund you the cost of any

unused portion of your travel arrangements.

In some cases, countries will refuse entry to clients who have criminal records.

Should you be concerned about this, please check with the embassy or

consulate of the countries to which you are travelling. The lead name is entirely

responsible for ensuring that all members of the group have the correct and valid

documentation for travel. We cannot accept responsibility for any failure to comply

resulting in any costs or fines being incurred and we advise you to check with

your passport office or the consulate in question if you have any queries. Clients

travelling overland to certain destinations may need to also pass through controls

of other countries en-route so this should be allowed for with any passport/visa

applications. When travelling to the US you must have the correct passport to

travel on the Visa Waiver Programme or have obtained the correct visa, valid for

your stay. Each person wishing to visit the US must have either; i) an e-passport (if

your passport is issued after 26 October 2006), or a machine readable passport

(containing a digital photograph) if your passport is issued after the 26 October

2005 and a Visa Waiver Form or ii) a valid passport and a valid visa which must

be obtained before travel from the US authorities. The US authorities require

passengers travelling under the Visa Waiver Programme to register for electronic

travel authority on the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA). If you have

not applied for and received travel authorisation via ESTA prior to travel you may

be denied boarding, experience delayed processing, or be denied admission at

the U.S. port of entry. However, neither possession of a visa nor meeting the basic

requirements for travelling visa-free on the Visa Waiver Programme guarantees

admission to the US. As with most countries, the final decision is made by

immigration officials at the port of entry. You can apply online by completing the

application form at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov and paying a fee. If you are refused

boarding or denied admission at the U.S. port of entry, you will still be subject to

our cancellation charges in accordance with the terms of our contract with you.

For additional specifics about the Visa Waiver Programme please consult the

Visa Waiver Programme information on the U.S. Embassy London website www.

usembassy.org.uk. We recommend that you carry your ESTA approval with you

when you travel and recommend you register at least 72 hours before departure.

Please Note: when you register for ESTA you must have a valid passport at the time

of registration and, for any travel to the USA, your passport must be an e-Passport

that contains the microchip and the e-passport symbol. If you have applied for a

post dated passport (for example to reflect a change in name) this passport will not

be valid until the effective date noted in the passport. Children and minors wanting

to travel with a Visa Waiver Form must hold their own machine readable passport

or e-passport.

Please note that the nationals of some countries can only travel to the US if they

have a valid visa as they are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Programme. There

is a $14 fee per person charge which is payable by credit or debit card when

applying. As announced by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, this fee will

recover the costs incurred by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection of providing

and administering the ESTA system and is in addition to the mandatory $10 travel

promotion fee established by the Travel Promotion Act of 2009. This is subject

to change.

When travelling to Canada you must check with your foreign office and the

Canadian authorities that you have the correct passport and comply with the visa

requirements. Under Canada’s eTA program, citizens from countries other than

the United States, who do not need a visa to enter Canada, will need to obtain

an online authorisation before flying to Canada, unless otherwise exempted. The

earlier travellers get their eTA, the sooner they will benefit from knowing they

have been pre-screened to enter Canada. A fee of $7 is payable for processing

an application for an electronic travel authorisation. An application for an

electronic travel authorisation must be made by means of an electronic system

that is made available by the Department (Citizenship and Immigration Canada)

for that purpose. An electronic travel authorisation is valid for a period of five

years from the day on which it is issued to the applicant or until the earliest of the

following days, if they occur before the end of that period: (a) the day on which

the applicant’s passport or other travel document expires, (b) the day on which

the electronic travel authorisation is cancelled, or (c) the day on which a new

electronic travel authorisation is issued to the applicant.

Please note that for some trips we need to request special permits, and as such

we will require your passport details prior to accepting your booking. Furthermore,

if you renew your passport after you have booked, you may be required to take

your old passport with you to maintain the validity of the permit.

We are able to advise on mandatory health requirements; however, we are not

medical experts. It is your responsibility to ensure that you obtain proper and

detailed medical advice at least two months prior to travel for the latest health

requirements, recommendations for your destination and any costs. You should

check this information at least 2 months before departure and again within 14

days of travel. Where you do not do so and either are not allowed to enter any

country, or suffer personal injury or death as a result, we have no liability to you

for any cost, loss or damage which you suffer nor will we refund you the cost of

any unused portion of your travel arrangements. Clients with existing medical

problems, pregnant women and anyone who has recently visited other countries

should check requirements with their general practitioner.

When assessing whether holidays will operate we use information from our local

offices in conjunction with advice from the British Foreign Office and other relevant

government bodies. It is your responsibility to acquaint yourself with the travel

advice provided by these government bodies. For more information, please visit

our Travel Aware page and government websites at www.gov.uk/travelaware and

www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for your destination country.

