Unique Escapes
Unique Escapes with 1st Class Holidays Spring 2015
Winter is beginning to seem a distant memory as the spring flowers burst into colour, the leaves and blossom appear on the trees and the days become longer and evenings lighter. In this edition of Unique Escapes we take a look at Western Canada, where the ever so British Victoria has a unique appeal, the winter playground of Whistler shows it’s summery side and we explore Alberta, home to the magnificent Rockies. Brandi tells us about her visit to see Manitoba’s Polar Bears, and the world of luxury Alaska cruising is explored with Regent Seven Seas. New Zealand is perfect for touring and now you can do it in pure luxury with our Ultimate experience and if your’re thinking of visiting Australia, we can tell you where to find Nemo. We are leaders in tailor making holidays to exacting standards and take pride in our high levels of expertise and customer service. If you are planning a trip to Canada, the USA, Australia or New Zealand why not ask your travel agent to give us a call, or visit us online.
AWARD WINNING TOUR OPERATOR
FULL ABTA & ATOL PROTECTION
SPECIALISTS IN SERVICE
TAILOR MADE SERVICE
ULTIMATE NEW ZEALAND
ESCORTED TOURING COMES OF AGE Some of us are old enough to remember those old fashioned charabancs that chugged their way to the coast for days out on sunny weekends – what an adventure they were. Things have, of course, moved on apace in the intervening years and now escorted tour passengers visiting New Zealand can enjoy a totally different experience. Adventure – yes; exploration – yes; comfort – of course; a rattling charabanc – no way! The latest in luxury escorted touring sees customers enjoying airline style business class on wheels. Imagine travelling in a full size air-conditioned coach with just 20 luxurious leather seats, with an adjustable headrest and calf support and viewing the scenery though a panoramic window. Having your own personal audio unit with music and headphones, a USB point to recharge the camera, iPad and phone; an on-board restroom and galley and even free Wi-Fi.
Well it’s not a dream anymore; with the latest Ultimate coach tour range you can enjoy exclusive small group tours of both the North and South Islands, staying in hand-picked hotels and enjoying a host of included meals and sightseeing opportunities. So whether it’s the tropical beauty of the Bay of Islands, the vibrancy of Auckland and the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua and the Tongariro National Park; or the stunning beauty of the glaciers, fiordland and Mount Cook or the charm of Dunedin, there’s a tour that will match your dream. Ultimate coach tours from 10 to 19 days start from £2449 per person, visit us online or call our reservations team on 0161 877 0434.
REGENT SEVEN SEAS Ultra Luxury Alaska Cruising
GOLD, GLACIERS AND GRIZZLIES They say the only way to experience Alaska is by sea and the best way is with the most inclusive luxurious cruise experience, Regent Seven Seas Cruises. With no more than 490 guests onboard the Seven Seas Navigator® you’ll enjoy an intimate experience as you explore this unique wilderness. No queueing or crowds vying to spot the whales! This small yet spacious ship boasts all-suite accommodation, most with balconies, perfect for getting up close and personal as you immerse yourself in Alaska’s majestic scenery. Cruise fares include everything, from return flights and transfers to fine dining in all of the open seating restaurants, all beverages including Champagne, fine wines, branded spirits and speciality teas and coffees, and all gratuities. And Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the only cruise line to include FREE and UNLIMITED shore excursions. So when it comes to exploring Alaska, it doesn’t get any better. Imagine the freedom this gives to choose your adventures without compromise. Nature lovers will be spoilt for choice with the National Parks, treks and trails complete with endless opportunities to spot that grizzly. There’s something to suit every sense of adventure. And all that exercise and fresh-air is sure to sharpen your appetite and for epicureans, Alaska is a seafood heaven. What better way to savour the flavour of the region than on an excursion that will whisk you off to discover delicious, freshly prepared local favourites such as Alaska crab or salmon? Experience the colourful seaports with brightly painted wooden buildings and totems as well as the gateway to the gold rush era. To enhance your Alaska experience, onboard guest lecturers will impart their knowledge on the ecology, geography, history and culture of the region. Big, bold and impossibly beautiful, Alaska stretches beyond the imagination, with ancient glaciers, snowcapped mountains soar and cerulean skies. The deep harbours and frontier towns will welcome you with open arms, eager to reveal their riches. Nowhere else is mother-nature more dramatic than in Alaska. Liberate your expectations and luxuriate in allinclusive space, freedom and elegance. You really can have it all with Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Experience the magnificent splendour of Alaska on an ultra luxury all inclusive Regent Seven Seas Cruise from £3299 per person including flights. Call us on 0161 877 0432 or visit us online to find out more.
