Adventure holidays Worldwide Brochure 2013-2014 by Chameleon Worldwide Travel

Wildlife Activities Overland Walking Cycling Culture

Welcome Adventure Worldwide is different. In the pages of this brochure – and on our website – you’ll find a choice of trips that are refreshingly different from the same old, same old mass-produced holidays offered by other travel firms. Even the so-called adventure companies have gone mainstream these days – almost all have been bought up and homogenised by large PLCs, an unfortunate by-product of the global world of ‘the travel industry’. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Our adventures are more than just run-of-the-mill holidays. They’re real experiences – and sometimes life-changing ones at that. We’ve taken a fresh and pioneering approach to the trips we’ve created for you. We’ve rejected the notion that everything has to be stripped back to basics with nothing included. With us, you can enjoy unique journeys and active experiences with an edge. Instead of being a passive bystander, you could be cycling, walking, camelriding, trekking, kayaking, whale-watching... Within weeks of reading these pages you could find yourself

on a train ride through the Sahara, an overland trip through South America, a river journey in Costa Rica, or a cultural adventure in Central Asia. You could discover life in a wilderness region, zip-wire through a rainforest canopy, abseil down a waterfall, get close to the wildest of Africa’s wildlife, see rituals and festivals or encounter tribes and nomads. But please – don’t just read about it. Life is passing by at a faster pace than ever before. Escape from the cyber world of smartphones, tablets and screens, and get out there now – into the real world. Dare to be different. And be different with us!

Mark Wright & Mark Knowles Adventure gurus and travel addicts

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TEAM DREAMS

When the journey’s over there’ll be time enough to sleep. AE Housman

“

Discover the Adventure Worldwide trips our team are itching to take in 2013... Stewart Oak, webmaster “For me, it has to be Tibet (p15) – the joyful faces of pilgrims at the Potala Palace, the smell of yakbutter candles, the fluttering of prayer flags, perfect high altitude reflections in mountain lakes... Tibet has it all!” Sarah Harper, manager, Schools Worldwide “Our Active Cambodia (p23) trip is the one that most excites me – the country has such mysterious appeal, and exploring on foot as well as by kayak and on a bike sounds like a fantastic way to see it!” Claire Gribben, sales consultant “I’d love the Altai Adventure (p13) – to experience stunning scenery and wild camping in Mongolia’s Wild West, to meet fascinating nomadic tribesmen, and go way beyond any concept of a ‘beaten track’.” Kimberley Rogers, adventure travel consultant “Active Guatemala (p45) is next on my list. I have always been fascinated by the Maya and astrology, so to visit the magical pyramids of Tikal would be my ultimate adventure!” Dan Painter, adventure travel consultant “I’m ready for my next adrenaline fix, so I’m hankering after Tropical Adventures in Costa Rica (p48) – the mix of wildlife, biking, whitewater rafting and whizzing through the forest canopy on a zipwire is irresistible!”

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About us

WHY CHOOSE ADVENTURE WORLDWIDE? Adventure Worldwide specialises in active holidays to exciting destinations all around the world. Our team boasts over 25 years of experience in operating adventure holidays overseas. Adventure travel is what we do, and what we love; we’re passionate about seeking out and planning the most unusual, exciting, offbeat and – yes – adventurous journeys for you to experience. Our holidays will take you to some of the most unusual places around the globe – from Colombia to Turkmenistan – as well as introducing hidden corners or unique activities in familiar destinations. Our trips offer amazing value – not just because we source the best rates, but also because our expert staff and guides unearth the unique experiences that money just can’t buy. OUR TRIPS Adventure Worldwide holidays vary in style, level of activity and ‘out there’ factor.