12. Privacy Policy

Hayes & Jarvis (Travel) Limited’s is part of the Travelopia group of companies

(https://www.travelopia.com/). Here at Hayes & Jarvis we understand the concerns

about how data may be stored, sent and used by companies. We are committed

to complying with all data protection laws and want you to feel confident in the

measures we are taking to uphold your data privacy rights.

This quick guide provides a brief summary of our data practices but you can

always find out more detailed information in our full privacy policy.

WHAT INFORMATION MIGHT WE COLLECT FROM YOU?

The information we collect depends upon how you are interacting with us.

For example, if you’re making a booking with us, we are likely to ask for more

information than if you’re only requesting a brochure. Depending upon the

circumstances, we might need to collect the following information from you:

personal details such as name, address, e-mail address, date of birth, telephone

number, payment details, details of identification documents, health details and

travel preferences. For more details, please see our full privacy policy.

Where we need to collect personal data by law or under the terms of a contract

we have with you and you fail to provide that data when requested, we might not

be able to provide you with your booking.

WHEN DO WE SHARE YOUR PERSONAL DATA?

In order to provide you with your booking you have requested (such as holidays,

flights or tickets to a sports event) we may need to share your personal information

with third parties such as airlines, tour operators, transport companies, excursion

providers, airport authorities, insurance companies, car hire companies, ground

handling agencies, cruise companies, airlines, hotels, airports and other suppliers

we work with in connection with your business. We do not pass your information to

other parties for marketing purposes unless you agree to us doing so.

WHAT ARE OUR MARKETING PRACTICES?

We would like to keep you up to date with latest offers, partnerships, sales,

promotions, competitions from Hayes & Jarvis or those of other Travelopia

companies providing similar products.

However, we will only do so if you have signed up to receive these marketing

communications from us or made a booking and you have not told us that you do

not want to hear from us. You can opt-out of marketing at any time by clicking on

the ‘unsubscribe’ link included in all of our e-mails or by contacting us.

WHAT PERSONAL DATA RIGHTS DO YOU HAVE?

You have a range of legal rights over your data. You can find out more in our full

privacy policy.

HOW CAN CONTACT US ABOUT YOUR DATA PRIVACY?

We have appointed a data protection officer (DPO)/data privacy manager who can

assist with queries you have in relation to our data practices. If you have questions,

please contact the DPO/data privacy manager using the details set out below.

The Data Protection Officer/Data Privacy Manager, Hayes & Jarvis (Travel) Limited,

Origin One, 108 High Street, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 1BD

This privacy notice version was last updated on 10 th May 2018.

13. Departure Documents

We issue Departure Documents for your booking. All the information contained

therein will be deemed to be part of the contract. Your Departure Documents

will be sent to you by email or post, depending on the type of booking you have

made, approximately 21 days before your holiday. Further copies can be obtained

from us by contacting Customer Services (see above) or from Hayes & Jarvis

(Travel) Limited, The Atrium, London Road, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 9SR.

Departure Documents contain up-to-date definitive information about the itinerary

and travel arrangements. Should there be a discrepancy between the information

in the brochure or website, prior documentation and the final Departure

Documents we send to you, the information in the Departure Documents

supersedes the previous information and will be considered the most up-to-date

and accurate.

14. Special Requests

We will consider special requests such as vegetarian meals, high or low floor

preferences in the accommodation, when you book. We will tell you whether there

is a charge for the request. We can only guarantee requests for which there is a

charge, or those that are confirmed in writing. It is your responsibility to advise us

of any special requirements.

15. Participation Requirements

All clients are expected to satisfy themselves prior to booking that they are fit

and able to complete the itinerary of their chosen holiday as described in this

brochure. Anyone suffering from mobility impairment, illness or disability or

undergoing treatment for any physical or medical condition must declare the true

nature of such condition at the time of booking and make arrangements for the

provision of any medication or other treatment which may be required during the

holiday. Failure to make such disclosure will constitute a breach of these booking

conditions and result in such persons being excluded from the holiday in which

case all monies paid will be forfeit.

Unaccompanied passengers under the age of 18 years need a letter of consent

from a parent or legal guardian. The minimum age of unaccompanied travel is 16

years on the date of departure.

For stays in the USA, at least one person per room staying at any hotel must be at

least 21 years of age on the date of travel and a credit card with credit to be held

as a deposit is required to check in.

Credit cards are required in many hotels and for all vehicle hire for all destinations.

A deposit amount will be held. You must ensure you have a card and the relevant

credit available.