CULTURAL VICTORIA
Old World charm, New World experiences
Victoria, Canada is a unique blend of old-world charm and new-world experiences. British Columbia’s capital, this is an urban city close to nature steeped in rich colonial history and – whether you’re after relaxing rejuvenation, cultural vibrancy, or adventure – there are no shortage of options to satisfy your every craving. Surrounded by the sea on three sides, ocean views abound in Victoria and it boasts the mildest climate anywhere in Canada. This natural bounty means this city is naturally beautiful and blooming year-round. Victoria is one of the best places in the world to go whale watching. Take a cruise on a covered boat to go in search of Orcas and other magnificent marine wildlife. Or for the more adventurous, take a ride on a zodiac boat and get up close and personal with these awe inspring creatures. The city’s compact size make all its attractions easy to explore by foot. There is never a shortage of things to do, from international icons like The Butchart Gardens to hidden gems like Canada’s oldest Chinatown, your days in Victoria can be as busy or relaxed as you want them to be.
In Victoria, heritage architecture, colourful gardens and traditions like afternoon tea mix with outdoor adventure, world-class culinary experiences and vibrant arts and culture. Combined with the wild beauty of the Pacific Ocean and old-growth rainforests set against a mountain backdrop, Victoria is the perfect getaway and the ideal starting point for a Vancouver Island adventure. Victoria isn’t just “happening” during the daylight hours either! At night the city comes alive with a pulsing arts and entertainment scene. Traditional British pub culture sits side-by-side with polished craft cocktail bars and fine restaurants and combine to form a fantastically vibrant nightlife. Many bars and restaurants pride themselves on using the freshest local ingredients and serve an array of local beers and wines. Fresh and local food has put Victoria on the worldwide culinary map. Combine charming Victoria with a stay in the alpine village of Whistler, our 7 day package starts from £689 per person (flights not included) visit us online to find out more.
WHISTLER
Canada’s favourite year-round resort
Nestled in the Coastal Mountains of British Columbia just two hours north of Vancouver, Whistler is Canada’s favourite year-round destination. The most consistently ranked number one mountain resort in North America, Whistler offers more than a checklist of iconic experiences - it promises everything a person could want from a summer holiday experience. The first measure of Whistler’s magnetic summertime pull? Two side-by-side mountains spanned by the world record breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, offering access to Whistler Blackcomb’s renowned alpine terrain: wildflowers, rainforest dwelling black bears, mountaintop restaurants and kilometers of hiking and mountain biking trails. Add in the lakes, the perfect golf greens, the (literally) mountain-sized Bike Park, and you have a resort that guarantees supersized fun. A paved car free Valley trail network that links parks, lakes, and patios, a plethora of peoplewatching hotspots, and a revolving slate of festivals and events that have conspired to make summer Whistler’s best kept secret no more.
Set against the dramatic mountains of the Coast Range, anchored by a cobblestoned, pedestrianonly village, with a fast-evolving cultural scene rich in original festivals, events and award-winning museums, Whistler caters to a sense of adventure and an appreciation of the finer things in equal measure. It’s a place for families to come together for both summer and winter holidays. A steady stream of accolades and top rankings are proof of Whistler’s enduring global appeal and competitive edge, but those who’ve spent time at the all season mountain resort say that Whistler’s real staying power is in the way the place hooks you in, drawing people back year after year. Fair warning: Whistler is a hard place to leave. And that’s okay. The welcome mat is always laid out. Combine Whistler with British Columbia’s capital, Victoria. Our 7 night tour starts from £689 per person visit us online to find out more.