Activity-based trips might see you cycling, rafting, kayaking or whizzing on a zipwire, while our dedicated walking itineraries – in partnership with our specialist trekking division, Walks Worldwide – focus on classic and unique hiking tours. Other holidays may take you deep into wilderness or through little-travelled lands, with opportunities for cultural immersion. All of them focus on meeting local people and discovering traditional ways of life. GRADES EXPLAINED To help you decide if a trip is for you, we’ve given each of our holidays a Physical Grade (indicating the level of activity involved) as well as an Adventure Grade (reﬂecting possible culture shock and similar aspects). Some trips, such as High Octane Corsica, have a low Adventure Grade but a high Physical Grade – very physically challenging (full-on mountain biking, rock climbing, etc.), but with little culture shock, no long periods of overland travel and a good level of accommodation. Conversely,

Altai Adventure in Mongolia has a low Physical Grade (B) but a high Adventure Grade (C/D); it includes lengthy overland travel to remote and isolated areas, close contact with nomadic peoples, wild camping and few creature comforts. It is primarily an overland journey – a very exciting one! – but involves little in terms of physical challenge. Both grades are indicated in the information for each trip in this brochure. RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL We respect the local people and natural wonders of the countries we have the privilege to travel to, and want to help preserve them for others. By travelling as part of a small group and by using local guides, local transport and local accommodation wherever possible, you’ll be putting valuable revenue into the local economy. We do not preach, but we do try to provide you with information as to how you can minimise any negative impacts to the culture and to the environment through which you travel.

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CHAMELEON WORLDWIDE Adventure Worldwide is part of an independent company called Chameleon Worldwide, comprising a collection of specialist travel businesses that offer a unique range of holidays around the world. WALKS WORLDWIDE The trekking and walking specialist, providing specialist holidays all over the world. Call 0845 301 4737 www.walksworldwide.com

YOUR FINANCIAL SECURITY You can book your holiday with us with complete confidence. Adventure Worldwide is an ATOLbonded tour operator authorised by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Every holiday we sell that includes a flight element is protected under our ATOL license number 10186. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advanced booking. Therefore we recommend you book your flights through us. We are also members of the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust (ABTOT). Through this association (approved by BIS), Adventure Worldwide has provided a bond to meet the requirements of the Package Travel Regulations. Whether you book ‘With Flights’ or ‘Land Only’ arrangements, your money will be protected. Please note that if you book directly

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with an airline, or directly with an overseas operator or accommodation provider, your money may not be protected in the event of their failure. Packages booked outside the UK are only protected when booked/purchased directly with Adventure Worldwide. Whatever happens, your money is safe when you book a holiday through Adventure Worldwide. MORE ONLINE Visit adventureworldwide.co.uk to ﬁnd: Special holidays and web-only trips Secure online booking Availability, departure dates and prices Detailed maps showing where trips go Photo galleries for each holiday Trip Dossiers: the vital documents that tell you what to expect for accommodation, food, climate, what is and isn’t included, and a detailed day-by-day itinerary Sign up for our e-newsletter, so you can be ﬁrst to hear about new trips, special departures and global travel news

CHAMELEON TAILOR-MADE The adaptable tailor-made holiday experts, creating a global range of nature and adventure tours. Call 0845 304 8670 www.chameleonworldwide.co.uk

FAMILIES WORLDWIDE BIG adventures! Travel with a group or let us tailor-make a trip for your family. Call 0845 051 4567 www.familiesworldwide.co.uk

SCHOOLS WORLDWIDE From activity breaks to expeditions, for schools, colleges and youth groups. Providing young people with lifechanging experiences. Call 0845 634 4670 www.schoolsworldwide.co.uk

A world of inspiration POLAND & SLOVAKIA Watch for bears as you hike the High Tatras. p56

ALBANIA Discover the most mysterious land in Eastern Europe. p50

MOROCCO Explore the ancient medina of Fez and take a train to nowhere. p30

CENTRAL AMERICA Roam wild in the Costa Rican rainforests. p46

EGYPT Venture into the surreal White Desert and encounter a desert fox. p62

COLOMBIA Watch breaching whales and ﬂuorescent treefrogs. p42

NAMIBIA Meet rescued cheetahs and Himba tribespeople. p36

Raft whitewaters and explore rainforests in Costa Rica – p48

Walk with bears among Slovakia’s High Tatras – p56

Cycle through Indochina from Bangkok to Saigon – p24

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Articles, inspiration and insights from our many adventures around the world

Contents ADVENTURE PLANNER

What to do, where to go, when to travel.

