5284_Cultural Tours 2006
Transcription
5284_Cultural Tours 2006
000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:43 Established 1984 Page 1 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:43 Page 2 Passion for travel is why we started our business in 1984. We at Cultural Tours share an ideal with every traveller. Our passion has driven us to explore the world no matter how far away and how much sacrifice it took. In a time when travelling represented a challenge, we reached remote places and acquired experience enabling us to realize the importance of good service. Personal service is embedded in all our products. From the design stage of our brochure to your return home, the highest standard of personal care is what we aim for and deliver. You will be looked after by one of our experienced sales consultants from the moment you call to discuss your holiday. On arrival in your far away destination, you will be warmly welcomed by our equally dedicated local representatives. A T L Gulf of Mexico O C E A N BELIZE C ar ib be an Sea COSTA RICA VENEZUELA PANAMA COLOMBIA ECUADOR P E R U BRAZIL S O U T H BOLIVIA P A C I F I O C E A N CHILE URUGUAY ARGENTINA Graham Guo Managing Director 2 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 A T L A N T I C C PARAGUAY Dream of faraway lands which have been bestowed with a majestic history of thousands of years, a rich culture that will never be lost, spectacular sights that will remain in your thoughts forever and warm and friendly people who are waiting to welcome you and share their world with you. Cultural Tours will be honoured to make those dreams become reality. Join us and discover WHAT WE FEEL ARE some of the world's most beautiful and fascinating destinations! A N T I C M E X I C O GUATEMALA Perfecting the art of travel is our goal. We believe in our business and work earnestly to make your travel dream come true. We enjoy our work in looking after our clients and find great pleasure in having satisfied customers. As Mr. W Breindel from London has commented after a trip to China, “Can you imagine 64 Jewish people going away and NOT one coming back with a complaint!” M e d it e N O R T H Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] O C E A N rr an e a n S e 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 U S S I 14:43 Page 3 Cultural Tours... R 12/11/10 A Contents KAZAKHSTAN MONGOLIA Black Sea Sea of M e d it e Japan rr an e a n C H I N A Yellow S e a J A PA N SOUTH KOREA Sea JORDAN East NEPAL TIBET d R e BANGLADESH BURMA I N D I A TAIWAN LAOS Bay of THAILAND VIETNAM South Bengal CAMBODIA China SRI LANKA A C I F O C E A PHILIPPINES a Se Sea P e in pp il i P h a S e UNITED ARAB EMIRATES China Sea BRUNEI MALAYSIA SINGAPORE I N D O N E S I A I N D I A N O C E A N INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P2-3 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS . . . . . . . . . P4-5 CHINA HIGHLIGHTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P6-7 CHINA DISCOVERY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P8-9 CHINA EXTENSIONS . . . . . . . . . . . P10-13 TIBET EXTENSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P14 TAIWAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P15 JAPAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P16-17 SOUTH KOREA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P18 PERFECT COMBINATIONS . . . . . . . . . . P19 VIETNAM/LAOS/CAMBODIA . . . . . P20-21 SINGAPORE & MALAYSIA . . . . . . . P22-23 INDIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P24-25 SOUTH AFRICA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P26-27 JORDAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P28-29 MEXICO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P30-31 ARGENTINA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P32-33 BRAZIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P34-35 CHILE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P36-37 ECUADOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P38-39 PERU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P40-41 BRAZIL & ARGENTINA . . . . . . . . . . . . . P42 MOSCOW & ST PETERSBURG . . . . . . P43 INSURANCE & WEATHER CHART . . . . P44 ABOUT YOUR FLIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . P45 BOOKING FORM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P46 BOOKING CONDITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . P47 We guarantee smaller groups so that YOU are guaranteed a better holiday 3 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:43 Page 4 Questions & Answers... Iguazu Falls - Argentina WHY US AND NOT OTHERS? At Cultural Tours we pride ourselves in delivering an unrivalled service. Our well travelled Consultants offer limitless niche knowledge in a crowded industry. Specialisation is our strength. Our exciting portfolio of tours will take you to destinations that truly exude culture, history and hospitality. Each carefully designed itinerary will introduce you to both the more familiar spots as well as to those off-the-beaten track. Over the years, with your help we have continued to improve our service and perfect our tours to suite your requirements. Our wish is to show you the very best that our chosen destinations have to offer, in the very best of style. CHOOSING A SET TOUR OR TAILOR MADE? Based on our in-depth knowledge of the Orient, Middle East and Latin America, we have carefully designed tours that we believe encompass the best of the best. However, they may not suit all. That is why we are ready and willing to help you plan any itinerary you wish to follow. Be it climbing mountains, trekking through rain forest or learning Tai Chi we can tailor it to suit your requirements. The choice is yours. DO WE KNOW OUR PRODUCTS? Our team of travel consultants have detailed knowledge and experience of the travel Industry and have travelled extensively throughout the world, compiling information and experiences that they wish to share with you enabling you to get the best from your visit. Also through our extensive network of contacts we will always do our best to cater for more unusual requests and answer any queries. WHEN IS BEST TO GO? For China, April, May, September and October are the most clement periods to travel. However as a result, they are the peak seasons for tourists. Be warned it will be busy. Other months are quieter. The weather is hot in mid-summer and dry and cold in winter. Seasons in Latin America are the reverse of those in Europe but also less marked. Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil, Ecuador and Peru can be visited all year around, while September to April are the best seasons for visiting Argentina. You might find it useful by reading the weather chart on our brochure Page 44. ARE YOU ESCORTED? On standard tours, transfers between hotel and airports are included. You will be met by our local representatives once you arrive in your destination. During your tour, our English-speaking guides will introduce the country's long and splendid history. They will deal with any problems that may arise and escort you along the way ensuring that your holiday runs as smoothly as possible. For larger groups, we will also have a tour leader starting from Heathrow Airport. Tailor-made tours will differ accordingly. HOW MANY PEOPLE IN A GROUP? The average group size is around 12 people. With low numbers we ensure professional guides on personal tours whilst keeping transfer and waiting times to a minimum. Private groups are available on request. BOOKING A TOUR? First read the booking terms and conditions. Then, simply fill in the form in the brochure and return it to us with a deposit of £200 per person or 15% of the holiday cost whichever is the greater. If you have any queries or wish to tailor make a tour, phone our team and they will work through an itinerary with you. HOW DO WE KNOW IT'S CONFIRMED? Upon receipt of the booking form and deposit, we will proceed with actual reservations. If there are any problems, we will inform you immediately. Bare in mind that for certain tours various periods of the year are busier than others. When we have received confirmation from all parties involved we will send you a confirmation invoice which will show the date by which the balance of your payment is due (2 months) together with any visa application forms (optional service). Bookings made within 2 months of departure must be paid in full. When we have received full payment we will prepare a detailed itinerary, with a list of contacts and send this with any tickets or vouchers in our Cultural Tours travel wallet within 2-3 weeks of departure. CAN I CHANGE AFTER CONFIRMATION? We always try to accommodate any changes. We do also reserve the right to charge for extra demands. Please refer to our booking conditions. FLIGHTS AND ACCOMMODATION WHICH AIRLINES? British Airways and Iberia are the main carriers we use. All airlines offer up-grades on international routings to and from the UK. Within your chosen destination we will use a number of good quality local airlines. For Southeast Asia extensions, we also use Cathay Pacific and Thai Airways International. CAN I ARRANGE MY OWN FLIGHTS? It is perfectly acceptable to arrange your own flights before booking a tour with us. However, we have extremely favourable deal rates with our carriers because of our purchasing power. So you would be advised to book the complete journey with us to save money. After all, every penny counts! WHAT STANDARD OF HOTEL DO YOU USE? In general, four or five star. We feel that this best suits our clients who demand a high quality of service and facilities. In some cases, where clients visit smaller provincial cities and towns, we choose the very best available We do not recommend using triple rooms, as the third bed tends to be a roll-away bed in most hotels. CAN I ARRANGE MY OWN ACCOMMODATION? Yes, you can. Again it is entirely possible to book your accommodation beforehand. However, we suggest you arrange it through us. Our intimate relationship with renowned hotels in the region means our rates are unbeatable. 4 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 MONEY AND BONDING WHAT CURRENCY SHOULD I TAKE? We suggest taking sterling or US dollar traveller's cheques which are accepted in most countries in the world without any problem . A small amount of cash should also be taken for convenience. Major credit cards (Visa, Amex, Mastercard) are accepted in larger banks and hotels and some restaurants. HOW AM I PROTECTED? The air holiday packages and/or flights in this brochure are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 2906. Please see our booking conditions for more information. The price of our air holiday packages 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. DO I HAVE TO USE YOUR INSURANCE POLICY? No. Though it is absolutely essential to have adequate cover, particularly for cancellation and medical expenses. See brochure for our policy rates. WHERE CAN I GET OFFICIAL TRAVEL ADVICE? Please refer to www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo or ABTA Information Line Tel: 0901 2015050 (calls are charged at 50p per minute) for latest travel advice. IS MY DATA PROTECTED? Please be assured that we have measures in place to protect the personal booking information held by us. This information will be passed on to the principal and to the relevant suppliers of your travel arrangements. The information may also be provided to public authorities such as customs or immigration if required by them, or as required by law. Certain information may also be passed on to security or credit checking companies. If you travel outside the European Economic Area, controls on data protection may not be as strong as the legal requirements in this country. We will only pass your information on to persons responsible for your travel arrangements. This applies to any sensitive information that you give to us such as details of any disabilities, or dietary/religious requirements. (If we cannot pass this information to the relevant suppliers, whether in the EEA or not, we will be unable to provide your booking. In making this booking, you consent to this information being passed on to the relevant persons.) Full details of our data protection policy are available upon request. HOW CAN I PAY? We accept payment by cash, cheque, Visa, Mastercard and Amex. There is a surcharge of 2% for Visa and Mastercard, 3% for Amex. 14:43 Page 5 VISAS No Visa is required for British Citizens entering any of the Latin American countries featured. If you are not holding a British Passport then we advise that you should contact the relevant embassy. All passengers travelling to China will require a visa. CAN YOU ARRANGE VISAS? We offer a visa service. Visa application forms will be sent out with your confirmation invoice. The completed forms plus one photo and passports need to be returned to us NO sooner than 2 months before departure. We will then process them and return the passport with the Cultural Tours travel wallet. The application process normally takes about a week. WHAT ABOUT MY PASSPORT? Passport must be valid for at least 6 months. OTHER INFORMATION DO I NEED ANY VACCINATIONS? Please consult your local GP for up-to-date advice. Alternatively you may wish to call MASTA Travellers Helpline 09068 224100 for current information on health advice. WHAT ARE THE TRAINS LIKE? Train journeys are always an enjoyable way to travel and some of our special itineraries will include train travel. Whether it is on the Luxurious Mayan Express or a local overnight train between Beijing and Datong, the experience is certain to be a pleasurable one. Overnight onboard a Chinese Train - Each compartment sleeps four people in two bunks on either side. There is no facility for single or double occupancy on trains. All compartments are fitted with air conditioning. There is one continental style toilet in each carriage. WHAT KIND OF BOAT IS USED FOR CRUISE? For our China tour, we use a modern fleet of river boats through an American company called Victoria Cruises (http//:www.victoriacruises.com). All boats are fully furnished to a high standard with viewing lounges, dining rooms etc. The Cabins are twin berths. Single supplement does not apply on the boat. Due to variations in river conditions sailing schedules are subject to change. For the Galapagos cruise, we generally use the M/V Santa Cruz. It was built exclusively for Galapagos Islands cruising and was completely renovated in 1998, having been redesigned and refurbished inside and out. The SANTA CRUZ has gained worldwide recognition for its excellent standards, including superb service, expert crew, the most knowledgeable multilingual naturalist/guides, menus that feature the very best international cuisine and celebrated Ecuadorian dishes. Its capacity is for ninety guests. HOW WILL THE THREE GORGES DAM AFFECT THE YANGTZE RIVER? The Three Gorges Dam, built at Sandouping in the eastern part of the Three Gorges region, is the world’s largest dam project. It has itself become an attraction, and is included as a shore excursion on all cruises offered by Victoria Cruises. In mid-2003, a system of locks was opened through which ships now sail. The water level, then at 135 meters above sea level, has reached 175-200 meters after the dam was completed in 2009. The gorges rise as high as 1000 meters above sea level, however, so the beautiful scenery still remains. The river has become wider, and the rising water has made navigation easier. Now, larger, more comfortable vessels are used on the Daning River excursion into the scenic small gorges, and they can sail further into the interior. The Yangtze River today is a mix of precious ancient treasures and impressive growth and evolution. Entire new cities are being built above old towns and villages along the water's banks, and sailing along the Yangtze now provides a unique opportunity to witness this historic transformation. Questions & Answers... CAN I JUST BOOK FLIGHT/TRAIN/CRUISE TICKETS ONLY? Yes, we will be happy to help. Prepare a list of the tickets you want to book and contact us for a quotation. 12/11/10 WHAT KIND OF CLOTHES SHALL I WEAR ON THE CRUISE? There is no particular dress code aboard any of our cruise, though casual smart dress is recommended. HOW MUCH LUGGAGE CAN I TAKE? 20kg per person maximum. All excess baggage is the sole responsibility of the client. For added security, we suggest locking all baggage where possible. SHOULD I RECONFIRM MY TICKETS? Reconfirmation is required when you break your journey for more than 72 hours at the boarding point of the next segment of your itinerary. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of your ticket. FOOD & WATER IS THE WATER SAFE? Boiled or bottled water is recommended at all times. WHAT WILL I EAT? American Buffet style breakfast is available in most hotels. For our China tour, Lunches will be at local Chinese restaurants. Since dinner time in China is generally too early for European travellers (normally around 5:30 pm), evening meals are not included in the main tour. You can eat at your own time in the hotel or ask your guide to recommend some local restaurants in the vicinity. Vegetarian food should be ordered in advance. In Latin America, we prefer to offer more flexibility to our clients, by including meals only when we feel it is necessary such as the lovely buffet lunch in Machu Picchu and full board in the Amazon. A continental or American style breakfast will be included each morning, but as eating out is more to the European style and taste and each place visited offers marvellous restaurants where you can enjoy good food to suite all pockets and tastes. We feel that by being free to eat out will enable you to sample more of the local atmosphere and culture. 5 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:44 Page 6 from: £1,872 Hong Kong/Kowloon China Highlights... Beijing • Xi’an • Guilin • Shanghai or Hong Kong Beijing Shanghai Xi’an The Great Wall This tour highlights the main attractions of a tour of China for travellers who are pressed for time, but still would like to embrace the essence of China - its civilisation, natural beauty and hospitality. Guilin Hong Kong Whilst in Beijing, excursions include the aweinspiring Great Wall, an unrivaled accomplishment for mankind and the majestic Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world. Xi’an offers you the marvellous and astonishing Terra Cotta Warriors unearthed in 1979 after being interred for 2,000 years. They give an insight into the fascinating ancient Chinese history and civilisation and are described by travellers as “a moving experience”. Xi’an allows you to touch and feel the very heart of Ancient China. Guilin shows you yet another face of China. A small city with everything in easy reach, it is endowed with natural beauty acknowledged by all Chinese as “The best under the sky”! Cruise down the Li River and you won’t dispute it. At the end of the tour, you will also have a choice to go to Shanghai or Hong Kong. Located in the middle of China’s coast, Shanghai has witnessed a series of important events in modern Chinese history. As a consequence, it boasts many sites and cultural relics as well as the largest commercial entrepot. Packed full with shops, modern department stores and fashionable boutiques, Shanghai has it all. Extra nights in Shanghai or Hong Kong are available on request. Visit four cities, see four distinct Chinas! Common to all is the hospitality of friendly people whoever you meet. You will be treated as an honoured guest, and welcomed any time. Terra Cotta Army CHINA HIGHLIGHTS TRAVEL CODE: BCHM Cost Option: A - Return from Shanghai B - Return from Hong Kong DEPARTURE DATES: MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG 20 10 15 12 10 07 27 24 29 26 24 21 £1924 £2134 £1943 £1950 £2115 £2115 £1872 £2015 £1872 £1963 £2131 £2131 Single Supplement Option A: £339 Nanjing Road, Shanghai SEP OCT NOV 04 09 06 18 23 20 £2029 £2029 £1924 £1915 £2079 £1872 Option B: £323 Price includes international flights, UK departure tax, UK passenger service charge, internal flights and transfers in mainland China, twin sharing accommodation in hotels, comprehensive sightseeing with English Speaking guide, lunch on tours, entrance fees en route, American buffet breakfast in hotels in mainland China, room only in Hong Kong and Hong Kong security tax (option B only). What our customers say of us... “What a wonderful experience! Everyone went out of their way to make us feel relaxed, comfortable and valued. The excursions were excellent with English-speaking, knowledgeable guides. The hotels were top grade and very stylish. We would certainly recommend for others to use Cultural Tours.” Nick & Sarah Eggleton (Wiltshire) China Highlights 6 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:44 Page 7 DAY 4: BEIJING Begin your tour by taking a non-stop British Airways or Air China flight from London Heathrow Airport for Beijing. Visit the Imperial Palace, the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace and Tian An Men Square. See this abiding symbol of traditional China and walk through the Imperial Palace, also known as the Forbidden City, right in the heart of Beijing. Steeped in historic majesty, stroll in the Summer Palace which lies northwest of the world’s largest public square, Tian An Men Square. Nearby is the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of 15th century architecture where every year, on the eve of the Winter solstice, the Emperor would perform sacrificial rituals in the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. (B,L) DAY 2: BEIJING Arrive in the morning, met by Cultural Tours representative and transferred to the 4* Novotel Xinqiao Hotel. Relax for the rest of the day. DAY 3: BEIJING Take an excursion to see the Great Wall and Ming Tombs. Undulating far off into the distance, see the magnificent Great Wall, the only man made object visible from the moon, wind its way along ridges of the Northern Hills. Visit the Ming Tombs, designed and selected by Emperors during their reign. Accessible only by “The Sacred Way” a road branching off the route to the Great Wall which was forbidden to all but the Emperors’ funeral cortege. (B,L) Forbidden City DAY 1: LONDON/BEIJING Tailo M ake i r Our h oliday s are f t! lexib DAY 5: BEIJING/XI’AN Just long yo phone us wit h your u wish le! your sta to stay (eg. ideas and h ow if y y o in u Shang the tou hai at wish to exten r). O d the tou ur exper ts w the end of ill r to yo ur requ tailor-make iremen ts. Depart Beijing by air to Xi’an, the ancient capital of China under 11 dynasties, and the starting point of the renowned Silk Road. On arrival, meet and transfer to 4* Grand New World Hotel. (B) Call 0 20 76 36 79 0 China Highlights... Itinerary... 