air rail cruise air rail cruise
Transcription
air rail cruise air rail cruise
WORLDWIDE BREAKS - BY AIR, RAIL & CRUISE ot OR R’ O ‘D DOO YS IDA L HO AIR RAIL www.laverholidays.co.uk CRUISE WELCOME… …to our superb collection of 2015 adventures Caribbean are here too, whilst almost ANY cruise with Worldchoice, the Holiday Specialists, we will by Air, Rail & Sea. We are proud to bring you the line in the world can now be booked via your soon be in a position to build the holiday YOU largest gathering of worldwide breaks ever to local Laver Holidays branch! want, WHEN you want it. 2015 is looking to be have been featured by us. Over the following The ever-popular Lady Anne river cruiser and a fresh and exciting year for Laver Holidays and pages you will find some amazing tours with Marco Polo ocean cruiser are a must within the hopefully our customers too. many different companies - and there are many brochure and then there’s the beautiful Channel more that we simply don’t have room to feature. Islands too - with three of them featured on hands and will grow in strength thanks to the The early pages are in conjunction with Collette pages 19-22. There are just a couple of escorted continued support of you, our respected and Worldwide Holidays who have a host of further tours planned to the Italian Lakes & Rhine loyal customers and friends. Happy holidaying - adventures that we can help you with if you Christmas Markets, but watch this space - there wherever you choose to travel in 2015!! wish. The major cruise lines of P&O and Royal may be more! Having now become associated Our proud family business continues in safe r e v a L n i t r a M Content… TELEPHONE: 01509 236500 AIR Holidays Page No. Intro........................................................ 3 North America................................................... 4-9 South America................................................... 10 Australia & New Zealand................................ 11-13 China, Asia........................................................... 14 Europe.................................................................. 15-16 Morocco, Africa................................................. 17 YOUR Holiday, YOUR Choice!........................ 18 Channel Islands Intro............................ 19 Jersey, Guernsey & Sark.................................. 20-22 EMAIL: [email protected] WEB: www.laverholidays.co.uk RAIL Holidays Page No. Intro........................................................ 23 European Rail Breaks....................................... 24-27 Paris & Bruges City Breaks............................. 28 RIVER CRUISE Holidays Page No. Intro........................................................ 29 European River Cruising................................ 30-34 Yangtze River Cruise........................................ 34 Where & How to Book OCEAN CRUISE Holidays Page No. Intro ....................................................... 35 Marco Polo/Azores (ships)............................. 36-39 P&O Cruises........................................................ 40-43 Royal Caribbean Cruises................................ 44-46 LAVER/SKILLS ESCORTED Holidays Page No. The Italian Lakes (Rail).................................... 24 Rhine Christmas Markets (Cruise)............... 30 INFORMATION Page No. Where & How to book.................................... This Page ‘Door-to-Door’ Information.......................... 47 ATOL & Licence Holders................................. 47 Insurance & Payment Information............. 47 Air, Rail & Cruise brochures featured within this brochure can ONLY be booked through one of our own retail branches shown below and not through an agent: LOUGHBOROUGH Tel. 01509 236500 25 Swan Street LE11 5BL …and there is more! As well as this impressive collection of departures from your OWN FRONT DOOR, Laver Holidays offer a vast array of coach holidays throughout Britain too! From 2-Day Laver Saver bargain-breaks to full weeks by the coast and even an amazing 10-day tour of Southern Ireland (out Oct 2014). For your FREE copy of our latest offerings simply telephone or email [email protected]. DERBY Tel. 01332 384000 Unit 24BCD Eagle Centre Market DE1 2AZ NOTTINGHAM Tel. 0115 947 5526 3/3a Mansfield Road NG1 3FB Worldwide Holidays by Air Australia | New Zealand | North America | Brazil | Argentina | Hawaii | China Our worldwide holidays will take you from adventures in Australia to inspirational sights in Argentina, all from your own front door. We have put together the best in worldwide tours for our customers. Australia & New Zealand - Inhale all nature’s bold beauty has to offer on our exciting Australian and New Zealand tours. Gaze out over spectacular Sydney Harbour, encounter giant turtles at the Great Barrier Reef, see red desert sunsets over mystical Uluru (Ayers Rock) deep in the outback or try enchanting New Zealand rich in glacial peaks, majestic fiords, luxuriant rainforests and bubbling mud pools. North American & Canada - If breath-taking sights are your thing our North American tours deliver. Our American holiday’s visit the USA’s most impressive sights, whether you yearn for the Sounds of the Deep South or the glowing hues of fall foliage in Vermont let our USA holidays take you there. Canada is rich in beauty with wide open prairies and high Rocky Mountains stunning coastlines and elegant cities. Canada is a country of such extraordinary diversity and beauty that all who visit are guaranteed to be enchanted by her. Brazil & Argentina - We have an incredible introduction to Brazil and Argentina. Our tour takes you to the most amazing sights that South America has to offer. From Brazil’s marvellous Rio de Janeiro and Iguazu Falls to Argentina’s Christ the Redeemer one of the new 7 Wonders of the World. Be Captivated by all South America has to offer. Hawaii - Welcome to Hawaii, an idyllic string of islands in the Pacific Ocean. Our tour takes you on a blissful island-hopping odyssey to Oahu, Maui, Hawaii and Kauai. If you’re after sunshine and sea Hawaii has it all. China - A fascinating country offering a window into a dramatically different world. Enjoy China and discover architecture, culture, scenery and wildlife that will leave you awed. Europe - Venture shorter distances and enjoy three fabulous holidays in the ‘Garden Isle’ of Madeira, the beautiful island of Malta or the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia. With all of the tours including our “door to door service” you can start your holiday from the moment it begins. Our tours offer exciting once in a life time chances to visit some of the most beautiful places the world has to offer. ISLANDS OF NEW ENGLAND New England’s miles of sandy beaches, majestic coasts and rolling surf invite relaxation. The Islands of New England tour spends eight days exploring it’s charms, from the cobblestone streets of Nantucket to a traditional cranberry bog. TOUR ITINERARY Day One - Home - Arrive Providence, Rhode Island - Join us on a journey highlighting the natural beauty and traditional charm of New England. Arrive in Boston and transfer to Providence, the capital of Rhode Island, where your tour begins. Day Two - Providence - Newport Providence - This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of Providence, “America’s Renaissance City.” Following your city tour, depart for Newport. Day Three - Providence - Boston, Massachusetts - Depart Providence and travel north to the exciting city of Boston. Day Four - Providence - Cape Cod, Massachusetts - Today you tour a traditional New England cranberry bog and learn about dry harvesting. Then, step back in time with a stop in the celebrated town of Plymouth where the Pilgrims landed in 1620. Day Five - Cape Cod - Martha’s Vineyard Cape Cod - A ferry ride transports you to the beautiful island of Martha’s Vineyard. Known for visits by presidents and royalty. Day Six - Cape Cod - Nantucket - Cape Cod - Step aboard the Nantucket ferry, complete with all the luxuries of a first-class ferry service, en route to Nantucket. Upon arrival you will set out on a tour exploring the beauty of this idyllic island, from the cobblestoned Main Street to its beaches and lighthouses. During leisure time explore the island’s waterfront where yachts bob in the harbour, or perhaps shop for a famous Nantucket basket. Day Seven - Cape Cod - Hyannis Provincetown - Cape Cod - Your day begins with a panoramic tour of Hyannis. Catch a rare glimpse of the Camelot era as you travel 4 £2249 What’s Included 7 Breakfasts 1 Lunch 3 Dinners Flights from London Heathrow Tour Highlights Newport Boston Plymouth Rock Cape Cod Marthas Vineyard Provincetown Plimouth Plantation 8 DAYS Departure Date Cost 5th October 2015 £2249 Prices are in £’s and are based on 2 adults sharing a twin/double room departing from London Heathrow. Single supplements apply. All holidays are subject to availability and prices are correct at the time of printing but are subject to changes. For Travel to the USA an ESTA Visa is required by all. through Hyannisport, home of the Kennedy compound, and visit the poignant Kennedy Memorial. Day Eight - Cape Cod - Depart for home. Please refer to the inside front cover for a full list of ‘Door-to-Door’ cruises AMERICA’S MUSICAL CITIES Enjoy a finger-snapping, toe-tapping time on this tour of America’s most famed musical cities. Visit New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville as you revel in the sounds of the Blues, Jazz, Country, Soul and good old Rock ‘n’ Roll. TOUR ITINERARY Day One - Home to New Orleans- Our door to door service will take you from your home to Heathrow Airport for your flight to New Orleans to join your tour. Day Two - French Quarter - Enjoy a walking tour of New Orleans’ famous French Quarter, also the bustling French Marketplace where you’ll explore Pirates Alley, the Cabildo, the Presbytere and the Pontalba. Tonight, experience a unique cooking demonstration and following dinner visit a local jazz club. Day Three - French Quarter - Enjoy a drive along New Orleans historic Esplanade Avenue. Then, journey through Louisiana’s beautiful Honey Island swamp on a cruise keeping an eye out for wildlife including bald eagles, herons, turtles and alligators! Return to New Orleans and remainder of the day is at leisure. Day Four - New Orleans - Memphis - Visit St. Louis Cemetery #3 which opened in 1854. Then travel north to Memphis the birthplace of the Blues, Rock ‘n’ Roll and Soul. Day Five - Memphis - This morning embark on a one-of-a-kind tour of the city of Memphis. Local musicians board the coach and tell the story of Memphis musical heritage. Then don your blue suede shoes when you visit Graceland. The remainder of your day is free to enjoy this city’s vast musical offerings on your own. Day Six - Memphis - Nashville -Journey to the “Music Capital of the World” - Nashville. This evening take your reserved seat at the renowned “Grand Ole Opry.” After the show enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the music during a backstage tour of the Opry! Day Seven - Nashville - Your day begins with a tour of the historic RCA Studio B. Then explore the Country Music Hall of Fame, the largest museum of popular music in the world. Later today a local guide will share the history and lore of Music City during a sightseeing tour. Day Eight - Nashville - Depart for Home. Day Nine - Arrive Home - Arrive back in the UK where you will be greeted at the airport for your door to door Service home. £2549 9 DAYS Departure Date Cost 22nd March 2015 £2549 Prices are in £’s and are based on 2 adults sharing a twin/double room departing from London Heathrow with United via Newark. Single supplements apply. All holidays are subject to availability and prices are correct at the time of printing but are subject to changes. For Travel to the USA an ESTA Visa is required by all passengers. What’s Included 7 Breakfasts 3 Dinners Flights from London Heathrow Tour Highlights French Quarter New Orleans cooking school Swamp tour Graceland Grand Ole Opry show & backstage tour Country hall of fame Historic RCA studio tour Something for everyone! Jazz – Rock & Roll – Country & Western! 5 HERITAGE OF AMERICA Follow the epic story of American democracy. Join a local guide on a tour of New York City, featuring the Empire State Building, Greenwich Village and other time honoured landmarks. Visit the presidential estates of Washington’s Mount Vernon and Jefferson’s Monticello. Walk the hallowed battlefield at Gettysburg. Tour some of Colonial Williamsburg’s 88 restored historic buildings. Learn first-hand about the Amish way of life while enjoying dinner with an Amish family. Travel along the famous Skyline Drive and see amazing views of the Shenandoah Valley. Explore the countless treasures of the Smithsonian Institution, including the actual Apollo 11 Command Module and the Hope Diamond. TOUR ITINERARY Day one - Home - New York - Fly to New York to join our tour exploring Americas heritage and history. Day Two - New York - A local guide leads a fascinating tour of the ‘Big Apple’. Day Three - New York City - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Lancaster - Travel to Philadelphia and embark on a tour of “the Birthplace of a New Nation” which highlights the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, which is rich in heritage as the location of both the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the drafting of the Constitution. Continue on to the Amish Country of Lancaster the second largest Amish community in America. Day Four - Lancaster - Visit Wheatland, the gracious Federalist home of James Buchanan the 15th U.S. President. Tonight enjoy a traditional dinner and the chance to learn more about Amish customs firsthand with members of the local Amish community. Day Five - Lancaster - Gettysburg Shenandoah Valley, Virginia - Journey to Gettysburg site of the Union victory that marked a turning point in the Civil War. Travel to Shenandoah National Park via Skyline Drive along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Tonight you’ll overnight inside the park! 6 from £2637 10 DAYS What’s Included 9 Breakfasts 5 Dinners Flights from London Heathrow Tour Highlights New York City Philadelphia Amish County Colonial Willamsberg Smithsonian Institution Washington DC Mount Vernon Departure Date Cost Departure Date Cost 20th March 2015 £2637 28th August 2015 £2843 Prices are in £’s and are based on 2 adults sharing a twin/double room departing from London Heathrow. Single supplements apply. All holidays are subject to availability and prices are correct at the time of printing but are subject to changes. For Travel to the USA an ESTA Visa is required by all. Day Six - Shenandoah Valley Charlottesville - Williamsburg - Visit Monticello home of Thomas Jefferson not only the 3rd U.S. President and author of the Declaration of Independence, but an accomplished inventor and true “Renaissance man.” To Williamsburg this afternoon. Day Seven - Colonial Williamsburg - Begin the day by viewing “Story of a Patriot,” a short film that introduces you to Colonial Williamsburg, one of the largest and best living history museums in the world. Day Eight - Williamsburg - Washington DC - Visit Mount Vernon beloved home of the 1st U.S. president George Washington. Wander the beautiful plantation grounds and tour the home filled with 18th century artefacts. Then travel to Washington DC. Day Nine - Washington DC - This morning, a guided tour affords you wonderful views of historic buildings. First the White House Visitor Centre, to gain an insight into the many transitions this historic residence has undergone. Continue your tour with a stop at the moving World War II Vietnam Veterans and Korean War Memorial’s, before ending with a photo stop at the U.S. Capital Building. This afternoon visit Arlington National Cemetery to view the Tomb of the Unknowns and the Kennedy graves. Day Ten - Washington DC - Depart for Home - Your tour ends in Washington DC this morning. Please refer to inside front cover for information on where and how to book your holiday GREAT CITIES OF EASTERN USA Discover the history and influence of the major cities of Eastern USA in this 8 night tour starting in Washington and ending in the “Big Apple” New York. This tour showcases the best there is to see. TOUR ITINERARY Day One - UK - Washington DC - Fly to Washington DC where you will transfer to your hotel for a two night stay. Day Two - Washington DC - A full day to explore the world’s most influential and powerful capital city. Your guided sightseeing tour includes a visit to the Lincoln Memorial and photo stops at Capitol Hill and the White House. Next, visit Arlington Cemetery and see the neat lines of white headstones of America’s fallen heroes. The shrine to assassinated President John F Kennedy and his family is a sombre sight but the view across the city is unforgettable. The afternoon is free to explore. Day Three - Washington - Philadelphia - Today, continue to Philadelphia, the birthplace of American Independence and now the USA’s fourth largest city. An Included sightseeing tour focuses on the important historic landmarks, before visiting Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Day Four - Philadelphia - Boston - This morning travel to Boston. The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps take the subway into downtown Boston and follow the ‘Freedom Trail’. Day Five - Boston - This morning, a guided tour of the city highlights the historic sites near Boston Common, the Old State House, Faneuil Hall, Old North Church and the Freedom Trail. Next, board a harbour cruise and see the USS Constitution, the Bunker Hill Monument and the Boston Tea Party ship. The rest of the day is at leisure. Day Six - Boston - New York City - Leave Boston and head south to the “Big Apple.” New York has so much to offer. Upon arrival in New York City, enjoy a guided tour of the city’s most famous sights; Times Square, £1635 What’s Included Accommodation on tour Porterage Transfers All local and airport taxes/service charges Flights from London Heathrow Tour Highlights Washington DC City sightseeing Philadelphia City sightseeing Boston City sightseeing, Harbour cruise New York City sightseeing Greenwich Village, the Financial District and Chinatown. The remainder of your day is at leisure. Day Seven - New York City - The day is free to explore more of New York at leisure. Day Eight - New York City - UK - Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. Day Nine - Home, landing in the UK. 9 DAYS Departure Date Cost Departure Date Cost 23rd May 2015 £1635 26th September 2015 £1725 Prices are in £’s and are based on 2 adults sharing a twin/double room departing from London Heathrow. Single supplements apply. All holidays are subject to availability and prices are correct at the time of printing but are subject to changes. For Travel to the USA an ESTA Visa is required by all. From The Big Apple – to the ‘core’ of American Politics and, finally, Boston, a very ‘British’ city! 7 ROCKIES RAIL HIGHLIGHTS Experience a day on a ranch in the Alberta plains complete with a wagon ride in search of buffalo. Feel like royalty while overnighting at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Whilst in Jasper, see the dramatic Maligne Canyon and its picture-perfect lake. Board VIA Rail’s The Canadian for a once in a lifetime overnight train journey. Relax in the dome car and experience panoramic views of snow capped mountains, glacial lakes, rushing rivers and the sheer unspoiled wilderness of Canada. Travel one of the world’s most spectacular roads, the unforgettable Icefields Parkway and end your journey in the vibrant city of Vancouver. TOUR ITINERARY Day One - Arrive Calgary, Alberta - Your tour begins in this Cosmopolitan city. Day Two - Calgary - Banff - This morning leave Calgary behind as you head into the wondrous Rockies, travel through the prairies of Alberta to the Kananaskis Valley. Later, arrive in the town of Banff and settle in at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Relax during a three-night stay at the famed “Castle in the Rockies.” Day Three - Banff - Yoho National Park Banff - Begin your day with a trip to Yoho National Park. Next enjoy a visit to Field, a cozy town known for its charm. Later, travel along Kicking Horse River to visit the Natural Bridge. Take some time to explore spectacular Emerald Lake named for the vibrant green colour of its water. Day Four - Banff - Start your day with breathtaking views of Banff’s Sulphur Mountain. Ride a gondola to the summit and later enjoy a visit to a local ammonite specialist to learn about this rare gemstone found only in Alberta. Next, set off on a scenic drive through Banff. Day Five - Banff - Icefields Parkway - Jasper - Today you’ll journey along the unforgettable Icefields Parkway. Waterfalls, rushing rivers, glacial peaks, imposing cliffs and snowcapped 8 £3180 What’s Included 6 Breakfasts 1 Lunch 4 Dinners Flights from London Heathrow Tour Highlights Banff Yoho National Park Icefields Parkway Jasper Vancouver Journey on VIA Rails “The Canadian” peaks paint the breathtaking canvas! Reflect on this inspiring landscape at Peyto Lake, a turquoise glacier-fed treasure. Take a guided walk on the Skywalk to experience breathtaking views of the Sunwapta Valley and the dramatic landscape from the glass floored platform. Day Six - Jasper - VIA Rail - This morning, journey to Maligne Lake and enjoy breakfast against the backdrop of the lake’s pictureperfect sparkling waters. Return to Jasper with leisure time to explore this lovely town. This afternoon, board VIA Rail’s ‘The Canadian’ to continue your journey through the majestic Canadian Rockies. Travel in a timeless manner as you are rocked to sleep in your private 9 DAYS Departure Date Cost 19th April 