TURKMENISTAN Wander wild desert landscapes and meet roaming nomads. p10

THE TRIPS ASIA

Turkmenistan Uzbekistan Mongolia Kyrgyzstan Nepal Tibet India

12 12 13 13 14 15 16

SOUTH-EAST ASIA THAILAND & VIETNAM Cycle from Bangkok to Saigon past verdant paddy ﬁelds and peaceful villages. p24

CAMBODIA Make like Indiana Jones among the ancient temples of Angkor. p20

INDIA Experience the colour and glorious chaos of an Indian festival. p17

Cambodia Thailand Vietnam Laos Bali

AFRICA Morocco Namibia Kenya Tanzania

AMERICAS Colombia Argentina, Chile & Bolivia Peru Guatemala Costa Rica Central America: El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua & Panama

EUROPE

Venture into Turkmenistan’s Karakum Desert to stand on the rim of a ﬂaming gas crater – p10

Albania Romania Armenia & Georgia Corsica Spain Poland & Slovakia Finland Turkey

MIDDLE EAST Egypt Jordan Lebanon

19 22 22 22 26 28

29 32 38 39 40

41 42 44 45 45 48 48

49 52 53 54 55 55 58 58 60

61 64 65 66

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION 68 Need-to-know details for travel with us.

BOOKING INFORMATION & CONDITIONS

All the small print.

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Adventure Planner Know what you want to do – but not where? Have your holiday dates booked – but looking for ideas for an activity? Or maybe you’re not sure of the best time to visit your dream destination? Our easy-to-use Adventure Planner provides ideas for and examples of the main highlights and experiences for many of our trips.

WILD LIF E W ALKING

Trek to Everest Base Camp – Nepal p14 Hike the Western Ghats – India p18 Climb Mt Toubkal – Morocco p34 Summit Mt Kilimanjaro – Tanzania p40 Tackle the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Peru p45 Explore Patagonia on foot – Argentina & Chile p44 Traverse the Carpathian Mountains – Romania p53 Hike the High Tatras – Poland & Slovakia p56 Trek through Lebanon – Lebanon p66

ACT I VI T I E S

Raft and mountain bike the Himalaya – Nepal p14 Cycle and kayak the Mekong – Cambodia p20 Bike from Bangkok to Saigon – Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam p24 Kayak Ha Long Bay – Vietnam p27 Mountain-bike the Atlas Mountains – Morocco p32 Raft and mountain-bike the Andes – Peru p45 Kayak Lake Atitlan – Guatemala p45 Raft the Pacuare River – Costa Rica p48 Mountain-bike Transylvania – Romania p53 Rock-climb and downhill-bike Corsica – France p55 Sea-kayak Catalonia – Spain p55 Husky-sled in Lapland – Finland p59 Kayak the Lycian Coast – Turkey p60 Snowshoe the Shouf Mountains – Lebanon p67

W I LD ERNES S

Camp in the Karakum Desert – Turkmenistan p10 Traverse the Tien Shan Mountains – Kyrgyzstan p13 Meet nomads in the Altai Mountains – Mongolia p13 Delve into the Sahara Desert – Morocco p35 Trace the Skeleton Coast – Namibia p38 Cross the Salar de Uyuni salt plains – Bolivia p44 Explore the Taiga Forests – Finland p59 Camp in the Western Desert – Egypt p62 Traverse Wadi Rum with the Bedouin – Jordan p65

CULT URE

JAN Track tigers – India p16 Watch Asian elephants – India p18 Get up close to cheetahs – Namibia p36 Spot Africa's Big Five – Kenya p39 or Tanzania p40 See toucans and howler monkeys – Costa Rica p46 Walk with bears – Poland & Slovakia p56 Watch bears, wolves and eagles – Finland p58