6 DAY 6: XI’AN A day excursion to tomb of Qin Shi Huang, where eight thousand of life-size terra cotta warriors and horses were unearthed in 1979, this sight is certain to take your breath away. Also visit the Hua Qing Hot Springs, a favourite resort of Emperors and the famous Wild Goose Pogoda. (B,L) DAY 7: XI’AN/GUILIN Leave Xi’an by air for Guilin, a city of unique beauty in China. On arrival meet and transfer to 4* Bravo Hotel. Afternoon free. (B) DAY 8: GUILIN/SHANGHAI (HONG KONG EXTENSION SEE BELOW) Enjoy a relaxing cruise with lunch on the Li River, amidst the natural beauty of mist shrouded crags and bamboo groves which inspired painters and poets alike over the centuries. Take an evening flight to Shanghai. On arrival transfer to 5* New Jinjiang Tower Hotel. (B,L) DAY 9: SHANGHAI Visit the world class Museum of Art and History. Also visit the famous Jade Buddah Temple and Yuyuan Garden. There is a chance to stroll on the lively Bund and busy shopping area of Nanjing Road. (B,L) DAY 10: SHANGHAI/LONDON Transfer for flight back to London by British Airways. Arrive at London Heathrow the same afternoon. (B) Guilin Hong Kong Extension... DAY 8: Guilin/Hong Kong DAY 10: Hong Kong/London After Li River Cruise, transfer for an evening flight to Hong Kong. Make your own way to City Garden hotel. Another whole day to do as you wish, before taking your British Airways evening flight home. DAY 9: Hong Kong DAY 11: London Free time for shopping and sightseeing, allowing for a further opportunity to explore this boisterous, exciting and colourful metropolis. Arrive at London Heathrow in the morning. Peking Duck 7 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:44 Page 8 from: £2,300 Yangtse viewing bridge China Discovery... Beijing • Yichang • Three Gorges • Chongqing • Xi’an • Guilin • Shanghai or Hong Kong Yangtze Gorge A comprehensive itinerary that includes China’s four most famous cities - Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai and Guilin, as well as a cruise on the legendary Yangtze River, which features some of the world’s most spectacular river scenery. The tours offer a leisurely, relaxing look at ancient China along the river. The Yangtze River (Changjiang) is the third longest river in the world. At once feared and respected, it was said that the ability of an emperor to control the river reflected his ability to rule. With the dam due to be completed in 2008 there is still time to marvel at this powerful river and glimpse life along its banks soon to change irreversibly. What our customers say of us... “The Yangtse River Cruise was awesome! So glad I had the experience before it is flooded when the dam is finished. Excellent food and abundant information on a daily basis. I came home feeling that I had had one of the greatest experiences of my life. Excellent value! We would highly recommend this holiday to anyone who wanted to visit China.” M. Ackroyd (London) CHINA DISCOVERY Sailing through the picturesque Three Gorges, you’ll discover a magnificent scenic wonderland. All our departures are upstream voyages. Board the ship in Yichang, disembark at Chongqing. The ship stops along the way for shore excursions to scenic spots, ancient historical cities, factories and schools. Forbidden City CHINA DISCOVERY TRAVEL CODE: BCDM Cost Option: A - Return from Shanghai B - Return from Hong Kong DEPARTURE DATES: MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG 20 10 15 12 10 07 27 24 29 26 24 21 £2539 £2730 £2539 £2546 £2650 £2650 £2480 £2624 £2480 £2492 £2660 £2660 Single Supplement Option A: £339 SEP OCT NOV 04 09 06 18 23 20 £2626 £2626 £2460 £2523 £2688 £2300 Option B: £324 • Single supplement does not apply on boat. The cruise company will arrange a twin sharing with another same sex passenger. • Should a single person need a single cabin, please add £295. • Upgrade on boat (subject to availability): Junior suite £630 p/p; Deluxe suite £960 p/p; Shangri-La suite £1370 p/p • Cruise details available on www.victoriacruises.com Price includes international flight, UK departure tax, UK passenger service charge, internal flights (tax not included) and transfers in mainland China, twin sharing accommodation in hotels, comprehensive sightseeing with English Speaking guide, lunch on tours, entrance fees en route, American buffet breakfast in hotels in mainland China, Hong Kong security tax, full board on cruise with all land excursions. Hong Kong 8 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:44 Page 9 Just long yo phone us wit h your u wish le! your sta to stay (eg. ideas and h o y in Shang if you wish to w the tou hai at r). O extend the tou ur exper ts w the end of ill r to yo ur requ tailor-make iremen ts. DAY 1: 4 BEIJING DAY 10: XI’AN Please refer to our “China Highlights” tour. A day excursion to tomb of Qin Shi Huang, where eight thousand of life-size terra cotta warriors and C all 02 horses were unearthed in 1979, this 0 is a sight that will simply take your breath away. Also visited are the Hua Qing Hot Springs, a favourite resort of Emperors and the famous Wild Goose Pogoda. (B,L) DAY 5: BEIJING/YICHANG Fly to Yichang. Meet on arrival and transfer to our luxury class ship for a 4-night Yangtze River cruise. (B,L) DAY 6 - 8: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE The longest river in China, Changjiang (Yangtze River) is also one of the most mysterious and ancient rivers in the world. As you sail long the river take in cities and villages dotted along the river and pass through the stunning Three Gorges, long associated with myths and legends. DAY 9: CHONGQING/XI’AN Arrive in Chongqing. Meet on arrival and transfer for flight to Xian - The ancient capital of China under 11 dynasties, and the starting point of the renowned Silk Road. Overnight at 4* Grand New World Hotel. (B) 6 DAY 11: XI’AN/GUILIN Fly to Guilin and transfer to 4* Bravo Hotel. Guilin is a city of unique beauty in China. Most of the places of interest are within walking distance. The tour will introduce you to the beautiful panoramic view of the city from on top of the Folded Brocade Hill and discover the amazing rock formations that have been formed over thousands of years in the spectacular Reed Flute Caves. (B,L) DAY 12: GUILIN/SHANGHAI Enjoy a relaxing cruise with lunch on the Li River, amidst the natural beauty of mist shrouded crags and bamboo groves which have inspired painters and poets alike over the centuries. Guilin The cruise includes land excursions, cultural activities and entertainment each day, which are oraginsed by the cruise company. (B,L,D) 7636 790 Take an evening flight to Shanghai, Known as “the Paris of the East”. Shanghai, the largest city in China, offers you the chance to see the old town of Shanghai and compare the new business skyscrapers. Overnight at 4* Ramada Hotel. (B,L) China Discovery... Tailo M ake i r Our h oliday s are f t! lexib Itinerary... DAY 13: SHANGHAI Visit the world class Museum of Art and History. Also visit the famous Jade Buddha Temple and Yuyuan Garden. There is a chance to stroll on the lively Bund and busy shopping area of Nanjing Road. Acrobat show in the evening. (B,L) DAY 14: SHANGHAI/LONDON Transfer for direct flight back to London by British Airways Arrive London Heathrow in the afternoon. (B) Beijing Shanghai Xi’an Yichang Chongqing Guilin Hong Kong Three Gorges Hong Kong Extension... DAY 12: GUILIN/HONG KONG DAY 14: HONG KONG/LONDON After Li River cruise, transfer for an evening flight to Hong Kong. Make your own way to City Garden Hotel. (B, L) Another whole day to do as you wish, before taking your British Airways evening flight home. DAY 13: HONG KONG DAY 15: LONDON Arrive at London Heathrow in the morning. Free time for shopping and sightseeing, and further opportunity to explore this boisterous, exciting and colourful metropolis. Victoria Cruise ship 9 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:44 Page 10 from £245 per person Train to Datong Hanging Temple Extension... Hanging Temple Extension... Hanging Temple Itinerary... DATONG Datong, located in the northwest of Shanxi Province, is a city with a long illustrious history. While the city itself had long fallen out of favour with imperial families many years ago, it still boasts the stunning Hanging Temple and Yungang Grottos. DAY 1: BEIJING/DATONG The Hanging temples do just that. Clinging on the rock face, our tour takes you to one of the wonders of China often ignored by others. Built more than a millennium ago and subsequently restored under successive dynasties, the temples remain a feat of engineering. Morning visit to the Hanging Temple. Constructed over 1,400 years ago and built half way up the face of a cliff, the temple is supported by wooden beams that hang precariously onto the cliff face. Bridges and stairways interlink more than 40 pavilions and the view is stunning. In the afternoon visit the Yungang Grottoes. The Buddhist Caves contain over 51,000 statues, some over 40 feet high. (B,L) Nearby, are the Yungang Grottos. Taking almost half a century to complete, these awe-inspiring rock-hewn caves are truly a treasure of ancient China. EXTENSION PROGRAMME Please refer to our “China Highlights” and “China Discovery” tour. This Extension can be added in the beginning of the tour. Transfer for a day-time train to Datong in soft seat. Overnight at Datong Hotel. (B) DAY 2: DATONG DAY 3: DATONG/BEIJING Take a day train back to Beijing. Meet on arrival and transfer back to the hotel where you rejoin the China Highlight Tour or China Discovery Tour. (B) Datong Beijing Yungang Grottoes 10 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:44 Page 11 Garden & Waterways Extension... Suzhou Gardens SUZHOU/HANGZHOU As a Chinese proverb declares, “Above there is Heaven, below there are Suzhou and Hangzhou”. Suzhou is a major tourist attraction with its many famous gardens and long history of silk production. Lakes, streams, canals, bridges and boats create a scene like a beautiful Chinese scroll painting. Hangzhou with the scenic West Lake is also full of artistic and historic background. EXTENSION PROGRAMME Suzhou Shanghai Please refer to our “China Highlights” and “China Discovery” tour. The extension can be taken from Shanghai. Itinerary... DAY 1: SHANGHAI/HANGZHOU Travel by train to Hangzhou and transfer to hotel. Located on the north bank of the lower reaches of the Qiantang River, the famous scenic city of Hangzhou is known as “paradise on earth”. As an old Chinese expression says, “Above there is Heaven, below there is Hangzhou and Suzhou”. Visit the breathtakingly beautiful West Lake and take a relaxing boat cruise. (B,L) Garden & Waterways Extension... from £326 per person DAY 2: HANGZHOU/SUZHOU Further sightseeing tour including the Six Harmony Pagoda and the Tea Museum where you can learn about the famous Dragon Well Tea grown in this area. Take an afternoon train ride to 2,500 year old Suzhou famous for having the most elegant gardens in all of China. (B,L) Hangzhou DAY 3: SUZHOU There are more than 150 gardens, criss-crossed by natural ponds and canals. Visit two of the most famous ones such as The Surging Wave Pavilion, the Humble Administrator Garden and the Garden of Harmony. There will also be a visit to the Silk Museum and the local Embroidery Institute where you learn about the history of Silk and how it is manufactured. (B,L) DAY 4: SUZHOU/SHANGHAI AIRPORT Transfer back to Shanghai Airport for your exit flight back to London. (B) Suzhou Six-Harmony Pagoda - Hangzhou 11 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:44 Page 12 from £489 per person Giant Panda Panda & Mountains Extension... Itinerary... Panda & Mountains Extension... Giant Panda CHENGDU/LESHAN/EMEI EXTENSION PROGRAMME DAY 2: CHENGDU/LESHAN/MOUNT EMEI Today, there are only about 1,000 giant pandas surviving in the wilds of Sichuan Province. As the emblem of the WWF, these popular animals are recognized as one of the Three Treasures of China. We have organised a special extension tour for animal lovers which includes a visit to the Panda Conservation Centre in Chengdu. Please refer to our “China Highlights” or “China Discovery” tour. This extension program can be added at the end of the main tour. Travel to Leshan by car. In Leshan, you will see the spectacular rock-hewn Great Buddha carved out over 90 years during the Tang Dynasty. Surrounded by magnificent countryside, the view overlooks the mighty Yangtze River. Continue to Mount Emei and overnight. (B,L) In southeast Sichuan province stands Emei (9730 feet), one of China's four holy Buddhist mountains. Its isolation, great natural beauty, living fossil plants and 30 temples all make it a prime destination. At Leshan, on the plain below, sits a Tang dynasty sculpture (618907) of immense proportions: Maitreya (the Future Buddha), 71 metres tall, carved into a red-stone cliff. DAY 1: CHENGDU Arrive in Chengdu and transfer to hotel. Chengdu is the capital of China’s most populous province, Sichuan. Pleasantly laid out with broad streets lined by brown and white stucco traditional two-storied houses with balconies of carved wood, this dynamic and colourful city has a famously extrovert population. The tour will include a visit to the cottage of Du Fu, the Great Tang poet and the Shrine of Zhu Geliang, the renowned military strategist and statesman during Three Kingdoms period and River View Pavilion. The highlight of the tour will be the visit to the Panda Conservation Centre where you will learn about the successful Panda breeding programme and get to see many of these mysterious and charming animals. DAY 3: MOUNT EMEI Climb the mountain at a leisurely pace and visit the Wan Nian Temple, home to historical relics. (B,L) DAY 4: EMEI/CHENGDU Take a cable car to the Golden Summit and see another magnificent temple in the midst of stunning landscape. Return by car to Chengdu. (B,L) DAY 5: CHENGDU Transfer for your onward flight. (B) Mount Emei Grand Buddah - Leshan 12 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:44 Page 13 Beyond the Clouds... Stone Forest - Kunming KUNMING/DALI/LIJIANG Itinerary... This tour highlights the hidden treasures of Southwest China. Perfect for those who would like to sample its unique civilizations, outstanding natural beauty and friendly hospitality of the people. EXTENSION PROGRAMME Please refer to our “China Highlights” or “China Discovery” tour. This extension program can be added at the end of the main tour. Kunming, nicknamed “City of Spring”, endowed with a pleasant climate all the year round, is a renowned historical and cultural centre in Southwest China. Among the major scenic spots are the Dianchi Lake and the breathing-taking Stone Forest. Beyond the Clouds Extension... from £850 per person Bamboo huts of the Ethnic Dai DAY 1: KUNMING Arrive in Kunming and transfer to hotel. Lying in a maze of streams, Dali has changed little for 600 years. Pagodas exude sanctity and calm amongst traditional dwellings. DAY 2: STONE FOREST A day tour to the enchanting Stone Forest, one of China’s most beguiling natural phenomena. Towering peaks of bizarrely shaped limestone, some as high as six storeys cover a sprawling area of 26,000 hectares. (B,L) Criss-crossed by a labyrinth of cobbled streets and alleyways, Lijiang, with Sifang Street at its core, spreads out in all directions. From Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, you can see Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world’s deepest canyons and the famous 10,000flower Camellia tree. DAY 3: KUNMING/DALI Hui’an traditional dress Fly to Dali. Known as the Marble City, this 600-yearold city exudes a sense of tranquility. A full day tour of the city including the 3 pagodas, Erhai Lake and Xishou Village. (B,L) DAY 4: DALI/LIJIANG Drive to Lijiang. A tour will include Black Dragon Pool, a park on the northern edge of town, and a visit to the local Naxi market. (B,L) DAY 5: LIJIANG A full day tour to Yufeng Temple and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Yufeng Temple is a small monastery at the foot of the mountain whose main attraction is the 10,000-flower camellia tree. (B,L) DAY 6: LIJIANG/KUNMING At leisure in the morning before flying to Kunming and connect your onward flight. (B) Three Pagodas - Dali 13 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:45 Page 14 from £1,149 per person Tibetan monastery ceremony Tibet by Air... Lhasa Itinerary... Tibet is a plateau region in Asia, north of the Himalayas. It is home to the indigenous Tibetan people, and to some other ethnic groups such as Monpas and Lhobas. Tibet is the highest region on earth, with an average elevation of 4,900 metres (16,000 ft) and is therefore sometimes referred to as the roof of the world. DAY 1: CHENGDU DAY 5: SHIGATSE Shigatse is the 2nd largest city in Tibet. Our tour includes the Tashilhunpo (mount of eternal blessing) Monastery and local market. Built in 1447 in red and white, the monastery houses many rare and valuable artifacts including a giant stature of the Buddha which stands at 86ft tall and is cast entirely in bronze. (B,L) DAY 6: SHIGATSE/LHASA Arrive in Chengdu and transfer to hotel. Chengdu is the capital of China’s most populous province, Sichuan. Pleasantly laid out with broad streets lined by brown and white stucco traditional two-storied houses with balconies of carved wood, this dynamic and colourful city has a famously extrovert population. The tour will include an afternoon visit to the Panda Conservation Centre where you will learn about the successful Panda breading programme and get to see many of these mysterious and charming animals. Today we travel back to Lhasa by car. Overnight in local hotel in Lhasa. (B,L) DAY 7: DEPART LHASA Panda Conservation Centre, Chengdu Transfer to the airport for the flight back to Chengdu or onward destination. Tibet by Air... DAY 2: CHENGDU/LHASA Transfer and morning flight to Lhasa. Arrive into Lhasa where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. As the city is situated at an altitude of approximately 12,000ft, it is essential to rest and acclimatize and we recommend that you only undertake gentle activities. In the afternoon explore the local area with your guide. (B) Shigatse Monk Ceremony DAY 3: LHASA Our tour of Lhasa starts with the holiest shrine, the 13th century Jokhang Temple and the bustling Barkhor Market. We will also visit the Potala Palace, home to the Dalai Lamas since the 17th century and widely regarded to be one of the architectural wonders of the world. (B,L) DAY 4: LHASA/SHIGATSE Transfer to the city of Shigatse (fertile land) by car stopping at the holy lake en route. Overnight at Shigatse hotel. (B,L) Potala Palace 14 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:45 Page 15 £385 per person Taipei National Palace Museum Taiwan... Deluxe Round The Island Tour