Contents

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CONTENTS

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4First sight Spectacular photos captured by our specialists: looking out over Capri’s rocky coast in Italy and pottering away in India. 8 Escape routes Travel updates: celebrating new trips, finding Ireland’s wildest landscapes and navigating roads in Florence, Italy. 14 Thailand From everyday life in Bangkok to spying elephants in Chiang Mai, our experts reveal their top five Thai experiences. 20 Top 6: Drinks with a view We take you over Shanghai’s skyline, across lantern-lit lakes and under the sea to show you our favorite watering holes.

22 Arctic & Antarctica Adventurer Greg Mortimer takes us to the poles, sharing his top wildlife spots. 28 Greece vs Croatia Thousands of rugged islands are scattered along these country’s glittering coastlines – but which will tempt you? 30 South Africa safari We go behind the scenes of a wildlife reserve and find ‘Big Five’ spots aplenty. 36 Just back from… Updates from Hawaii, Iceland, Mexico and Egypt. 38 Sri Lanka From palm-fringed beaches to visiting whale pods and fragrant tea

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plantations, discover which of the Indian Ocean island’s fabled coastlines are for you. 40 48 hours in… Napier, NZ Visiting wineries and watching birds: our guide to a fine weekend in the Art Deco city. 46 Your stories Painting in Antarctica and Oman plus traversing Vietnam – as told by readers. 49 Interview: Ómar Sigurðsson Expect snow and steam baths galore as the Icelandic guide shares his country’s charms. 50 Q&A: Peru How to plan for a Peruvian adventure from hiking the Andes to exploring the Amazon – without following the crowds.

Dear Traveler The start of the year is when I’m often clamoring for new horizons. Nothing scratches that itch quite like an expedition cruise, which can take you through sea ice to the far reaches of the Antarctic, or past a roaming polar bear in the Arctic. Get inspired by our interview with polar explorer Greg Mortimer on page 22. Or for something a little closer to home, I’m happy to say that Croatia is now part of our Europe offerings. The country’s 1,200 islands offer sun-drenched pleasures, rare wines and historic cities. On page 28, we compare these Adriatic islands to those in Greece. We’ve also hunted down new experiences in an old favorite, Thailand. Our specialists have crafted their ideal journey, which takes in the true essence of the country – think wild elephants, culinary delicacies and the opportunity to dip onto the cultural side of Thailand’s coastal communities. And finally, on page 30, you can gain a fresh insight into the African safari experience. Specialist Amelia shares her thoughts from her recent sabbatical working at a lodge in South Africa, including how to make the most of your safari. I hope you enjoy this issue.

Jacqui Lewis Managing Director

77 N Washington St, 6th Floor, Boston, MA 02114 Telephone: 1-855-639-7245 Website: www.audleytravel.com The vacations featured in this magazine are suggestions only and will be customized to fit your travel dates and preferences. All prices quoted are exclusive of international flights and subject to change. Designed by Wanderlust Travel Media. CST#2117258-40 | Fla. Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST39468.

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Contributors

Emily Summer New Zealand specialist

Emily’s love of wildlife greatly inspires her travels. While travelling extensively around New Zealand, she was lucky enough to spot orca and humpback whales. Favorite airport? Singapore Changi Airport. Where else in the world can you see a 40m indoor waterfall?

Stefany Jevtic Croatia specialist

Growing up, Stefany would return to her parents’ native Serbia twice a year and visit the surrounding countries. Read more about her love of Croatia’s islands on page 29. Favorite airport? Toronto Pearson. I’ve never had a bad experience there.

Amelia Henderson Safari specialist

After visiting family in South Africa, Amelia quickly became a safari addict and returns regularly. Favorite airport? Kruger Mpumalanga has a thatched roof and warthog regularly run across the tarmac, so you know you’re on safari.

THINGS we’ve learned this issue 4

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1In Iceland, you can see waterfalls, hot springs, volcanoes, glaciers and lava fields all in the same day. (p49) 2 Sabi Sands may be well-known for the Big Five, but it’s also a prime location to see wild dog – a species that’s difficult to spot elsewhere due to their dwindling numbers and wide range of movement. (p30) 3 As you cruise near the North Pole, you might see tree trunks that have floated from rivers in Siberia, sticking up from the ice. (p22) 4 A pa is the name of a Maori hill fort or defensive settlement, usually built to defend fertile land or store food. You can still see their earth ramparts across New Zealand. (p40)

WINTER 2020

On the cover Cheetah in Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa. Go behind the scenes at a safari lodge on page 30. For more information, call our South Africa specialists on 1-855-655-7245 or request a copy of our Africa Safari brochure at www.audleytravel.com/us/brochures