2015 £3180 Prices are in £’s and are based on 2 adults sharing a twin/double room departing from London Heathrow. Single supplements apply. All holidays are subject to availability and prices are correct at the time of printing but are subject to changes. accommodation. The train whisks you past the peaks of the Monashee Mountains and the stunning sight of Pyramid Falls cascading down Mt. Cheadle. Relax in the Dome car and experience stunning 360-degree views of the glistening glaciers of the Albreda Icefields. On a clear day you might catch a glimpse of Mt. Robson - the highest peak of the Rockies. Day Seven - VIA Rail - Vancouver - Enjoy a lovely hot breakfast in the dining car before arriving in the vibrant city of Vancouver. Enjoy a sightseeing tour beginning at Stanley Park. Your next stop is Gastown, a turn-of-thecentury town. Day Eight - Vancouver - Depart for home. Day Nine - Arrive home in the UK. Please refer to inside front cover for information on where and how to book your holiday THE BEST OF EASTERN CANADA From the European-styled, old world elegance of Quebec City to the thundering magnificence of Niagara Falls, you’ll love every moment of this tour of Eastern Canada. Enjoy Montreal, Quebec City and Toronto as well as Ottawa - with city tours of each of them. Board a boat to experience Niagara Falls up close and cruise through the spectacular unspoiled 1000 Islands. From picturesque countryside to glistening skyscrapers a truly unforgettable, cultural and historical experience awaits you in the heart of Eastern Canada. TOUR ITINERARY Day One - Arrive Montreal, Quebec - Your tour begins in the second largest Frenchspeaking city in the world, Montreal. Day Two - Montreal - Today, enjoy a fantastic sightseeing tour of Montreal, highlighting Jacques Cartier Square and McGill University plus enjoy views of Notre Dame Cathedral and St. Joseph’s Oratory. Your city tour concludes with a stop high atop Mount Royal from which the surrounding view is spectacular. The afternoon is yours to explore the city. Day Three - Montreal - Quebec City - This morning depart for Quebec City. Later today experience the beauty and history of both Old and New Quebec with a fascinating sightseeing tour of the city. Day Four - Quebec City - This morning enjoy breakfast at a local sugar shack nestled in the Quebec countryside. Learn about the traditions of maple syrup making and enjoy sampling many delicious traditional foods made with local maple syrup. Before leaving, try a favourite regional treat - maple taffy! The remainder of your day is at leisure to wander the streets of this quaint setting which is designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Day Five - Quebec City - Ottawa, Ontario - This morning, depart for Ottawa - the beautiful and cosmopolitan capital city of £2633 What’s Included 7 Breakfasts 4 Dinners Flights from London Heathrow Tour Highlights Montreal Mount Royal Quebec City Ottawa Lake Ontario Toronto Niagara Falls / Niagara on the Lake 9 DAYS Departure Dates Cost 28th April 2015 £2633 Prices are in £’s and are based on 2 adults sharing a twin/double room departing from London Heathrow. Single supplements apply. All holidays are subject to availability and prices are correct at the time of printing but are subject to changes. For Travel to the USA an ESTA Visa is required by all. Canada. Later, savour the flavour of a local speciality - a beavertail while you enjoy a stroll through the Byward Market known for its fruits, vegetables, flowers and arts & crafts. Next, embark on a city tour. Day Six - Ottawa - Kingston - Toronto - A short drive takes you to Kingston gateway to one of the world’s most beautiful areas. Enjoy a memorable cruise through the unspoiled region of Lake Ontario and the spectacular 1000 Islands. Later this afternoon, arrive in the exciting city of Toronto, enjoy a sightseeing tour including the harbour front and Queens Park before having some leisure time to explore the city on your own. Day Seven - Toronto - Niagara Falls Toronto - This morning visit Niagara-onthe-Lake to enjoy the local shops and the charming atmosphere. Next, travel to the thundering and awe-inspiring Niagara Falls where breathtaking views remind you of the power of Mother Nature. Of course a visit to Niagara Falls would not be complete without experiencing the incredible cruise at the base of the falls. Board the boat to see and feel the falls up-close. Day Eight - Toronto - Depart for home Your tour ends today in Toronto. Day Nine - Arrive home. You can walk over glass ¼ mile above the city of Toronto, on the amazing CN Tower! 9 BRAZIL & ARGENTINA from £1985 9 DAYS Departure Date Cost 8th June 2015 £1985 What’s Included Flights Accommodation on tour Selected meals on tour Services of a tour director Porterage / Entry fees Transfers All local and airport taxes/service charges Single share option - Additional supplements will apply. An incredible introduction to Brazil and Argentina. From the breath-taking beauty of flamboyant Rio de Janeiro, to the wild thunder of the almighty Iguacu Falls and alluring passion and elegance of Buenos Aires. This 9 day tour offers a fantastic insight into some of the best the regions have to offer. TOUR ITINERARY Day One - UK - Rio de Janeiro - Depart London on your scheduled flight to Rio de Janeiro International Airport. Day Two - Rio de Janeiro - After breakfast spend the morning on a half day tour of the city including a visit to Sugarloaf Mountain. Afternoon at leisure. Day Three - Rio de Janeiro - After breakfast this morning’s tour takes you to Corcovado Mountain with your afternoon at leisure. Day Four - Rio de Janeiro & Iguacu - After breakfast this morning is free before you take your flight to the Brazilian side of the Iguacu Falls. Day Five - Iguacu Argentinian Side - After breakfast declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1984, we visit Iguacu National Park. Day Six - Iguacu & Buenos Aires - After breakfast this morning cross back into Brazil to see this side of Iguacu National Park. In the afternoon you will transfer to the airport in order to catch your flight to Buenos Aires. Day Seven - Buenos Aires - After breakfast this morning’s tour of the city starts in the historic Plaza de Mayo, travelling on you will reach the picturesque and colourful neighbourhood of La Boca. After this head to the modern Palermo neighbourhood with its elegant residences, finally reaching the district of Recoleta. Your afternoon is at leisure. Day Eight - Buenos Aires - After breakfast enjoy a day at leisure to take in the city at your own pace. Day Nine - Buenos Aires - the UK - Breakfast then transfer to the airport for your flight home to the UK. *Please call for a more detailed itinerary* HAWAIIAN ISLANDS from £2855 14 DAYS Departure Date Cost 26th November 2015 £2855 What’s Included Flights Accommodation on tour Selected meals on tour Services of a tour director Porterage / Entry fees Transfers A warm ‘Aloha’ welcome awaits you on the lovely islands of Hawaii, with their famously idyllic beaches and beautiful scenery. TOUR ITINERARY Day One - UK - Honolulu - Fly to Honolulu & transfer to your hotel. Day Two - Waikiki, Honolulu - Full day at leisure to explore. Day Three - Waikiki, Honolulu - Begin the day with a visit to Pearl Harbour, then a city tour of Honolulu. Day Four - Waikiki, Honolulu - Day at leisure with optional tours available. Day Five - Honolulu - Hilo - Kona - Depart for Hilo and the ‘Big Island’. Arrive in Kona early evening. 10 Day Six - Kona - Day at leisure. Day Seven - Kona - Day at leisure. Day Eight - Kona - Kauai - Transfer to Kona Airport for a scenic flight over the ‘Garden Isle.’ Then enjoy a drive along the southern shore with various stops. Day Nine - Kauai - Day at leisure with optional excursions available, Evening at a Hawaiian Luau. Day Ten - Kauai - Maui - This morning fly to Maui, the ‘Valley Island’ to begin a sightseeing tour. Day Eleven - Maui - Day at leisure to explore Maui. Day Twelve - Maui - Half day excursion to Haleakala National Park, then enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Day Thirteen - Maui - UK - Transfer for your flights to the UK via San Francisco. Day Fourteen - Home landing in the UK. *Please call for a more detailed itinerary* Please refer to inside front cover for information on where and how to book your holiday EXPLORING AUSTRALIA Explore the diverse wonder of the land “down under.” A 3-day adventure in the rugged Outback introduces you to the Aboriginal life and culture of Alice Springs and Uluru, the indigenous name for Ayers Rock. Delve into the colourful world of the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. Meet Australia’s famous wildlife up-close with a chance to see crocodiles, koalas, kangaroos, and other fascinating animals from the region. You’ll explore the vibrant cosmopolitan city of Melbourne and relax with 4-night stays in Sydney and Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef! Take a ride through the rainforest canopy in tropical Queensland and enjoy a guided tour of the world famous opera house. TOUR ITINERARY Day One - Depart UK - Overnight Flight - Board your overnight flight for your trip to Australia. Day Two - Spent in flight. Day Three - Melbourne, Australia - Tour Begins - Feel the cosmopolitan energy of modern Australia as you begin your tour in Melbourne. Day Four - Melbourne - Today’s tour features Fitzroy Gardens and the bustling Victoria Markets. Later, you may participate in an optional tour that travels to Phillip Island, the home of the world’s largest colony of Little Penguins. Protected and studied by rangers. Day Five - Melbourne - Adelaide - Barossa Valley - Fly to the capital of South Australia, Adelaide. Upon arrival, head to the Barossa Valley one of Australia’s most famous wine regions. Day Six - Barossa Valley - Sightseeing tour of Barossa Valley. Indulge as you visit local wineries to learn about the region and why the wines garner such high praise. Quench your palate with varietals ranging from fruitforward Chardonnays to earthy Pinot Noirs. Sit back and relax while wine experts introduce the lore and allure of these delicious products. from £5085 What’s Included 15 Breakfasts 1 Lunch 7 Dinners Flights from London Heathrow Tour Highlights Melbourne Barossa Valley Alice Springs Anaz Hill Uluru Cairns Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Sydney + Sydney Opera House Blue Mountains Day Seven - Barossa Valley - Sydney - Upon arrival in Sydney, sample the city’s best dining experiences - all in a single evening. Day Eight - Sydney - Sidney tour highlights include Kings Cross, Harbour Bridge, Botanic Gardens, Chinatown and Paddington. Discover one of the most fascinating architectural sights as you take a tour of the Opera House, poised majestically on Sydney Harbour. Day Nine - Sydney - Blue Mountains Sydney - We head to the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site. They are full of geological inspiration including the Three Sisters sandstone rock formations, the region’s most notable attraction. Experience sandstone plateaus, valleys, river gorges and pristine wilderness among other natural wonders during this journey. Day Ten - Sydney - Your day is at leisure. Day Eleven - Sydney - Alice Springs - Depart for Alice Springs. A sightseeing tour of the area includes Anzac Hill, with excellent views of the surrounding area. Gain an insight into the educational ‘outback’ with a visit to the School of the Air; you may even see a class in session! You also have the opportunity to meet the young Aboriginal group, Drum Atweme. Day Twelve - Alice Springs - Uluru (Ayers Rock) - Traverse the “Red Centre” today as you 19 DAYS Departure Date Cost 6th September 2015 3rd April 2016 £5085 Prices are in £’s and are based on 2 adults sharing a twin/double room departing from London Heathrow. Single supplements apply. All holidays are subject to availability and prices are correct at the time of printing but are subject to changes. drive to Uluru (Aboriginal name for Ayers Rock) in the heart of the outback. Enjoy a majestic sunset as you witness the changing colours of Uluru while enjoying a champagne toast. Day Thirteen - Uluru - Visit the Circle of Sand in the town square in company of a local Anangu guide to have a “good old yarn”. Tour Kata Tjuta, learning about their geology and significance to Aboriginal culture. Day Fourteen - Uluru - Cairns - Fly to Cairns, tropical gateway the Great Barrier Reef. Established as a marine park in 1975, the reef is a haven for thousands of species of sea life. Day Fifteen - Cairns - This morning, board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for an unforgettable ride. There are two stops where you may get off and experience the forest floor from specially designed boardwalks. Day Sixteen - Great Barrier Reef - A high speed catamaran excursion to the Great Barrier Reef, home to amazingly diverse marine life. Explore the reef from your Green Island base. Stroll the trails, relax on the beaches or just watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. Day Seventeen - Cairns - North to Daintree Rainforest. At beautiful Mossman Gorge, members of the Kuku Yalanji tribe introduce you to their lifestyle. Walk with them through ancestral lands and learn their ancient ways. Day Eighteen - Cairns - Depart for home. Day Nineteen - Arrive UK. A comprehensive look at life ‘Down Under’ - And remember, it all starts from your own Front Door! 11 NATURALLY NEW ZEALAND New Zealand has something for everyone with outlandishly beautiful scenery, remarkable wildlife, superb food and potent Maori culture. Enjoy magical outdoor experiences on our New Zealand Adventure. Head north to the subtropical Bay of Islands, then visit Rotorua’s bubbling mud pools and geysers. Visit the fiords of Milford Sound, where waterfalls cascade down mountains, and if you enjoy adventure sports or simply love sublime lakeside scenery, you shouldn’t miss beautiful Queenstown. Visit the scenic South Island where snow-capped peaks meet blue seas. TOUR ITINERARY Days One - Two - Depart UK. Day Three - Arrive Auckland - On arrival you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights. The rest of the day is yours to relax at leisure. Day Four - Auckland - Known as the ‘City of Sails’, Auckland is situated on an isthmus with the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Tasman Sea on the other. Day Five - Auckland - Bay of Islands Leaving Auckland, travel to the Bay of Islands, enjoying spectacular rural and coastal scenery en route. The afternoon is free for you to explore this pristine natural environment. Day Six - Bay of Islands - On the way to Cape Brett you may be lucky enough to see dolphins racing alongside your cruise boat. Further on, you will cruise through the grand 12 Cathedral Cave, and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’. Day Seven- Bay of Islands - Rotorua - This morning, visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the British and Maori signed New Zealand’s most important document of state in 1840, before driving to Rotorua, where you will stay for two nights. This evening you may wish to discover some of the Moari history by joining an optional dinner including a Maori hangi and concert. Day Eight- Rotorua - This morning begins with a visit to the Agrodome to learn more about one of the country’s major industries sheep! Then on to Rainbow Springs, home to rainbow trout and the flightless kiwi bird in its nocturnal ‘Kiwi House’. Continue on to Te Puia, Rotorua’s most prominent thermal area with New Zealand’s largest geyser, boiling mud pools, and silca terraces. This evening there is the chance to sample the hospitality of a local family with dinner in their own home. Day Nine- Rotorua - Wellington - Today, drive along the ‘Desert Road’, named after the effects of volcanic ash, towards Lake Taupo and the mighty Huka Falls. Along the way, enjoy spectacular views of Mount Tongariro as well as two active volcanoes - Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe. Day Ten- Wellington - Interislander ferry Nelson - Today, cross the Cook Strait on the Interislander ferry through the bays of the Queen Charlotte Sound and the glorious maze of deep coves on the way to Nelson. Day Eleven - Nelson - A fascinating day £3695 awaits, enjoy a full day excursion to the Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand’s smallest but perhaps most beautiful national park, where you will board a cruise to view the fur seal colony on Tonga Island. Day Twelve- Nelson - Franz Josef - Leaving Nelson, travel today to the small town of Franz Josef, stopping en route to explore the Franz Josef glacier. Often described as a gem on the West Coast, the glacier lies just 5km from the town providing the perfect opportunity to witness the magnificent snow falls for yourself. Day Thirteen- Franz Josef - Queenstown - Today enjoy fantastic views as you journey through the snow-capped peaks, waterfalls and rugged mountain terrain of New Zealand’s Southern Alps towards Queenstown, where you will spend the next three nights. Day Fourteen- Queenstown - Nicknamed the ‘Adventure Capital’ of the world, Queenstown is an alpine resort dominated by the Remarkables mountain range and located on the shore of Lake Wakatipu. As this day is yours to spend at leisure. You may wish to join an optional excursion to a local vineyard or take a thrilling Kawarau jet boat ride on the fast moving waters of the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers. Day Fifteen - Queenstown - Today, perhaps join one of the many optional excursions available in and around Queenstown, or just relax and enjoy the stunning scenery, shopping, restaurants and bars of this bustling ski town. Please refer to inside front cover for information on where and how to book your holiday 22 DAYS Departure Date Cost 29th November 2015 £3695 Prices are in £’s and are based on 2 adults sharing a twin/double room departing Birmingham. Single supplements apply. All holidays are subject to availability and prices are correct at the time of printing but are subject to changes. What’s Included Accommodation Porterage Taxes Flights from Birmingham Tour Highlights Bay of Islands - Paihia, Catamaran cruise Rotorua Glacier region Queenstown Mount Cook Day Sixteen - Queenstown - Milford Sound - Te Anau - Journey into Fiordland National Park, through the Homer Tunnel and on to spectacular Milford Sound for a late morning cruise on this awe-inspiring 16 kilometre inlet, lined with soaring walls of rock. Rising above the Sound is the vast, usually snowcapped form of Mitre Peak. Your day ends in the small, yet charming town of Te Anau. Day Seventeen - Te Anau - Dunedin - Take leave of Te Anau and journey to the Pacific coastline, reaching Dunedin in the afternoon, when you will see some of the main sights. The city is built around an octagon in place of the traditional square. Known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’ because of its strong Scottish connections, Dunedin has preserved many of its grand Victorian and turn-of-thecentury buildings. Day Eighteen- Dunedin - The day is yours at leisure to enjoy the historic town of Dunedin. Day Nineteen- Dunedin - Twizel - This morning, motor across the patchwork Canterbury Plains on the way to Twizel, gateway to the Mount Cook National Park. Enjoy the spectacular view of Lake Pukaki on your drive into the park and the opportunity for some short walks in the beautiful alpine environment. Day Twenty - Twizel - Christchurch - Today you will journey to Christchurch, where the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure. Day Twenty One- Christchurch - UK Depart Christchurch for your flight to the UK. Day Twenty Two - Home landing in the UK. Enjoy an amazing time – in a truly amazing country! 13 HIGHLIGHTS OF CHINA This leisurely paced tour with a hotel stay located in the heart of Beijing, takes in everything from the quiet pleasure of lunch with a local family at home in the Hutongs to the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of walking on the Great Wall. Explore historic Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Venture to the Summer Palace and the Lama Temple. Indulge in dim sum, learn dumpling making and savour a hot pot dinner. Experience the honoured ancient alongside the visionary futuristic that can only be found in this incredible city. TOUR ITINERARY Day One - Depart UK - Overnight Flight. Day Two - Arrive Beijing, China - Begin your journey in Beijing, one of the most fascinating cities in the world and the capital of the People’s Republic of China. Over the next several days you will experience the beauty and intrigue of this ancient city that remains both the political and cultural heart of the country. Day Three - Beijing - Delve into China’s history with a visit to Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public spaces in the world. Next, visit the Forbidden City an aweinspiring palace complex that was home to 24 Chinese Emperors over the course of almost 500 years. Take a special tour of the Treasure Hall a section normally not open to the general public. Pause to savour a traditional dim sum lunch. Visit a silk factory and explore how traditional artisans create the luxurious fabric. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner at a world-famous Peking Duck restaurant. Day Four - The Great Wall - No visit to China would be complete without seeing The Great Wall. Visit the picturesque Juyongguan section and walk along the wall to take in the sweeping vistas Day Five -Beijing - Today is at your leisure to explore this fascinating, constantly changing city independently. Perhaps visit a local market in the morning and in the afternoon, you have 14 from £1923 What’s Included 7 Breakfasts 4 Lunches 3 Dinners Flights from London Heathrow Tour Highlights Tiananmen Square Forbidden City Great Wall of China Summer Palace Lama Temple the option to explore the 798 Dashanzi Art District. Day Six - Beijing - Begin your day with a visit to the Summer Palace considered a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design. Visit a pearl factory and learn about the different varieties of these underwater gems. Next, marvel at the intricate design of the Lama Temple one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world. Tonight, enjoy a breathtaking acrobatics show. Day Seven - Beijing - Enjoy a day of leisure to relax or independently explore this wonderful city. Day Eight - Beijing - This morning, visit the Temple of Heaven where the emperor came twice each year to thank the gods for a bountiful harvest and to pray for the new season. Learn tai chi amidst the locals doing 10 DAYS Departure Date Cost Departure Date Cost 4th February 2015 £1939 2nd December 2015 £1923 Prices are in £’s and are based on 2 adults sharing a twin/double room departing from London Heathrow. Single supplements apply. All holidays are subject to availability and prices are correct at the time of printing but are subject to changes. their morning exercises. Soak in the culture of this communal space while other citizens of the city play cards or board games nearby. Afterwards, experience ancient Beijing on a traditional rickshaw tour through its narrow streets and alleys. With help from an interpreter you will learn about a local family’s history and way of life when you share lunch with them in their Hutong home. They will also teach you the art of traditional dumpling making. Next, visit a Chinese calligraphy master and learn how to write in this ancient art. Complete your visit with a traditional tea ceremony. Day Nine - Beijing - Depart for Home - Your tour ends in Beijing. Day Ten - Arrive Home. Please refer to inside front cover for information on where and how to book your holiday MADEIRA £1045 Funchal, in Madeira lies at the end of a beautiful bay and rises up the hillside rather impressively in tiers and has plenty to keep you occupied. For great views and to get your bearings, you can’t do much better than visiting Parque de Santa Catarina which overlooks the harbour and the whole town. Funchal’s main Jacaranda-lined avenue and the surrounding tiny cobbled streets are filled with typical embroidery shops, wine lodges, restaurants, cafés and bars. Other notable places to go include the Museum of Sacred Art, the Quinta Magnolia, the cathedral and the flower and fruit markets. Santa Cruz, set against a mountainous backdrop on the eastern shore is one of the oldest towns on the island and the gateway to Madeira. Surrounded by rich farmland, lush flora and beautifully manicured gardens, this idyllic resort overlooks a picturesque harbour and several small beaches, while the tranquil town centre has a good selection of shops and restaurants to choose from. What’s Included Transfers 7 nights accommodation Excursion to Monte and Nun’s Valley the Monte Cable Car Selected meals on tour Flights from London Heathrow Crater Village, Curral da Freiras and stunning Nun’s Valley, a huge caldron of a valley and the deepest on the island. As a unique alternative means of transport, why not try the traditional toboggan ride for part of the return journey? This is optional and a supplement applies. During your week here, there are many more optional excursions or activities you can fill your days with, which you can book once you are settled in. The great thing is, it’s up to you whether you want to fit in as much as you possibly can. 8 DAYS Departure Date Cost 1st June 2015 £1045 Prices are in £’s and are based on 2 adults sharing a twin/double room departing from Manchester. Single supplements apply. All holidays are subject to availability and prices are correct at the time of printing but are subject to changes. You can pretty much see the whole island if you wanted to - or you can simply take it as it comes and relax in your hotel. Enjoy the pleasant surroundings just heading out in the evening for dinner, a stroll or browsing the shops. Day Eight - Funchal - UK - Transfer to Funchal airport in Santa Cruz for your flight to the UK. TOUR ITINERARY Day One - UK - Funchal - Fly to Funchal where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your chosen hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to get acquainted with this wonderful island capital. Days Two to Seven - Funchal - Spend a week relaxing in your resort. A trip on the popular Monte Cable Car is Included during your stay and is part of a half day excursion to Monte and Nun’s Valley, which takes place on day six of your holiday. Boarding the cable car in Funchal you can enjoy the panoramic views of this beautiful town and surrounding countryside as you head inland approximately 15-20 minutes, to Monte. Here your half day tour begins with a visit to Madeira’s famous view point Eira do Serrado with its magnificent views over Spectacular scenery, wonderful gardens – and the friendliest of people! 15 DISCOVER MALTA AND GOZO Take time to enjoy the historic, honeycoloured capitals, quaint harbours and natural wonders of sun-drenched Malta and Gozo. TOUR ITINERARY Day One - UK - Luqa - Sliema - Fly to Luqa where you will be met by our representative and transferred to The Victoria hotel in Sliema for two nights. Includes dinner. Day Two - Mosta - Mdina - Rabat - San Anton Gardens - Today journey into the central part of Malta that is dominated by the ancient citadel of Mdina. On passing through the narrow streets of Mdina, the “Silent City”, admire the imposing bastions that command a magnificent view of most of the island. On leaving Mdina through the “Greek Gate”, stop at the catacombs before proceeding to Dingli cliffs. Continue to the San Anton Gardens and the impressive Dome of Mostas parish church. Visit the Handicraft village at Ta Qali where you’ll be given some free time for shopping. Includes breakfast, dinner. Day Three - Malta at leisure - Enjoy a full day at leisure or a great opportunity to explore this beautiful island at your own pace. With a past spanning 7,000 years, Malta offers rugged countryside, megalithic monuments and medieval villages, all fringed by a coastline of cliffs and turquoise sea caves. Includes breakfast, dinner. from £1049 What’s Included Accommodation Meals as per itinerary Flights from Manchester Tour Highlights Mdina the 'Silent City' in Malta Full day tour of Gozo Day Four - Sliema - Gozo - Today, enjoy a 30-minute ferry ride from Cirkewwa to the unspoilt island of Gozo. Lying northwest of Malta, this tiny, tranquil place is sprinkled with green, rolling hills, ancient ruins, secluded beaches and timeless fishing villages. Once here, transfer to the Calypso Hotel, in Marsalforn, for a three-night stay. Sandwiched between rocky hills on Gozo’s north coast and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, this charming harbour village has a pretty waterfront and small pebble beach lined with cafés, shops and restaurants. Includes breakfast, dinner. Day Five - Gozo at leisure - Enjoy a day to explore Gozo at leisure or simply spend the day relaxing in your hotel. Includes breakfast, dinner. Day Six - Ggantija Temples - Azur Window This morning we set off on a full day tour of Malta’s sister island Gozo. The stunning island of Gozo is a three hilled island and is greener and more picturesque than Malta. Included in your tour today is a visit to the famous Ggantija Temple, the Citadel 8 DAYS Departure Date Cost Prices are in £’s and are based on 2 adults sharing a twin/double room departing from Manchester. All holidays are subject to availability and prices are correct at the time of printing but are subject to changes. in Victoria, the Bay of Xlendi and the Azur window. End the day with free time to shop for woollen goods and handmade lace. Includes breakfast, dinner. Day Seven - Marsalforn - Sliema - Today, drive to the port for your ferry ride back to Malta. On arrival in Cirkewwa, transfer to your hotel in Sliema for two nights. Includes breakfast, dinner. Day Eight - Sliema - Luqa - UK - Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. Includes breakfast. DISCOVER CROATIA’S DALMATIAN COAST Experience the natural beauty of the Dalmatian Coast, taking in stunning coastal panoramas, picturesque fortress towns, and a rich tapestry of mountains and pastures. TOUR ITINERARY Day One - UK - Dubrovnik - Dalmatian Coast - Fly to Dubrovnik where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Day Two - Dubrovnik - Spend a morning at leisure, familiarising yourself with the resort. Later this afternoon, explore Dubrovnik on the included sightseeing tour, with local guide. Day Three - Dalmatian Coast - Enjoy a day of leisure on the Dalmatian Coast. Day Four - Montenegro - A full day excursion to Montenegro, an area of natural beauty with an abundance of historical sites. Drive to the mouth of the Bay of Kotor, through the towns of Risan and Perast, and on to Kotor, one of the most beautiful parts of the bay, before continuing to Cetinje, rich in history and the one-time seat of Montenegrin rulers. The return journey takes you back along the coast and across the bay by ferry. Day Five - Mostar - Travel towards Mostar via the mountain areas of Herzegovina and the Neretva River with a short stop in the coastal town. On arrival in Mostar, enjoy a guided tour, showing you some of the city’s highlights. Day Six - Dalmatian Coast - A free day to relax. 16 from £997 What’s Included Flights UK - Dubrovnik - UK Accommodation Meals as per your chosen hotel Tour Highlights Dubrovnik Panorama & sightseeing tour Mostar Full day excursion Montenegro Full day excursion Trsteno & Ston half day excursion Day Seven - Trsteno - Ston - The day starts with a visit to Ston, see the stone walls that stretch for over 5km, protecting the city and now attracting hundreds of visitors each year. 24th August 2015 £1049 8 DAYS Departure Date Cost 20th September 2015 £997 Prices are in £’s and are based on 2 adults sharing a twin/double room departing from Birmingham. Single supplements apply. All holidays are subject to availability and prices are correct at the time of printing but are subject to changes. Other highlights include the old salt-pan, where salt is still being produced today, and the famous oyster and mussel farms. Day Eight - Dalmatian Coast - UK - Transfer to Dubrovnik airport for your flight to the UK. Please refer to inside front cover for information on where and how to book your holiday HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO Immerse yourself in the beauty of Morocco, from enchanting cities of exotic Moorish architecture, bustling souks and aromatic spices, to stunning desert landscapes of golden dunes, kasbahs and oases. Whether you wish to enjoy serene moments of relaxation in the Moroccan sun at your own pace, or journey through the cultural delights that this North African country has to offer, there is something for everybody to enjoy on the Highlights of Morocco tour. TOUR ITINERARY Day One - UK - Marrakech - Fly to beautiful Marrakech where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for one night. Day Two - Marrakech - Casablanca - Drive to Casablanca this morning and enjoy the city’s highlights on an afternoon Included city sightseeing tour with a local guide. Day Three - Casablanca - Rabat - Meknes - Fez - Journey along the coast road to Rabat, Morocco’s historic capital, and enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city including the Royal Palace, Hassan’s Tower, the Kasbah of Ouidais and the magnificent Chellah Gardens. Later, continue to Meknes, where you can enjoy this fascinating city, famous for its 16 miles of protective wall, on a sightseeing tour of the Moulay Ismail Mosque and the former royal stables and granaries. Next stop is the ancient city of Fez, the oldest of Morocco’s four splendid Imperial Cities. Day Four - Fez - The day is yours to explore this ancient city, which occupies a position of outstanding scenic beauty. Day Five - Fez - Atlas Mountains - Ziz Valley - Erfoud - Today’s journey will include a scenic Middle Atlas Mountains drive with a visit to the picturesque mountain resort of Ifrane and later, a chance to view the spectacular Ziz Valley. Day Six - Erfoud - Rissani - Erfoud - Today, £1165 What’s Included 9 Breakfasts Flights 6 Dinners Transfers All Taxes 10 DAYS Departure Date Cost Tour Highlights Casablanca Rabat / Meknes Atlas Mountains Marrakech Ouarzazate Road of 1000 Kasbahs enjoy an Included visit to the fortified village of Rissani in the Tafilalt region. Nestled at the edge of the Ziz Valley, Rissani is a traditional desert village yet houses the impressive Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Sharif, the first ruler of the Alawite dynasty, which thrived here in the 17th century. Day Seven - Erfoud - Road of 1000 Kasbahs - Ouarzazate - Journey through the impressive Todra Gorges and past the eastern slopes of the Atlas Mountains to Tinerhir Oasis, with its green valley of palms and local villages, before continuing on a scenic drive through the Dades Valley, also known as the ‘Valley of 1000 Kasbahs’, to Ouarzazate where you’ll stay for one night. A charming oasis resort with an exotic Kasbah, Ouarzazate has been featured in several films. Day Eight - Ouarzazate - Ait-Benhaddou - Marrakech - This morning, enjoy an orientation drive of Ouarzazate and a visit to the Kasbah de Tourirt before today’s highlight: a visit to beautiful Ait-Benhaddou, the setting of many films including ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ and ‘Gladiator’. Later, continue through picturesque villages and rugged mountain scenery to the 7,414 foot high Tizi-n-Tichkas Pass, in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains, before arriving in the imperial city of Marrakech. Day Nine - Marrakech - The snowcapped peaks of the Atlas Mountains rise 1st July 2015 £1165 Prices are in £’s and are based on 2 adults sharing a twin/double room departing from Manchester. Single supplements apply. All holidays are subject to availability and prices are correct at the time of printing but are subject to changes. For Travel to the USA an ESTA Visa is required by all. majestically above Morocco’s enchanting ‘pink city’. You’ll enjoy a city sightseeing tour with a local guide this morning. Day Ten - Marrakech - UK - Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. Scenic wonders abound, in this intriguing and mysterious North African country! 17 YOUR HOLIDAY YOUR CHOICE We can now book almost any holiday destination that you wish to travel to, with access to over 200 suppliers, over 100 airlines and over 1,000 hotels and apartments - YOUR holiday, YOUR choice! 18 Please refer to inside front cover for information on where and how to book your holiday The Channel Islands Jersey | Guernsey | Sark If you have never experienced the magic of the Channel Islands before, then maybe the time has come to marvel at a natural beauty that lies right on your doorstep, just an hours flight from the midlands! Choose from a hand-picked collection of 21 hotels OR if you have your own personal favourite, then we are happy to provide a ‘Door-to-Door’ quote - just for you! JERSEY - To this day, we find it amazing that the island of Jersey, such a warm and enthralling haven of beauty - with glorious beaches, picturesque bays and breathtaking scenery, lies so very close to British shores! There’s a welcoming feeling of home wherever you are, the cuisine is amongst the best you can experience and our chosen hotels offer something for everyone. GUERNSEY - A very similar island in many ways. It beholds a natural outstanding beauty that extends throughout, with peaceful, secluded bays around every corner and bird song along each and every winding country lane! If anything, Guernsey is simply quieter, for those longing perfect relaxation. There are wonderful shops and island-wide attractions however to keep you occupied. SARK - The fourth smallest of the islands, Sark is approached only by boat. Your first sight will be the towering cliffs topped by sloping common land (called cotils). Step aboard the “toast-rack” (tractor-drawn bus) up from the harbour to the ‘town’! Transport here is by horse and carriage, bicycle or on foot! The pace of life is leisurely, with natural beauty & wildlife throughout - a haven of relaxation! Out-of-town Hotels 1. Beausite 2. Golden Sands 3. L’Horizon 4. Old Court House 5. Westhill Country. St. Helier Hotels 6. Mayfair 7. Metropole 8. Monterey 9. Norfolk Lodge 10. Ommaroo 11. Runnymede Court 12. Savoy. Out-of-town Hotels 1. Fermain Valley 2. La Trelade 3. La Villette 4. Le Friquet 5. Peninsula St. Peter Port Hotels 6. Les Rocquettes 7. Pandora. Out-of-town Hotels 1. Aval de Creux 2. Stocks. 5 2 3 2 5 4 4 6 1 6-12 2 3 1 7 1 Please note: The numbers shown on the above maps refer to the location of each hotel. Please see pages 20-22 for further details. Please refer to inside front cover for information on where and how to book your holiday 19 1D2-PICKE!D’ JERSEY-by-AIR N LS ‘HA HOTE from £615 MAYFAIR HOTEL ééé map ref: 6 HOTEL METROPOLE ééé map ref: 7 GOLDEN SANDS HOTEL éééé map ref: 2 In our opinion, the best all-round hotel in St. Helier! Location, service, cuisine, entertainment, facilities - the Mayfair has it all. Close to the town centre and just a 15-minute walk from the bus station and beaches of Havres des Pas or St. Aubin’s. Lounge, Cocktail Bar & coffee shop. Indoor pool & leisure facilities. Nightly entertainment. Lift to all floors. Car park. All bedrooms have private facilities, TV, telephone & tea/coffee tray. Sister hotel to the Mayfair, just 150-yards from the shops. The beach at Havres des Pas and Howard Davis Park are also nearby. There are indoor and outdoor pools, a Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and sun terrace. Lounge, bar & coffee shop. Nightly entertainment can be enjoyed both here and at the Mayfair Hotel! Lift to all floors. Car park. All bedrooms have private facilities, TV, telephone & tea/coffee tray. A chic hotel that sits in an enviable position in the middle of St. Brelade’s Bay. Relax on the balcony and gaze across the sandy bay out in to the turquoise seas. All public areas are on ground level. Occasional entertainment. There is a courtesy hotel bus to town, but the local service runs the 6-mile journey regularly too. Outdoor pool & terrace. All bedrooms have private facilities, TV, telephone & tea/coffee tray. RUNNYMEDE COURT HOTEL éé map ref: 11 MONTEREY HOTELééé map ref: 8 NORFOLK LODGE HOTEL ééé map ref: 9 This very popular hotel lies close to Havres des Pas beach and Howard Davis Park. It has been under the same attentive management for many years now. There is an award-winning garden to the rear - an ideal place to relax after a busy day on the island. An informal hotel with a laid back atmosphere, making it ideal for that relaxing break. Lift. Superb gardens. All bedrooms have private facilities, TV, telephone & tea/coffee tray. This purpose-built hotel on the edge of St. Helier offers a high standard of comfort and service. There are indoor and outdoor pools, steam room and spa bath. The hotel has a varied entertainment programme throughout the summer and daytime snacks are available from the open-plan bar area. A 15-minute walk from the town centre. Lifts to all floors. Limited parking. All bedrooms have private facilities, satellite TV, telephone & tea/coffee tray. This is one of the island’s most established and successful hotels, located on the outskirts of St. Helier. There is a superb indoor pool complex and a great reputation for fresh catering. Comprehensive entertainment programme. Major redevelopment has taken place at the hotel over recent years. Excellence awardwinner in 2013. Lift to most bedrooms. Large car park. All bedrooms have private facilities, TV, telephone & tea/coffee tray OMMAROO HOTEL ééé map ref: 10 BEAUSITE HOTEL ééé map ref: 1 OLD COURT HOUSE HOTELééé map ref: 4 Sat proudly facing the beautiful Havres des Pas beach, just a 15-minute walk from St. Helier town centre. There is a wonderful garden area to the rear and a conservatory lounge with wonderful sea-facing views. A warm and traditional welcome and overall atmosphere is backed up by a high level of service and cuisine. Lift to most floors. Car park. All bedrooms have private facilities, TV, telephone & tea/ coffee tray. Situated on the southeast coast overlooking Royal Jersey Golf Course and the Bay of Grouville. The original granite farm buildings date back to 1636, whilst the accommodation is modern and spacious. A relaxing hotel with beautiful gardens. Indoor pool, sauna, spa & fitness room. Occasional entertainment. A courtesy minibus to St. Helier. NO lift, but ground floor bedrooms. Car park. All bedrooms have private facilities, TV, telephone & tea/coffee tray. An elegant and comfortable hotel facing the Bay of Grouville. It is a 20-minute seafront walk to nearby Gorey, dominated by the much photographed Mont Orgueil Castle. There is a picturesque garden area with sun terrace and pool to the front. A local service operates a regular run in to St. Helier. Occasional entertainment. Car park. All bedrooms have private facilities, TV telephone & tea/coffee tray. 20 GUERNSEY-by-AIR 7-PICKED’ ND LS! ‘HA HOTE from £595 HOTEL SAVOY éééé map ref: 12 PENINSULA HOTEL ééé map ref: 5 FERMAIN VALLEY HOTELééé map ref: 1 Originally a 19th century Victorian mansion, the Savoy is set in its own grounds, just a short walk from the bustling shopping centre and prides itself on a high standard of hospitality and cuisine. The solar heated pool may provide that ideal moment to relax before your evening meal. Indoor pool & fitness room. Occasional entertainment. Lift to all floors. Car