Taipei Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Itinerary... Taroko Gorge Taiwan, the sole green island straddling the Tropic of Cancer, is blessed with a rich natural environment and intricate cultural tapestry. Crossed by rough-hewn mountain ranges, fringed with a coastline of precipitous cliffs, long sandy beaches and bustling fishing harbours, topped off by a people whose traditions and heritage continue to permeate and enrich every aspect of life, Taiwan is a land of pleasant surprises and unforgettable experiences. DAY 1: TAIPEI/TAICHUNG/SUN MOON LAKE Taipei cityscape Tea plantations Pick up from hotel in Taipei and transfer to Taipei High Speed Railway Station for bullet train to Taichung. Proceed to Puli Town, located in the centre of Taiwan. After lunch, Drive to the Sun Moon Lake. Visit the Wen Wu Temple, Tehua Village, Tse- En Pagoda and Holy Monk. Overnight at the 4* Del Lago Hotel. (L) DAY 2: SUN MOON LAKE/TAINAN/KAOHSIUNG Drive to Tainan. Visit the Fort of Anping, Koxinga Shrine and Chihkan Lou. Continue to Kaohsiung and visit the Spring and Autumn Pavilions. Evening tour of the Liouhe Night Market and Love River. Overnight at 5* Howard Plaza Hotel Kaohsiung. (B,L) Rao He night market DAY 3: KAOHSIUNG/KENTING/TAITUNG Drive to Kenting, located in the southern tip of Taiwan. Visit the National Park before proceeding to Taitung. Overnight at the Naruwan Hotel. (B,L) Drive to Hualien via the scenic East Rift Valley. Arrive at the intriguing Taroko Gorge. Visit the Eternal Spring Shrine, the Swallow Caves, Tunnel of Nine Turns and Tienhsiang Lodge. Transfer for a late afternoon train to Taipei. (B,L) Sun Moon Lake Departure: Every Wednesday only Price includes: twin sharing accommodation, meals specified, English-speaking guide, domestic transportation, entrance fees en route and train tickets. Taiwan... DAY 4: TAITUNG/HUALIEN/TAROKO GORGE/TAIPEI 15 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:45 Page 16 Japan... Where tradition and modernity meet Mount Fuji Japan has long been a favourite of more adventurous travellers, and with Japanese culture more fashionable than ever, there has never been a better time to explore this multifaceted country. While the bustling cities won’t fail to impress those in search of the clichés of the Japanese success story - skyscrapers, bullet trains and rampant consumerism - beneath the brash modernity beats an ancient heart. This is the realm of emperors and shoguns, the exquisite art of the geisha and the skill of the sumo wrestler. A land of great natural beauty where ancient festivals are celebrated according to the seasons and food is elevated to an art form. Japanese Kimono dress JAPAN TRAVEL CODE: JPHL Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, and there’s no need to worry about the language barrier - the Japanese are unfailingly friendly so help is always at hand. Whether you choose to climb Mount Fuji or relax at volcanic hot spring resorts, delight in traditional performing arts or lose yourself in high-tech wonderland, Japan is a truly unforgettable destination. PRICES What our customers say of us... Tour Only from . . . . . . . . . . . £1885 Tour & Flight from . . . . . . . . £2740 Single supplement from . . . . £445 Prices Include: Twin sharing accommodation as stated in 4 star hotels. Meals as shown (B=breakfast, L=Lunch, D=dinner). Transfers and sightseeing on shared basis. No flights in “Tour Only” prices, International and domestic flights in “Tour & Flight” prices. Prices Exclude: Drinks, gratuities and items of a personal nature. We have just returned from a trip to Japan organised by you and we would like to congratulate you on all aspects of the tour. It was excellent and we thoroughly enjoyed everything. The timing, programme, quality of guides were all outstanding and we learned a lot in 10 days. Ann & Derek Radmayne, Bucks Hiroshima Memorial Park 16 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:45 Page 17 Japanese Temple Bullet Train DAY 1: LONDON/TOKYO DAY 4: TOKYO/HAKONE/TOKYO DAY 6: HIROSHIMA & MIYAJIMA Begin our tour by taking a non-stop British Airways flight from London Heathrow for Tokyo. Travel by coach to Hakone, part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, this area is famous for hot springs, outdoor activities, natural beauty and the view of nearby Mt. Fuji. Hakone is one of the most popular destinations among locals and visitors. The drive to the 4500ft level of Mt Fuji passes through lovely scenery where lunch will be taken at a local restaurant. In the afternoon there will be a visit to the Owakudani Valley. Sulfurous fumes, hot springs and hot rivers can be experienced on a walk in the area. Eggs boiled in the hot springs are said to prolong one's life by seven years and are readily available for sale. The afternoon finishes with a relaxing boat ride on Lake Ashi. Return to your hotel in Tokyo by Bullet Train. (B,L) Today’s full day tour will visit the Miyajima (literally 'shrine island') which has been celebrated as a sacred island and one of Japan's three most scenic views. It is most famous for Itsukushima Shrine, which, together with its large wooden torii (gate), stands in the ocean during high tide. DAY 2: TOKYO Arrive in the morning, met by the Cultural Tours representative and transferred to the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa. Rest of the day will be at leisure. DAY 3: TOKYO The Tokyo sightseeing tour commences with a drive past the National Diet Building and the Japanese Parliamentary buildings. The tour will stop at the beautiful Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. Emperor Meiji was the first emperor of modern Japan. Next there will be a stop at the Tokyo Tower where the best views of the cityscape can be enjoyed. The Imperial East Gardens are next on the agenda as the tour comes to an end in the Ginza Shopping District where you will have some free time to enjoy Japans favourite pastimes of shopping. (B) DAY 5: TOKYO/HIROSHIMA Japan... Itinerary... In the afternoon you will return to Hiroshima to visit the Peace Memorial Park which was built to commemorate the dropping of the atomic bomb over Hiroshima on August 6, 1945 and to promote a peaceful world. It is located in the area around the atomic explosion's epicentre, and houses the Peace Memorial Museum and many other related monuments. Evening at leisure. (B) DAY 7: HIROSHIMA /KYOTO Take the bullet train onwards to Hiroshima. On arrival make your own way to the 4* New Hiroden Hotel. The rest of the day will be at leisure. Today you will take the Bullet Train to Kyoto. On arrival make your way to the 4 *New Miyako Hotel, which is a short walk from the train station. The rest of the day at leisure. (B) DAY 8: KYOTO & NARA Kyoto was Japan's capital and the emperor’s residence from 794 until 1868. Over the centuries, many wars and fires destroyed Kyoto, but due to its historic value, the city was not chosen as a target of air raids during World War II. Countless temples, shrines and other historically priceless structures survive in the city today, and roughly one out of four of Japan's national treasures can be found in Kyoto. The tour visits the Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji Temple with its magnificent Golden Pavilion and the Old Imperial Palace finishing at the Kyoto Handicraft Centre where there will be time to do some shopping before taking lunch. After lunch you will depart by coach to Nara. Japan's first permanent capital was established in the year 710 at Heijo, the city now known as Nara. This is a city full of historic treasures, including some of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples. The tour visits Todaiji ("Great Eastern Temple") one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara. The tour also visits the Kasuga Shrine in the Deer Park. The shrine is famous for its many lanterns. Return to Kyoto Hotel. (B,L) T Maakeilor Our h it! oliday s are f le Just p long yo hone us with xible! u wish your make th to stay, ou ideas and h ow r ex e tour to you perts will ta r requir il ements or. Call 0 20 76 36 79 0 6 DAY 9: KYOTO At leisure in Kyoto. (B) DAY 10: KYOTO/TOKYO Tokyo - Asakusa Today you will take the Bullet Train from Kyoto back to Tokyo. On arrival make your way back to the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa which is located 5 mins by foot from the station. Afternoon at leisure. (B) DAY 11: TOKYO/LONDON Transfer to the airport for the return British Airways flight to London. Afternoon arrival into London Heathrow. (B) Hakone Tokyo Kyoto Hiroshima Tokyo Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 17 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:46 Page 18 Tailo M ake i r Our h oliday s are f t! lexib Temple stay South Korea... from: £1,685 per person Just p long yo hone us with u wish your le! make th to stay, ou ideas and h ow r ex e tour to you perts will ta r requir il ements or. 020 7 Call 636 7 906 Panmunjeom Mt. Seorak SEOUL Chongju Andong Gyeongju Mount Seorak Itinerary... Densely forested mountains, colourful Buddhist temples and sleek modern cities - discover all this and much more with this Korean Highlights tour. Korea’s welcoming people, unique culture and incomparable cuisine make it one of the great destinations of Northeast Asia. very popular Bul Tumuli Park National Museum, Folklore Village and Millionair Choi’s House. Take an evening high speed train back to Seoul. (B) DAY 4: MT. SEORAK/CHUNGJU LAKE DAY 7: DEMARCATION PANMUNJEOM VILLAGE MILITARY ZONE & Touching down at modern Inchon international airport places you in the heart of Korea. After clearing immigration and customs, you will be met and transferred to our elegant 4* Hamilton Hotel. Morning Tea Ceremony with a Buddhist Monk, visit the temple with its seven story pagoda and giant statue of Bohdhisattva. There will also be a visit to Naksan Beach. Afternoon drive to Chungju, visit Chamsori Gramophone & Audio Museum en route. Overnight at the Chungju Lake. Traditional homestay in Andong can also be arranged without extra cost. (B) DAY 2: SEOUL DAY 5: CHUNGJU/ANDONG/GYEONGJU DAY 8: DEPARTURE Morning sightseeing of Korea's capital city. Visit Gyengbokgung Palace with its magnificent gates, graceful architectures and lovely gardens of Chosun dynasty (1392-1910). The tour also visits the Folklore Museum, Blue House and Jogyesa Temple.(B) Drive to Andong the home of Korean Confucian culture which today still deeply influences all aspects of daily life for the local people. You will visit the Mask Village, Folk Museum, Dosan Confusian School and the Koreas most revered Buseoksa temple. Depart for Gyeongju in the late afternoon by train. Transfer to 4* Concorde hotel. (B) After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B) DAY 1: ARRIVE SEOUL DAY 3: SEOUL/MT. SEORAK (TEMPLE STAY) South Korea... uniform, before attending an evening ceremony of bellringing, evening chanting mass and meditation course. Overnight at the temple. (B) A scenic drive to Mt. Seorak National Park enables us to enjoy more of Korea’s stunning mountain scenery The park is dominated with chains of mountains, scenic valleys, crystal clear streams and lush green forest. The afternoon is spent on a leisurely trek enjoying the delights of this UNESCO protected nature park. Continue to Woljeongsa Temple where you will learn about the traditional temple life. On arrival, you will be provided with traditional temple A full day trip to the famous DMZ area. Located only 60KM north of Seoul this is one of the last relics of the Cold War, the DMZ attracts a great deal of public interest. DMZ tourist sites have been created to quench peoples’ curiosity on this unique area where tension and peace coincide. (B,L) DAY 6: GYEONGJU/SEOUL Today we are treated to one of the ten historic city sites of the world. Temple sites with weathered stone pagodas, royal tombs, Buddhist bas-reliefs, and fortress ruins are scattered throughout the countryside surrounding this ancient city. A full day tour includes the 8th century Sugguram Grotto, said to be one of the finest Buddhist shrines in Asia and the Price includes accommodation and meals as specified, comprehensive sightseeing with English-speaking guide, all entrance fees, train tickets, and all transfers. Gyeongbokgung Palace 18 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:46 Page 19 Perfect Combinations... Tailo M ake i r Our h oliday s are f t! lexib Just p long yo hone us with u wish your le! make th to stay, ou ideas and h ow r ex e tour to you perts will ta r requir il ements or. 020 7 Call 636 7 906 Perfect Combinations... Dubai • Bali • Singapore • Thailand • Malaysia Golden Buddah - Thailand Bali - Indonesia Burj Al Arab - Dubai After a tour to China, many customers choose to visit destinations in Southeast Asia. We offer extensions on homeward journeys to places such as Phuket, Dubai, Bali, Koh Samui etc... Here is a selection of some of the more popular spots. Whether in Arab Street, in the financial district or by the sea, you’ll hear the locals mix up their languages and use the “La”. Live it up a little with tea at Raffles and a couple of Singapore Slings! Go there and you’ll love it! DUBAI BANGKOK Halfway between the UK and the Far East, Dubai is a superb holiday destination and well worth a visit. As one of the Arab emirates, Dubai has grown from a small port into a fabulous modern city packed full with duty free shopping opportunities. From modern department stores to traditional souks, this top holiday spot offers countless bargains. When you're tired of shopping, relax by the beautiful southern Gulf or explore the shifting sands of the desert. Dubai offers stunning hotels, sun and sea and much, much more. Discover the true Arabia, discover Dubai! Known by the Thais as Krung Thep (City of Angels), Bangkok is quite a city. Allow yourself the chance to try its cuisine, ride in a tuk-tuk or see a floating market. Walk round the Royal Palace or sample its nightlife . Bangkok offers all the thrills and spills of the Orient! BALI Singapore - Cosmopolitan City Set in the middle of the Indonesian archipelago, Bali is famed for its stunning beaches, tropical countryside and elegant temples. Just three hours from Hong Kong, you could be relaxing in Balinese style apartments soaking up the sun and enjoying delicious Indonesian cuisine. Besides beaches, Bali has a fascinating culture and open, friendly people. SINGAPORE This island state is perhaps the most wired in the world. Surrounded by technology wherever you go, this garden city, made up of Chinese, Malays, Indians and Europeans is a captivating product of many cultures. PHUKET For a truly relaxing time, you can’t go wrong with Phuket. Situated along the southern Thai peninsula, Phuket is blessed with hills of lush vegetation and coconut plantations. The island offers water sports along sandy white beaches in crystal clear blue waters. Relax your worries away! Other destinations include Koh Samui, Krabi Resort, Chiangmai, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Kuantan etc... What our customers say of us... “We can only commend you on your first class organisation. The hotels we stayed at, the transport you arranged, the tours at those cities, the local guides indeed everything was far more than we expected and made for a very enjoyable, entertaining and educational holiday.” R. Lewis (Kingsbridge) Tailor Made Tour Krabi Resort - Thailand 19 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:46 Page 20 Essential Vietnam Highlights of Ca mb Halong bay (overnight junk stay) Essential Vietnam/Highlights of Cambodia Visit Vietnam’s lush river deltas and you will see people working in their fields, worshipping their village deities and holding colourful festivals, just as they have for generations. Cruise to a floating market in the Mekong Delta or hike to an ethnic minority hamlet high in the northern mountains and you will witness ways of life hardly touched by the modern world. In the cities, traditions are mixing with new ideas, resulting in a surge of creativity. Vietnam’s thousandyear-old capital, Hanoi, is home to a vibrant arts scene. Saigon, now renamed Ho Chi Minh City, offers markets that burst with colour; streets lined with boutiques selling original silk fashions; and nightlife that demands to be explored. An adventure awaits. DAY 1: SAIGON Upon arrival in Saigon, meet and transfer to 4* Duxton Hotel Deluxe room. DAY 2: SAIGON - CU CHI - SAIGON After breakfast, enjoy a morning drive through typical southern Vietnamese countryside to Cu Chi district. Upon arrival in Cu Chi, we will start to experience ourselves the underground village of Cu Chi guerrilla fighters, the remain of a real bloody battle field which is simply a network of tunnels built during the long years of wars. On the way back, stop at a local family-run rice paper making village before heading back to Saigon. Afternoon, enjoy a half-day city tour of Saigon to visit the city’s landmarks including the Notre Dame cathedral, the Old Post Office, the Presidential Palace, the Chinese district of Cholon to enjoy the bustling wholesale quarter of Saigon and the Thien Hau temple. (B) DAY 3: SAIGON-DANANG-HOI AN Fly to Danang. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to Hoi An with a stop en route to visit the Cham Museum; the best collection of the Cham ruins dating from 2nd to 15th century. Upon arrival in Hoi An, enjoying a walking tour of this ancient town center and take in the former merchants’ houses, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the colorful market with its stalls brimming with tropical specialties. The market is a good place to buy silk, which can be made upon into fine garments, all within a day. The rest of the day will be free for your own activities. Overnight at the 4*Life Resort Hoi An – Superior Garden view (B) DAY 5: HUE - HANOI Fly to Hanoi, meet and transfer to downtown and embark on the interesting city tour of this charming capital Hanoi city including Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum & his house, One Pillar Pagoda. After lunch, we visit the Temple of Literature and Ethnology Museum. The trip ends at the Lake of the Restored Sword with enjoying a cycle ride through the Old Quarter of “36 streets and 36 wares”. Evening, enjoy special water puppet performance, an art form that originated in Northern Vietnam over hundred of years. Overnight at the 4* Nikko Hotel (B,L) DAY 6: HANOI - HA LONG (OVERNIGHT IN JUNK) Drive from Hanoi to Halong, embark on the junk and cruise around the bay with marvelous view with limestone islands and explore different caves and grottoes. Sea food lunch and dinner on board. Overnight on the best Huong Hai traditional junk – private twin cabin. (B,L,D) Cambodia is a mysterious place, its history – like dapple sunlight falling through foliage onto an ancient stone temple – a mixture of darkness and light. This quiet, pastoral beauty is the backdrop for one of the most astonishing archeological sites on earth. Built between the ninth and thirteenth centuries by Khmer kings who were considered living gods, the temples of Angkor were abandoned in the fifteenth century. Reclaimed by the jungle, Angkor was dismissed by outsiders as a myth. Today the “lost city” has lost none of its mystery or magic. Climb through the carved stone passageways explored by the French adventurer Mahout in 1860 and you will feel a sense of awe at the artistry and extravagance of this long-gone civilization. DAY 7: HA LONG - HANOI Optional get up early to catch the sunrise in the bay. Cruise around to explore further other grottos and caves until having farewell lunch with the crew. On the way back, have a stop at the Phu Lang ceramic making village, opportunity to interact with the artisans and understand how they preserve the traditional craft over generations. Transfer back to Hanoi for the night. (B,L) DAY 8: DEPARTURE Transfer to the airport for departure flight. (B) £844 p/p, single supplement £290 Price includes: Flights, 4 & 5 Star accommodation as stated, Daily Buffet Breakfast, 10 Lunches, Transportation in luxury air-conditioned vehicle, Soft drinks onboard coach, Services of a professional English-speaking Tourist Guide, Entrance fees and excursions where applicable, Welcome pack, Porterage. DAY 4: HOI AN-HUE Depart Hoi An for Hue – former Royal city, our scenic drive via Hai Van Pass where a spectacular panorama of the central coastline can be viewed at the summit. We stop en route at the wonderfully photogenic fishing village of Lang Co located on a sand dune line for photo opportunity before driving toward Hue. In the afternoon you will enjoy a boat cruise upstream the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s most preserved religious monument standing on the riverbank with its sevenfloor tower. Continue driving to the former imperial city