DISCOVER POLAR BEARS in Churchill, Manitoba
Churchill, Manitoba is the Polar Bear Capital of the World. In October and November people from all over the world come to view these magnificent creatures. Read about wildlife enthusiast Brandi’s visit to the unique Tundra Buggy Lodge: “Imagine yourself in the middle of nowhere. No buildings, no crowds, no sounds of city life – nothing but the whistling of the wind, a great expanse as far as the eye can see and polar bears roaming by. “Standing on the observation deck of the Tundra Buggy Lodge, looking out at the stark landscape made me feel like I had landed on the moon. As I approached the Lodge I finally understood what our guide meant when she said ‘the tundra landscape is the closest I can get to imagining what it’s like on the moon, and the Tundra Buggy Lodge is our space station’. “The Lodge sits at the edge of Hudson Bay on the tip of Polar Bear Point, so named for the seasonal residents that congregate in the area, waiting for the sea ice to form on the Bay so they can return to their hunting grounds. Visitors come to catch a glimpse of the world’s largest land carnivore and to experience something truly amazing.
“On entering the Lodge with its two accommodation units, a lounge car and dining car, I joined my fellow guests in looking over our photos from a successful day out on the Tundra Buggy, seeing several bears and learning about these incredible animals from our guide. “Polar bear sightings at the Lodge are common. As the only ‘building’ for miles, these curious bears often approach the Lodge, to check things out and to see if there is anything edible to enjoy. Much to the bears’ dismay, not one drop of food, water or waste touches the ground. The Lodge is self-contained and there are strict rules about not feeding the wildlife. “Aside from the opportunity to fall asleep and wake up with polar bears outside your window, one of the best features of the Lodge are the outdoor observation decks that connect the units These platforms allow for encounters with bears, photography opportunities and, if the sky is clear, incredible northern lights viewing. “Standing in the clear air on the observation deck, surrounded by the vast landscape, makes you realise it’s one of the best places in the world to be.” Enjoy your own Polar Bear adventure; tours start from just £1719 per person, visit us online to find out more.
TOP 5 ‘MUST SEES’ in Canada’s Rockies
A visit to Canada isn’t complete without experiencing the spectacular Rocky Mountains in the province of Alberta. Home to towering peaks, alpine meadows, glaciers, turquoise lakes and quaint mountain towns, it is one of the most jaw droppingly beautiful places to visit in the world. Here is our selection of “must sees” to make sure you get the most out of your visit. 1. JASPER & JASPER NATIONAL PARK Jasper National Park is home to some of the most amazing scenery you’ll ever see. The alpine village of Jasper offers a multitude of activities, a raft ride on the Athabasca River is amazing and not too fast; Maligne Canyon is stunning –its walls are covered in ice in winter and that’s a truly amazing spectacle. Be sure to visit Maligne Lake and take a cruise on its tranquil waters past Spirit Island which looks just like a picture postcard; take the Jasper tramway to the top of the mountain to take in some breathtaking views.
2. DRIVE THE ICEFIELDS PARKWAY Often described as the most scenic drive in the whole of Canada, and it’s easy to understand why; with towering peaks on either side, rivers run along the valley bottom and glaciers cling to the mountain sides, and of course there’s wildlife all around. You’ve got to keep the speed down and eyes peeled for the best chance of seeing all sorts of animals from mountain sheep to elusive bears. Make a stop at the Athabasca Glacier where you can take an Ice Explorer ride for a walk on the glacier’s surface or perhaps choose to see it from above on the newly opened Glacier Skywalk where the views and interactive experience are something to behold. 3. LAKE LOUISE & MORAINE LAKE The most photographed lake in Canada, it is home to the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise with stunning views across the lake. Nearby you’ll find Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks, climb the moraine which gives the lake its name to get some stunning photographs of its amazing turquoise coloured water.
4. BANFF This pretty little alpine town is reminiscent of Austria. Getting around is easy and with such an array of bars, restaurants and local microbrews it’s good not to have to drive. There’s a lot to do here – take the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain where the views are just fantastic, soak in the hot springs that were the start of the town; make the trip out to Lake Minnewanka and a boat ride on the lake which used to be known as “the Lake of the Spirits” because of its resident spooks. 5. CALGARY Whilst not strictly in the Rockies, Calgary is the gateway to the mountains for many visitors thanks to its international airport. Home of the 1988 Winter Olympics, Calgary is famous as “Stampede Town” and visitors flock here every July. We offer a range of holidays to all these amazing places from full packages to tailor made itineraries. Visit us online or call our reservations team on 0161 877 0432 to find out more.