park. All bedrooms have private facilities, TV, telephone & tea/coffee tray. Why not stay ‘ON’ the beach? What more picturesque home for your relaxing island getaway than this purpose built hotel, in the parish of Vale. Set in 5-acres of landscaped gardens, overlooking Grand Havres Bay, just 2 miles from St. Peter Port. Heated outdoor pool. Excellent cuisine and occasional entertainment. Bus stop close to hotel. Lift to all floors. Car park. All bedrooms have private facilities, TV, telephone & tea/coffee tray. Sat in an enviable location overlooking Guernsey’s prettiest bay, south of St. Peter Port. A secluded property with warm, rich décor throughout and first class levels of service and cuisine will ensure a muchappreciated stay. Superb indoor leisure facilities. Why not take in a movie too, in the hotels own private cinema? Award-winning gardens. Lift. Car Park. All bedrooms have private facilities, TV, telephone & tea/coffee tray. WESTHILL COUNTRY HOTEL éé map ref: 5 LE FRIQUET HOTELééé map ref: 4 PANDORA HOTELéé map ref: 7 A popular hotel, set in 5-acres of landscaped grounds, in an elevated position just north of St. Helier at Mont a l’Abbé. The Westhill operates its own minibus to town and the local service also picks up close by. Outdoor pools. A lovely ‘nature trail’ (some steps involved) takes you down to the far reaches of the garden. Regular entertainment. Large car park. All bedrooms have private facilities, TV, telephone & tea/coffee tray. Lying right in the heart of the island, in the Vale of Castle, this refurbished old farmhouse hotel has a beautiful country setting and traditional atmosphere. The perfect location to relax. The outdoor pool is always a great escape (in warmer weather) and the awardwinning gardens are a delight for a peaceful stroll. Car park. All bedrooms have private facilities, TV, telephone & tea/coffee tray. A friendly hotel located in St. Peter Port, providing comfortable accommodation with a tranquil atmosphere. The Pandora is sited in historical Hauteville, near to the home of Victor Hugo. The hotel is fairly close to the town centre, but there is a definite incline and steps to manage. Superb views of Havelet Valley from the gardens. Small car park. All bedrooms have private facilities, TV, telephone & tea/coffee tray. L’HORIZON HOTEL & SPA éééé map ref: 3 LE TRELADE HOTEL ééé map ref: 2 LA VILLETTE HOTEL ééé map ref: 3 Located right on the beach at stunning St. Brelade’s Bay, this hotel offers spectacular views. A modern and contemporary designed hotel, with excellent cuisine served in its 2 AA rosette award-winning restaurant. Perfect for a relaxing beach holiday, with first class indoor pool and spa facilities. On local bus service route to St. Helier. Lift. All bedrooms have private facilities, TV, telephone & tea/coffee tray. A pleasant hotel, located in St. Martin, just 1.5 miles south of St. Peter Port. A warm welcome precedes a stay of relaxation, quality service and excellent cuisine. The L’Orangery restaurant serves lunches daily. Relax in the indoor pool, pamper yourself with a massage or a visit to the sauna or steam room maybe? Lift. Car park. All bedrooms have private facilities, satellite TV, telephone & tea/coffee tray. Set within beautiful landscaped gardens in the peaceful parish of St. Martin, this grand Georgian house hides a wealth of new first class leisure facilities, including an impressive 50ft indoor pool, outdoor pool and a beauty suite & hair salon too. Excellent cuisine, stylish décor and first class levels of service will ensure a pleasant stay! Car park. All bedrooms have private facilities, TV, telephone & tea/coffee tray. 21 2 SARK-by-AIR from £955 S! wonderful TEL HO LES ROCQUETTES HOTEL ééé map ref: 6 AVAL DE CREUX HOTEL ééé map ref: 1 STOCKS HOTEL ééé map ref: 2 A first class hotel, just a 15-minute downhill walk to the shops & harbour. A former country mansion, with both private & public bars, lounges and a state-of-the-art leisure complex including large indoor pool, saunas, whirlpool & Jacuzzi. Definitely a customer favourite! The town bus picks up outside of the hotel. Occasional entertainment. Lifts. Car park. All bedrooms have private facilities, TV, telephone & tea/coffee tray. Located at the top of Harbour Hill, the Aval de Creux is a first class hotel with a relaxed atmosphere, just a couple of minutes’ walk from the ‘town centre’ - a collection of a few shops, post office and the starting point for either a bike ride or horse & carriage experience! Superb outdoor pool. Lodge rooms are available by upgrade. No lift. WIFI in public areas. All bedrooms have private facilities, TV, telephone & tea/ coffee tray. This family-owned hotel provides the ultimate in relaxed charm and the finest traditions of rural island hospitality, combined with contemporary comforts. The hotel has an outdoor heated pool, splash pool, Jacuzzi & beauty suite. It has a quaint ‘Stable Shop’, its own horse & carriages and makes its own bread, wine and even sloe gin. No lift. All bedrooms have private facilities, TV, WIFI, telephone & tea/coffee tray. What’s Included NOT Included Return flights from East Midlands Airport One item of ‘checked-in’ luggage Airport to hotel transfers Return ferry crossing (Sark only) 7 nights dinner, bed & breakfast Courier hotel service (Mayfair/Metropole only) Island representative (Jersey & Guernsey) ‘Door-to-Door’ service Room upgrades, available on request Excess luggage on flights Personal insurance* Early Booking Discounts HOTEL Golden Sands L’Horizon Mayfair/Metropole Ommaroo Westhill Country *(please ask for a quote) DEPARTURE 24/5 - 6/9 ALL 5/4 - 30/6 1/7 - 2/10 October 26/7 - 16/8 DISCOUNT £60pp Upg* £80pp £40pp Upg** £60pp BOOK BY 30th April 30th April 31st March 31st March 31st January 31st March Note: * Room upgrade to Ocean View, ** Upgrade to Club Room Costs shown are person, per week. Flights are usually Sunday-Sunday, but Saturday-Saturday packages may be offered as an alternative. Single room & upgrade supplements are available upon request. Photographic ID is essential for travel to the Channel Islands. A passport IS required if you intend to visit France during your stay! 5 12 19 26 3 10 17 24 31 7 14 21 28 5 12 19 26 2 9 16 23 30 6 13 20 27 4 11 18 25 SGL Rate APR APR APR APR MAY MAY MAY MAY MAY JUN JUN JUN JUN JUL JUL JUL JUL AUG AUG AUG AUG AUG SEP SEP SEP SEP OCT OCT OCT OCT SUP JERSEY Beausite 3 Golden Sands 4 705 705 705 800 800 800 800 955 955 955 955 955 955 955 955 955 955 955 955 955 955 955 955 850 800 730 710 710 710 710 Nil L'Horizon 4 860 860 860 860 860 860 860 1105 1105 1105 1105 1105 1105 1105 1105 1205 1205 1205 1205 1205 1205 1205 1205 1205 1205 1205 860 860 860 860 Nil Mayfair/Metropole 3 725 725 725 725 750 750 780 780 820 820 820 820 840 840 840 840 840 850 850 800 800 800 800 800 760 760 710 710 710 710 Req Monterey 3 685 685 685 710 710 710 710 745 745 745 745 745 765 765 765 765 765 765 765 765 765 745 745 745 715 715 685 685 685 685 Norfolk Lodge 3 655 655 655 685 685 685 685 715 715 715 715 715 715 740 740 740 740 740 740 740 740 715 715 715 685 655 655 655 655 Old Court House 3 Ommaroo 3 685 685 685 685 705 705 705 705 755 755 755 755 755 755 755 755 755 755 755 755 755 755 755 755 755 755 685 685 685 685 74 Runnymede Court 2 615 615 615 630 630 630 630 630 655 655 655 655 655 655 655 675 675 675 675 675 675 675 675 675 650 640 640 640 640 640 49 Savoy 4 860 860 860 860 860 860 860 860 915 915 915 915 915 915 915 915 915 915 915 915 915 885 885 885 885 885 845 845 845 845 Req Westhill Country 2 - - - - - - - - - - 765 765 790 790 790 840 840 840 840 840 840 840 840 840 840 840 840 840 840 790 790 740 740 830 830 830 880 880 880 880 880 880 880 880 880 880 880 880 880 880 740 740 - - - - - - - - - Req Nil - Nil - Nil 655 655 655 655 655 695 695 695 715 715 715 715 715 715 845 845 845 845 725 725 725 710 710 710 710 710 710 710 Nil GUERNSEY Fermain Valley 4 870 870 870 900 900 900 900 900 900 900 900 900 900 900 900 900 900 900 900 900 900 900 900 900 900 870 870 La Trelade 3 715 715 715 715 725 725 725 725 725 725 765 765 765 765 765 765 765 765 765 765 765 740 725 725 725 725 725 725 715 715 Req La Villette 3 605 605 605 605 615 615 615 615 635 635 635 645 655 655 655 655 655 655 655 655 655 615 615 615 615 615 615 615 615 615 Le Friquet 3 710 710 710 780 780 780 780 780 825 825 825 825 825 825 825 825 825 825 825 825 825 825 825 825 825 745 745 745 745 745 106 Les Rocquettes 3 765 765 765 765 765 765 765 765 815 815 815 815 815 815 815 815 815 815 815 815 815 815 815 815 815 765 765 765 765 765 90 Pandora 2 595 595 595 640 640 640 640 640 640 640 640 640 655 655 655 655 655 655 655 655 655 640 640 640 640 640 595 595 595 595 Nil Peninsula 3 725 725 725 745 745 745 745 745 795 795 795 795 795 795 825 825 825 825 825 825 825 825 795 795 795 725 725 725 725 725 Req - - - Req 82 SARK 22 Aval de Creux 3 955 955 955 955 955 955 955 955 955 955 955 955 955 955 955 955 955 955 955 955 955 955 955 955 955 955 955 955 955 955 126 Stocks 3 1045 1045 1045 1045 1045 1045 1045 1045 1045 1045 1045 1045 1095 1095 1095 1095 1095 1095 1095 1095 1095 1095 1095 1045 1045 1045 1045 1045 1045 1045 Req Please refer to inside front cover for information on where and how to book your holiday Railways of Europe & Beyond Italy | France | Germany | Scotland | Spain | Hungary | Morocco & Much More… Welcome to the world of Rail Holidays - an increasingly popular way of enjoying your break abroad. Over the coming pages you will find nearly 70 fantastic rail breaks, with 13 superb itineraries provided in details. All of these holidays include return transportation to London St. Pancras Railway Station to board the Eurostar for Europe - and beyond*. This wonderful collection of escorted holidays will take you to Paris or Bruges on city breaks, but also the Rhine Valley, Croatia and even Morocco. Over the page you will find details of our 2015 company escorted departure to the Italian Lakes - where a member of our own staff will travel with you for your chosen 6 or 8 day break. From the most efficient railway network in Europe to world famous lines and historic tracks, you will be able to visit a wonderful range of destinations over a great array of themes. All hotels used have been carefully selected for their convenient locations, comfortable facilities and value for money. All breakfasts are Included throughout each holiday, with many other meals Included as described. Guided tours and boat rides are also often in the cost of your tour - as, of course, are all of the rail journeys featured. From the moment you are greeted by your Tour Manager at London St. Pancras, you will be in safe hands and we feel sure that on your return to London, you will already be planning for your next European rail adventure… * Please note: On occasions it may prove necessary for us to transfer passengers to a regional railway station for travel to St. Pancras. From Scotland to St. Tropez, there are tracks to travel and destinations to discover! 23 THE ITALIAN LAKES ESCORTED DEPARTURE 7th September 2015 from £819 6 or 8 DAYS Departure Dates 20th April 2015 22nd June 2015 7th September 2015 Single Supplement Personal Insurance Lakeview Superior Lakeview 6 Days £819 £909 £919 £130 £35.95 £45 £65 8 Days N/A £1,079 £1,089 £182 £39.95 £63 £91 Hotel Ristorante Giardinetto, Lake Orta ***+ Family owned since 1930, with lakeside location & outdoor pool. All bedrooms have shower, Satellite TV & telephone. Some rooms do NOT have air-conditioning. A stylish train journey through Europe, to spend 5 (or 7) glorious nights in a lakeside paradise in Northern Italy. The region of sub-alpine lakes bears a Mediterranean feel with exotic subtropical plants adorning the gardens and promenades. From our base in Lake Orta we are ideally located to explore this spectacular region. The September date is escorted by a member of our own staff! RAIL ITINERARY Day One - After our ‘Door-to-Door’ collection, we head south to London St. Pancras to catch the Eurostar to Paris and then the high speed train to Turin, from where we are transferred to the hotel. Day Two - A free day to explore Lake Orta, a minor star in the constellation of the subalpine lakes. Day Three - Our coach takes us to Lake Maggiore, with a stop in Stresa, on the western shore with its attractive promenade and views of the Borromean Islands. Later, we enter Switzerland, stopping in Locarno, with the cobbled streets of Old Town leading down to the colonnaded Piazza Grande. Day Four - We’re off to Lake Como in Lombardy and Lake Lugano in Switzerland today. Como boasts a mountain landscape as well as picturesque villages and parks. After visiting Como town, we move on to Tremezzo for some spectacular views. Lugano town is our final stop on the northern shoreline of the lake with the same name. Day Five - A second day at leisure in resort. Relax or maybe venture out to the Island of San Giulio. Day Six - Some of you will be retracing your steps to Paris and the UK today, whilst those staying for 8 days can enjoy an excursion to Milan, with ample time to explore Europe’s fashion capital. (Day Seven) - A final free day in resort. (Day Eight) - It’s a fond farewell and a return to Turin, Paris, London and the midlands. ST. TROPEZ, NICE & MONTE CARLO from £829 8 DAYS Departure Dates 7th April 2015 30th June 2015 22nd September 2015 3rd November 2015 Single Supplement Personal Insurance Sea View £949 £1,019 £1,019 £829 £120 £39.95 £70 Hotel Excelsior, St. Raphael *** Elegant lakeside hotel in the heart of the resort. All bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, TV, WIFI, mini-bar, hairdryer & telephone. The Cote d’Azur is one of the most stylish coastlines in the world, a playground for the rich & famous - but you don’t have to be rich, or famous, to holiday here! RAIL ITINERARY Day One - After reaching London St. Pancras, you will take the Eurostar to Lille and then the TGV on to St. Raphael. Day Two - A free day to explore the resort. Day Three - Excursion to St. Tropez - by boat to avoid the traffic. Marvel at the 24 millionaire’s yacht’s in Vieux port or maybe take a walk to the 16th century Citadel for fantastic views from the top of town. Day Four - Off by rail to Nice this morning with time to explore, before another short rail journey takes us along the coast to Monte Carlo. Day Five - A second day at leisure in resort. Day Six - Optional excursion to St. Paul de Vence, a quaint village filled with art galleries, boutiques and sidewalk cafés (£25pp). Day Seven - A final free day in resort - or maybe a visit to Cannes? Day Eight - We return to the UK via our outward route. Please refer to inside front cover for information on where and how to book your holiday ULTIMATE HIGHLAND RAILWAYS RAIL ITINERARY 6 DAYS Departure Dates 28th June 2015 20th September 2015 18th October 2015 Single Supplement Personal Insurance £729 £729 £719 £70 £35.95 Carrbridge Hotel, Carrbridge *** Family-owned hotel, situated in the Cairngorm National Park. All bedrooms have private facilities, TV, telephone & tea/coffee tray. Discover a place of timeless beauty and variety - where you will see mountainous landscapes, tranquil lochs that mirror the sky and wooded glens that stretch out across the horizon. Day One - After transferring to Crewe we board the Scotrail Caledonian Sleeper Train over the border. Day Two - Breakfast can be purchased on board before arriving in Inverness, where we board the coach for a 70-mile worldfamous “Whisky Trail” tour, taking in 7 distilleries, with a visit, guided tour and ‘wee dram’ at one of them. Day Three - Off to Fort William this morning on the shores of Loch Linnhe to join the West Highland Line to Mallaig for a little free time. Day Four - We return to Inverness to board the single track Kyle Line, as featured on Michael Palin’s “Great Train Journeys of the World” to the quaint village of Kyle of Lochalsh. A scenic coastal drive then follows back to the hotel. from £719 Day Five - Aviemore is our destination this morning as we step aboard the Strathspey Steam Railway to Broomhill. A little free time in Inverness is allowed this afternoon before we re-join the sleeper train. Day Six - Maybe a little breakfast on board before disembarking again in Crewe and returning to the midlands. GREAT LITTLE TRAINS OF THE RHINE VALLEY 6 DAYS Departure Dates 13th April 2015 2nd June 2015 27th July 2015 14th September 2015 Single Supplement Personal Insurance RAIL ITINERARY £729 £789 £789 £839 £70 £35.95 Hotel Pinger, Remagen *** Family-owned hotel with coffee shop, bar, sauna & pool. All bedrooms have private facilities, Satellite TV, hairdryer & telephone. The Rhine Valley is the epitome of a romantic landscape, a place to fall in love with. Steep valley hillsides rise from the waters, clad with vineyards and fairytale castles, balanced imperiously on mountain summits. Day One - From London St. Pancras, you join the Eurostar to Brussels and then the high speed rail to Cologne. Day Two - By train along the Ahr Valley with its narrow gorges and half-timbered towns. Enjoy a wine tasting in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler too, with the chance to purchase a bottle or enjoy a vineyard horse-drawn carriage ride. Day Three - Take the tracks to Cologne today, a city dominated by the magnificent Gothic Cathedral. Later, we visit Bonn by rail for a short stay, before returning to Remagen by boat. Day Four - Step aboard the Vulkan Express narrow-gauge train for one of the most scenic rides in the Rhine Valley passing castles and viaducts, heading towards the Eifel Mountains to the village of Engeln. GREAT LITTLE TRAINS OF AUSTRIA RAIL ITINERARY 9 DAYS Departure Dates 26th June 2015 7th August 2015 4th September 2015 Single Supplement Personal Insurance £1079 £1149 £1099 £120 £39.95 Hotel Mesnerwirt, Westondorf *** A relaxing atmosphere is assured in this idyllic traditional Austrian hotel. All bedrooms have private facilities, Satellite TV, WIFI, partial balcony & telephone. The Austrian Tyrol is a picture-perfect landscape, characterised by lush alpine meadows, crystal clear lakes and spectacular mountain ranges. Day One - From St. Pancras, you join the Eurostar to Brussels and the high speed rail to Cologne and our overnight hotel. Day Two - ICE train from Cologne to Munich, then an onward connection to our hotel at the foot of the Kitzbüler Alps. Day Three - Coach ride in to the Ziller Valley, including a Zillertalbahn train ride (with Schnapps) and a visit to Mayrhofen. Day Four - Neighbouring Salzburg region today, visiting Zell am See & Kitzbühel, along with a ride on the Pinzgau train. Day Five - By coach to St. Wolfburg & St. Gilgen on Lake Wolfgangsee with a cruise & Schafbergbahn Railway Included. Day Six - Another coach excursion, this time to Innsbruck, with a guided tour and time at leisure. Day Seven - Lake Achensee today, including the Achenseebahn Railway and a cruise from £729 Day Five - Through the Rhine Gorge today, past the Lorelei Rock to Rüdesheim, famous for its fabulous cable car ride and tavern-filled Drosselgasse. Day Six - We return to the UK via our outward route. from £1079 from Pertisau to Achenkirch. Day Eight - Depart the resort after breakfast and return to Cologne and our overnight hotel. Day Nine - We retrace our outward route to the UK. Remember – Our superb ‘Door-to-Door’ service applies to all our Rail, Air or Cruise holidays 25 LANGUEDOC, CARCASSONNE & AVIGNON RAIL ITINERARY 8 DAYS Departure Dates 16th May 2015 13th June 2015 12th September 2015 Single Supplement Personal Insurance £879 £969 £949 £120 £39.95 Hotel Restaurant Gil de France, Cap d’Agde **+ A stylish hotel not far from the beach with excellent leisure facilities. All bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning & TV. Framed by the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees Mountains, the French Province of Languedoc is a hidden oasis, relatively undiscovered. You’re promised a tour that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palette. Day One - From St. Pancras to Lille via Eurostar, to board the high speed connection to Cap d’Agde. Day Two - A free day at leisure in this Mediterranean resort. Day Three - By coach to Carcassonne , a world heritage site, where the old city is in fact a castle perched on the hilltop. Day Four - A second free day in Cap d’Agde. Explore the impressive architecture or maybe even venture out to Séte? Day Five - Optional ride down the Canal du Midi, gliding by quaint waterside villages to Noilly Prat for a wine tasting. Day Six - Visit Pont du Gard, a 2000-year old Roman aqueduct. Later we visit Avignon, city of the Popes. Day Seven - A final day to relax around the hotel and surrounding area. Day Eight - It’s time for farewell’s as we from £879 retrace the outward route back to the UK. GREAT LITTLE TRAINS OF THE HARZ MOUNTAINS RAIL ITINERARY 5 DAYS Departure Dates 18th May 2015 5th October 2015 Single Supplement Personal Insurance £869 £859 £70 £35.95 Ramada Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, Hahnenklee ***+ Modern hotel with superb indoor pool and leisure facilities. All bedrooms have private facilities, TV, WIFI, hairdryer & telephone. The Harz Mountain range is a secret landscape of pretty villages, romantic towns & graceful castles, surrounded by outstanding natural scenery. Day One - From St. Pancras, take the Eurostar to Brussels and then the high speed rail to Cologne and Hannover. Day Two - We visit Goslar today, a beautiful town at the foot of the mountains. Explore the medieval Cathedral, 16th century town hall and stunning Imperial Palace, as well as the narrow cobblestone streets of the old town. Day Three - After breakfast we visit Wernigerode and join the Brocken Steam Railway to the summit of the Harz Mountains. Free time is allowed back in the town later on. Day Four - Quedlinburg is one of the best preserved medieval and renaissance towns in Europe. The hilltop castle and Cathedral dominate the area. After time here, we join the Selketal Railway through the Selke Valley. Day Five - We retrace our steps today back to the UK. LAKE GENEVA & MONT BLANC EXPRESS RAIL ITINERARY 6/7 DAYS Departure Dates 22nd March 2015 17th July 2015 18th September 2015 Single Supplement Personal Insurance £999 £1149 £1119 £10 £37.95 Hotel Central Residence & Spa, Leysin *** A relaxing atmosphere is assured in this pleasant hotel with superb leisure facilities. All bedrooms have private facilities, TV, balcony & telephone. Staying in a popular mountain village high above the Rhone Valley, you can enjoy amazing views around the Alps of France and Switzerland and marvel on board the Mont Blanc Express. 