of Hue offering an insightful look into its regal past with visit to the Imperial Citadel from where the Nguyen emperors once ruled Vietnam between 1802 and 1945. Overnight at 5* Pilgrimage Village Resort - Deluxe Villa (B) Saigon 20 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] Grand Palace, Phnom Penh 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 Ca mbodia 12/11/10 14:46 Page 21 Laos - Land of a Million Elephants Cambodia is a mysterious place, its history - like dapple sunlight falling through foliage onto an ancient stone temple - a mixture of darkness and light. This quiet, pastoral beauty is the backdrop for one of the most astonishing archeological sites on earth. Built between the ninth and thirteenth centuries by Khmer kings who were considered living gods, the temples of Angkor were abandoned in the fifteenth century. Reclaimed by the jungle, Angkor was dismissed by outsiders as a myth. Today the “lost city” has lost none of its mystery or magic. Climb through the carved stone passageways explored by the French adventurer Mahout in 1860 and you will feel a sense of awe at the artistry and extravagance of this long-gone civilization. Arrive in Phnom Penh and transfer to your hotel. This city was once considered one of the most beautiful in the Orient, and despite its recent turbulent history it still retains a colonial charm. In the afternoon visit the National Museum, the Silver Pagoda and the Royal Palace. Overnight at the 4* Almond Hotel - Deluxe room. DAY 2: PHNOM PENH/SIEM REAP Luang Prabang Laos may be one of the last truly calm places on earth. There are no bright lights, no shopping malls, no amusements parks, just people going about their lives as their forefathers did. They grow rice, weave their traditional cloth and worship Buddha and nature spirits. In Laos, the pace of life moves as slowly as the water buffaloes that plod back and forth through the paddies. Experience this beauty and you won’t want to leave. Fly to Siem Reap, transfer to the 4* Tara Angkor Century Hotel. Start exploring the mysterious Royal city Angkor Thom. Its 50tower temple is an awesome sight. Further visits to the surroundings of the complex include the Baphou, Elephant Terraces, Lepper King Terrace and Royal Place area. Afternoon, visit the intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat - one of the world’s most impressive ruins. End the day at Phnom Bakheng, the first major temple to be constructed in the Angkor area. The Bakheng’s hilltop location makes it the most popular sunset, offering a panoramic view of Angkor Wat and West Baray. (B) DAY 1: VIENTIANE Fly to Vientiane, the city of the moon. Afternoon is spent by taking a sightseeing of the city’s major historic sites including religious museums of Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple to have survived from the Siamese war of 1828 and its cloister contains more than 8000 Buddha statues; Wat Ho Prakeo, the former home-temple of the Emerald Buddha statue; Luang Stupa, the single most important monument in Laos, which was built to cover the original small stupa, containing a piece of the chest bone of Buddha; Patouxay (Arch de Triumph), built quite recently in commemoration of those who died during the wars in the past and it is today as the land mark of Vientiane. Overnight at the 4*Green Park Boutique Hotel - Classic room. (B) DAY 2: VIENTIANE - LUANG PRABANG Fly to Luang Prabang, the ancient first capital of Lane Xang kingdom, the center of religious life in Laos and today the World Heritage City. Take a sightseeing tour of the sacred city of temples, of which nearly fifty still remain in the town and surrounding areas. Visit National Museum, the former Royal Palace, Wat Visoun, Wat Aham and Wat Xiengthong. The 328 steps lead to the summit of Phousi Hill that dominates the skyline of Luang Prabang overlooking the finest panoramic view in the whole Luang Prabang. Overnight at the 5*Maison Souvannaphoum Boutique Hotel - Garden Wing. (B) DAY 3: SIEM REAP After breakfast, further visit to Prasat Kravan, Pre Rup, East Mebon, Ta Som, Neak Pean and Preah Khan. Afternoon, continue to visit Srah Srang, Banteay Kdei, Ta Keo, Chaosay Tevoda & Thomanon. These temples are on the same route of Ta Prohm and the picturesque Ta Prohm that had nearly disappeared into the jungle and remains overgrown, an oddly haunting and exotic scene. The magnificent roots of a tree, pushing between the huge stone blocks of the temple in a sort of embrace, evoke feelings that you may remember forever. (B) DAY 3: PAK OU CAVES Travel on a long-tailed boat for a few hours on the Mekong River to visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves in the side of a lime stone cliff and opposite of the mouth of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. The sanctuaries at Pak Ou consist of two large caves, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images, which range from mere centimeter to two meters in height. En route, Lao typical villages are barely visible behind a screen of foliage. Slender canoes bobbing by the shore and bamboo poles and floats mark the location of nets and fish traps. Visit Ban Xanghai, the wellknown village for Lao traditional rice whisky to be distilled and tasted. Lunch at local restaurant on the bank of the Mekong river. Return to Luang Prabang by the same boat, continue by car to visit Ban Xangkhong, the well-known village for its wood paper making and also Lao silk weavings with natural dyes, where you can do shopping there. (B,L) DAY 4: DEPART SIEM REAP After breakfast at hotel, transfer to airport for departure flight. (B) 01 Jan - 31 Mar 2011 £450 pp, sing sup £149 01 Apr - 30 Sep 2011 £370 pp, sing sup £78 Cost includes hotels, meals specified, sightseeing with English speaking guides, entrance fees, transfers and internal air fare. DAY 4: HILL TRIBE VILLAGES Take an excursion by land (30 km South) to visit Kuangsi Waterfall. En route, stop to visit Ban Na Oune, a small H’mong village and also visit Ban Tha Pane, a small village of Khmu minority group. Picnic lunch near Kuangsi waterfall. (B,L) DAY 5: LUANG PRABANG DEPARTURE After breakfast, visit a local market before transferring to the airport for your departure flight. (B) 01 Jan-30 Apr 2011 £532 pp, sing sup £215 01 May-30 Sep 2011 £489 pp, sing sup £155 01 Oct-31 Oct 2011 £598 pp, sing sup £265 Cost includes hotels, meals specified, sightseeing with English speaking guides, entrance fees, transfers and internal air fare. Highlights of Cambodia/Laos - Land of a Million Elephants Angkor Wat, Siem Reap DAY 1: PHNOM PENH Pak Ou Caves 21 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:46 Page 22 Penang Singapore & Malaysia... Singapore • Malacca • Kuala Lumpur • Cameron Highlands • Penang • Pangkor • Port Dickson Singapore A multi-cultural melting pot with a turbulent history, Singapore has much more to offer than shopping and skyscrapers. Scratch away at its surface and you'll find a lot more than a globalization success story, and a vibrancy you weren't expecting. In fact, you'll find it hard to fit in all the temples, markets, natural wonders, nightlife and cuisine it has to offer, and probably leave wishing you'd seen more. Malaysia can only be described as a bubbling melting pot of races and religions with a constant procession of delightful festivals. Malaysia is a country of contrasts, bathed in the warm tropical sun, endowed with 3,000 kilometers of coastline, several historic cities, a unique cultural mix, a string of cool hill resorts, the world’s oldest rainforest Its diverse and multi-lingual population with an essence of hospitality give any visitor a truly relaxing and unforgettable Truly Asia experience! Itinerary... DAY 1: LONDON/SINGAPORE Depart London Heathrow by British Airways overnight nonstop flight to Singapore DAY 2: SINGAPORE Arrival into Singapore where you will be met and transferred to the 4* Rendezvous Hotel located in the heart of the civic and cultural district. The rest of the day will be at leisure. DAY 3: SINGAPORE Tour Only from . . . . . . . . . . . £1268 Your morning orientation tour of Singapore begins with a drive around the Civic District past the Padang, Cricket Club, Parliament House, Supreme Court and City Hall. You'll have great views of Marina Bay when you stop for photos at Merlion Park and the Merlion, Singapore's mythological creature that is part lion, part fish. The tour continues with a visit to the Thian Hock Keng Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist-Taoist temples on Singapore island, then takes you into Chinatown. Next stop is the National Orchid Garden, within the Singapore Botanic Gardens, which boasts a colorful display of 60,000 orchid plants, with 400 species and more than 2,000 hybrids represented. The final stop at Singapore's Little India will entrance you with the heady scent of joss sticks, jasmine and spices. The afternoon will be at leisure. Accommodation 4* Rendezvous Hotel (B) Tour & Flight from . . . . . . . . £2015 DAY 4: SINGAPORE/MALACCA Single supplement from . . . . £462 Your tour from Singapore starts with a relaxing train ride on KTM's or Malaysian Railways' Express Rakyat. The journey takes you across the famous causeway and into the city of Johore Bahru. While on the train, admire the rural countryside, cultivated areas of oil palm, rubber and small holding of vegetable and fruit plantations. Disembark at Kluang, a town in the state of Johor, and continue the rest of your journey to Malacca by coach. You will arrive in time for lunch SINGAPORE & MALAYSIA TRAVEL CODE: CTSM PRICES Prices Include: Twin sharing accommodation as stated in 4-5 star hotels. Meals as shown (B=breakfast, L=Lunch, D=dinner). Transfers and sightseeing on shared basis. No flights in “Tour Only” prices, International and domestic flights in “Tour & Flight” prices. Prices Exclude: Drinks, gratuities and items of a personal nature. Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur 22 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:46 Page 23 DAY 5: MALACCA/KUALA LUMPUR After breakfast, you rejoin the highway passing Seremban to Kuala Lumpur - the capital city of Malaysia. Your tour of this city of charming contrast will cover the sights of the National Palace, the National Museum, the National Monument (sculpted by the creator of the Iwo Jima monument in Washington, DC), National Mosque, Sultan Abdul Samad Building, the Royal Selangor Club and passing by the Petronas Twin Tower - 2nd tallest building in the world. Accommodation 4* Hotel Istana (B,L) DAY 7: KUALA LUMPUR/CAMERON HIGHLANDS DAY 9: PENANG Heading North into the state of Perak, your journey to Cameron Highlands (the centre of Malaysia tea production) takes you to an altitude of 1500-1800 meters above sea level. Vegetables grow in profusion and flowers bloom, everywhere in the cool weather, which can drop to 12 degrees Celsius. You have the opportunity to see the “Orang Asli” (Malaysian Aboriginal) complete with their blowpipes. Lunch at a restaurant in the highlands. Accommodation 4* Equatorial Hotel (B,L) Today you explore Penang – The “Pearl of the Orient” and the oldest British settlement in Malaysia. Your exploration will take you to the famous Penang Snake Temple. If you fancy it, have your photograph taken with a venomous Wagler’s Pit viper draped over you! Continue to explore the various attractions in Georgetown including the Khoo Kongsi “Dragon Mountain Hall” clan house with its ancient design constructed to capture the splendor of an Imperial Palace. More attractions include the historical Fort Cornwallis and the Thai Temple of Wat Chayamangkalaram, which houses a 33-metre reclining Buddha. The rest of the afternoon is left for you to enjoy the sparkling white beaches. Accommodation 4* Bayview Beach Resort (B,L) DAY 8: CAMERON HIGHLANDS/PENANG Your day begins with a pleasant drive downhill and northwards to Ipoh - the city of millionaires’, which made its fortune from the rich tin mines of Kinta Valley- the heart of tin dredging in Malaysia. Enroute, you will visit Kellies Castle built by the Scottish rubber tycoon and famous Cave Temples in Ipoh, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. Travel North to Kuala Kangsar, with its unique Ubudiah Mosque- a magnificent building with golden dome- and the Palace of the Sultan of Perak towards the state of Penang. You will cross the Penang Bridge (spanning 13.5km-the longest bridge in Asia and third in the world) into the island of Penang. Accommodation 4* Bayview Beach Resort located on the beautiful Batu Ferringhi Beach. (B,L) DAY 6: KUALA LUMPUR This morning tour of Kuala Lumpur suburbs will bring you to Batu Caves, reached by a straight flight of 272 steps. In some of today’s stops, you will have the opportunity to see how Malaysian handicrafts; batiks and pewter wares are made. The afternoon is at your leisure to do some shopping or enjoy more of the multifarious sights of Kuala Lumpur. Accommodation 4* Hotel Istana (B,L) DAY 10: PENANG/PANGKOR ISLAND Enjoy a scenic drive past quiet towns and belts of rice fields. Enroute stop at Taiping, once the capital of Perak and a thriving mining town, its disused mining pools has been turned into the famous Taiping Lake Gardens. Boasting 62 hectares of park, its lovely lakes and lush greenery with huge ancient angsana trees with drooping branches are an unforgettable sight. Located within the Gardens is the Taiping War Cemetery, maintained and managed by the Commonwealth War Cemetery Commission. Walk through the grounds of the final resting places of soldiers who fought the Japanese during their invasion of Taiping. Continue your journey to Pangkor Island, a half-hour ferry ride from the town of Lumut. Accommodation 4* The Legend Water Chalets (B,L) Singapore & Malaysia... Port Dickson followed by a historical city tour on foot visiting the various heritage sites such as St’s Paul Hill, Porta De Santiago, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple and Jonkers Street, also known as antique street. Accommodation 4* Hotel Istana (B,L) DAY 11: PANGKOR Day at leisure to laze around at the resort’s breathtaking 1.2km private beach or explore Pangkor, an island mainly populated by fishermen. Accommodation 5* Pangkor Island Beach Resort (B,L) DAY 12: PANGKOR/PORT DICKSON Depart by ferry back to the mainland and begin your journey south to Port Dickson. More popularly known as PD, Port Dickson’s popular beaches have long been a favorite weekend retreat for many city dwellers seeking some time away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Accommodation 4* Legend Water Chalets (B,L) DAY 13: PORT DICKSON/SINGAPORE On this final morning of the tour, you begin the home stretch of your journey to Singapore using the northsouth highway to Johore Bahru. After your memorable tour of Malaysia, you will be transferred to your hotel in Singapore. Here we bid you “Semoga Bertemu Lagi” or farewell till we meet again. Arrival time back into Singapore late afternoon. Accommodation 4* Rendezvous Hotel (B,L) T Maakeilor Our h it! oliday s are f le Just p long yo hone us with xible! u wish your make th to stay, ou ideas and h ow r expert e tour s to you r requir will tailorements . Call 0 20 76 36 79 0 Tea Plantations, Cameron Highlands 6 DAY 14: SINGAPORE/LONDON A full day at leisure until the evening transfer to the airport for the British Airways nonstop flight back to London. (B) DAY 15: LONDON Morning arrival into London Heathrow. Gulf of Thailand Pala S S Penang Pangkor Is. BRUNEI Kuala Lumpur M A L A Y S I A SINGAPORE B Boutique Shopping, Penang Pangkor Resort 23 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:47 Page 24 Temple facade - Jaipur India Heritage... Delhi • Agra • Ranthambore National Park • Jaipur • Udaipur • Mumbai Taj Mahal - Agra As one of the oldest civilizations on earth, India is best known as a land of romance, rich history, diverse and harmonious religions and electric people. Our tour combines Taj Mahal, the national symbol of India with historical cities of Jaipur and Udaipur. There is also a chance to have an encounter with the tiger in its best preserved natural habitat at Ranthambore National Park. INDIA - TRAVEL CODE: IND PRICES Tour Only from . . . . . . . . . . . £1625 Ancient temple fresco River Market - Mumbai Elephant Ride Ranthambore National Park Tour & Flight from . . . . . . . . £2248 Single supplement from . . . . . £410 Prices Include: Twin sharing accommodation as stated in 4 star hotels. Meals as shown (B=breakfast, L=Lunch, D=dinner). Transfers and sightseeing on shared basis. Domestic flights in “Tour Only” prices, International and domestic flights in “Tour & Flight” prices. Prices Exclude: Drinks, gratuities and items of a personal nature. Note: India is an all year round destination except that the Ranthambore National Park is closed in July, August and September for the sake of tiger preservation. 24 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:47 Page 25 DAY 01: LONDON/DELHI Depart London Heathrow for New Delhi by British Airways. DAY 02: DELHI Arrive Delhi in the morning where you will be met and transferred to the 4 Star Oberoi Maidens Hotel. The rest of the day will be at leisure. DAY 03: DELHI Today you will proceed for full day tour of Delhi including Old Delhi, visiting Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat, Chandni Chowk with a rickshaw ride. In the afternoon, there will be further sightseeing of New Delhi visiting Qutab Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, Parliament House and President’s Residence. (B) DAY 05: AGRA/RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK VIA BHARATPUR After early breakfast you will be transferred to Bharatpur railway station to board the train for a 2 hour ride through the Indian countryside to Sawai Madhopur (also known as Ranthambore National Park). You will be met on arrival and check into the Ranthambore Regency, a boutique resort for your game drives. Afternoon proceed for game drive to view the wildlife of Ranthambore National Park including Bengal Tigers, wild boars, peacocks and deer. These forests were the favourite hunting ground of kings and princes and nowadays the best tiger reserve in India. (B,D) Taj Mahal - Agra DAY 04: DELHI/AGRA DAY 06: RANTHAMBORE DAY 08: JAIPUR Early morning transfer for your short 2-hour train to Agra - the city of Taj Mahal. Further game drives in the morning and afternoon. (B,L,D) On arrival, you will be met at the railway station and then transfer to the 4 star Grand Imperial Heritage Hotel. DAY 07: RANTHAMBORE/JAIPUR Have a full day tour of Jaipur including an excursion to 17th Century Amber Fort with elephant or jeep ride (Elephants are subject to availability), followed by a visit to City Palace and Observatory. (B) Your room will be ready by mid-day, after quick wash & change proceed for half day sightseeing tour of Agra visiting Agra Fort and Sikandra. Later proceed for sunset viewing of Taj Mahal - the best known symbol of Love all over the world. (B) After breakfast transfer by car to Jaipur. India Heritage... Itinerary... DAY 09: JAIPUR/UDAIPUR Upon arrival, check into the 4 star Mandawa Haveli Heritage Hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. (B) T Maakeilor Our h it! oliday s are f l Fly from Jaipur to Udaipur. Transfer to Udai Kothi heritage hotel. Rest of the day at leisure to relax and explore the beautiful town of Udaipur. (B) DAY 10: UDAIPUR Half day sightseeing in Udaipur of the City Palace and Jagdish Temple. Later in the afternoon proceed for a boat ride on Lake Pichola. (B) Just p long yo hone us with exible u wish your ! make th to stay, ou ideas and h ow r expert e tour s to you r requir will tailorements . Call 0 20 76 36 79 0 DAY 11: UDAIPUR/MUMBAI Fly from Udaipur to Mumbai – the largest city in India. On arrival at Mumbai you will be met and transferred to the 4 Star Gordon House Boutique Hotel located near The Gateway of India, one of the most famous landmarks in the city. Rest of the day at leisure to explore the city and shopping. (B) 6 DAY 12: MUMBAI/LONDON Transfer for your direct flight back to London by British Airways to arrive in the evening. (B) H A N I S TA N I S TA N DELHI N E P A L Jaipur Agra Udaipur BAN Diwali Festival - Delhi I N D I A Mumbai SRI LANKA Udaipur City Palace 25 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:47 Page 26 Lions in The Kruger Park Essentially South Africa... • johannesburg • kruger national park • swaziland • st. lucia • hluhluwe • durban • the wild coast • port elizabeth • knysna • the garden route Cape Town A fascinating coach tour of South Africa exploring all the essential and exciting areas of this wonderful country. From Big Five game viewing in the world famous Kruger National Park, Swaziland, the Zulu Kingdom, the Wild Coast, Garden Route to the beautiful city of