16. Law & Jurisdiction

If you booked your holiday in any jurisdiction other than in Scotland or Northern

Ireland (including any booking via the internet), this contract, and any other claim

or dispute arising from or related to this contract, will be governed by English law

and the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any

claim arising out of it. If you booked your holiday in Scotland, this contract, and

any claim or dispute arising from or related to this contract, will be governed by

Scottish law and the courts of Scotland shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any

claim arising out of it. If you booked your holiday in Northern Ireland, this contract,

and any claim or dispute arising from or related to this contract, will be governed

by Northern Irish law and the courts of Northern Ireland shall have exclusive

jurisdiction over any claim arising out of it.

17. Brochure Validity

We published this brochure in October 2019 and the details contained in it are

valid from 19 th November 2019 until publication of any revised edition. Our travel

advisor will be able to confirm the price before you book. Holidays in this brochure

operate from 19 th November 2019 to 31st March 2021.

Terms & Conditions

Design by parker-design.co.uk

or attributable to someone unconnected with your holiday and is unforeseeable

or unavoidable, or is attributable to our employees, agents, subcontractors and

suppliers and their staff whilst acting outside the scope of their employment, or is

due to information, however obtained, from outside sources such as independent

third party websites, or is due to unusual or unforeseeable circumstances beyond

our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all

due care had been exercised, or an event which neither we, nor our agents or

suppliers could have foreseen or forestalled, or related to any consequential loss

not directly connected to the contract with us.

If any international convention applies to, or governs, any of the services or facilities

included in your holiday arranged or provided by us, or provided by any of our

suppliers, and you make a claim against us of any nature arising out of death, injury,

loss or damage suffered during or as a result of the provision of those services

or facilities, our liability to pay you compensation and/or the amount (if any) of

compensation payable to you by us will be limited in accordance with and/or in an

identical manner to that provided for by the international convention concerned (in

each case including in respect of the conditions of liability, the time for bringing any

claim and the type and amount of any damages that can be awarded). International

Conventions which may apply include, without limitation: in respect of international

air travel, the Warsaw Convention 1929 (as amended) or the Montreal Convention

1999; in respect of rail travel, the Berne Convention 1961; in respect of carriage

by sea, the Athens Convention 1974; in respect of carriage by road, the Geneva

Convention 1973; and, in respect of hotels, the Paris Convention 1962. For the

avoidance of doubt, this means that we are to be regarded as having all benefit of

any limitations of compensation contained in any of these Conventions or any other

international conventions applicable to your holiday. Other than as set out above,

and as is detailed elsewhere in these booking conditions, we shall have no legal

liability whatsoever to you for any loss or damage.

Under EU law, European Community Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004, you have rights

in some circumstances to refunds and/or compensation from your airline in cases

of denied boarding, cancellation of or delay to flights. Full details of these rights

will be publicised at EU airports and will also be available from airlines. However,

you should note that reimbursement of the cost of a flight that forms part of your

holiday is the responsibility of your holiday airline and will not automatically entitle

you to reimbursement of the cost of your travel arrangement from us. Your right to

a refund and/or compensation from us is set out in these Booking Conditions. If

any payments to you are due from us, any payment made to you by the airline will

be deducted from this amount. If your airline does not comply with these rules you

should complain to the Aviation Consumer Advocacy Panel on 020 7240 6061 or

at www.caa.co.uk.

If you purchase any optional activities that are not part of your pre-booked

itinerary, the contract for the provision of that activity will be between you and the

activity provider. The decision to partake in any such activity is entirely at your

own discretion and risk. If you do have any complaint about, or problem with, any

optional activity purchased in resort your claim should be directed to the activity

provider and not to us. However, should you or any member of your party by

misadventure suffer illness, injury or death during the period of your holiday from an

activity which does not form part of the arrangements made by us or an excursion

purchased through us, we shall, where appropriate and subject to our absolute

discretion, try to help if we can. We may help everyone on your booking up to a

total cost of £5,000, as long as the following conditions are met:

(i) you must ask us for such assistance within 90 days of the misadventure;

(ii) You must make a claim under your insurance policy’s legal expenses or other

appropriate section. You must show us proof that your insurance company has

received your claim; and

(iii) in the event of there being a successful claim for costs against a third party or

a suitable insurance policy or policies being in force, you must repay us the costs

actually incurred by us in giving this assistance.

We may operate holidays in regions where standards of accommodation, transport,

safety, hygiene, medical facilities and other infrastructure may, at times, be lower

than those you normally expect. The outline itineraries given for each holiday must

be taken as an indication of what should be accomplished, and not as a contractual

obligation on our part. Changes in itinerary may be caused by local political

conditions, flight cancellations, mechanical breakdown, weather, border restrictions,

sickness, or other unforeseeable circumstances. Pro rata refunds will be given for

services not utilised wherever possible.

Please note that the timings of air, sea, road or rail departures are estimates only.