THE GREAT WESTERN An American Adventure
DISCOVER AMERICA’S WEST COAST ON AN INSIGHT VACATIONS TOUR Glorious cities, stunning wine country, dramatic canyons and charming coastal towns‌ this is the truly marvellous and diverse American West. Admire the beautiful scenery of the legendary Napa Valley, wonder at the Sierra Nevada Mountains and spectacular waterfalls of Yosemite National Park, marvel at the grandeur of Zion Canyon and the Grand Canyon, and explore the unforgettable cities of San Francisco, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. The stunning American West is waiting to be discovered. This premium Insight experience begins and ends with a complimentary VIP private chauffeured door-to-door transfer. Learn what it is to travel in style, onboard the very latest modern coaches with business class legroom, accompanied by an expert Tour Director who acts as a personal concierge.
Throughout this 15-day Great Western American Adventure journey, Insight will introduce you to locals, involve you in the regional culture, unlock doors that are normally closed to the public, and give you the chance to get to know a destination in a way that goes beyond simply admiring the scenery. Enjoy a private tram tour and exclusive tasting at the Benziger Winery in Napa Valley; experience the glitz and glamour of Hollywood as you step behind the red carpet and enjoy a behind-thescenes look at the Oscars on a private tour of the Dolby Theatre; glide through the narrow sandstone turns of Antelope Canyon during a cruise on Lake Powell; and witness the magnificence of the Zion Canyon by private shuttle with an informative live commentary. Food lovers will be spoilt for choice with a wide range of tantalising flavours and authentic regional cuisine as you enjoy unique dining experiences which forgo the usual tourist picks.
Join a walking tour through Chinatown, followed by an authentic Chinese banquet; Enjoy a private dinner at the Thunderbird Room while taking in the magnificent views of the South Rim; And toast to the finale of your tour at Bryce Canyon. Stay in distinctive signature hotels in the best locations, from the luxurious Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas to the stunning JW Marriott LIVE Hotel in Los Angeles. When visiting the great National Parks, you’ll stay exclusively in their sought–after historic lodges and grand hotels. With endless diversity and breathtaking beauty, Insight’s Great Western American Adventure promises to be an unforgettable journey of discovery. The Great Western American Adventure starts from £3685 per person, visit us online or contact our reservations team on 0161 877 0432 to find out more.
Natural Australia
WHERE THE REEF MEETS THE RAINFOREST For lovers of nature there can be few sights more spectacular than the underwater gardens of a coral reef or experiences more amazing than seeing Nemo peeping out from behind a clump of sea anemone; few places more magical than a mysterious tropical rainforest. In tropical north Queensland it’s possible to enjoy both in the same day, though a few days are better to really do it justice. They say you can see the Great Barrier Reef, from the International Space Station. Awesome as that may be none of us are ever likely to manage that, and it’s much better seen through a snorkel or dive mask from a boat. Lying just off Australia’s north east coast, a short catamaran ride from either Port Douglas or Cairns are some of the most amazingly colourful underwater coral gardens in the world, home to hundreds of different types of coral, sea creatures and tropical fish. The keenest snorkelers and divers can explore three locations in one day, carefully selected by the boat captain based on local conditions. The less experienced can enjoy a day at a pontoon where everything from snorkelling to submersibles and glass bottom boats give a choice of viewing options, or a day on the soft beaches of a coral cay exploring with a marine biologist. Back on land, the lush tropical rainforest is closer than you think. Just an hour’s drive north from Port Douglas is the Daintree River, cross it on an oldfashioned pull ferry to the northern shores and enter another world; a world where lush humid rainforest runs down to the sparkling bleached white sands and sparkling azure blue seas. A world where all you can hear is the sound of the birds, the rustle of the leaves and the gurgling of streams making their way down to the sea. This is a world where doing something is doing nothing, where nature takes over and leaves the outside world behind, where you can lose yourself and find yourself at the same time, where simplicity can be luxury and time can stand still. Speaking of luxury, why not end your experience with a stay at qualia on Hamilton Island; one of the most luxurious resorts of the Great Barrier Reef. Plan your Great Barrier Reef and Rainforest adventure with 1st Class Holidays. Call us on 0161 877 0434 or visit us online for more information.
Unique Escapes...
tailored to perfection by 1st Class Holidays
Find us at your local independent travel agent, online or call us on 0161 877 0432
Published by and Š 1st Class Holidays Ltd Trafford House, Chester Road, Manchester, M32 0RS