Cape Town. This tour has it all - excellent quality of hotels, sightseeing and excursions, while being escorted by your expert guide from arrival to departure. DAY 3: JOHANNESBURG/KRUGER Itinerary... Start the day with an early breakfast so as to commence game viewing soon after sunrise. A full day is spent inside the Kruger National Park in search of wild animals (game viewing done in coach/closed vehicles). Return to your hotel in the late afternoon and overnight at Casa do Sol/Similar. (BD) Day 1: LONDON/JOHANNESBURG Depart London Heathrow by British Airways non-stop overnight flight to Johannesburg. DAY 2: JOHANNESBURG The Kruger National Park SOUTH AFRICA - TRAVEL CODE: SA PRICES Tour Only from . . . . . . . . . . £1488 Morning arrival in Johannesburg and you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Built on the discovery of gold, today Johannesburg continues to produce its own unique treasures. This city has passion, pride and endless possibilities. Overnight 3* Holiday Inn Express Sandton Woodmead/Similar This morning we will travel across the Gauteng Highveld and descend into the subtropical Lowveld region of Mpumalanga, towards the world famous Kruger National Park. Consisting of more than two million hectares, the Kruger boasts more than 146 mammal species, 507 bird species and 400 different tree varieties. Overnight at 3* Casa do Sol/Similar. (BD) DAY 4: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK DAY 5: KRUGER/SWAZILAND We depart this massive wildlife sanctuary to the independent Kingdom of Swaziland. We visit the Ngwenya Glass Factory before travelling to the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the facilities at the reserve. Here you have the opportunity to sleep in a traditional Swazi Hut. Overnight at 3* Mlilwane - Beehives/Similar (BD) Tour & Flight from . . . . . . . . £2415 DAY 6: SWAZILAND/ST LUCIA Single supplement from . . . . . £479 Today we visit one of the local markets and the Swazi Candle factory. We will continue through the small land locked country before re-entering South Africa. You are met with the warm welcome of the locals in another kingdom, the Kingdom of the Zulus in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Province. We will proceed to your hotel situated on the banks of the St Lucia Estuary, overlooking Lake St Lucia. St Lucia is an entrance point to the southern portion of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, particularly the St Lucia Game Reserve. It is also the core access point to Fist Rocks, Mission Rocks and Cape Vidal. Arrival in the late afternoon and overnight at the 3* Elephant Lake Hotel/Similar. (B) Prices Include: Twin sharing accommodation as stated in 3 star hotels. Meals as shown (B=breakfast, L=Lunch, D=dinner). Transfers and sightseeing on shared basis. No flights in “Tour Only” prices, International and domestic flights in “Tour & Flight” prices. Prices Exclude: Drinks, gratuities and items of a personal nature. Departure dates: 12 Feb, 05 Mar, 02 Apr, 14 May, 25 Jun, 13 Aug, 03 Sep, 09 Oct & 05 Nov 2011 Game viewing, Kruger National Park 26 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:47 Page 27 DAY 9: THE WILD COAST DAY 12: THE GARDEN ROUTE This morning join an optional Eco cruise on Lake St Lucia. Isimangiliso (The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park) was proclaimed South Africa's first World Heritage Site in December 1999. The tour continues to Shakaland, an authentic Zulu Village. Experience the sight of assegai-wielding warriors, share the fascinating secrets of the Sangomas and witness traditional customs such as tribal dancing, spear making and the beer-drinking ceremonies. Lunch is included at Shakaland, before heading for the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and sub tropical climate. Afternoon arrival in Port Edward. The rest of the day is at leisure and overnight at the 3* Premier Hotel Edwardian/Similar (BL) This morning you are escorted by a local guide and given insight into the Xhosa tribe’s customs and traditions. We will visit the nearby village where you will have the opportunity to meet the local people. Overnight at the3* Crawfords Beach Lodge/Similar. (BLD) After a leisurely breakfast you will be taken to the Knysna harbour to board a ferry for a cruise on the beautiful Knysna Lagoon. The rest of the day is spent at leisure or exploring Knysna. Overnight at the 3* Graywood Hotel/Similar. (B) DAY 8: PORT EDWARD/THE WILD COAST We depart Port Edward and travel to the rural area along the Eastern Cape coast, known as the Wild Coast. The Wild Coast, on the eastern seaboard of South Africa, is a land lost in time. There are many things that have been left undisturbed by the busy outside world. On this route we pass one of Nelson Mandela’s houses in his area of birth in Qunu. Cintsa is a jewel of the Eastern Cape coast on the Indian Ocean. It has been described as a little piece of paradise and those who live there know it’s true. After a long journey, you will arrive at Cintsa for a relaxing two night stay at the 3* Crawfords Beach Lodge/Similar. (BD) DAY 10: THE WILD COAST/PORT ELIZABETH Today we depart the beautiful Wild Coast as we drive to Port Elizabeth via Grahamstown, a hauntingly beautiful region with a vibrant mix of all the best that Africa has to offer. Depart from Grahamstown and continue to Port Elizabeth, set along the beautiful shores of Algoa Bay and better known as the Friendly City! Arrival at the hotel in the afternoon and overnight at the 3* Kelway Hotel/Similar. (B) DAY 11: PORT ELIZABETH/KNYSNA This morning we will depart the Eastern Cape and travel to the Garden Route, one of the country’s most beautiful and scenic locations. Visit the Tsitsikamma Forest. Your journey will take you through dense indigenous forests, woodlands, lakes and lagoons to Knysna, known as the Jewel of the Garden Route. Arrival in the afternoon, where the remainder of the day is spent at leisure and overnight at the 3* Graywood Hotel/Similar. (B) DAY 13: KNYSNA/OUDTSHOORN We depart Knysna in the early morning to travel inland along the winding Outeniqua Pass, to the Ostrich capital of the world, Oudtshoorn. Here you visit a working ostrich ranch for a tour and lunch is included at Ostrich Ranch. Arrival at your hotel in the late afternoon and overnight at the 3* Turnberry Lodge/Similar. (BL) DAY 14: OUDTSHOORN/CAPE TOWN Visit the Cango Caves this morning before departing to Cape Town. Our tour will continue along the famous Route 62 through the semi-desert, and winelands region, through the towns of Robertson and Worcester before arriving in the “Mother City”. After your afternoon arrival, you will have the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the 3* Holiday Inn Express Cape Town/Similar. (B) DAY 15: CAPE TOWN Today you have a day of leisure to take in the sights and sounds of Cape Town. Essentially South Africa... Swaziland DAY 7: ST LUCIA/PORT EDWARD DAY 16: CAPE TOWN/LONDON You will have the morning is at leisure for some last minute shopping, before your transfer to Cape Town International Airport for your evening British Airways flight to London. (B) DAY 17: LONDON Morning arrival into London Heathrow. Victoria Falls Kruger National Park Johannesburg Hluhluwe Durban Oudtshoorn Cape Town Knysna Port Elizabeth Victoria Falls Victoria Falls Extension... Victoria Falls is 1,708 meters wide, making it the largest curtain of water in the world. It drops between 90m and 107m into the Zambezi Gorge and an average of 550,000 cubic meters of water plummet over the edge every minute. The native Kololo tribe described the Falls as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’, translated as ‘The Smoke That Thunders’. The Falls border two countries, Zambia and Zimbabwe and is a truly majestic sight! (Domestic flights included) 3 days: £594 per person (single supplement: £90) Day 1: Cape Town / Victoria Falls Day 2 : Victoria Falls Fly from Cape Town to Victoria Falls via Johannesburg. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to the famous Victoria Falls Hotel. This majestic hotel, popularly known as “the grand old lady of the Falls”, is situated in the Victoria Falls National Park, a world heritage site. In the afternoon, you will be collected for a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Soft drinks, beers, spirits and snacks are served while the beautiful sun sets on the horizon of the river. Overnight at hotel. (B) Today’s tour begins with the visit to the biggest Baobab tree in Zimbabwe that is over 1000 years old, known as The Big Tree. Next you will take a guided tour of awe inspiring Victoria Falls which goes as far as the Victoria Falls Bridge that was built in 1902 by a British Company. Return to your hotel where the rest of the day is spent at leisure. (B) Day 3: Victoria Falls /London Transfer back to Victoria Falls Airport for your flight to London via Johannesburg. (B) 27 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:47 Page 28 T Maakeilor Our h it! oliday s are f l First Crusader Castle at Karak Just p long yo hone us with exible u wish your ! make th to stay, ou ideas and h ow r ex e tour to you perts will ta r requir ilorements . Jordan... Call 0 20 76 36 79 0 6 Land of wonders, land of diversity Jordan is a unique kingdom with a well-travelled bridge between sea and desert, east and west. Above the layers of antiquity lies a land of mesmerizing beauty and contrast: the Jordan Valley, fertile, ever changing, and remote desert canyons, immense and still. Here are splendid castles and hunting lodges, the haunting wilderness of Wadi Rum, Red Sea coral reefs and restful spas. Here, too ,are monuments form every age of humanity, crowned by the rock-carved city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What our customers say of us... “Jordan was an exceptional experience and the tour was extremely well organised. From arrival to departure, our time in Jordan was super. The country, its people and history captivating... We would not hesitate to recommend this tour to anyone” Miss Chaddock (Argyll) Jerash JORDAN LAND OF WONDERS TRAVEL CODE: JLOW PRICES Tour Only from . . . . . . . . . . . £898 Tour & Flight from . . . . . . . . £1500 Single supplement from . . . . . £210 Prices Include: Twin sharing accommodation as stated in 4-5 star hotels. Meals as shown (B=breakfast, L=Lunch, D=dinner). Transfers and sightseeing on shared basis. No flights in “Tour Only” prices, International and domestic flights in “Tour & Flight” prices. Prices Exclude: Drinks, gratuities and items of a personal nature. Floating in the Dead Sea 28 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:47 Page 29 Jordan... Itinerary... Mount Nebo (Moses’ burial site) DAY 1: LONDON/AMMAN DAY 4: PETRA Depart London Heathrow for Amman by British Airways or Royal Jordanian Airlines. Reception on arrival and transfer direct to 4* Ramada Hotel in Amman for dinner and overnight. (D) Spend a full day exploring the magnificently mysterious rock-carved rose red city of Petra. Various walks and climbs reveal literally hundreds of buildings, tombs, baths, funerary halls, temples, arched gateways, colonnaded streets and haunting rock drawings - as well as a 3000 seat open air amphitheatre circa, a gigantic first century Monastery (800 steps on top of the mountain) and a modern archeological museum, all of which can be explored at leisure. Horse riding is also included in this excursion. (B,D) DAY 2: AMMAN After breakfast , transfer to visit the impressive GrecoRoman city of Jerash, then continue to the Medieval Arab castle at Ajloon. In the afternoon transfer to Um Qais , the city which once was famous for its artists. The city offers beautiful views overlooking the Jordan valley and Lake Tiberias. (B,D) DAY 3: AMMAN/PETRA Visit the city of Amman , including the Roman Theatre, citadel and its Archaeological Museum and Gold Bazaar in the heart of down town. We then journey south along the Kings Highway to visit Madaba the fantastic city of Mosaics from the Bysantine era, Mt Nebo (the burial place of Moses), we drive through Wadi Mujib, a deep valley holding one of Jordan's most breathtaking views and Christ's Baptism site to the first crusader castle of Karak. Stay at 4* Petra Panorama Hotel. (B,D) DAY 5: PETRA/AQABA Today we travel onwards as we enter the truly magical vast and beautiful desert landscape, experience the scenery and colours of Wadi Rum, jeep safari tour. After this exciting excursion we then transfer to Aqaba and stay at 4* Marina Plaza Aqaba Hotel. (B,D) DAY 6: RED SEA Free day on the shores of the red sea, Aqaba is Jordan's year round, warm-weather beach and water sport resort . You will be dazzled by Aqaba's world renowned display of underwater life, corals, colourful fish and exotic marine plants. (B,D) Aqaba DAY 7: AQABA/DEAD SEA Our journey today takes us to the Dead Sea - the lowest spot on the earth. Stay at the 4* Dead Sea Spa Hotel and relax in the gently lapping waters, even the weakest swimmers need not worry as you cannot sink! (B,D) DAY 8: LONDON Transfer to airport for flight back to London Heathrow. Arrive around noon. (B) Wadi Rum Um Qais Jarash Amman Petra i ad W um R Al Aqaba Petra Treasury 29 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:48 Page 30 Tailo M ake i r Our h oliday s are f t! lexib Just p long yo hone us with u wish your le! make th to stay, ou ideas and h ow r ex e tour to you perts will ta r requir il ements or. Mexico City The Magic of Mexico... 020 7 Call 636 7 906 Campeche They say that Mexico is a country no one ever leaves. Every year, millions of tourists pass through, and Mexicans jovially warn that a part of them will remain behind forever. Most visitors are vacationing North Americans who wind up on the brilliant beaches of Cancun. The beaches, of course, are among the world's best - but those who venture inland are rewarded with the true soul of Mexico, which has always resided firmly in the interior. And it has a big soul. Mexico is an ideal place for those interested in archaeology. Today, our Mexican tour brings back to life those glorious times with a luxury train, offering clients the many unique experiences of this region: to live and feel the enigmatic and fascinating Mayan culture, to admire the sobriety and beauty of the Colonial architecture, to feel the majesty of the jungle and to be hypnotized by the colors of the Mexican Caribbean. DAY 1: LONDON/MEXICO CITY Take British Airways direct flight for Mexico City - “City of Palaces”. Arrive in the evening. Meet and transfer to 3* Hotel Regente. DAY 2: MEXICO CITY The tour starts in the historical centre of Mexico City, visit “El Zocalo”, the Cathedral, National Palace and the Palace of Fine Arts. Drive along the Reforma Avenue to Chapultepec Park, to the residential area of Las Lomas de Chapultepec to get a complete impression of the biggest city in the world. Afterwards drive to the Northern part of the City, to the famous Pyramids of Teotihuacan. Guided tour and also free time to climb the pyramids on your own risk! (B) DAY 3: XOCHIMILCO (FLOATING GARDENS) A Typical Mexican Sunday, taking a boat ride through the canals on a typical decorated “Trajinera” surrounded by a floating world of mariachi and marimba music. On the way back to the hotel, visit of the University City, built on a petrified sea of lava. (B) DAY 4: MEXICOCITY/PUEBLA/OAXACA THE MAGIC OF MEXICO TRAVEL CODE: MEX Mexican Dancers PRICES Tour Only from . . . . . . . . . . . £1199 Tour & Flight from . . . . . . . £2046 Transfer to colonial city of Puebla which features more than 70 churches and 1000 colonial buildings in historical center. Visit the Zocalco, the monumental Cathedral and Rosary Chapel. Continue to Oaxaca, another colonial jewel of Mexico. Late afternoon visit of Oaxaca including baroque church Santo Domingo and it monastery featuring regional museum. Accommodation and overnight at Hotel Aitana. (B) Single supplement from . . . . . £319 Prices Include: Twin sharing accommodation as stated in 4-5 star hotels. Meals as shown (B=breakfast, L=Lunch, D=dinner). Transfers and sightseeing on shared basis. No flights in “Tour Only” prices, International and domestic flights in “Tour & Flight” prices. Prices Exclude: Drinks, gratuities and items of a personal nature. Cancun Merida Mexico City Campeche Veracruz Oaxaca Palenque San Cristobal Oaxaca Cathedral 30 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] Chichen Uxmal Itza 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 14:48 Page 31 Limited Friday Departures Only DAY 5: OAXACA DAY 8: SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS Visit of Oaxaca and surroundings. Short drive to Monte Alban built on a flattened hilltop overlooking the Oaxaca valley was for 2000 years the center of the Zapotecan and Mixtecan cultures. Continue to Mitla and visit of “The City of the Dead” with its unique mosaics. Enjoy the 2000 year old cypress tree of Tule, one of the largest on earth! Return to Oaxcaca. (B) Visit of San Cristobal de las Casas: colonial and beautiful city with narrow streets, shady plazas. Visit the Indian market, the Temple of Santo Domingo and the amber museum. Afternoon visit of the Tzotzil Towns of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan. Evening free to enjoy the city. (B) DAY 6: OAXACA/VERACRUZ Departure to the Port City of Veracruz at Gulf of Mexico where we arrive by midday. Afternoon visit of Fort San Juan de Ulua, Baluarte de Santiago, El Faro, Zocalo and the Portals. At night you can join folklore dances on the Zocalo. Accommodation and overnight at Hotel Hostal de Cortes. (B) DAY 7: VERACRUZ/CANON DEL SUMIDERO/SAN CRISTOBAL Transfer through subtropical landscape from the Golf of Mexico to the highlands of Chiapas. By noon arrival in Cahuare where boat ride into the impressive Sumidero Canyon begins. Afternoon drive to San Cristobal de las Casas. Accommodation and overnight at Hotel Mansion De Los Angeles. (B) DAY 9: SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS/AGUA AZUL/PALENQUE Transfer to lowland of Chiapas, to Palenque. En route visit of Mexicos most beautiful waterfalls Agua Azul and the impressive falls Misol-Ha. Continue to Palenque. Accommodation and overnight at Hotel Plaza Palenque. (B) DAY 10: PALENQUE/CAMPECHE Visit of the magical archaeological zone of Palenque built admidst lush tropical forest. Visit famous Temple of Inscriptions with the tomb of ruler Pakal. Afternoon transfer to Campeche on the Golf of Mexico. Accommodation and overnight at Hotel Baluartes. (B) DAY 11: CAMPECHE/UXMAL/MERIDA Cancun Mayan trading place. Visit the Pyramid of the Magician, Nunnery, Governors Palace. Afternoon transfer to Merida, state capital of Yucatan. Enjoy the lively colonial city in a walking tour around the Zocalo. Accommodation and overnight at Hotel Del Gobernador. (B) DAY 12: MERIDA/CHICHEN ITZA/CANCUN Departure from Merida to Chichen Itza. Visit of the biggest and most visited Mayan Site Chichen Itza with its famous Kukulkan pyramid, Temple of the Warriors, Ball Court and Observatory. Continue to Cancun and overnight at 4* Hacienda Radisson Cancun. (B) DAY 13 CANCÚN/LONDON Transfer to the Cancun International Airport on time to board the flight back home by British Airways. (B) DAY 14 LONDON City tour Campeche including its typical Baluartes (Fortifications). Continue to Uxmal, once important The Magic of Mexico... Itinerary... 