26 from £859 Day One -St. Pancras, you join the Eurostar to Paris, the TGV to Geneva and connecting train to Leysin. Day Two - Free day in resort. Why not take the Berneuse Cable Car, leading to the revolving mountain top restaurant. Day Three - To the quaint town of Lake Geneva today by rail, for time at leisure and maybe a lake cruise too? Day Four - We board the Mont Blanc Express for a magical return journey to the breathtaking heights of Chamonix Mont Blanc, host of the first Winter Olympics in 1924. Day Five - Return to Montreux to join the Rack Railway up to Rochers de Naye. At 2,045m above sea level, it is one of the most stunning vantage points in the region (*not included on 6-day March tour). Day Six - Two scenic rail journeys today! The first, from Brig on the Lötschberger Express, from £999 then at Speiz we change trains and travel to Zweisimmen to join the Golden Pass Railway back to Montreux. Day Seven - We retrace our outward route to the UK. Please refer to inside front cover for information on where and how to book your holiday ROME, POMPEII & THE AMALFI COAST RAIL ITINERARY 10 DAYS Departure Dates 18th June 2015 17th September 2015 15th October 2015 Single Supplement Personal Insurance £1,295 £1,325 £1,255 £150 £39.95 Hotel Accommodation 1 night B&B in Turin, 2 nights B&B in Rome & 6 nights dinner, bed & breakfast at the 4-star Hotel Villa Romano, Minori. Rome is without doubt one of the most beautiful cities in the world, ancient Pompeii is the perfect example of Roman Life and then you can relax on the Amalfi Coast, Italy’s most scenic stretch of coastline. Day One - To Paris on board Eurostar and then the high speed train to Turin and our overnight hotel. Day Two - By rail to Rome, with time to visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Trevi Fountain. Day Three - A full day at leisure. Maybe explore Vatican City, where you will find St. Peter’s Basilica & the Sistine Chapel. Day Four - By coach today, to the pretty resort of Minori, stopping off to visit the ancient city of Pompeii en route. Days Five - Nine - You will have plenty of time to explore Minori, with its splendid 11th century fountain and web of picturesque lanes. You can visit the town of Amalfi via a short ferry ride (not Included) and there are optional excursions to Ravello (£19pp), Positanao (£19pp) and the Isle of Capri (£55pp). VENICE & THE LAKES & ISLES OF CROATIA RAIL ITINERARY 12 DAYS Departure Dates 8th June 2015 28th September 2015 Single Supplement Personal Insurance £1,395 £1,415 £109 £39.95 Hotel Accommodation 1 night B&B in Turin, 2 nights B&B in Rome, 7 nights dinner, bed & breakfast in Opatija, Croatia & 1 night B&B in Novara. Enjoy nearly two days in Venice, the city of islands, before journeying on to Istria, a heart-shaped peninsula that lies on the green and turquoise hues of the Adriatic Sea. Day One -To Paris on board Eurostar and then the high speed train to Turin and our overnight hotel. Days Two-Three - The beautiful city of Venice is built on more than a hundred tiny islands, with a romantic labyrinth of canals, narrow streets and open squares. Visit St. Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace or the famous Rialto Bridge. Day Four - By rail to Trieste and then by coach to Opatija, stopping at Lipica Stud Farm on the way. Day Five - Enjoy a full day at leisure - on the beach or along the promenade. Day Six - Included excursion to Kirk Island, one of 1,185 Croatian Islands! Day Seven - A second full day at leisure. Optional excursion to Porec, Pula & Rovinj (£35pp). Day Eight - Included excursion to Plitvice HIGHLIGHTS OF CORSICA RAIL ITINERARY 10 DAYS Departure Dates 10th April 2015 19th June 2015 25th September 2015 Single Supplement Personal Insurance £1,445 On Req On Req £249 £39.95 Hotel Accommodation 1 night B&B in Nice, 7 nights dinner, bed & breakfast on Corsica & 1 night B&B in Marseille. *This itinerary may be subject to change. From the very northern tip of Cape Corse, to the very southern tip of Corsica’s ‘Land’s End’, relish in the beauty of this little French island, with stays in Bastia, Calvi, Corte and Ajaccio. Day One - To Lille on board Eurostar and then the high speed train to Nice and our overnight hotel. Day Two - A leisurely afternoon crossing to the Mediterranean island of Corsica and our main hotel, in Bastia. Day Three - A morning guided road train tour is followed by the remainder of the day at leisure. Day Four - We travel along the peninsula of Cape Corse, via Patrimonio (wine tasting) and St. Florent to Calvi. Day Five - Today we visit the villages of La Balagne, the Garden of Corsica and include a boat ride to Scandola Nature Reserve. Day Six - After visiting the town of Ile Rousse, we venture to the heart of Corsica, visiting Calaccia en route to Corte. Day Seven - Another road train this morning, then over the Vizzavona mountain from £1,255 Day Ten - We transfer to Naples Airport for our return flight to the UK. FLIGHT INCLUSIVE! from £1,395 Lakes, the largest national park in Croatia. Days Nine-Ten - Two more days at leisure. Optional excursion to Postojna Caves (£35pp). Day Eleven - Transfer back to Venice by rail, changing trains for Novara and our final night’s accommodation. Day Twelve - A quick return to Paris to board the Eurostar homebound for London. from £1,445 pass to Bocognano en route to Ajaccio. Day Eight - Along the west coast via Propriano to Bonifacio, with a road train tour and sea caves boat trip Included. Day Nine - We take the ferry to Toulon, before re-joining the coach to Marseilles and our final night’s accommodation. Day Ten - The TGV carries us to Lille or Paris to board the Eurostar back to England. Travelling across Europe by train must surely be such a totally relaxing experience! 27 MEDIEVAL BRUGES BY EUROSTAR 4 DAYS Departure Dates 20th February 2015 17th May 2015 19th July 2015 3rd October 2015 29th November 2015 Single Supplement Personal Insurance £389 £419 £429 £429 £399 £90 £35.95 Ibis Brugge Centrum Hotel Located in an ancient medieval building in the centre of the city. All bedrooms have private facilities, air conditioning, WIFI, Satellite TV & telephone. *Our ‘Door-to-Door’ service will take you to a regional railway station on this tour for travel to St. Pancras. Known as the ‘Venice of the North’, Bruges is a picture-perfect city entwined with cobbled streets and romantic canals. from £389 On this 4-day break you will stay in the heart of Bruges, an area that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Along with its beauty, Bruges is known around the world for its fine export of chocolate and beer. RAIL ITINERARY* Day One - Meet up with your tour manager at St. Pancras and step aboard the Eurostar to Lille. From there, we travel by coach to Bruges for our hotel check-in and a relaxing evening at leisure. 3 nights bed & breakfast Included. Day Two - After breakfast you can enjoy a walking tour of this medieval city, before a free afternoon to explore. However, there’s an optional canal cruise excursion available from March-November at £8pp if you prefer. Day Three - A day at leisure OR join the Included coach trip to Ypres, almost totally PARIS HIGHLIGHTS BY EUROSTAR 4 DAYS Departure Dates 27th Febuary 2015 24th April 2015 26th June 2015 18th September 2015 27th November 2015 Single Supplement Personal Insurance £379 £389 £399 £419 £419 £60 £35.95 IBIS PARIS LA DÉFENSE CENTER HOTEL Modern hotel, located in the heart of Paris’ La Défense area. All bedrooms have private facilities, WIFI, Satellite TV & telephone. *Our ‘Doorto-Door’ service will take you to a regional railway station on this tour for travel to St. Pancras. A wonderful escorted tour by rail to one of the most romantic and fascinating cities in Europe. Paris is a from £379 cultural treasure chest, where past and present are perfectly combined. With accommodation in the heart of Paris’ La Défense area, you are close to the Champs-Elysées and Arc de Triomphe. RAIL ITINERARY* Day One - Meet up with your tour manager at St. Pancras and step aboard the Eurostar for an afternoon ride to Paris. Coach transfer to the hotel. 3 nights bed & breakfast Included. Day Two - Enjoy a guided coach tour of the highlights including the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysées and The Louvre. Later, we visit Versailles, a charming city, famed for its Palace. (No admissions are Included today). Day Three - Why not join the coach to Montmartre, the highest hill in Paris for wonderful views along with a village-like … AND THERE’S MORE! 2015 Dates 3rd May, 11th Oct 29th May, 24th Sep 22nd Apr, 16th Sep 7th Jun, mid-Sep 23rd May, 30th Aug 8th Mar, 12th Apr 16th May, 10th Oct 15th May, 12th Jun 16th Mar, 12th Oct 14th Mar, 28th Mar 13th Apr, 11th Sep atmosphere. After a little free time here, you can drop off in Paris for more leisure time if you wish. There’s the option of enjoying dinner, wine and champagne tonight followed by the hit show ‘Paradis a le Folie’ (£115pp). Day Four - Take in a little more sightseeing this morning, before we return to Paris Gare du Nord to find the Eurostar again and head back to the UK. from £819 6-10 DAYS Rail Departure Title A Chateau on the Dordogne Albi, Carcassonne & The Vermillion Coast Barcelona & Highlights of Catalonia Barcelona, Madrid, Seville & Cordoba Berlin, Prague, Budapest & Vienna Italian Riviera of Flowers Jungfrau Express L’ile de Ré & La Rochelle Marrakech Express Springtime in Menton on the French Riviera Tuscany, Cinque Terre & Riviera of Flowers destroyed during World War I. Today it is a beautiful and moving place. Visit the magnificent church and Cathedral and the world-famous Menin Gate. We also include a visit to Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest British war cemetery in the world. Day Four - This morning we delve in to the exciting world of chocolate making with a Chocolate Shop visit in the city centre. Late in the morning we return to the station where Eurostar awaits to whisk us home to England. Days 6 8 7 8 10 6 8 6 10 7 10 From £1,069 £999 £859 £1,489 £1,099 £819 £1,389 £899 £1,149 £819 £1,099 There are many more exciting rail departures available and if one of these is of interest to yourself then please call for details, as they are available upon request! Rail Holiday Notes * Inclusive of ‘Door-to-Door’ return service to London St. Pancras (occasional use of regional rail stations may be necessary) * Meal inclusions vary between tours, though most hotels will be based on dinner, bed & breakfast unless stated * Excursions and railways as described are Included unless otherwise stated * There is a Diamond Rail ‘Tour Manager’ present on ALL departures. A ‘Single Traveller’ supplement of £75 may apply on some departures to cover transfer costs. 28 Please refer to inside front cover for information on where and how to book your holiday River Cruising - Europe & Beyond! Germany | Switzerland | Holland | Italy | Hungary | China A wonderfully relaxing introduction to the world of cruising - river cruising. Enjoy a pleasant atmosphere on board ships with a much more personal touch than an ocean liner, yet a level of service and cuisine that would be a match for any of them. The choice of cruises you will see over the coming pages are taken on board one of three superb vessels, each with its own style and character. Maybe none more so than the ever-popular mps Lady Anne - a wonderful 53-cabin floating ‘home from home’, owned and operated by Captain Wido Arts, with superb lounge bar, nightly entertainment and spacious sun deck. Cabins are on three levels. The majestic 4-star ms Serenity has 95 cabins on board. She was purpose built in 2006 and her sleek design and distinctive claret and cream colouring is matched by the level of service provided on board. A spacious Lounge Bar along with a lovely Lido Bar & Terrace provide refreshment opportunities, whilst commanding views can be enjoyed from the vast Sun Deck too. Regular entertainment can also be enjoyed on board. The Lady Anne & Serenity provide a superb collection of European river cruise options from short 3-night mini-cruises to wonderful 9-night experiences along the Rhine & Moselle. A special 5-star cruise along the Yangtze River is featured on page 34 on board one of Victoria Cruises fleet of first class river cruisers. With between 100-200 cabins on board, the personal touch and wonderful atmosphere remains. All ships have elaborate décor and high ceilings. Facilities on board are likely to include a choice of restaurants and bars, fitness centre, library, beauty salon & gift shop. All cruises feature our ‘Door-toDoor’ service, with transportation provided to either your local coach joining point or airport if required. There’s so much to see when river cruising across Europe! 29 RHINE DISCOVERY from £607 4 NIGHTS Departure Date Passenger Deck Main Deck Standard Main Deck Superior Promenade Deck Personal Insurance from from from from 4th May 2015 £607 £637 £717 £747 £33.95 Included Excursions 1 Rüdesheim Highlights, including cable car 2 Rüdesheim by Night 3 Hünsruck Mountain Railway 4 Ahr Valley, with wine tasting 5 Cologne Highlights The beauty of the Rhine River Valley is enhanced with a kaleidoscope of year round colour, from the lush greens of spring to vibrant reds and oranges heralding the autumn. There is so much to discover, that this cruise will almost certainly leave you promising to return. CRUISE ITINERARY Day One - From the UK, we travel via the Dover/Calais crossing to Andernach to board the mps Lady Anne, with time to visit the town on arrival if you wish. Day Two - Casting off this morning, we cruise up through the dramatic and narrow Rhine Gorge to reach Rüdesheim. We have Included the daytime highlights tour (1) as well as an evening adventure (2), seeking out the Drosselgasse and enjoying a little wine tasting too. Day Three - Retracing our route back through the Rhine Gorge. We stop at Boppard. One of Germany’s most delightful mountain railways is Included (3). Later, the ship cruises on to Koblenz, with more free time this evening to explore. Day Four - This morning, we set sail for the former capital of West Germany, Bonn. This afternoon you will be able to enjoy the Ahr Valley by coach (4). After re-joining the ship later on in Cologne, there’s a chance to learn a little about this ‘fragrance’ city (5). Day Five - Leaving the ship and bidding farewell to Captain Arts and his crew, we retrace our steps back to the UK. RHINE VALLEY TURKEY & TINSEL from £409 4 NIGHTS ESCORTED BY A MEMBER OF OUR OWN STAFF ALWAYS - ask for the latest offers! Fantastic discounts are available on many departures for the ‘Early Bookers’! Get into the festive mood on this ‘Escorted’ pre-Christmas cruise. This journey through the scenic Rhine Gorge, with its on board seasonal revelry, is the perfect antidote to those dreary British November days. Superb excursions allow you to stock up on local tipples for the back home, while visits to the illuminated waterside towns are perfect for gift shopping. CRUISE ITINERARY Day One - From the UK, we travel via the Dover/Calais crossing to Andernach to 30 board the mps Lady Anne, with time to visit the town on arrival if you wish. Day Two - Christmas Eve We cruise through the Rhine Gorge to the pretty town of Rüdesheim. A highlights tour will include a visit to the wonderful mechanical music museum of Siegfried (1). After a traditional German Christmas Eve dinner, simply relax and enjoy the entertainment. Day Three - Christmas Day We cruise back down the Rhine Gorge to Boppard. After a traditional British Christmas Lunch, there’s a magical coach excursion into the scenic Moselle Valley (2). We re-board later, in the Departure Date Passenger Deck Main Deck Standard Main Deck Superior Promenade Deck Personal Insurance 27th November 2015 from £409 from £499 from £549 from £579 £33.95 Included Excursions 1 Rüdesheim Highlights, including cable car 2 Moselle Valley 3 Ahr Valley, with wine tasting ancient walled city of Koblenz for more fun on board. Day Four - Boxing Day Our cruise down the Rhine takes us past the Siebengebirge (Seven Mountains) to Bonn. After Boxing Day lunch, there’s another excursion - to the Ahr Valley (3) for some wine tasting, before finishing with a final evening of entertainment. Day Five - We bid a fond farewell to captain and crew, disembark and head back to the UK. Please refer to inside front cover for information on where and how to book your holiday CRUISE THE RHINE TO SWITZERLAND from £1,113 9 NIGHTS Departure Dates Passenger Deck Main Deck Standard Main Deck Superior Promenade Deck Personal Insurance 18th June 2015 20th August 2015 from £1,113 from £1,243 from £1,453 from £1,493 £33.95 Included Excursions Enjoy this marvellous cruise down the Rhine as we journey through Germany, France and Switzerland. At every twist and turn of the river there are spectacular views and fascinating cities and towns for you discover. You will also see two UNESCO World Heritage Sites! TOUR ITINERARY Day One - From the UK, we travel via the Dover/Calais crossing to Koblenz to board the mps Lady Anne and enjoy a relaxing evening on board. Day Two - Sail up through the beautiful Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim. Excursions (1 & 2) Day Three - Through the Rhine’s broader waters to the Celtic Roman city of Speyer (3). Later, the ship continues to Iffezheim. Day Four - Onwards over the border to the Alsace region of France, with a canal cruise Included in Strasbourg (4). Day Five - Cruising through the Rhine Plain to Breisach. A visit to Riquewihr and a wine tasting & vineyard excursion follows later (5). Day Six - A full day’s coach excursion (6) takes you through the Black Forest to Titisee, before re-joining the ship at Basel. 1 Rüdesheim Highlights, including cable car 2 Rüdesheim by Night 3 Speyer Highlights 4 Strasbourg Canal Cruise 5 Alluring Alsace 6 Black Forest & Rhine Falls 7 Lucerne Highlights 8 Heidelberg Highlights 9 Koblenz Cable Car & Ehrenbreitstein Castle Day Seven - Lucerne by coach today (7), tunnelling through the Java Mountains. Day Eight - Cruise on to Mannheim, join the coach to Heidelberg (8) and a Captain’s Dinner awaits tonight. Day Nine - Take to the Sun Deck as we cruise back to Koblenz, where a pleasant excursion, including another cable car ride awaits (9). Day Ten - It’s time for goodbye’s this morning as we head back to the UK. RHINE CRUISE & SWISS DELIGHTS from £1,173 8 NIGHTS Departure Dates Main Deck Standard Middle Deck Promenade Deck Personal Insurance 14th May 2015 20th August 2015 from £1,173 from £1,363 from £1,563 £41.95 Included Excursions 1 Rüdesheim Highlights, including cable car 2 Rüdesheim by Night 3 Heidelberg Highlights 4 Strasbourg Guided Tour 5 Strasbourg Canal Cruise 6 Alluring Alsace 7 Lucerne Highlights 8 Black Forest & Rhine Falls There’s no better way to see the spectacular sights along the Rhine than from the river itself, and on this leisurely cruise you can witness the countless treasures of three countries as we glide through Germany, France and Switzerland. TOUR ITINERARY Day One - From the UK, we travel via the Dover/Calais crossing to Andernach to board the ms Serenity, sailing on to Koblenz . Day Two - Sail up through the beautiful Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim. Excursions (1 & 2). Day Three - Through the Rhine’s broader waters to the Celtic Roman city of Speyer (3). Later, the ship continues to Strasbourg. Day Four - Onwards over the border to the Alsace region of France, with a walking tour and canal cruise Included in Strasbourg (4 & 5). Day Five - Cruising through the Rhine Plain to Breisach. A visit to Riquewihr and a wine tasting & vineyard excursion follows later (6). Day Six - A half day coach excursion (7) will take you through the Java Mountains and the remainder of your day is at leisure. Day Seven - We sail back to Breisach, before heading off by coach to explore the Black Forest and Rhine Falls (8). Day Eight - After breakfast we say farewell to the Captain and travel to our overnight hotel. Day Nine - This morning, we complete the final leg of a wonderful holiday, returning to the UK. 31 MAGICAL MOSELLE 6 NIGHTS Departure Date Passenger Deck Main Deck Standard Main Deck Superior Promenade Deck Personal Insurance from from from from 2nd July 2015 £791 £871 £961 £1,001 £37.95 Let the magical Moselle cast a spell on you as we follow its meandering course between Koblenz and Trier. This colourful, eye-catching area is brim-full of valley hillsides, world-class vineyards and stunning castles sitting high above the water for you to admire. CRUISE ITINERARY Day One - From the UK, we travel via Dover/ Calais to Andernach to board the mps Lady Anne, with time to visit the town on arrival. Day Two - Joining the Moselle this morning, from £791 we cruise to the Celtic Roman town of Cochem, with an excursion (1) to Beilstein & Reichsburg Castle. Day Three - Relax on board as you sail to Bernkastel, passing the pretty wine town of Zell, with a walking tour on arrival (2). Day Four - We’re off to Trier today, close to the