Trace the legendary Silk Road – Uzbekistan p12 Meet Nubra Shepherds in Ladakh – India p18 Play Indiana Jones among the ruins of Angkor – Cambodia p22 Discover temples and golden palaces – Thailand p28 Watch artisans at work – Bali p28 Get lost in ancient medinas and kasbahs – Morocco p30 Meet Himba tribespeople – Namibia p38 Experience ancient Inca culture – Peru p45 Discover the traditions of the Accursed Mountains – Albania p50 Climb to the churches of the Caucasus – Armenia & Georgia p54 Explore the lost city of Petra – Jordan p65

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

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Asia

Climb to the ‘Monkey Temple’ at Swayambhunath for sweeping views across Kathmandu, Nepal.

Asia TURKMENISTAN Imagine: All things weird and wonderful

Meet the Turcoman in the Karakum Desert.

Caspian and the Karakum

UZBEKISTAN Silk Road Safari

MONGOLIA Altai Adventure

KYRGYZSTAN Celestial Adventure

NEPAL & TIBET Active Nepal Everest Base Camp Lodge Trek Lhasa to Kathmandu via Everest

14 14 15

INDIA Rajasthan, Ranthambore and More Himalayas, Tigers and Taj Imagine: Festival fever Jewels of the North The Spice Trails of Kerala

16 16 17 18 18

Experience the extraordinary... Camp wild in the Karakum Desert,

Turkmenistan p12 Spot the rare black-necked Siberian crane

in Ladakh, India p18 See Everest’s North Face – from the Tibetan

side of the border p14 Take tea with the nomadic families of

Mongolia’s Altai Mountains p13

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Stand at the edge of the hellish, ďŹ&#x201A;aming Darwaza Gas Crater.

Visit the remains of ancient Kunya Urgench, medieval capital of the Khorezm region.

Meet the hardy shepherds of the Karakum Desert.

Admire the detail of Ashgabatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Islamic architecture.

Asia • Turkmenistan

IMAGINE... TURKMENISTAN

all things

weird & wonderful

here are a few places left in the world that aren’t just off the beaten track – there just aren’t any tracks. Turkmenistan is one of those places. Before I set out, it was clear from comments by even my best-travelled friends that I was heading off-grid. “You’re going where?” they quizzed. And: “What’s there?” When I arrived it soon became clear that the answer to that was easy: the warmest welcome, a little bit of everything and a lot of wonderfully weird. In the most offbeat ’Stan, Silk Roads crossed, the Great Game was played out and, until recently, an egocentric dictator ruled – a man with a penchant for renaming months after family members and building colossal gold statues of himself. It’s where karst canyons rival Arizona’s Grand, where fountains break world records and the eerie, 100m-wide Darwaza gas crater burns 24/7, like a gateway to hell. And overlanding here is

adventure: 4WD-ing across the Karakum Desert to delve into surreal landscapes, with not a tourist in sight – just domed yurts and lonely goat- and camel-herds. TEA AND TURKMEN HOSPITALITY It was the people who made the most lasting impression. After a drive via pomegranate groves and the isolated Kopetdag Mountains, we arrived at a village where a smiling family ushered us into their home. Far from the marble grandeur of Ashgabat or the awesome monuments of ancient Merv, it was simple but inviting, the ﬂoor lined with intricate carpets, the air aromatic with home cooking. That evening we ripped freshbaked ﬂatbread and chatted to our hosts, who insisted we roll out our mattresses in their front room, to sleep full of tea and true Turcoman hospitality. Mark Knowles, Adventure Worldwide Product Manager

3 MORE OFFBEAT ASIA ADVENTURES

ASIA’S WILD WEST 1 EXPLORE • MONGOLIA Encounter the nomadic herders of the remote Mongol Altai Mountains: ride with them across the steppe, chance upon their summer festivals and meet the majestic Kazakh eagle hunters in probably our most ‘out there’ adventure. Altai Adventure, 13 days, from £3,125 – see p13.