12/11/10 Arrive into Gatwick in the morning. Chichen Itza Beach Extension Riviera Maya... Riviera Maya has evolved from a small village of Mayan pilgrims to a lively, cosmopolitan city with the highest urban growth in the country. Its natural features, beauty and long beaches, its enviable geographical location and its blend of sea and jungle make this destination on the Mexican Caribbean a magnet for visitors from all over the world. The largest natural aquarium in the world, Xel-Há, is also just forty-five minutes away. MAHEKAL BEACH RESORT: £65 PER PERSON PER NIGHT (INCLUDING BREAKFAST & DINNER) FROM TRANSFER BETWEEN CANCUN AND RIVIERA MAYA: FROM £20 PER PERSON EACH WAY. Palenque 31 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 Ice Pinnacles 12/11/10 14:48 Page 32 Home of the Tango Argentina Discovery... T Maakeilor Our h it! oliday s are f le Just p long yo hone us with xible! u wish your make th to stay, ou ideas and h ow r ex e tour to you perts will ta r requir il ements or. Call 0 20 76 36 79 0 6 The Homeland of the Tango Comprising almost the entire southern half of South America, Argentina is the world's eighth largest country, covering an area of 2.8 million square km. Argentina possesses some of the world's tallest mountains, expansive deserts, and impressive waterfalls, with the diversity of the land ranging from wild, remote areas Patagonia to the bustling metropolis of Buenos Aires in the north. Iguazu Falls Buenos Aires Buenos Aires, known as “The Paris of South America”, is a great metropolis with eleven million inhabitants and one of the largest in the world. It is also the most elegant and busy city in South America. A deliciously typical Argentine dinner followed by a traditional tango show will be one of your highlights when in Argentina. Calafate Ushuaia ARGENTINA DISCOVERY TRAVEL CODE: ARG Street musician, Buenos Aires PRICES Tour Only from . . . . . . . . . . . £1910 Tour & Flight from . . . . . . . . £3137 Single supplement from . . . . £645 Prices Include: Twin sharing accommodation as stated in 4 star hotels. Meals as shown (B=breakfast, L=Lunch, D=dinner). Transfers and sightseeing on shared basis. Domestic flights within Argentina in “Tour Only” prices, International and all domestic flights in “Tour & Flight” prices. Prices Exclude: Drinks, gratuities and items of a personal nature. Ushuaia Iguazu Falls 32 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 14:48 Page 33 Departures on Thursdays only! DAY 1: LONDON/BUENOS AIRES DAY 5: USHAIA (PENGUIN’S ISLAND) Depart Heathrow for Buenos Aires by British Airways. A 6-hour boat tour. The Catamaran first sails in the Ushuaia Bay. Already in the middle of the Beagle Channel, we will be with the archipelago where the Alicia is inhabited by an important colony of imperial cormorants. During the tour we will have the opportunity to observe the majestic Black Eyebrow Albatross, as well as Scuas and different kind of gulls, without forgetting the funny steamer ducks or Alakush. Our navigation continues to the Seal 's Island and Martillo Island to watch the elegant magellanic penguins. (B) DAY 2: BUENOS AIRES Arrive in Buenos Aires. Transfer to the Dazzler Tower San Martin Hotel. Relax for the rest of the day. DAY 3: BUENOS AIRES (TANGO SHOW) Half day city tour of South America’s most elegant capital. This tour includes the main points of interest of the city: The Playa de Mayo Square, Government House, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Cabildo, La Boca - the port area where all the galleries and cafes are found - San Telmo (the antiques area) and the Recoleta where the tomb of Evita Peron can be seen and also the new Museum of Design with its 100 or more interior design boutiques and restaurants, 9 de Julio Avenue (the widest avenue in the world) and the Palermo Park. Enjoy a special tango evening with dinner and a show illustrating the Art and History of the Tango. Round trip transfers and a 3-course dinner and show are included. (B,D) DAY 4: BUENOS AIRES/USHUAIA Fly to Ushuaia, known as the city at the End of the World. Transfer to 4* Fueguino Hotel. (B) DAY 6: USHUAIA/EL CALAFATE Visit the Tierra National Park, South America’s largest island. Transfer for flight to El Calafate, one of the most beautiful places in Patagonia. Overnight at the 4* Hosteria Blanca Patagonia. (B) DAY 7: EL CALAFATE Full Day tour to Perito Moreno. You will take the coach from hotel to the Los Glaciares National Park, where you will have the wonderful experience of seeing one of the world’s few remaining advancing glaciers. Pieces of ice from the glacier crash loudly into the lake below leaving glistening, deep blue icebergs twisting and turning in the lake. Penguin colony During this tour there is also the possibility of an optional navigational tour called the “Safari Nautico” which is in a small boat and allows passengers to go right up to the walls of the glacier. (B) DAY 8: EL CALAFATE Transfer from hotel to Puerto Banderas (Flag Port) at 50km from El Calafate. Sailing between enormous ice floes, we visit the Upsala Glacier from the boat. Going on sailing through the Onelli Channel to disembark at the Upsala Bay. Trekking of approx 800 metres to get at the Oneli Lake (full of ice floes). We embark again to go on to Spegazzini Glacier which has an incredible beauty. Return to the port at the end of the afternoon. (B,L) Argentina Discovery... Itinerary... 12/11/10 DAY 9: EL CALAFATE/BUENOS AIRES Daytime at leisure. Take an evening flight to Buenos Aires and transfer to your hotel. (B) DAY 10: BUENOS AIRES/IGUAZU FALLS Fly to Iguazu and transfer to Gran Hotel Tourbillon Cataratas. In the afternoon, we cross the border into the Brazilian side of the Falls. A short walk down to the viewing platforms takes you past jungle, wildlife and birds to get as close as possible to the Falls. Optional helicopter rides over the Falls. (B) DAY 11: IGUAZU FALLS Visit the Argentine side of the Falls. Board a small train in the heart of the National Park which takes passengers on a short train ride to the pathways and walkways which lead to the Devil’s Throat area of the Iguazu Falls where you can enjoy spectacular views over the falls. (B) DAY 12: IGUAZU/LONDON Fly back to London via Sao Paolo by British Airways. (B) DAY 13: LONDON Arrive in Heathrow early in the morning. Buenos Aires Upsala Glacier 33 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:48 Page 34 Tailo M ake i r Our h oliday t! s are f lex Just p long yo hone us with ible! u wish your make th to stay, ou ideas and h ow r ex e tour to you perts will ta r requir il ements or. Fiesta Call 0 20 76 36 79 0 Brazil Odyssey... 6 Rio de Janeiro Brazil is the 5th largest country in the world and comprises of almost half of the South American continent. Despite its vast expanse of territory, Brazil's population is concentrated in the major cities of its coast. The urban sprawls of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo dominate the southern coast. Further north, towns such as Salvador retain the colonial atmosphere of the early Portuguese settlers. RIO DE JANEIRO BRAZIL ODYSSEY TRAVEL CODE: BRA There are cities whose secrets can be told in few words. Others, one is unable to image without the air of pictures. One has to sketch their profiles and colour them. With Rio de Janeiro, it is even more difficult. Its colour and profile are unique in the world. There is no way to describe such a wealth of sensations. Rio de Janeiro - a city of contrasts. Contrasts of colours, of life styles and dazzling scenery that will always fascinate and make one long to be there. Rio de Janeiro is a city sculptured in space that sits capriciously on a thin strip of land between the mountains and the sea. Its horizontal dimensions and hills provide a unique vertical perspective. Every segment of Bahia PRICES the landscape is different: on the ocean side of the city islands reflect the sun the other side is bounded by a forest with its lush greenery. Winding through the midst of all this, the city, with its avenues and skyscrapers. Rio is the capital of happiness, the sun washed city of Carnival, build around the most beautiful bay in the world. SALVADOR (BAHIA) Bahia situated on the NE coast of Brazil is a lovely tropical state with white sandy beaches, coconut groves, golden sunshine, refreshing blue sea and great weather year round. It is the heart of Brazil. Once the economic, cultural and political center of the South Atlantic. Bahia is colonial, modern and mystical. White settler from Europe, black slaves from Africa, along with the native Indians built a harmonious life, which still prevails today. Salvador / The Saviour - capital of Bahia was the first capital of Brazil. It is divided into 2 - "Lower City" at sea level contains the old port and commercial district - "Upper City" is reached by stone steps, it contains the old government buildings, residential district, museums. Moreover, there are enough churches for each day of the year. IGUAZU FALLS Long before the Spanish explorer Don Alvar Nuñes reached South America's greatest waterfall in 1541, the local indians had named it Iguaçu - meaning great waters. There is no more fitting description, as thousands of visitors to Iguazu each year will testify. Once seen, the falls - all 275 of them - are never forgotten. The two-mile wide curtain of water crashing 300ft over a series of precipices into a spray-filled gorge constitutes the most spectacular sight of southern Brazil and probably the whole of South America. Tour Only from . . . . . . . . . . . £1841 Tour & Flight from . . . . . . . . £2665 Single supplement from . . . . . £345 Prices Include: Twin sharing accommodation as stated in 4 star hotels. Meals as shown (B=breakfast, L=Lunch, D=dinner). Transfers and sightseeing on shared basis. Domestic flights in “Tour Only” prices, International and domestic flights in “Tour & Flight” prices. Prices Exclude: Drinks, gratuities and items of a personal nature. Rio de Janeiro 34 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 14:48 Page 35 UK Departures on Tuesday and Thursday only! Exploring the Amazon participants will have the opportunity to have a glimpse of the rich Carnival costumes and the contagious sound of the drums. (B,D) Saint Francis of Assissi church - built in the 18th Century and famous for its gold-inlaid interior, and also Pelourinho, declared in 1985 an UNESCO World Monument, Latin America’s biggest colonial complex with buildings dating back from the 16th Century. (B) DAY 1: LONDON/RIO DE JANEIRO Take your British Airways direct flight to Rio de Janeiro. Arrive in the evening and transfer to Augustos Copacabana Hotel or similar. (B) DAY 2: RIO DE JANEIRO Enjoy a full day tour of Corcovado and Sugar Loaf. Drive along the beaches to Cosme Velho, where the modern cog-wheel train is boarded for a 20 minute ride to the top of the Corcovado (800M - 2,400ft). The Christ the Redeemer statue is an imponent monument with its 40M height and 1,100 tons of weight but the real spectacle is the 360 degrees view of the scenery below, encompassing city, bay, mountain and sea within a circle of up to 160Km - 160 miles. The continuation of the tour is the visit to one of the most stunning landmark of Rio de Janeiro city “ Sugar Loaf Mountain” . It is reached on a two-stage cable car ride. (B) DAY 3: RIO BY NIGHT + BARBECUE DINNER + SAMBA SHOW Free time in the day to explore this magnificent city. In the evening, depart hotel to the famous barbecue and show house. Skewered barbecued cuts of meat are brought in a carousel style and customer will choose how it will be cut and which meat is selected. After dinner, tour members will enjoy a night of Brazilian music, closing with a go at Carnival. The show is a display of the Brazilian music tradition and the DAY 4: RIO DE JANEIRO/MANAUS (AMAZON) Fly to Manaus and transfer to the pier where you will take a boat via "The Meeting of the Waters" to the Amazon Lodge. On arrival there will be time to relax. After dinner, you will start a two-hour alligator spotting tour. Once they are paralyzed by the light of the flashlight, their eyes go red, enabling the guide easily locate them. The guide will try to catch one of them with his bare hands and, depending on its size, bring it aboard the canoe for observation. Afterwards, the "caiman" is safely returned to the waters. (B,D) DAY 5: AMAZON A jungle trek in the morning. The guide will lead the hikers on a trek through the rainforest, educating them on the local flora and fauna. After lunch, you will travel on a motorized canoe with guide to visit the river area inlets and flooded forest. Return to the Lodge. (B,L,D) DAY 6: MANAUS/SALVADOR Return to Manaus and fly to Salvador da Bahia. Transfer to Sol Barra Hotel or similar. (B) DAY 8: SALVADOR/IGUAZU FALLS Fly to Iguazu and transfer to San Martin Hotel or similar. In the afternoon, A short walk down to the viewing platforms takes you past jungle, wildlife and birds to get as close as possible to the Falls. Optional helicopter rides over the Falls. (B) DAY 9: IGUAZU FALLS We visit the Argentine side of the Falls. Board a small train in the heart of the National Park which takes passengers on a short train ride to the pathways and walkways which lead to the Devil’s Throat area of the Iguassu Falls. Spectacular Views over the Falls area. (B) Brazil Odyssey... Itinerary... 12/11/10 DAY 10: IGUAZU/LONDON Transfer for flight back to London via Rio by British Airways. (B) DAY 11: LONDON Arrive in Heathrow in the morning. DAY 7: SALVADOR A half day historical Salvador tour including All Saints Bay, Barra Lighthouse, the Castro Alves Square, the Iguazu Falls Manaus Salvador Iguazu Falls Rio de Janeiro Salvador 35 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:48 Page 36 T Maakeilor Our h it! oliday s are f le Just p long yo hone us with xible! u wish your make th to stay, ou ideas and h ow r ex e tour to you perts will ta r requir il ements or. Easter Island Call 0 20 76 36 79 0 Chile Pathways... 6 Torres del Paine Located at the southeastern border of South America, Chile is a land of contrasts. The north features a dry desert land inward, while the central regions stand out for its mild climate and the fertility of the valleys, in which extended vineyards alternate with fruit tree plantations. Further to the southernmost region, the mountain range submerges into the ocean and forms innumerable channels and fiords. It is a wild and unexplored territory. In the Chilean Patagonia, the steppes shaped by the Antarctic wind appear at the end of the world. Discover this far-flung intriguing land with us. Santiago CHILE PATHWAYS TRAVEL CODE: CHPA PRICES Tour Only from . . . . . . . . . . £1600 Tour & Flight from . . . . . . . . £2932 Single supplement from . . . . £498 Prices Include: Twin sharing accommodation as stated in 4 star hotels. Meals as shown (B=breakfast, L=Lunch, D=dinner). Transfers and sightseeing on shared basis. No flights in “Tour Only” prices, International and domestic flights in “Tour & Flight” prices. Prices Exclude: Drinks, gratuities and items of a personal nature. Easter Island Itinerary... DAY 1: LONDON/SANTIAGO Depart Heathrow for Santiago via Madrid by LAN Airlines. DAY 2: SANTIAGO Arrive in the morning, transfer to 4*Blue Tree Foundador Hotel. An afternoon city tour of Santiago including La Moneda (the presidential palace) and the main square. Continue through the newer residential areas of the city including a visit to the top of Santa Lucia Hill for a breathtaking view of Santiago. DAY 3: SANTIAGO A full day tour to Valparaiso & Viña del Mar. Journey through the valleys of Curacaví and Casablanca, their vineyards and fruit plantations en route to the coast. Valparaíso is a port and World Heritage city, whose origins date back to 1536. Valparaíso has the picturesque magic with its funiculars, beaches and colourful neighbourhoods on its 45 hills, and beaches, unfolding unique and unforgettable landscapes. Today’s tour visits La Sebastiana, House museum of the poet and literature Nobel prize, Pablo Neruda. Then, it continues to Viña del Mar standing out the architecture of its palaces and streets. (B) DAY 4: SANTIAGO/ATACAMA Fly to Calama, transfer to the Hotel Altiplanico. In the afternoon, visit the Archaeological Museum, which boasts an extensive anthropological collection of the Atacama culture. We will continue this visit towards the Market with samples of local and international crafts, the municipal large house, Church and House of Pedro de Valdivia. (B,L,D) 36 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 Morning departure to the town of Toconao. Visit to la Quebrada de Jerez and then excursion to the Chaxa Lake from where you are able to see the pink flamingos of Atacama. Afternoon we visit the Moon Valley. Located in the salt mountain range and consisting of 90% salt and 10% of other minerals, this unusual landscape is made up of attractive and impressive geological formations of diverse shapes and colours. The giant sand dunes and beautiful salt crystals on the crunchy ground make you feel that you are on another planet or the moon itself! This scene turns even more attractive during sunset. (B,L,D) DAY 6: ATACAMA Early morning departure for the Tatio Geysers. A short hike around the geothermal field with boiling mud and steam columns that make a geological stage of enormous beauty and suddenly appear as daylight breaks. In the afternoon, visit to the Ayllus (Atacama little villages), the archaeological village of Tulor and the indigenous Pukara de Quitor. (B,L,D) 14:49 Page 37 DAY 7: ATACAMA/PUERTO MONTT/PUERTO VARAS Fly to Puerto Montt, overlooking the snow-capped slopes of the Osorno Volcano, transfer to the Hotel Solace. (B) DAY 8: PUERTO VARAS Full day excursion to Vicente Perez Rosales National Park and Osorno Volcano. (B,L) DAY 9: PUERTO VARAS Full Day excursion to Chiloe Island, Caulin & Ancud starting from Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas to Pargua, from where the ferry sets sail to Chiloe Island. During the crossing, a wide range of sea birds may be observed together with the playful tunnies, small and friendly dolphins that escort the ship during the navigation. After arriving on the island, the tour continues to Caulín bay, where a great diversity of migratory birds includes black-necked swans, flamingoes, dabbling ducks and other coastal birds. After a seafood lunch, the excursion proceeds to the city of Ancud, strolling along the streets of the center visiting the traditional Municipal Market, where a wide range of seafood and handicrafts are on sale. (B,L) Torres del Paine National Park DAY 10: PUERTO VARAS/SANTIAGO Fly to Santiago and transfer to the Blue Tree Foundador Hotel. (B) Chile Pathways... DAY 5: ATACAMA 12/11/10 DAY 11: SANTIAGO/LONDON Transfer to airport for flight back to the UK via Madrid by LAN Airlines. (B) DAY 12: LONDON Arrive in Heathrow. Atacama Desert Easter Island Extension... Day 1: Fly to Easter Island (air fare not included). Reception and transfer to Hotel Otai. Puerto Varas Patagonia Extension... (October to April only) Day 1: Fly to Punta Arenas (air fare not included), reception and transfer to Puerto Natales. Overnight at Hotel Charles Darwin. Day 2: Full day excursion of sailing through the Last Hope Sound to the Serrano and Balmaceda glaciers (B,L) Day 3: Full day excursion of the Torres del Paine National Park, World Biosphere Reserve. Visit Lake Grey, the Salto Grande, Lake Nordenskjöld and Lake Pehoé. The impressive granite massif of the Paine complement the landscape. Return to Puerto Natales. (B, L) Day 4: Transfer to Punta Arenas airport to take exit flight. (B) £450 per person, including twin sharing at hotel, transfers, tours with English speaking guide and meals specified. Day 2: Morning visit the Ahu Tahai, Sebastian Englert’s Museum, Ahu Akivi and Puna Pau Hill. In the afternoon, drive up the extinct volcano Rano Kau, appreciate on the way a view over the whole island and see its distinct geological features, proceed to an outlook at the crater lake. Afterwards drive to the ceremonial village of Orongo, where the birdman competition took place and you can see the spectacular petroglyphs related to this culture. Drive down again to Ahu Vinapu (not yet restored). (B) Day 3: Drive to the southcoast and visit representative examples of not restored platforms, Ahus Vaihu and Akahanga. Proceed to Rano Raraku, quarry of almost 900 stone statues, 397 of them still lying or standing at the slopes of the extinct volcano with crater lake. Then visit Ahu Tongariki (restored with 15 Moais). Drive to the eastcoast and visit Ahu Te Pito Kura Easter Island and the “Navel of the World”. Last but not least visit the beach of Anakena with its restored Ahus Nau Nau and Ature Huke. There you will have the opportunity to enjoy the warm Pacific Ocean. (B,L) Day 4: Transfer to airport to take flight out. (B) £380 per person, including twin sharing at three star hotel, all transfers, tours and meals specified. 