These timings may be affected by operational difficulties, weather conditions or

failure of passengers to check in on time.

Orient Express Bookings

In making any bookings for any rail travel (including but not limited to travel by

the Orient Express) then your contract also incorporates the train owner / carriers

(collectively, the “Carrier”) terms and conditions (the “Passenger Conditions of

carriage”) which shall govern the relationship, responsibilities and liabilities as

between you, the passenger, and the Carrier. A copy of the Passenger Conditions

of Carriage can be provided on request. By making your booking and accepting

these terms you also agree to these Passenger Conditions of Carriage and accept

the conditions therein, you agree that any dispute or claim that you raise with us

will be subject to this Agreement and not the Passenger Conditions of Carriage and

to the extent there is a conflict between this Agreement and the provisions of the

Passenger Conditions of Carriage as they relate to you and us, this Agreement shall

prevail and supersede the provisions of the Passenger Conditions of Carriage.

8. Air Carrier Liability for Passengers and their Baggage

Flight notice, flight information and EU blacklist. This is a notice required by

European Community Regulation (EC) No. 889/2002. This notice cannot be used

as a basis for a claim for compensation, nor to interpret the provisions of European

Community legislation or the Montreal Convention, and it does not form part of the

contract between the air carrier(s), us and you. No representation is made by the air

carrier(s) or us as to the accuracy of the contents of this notice.

This information notice summarises the liability rules applied by European

Community air carriers as required by European Community legislation and the

Montreal Convention.

Compensation in the case of death or injury. There are no financial limits to

the liability for passenger injury or death. For damages up to approximately

113,100 Special Drawing Rights (“SDRs”) the air carrier cannot contest claims for

compensation. Above that amount, the air carrier can defend itself against a claim

by proving that it was not negligent or otherwise at fault.

Advance payments. If a passenger is killed or injured, the air carrier must make an

advanced payment, to cover immediate economic needs, within 15 days from the

identification of the person entitled to compensation. In the event of death, this

advance payment shall not be less than 16,000 SDRs .

Passenger delays. In case of passenger delay, the air carrier is liable for damage

unless it took all reasonable measures to avoid the damage or it was impossible to

take such measures. The liability for passenger delay is limited to 4,694 SDRs .

Baggage delays. In case of baggage delay, the air carrier is liable for damage

unless it took all reasonable measures to avoid the damage or it was impossible to

take such measures. The liability for baggage delay is limited to 1,131 SDRs.

Destruction, loss or damage to baggage. The air carrier is liable for destruction, loss

or damage to baggage up to 1,131 SDRs. In the case of checked baggage, it is liable

even if not at fault, unless the baggage was defective. In the case of unchecked

baggage, the carrier is liable only if at fault.

Higher limits for baggage. A passenger can benefit from a higher liability

limit by making a special declaration at the latest at check-in and by paying a

supplementary fee.

Complaints on baggage. If the baggage is damaged, delayed, lost or destroyed,

the passenger must write and complain to the air carrier as soon as possible. In

the case of damage to checked baggage, the passenger must write and complain

within seven days, and in the case of delay within 21 days, in both cases from the

date on which the baggage was placed at the passenger’s disposal.

Liability of contracting and actual carriers. If the air carrier actually performing the

flight is not the same as the contracting air carrier, the passenger has the right to

address a complaint or to make a claim for damages against either. If the name

or code of an air carrier is indicated on the ticket, that air carrier is the contracting

air carrier.

Time limit for action. Any action in court to claim damages must be brought within

two years from the date of arrival of the aircraft, or from the date on which the

aircraft ought to have arrived.

Basis for the information. The basis for the rules described above is the Montreal

Convention of 28 May 1999, which is implemented in the European Community

by European Community Regulation (EC) No. 2027/97 (as amended by European

Community Regulation (EC) No. 889/2002) and national legislation of the Member

States.

In accordance with European Community Regulation (EC) No. 2111/2005, Article

9, we are required to bring to your attention the existence of a ‘Community list’

which contains details of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban within

the European Community. The Community list is available for inspection at www.

air-ban.europa.eu.

In accordance with European Community Regulation (EC) No. 2111/2005 we are

required to advise you of the actual carrier operating your flight/connecting flight/

Period before departure

when notice of

cancellation is received

by us

Bookings made via Agent

More than 69 days

56-69 days (inclusive)





*Cancellation charge as a

% of total holiday written cost

(excluding any insurance

premiums and any amendment

fees already paid to us)

Direct Bookings

More than 97 days






Loss of deposit

30%

50%

70%

90%

100%


Be inspired by one of our other destination guides:

USA & Canada • Far East

Call our Destination Specialists on

01293 762444*

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hayesandjarvis.co.uk

Hayes and Jarvis Worldwide 2020

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