Caspian and the Karakum, 15 days, from £1,795

– see p12 LIKE A NOMAD 2 MAKE • KYRGYZSTAN

COMING SOON Iran Adventure Be overwhelmed by the warm welcome as you explore the highlights of Ancient Persia Paradise Island Sri Lanka Soak up ancient culture on this idyllic Indian Ocean isle.

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Barter for rugs and kerchiefs.

The Tien Shan (Celestial Mountains) dominate Kyrgyzstan – and provide the ultimate Central Asian playground. Hike in forested valleys, swim in sparkling – and surprisingly warm – lakes and bed down in a traditional ger. Celestial Adventure, 11 days, from £975 – see p13.

Meet the people of Damla desert settlement.

ACROSS THE ROOF OF 3 JOURNEY THE WORLD • TIBET AND NEPAL Drive from the Potala Palace in Lhasa across the Tibetan Plateau to pause at Everest’s less-visited base camp and be wowed by the mountain’s mighty north face before the exhilarating descent to Kathmandu. Breathtaking. Lhasa to Kathmandu via Everest, 14 days, from £1,975 – see p15.

Asia • Turkmenistan & Uzbekistan

Visit the Registan square in the heart of ancient Samarkand.

Explore the poppyclad slopes of the Kopetdag Mountains.

Caspian and the Karakum

Silk Road Safari

Follow the ‘Great Game’ in Turkmenistan

Journey from Tashkent to the Aral Sea

Visit the ancient site of Merv Swim in the Caspian Sea See amazing landscapes Camp in the Karakum Desert Meet the Turcoman people

Visit the Silk Road cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva Explore mountains, deserts, steppes, oases and plateaux Spend a night in a traditional yurt See the ‘Graveyard of Vessels’ at the shrinking Aral Sea Meet local nomads and experience village life

The most rarely visited of ’Stans is much more than Silk Road cities and eccentric dictators – though the legacy of both is part of the appeal. After exploring the bazaars and monuments of the capital, Ashgabat, we head out to overnight with a Turcoman family. Next we head into the Balkan Mountains to overnight at a pilgrim guesthouse, before taking a dip in the glittering Caspian Sea. Our 4WD traverse of the vast Karakum Desert is the highlight of the trip: spend three nights camping wild, visiting desert settlements and a ﬂaming gas crater, plus the ancient sites of Kunya Urgench, Gonur Depe and Merv. STAY AT A HOLY PILGRIM SITE Bed down on the rooftop of the pilgrim guesthouse at Gozli Ata, mausoleum of a famed 12th-century Suﬁ teacher, and wake to spectacular views.

Duration: 15 days Trip code: ATCK Group max: 12 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK 2 Ashgabat. 3 Nohur. 4 Kopetdag Mtns, Karakala, Balkanabad. 5 Yangikala Canyons. Gozli Ata Mausoleum. 6–7 Yangikala, Caspian Coast, to Dashoguz. 8 Kunya Urgench, Darwaza gas crater. 9–10 Karakum. 11 Gonur Depe. 12 Mary, Merv. 13 Ashgabat via Ulug Depe and Anau. 14 Geok Depe Monastery, Turkmen horse farm, Chuli Gorge, Turkmenbashi Mosque. 15 Depart Ashgabat, arrive UK. Accommodation: hotels, guesthouse, homestay, camping Meals: all meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £1795 Flight inclusive: from £2743

Great caravans no longer ply the Silk Road, but its fabled trading cities still inspire intrepid travellers 700 years after Marco Polo’s epic journey. We tackle the area around Tashkent on horseback before heading into the desert to ride camels and overnight in a yurt. We explore Samarkand and Bukhara, then lunch with a local family in World Heritage Shakhrisabz and set off across the desert to Khiva. Next is Ayazkala and its three fortresses, stopping at a yurt camp for lunch. At what was the Aral Sea we encounter the eerie ‘Graveyard of Vessels’, where ships lie stranded and rusting, miles from any water. We then return to elegant Tashkent for our ﬁnal night.