Luxembourg border, with another walking tour upon arrival (3). Day Five - After breakfast there is a full day excursion to Luxembourg (4), known as the ‘Gibraltar of the North’. Later, we re-join the ship in Traben Trarbach. Day Six - We cruise back to Cochem this morning before embarking on our final excursion (5) to Winningen and Lahneck Castle, with a little wine tasting too. Day Seven - Arriving back in Andernach, we bid farewell and retrace our steps back to the UK. Included Excursions 1 Magical Moselle Towns & Castles 2 Bernkastel Highlights 3 Trier guided walking tour 4 Luxembourg 5 Magical Moselle Wine & Castles trail RHINE & MOSELLE HIGHLIGHTS 7 NIGHTS Departure Date Passenger Deck Main Deck Standard Main Deck Superior Promenade Deck Personal Insurance from from from from 23rd May 2015 £927 £997 £1,087 £1,137 £39.95 Combine the highlights of Germany’s most famous rivers, the Rhine and Moselle, on one fabulous cruise. From the mystic charm and legends of the Rhine Valley to the flourishing vineyards of the Moselle, we cruise these two famous rivers, stopping at towns and villages along the way to explore the area and experience local traditions and delicacies. CRUISE ITINERARY Day One - From the UK, we travel via Dover/ Calais to Andernach to board the mps Lady Anne, with time to visit the town on arrival. Day Two - Cruise up the Rhine to Koblenz, where the rivers meet, before continuing on to Cochem (1). Day Three - Following the famous twists and turns of the Moselle, we make our way to Bernkastel (2). Day Four - Relax on board, whilst also enjoying free time in Traben Trarbach and Zell. Optional ‘Trier’ coach excursion (£25pp). Day Five - Cruising back to Koblenz, with a highlights tour (3) & evening wine tasting (4) Included. Day Six - Today we venture through the Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim, with another cable car excursion on arrival (5). Day Seven - Boppard, ‘The Pearl of the Rhine’ is next, with a road train & chairlift excursion Included (6). Day Eight - Returning to Koblenz, we disembark and begin our homeward journey. UP THE RHINE & DOWN THE DANUBE 14 NIGHTS* Departure Dates Main Deck Standard Middle Deck Panorama Deck Personal Insurance 28th April 2015* 28th May 2015 from £2,249 from £2,449 from £2,749 £57.95 Join us for a voyage of discovery as we follow the course of the Rhine, Main, Main-Danube Canal and the Danube on an incredible journey from Cologne to Budapest. Cruising through four countries, we witness some of Europe’s greatest natural landscapes and fascinating cities. CRUISE ITINERARY Day One - Flying from the UK, we board the ms Serenity in Cologne. Day Two - Cruise to Koblenz (1). Day Three - Through the Rhine Gorge to 32 from £927 Included Excursions 1 Heart of the Moselle Wine Tasting 2 Bernkastel Highlights 3 Koblenz Cable Car & Ehrenbreitstein Castle 4 Koblenz at Night, with Wine Tasting 5 Rüdesheim Highlights 6 Boppard Highlights AIR & CRUISE DEPARTURES! Rüdesheim (2). Day Four - We reach Frankfurt, this morning (3). Later, continuing towards Wertheim. Day Five - Arriving around noon, a road train excursion awaits (4). Day Six - Overnight cruise to Würzburg, leaving later in the day for Bamberg. Day Seven - Arriving around noon, with ample time to look around. Day Eight - Nürnberg (Nuremberg) is today’s destination (5). Day Nine - The port of Regensburg is where we spend today (6). Day Ten - Passau is located where the Danube, Inn & Ilz Rivers all meet (7). Day Eleven - Into Austria today, to Melk (8) & the Wachau Valley (9). Day Twelve - A full day in Vienna. Day Thirteen - A morning in the Slovakian capital of Bratislava (10), sailing on to Budapest later. from £2,249 Included Excursions 1 Koblenz Cable Car & Ehrenbreitstein Castle 2 Rüdesheim Highlights 3 Frankfurt city tour 4 Wertheim Little Road Train 5 Nuremberg city tour 6 Regensburg city tour & Danube Gorge 7 Passau walking tour 8 Melk Abbey 9 Typical Austrian evening 10 Bratislava city tour 11 Budapest citiy tour Day Fourteen - A day in the city (11). Day Fifteen - We bid farewell and return to the airport for our homeward flight. *April departure is 15 nights and operates a reverse itinerary. Please ask for details. Please refer to inside front cover for information on where and how to book your holiday RHINE IN FLAMES 7 NIGHTS Departure Date Passenger Deck Main Deck Standard Main Deck Superior Promenade Deck Personal Insurance 4th August 2015 from £973 from £1,063 from £1,133 from £1,193 £39.95 Join us on this truly illuminating cruise through the Rhine Valley for the annual fireworks display to celebrate the harvest of Riesling grapes. The spectacular Middle Rhine, surrounding the Lorelei Rock, plays host to this extraordinary interplay of fire, water and light. CRUISE ITINERARY Day One - From the UK, we travel via Dover/ Calais to Cologne to board the mps Lady Anne. Day Two - Why not take to the Sun from £973 Deck and enjoy the scenery as you pass through the former capital city, Bonn and the picturesque Siebbengebirge (seven mountains) en route to Koblenz (1) Day Three - Cruising further along into the narrow Rhine Gorge, we reach Rüdesheim (2 & 3). Day Four - We reach the city of Mainz today, at the confluence of the Rhine & Main Rivers (4). Day Five - Our Rhine in Flames Festival Day gets off to a quiet start, as we return through the Rhine Gorge to Boppard. Tonight, you will get to enjoy the breath-taking firework spectacular. Day Six - After this morning’s excursion (5), enjoy lunch on board before sailing back past Koblenz to Andernach (6). Day Seven - Beethoven’s birthplace of Bonn is our next call (7), before later on cruising to Cologne. Included Excursions 1 Heart of Moselle Wine Tasting 2 Rüdesheim Highlights, incl. cable car 3 Rüdesheim by Night 4 Vibrant Mainz 5 Boppard Highlights 6 Ahr Valley, with Wine Tasting 7 Bonn Highlights Day Eight - We bid farewell, disembark and begin our UK return journey. CRUISE THE DANUBE TO VIENNA & BUDAPEST 9 NIGHTS Departure Dates Main Deck Standard Middle Deck Panorama Deck Personal Insurance 18th April 2015 14th June 2015 12th July 2015 21st September 2015 April Jun-Sep from £1,154 £1,304 from £1,294 £1,444 from £1,144 £1,594 £44.95 Enjoy the fascinating history and culture of some of the most beautiful cities in the heart of Europe while cruising the Danube. With time in Vienna as well as a visit to Budapest, this is a wonderful opportunity to sail the waters immortalised by the composer Strauss in ‘The Blue Danube’. CRUISE ITINERARY Calais to our overnight hotel. Day Two - We board the ms Serenity in Passau and set sail towards Melk. Day Three - Arriving this morning (1) for the day, before cruising overnight to Vienna. Day Four - A full day in this historic city (2 & 3). Day Five - A full day in beautiful Budapest (4 & 5). Day Six - Another day in the city (6), before setting sail later for Bratislava. Day Seven - We arrive this morning for a guided tour (7) before sailing off again later. Day Eight - Arriving in Dürnstein this morning (8) before cruising on to Passau. Day Nine - We disembark this morning and travel to our overnight hotel. Day Ten - The final journey of a wonderful holiday, returns us to the UK. from £1,154 Included Excursions 1 Melk Abbey 2 Vienna city tour 3 Schönbrunn Palace 4 Budapest city tour 5 Budapest by Night 6 Puszta Horse Show 7 Bratislava guided tour 8 Dürnstein tour, with Wine Tasting Day One - From the UK, we travel via Dover/ GREAT RIVERS OF GERMANY 8 NIGHTS Departure Date Passenger Deck Main Deck Standard Main Deck Superior Promenade Deck Personal Insurance 22nd September 2015 from £1,068 from £1,158 from £1,248 from £1,328 £41.95 Cruise four of Germany’s greatest rivers on one fabulous holiday: the Rhine, the Moselle, the Neckar and the Main. From quaint towns and cobbled streets to medieval cities and grand cathedrals, this extensive itinerary is the ultimate river cruise. CRUISE ITINERARY Day One - From the UK, we travel via Dover/ Calais to Cologne to board the mps Lady Anne. Day Two - Cruise through the dramatic narrow Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim, with free time (1 & 2). Day Three - We travel up the Main to Frankfurt, Germany’s foremost financial city, with its ‘Manhattan’ skyline (3). Day Four - Retracing our route, we stop off at Mainz, with a rich history spanning over 2000 years (4). Day Five - We cruise along part of the Rhine, before joining the Neckar. Our destination is the lively cosmopolitan city of Mannheim (5). Day Six - An early start takes us back along the Rhine to Boppard, with a mini road train & chairlift excursion Included (6). Day Seven - Joining the Moselle, we sail around an idyllic bend in the river to Cochem (7). Day Eight Turning our course back to the Rhine once more, we cruise back to the city of Koblenz (8). Day Nine - We bid farewell, disembark and begin our UK return journey. from £1,068 Included Excursions 1 Rüdesheim Highlights 2 Rüdesheim by Night 3 Frankfurt 4 Vibrant Mainz 5 Heidelburg Highlights 6 Boppard Highlights 7 Magical Moselle Towns & Castles 8 Ahr Valley, with Wine Tasting So much of Europe lies beside its famous rivers. How do you decide on YOUR destination! 33 HOLLAND IN THE SPRING - 2 CRUISES! DUTCH TOWNS & SPRING GARDENS OF KEUKENHOF 6 NIGHTS Departure Date Passenger Deck Main Deck Promenade Deck Personal Insurance from from from 2nd April 2015 £705 £775 £865 £37.95 Day Six - To Volendam. Excursion to Keukenhof Gardens. Day Seven - Bid farewell to Amsterdam as we return to the UK. CRUISE ITINERARY 1st December 2015 from £390 from £480 from £510 £29.95 Enjoy a festive cruise whilst absorbing the mouth-watering smell of baked gingerbread, warming taste of Glühwein and the twinkling of the wonderful street lighting. 3 NIGHTS Departure Date Passenger Deck Main Deck Promenade Deck Personal Insurance from from from 15th April 2015 £389 £439 £529 £29.95 Day One - After boarding the mps Lady Anne in Amsterdam, we cruise to Volendam. Day Two - Over the shores of Ijsselmeer to Kampen. Excursion to Het Loo Palace. Day Three - Cruise to Leylstad. Keukenhof Garden visit and evening canal cruise. Day Four - We bid farewell and retrace our steps to the UK. GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS 3 NIGHTS AMSTERDAM & BULBFIELDS SPECTACULAR CRUISE ITINERARY Day One - We board the mps Lady Anne in Arnham. Day Two - Airborne Museum & Oosterbeek War Cemetery, then on to Zutphen. Day Three - To Kampen, with visit to Het Loo Palace. Re-join ship in Lemmer. Day Four - Cruise to Franeker. Excursion to Leeuwarden, before sailing to Harlingen. Day Five - Former seaport of Enkhuizen first, with time to explore. Departure Date Main Deck Standard Main Deck Superior Promenade Deck Personal Insurance from £389 from £390 Included Excursions 1 Rüdesheim Highlights 2 Koblenz at Night, with Wine Tasting Day Three - On to Cologne to explore the first class festive markets. Day Four - We bid farewell to Cologne and return to the UK. CRUISE ITINERARY Day One - After boarding the mps Lady Anne in Andernach, there’s time to explore the town. Day Two - Through the Rhine Gorge, past the Lorelei Rock to Oberwesel. Rüdesheim excursion (1), followed by Koblenz wine tasting tour (2). ‘5-STAR’ GRAND YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE 18 DAYS (with 8 night cruise) Departure Date 14th April 2015 from £3490 Departure Date 26th May 2015 from £3590 Departure Date 8th September 2015 from £3690 Travel with Wendy Wu Tours along the mighty Yangtze River, experiencing some of the most spectacular scenery around - from your own balcony! CRUISE ITINERARY Days One-Two - Overnight flight to Shanghai. Day Three - Sightseeing tour, including Yu Gardens & Shanghai Museum. Evening Huangpu River cruise. Day Four - Board 5-star Yangtze ship for 8 nights. Itinerary subject to change. 34 from £3,490 Days Five - Eleven - Yangtze River cruise, Nanjing, Mt. Jiuhua, Wuhan, Three Gorges Dam, Wu Gorge & Qutang Gorge and Fengdu City are amongst the highlights whilst on board. Day Twelve - Drive to Chengdu. Day Thirteen - Panda Conservation Centre, a flight to Xian and a Tang Dynasty Dance Evening with meal. Day Fourteen - Visit the Terracotta Warriors & walk the Ancient City Walls. Day Fifteen - Free time in Xian before flying to Beijing. Day Sixteen - Time to explore Tiananmen Square & Mao’s Mausoleum. Evening Chinese Acrobatic Show. Day Seventeen - Walk the Great Wall & tour Summer Palace. Peking Duck tonight! Day Eighteen - Fly back to the UK, arriving same/next day. Please refer to inside front cover for information on where and how to book your holiday Worldwide Ocean Cruising Australia | New Zealand | North America | Brazil | Argentina | Hawaii | China SCANDINAVIA - MEDITERRANEAN - PANAMA CANAL CANADA - AZORES Over the following eleven pages we have selected specific cruises covering many countries across the world. These represent only a small percentage of the cruises available through our offices, either sailing from UK ports or involving air transfers to foreign departure points. Every departure featured (and many that are not!) are served by our excellent ‘Door-to-Door’ service, collecting you from your home and taking you directly to the ship - and we are there at the end of the voyage to bring you home again - All part of the service we offer! Cruises featured on these pages include those offered by Cruise & Maritime (the smaller ships of Marco Polo and Azores), plus the magnificent Ocean Liners of P&O and Royal Caribbean. Between them these companies offer over in excess of 1000 cruises from UK ports and many more for those willing to fly off to a variety of exotic departure ports to join their ship! If you cannot find the cruise of your choice in this brochure do not despair. Space limits the number of departures we can feature but our staff will be able to find you a competitive price for virtually any cruise you wish and, if we are able to help then remember, our quotation will ALWAYS include that priceless ‘Door-to-Door’ service! Join us now, for a life on the open seas! 35 ALWAYS - ask for the latest offers! Fantastic discounts are available on many departures for the ‘Early Bookers’! WELCOME ABOARD THE MARCO POLO AND THE AZORES for a selection of superb British & Northern Hemisphere cruises! MAJESTIC FJORDLAND 7 NIGHTS Departure Dates Inside Cabins Outside Cabins from £1069 Marco Polo - Cruise Schedule 25th April 2015 from £1069 from £1429 Cruising Norway’s breathtakingly beautiful Fjordland is a truly wonderful experience and one that will stay in your memory forever. A kaleidoscope of simply incredible images from gentle slopes, towering peaks capped in dazzling snow, to remote mountain farms that cling to impossibly steep hillsides. See many dramatic waterfalls and visit the historic Norwegian city of Bergen. Day Destination Arrive 1 Home to London Tilbury 2 Amsterdam 09:00 3 Eidfjord (Norway) 12:00 4 Flam, (Norway) 09:00 5 Geiranger (Norway) 09:30 6 Bergen (Norway) 09:00 8 London Tilbury 08:00 Days not shown are at sea. Depart. 16:00 18:00 17:00 17:00 18:00 18:00 Similar (but not identical) cruises on the Marco Polo to the Norwegian Fjords departure on 11th & 17th April (7 nights). Details on request. BRITISH ISLES DISCOVERY 9 NIGHTS Departure Dates Inside Cabins Outside Cabins from from from £1469 Marco Polo - Cruise Schedule 3rd May 2015 £1469 £1809 This exciting cruise circumnavigating our island nation is perfect to discover some of Britain’s most beautiful landscapes, some of her more remote islands and their communities. Ireland’s iconic capital and a charming corner of France. You might choose to explore ancient sites as you step ashore in peaceful villages bustling cities and delightfully quaint old towns. Day Destination Arrive 1 Home to London Tilbury 3 Kirkwall, (Orkneys) 08:30 4 Stornoway (Shetland) 07:00 5 Tobermory, (Mull) 08:00 6 Dublin (Ireland) 08:00 7 St. Mary’s (Scilly Isles) 09:00 8 St. Peter Port, (Guernsey) 08:00 9 Honfleur (France) 09:00 10 London Tilbury 08:00 Days not shown are at sea. Depart. 18:00 18:00 19:00 16:00 18:00 18:00 18:00 17:00 A similar (but not identical) cruise on the Marco Polo departs on 2nd April (9 nights - Easter). A similar cruise sailing with P & O (much larger ship) is featured on page 43. 36 Please refer to the back cover for a full list of ‘Door-to-Door’ cruises LAND OF THE NORTHERN LIGHTS 14 NIGHTS Departure Dates Inside Cabins Outside Cabins 16th February 2015 2nd March 2015 from £2009 from £2729 Sail along the haunting Norwegian coastline and across the Arctic Circle in search of the spectacular phenomenon that is the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. This atmospheric display of green and pink light dancing across the night sky is truly one of nature’s wonders. from £2009 Marco Polo - Cruise Schedule Day Destination Arrive 1 Home to London Tilbury 2 Amsterdam 09:00 4 Alesund, (Norway) 12:00 5 View Svartisen Glacier 16:00 6 Tromso, (Norway) 09:00 7 Honningsvaag (Norway) 09:00 8 Alta, (Norway) 08:00 9 Alta, (Norway) 10 Sortland, Vesteralen Islands 12:00 12 Andalsnes (Norway) 09:00 13 Bergen (Norway) 09:00 15 London, Tilbury 08:00 Days not shown are at sea. Depart. 16:00 14:00 17:00 17:00 18:00 17:00 17:00 18:00 17:00 18:00 SPRINGTIME GARDENS 6 NIGHTS Departure Dates Inside Cabins Outside Cabins 27th March 2015 from £989 from £1209 Sail to Amsterdam and take a boat ride on the tree-lined canals of this lively, cosmopolitan city, or venture into the countryside of the land forever associated with windmills, tulips, clogs and cheese. There’s an option to visit the famous Keukenhof Gardens. Zeebrugge is your gateway to medieval Bruges, the picturesque jewel of Flanders. Sailing to the Channel Islands, Marco Polo drops anchor to tender you ashore at St Helier with a chance to enjoy the delights of Jersey’s picture postcard capital. Continuing to St. Peter Port in Guernsey, you may choose to take a scenic springtime tour of the panoramic from £989 Marco Polo - Cruise Schedule Day Destination 1 Home to London Tilbury 2 Amsterdam 3 Zeebruggee 4 St. Helier 5 St. Peter Port 6 Honfleur 7 London, Tilbury Arrive Depart. 16:00 09:00 17:00 08:00 16:00 09:00 23:00 09:00 17:00 09:00 17:00 09:00 coastline. Honfleur will delight you with its picturesque marina, authentic little backstreets and old houses. Garden lovers won’t want to miss an optional tour to Giverny to visit the artist’s house and enchanting garden. Other tours include the fashionable coastal resort of Deauville and the Normandy countryside, a land famous for its local produce of cheeses, apples and Calvados. BALTIC CITIES & ST. PETERSBURG 12 NIGHTS Departure Dates Inside Cabins Outside Cabins 12th May 2015 5th July 2015 7th September 2015 from £1749 from £2309 Relax on board Marco Polo as you cruise towards the Baltic Sea with its strong maritime heritage. Charming Aalborg is the first of six fascinating ports of call. Explore one of the oldest towns in Denmark featuring several medieval landmarks. Warnemünde, on Germany’s Baltic coastline, offers an optional tour to the beautiful Hanseatic city of Rostock or to discover highlights of historic Berlin. In the Estonian capital of Tallinn, exploring the Old Town reveals a wonderful medieval gem of turrets, spires and winding cobbled streets. In contrast St. Petersburg is a city of Marco Polo - Cruise Schedule Day Destination Arrive Depart. 1 Home to London Tilbury 15:30 3 Aalborg (Denmark) 09:30 15:30 4 Warnermunde (Germany) 08:00 22:00 6 Tallinn (Estonia) 09:30 16:30 7 St. Petersburg (Russia) 07:30 8 St. Petersburg (Russia) 19:00 9 Helsinki (Finland) 08:30 14:30 10 Stockholm (Sweden) 08:00 17:00 12 Holtenau (Germany) 01:00 Brunsbuttel (Germany) 09:30 13 London, Tilbury 09:00 Days not shown are at sea. from £1749 imperial splendour with grand cathedrals, palaces, gilded domes, minarets and soaring fountains. An overnight stay enables you to discover the Russian city of the tsars through a selection of carefully chosen excursions. Known as the ‘White City of the North’, Finland’s capital Helsinki is always a delight. Alternatively an optional tour introduces the historic town of Porvoo. Your final visit is Stockholm where optional tours include the Vasa Museum and atmospheric old quarter Gamla Stan. Leaving the Swedish capital you sail through the beautiful Stockholm archipelago before enjoying a relaxing day at sea and a transit of the Kiel Canal as you voyage back towards Tilbury. WORLDWIDE “DOOR-TO-DOOR” HOLIDAYS - FROM YOUR OWN FRONT DOOR! 37 COMMEMORATIVE ANNIVERSARY VOYAGE from £3969 To CANADA & GREENLAND (Inc. Faroes & Iceland) This epic voyage to Greenland and Canada is a discovery of stunning landscapes, remarkable wildlife, history and culture. Here are just some of the highlights: • In Iceland, the Geysir geothermal field sits on top of a vast boiling cauldron. Discover its erupting geyser, sulfurous mud pots, steam vents, hot springs and primitive plants. • A natural masterpiece, Greenland is home to majestic fjords, dramatic mountains and colossal icebergs. Discover the exceptional interaction between man and nature. • From St. Johns, photograph thousands of colourful puffins, other seabirds and possibly even humpback whales on a voyage to the Witless Bay Reserve, one of nature’s greatest wonders. • Prince Edward Island, of Anne of Green Gables fame, boasts stunning scenery rightfully earning it the title of the ‘Garden Province’ of Canada. • From Gaspé, take a boat trip to Percé Rock, one of the world’s largest and most spectacular natural arches and a nesting place for thousands of cormorants, kittiwakes and seagulls. • Visit the iconic Château Frontenac, the most well known landmark in Québec and considered the most photographed hotel in the world. • Admire Montreal’s impressive neo-Gothic Notre-Dame Basilica, North America’s secondlargest church and one of the most elaborate, where Pavarotti recorded his famous Christmas concert. • Saguenay National Park encompasses the spectacular Saguenay Fjord, one of the world’s largest fjords where marine life thrives including Beluga and Minke whales. • The nomadic Innu people were hunters living in tents made of animal skins. At Sept-Îles, learn many fascinating aspects of traditional and contemporary Innu culture, history, beliefs and traditions. • From Corner Brook, a picturesque logging town, follow in the footsteps of Captain Cook 38 Marco Polo - Cruise Schedule Day Destination 1 Home to London Tilbury 3 Lerwick (Shetland Islands) 4 Torshavn (Faroe Islands) 6 Reykjavik (Iceland) Ammassalik 8 Tasiilaq, (Greenland) 10 Cape Farewell Passage 10 Qaqortoq (Greenland) 11 Narsarsuaq (Greenland) John's, Newfoundland 14 St. (Canada) Nova Scotia 16 Sydney, (Canada) Charlottetown, Prince 17 Edward Islands (Canada) 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 30 35 37 Arrive Depart. 