37 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:49 Page 38 T Maakeilor Our h it! oliday s are f le Galapagos Ecuador Encounter... Just p long yo hone us with xible! u wish your make th to stay, ou ideas and h ow r ex e tour to you perts will ta r requir il ements or. Call 0 20 76 36 79 0 6 Galapagos - Sea Lions Quito Coca GALAPAGOS ISLANDS Riobamba Guayaquil Cuenca Ecuador is located on the northwest of South America, straddling latitude 0°. Its four natural regions are easily accessible and offer a wide variety of landscapes: From pearly beaches on the Pacific to enchanting rainforests in the Amazon. From snowcapped mountains and volcanoes to quaint Colonial cities. From business oriented centers to the fabled Galapagos Islands. GALAPAGOS ISLANDS (GPS) Blue-footed booby ECUADOR ENCOUNTER TRAVEL CODE: ECU PRICES Tour Only from . . . . . . . . . . . £2215 Tour & Flight from . . . . . . . . £3162 Single supplement from . . . . . £679 Prices Include: Twin sharing accommodation as stated in 4 star hotels. Meals as shown (B=breakfast, L=Lunch, D=dinner). Transfers and sightseeing on shared basis. Domestic flights in “Tour Only” prices, International and domestic flights in “Tour & Flight” prices. Prices Exclude: Drinks, gratuities and items of a personal nature. Ecuador's most beloved and popular national park lies in splendid isolation about 960 kilometers off the mainland. Made famous by Charles Darwin, the Galapagos Islands are no less enthralling now than they were a hundred years ago. Every year, thousands of curious visitors journey to the remote islands to behold the wondrously variegated wildlife that inspired The Origin of Species. Many of the animals on the Galapagos Islands have developed into different species from their continental relatives, and because they have never experienced man as a predator, they show no fear of humans. Guests are taken to shore in small groups by a multilingual naturalist guide, who will explain the fascinating geology and history of an ecoworld that takes you back millions of years. There is ample opportunity to walk, swim, snorkel, photograph, and observe the abundant variety of wildlife on each island. You can swim with sea lions, walk among black marine iguanas basking in the sun and observe the elaborate mating rituals of boobies, albatrosses, or male frigate birds displaying their red pouches. Ecuador 38 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:49 Page 39 Quito DAY 1 LONDON/QUITO Evening depart from Heathrow for Quito by Lan Airlines (via Madrid). about those who left in search of the treasure of the Incas in the nearby Llanganatis – and never returned… (B,L,D) DAY 4: PATATE/RIOBAMBA DAY 2: QUITO Morning arrival into Quito where you will be met at the airport and transfer to Hotel Hilton Colon (4 Plus Star). The rest of the day will be at leisure. DAY 3: QUITO/PATATE The artisans tradition of Quito is present in the visit to the Yanapi Hat Shop, where guests can observe the process of making hats by hand, of wool felt and fur felt; these high-quality hats are exported to European, Australian and American markets. Along valleys and mountains, arrive at Cotopaxi National Park, which surrounds the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano, for an up-close view of the Andean paramo habitat and its unique flora and fauna; a number of high-altitude birds can be observed around Limpiopungo Lagoon, and occasionally, wild horses. On clear days, the perfect snow-capped cone of the Cotopaxi Volcano is quite a sight! At the foot of the volcano is a charming hacienda, where lunch is served in a room with Inca walls, perfectly preserved through the centuries – a truly archaeological jewel. After lunch, mingle with the llamas of the hacienda and stroll along a rose plantation, many varieties, many colours, ready for exportation. From here, descend towards the town of Patate, to spend the night at a 300-year old hacienda, hidden among the mountains, a magical ambience, where, as the afternoon mist descends, stories are told After breakfast, take a spectacular route along the gorge of the Pastaza River to the town of Baños (Baths), right at the foot of Tungurahua Volcano, from where the thermal waters that gave it its name emerge. Drive along the Route of the Cascades to El Pailón del Diablo (the Devil’s Cauldron) –the most adventurous will descend (medium difficulty) to observe the impressive cascade up close, surrounded by subtropical vegetation and orchids. The force and sound of the waters can also be appreciated from a lookout point without descending. After lunch in a hacienda/hostel, take a short stroll along Baños –a town with an international pulse, full of people from all over the world as well as many locals who pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Holy Water. From here, the route to Riobamba is up the mountain, to where the clouds can be touched, alongside the massive Chimborazo, the highest mountain of Ecuador, on the high paramo where vicuñas graze and scamper – this is a protected Faunistic Preserve. On the hillsides, where the land is worked beneath the plow, one might think the farmer’s true objective was to paint the hills in fascinating patterns, not just to till the dark, fertile soil. Arrive to Riobamba for dinner and lodging. (B,L,D) DAY 5: RIOBAMBA/CUENCA After breakfast, visit the Museum of the Conceptas, housing one of the most important collections of religious art in Latin America, exhibited in several rooms that were originally the cloisters or cells where the nuns lived – a few nuns still live here in seclusion. The treasures of art, culture, traditions and religiousness of Riobamba are kept here thanks to the contribution of the visitors. Close to Riobamba is the Indian Community of Palacio Real, where an interesting visit to the Museum of the Llama is offered, an interactive community project to show the important role of the llama in the pre-Columbian ancestral cultures –both in the spiritual part as well as daily life; a short stroll in the community is possible. Next stop is at Guamote, an Indian town, for a short visit to Inti Sisa, an Educational Centre for the Development and Sustainability of Adults and Children. Then we move on to Alausí, where brunch is served to regain strength and continue exploring the Andean world to the south, visiting the Inca Fortress of Ingapirca en-route. Arrival to Cuenca at dusk for dinner and accommodations. (B,L) DAY 6: CUENCA/GUAYAQUIL The day starts with a ride along the Santa Ana valley and then high in the mountains, through very scenic landscapes, which change at every curb. Stops are made at the small towns that produce a variety of handcrafts, such as artistic handmade guitars at San Bartolo and alongside orchards and sugar cane plantations, on to Chordeleg, famous for gold and silver jewelry. Then past the village of Gualaceo, follow the road along the banks of the Santa Barbara River, lined with weeping willows, to Bulcay where shawl and scarves are woven with the ancient technique of Ikat (tie dyed warp to form specific designs, on ancient shuttle looms. Visit lovely orchid gardens with over 2500 species and then lunch at an attractive hostel, surrounded by flowery gardens, close to the Paute River. After lunch, return to Cuenca in time to catch the flight to Guayaquil. Transfer to Hilton Colon (B,L) Ecuador Encounter... Itinerary... DAY 7: GUAYAQUIL/GALAPAGOS Transfer for flight to the Galapagos Islands. (B) DAY 8 & 9: M/V SANTA CRUZ A 3-night expedition in the Galapagos Islands on board our M/V Santa Cruz. The 3-night cruise portion includes full guided excursions (morning and afternoon activities) to observe the unique flora and fauna of the islands, plenty of opportunities for swimming and snorkelling, stargazing… (B,L,D). DAY 10: GALAPAGOS/QUITO End of the cruise, transfer to the airport in Galapagos for flight back to Quito. Transfer to Hilton Colon and overnight. (B) DAY 11: QUITO/LONDON Galapagos Islands Evening Transfer to the airport in Quito for flight back to London by Lan Airlines (Via Madrid) (B) DAY 12: LONDON Amazon Extension... Afternoon arrive in Heathrow. DAY 11 QUITO/AMAZON DAY 12-13 SACHA LODGE Take Amazonia flight to Coca, where you will board a canoe for a 2.5 hour trip down the Napo River - a direct tributary of the Amazon. On arrival at Sacha’s 5,000 acre private reserve you will follow the raised boardwalk through the dense flooded palm forest which leads to Pilchicocha Lake. Here dugout canoes and boatmen wait to ferry across the lake to the Sacha lodge. (B, D) All meals and activities are included for these four days in the Amazon. (B, L, D) DAY 14 COCA/QUITO Transfer for Amazonia flight back to Quito. (B) £729 p/p including return flights, canoe transfers and full board at the Lodge. Amazon Extension 39 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:49 Page 40 T Maakeilor Our h it! oliday s are f le Puno to Cuzco Andean Railway Just p long yo hone us with xible! u wish your make th to stay, ou ideas and h ow r ex e tour to you perts will ta r requir il ements or. Call 0 20 76 36 79 0 Peru Classic... 6 The Cradle of the Inca Empire Lima • Cuzco • Sacred Valley • Machu Picchu • Lake Titicaca Machu Picchu It is difficult to go anywhere in Peru without stumbling upon some ancient reminder of Peru's past. Peru is blessed with a rich and ancient past and a vibrant present, making it one of South America's most popular travel destinations. Thousands of archaeological sites are found all over the country, ranging from 10,000 year old camp sites of early hunters to the monumental stone walls of sixteenth century Inca Cuzco. Itinerary... DAY 1: LONDON/LIMA Depart Heathrow for Lima by Lan Airlines overnight flight via Madrid. DAY 2: LIMA Morning arrival into Lima where you will be met and transferred to the 4* Jose Antonio Lima Hotel for overnight. The rest of the day will be at leisure. Cuzco PERU CLASSIC TRAVEL CODE: PER PRICES Tour Only from . . . . . . . . . . £1409 Tour & Flight from . . . . . . . . £2320 Single supplement from . . . . . £410 Prices Include: Twin sharing accommodation as stated in 4 star hotels. Meals as shown (B=breakfast, L=Lunch, D=dinner). Transfers and sightseeing on shared basis. Domestic flights in “Tour Only” prices, International and domestic flights in “Tour & Flight” prices. Prices Exclude: Drinks, gratuities and items of a personal nature. Llama Lake Titicaca boat trip 40 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:49 Page 41 Half day city tour including San Martin Square, Main Square, the Government Palace, La Catedral (the Main Church), the Archbishop Palace, the City Hall and old streets with colonial mansions and Moorish balconies. Then the tour will continue through the most traditional residential areas of Lima, San Isidro Olivar, with olives brought from Spain in the XVI century. In the end the tour finishes with a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean. (B) DAY 4: LIMA/CUZCO Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cuzco. Arrival in Cuzco and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the morning at leisure for acclimatisation. You will start the city tour in the afternoon. The tour will show you the amazing colonial city built on the foundations of the Inca palaces. You will visit the Koricancha or Temple of the Sun where you can appreciate the incredible masonry of the incas, the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral with its carved woodworks, altars and paintings. Afterwards you drive to the Inca fortress of Sacsahuamán, to the underground cave and temple of Kenko and to Tambomachay, known as the "Baths of the Inca". Overnight at Eco Inn Cusco. (B) DAY 5: CUZCO/SACRED VALLEY In the morning you will be transferred to Ollantaytambo, an Inca vestige that was a military, religious and agricultural centre. Here, the fortress located in the highest part of the mountain, protected the valley from the invaders. The view of the town from the top is overwhelming, narrow streets and water channels are still used by the locals. After driving through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, you will arrive in Pisac, a beautiful town famous for its typical handicraft market. The town has two different sides, the old town (with wonderful Inca architecture), and the new town (Colonial architecture). Overnight at the Pakaritampu Hotel in the Sacred Valley. (B,L) DAY6 : SACRED VALLEY/MACHU PICCHU Take a train to the Aguas Calientes station in Machu Picchu where you will be transported by bus to the top of the mountain and citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the most renowned examples of Inca architecture, surrounded by lush cloud forest. Lost in history, it was not discovered until 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham. Overnight at Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. (B,L,D) DAY7: MACHU PICCHU/CUZCO Morning free to enjoy a second visit of the ruins. In the afternoon, return by train to Ollanta Station and join a bus to Cuzco. Overnight at Eco Inn Cuzco. (B) South America. The boat trip will take you to the Island of Taquile. To reach the hub of the island, one must make a strenuous climb of 600 stone steps but the effort is well rewarded by the views of the Lake and its surrounding mountains. On the return trip to Puno, you will make a stop on Uros Island, built on layers of the totora reeds, hence the name "floating island". Here the Uros indians live as they have done for generations, seeking out a living by fishing and selling handicrafts. (B,L) DAY 10: PUNO/LIMA Transfer for flight back to Lima for overnight accommodation at the 4* Jose Antonio Lima Hotel. (B) Peru Classic... Lake Titicaca DAY 3: LIMA DAY 11: LIMA/LONDON Evening transfer to the airport for the return Lan Airlines flight to London via Madrid. (B) DAY 12: LONDON Evening arrival into London Heathrow. DAY 08: CUZCO/PUNO Transfer to the station to board your bus to Puno. Along this regular bus trip you will enjoy the incredible view of the herds of alpaca and llamas grazing on these highland pampas, interspersed with small villages, and the majestic backdrop of the Andes. On arrival, transfer to Sonesta Posada del Inca Puno Hotel. (B,L) DAY 09: LAKE TITICACA A full day visit to the highest lake in the world – Lake Titicaca. The enormous lake straddles the border between Peru and Bolivia and is also the largest lake in Nasca Lines & Ballestas Islands Extension... DAY 11: LIMA/PARACAS You will be picked up from your hotel in Lima and transferred to the Bus Station where you will take the Royal Class motor coach to Paracas (3.30 hours) upon arrival transfer to your Hotel. In the afternoon you will be picked up from your hotel, transfer to the little airport where you will take the flight over the famous Nasca lines which are located in the desert, on a high arid plateau. Since their discovery, the Nasca lines have inspired fantastic explanations from ancient gods, a landing strip for returning aliens, a celestial calendar created by the ancient civilization, used for rituals probably related to astronomy or a map of underground water supplies. The half hour included flight above the Lines will enable you to marvel at the perfect shapes of Animal's, flowers, plants, objects, and anthropomorphic figures of colossal proportions made with well-defined lines. Overnight 4* La Hacienda Paracas Hotel. (B) DAY 12: BALLESTAS ISLANDS/ LIMA Lake Titicaca Morning transfer to a private dock where you will take a motorboat excursion to the Ballestas Islands. These islands are spectacular, eroded into numerous arches and caves, which provide shelter for thousands of seabirds, some of which are very rare, and seas lions. The islands are known as "the Galapagos of Peru". In the afternoon you will transfer back to Lima by Coach for overnight accommodation at the 4* Jose Antonio Lima Hotel. (B) DAY 13: LIMA/LONDON Lima Nazca Evening transfer to the airport for the return Lan Airlines flight to London via Madrid. (B) Machu Picchu Cuzco DAY 14: LONDON Evening arrival into London Heathrow. Lake Titicaca Puno Train to Machu Picchu Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Price £405.00 p/p - Single Supplement £75 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 41 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:49 Page 42 Itinerary... Brazil - Fiesta DAY 1-9: Please refer to our Brazil Odyssey tour on pages 3435. Brazil & Argentina... DAY 10: IGUAZU FALLS/BUENOS AIRES Fly from Iguazu to Buenos Aires. Private transfer to 4* Dazzler Tower San Martin Hotel. Relax for the rest of the day. We recommend a visit to the local market Galerias Pacifico where craftsmen from different regions of Argentina offer their unique products. (B) DAY 11: BUENOS AIRES Tailo M ake i r Our h t! oliday s are f lex Just p long yo hone us with ible! u wish your make th to stay, ou ideas and h ow r ex e tour to you perts will ta r requir il ements or. Iguazu Falls Brazil & Argentina... Call 0 20 76 36 79 0 Half day city tour of South America’s most elegant capital. This tour includes the main points of interest of the city: The Playa de Mayo Square, Government House, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Cabildo, La Boca - the port area where all the galeries and cafes are found - San Telmo (the antiques area) and the Recoleta where the tomb of Evita Peron can be seen and also the new Museum of Design with its 100 or more interior design boutiques and restaurants, 9 de Julio Avenue (the widest avenue in the world) and the Palermo Park. Enjoy a special tango evening with dinner and a show illustrating the Art and History of the Tango. Round trip transfers and a 3-course dinner and show are included. (B,D) DAY 12: BUENOS AIRES/LONDON 6 Transfer for flight back to London by British Airways. (B) DAY 13: LONDON Arrive in Heathrow in the morning. Argentina Argentina - Home of the Tango BRAZIL & ARGENTINA TRAVEL CODE: BAR PRICES Tour Only from . . . . . . . . . . . £2215 Tour & Flight from . . . . . . . . £3189 Single supplement from . . . . . £459 Prices Include: Twin sharing accommodation as stated in 4 star hotels. Meals as shown (B=breakfast, L=Lunch, D=dinner). Transfers and sightseeing on shared basis. Domestic flights in “Tour Only” prices, International and domestic flights in “Tour & Flight” prices. Prices Exclude: Drinks, gratuities and items of a personal nature. Rio de Janeiro - Sugarloaf Mountain 42 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:50 Page 43 Moscow & St Petersburg... Red Square, Moscow Itinerary... DAY 4: MOSCOW/ST PETERSBURG DAY 1: LONDON/MOSCOW Depart from London Heathrow by scheduled British Airways flight to Moscow. Arrive Moscow Domededovo International Airport where you will be met & transferred to the 4* Park Inn Sadu Hotel. The hotel is conveniently located a short distance from the historical part of the city with its famous Moscow attractions. DAY 2: MOSCOW St. Petersburg This morning you will take a half day sightseeing tour of Moscow. One of the largest cities in the world with its population over 15 million people, this city has always loved to make an impression on its visitors and along with the centuries-old Red Square, the Kremlin and Bolshoy Theatre it now also boasts the largest sports arena, the tallest building and the largest residential complex in Europe, the largest museum and the largest Orthodox Church dome in the world. You will surely be impressed by wonderful panoramic views of the old town from different locations. We will finish our tour at Vorobiev Hills - the highest point of Moscow with a fascinating view to the city (B) Afternoon transfer to the Train Station where you will take the late afternoon train to St Petersburg. Evening arrival into St Petersburg Station where you will be met and transferred to the 4* Park Inn Nevsky Hotel. Located in the centre of St Petersburg, it is close to Nevsky Prospekt, the main shopping avenue of the city.(B) DAY 5: ST PETERSBURG You will spend the morning touring through the city enjoying the magical splendor of the architecture of the former capital of Imperial Russia, listening to the history of the Romanov's dynasty and present day life of people. Among the sights you will see the overwhelming Palace Square with the Winter Palace, Russian museum, the famous Nevsky Avenue, the classical ensemble of Senate Square with its famous "Bronze Horseman", the powerful St. Isaac's Cathedral, the tip of the Basil's island, the first structure of Petersburg - Peter and Paul's Fortress, beautiful Nikolsky Navy Cathedral, the spire of the Admiralty, and many other architectural monuments, bridges and embankments. (B) DAY 6: ST PETERSBURG DAY 3: MOSCOW A full day at leisure for your own sightseeing. (B) A full day at leisure for your own sightseeing. (B) DAY 7: ST PETERSBURG/LONDON MOSCOW & ST PETERSBURG TRAVEL CODE: MSP Moscow & St Petersburg... Moscow Afternoon transfer to the airport for the return British Airways flight to London. (B) PRICES St. Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow Tour Only from . . . . . . . . . . . £933 Tour & Flight from . . . . . . . . £1389 Single supplement from . . . . . £355 Prices Include: Twin sharing accommodation as stated in 4 star hotels. Meals as shown (B=breakfast, L=Lunch, D=dinner). Transfers and sightseeing on shared basis. No flights in “Tour Only” prices, International and domestic flights in “Tour & Flight” prices. Price applies to Friday departures only. Supplement will apply to other days. Prices Exclude: Drinks, gratuities and items of a personal nature. St. Petersburg St. Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow 43 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] Insurance & Holiday Information... 