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Duration: 14 days Trip code: AUSR Group max: 16 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK. 2 Arrive Tashkent. 3 Tashkent Mountains, summit Kumbel. Horse ride. 4 Aydarkul Lake. Into the desert, camel ride. 5 Salt lakes. Samarkand. 6–7 Urgut Village. Bukhara. 8 Across the desert to Khiva. 9 Sightseeing in Khiva. Visit local village. 10 Ayazkala fortresses. Nukus. 11 To the Aral Sea. 12–13 Explore the Aral Sea area and visit the ‘Graveyard of Vessels’. Explore Tashkent. 14 Depart Tashkent, arrive UK. Accommodation: hotels, yurt, camp Meals: most meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £1355 Flight inclusive: from £1946

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Asia • Mongolia & Kyrgyzstan

Altai Adventure

Hike remote trails in the Tien Shan Mountains.

Traverse Mongolia’s ‘Wild West’ Meet Kazakh tribesmen who still hunt the traditional way – with eagles!

Celestial Adventure Into Kyrgyzstan’s Tien Shan mountains Meet Oold and Uriankhai nomads See amazing lakes and peaks Watch Kazakh eagle hunters Hear Mongolian throat-singing Explore the ‘Land of the Blue Sky’ This is possibly our most ‘out there’ adventure! We head to the Altai Mountains, home to camel-herding nomads living a traditional lifestyle. You’ll take tea with these friendly folk in their gers (yurts), sharing news and stories. After exploring Ulaanbaatar, we ﬂy to Mongolia’s far western provinces, where we’ll camp alongside Oolds, Kazakhs and Uriankhai, watch eagle hunters, look for ibex and argali sheep in Kokh Serkh National Park, and hear the Mongolian throat-singers of Chandmani Soum at Tagiin Khondii. We return to Ulaanbaatar via the Jargalant Khairkhan Mountains overlooking Khar Us Lake.

Duration: 13 days Trip code: AMAA Group max: 12 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK. 2 Arrive Ulaanbaatar. 3 Fly to Ölgii. Drive to Namarjin Valley. 4 Meet eagle hunters, ride horses, visit Oold families. 5 To Khov Soum. 6 Kokh Serkh National Park, meet Uriankhai tribe. 7 To Monkh Khairkhan. 8 Among Uriankhai nomads. 9 Tsenkehr caves and rock paintings. Chandmani Soum. 10 Throat singing at Tagiin Khondii. 11 Towards Khovd via Khar Us Lake. 12 Fly Ulaanbaatar. 13 Depart Ulaanbaatar, arrive UK. Accommodation: hotels, camping Meals: all meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £3125

Gasp at the peaks of the Tien Shan Make friends with Kyrgyz nomads Meet eagle hunters Admire beautiful Issyk Kul Lake Visit a Silk Road caravanserai From Bishkek we explore the forested valleys of Ala Archa National Park and walk up Ak Sai gorge – watch for snow leopards. We discover ruins of the Silk Road era and the looming Burana Tower before swimming in Issyk Kul, the world’s second-largest alpine lake. We visit ancient petroglyphs and admire Karakol’s wooden Orthodox church, hike the dramatic Djety Oguz (‘Seven Bulls Gorge’), meeting eagle hunters. Over the Dolon Pass, we explore an ancient Silk Road caravanserai hidden in a gorge of the dramatic At Bashi Mountains, before staying in a yurt alongside friendly nomads at Son Kul.

Flight inclusive: from £3995

MAKE YOUR OWN KYRGYZ RUG

MEET KAZAKH EAGLE HUNTERS Perhaps 200 Kazakhs still hunt with golden eagles in Mongolia’s BayanÖlgii province – we will aim to meet one and watch the spectacle.

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Kochkor village is famous for its traditional felt carpets and local other handicrafts. Here you can have a go at making your own souvenir!