18:00 09:00 17:00 08:00 18:00 06:00 22:00 07:00 16:00 14:30 08:00 19:30 13:00 07:00 17:30 07:00 17:00 08:30 13:30 Gaspe, Quebec (Canada) 07:30 Cruising St. Lawrence River Quebec City (Canada) 08:00 Montreal, Quebec (Canada) 07:30 Cruising St. Lawrence River Saguenay, Quebec (Canada) 07:30 Cruising the St. Lawrence River Sept-iLes, Quebec (Canada) 07:30 Havre-Saint-Pierre, Quebec 07:30 (Canada) Cap-aux-Meules, iles del la 09:00 Madeleine (Canada) Corner Brook, 13:00 Newfoundland (Canada) L'Anse aux Meadows, 07:00 Newfoundland (Canada) Cobh (Republic of Ireland) 13:00 London, Tilbury 09:00 Days not shown are at sea. 20:00 36 NIGHTS Departure Dates Inside Cabins Outside Cabins 20:00 20:00 18:00 14:30 14:30 19:00 19:00 12:30 18:00 and view Newfoundland’s scenic, rugged coastline which was first explored by Cook 250 years ago. A very special cruise celebrating the 50th birthday of a very special ship! Please refer to the back cover for a full list of ‘Door-to-Door’ cruises from from 24th July 2015 £3969 £4509 ICELAND & THE NORTHERN ISLES 12 NIGHTS Departure Dates 15th June 2015 27th July 2015 from £1725 from £2315 Inside Cabins Outside Cabins Geysers, glaciers, lava flows and volcanic craters, bubbling mud pools, stunning waterfalls and geothermal hot springs, Iceland has one of the world’s most dynamic landscapes. You’ll step ashore in four fascinating ports of call as you circumnavigate the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’. The remote Faroe Islands, Shetland and Orkney are stepping-stones in the North Atlantic on this exciting voyage. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Torshavn. Once the site of an annual Viking gathering, Tórshavn is today one of the smallest and most pleasant capital cities in the world. It sits on the southern tip of Streymoy, one of eighteen islands in the Faroes archipelago. Eskifjordur. Eskifjördur is a charming, yet isolated, coastal village that lies in the middle of Iceland’s East Fjords, a stunning landscape sculpted by ice age glaciers. Akureyri. The town lies at the head of the 60-kilometre long Eyjafjördur, which is the longest fjord in Iceland. The capital of the north, which was founded as a trading post, is today an attractive town with colourful houses and well-kept gardens. Isafjordur. Situated just below the Arctic Circle, Isafjördur is the largest town in the Westfjords region of Iceland. It sits on a gravel spit that stands out into the Skutulsfjördur flanked on three sides by towering mountains. Reykjavik. Part old Norse, part modern city, the Icelandic capital has a quirky character of its own. Although Reykjavik is one of the world’s smallest capital cities, it is home to almost half of Iceland’s population. Mosaics, murals and sculptures are found throughout the oldest part of the town , as are the many brightly coloured houses with tin roofs. Heimæy is the largest and only inhabited island in the Westman Islands, an archipelago of fifteen islands lying off the south coast of Iceland. Lerwick. Originally settled by the Norsemen in the 9th century, Lerwick was founded as an unofficial marketplace to service 17th century Dutch herring fleets. The core of the town is a maze of narrow, flagstone streets set behind 18th century sandstone buildings overlooking the busy harbour. Kirkwall. The capital of the amazing Orkney archipelago, the Royal Burgh of Kirkwall sits almost exactly in the centre of Mainland, dividing the island into East and West. The magnificent St. Magnus Cathedral, a legacy of the town’s rich Viking heritage, dominates Kirkwall’s skyline. SCANDINAVIAN CITIES 8 NIGHTS Departure Dates Inside Cabins Outside Cabins 2nd October 2015 from £1169 from £2369 A marvellous opportunity to sample the hospitality of five diverse cities in one unique itinerary that also includes a transit of the famous Kiel Canal. Whether you choose to wander through historic city streets, visit world-renowned museums, take a leisurely sightseeing tour, or indulge in a little retail therapy, this cruise promises something special every time you step ashore and is one you’ll remember for many years to come. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Amsterdam. With more bicycles than permanent residents, the Dutch capital is both charming and quirky. Aesthetically little has changed in the centre since its 17th century Golden Age. Beautiful gabled houses and merchants’ mansions line serene, tree-lined canals, which are laid out in five concentric circles and crossed by numerous bridges. The Royal Palace, originally built as a Town Hall in the 17th century, stands on a large square in the centre of the city. Hamburg. Germany’s second largest city has a fascinating history and many attractions to occupy your day. Brunsbuttel. An historic town on the mouth of the River Elba in Northern Germany. Keil Canal. A 61 mile stretch of largely manmade waterway cutting across northern Germany, close to the border with Denmark. Helsingborg. Situated at the narrowest part of the Øresund Strait that separates Sweden from Denmark. Its town charter was granted more than 900 years ago making Helsingborg one of Sweden’s oldest cities. Copenhagen. The largest city in Scandinavia, capital of Denmark for over 600 years and home to the world’s oldest monarchy, Copenhagen is the most charming of Baltic cities. Beautiful parks and gardens, attractive 17th and 18th century buildings, grand castles and the elegant Amalienborg Palace - home to the reigning Queen Margrethe II, grace the city that is laced with a labyrinth of winding canals. from £1725 The Azores - Cruise Schedule Day Destination Arrive Depart. 1 Home to Hull 18:00 3 Torshavn (Faroe Islands) 12:00 18:00 4 Eskifjordur (Iceland) 12:00 18:00 5 Akureyri (Iceland) 09:00 19:00 6 Isafjordur (Iceland) 08:00 17:00 7 Reykjavik (Iceland) 08:00 17:00 8 Heimaey, Westmann Islands 08:00 16:00 Circumnavigate Surtsey 18:00 19:00 10 Lerwick (Shetland Islands) 08:00 22:00 11 Kirkwall, (Orkney Islands) 07:00 17:00 13 Hull (UK) 03:00 Days not shown are at sea. PLEASE NOTE: This is the schedule for the June departure. July calls at the same ports of call, but in reverse order. July also sails in / out of Tilbury, rather than Hull. Full details on request. from £1169 Marco Polo - Cruise Schedule Day Destination Arrive Depart. 1 Home to Tilbury 16:00 2 Amsterdam (Netherlands) 09:00 17:00 3 Hamburg (Germany) 13:00 4 Hamburg (Germany) 13:00 Brunsbuttel (Germany) 17:00 Transit the Kiel Canal (Germany) 5 Holtenau (Germany) 01:30 Helsingborg (Sweden) 14:00 19:30 Copenhagen (Denmark) 23:00 6 Copenhagen (Denmark) 22:00 7 Aalborg (Denmark) 09:00 15:00 9 London, Tilbury 09:00 Days not shown are at sea. Marco Polo and Azores – two somewhat smaller and delightfully friendly ships! 39 WELCOME TO… THE WORLD OF P&O THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN 15 NIGHTS Departure Dates Inside Cabin Outside Cabin Balcony Suite 13th February 2015 from £2009 from £2109 from £2569 from £4309 Fly straight to the Caribbean and spend your entire holiday island-hopping in the warm sunshine...on the VENTURA … Swaying palm trees, golden beaches and warm turquoise seas. Lush green forests, teeming coral reefs and countless natural wonders. And don’t forget the rum! The Caribbean islands have it all - in abundance. But these beautiful and diverse islands each have their own unique flavour. They’ve kept their own identities, traditions and centuries-old cultures. And they’re bursting with treasures, always with something new to explore… Lose yourself on Kingstown’s cobbled narrow colonial streets. Explore the natural beautiful of Dominica. And find out if you really can drive through a volcano on St. Lucia. Travel back to thriving Georgian times at Nelson’s Dockyard on Antigua, then lead your own attack on Brimstone Hill fortress on St. Kitts. Try to spot the wild donkeys and horses on charming Grand Turk. Taste the BBQ fish on unspoiled Tortola. When on St. Maarten will you go Dutch in Philipsburg or enjoy some ‘je ne sais quoi’ in Marigot? Then, hard as it may be, fly home from Barbados. from £2009 P&O - Cruise Schedule Day 13 Feb 14 Feb 16 Feb 17 Feb 18 Feb 19 Feb 20 Feb 22 Feb 24 Feb 25 Feb 27 Feb Destination Barbados Barbados St. Vincent Dominica St. Lucia Antigua St. Kitts Grand Turk Tortola St. Maarten Barbados Days not shown are at sea. The Ventura is a ship where something is always going on! With 12 places to eat, including 3 main restaurants, 16 places to drink, a lavish two-deck theatre and a tranquil spa, not to mention many quieter places to simply relax. NORWAY & THE NORTHERN LIGHTS 12 NIGHTS Departure Dates Inside Cabin Outside Cabin Balcony Suite from from from from 5th March 2015 £1399 £1639 £3279 £4719 Embark on an exciting and scenic quest with ORIANA and search for the magnificent Northern Lights… You’ll have a day to settle into Oriana before arriving in Stavanger, gateway to Norway’s spectacular fjordland. Then sail north above the Arctic Circle in search of the mystical natural phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis - the Northern Lights. Tromso lies just under 250 miles inside the Arctic Circle. The city’s Polaria Science Museum is fascinating and if your pursuit of the mystical Lights proves taxing, grab 40 a cocktail - Tromso has more bars than anywhere else in Norway! Alta is next, ‘The Town of the Northern Lights’. Don’t miss the Neolithic carvings and paintings at Hjemmeluft. Picturesque Bergen is full of historic sites, in particular - Bryggen - a collection of 11th century, wooden harbour-front buildings. For stunning scenic views, take the funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen. Then enjoy a day on board as you sail back to Southampton. Oriana elegantly combines classic design features such as teak decks and a tiered stern with delightful Art Deco touches. Exclusively for adults, she exudes refinement and luxury. Oriana’s signature features are a stunning atrium with a Tiffany glass ceiling and her panoramic Crow’s Nest bar. from £1399 P&O - Cruise Schedule Day 05 Mar 07 Mar 10 Mar 11 Mar 11 Mar 12 Mar 13 Mar 15 Mar 17 Mar Destination Southampton Stavanger Tromso Tromso Alta Alta Alta Bergen Southampton Days not shown are at sea. Please refer to the back cover for a full list of ‘Door-to-Door’ cruises AZORES, CARIBBEAN & MADEIRA 24 NIGHTS Departure Date Inside Cabin Outside Cabin Balcony Suite 2nd January 2015 from £2159 from £2689 from £3119 from Sold out Enjoy a relaxing transatlantic cruise to the splendours of the Caribbean with OCEANA… On your journey across the Atlantic you’ll have plenty of time to savour all the delights Oceana has to offer - including her restaurants, spa, bars, club and lounges. Your first port is Ponta Delgada, in the remote Azores. Here you’ll find the dramatic Sete Citadades - a vast volcanic crater with two separate lakes - one deep blue, the other emerald green! Next stop - the Caribbean. Swaying palm There are regular deals on most cruises. Always ask what we can do for you! trees, golden beaches and warm turquoise seas. And don’t forget the rum! These islands have it all - in abundance. But each beautiful island has its own unique flavour with something new to explore. Enjoy an atmospheric Georgian era journey around the Nelson’s Dockyard on Antigua. Heading back across the Atlantic you’ll call into Horta. It’s the smallest of the Azores, but its scenery is simply superb! Then you have three more relaxing days on Oceana before arriving back in Southampton. P&O - Cruise Schedule Day Destination 02 Jan Southampton 06 Jan Ponta Delgada 12 Jan Antigua 13 Jan St. Kitts 14 Jan Dominica 15 Jan Grenada 16 Jan Barbados 22 Jan Horta 26 Jan Southampton Days not shown are at sea. Oceana’s atrium offers a real ‘wow’ as soon as you step on board, with its palm trees and glass-fronted lifts. Her diverse and flexible dining and entertainment options offer great choice day and night. PORTUGAL, SPAIN & MOROCCO 14 NIGHTS Departure Date Inside Cabin Outside Cabin Balcony Suite from from from from 6th May 2015 £1299 £1399 £1769 £3249 Join VENTURA on a journey filled with nautical history, towering fortresses and floating garden islands... After two luxurious days at sea you’ll arrive in Lisbon, a city indelibly linked with ocean exploration. It’s such a beautiful place, you’ll wonder why the great explorers ever wanted to leave! Then tour Seville (from Cadiz) for a sample of flamenco and delicious tapas which although not illegal, would be simply criminal to miss! In Gibraltar you can enjoy the stunning views from the top of the Rock, as well as the views below, in the spectacular 17 NIGHTS from from from from 26th April 2015 £1889 £2089 £2569 £3839 Ancient civilisations, spectacular architecture and beautiful beaches are there to be explored from on board on the ARCADIA… After two days at sea on board Arcadia you may find it very difficult to leave her to go ashore. But Seville (from Cadiz) will be well worth it, if for nothing more that the delicious tapas! ‘Next is Messina, which lies in the shadow of Mount Etna. Its 12th century Norman Duomo church boasts an astronomical bell in the clock tower. Corfu is more than endless sun, sea and sand, with from £1299 natural caverns. Cartegena next, bears a rich colourful history. Step ashore and discover how this fascinating city has taken shape over two millennia. Malaga is your gateway to Andalucia. Its strong Moorish influences can be seen and felt everywhere, but are at their stunning best in the ancient Alcazaba. And Casablanca is a thoroughly modern city, yet it boasts an extraordinarily exotic past. See the world’s largest mosque, boasting a soaring 700ft high minaret. In Madeira your senses will be assaulted! In the nicest possible way, as you’re greeted with a stunning explosion of colourful flora! Then savour your three days on board back to Southampton. P&O - Cruise Schedule Day 06 May 09 May 10 May 11 May 12 May 13 May 14 May 16 May 20 May Destination Southampton Lisbon Cadiz Gibraltar Cartagena Malaga Casablanca Madeira Southampton Days not shown are at sea. The Ventura has12 places to eat, 16 places to drink, a lavish two-deck theatre and a tranquil spa. ITALY, GREECE & CROATIA Departure Date Inside Cabin Outside Cabin Balcony Suite from £2159 Early-saver fares available on many cruises! its tiny remote villages and ‘living’ medieval - Corfu Town. Then stroll the marble streets of the 12th century, walled city of Dubrovnik and admire the Baroque architecture. In Venice you can lose yourself in labyrinthine alleyways and glide along enchanting canals on traditional gondolas. The medieval Croatian port of Split is home to Diocletian’s Palace, one of the best-preserved Roman palaces in Europe. After a few more days on board you can enjoy the stunning views from the top of the Rock of Gibraltar. As well as the views below, in the spectacular natural caves and an amazing network of manmade siege tunnels. from £1889 P&O - Cruise Schedule Day 26 Apr 29 Apr 02 May 03 May 04 May 05 May 06 May 10 May 13 May Destination Southampton Cadiz Messina Corfu Dubrovnik Venice Split Gibraltar Southampton Days not shown are at sea. Combining the chic with the classic, Arcadia offers a wonderful blend of features including a hydro-therapy pool, art gallery, a three-tiered theatre and a boutique cinema. The amazing ships of the P&O fleet offer you luxurious travel and a lifetime of Memories! 41 THE NETHERLANDS, BELGIUM & GUERNSEY 5 NIGHTS Departure Date Inside Cabin Outside Cabin Balcony Suite 16th June 2015 £689 £799 £919 £1289 from from from from Join ARCADIA on a 5-night break to Amsterdam, Bruges and Guernsey… This short break is the ideal introduction to cruising. You may not actually be able to ‘dip your toe in the water’, but you can certainly ‘sample the goods’ and hopefully return for more! museums. Your next port is the medieval city of Bruges (from Zeebrugge), another city of picturesque criss-crossing canals. Browse the stylish boutiques, hidden within centuries-old facades Then call into the quaint island of Guernsey - a tiny island with a colourful history full of pirates, parliamentarians and occupying Germans. Finally relax and enjoy your return sailing back to Southampton. from £689 Arcadia - Cruise Schedule Day 16 Jun 17 Jun 18 Jun 19 Jun 20 Jun 21 Jun Destination Southampton Amsterdam Amsterdam Bruges St. Peter Port Southampton Days not shown are at sea. Sailing from Southampton your first call is the beautiful city of Amsterdam, where you’ll have an overnight in port. Capture the city’s true essence on a scenic canal ride and choose from a whole host of major FRANCE, GUERNSEY & CORK (IRELAND) 7 NIGHTS Departure Date Inside Cabin Outside Cabin Balcony Suite 12th July 2015 £949 £1049 £1319 £2409 from from from from Join ADONIA for a week-long journey filled with maritime history, spectacular art and unspoilt beaches… call is beautiful St Mary’s. The largest of the Isles of Scilly, it’s only 2½ miles by 1¾ miles. Uncrowded and unspoilt, just off the coast of Cornwall but seems a world apart. Your final call is on the Emerald Isle - bustling Cork. From the port of Cobh, one of Europe’s largest natural harbours. You’ll also have a chance to kiss the Blarney Stone! Then, enjoy a day at sea in the comforts of Adonia as you sail back to Southampton. from £949 Adonia - Cruise Schedule Day 12 July 13 July 14 July 15 July 17 July 19 July Destination Southampton Honfleur St. Peter Port St Mary's, Isle of Scilly Cobh Southampton Days not shown are at sea. Sailing from Southampton your first port is the picture-postcard port of Honfleur, filled with narrow cobbled streets and colourful window boxes of tumbling flowers. Next, we call into the quaint island of Guernsey - a tiny island with a colourful history full of pirates, parliamentarians and occupying Germans. In St Peter Port explore the Ruettes - tranquil, quiet lanes that are dedicated to walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Your next GUERNSEY, PORTUGAL & SPAIN 7 NIGHTS Departure Date Inside Cabin Outside Cabin Balcony Suite 23rd August 2015 from £849 from £899 from £1099 from £1989 Spend a week sampling the best of Iberia and Guernsey from VENTURA’s decks… Sailing from Southampton, your first port is the quaint island of Guernsey - a tiny island with a colourful history full of pirates, parliamentarians and occupying Germans. Next to Lisbon (Portugal) - a thriving capital city that is indelibly linked with ocean exploration. It’s such a beautiful place, you’ll wonder why the great explorers ever wanted to leave! Enchanting Oporto (from Leixoes) is next. This historic city with Roman ramparts and Parisian-style squares is best 42 known for its port wine - to which the city gave its name. Your final port is La Coruna, on Spain’s northern coast. This ‘Crystal City’ is a charming mixture of old and new, and a great place to sample the local seafood. Then after a day at sea, you’ll arrive back in Southampton. from £849 Ventura - Cruise Schedule Day 23rd Aug 24th Aug 26th Aug 27th Aug 28th Aug 30th Aug Destination Southampton St. Peter Port Lisbon Oporto La Coruna Southampton Days not shown are at sea. Remember - There are regular deals on most cruises. Always ask what we can do for you! Please refer to the back cover for a full list of ‘Door-to-Door’ cruises NORWAY, SOGNEFJORD & GEIRANGERFJORD from £899 7 NIGHTS Departure Date Inside Cabin Outside Cabin Balcony Suites 22nd May 2015 15th August 2015 from £899 from £919 from £1129 from £2089 Azura - Cruise Schedule Day 1 3 4 5 6 8 The ultimate fjord cruising experience on board the AZURA: Vikings, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and some of the world’s most spectacular and dramatic scenery... You’ll have a day to settle into Azura before arriving in Stavanger, gateway to Norway’s spectacular fjordland. Regarded as the ‘Cradle of the Vikings’, this historic town boasts a charming old town and the imposing Three Swords monument. Steep hills and spectacular waterfalls surround breath-taking Skjolden next. Visit Urnes Stave Church, a UNESCO site, or explore the Jostedalsbreen National Park, home to mainland Europe’s largest glacier Jostedal. Then sail through Sognefjord, the longest navigable fjord in the world. Snowcapped mountains, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests will vie for your attention. Geiranger is just a small village resort, but the ideal base for walking, kayaking or river rafting tours. And the Dalsnibba mountain plateau offers superb views over Geirangerfjord. This snaking fjord is just nine miles long, but is the most photographed of all Norway’s fjords. As you cruise through you will soon realise why. Picturesque Bergen is full of historic sites, in particular - Bryggen - a collection of 11th century, wooden harbour-front buildings. Destination Southampton Stavanger Skjolden Olden BergenÍ Southampton Days not shown are at sea. For stunning scenic views, take the funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen. Then enjoy a day on board as you sail to Southampton. BRITISH ISLES £1439 12 NIGHTS Departure Date Inside Cabin from Outside Balcony Cabin from Suites from 6th July 2015 £1439 £1839 £3269 Round Britain - Cruise Schedule An alternative ‘Round Britain’ cruise on a new and much larger vessel! BRITANNIA’S maiden British Isles cruise celebrates the beautiful landscapes, diverse cultures and fascinating histories of Britain and Ireland, as she circumnavigates these wonderful islands we call home… On your journey north you’ll sail by the magnificent chalk headland, and sheer white cliffs of Flamborough Head on the Yorkshire coast, as well as enjoy breathtaking views over the Magnesian Limestone cliffs of South Shields. Next on the agenda is South Queensferry, stepping stone to Edinburgh, and only a quick Chef John Martin is on board! shore excursion from her namesake the Royal Yacht Britannia; so why not combine two iconic British vessels in one journey? Following Edinburgh, take in Inverness (tours from Invergordon), the Orkney Islands, Glasgow (tours from Greenock), Liverpool and Dublin (tours from Dun Laoghaire). You’ll encounter Viking towns, stunning Highland scenery and not one but three former European Capitals of Culture! Not too shabby for a small rock in the North Sea we’re sure you’ll agree! You’ll also sail past Cape Wrath, which may sound like the lair of a Bond villain, but is in fact the most north-westerly point of Day 06 July 08 July 09 July 10 July 11 July 12 July 13 July 14 July 15 July 16 July 17 July 18 July Destination Southampton Edinburgh Invergordon Kirkwall cruise by Cape Wrath Greenock Liverpool Dublin Bay Cobh cruise by South Cornwall St. Peter Port Southampton Days not shown are at sea. the mainland United Kingdom. Rounding off your journey with a trip to the rebel city of Cork (tours from Cobh), described by Lonely Planet as “one of the hottest places to visit” (we’re pretty sure they meant hot as in cool, not hot as in hot). After taking in some scenic cruising along the beautiful Cornish coast, Britannia arrives in picturesque St Peter Port. Other British Isles cruises can be found on page 36 43 CRUISING…with ROYAL CARIBBEAN PANAMA ‘AIR & CRUISE’ 15 NIGHTS Departure Date Interior Stateroom Ocean View Balcony Suite 30th March 2015 from £1369 from £1819 from £3239 from £3529 Home transfers and flights from/to UK Included CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS… Sailing on ‘The Legend of the Seas’ Cartagena, Colombia Great seafood and gracious Spanish-era buildings abound in equal measure in this sunblessed haven on the Sea of Cortez. Colon, Panama Man made marvels await you at the Atlantic end of the Panama Canal. Arm yourself with a camera and check out the astounding feat of engineering known as the Gatún Locks. Panama Canal (Cruising Canal) The canal is a marvel of engineering, but the area is also a sanctuary for sloths, eagles, ocelots and toucans, thanks to a lush rainforest environment and tropical temperatures. Puntarenas, Costa Rica Located along the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, Puntarenas is a great place to see wildlife such as the scarlet macaw and the capuchin monkey. Puerto Quetzal, Guatamala Grab the opportunity to see Tikal, one of Central America’s best known Mayan ruins. The scenic old capital Antigua is well worth the trip. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico A traditional Mexican village inhabited by genuinely warm people, Puerto Vallarta features beautiful beaches and boutique shopping. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Nestled at the tip of the 1,250km long Baja Peninsula lies one of Mexico’s premier attractions, in ages past a favourite pirate hideout. from £1369 Royal Caribbean - Cruise Schedule Day Destination 1 Fort Lauderdale, Florida 4 Cartagena, Colombia 5 Colon, Panama 6 Panama Canal(Cruising Canal) 8 Puntarenas, Costa Rica 10 Puerto Quetzal,Guatamala 13 Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 14 Cabo San Lucas, Mexico 16 San Diego, California Days not shown are at sea. GREEK ISLANDS CRUISE 7 NIGHTS Departure Date Interior Stateroom Ocean View Balcony Suite 17th October 2015 from £849 from £1029 from £1479 from £1599 Home transfers and flights from/to UK Included CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS… Sailing on ‘Splendour of the Seas’ Venice, Italy Picture yourself sipping hot chocolate at the legendary Caffé Florian and for everlasting memories, a scenic canal ride by vaporetto waterbus or gondola is an absolute must. Kotor One of the oldest and most famous Montenegrin towns, Kotor, is listed as a UNESCO World Natural and Historical Heritage Site. 44 Corfu, Greece Every nook and cranny tells you a story on this impossibly beautiful Ionian isle. Byzantine churches, Venetian fortresses, houses in the French style, others in English Georgian. Athens (Piraeus), Greece The birthplace of democracy and western civilisation, with the crowning glory, the Acropolis, perched atop its plateau under a burnished blue sky. Chania (Souda), Crete, Greece Like many ports in this part of the world, archeological ruins dating back to antiquity are found everywhere. There are also hundreds of gorges around the island and over 1,500 land and sea caves, including Elefantos, noted for its remarkable white and red stalactites. Argostoli Situated on the largest of the Ionion Islands on Kefalonia, Argostoli is perfect for nature and history lovers. Arrive Depart. 16:30 07:00 15:00 09:00 19:00 06:00 18:00 07:00 19:00 07:00 18:00 07:00 14:30 07:00 15:00 06:00 from £849 Royal Caribbean - Cruise Schedule Day Destination Arrive Depart. 1 Fly UK to Venice, Italy Transfer to ship 16:30 2 Kotor, Montenego 14:00 20:00 3 Corfu, Greece 09:00 15:00 4 Athens, (Piraeus) Greece 12:00 21:00 5 Mykonos, Greece 07:00 17:00 6 Argostoli, Greece 12:00 20:00 7 Cruising 8 Venice, Italy 06:45 Transfer to airport for flight to UK Please refer to the back cover for a full list of ‘Door-to-Door’ cruises CANARY ISLANDS ADVENTURE CRUISE £1019 10 NIGHTS Departure Dates Interior Stateroom Ocean View Balcony Suite 24th April 2015 23rd August 2015 from £1019 from £1049 from £1219 from £1819 Royal Caribbean - Cruise Schedule CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS… Sailing on ‘The Emperor of the Seas’ Funchal (Madeira), Portugal Experience an island blessed with Portuguese flair, and the only surviving pre-Ice Age forests on the planet. There’s more to Madeira than the nectar-like wine carrying its name. Board the waterfront cable car and sail silently 1,800ft up to Monte. Tenerife, Canary Islands The highest mountain in Spain is not on mainland Europe. It’s here. At 12,198ft, a visit to the peak of Mt. Teide is the highlight of any visit to the largest of the Canaries. On a clear day you can see the coast of Africa 180 miles away! Las Palmas, Gran Canaria Follow in the wake of Columbus to what was then the world’s most westerly known point. While he sailed on to discover the New World, you can linger longer to discover natural wonders like the Caldera de Bandama, almost 1km wide by 200m deep. Lanzarote, Canary Islands With an other-worldly volcanic landscape, Lanzarote is like nowhere else on earth. Explore Cueva de los Verdes, a natural concert hall and subterranean lagoon, or enjoy the plethora of golden beaches to choose from. Day Destination Arrive Depart. 1 Southampton, England 16:30 4 Funchal (Madeira), Portugal 13:00 19:00 5 Tenerife, Canary Islands 10:00 19:00 6 Las Palmas, Gran Canaria 07:00 19:00 7 Lanzarote, Canary Islands 07:00 13:00 9 Vigo, Spain 16:00 11 Southampton, England 06:00 Days not shown are at sea. Vigo, Spain This picturesque port on Spain’s lush Galician coastline gives you easy access to fascinating medieval towns like Bayona. If you’re a fan of mountain scenery and unspoiled white beaches, the short boat journey to the Cíes Islands offshore is worth it. OCEAN VOYAGE - THE NORTH ATLANTIC £1489 15 NIGHTS Departure Dates Interior Stateroom Ocean View Balcony Suite 3rd September 2015 from £1489 from £1719 from £2099 from £3939 Royal Caribbean - Cruise Schedule CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS… Sailing on The Brilliance of the Seas Le Havre (Paris), France The allure of the ‘capital of style’ is legendary. Haute couture combined with haute cuisine. Innumerable museums, with just as many famous parks and boulevards. Cork, Ireland Navigate Cork’s hilly streets and discover the melody of Ireland’s most talkative citizenry, who have a way of making conversation. Klaksvik, Farao Islands The Faroe Islands are famous for puffins, wool, whales, and tales of the Vikings. Reykjavik, Iceland Iceland’s epic landscape defies description. The greenest of valleys. The blackest of beaches. The bluest of hot geothermal springs. Icy waterfalls and still-warm lava fields . Halifax, Nova Scotia On the shores of the world’s second-largest natural harbour, the ‘City of Trees’ adds to the beauty of Canada’s maritime region. Boston, USA Wander the cobblestone streets of Boston and you’ll soon discover why it’s called the “Cradle of Liberty”. Boston’s rich past is linked with America’s history and spirit. Day Destination Arrive Depart. 1 Harwich, England 17:00 2 Le Havre (Paris), France 07:00 21:00 3 Portland, Dorset 07:00 16:00 4 Cork, Ireland 16:30 6 Klaksvik, Faroe Isles 09:00 18:00 8 Reykjavik, Iceland 12:00 9 Reykjavik, Iceland 17:00 14 Halifax, Nova Scotia 08:00 18:00 16 Boston 06:00 Days not shown are at sea. We sincerely hope you have found your ideal 2015 vacation amongst our widest-ever selection! 45 AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND FRIENDS OR RELATIONS IN AUSTRALIA? When requesting your flights why not extend your holiday to allow ‘Visiting Time’ either pre-cruise in Sydney or post-cruise in Perth? CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS… Sailing on ‘The Voyager of the Seas’ Sydney, Australia One of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities, Sydney offers a plethora of attractions. Visit the iconic Sydney Opera House for a behind-the-scenes tour, scale Sydney Tower to survey the city from on high, or people watch at legendary Bondi Beach. Wellington, New Zealand A red-hot arts scene, hip wine bars, designer boutiques, and steep hillsides lined with picture-perfect Victorian houses - the Kiwi capital has them all. If you’ve had enough of city trappings, nearby destinations like Wairarapa wine region beckon. Picton, New Zealand Imagine a scene of regal sailboats floating atop blue waters, hugged by a picturesque landscape of rolling green mountains and cloud sprinkled skies - this is Picton. Also enjoy fine dining, art galleries, nature trails and more. Dunedin, New Zealand Were it not for the absence of the Scottish brogue, you might think you’d landed in Edinburgh. Both the scenery and the architecture borrow heavily from Scotland. Dunedin is also home to New Zealand’s only castle. Dusky Sound, New Zealand Steep cliffs that have been carved over centuries by dozens of waterfalls surround the largest and most complex of the many fjords along the New Zealand coast, Dusky Sound. Doubtful Sound, New Zealand As cold mountain water cascades from the cliffs above Doubtful Sound, it creates an unusual phenomenon. A dual-layered marine ecosystem of fresh and saltwater. A playground for fur seals and penguins. 46 from £1279 Marco Polo - Cruise Schedule Day Destination Arrive 1 Sydney, Australia 4 Wellington, New Zealand 15:00 5 Picton 8:00 7 Dunedin, New Zealand 7:00 8 Dusky Sound 9:00 8 Doubtful Sound 12:00 8 Milford Sound, New Zealand 16:30 11 Melbourne, Australia 8:00 13 Adelaide, Australia 8:00 17 Perth (Fremantle), Australia 6:00 Days not shown are at sea. Depart. 21:00 22:00 18:00 17:00 10:00 13:00 17:30 19:00 19:00 18 NIGHTS Departuring from Sydney Inside Stateroom Ocean View Stateroom Balcony Stateroom Suite 6th March 2015 from £1279* from £1389* from £1719* from £2629* *Prices shown do NOT include return flight costs. Accurate costs, inclusive of flights can be provided on request and can fluctuate on a daily basis. Milford Sound, New Zealand As we sail into the fjords of the Milford Sound, even your ship will shrink in comparison to the towering cliffs. Situated within Fjordland National Park, this natural wonder is protected by its natural geography and a haven for all types of wildlife. Melbourne, Australia A melting pot of migrant influences, many call this Australia’s cultural capital. There’s something for everyone, from the 1,000plus stalls of Queen Vic market to the Abbotsford Convent with its art galleries, restaurants, gardens, bakery and bars. Adelaide, Australia South Australia’s easygoing capital is your portal to the rugged Outback and outdoor adventure, as well as some of the country’s finest vineyards. Hop over to Kangaroo Island to view indigenous wildlife, then hit the wine trail with glass in hand! Perth (Freemantle), Australia Welcome to the gateway of wild Western Australia. Bathed by an astounding 3,000 hours of sunshine each year, this metropolis offers the excitement of big city living, spoken with an Outback accent. If you tire of the many shopping opportunities available prior to setting sail, visit Kings Park, one of the world’s largest inner city parks, where you can marvel at the view of the city skyline or stroll through the colourful botanical gardens. Please refer to inside front cover for information on where and how to book your holiday DOOR-TO-DOOR SERVICE This map shows the main area covered by our standard tour programme for Doorto-Door inclusion. However, the flexibility of our Air, Rail & Cruise programme means that depending on the duration or value of the tour, how many people are travelling and where ‘outside’ of the territory you live Laver Holidays could STILL collect you from your front door! If you are unsure as to whether you qualify OR have friends or family that may like to join you from elsewhere in the country then please contact us. Many holidays will be available from vast areas of the UK - so NEVER be afraid to ask. Surcharges MAY occur on occasions. Where & How to Book ALFRETON ASHBOURNE Air, Rail & Cruise brochures featured within this brochure can ONLY be booked through one of our own retail branches shown below and not through an agent: NOTTINGHAM LOUGHBOROUGH Tel. 01509 236500 25 Swan Street LE11 5BL DERBY MELTON MOWBRAY DERBY Tel. 01332 384000 Unit 24BCD Eagle Centre Market DE1 2AZ NOTTINGHAM Tel. 0115 947 5526 3/3a Mansfield Road NG1 3FB LOUGHBOROUGH Holiday Payments LEICESTER HINCKLEY LUTTERWORTH Booking T&C Travel Insurance Personal travel insurance is not Included on any of these departures. The River Cruise Line and Diamond Rail Holidays provide you with the option of purchasing their own travel insurance and this will be offered at the time of booking. Please enquire with us for recommended insurers on all other air and cruise tours featured within this brochure. Laver Holidays act purely as an agent for each of the operators featured in this brochure, with accommodation and flights provided by the associated operator who will also provide you with their own applicable terms and conditions at the time of booking, or via Laver holidays on request and in advance. Because of the diversity of companies and holiday types featured within this brochure, the amount of your holiday deposit and the due date for balance payment will be advised to you upon request or at the time of booking and confirmation of all these details will be shown on your printed holiday confirmation. Reminders are not sent out prior to a balance due date. ATOL Licence Holders Laver Holidays do not directly possess an ATOL licence and are now a member of the Skills Group (registered no. 546349), with many of the featured holidays operating through Worldchoice. Worldchoice is a trading name for The Travel Network Group ‘TNG’ (reg no. 07228040) of which the Skills Group is registered through. Flight Inclusive Holidays Please note that all air-based holidays featured in this brochure are subject to flight availability. The fluctuation in flight costs MAY affect a few holiday prices, but this would be confirmed prior to booking. RESERVATIONS HOTLINE 01509 236 500 [email protected] | www.laverholidays.co.uk 47 Our marketing partner in graphic design and print production: adfactoo - the advertising factory | www.adfactoo.co.uk 2015 AIR, RAIL & CRUISE Calendar DATE DESTINATION JANUARY 2nd Azores, Caribbean & Madeira FEBRUARY 4rd Highlights of China 13th The Eastern Caribbean 16th Land of the Northern Lights 20th Medieval Bruges 27th Paris Highlights MARCH 2nd Land of the Northern Lights 5th Norway & the Northern Lights 6th Australia & New Zealand (Fly) 20th Heritage of America Geneva & Mont Blanc 22nd Lake Express 22nd America’s Musical Cities 27th Springtime Gardens 30th Panama Cruise APRIL Towns & Spring Gardens 2nd Dutch of Keukenhof 7th St. Tropez, Nice & Monte Carlo 10th Highlights of Corsica Little Trains of the Rhine 13th Great Valley Grand Yangtze Cruise 14th ‘5-Star’ (Fly) & Bulbfields 15th Amsterdam Spectacular the Danube to Vienna 18th Cruise & Budapest 19th Rockies Rail Highlights 20th The Italian Lakes 24th Paris Highlights Islands Adventure 24th Canary Cruise 25th Majestic Fjordland 26th Italy, Greece & Croatia the Danube & Down the 28th Up Rhine (Fly) 28th Best of Eastern Canada D/N PAGE 24 10 15N 14N 4 4 41 14 40 37 28 28 14N 12N 18N 10 37 40 46 6 6 26 9 6N 15N 5 37 44 6N 34 8 10 24 27 6 25 18 34 3N 34 9N 33 9 6 4 8 24 28 10N 45 7N 17N 36 41 16N 32 9 9 THE CHANNEL ISLANDS DATE MAY 1st 3rd 4th 6th 12th 14th 16th 17th 18th 22nd 23rd 23rd 26th 28th DESTINATION D/N PAGE Exploring Australia British Isles Discovery Rhine Discovery Portugal, Spain & Morocco Baltic Cities & St. Petersburg Rhine Cruise & Swiss Delights Languedoc, Carcassonne & Avignon Medieval Bruges Great Little Trains of the Harz Mountains Norway & Sognefjord Rhine & Moselle Highlights Great Cities of Eastern USA ‘5-Star’ Grand Yangtze Cruise (Fly) Up the Rhine & Down the Moselle 19 9N 4N 14N 12N 8N 11 36 30 41 37 31 8 26 4 28 5 26 7N 7N 9 43 32 7 18 34 15N 32 8 15 6 25 9 10 JUNE 1st Madeira Little Trains of the Rhine 2nd Great Valley 8th Brazil & Argentina & the Lakes & Isles of 8th Venice Croatia Carcassonne & 13th Languedoc, Avignon the Danube to Vienna 14th Cruise & Budapest 15th Iceland & The Northern Isles Netherlands, Belgium & 16th The Guernsey the Rhine to 18th Cruise Switzerland Pompeii & the Amalfi 18th Rome, Coast 19th Highlights of Corsica 22nd The Italian Lakes 26th Great Little Trains of Austria 26th Paris Highlights 28th Ultimate Highland Railways 30th St. Tropez, Nice & Monte Carlo 12 27 8 26 9N 33 12N 39 5N 42 9N 31 10 27 10 6/8 9 4 6 8 27 24 25 28 25 24 DATE JULY 1st 2nd 5th 6th 12th 12th 17th 19th 24th 27th 27th DESTINATION D/N PAGE Highlights of Morocco Magical Moselle Baltic Cities & St. Petersburg British Isles Cruise the Danube to Vienna & Budapest France, Guernsey & Cork Lake Geneva & Mont Blanc Express Medieval Bruges Commemorative Anniversary Voyage Great Little Trains of the Rhine Valley Iceland & The Northern Isles 10 6N 12 12N 17 32 37 43 9N 33 7N 42 6 26 4 28 36N 38 6 25 12N 39 AUGUST 4th Rhine in Flames 7N 7th Great Little Trains of Austria 9 15th Norway & Sognefjord 7N 20th Rhine Cruise & Swiss Delights 8N the Rhine to 20th Cruise 9N Switzerland 23rd Guernsey, Portugal & Spain 7N Islands Adventure 23rd Canary 10N Cruise 24th Discover Malta and Gozo 8 28th Heritage of America 10 SEPTEMBER Voyage - the North 3rd Ocean Atlantic 4th Great Little Trains of Austria Little Trains of the Harz 5th Great Mountains 7th Baltic Cities & St. Petersburg 7th The Italian Lakes (Escorted) Grand Yangtze Cruise 8th ‘5-Star’ (Fly) Carcassonne & 12th Languedoc, Avignon Little Trains of the Rhine 14th Great Valley Pompeii & the Amalfi 17th Rome, Coast Geneva & Mont Blanc 18th Lake Express 31 42 45 16 6 15N 45 9 25 5 26 12 6/8 37 24 18 34 8 26 6 25 10 27 6 26 D/N PAGE 4 28 6 25 8 16 9N 33 8N 8 10 9 33 24 27 7 12 27 8N 4 5 39 28 26 8 10 4 27 7N 6 44 25 NOVEMBER 3rd St. Tropez, Nice & Monte Carlo 8 26th Hawaiian Islands 14 27th Paris Highlights 4 27th Rhine Valley T&T (Escorted) 4N 29th Naturally New Zealand 22 29th Medieval Bruges 4 24 10 28 30 12 28 DECEMBER 1st German Christmas Markets 1st Highlights of China 3N 10 34 14 JANUÁR 2016 15th Exploring Australia 19 11 OCTOBER 2nd Scandinavian Cities 3rd Medieval Bruges 5th Great Little Trains of the Harz Mountains 5th Islands of New England 15th Rome, Pompeii & the Amalfi Coast 17th Greek Islands Cruise 18th Ultimate Highland Railways D/N Days / Nights Air holidays Rail Holidays River Cruising Ocean Cruising Escorted by Laver/Skills Choose from a selection of superb hotels on Jersey, Guernsey or Sark - available throughout the summer months & featured on pages 19-22! ‘DOOR-TO-DOOR’ CRUISING COLLETTE WORLDWIDE HOLIDAYS 33 25 43 31 DATE DESTINATION 18th Paris Highlights 20th Ultimate Highland Railways Croatia’s Dalmatian 20th Discover Coast the Danube to Vienna 21st Cruise & Budapest 22nd Great Rivers of Germany 22nd St. Tropez, Nice & Monte Carlo 25th Corsica Highlights 26th Great Cities of Eastern USA & the Lakes & Isles of 28th Venice Croatia With over 3,000 cruises available from your own front door each year, there’s simply too many to feature. You choose, your cruise. A selected few are featured on pages 35-46! A handful of tours are featured at the front of this brochure, but you can book ANY Collette break through Laver Holidays. Ask in store for a brochure! YOUR HOLIDAY YOUR CHOICE From November 2014, Laver Holidays will be able to package almost any holiday worldwide! Watch for details! RESERVATIONS No. 01509 236500 www.laverholidays.co.uk LOUGHBOROUGH 25 Swan Street | DERBY Unit 24BCD Eagle Centre Market | NOTTINGHAM 3/3a Mansfield Road