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:50 Page 44 Insurance... TRAVEL INSURANCE For residents of the United Kingdom, Cultural Tours Limited have arranged a travel insurance package with Holiday Extras. Holiday Extras Insurance is underwritten by Mapfre Asistencia. Holiday Extras and Mapfre Asistencia are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Baggage & Personal Belongings . . . . . . up to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £1,500 PREMIUM Personal Money and passport . . . . . . . up to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £300 £39 per person up to 10 days Medical Emergency & Other Expenses up to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £5,000,000 £49 per person up to 24 days £33 per person up to 05 days £46 per person up to 17 days £61 per person up to 31 days Cancellation & Curtailment . . . . . . . . . up to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £5,000 Double premium for adults 66-74 for all destinations. Personal Accident . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . up to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £25,000 A summary of the cover is given below and further details of the cover policy and exclusions will be forwarded upon request or upon receipt of your travel insurance premium. Triple premium for adults 75-85 for all destinations. Delayed Departure or arrival . . . . . . . . up to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £100 Age cap will now be under 86 at date of travel. Delayed Baggage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . up to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £100 Insurance Premium Tax included. Premium and cover details correct at the time of going to press (November 2010) but may be subject to change, please ask for details at time of booking. Please Note: The details provided above are maximum amounts payable. See Policy for full conditions and details. Holiday Information... BEIJING SHANGHAI TOKYO SEOUL HANOI PHNOM PENH VIENTIANE CAMBODIA LAOS BALI DUBAI AMMAN NEW DELHI JOHANNESBURG MOSCOW QUITO CUZCO LIMA GUATEMALA CITY MEXICO CITY BUENOS AIRES RIO DE JANEIRO SANTIAGO JAN ˚C -5 3 9 -5 16 26 22 26 22 28 24 12 21 26 -6 18 17 25 17 21 29 32 22 FEB ˚C -2 4 9 -3 17 28 24 28 24 28 24 14 24 25 -5 18 17 26 21 22 27 33 19 MAR ˚C 5 8 12 5 19 29 26 29 26 28 27 16 31 24 2 18 18 26 20 24 26 32 18 APR ˚C 14 14 17 13 24 30 28 30 28 28 34 23 36 21 11 18 18 24 21 25 22 30 16 MAY ˚C 20 19 21 18 28 29 28 29 28 27 34 27 41 19 18 18 19 21 21 26 18 28 10 JUN ˚C 25 23 23 21 29 28 28 28 28 27 36 30 39 16 22 19 18 19 20 24 15 27 11 fully bonded member of ABTA and ATOL JUL ˚C 26 27 26 26 29 28 27 28 27 26 38 31 36 17 24 19 18 17 20 23 14 27 12 AUG ˚C 25 27 28 28 28 28 27 28 27 26 40 33 34 19 22 19 18 17 20 23 16 27 14 SEP ˚C 20 23 24 22 27 27 27 27 27 26 38 30 34 23 15 20 19 17 19 22 18 27 18 OCT ˚C 13 18 19 17 25 27 26 27 26 27 33 27 34 24 8 19 20 19 19 22 21 28 20 NOV ˚C 4 12 15 6 22 27 24 27 24 28 31 20 29 24 0 19 19 20 18 22 24 30 23 DEC ˚C -3 6 11 -1 18 26 22 26 22 28 26 14 23 25 -6 18 18 23 17 21 27 31 25 GMT +/– +8 +8 +9 +9 +7 +7 +7 +7 +7 +8 +4 +2 +5.5 +2 +2 -5 -5 -5 -6 -6 -3 -3 -4 The above climate chart has been put together only as a guide to help with your holiday planning. The information has been gathered from various meteorological offices. Cultural Tours cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracy in the information which has been supplied or for any adverse weather conditions. The Flight Times shown are also a general guide and may vary due to route and if there is any transit of flights involved during your journey. China - Guilin 44 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] FLIGHT TIME 10 12 12 13 15 7 5 8 11 4 14.5 15 11.5 14.5 10.5 16 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:50 Page 45 Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Additional comforts and convenient privileges • Separate Premium Economy check in and cabin. • Maximum of 40 passengers in the Premium Cabin guarantees prompt and attentive service. • Up to 38” seat pitch and wider seats with a legrest and adjustable headrest. • Selection of fresh fruit throughout the flight. • Priority tax free shopping service. Air supplement starts from £295 nett each way. One way upgrade is permitted. The ultimate Travel experience • The Clubhouses at Heathrow offer a range of amenities including business facilities, library, cinema, music room, skiing machines, bar and lounge area. • Tempting meals and snacks are available, allowing passengers to eat before their flight and get maximum sleep on board. • Also included are Virgin Touch Health and beauty salons offering a wide ranged of massages, manicures and hairdressing. • 6’8” sleeping space to stretch out in. • Sleeper service on all night flights offering a cosy duvet, pillow and blanket, comfortable snoozesuit and eyeshades. • Sony watchman service with a library of 30 films. • On arrival, Heathrow Arrivals lounge provides power showers, suit press, shoe shine, breakfast menu and full business facilities including phones, faxes and Internet access. You can even have a wet shave. Air supplement starts from £1,150 nett each way. One way upgrade is permitted. About your flight... About your flight... Fly from your local airport... We offer a special rate for UK domestic add-ons. Please check the map and decide which airport you would like to fly from. There will be a small supplement, normally starting from £45 nett each way. World Traveller Plus Club World A new premier economy service... A ‘lounge in the sky’... The brand new World Traveller Plus class of travel builds on the benefits of British Airways’ economy service, World Traveller, by offering extra space and comfort at an affordable price. Relax in the privacy and comfort of your own armchair like seat and footstool, which converts into a 6’ fully flat bed at the touch of a button the first of its kind in business class. A small exclusive cabin with just five rows of seats and 7” more seat pitch than World Traveller. There are 12-channels of entertainment to watch on your seat-back video plus 13 CD quality audio channels. Enjoy a personalised meal service with champagne and a choice of fine wines, plus the option to ‘Raid the Larder’ if you feel peckish at any time during your flight. Like Club World, every seat has an individual phone and in-seat power point so you can keep in contact with friends and family on the ground. And with twice as much hand baggage allowance as World Traveller (12kg), you can take more on board. Air supplement starts from £295 nett each way. One way upgrade is permitted. Choose from up to 18 channels of entertainment on your personal video screen, including the latest movies, comedy, drama or sports. And when it’s time to sleep, just stretch out and lie back in luxury on your 6’ long fully flat bed*. Air supplement starts from £1,150 nett each way. One way upgrade is permitted. *Available on most routes. Other services offer the cradle seat with 4-way lumbar support. Please check at the time of booking. 45 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:50 Page 46 2011 2003 SEND TO: Cultural Tours Ltd 320 regent street london w1b 3bb Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] CULTURAL TOURS LTD Booking Form... Please complete this form using block capitals and Black or Blue ink. 1. Name(s) of Traveller(s): title full given names (as shown on passport) 2. Holiday details: departure tour name date (with option) surname extension at end of tour date of birth flight upgrade name: outbound: option: inbound: passport no. exp. date country of issue nationality uk domestic flights single (local airport name) supplement special requests 3. Travel Insurance: • Insurance premium should be paid together with your deposit. Please indicate below (tick box), if you require insurance. • If the travel insurance is taken out with your Travel Agent, please forward a copy of the certificate. YES - I wish to arrange travel insurance (premium to be paid with deposit) NO - my travel insurance has been arranged (enclose copy of certificate) 4. Address for correspondence/documents: address (please print): telephone number: fax number: post code: e-mail address: 5. Remittance with booking: Deposit £200 per person or 15% of your total holiday cost (whichever is the greater) plus insurance premium if applicable is due upon booking. An extra 2% bank charge will apply for payment by Visa or Master Card and 3% for payment by American Express. No extra charge for debit card (Switch, Delta or Solo). Full payment if travelling within two months. Card Type: Your Travel Agent: Card Holder’s Name: Card Number: (switch/solo) Start Date: / Expiry Date: / Issue No: 6. Declaration: I, the signatory, certify on behalf of persons included on this form by whom I am authorised to make this booking, that I have read, understood and accepted the conditions under which this tour is sold and offered to me. Signature: Date: ABTA no: 46 Thank You for choosing Cultural Tours Ltd - We hope you have a memorable & cultural holiday! Booking Form... C 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:50 Page 47 Booking Conditions... Booking Conditions... Booking Conditions The Company means Cultural Tours Ltd. The Client means every person whose name appears on the Booking Form. The confirmation of booking is subject to the following conditions. 1. A deposit of £200 per person or 15% of your total holiday cost (whichever is the greater) must be enclosed together with a signed and completed Booking Form are required. 2. Balance of payment must be received by the Company not less than 60 days prior to departure. 3. Payment should be made to Cultural Tours Ltd., or your travel agent. 4. If full payment is not received in time as described above, the Company reserved the right to levy cancellation charges or cancel the booking. 5. Once the booking is confirmed any subsequent changes to the booking which are requested by the Client must be requested in writing from the person who made the booking or your travel agent. If it is possible to make the changes, they will be subject to an alteration fee of £35 per person and any further cost we incur in making this alteration. You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Certain travel arrangements (e.g. Apex Tickets) may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements. 6. In the event of the Client cancelling a confirmed booking the following cancellation charges will apply:29 - 60 days before 40% of final invoice 15 - 28 days before 60% of final invoice 8 - 14 days before 75% of final invoice 1 - 7 days before departure date or later 100% comparable standard or receiving a prompt refund of all monies paid to Cultural Tours for your holiday. We will not be liable to pay any compensation if we are forced to cancel or in any way change your holiday as a result of situations outside our control which neither we nor our suppliers could foresee or forestall even with all due care. For example unavoidable technical problems with transport, war or threat of war, civil strife, industrial disputes, disease outbreak, natural disaster, bad weather, terrorist activity. 15. Should the Company find it necessary to cancel a tour before payment of balance price id due the Client will be entitled to full refund of all money paid or an alternative comparable holiday if available. If cancellation should occur after the balance due date, the Company will offer compensation to the Client in the same scale as in Clause 14. 16. If the contract we have with you is not performed or is improperly performed by us or our suppliers we will pay you appropriate compensation if this has affected the enjoyment of your travel arrangements. However we will not be liable where any failure in the performance of the contract is due to: you; or a third party unconnected with the provision of the travel arrangements and where the failure is unforeseeable or unavoidable; or unusual and 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 we or our suppliers, even with all due care, could not foresee or forestall. Our liability, except in cases involving death, injury or illness, shall be limited to a maximum of three times the cost of your travel arrangements. Our liability will also be limited in accordance with and/or in an identical manner to a) The contractual terms of the companies that provide the transportation for your travel arrangements. These terms are incorporated into this contract; and Different charges apply for ticket only bookings. Please check at the time of booking. 7. The Company strongly recommends our Clients to take out travel insurance. Details of the insurance cover the Company offers are printed inside the brochure. Premiums should be paid at the time of making the booking and are non-refundable. 8. Any modification or abandonment of the travel arrangements by the Client after departure will not be accepted as any basis for claim against the Company. 9. All prices quoted in this brochure are based on the exchange rate of US$1.5683 to £1.00 sterling, published in the Financial Times on 22nd October 2010. Changes in transportation costs, including the cost of fuel, dues, taxes or fees chargeable for services such as landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports and exchange rates 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. We will absorb and you will not be charged for any increase equivalent to 2% of the price of your travel arrangements, which excludes insurance premiums and any amendment charges. 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 will have the option of accepting a change to another holiday if we are able to offer one (if this is of equivalent or higher quality you will not have to pay more but if it is of lower quality you will be refunded the difference in price), or cancelling and receiving a full refund of all monies paid, except for any amendment charges. We will consider an appropriate refund of insurance premiums paid if you can show that you are unable to transfer or reuse your policy. 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. Should the price of your holiday go down due to the changes mentioned above, by more than 2% of your holiday cost, then any refund due will be paid to you. 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. 10. Any unused services or tour arrangements are neither refundable nor exchangeable. 11. If you have a problem during your holiday, please inform the relevant supplier (e.g. your hotelier) and our local representative immediately who will endeavour to put things right. If you fail to follow this simple procedure we will have been deprived of the opportunity to investigate and rectify your complaint whilst you were in resort and this may affect your rights under this contract. Should there be any dispute between the Company and the Client arising out of the contract which fails to be resolved amicably, such a dispute may be referred to arbitration under a scheme arranged by ABTA and administered independently by IDRS, part of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. It provides for a simple and inexpensive method of arbitration on documents alone with restricted liability on you in respect of costs. Full details will be provided on request or can be obtained from www.abta.com. The scheme does not apply to claims for an amount greater than £5,000 per person/ £25,000 per booking form. 12. Anybody wishing to pay by credit card should be aware that we have to pass on the charge levied to us by the credit card company or our bank for processing such a payment. 13. The air holidays and flights in this brochure are ATOL Protected, since we hold an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 2906. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking. For further information, visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk. 14. Cultural Tours tries never to cancel a client's holiday, but must reserve the right to do so. We also reserve our right to make any changes to the tour at any time. Minor changes such as alteration of airline/aircraft type/flight time, change of accommodation (including hotel and cruiser) to another of the same standard, change of tour sequence/daily itineraries are considered normal and minor for tours to the Far East and Latin America. Time permitting, any alterations that are known to us will be advised to you at the earliest opportunity prior to departure. If Cultural Tours cancels your holiday, or makes a major change to it, it will inform you or your travel agent as soon as practicable and you will have the option of choosing an alternative holiday of a b) Any relevant international convention, for example the Montreal Convention in respect of travel by air, the Athens Convention in respect of travel by sea, the Berne Convention in respect of travel by rail and the Paris Convention in respect of the provision of accommodation, which limit the amount of compensation that you can claim for death, injury, delay to passengers and loss, damage and delay to luggage. 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. 17. We accept responsibility for ensuring the holiday which you book with us is supplied as described in this brochure and the services offered reached a reasonable standard. We accept responsibility for the acts and/or omissions of our employees, agents and suppliers save where they lead to death, injury or illness except as provided in Clause 18 below. In respect of the services provided by air or sea carriers, our liability in all cases shall be limited in the manner provided by international conventions. We will not be liable to pay any compensation if we are forced to cancel or in any way change your holiday as a result of situations outside our control which neither we nor our suppliers could foresee or forestall even with all due care. For example technical problems with transport, changes imposed by rescheduling or cancellation of flights by an airline or cruise company, the alteration of the airline or aircraft type, war or threat of war, civil strife, industrial disputes, disease outbreak, natural disaster, bad weather, terrorist activity. We reserve our right to make any changes to the tour at any time. Minor changes such as alteration of airline/aircraft type/flight time, change of accommodation (including hotel and cruiser) to another of the same standard, change of tour sequence/daily itineraries are considered normal and minor for tours to the Far East and Latin America. Time permitting, any alterations that are known to us will be advised to you at the earliest opportunity prior to departure 18. We accept responsibility for death or illness caused by the negligent acts and/or omissions of our agents together with out suppliers and sub-contractors (other than air and sea carriers performing any domestic, internal or international carriage of whatsoever kind) whilst acting within the scope of, or injury caused by the negligence, as accepted under English Law, of our employees agents or suppliers contracted or sub-contracted by us to provide any part of the arrangements of your holiday. 19. If any client suffers death, illness or injury whilst overseas arising out of activity which does not form part of the foreign inclusive holiday arrangement or excursions arranged through us, we shall, at our discretion offer advice, guidance and assistance to help the Client in resolving any claim the Client may have against a third party, provided the Company is advised of the incident within 90 days of the occurrence. Where legal action is contemplated our authority must be obtained prior to commencement of proceeding and be subject to the Client’s undertaking to assign any costs recovered or any benefits received under an appropriate insurance policy to ourselves. Our costs in respect of the above on behalf of the Client and party shall not exceed £5,000 in total. 20. It is the Client’s responsibility to ensure that the client has a valid passport and all necessary visas and is in possession of any required medical certificates. We accept no responsibility for the Client’s failure to comply with passport, visa and health regulations. 21. At the time of booking, we are unable to confirm all the airlines’ type of aircraft used. However, we will inform you as soon as possible. 22. Any money paid by the Client to a Travel Agent is held by that agent as agent for the company, Cultural Tours Ltd. CULTURAL TOURS LTD. 320 Regent Street, London, W1B 3BB Telephone: 020-7636-7906 Fax: 020-7436 3053 E-mail: [email protected] Fully bonded member of ABTA and ATOL. Your holiday money is guaranteed. Designed & Printed by Tourop Print Tel: 01489 577122 Up to 60 days prior to departure, the deposit only will be forfeited. Cancellations are effective from the date on which written notification is received at our office. 47 Reservations: Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected] 000602_Cultural Tours 2011:05284_Cultural Tours 2006 12/11/10 14:50 Page 48 Petra, Jordan 320 regent street, london w1b 3bb Tel: 020 7636 7906 Fax: 020 7436 3053 Email: [email protected]