Duration: 11 days Trip code: AKCA Group max: 10 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK 2 Arrive Bishkek, tour of city. 3 Explore Ala Archa National Park on foot. 4 Burana Tower. Lunch with Russian family. Issyk Kul Lake. 5 Cholpon Ata petroglyphs. Karakol. 6 Seven Bulls Gorge. Meet eagle hunters. 7 Fairy Tale Canyon hike; local handicrafts. 8 Over the Dolon Pass to Tash Rabat caravanserai. 9 Meet the locals at Son Kul Lake. 10 Beneath the Tien Shan to Bishkek. 11 Depart Bishkek, arrive UK. Accommodation: hotels, yurt, guesthouse Meals: all meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £975 Flight inclusive: from £1543

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Asia • Tibet & Nepal

Everest Base Camp Lodge Trek Trek the classic Himalayan trail Tackle one of Nepal’s most demanding – and rewarding – treks.

Take to two wheels and ride beneath Himalayan peaks.

Active Nepal The fun way to see the Himalaya Discover village life at Nuwakot Track tigers on elephant-back Raft the Trisuli River Mountain-bike at Pokhara Take an Everest-viewing ﬂight A tour of Nepal’s bustling capital, Kathmandu, is the ideal way to launch our active exploration, before escaping to nearby medieval Bhaktapur. We’ll discover Nepali mountain life at Nuwakot, and raft the white waters of the Trisuli River. At Chitwan National Park – home to the Bengal tiger, onehorned rhino and a dazzling array of bird species – an elephant-back safari will get us into the thick of the action. We’ll hike around another traditional Nepali town, Bandipur, then take a dip in Begnas Lake. Next we follow part of the ‘Royal Trek’, camping at a viewpoint affording a full Annapurna panorama, before mountain-biking around laidback Pokhara. DISCOVER VILLAGE LIFE Nuwakot village has beautiful medieval architecture – and the Famous Farm House is the perfect base from which to experience Nepali mountain life.

Duration: 15 days Trip code: ANAN Group max: 12 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK. 2 Arrive Kathmandu. 3 Optional Everest ﬂight. Tour Kathmandu and Bhaktapur. 4 Nuwakot. 5 Hike Nuwakot. 6 Raft the Trisuli River. 7 Jungle activities in Chitwan National Park. 8 Morning in Chitwan. To Bandipur. 9 Hike to Ramkot. 10 To Begnas Lake. 11 Trek to Chisapani. 12 To Pokhara. 13 Mountain biking in Pokhara area. 14 Fly Kathmandu. 15 Depart Kathmandu, arrive UK. Accommodation: hotels, guesthouses, camping Meals: most meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £1295 Flight inclusive: from £2124

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Everest views from Kala Pattar Visit Everest Base Camp Stay in lodges – no camping All meals on trek now included We maximise your chance of reaching Base Camp by allowing two full days at the highpoint of the trek as well as incorporating acclimatisation days en route. Walk along yak trails linking the villages of the Khumbu, where colourful prayer ﬂags shimmer in the clear alpine air, to the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar; experience the goings on at Everest Base Camp; see the tumbling Khumbu Icefall close-up; visit Tengboche Monastery, one of the ﬁnest in the whole of Nepal; and admire the classic view of Everest at dawn from the summit of Kala Pattar (5545m). Meeting the friendly Sherpa people, yak trains and fellow trekkers en route is all part of the fun. INCLUDES ALL MEALS ON TREK As well as staying in comfortable trekking lodges en route, now all meals are included – so there are no extras to think about while hiking.

Duration: 17 days Trip code: TEBC Group max: 12 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK. 2 Arrive Kathmandu. 3 Flight to Lukla. Trek to Phakding. 4 To Namche Bazaar. 5 Acclimatisation day. 6 To Phortse Gaon. 7 To Dingboche. 8 Acclimatisation day. Optional circuit to Chukung. 9 To Lobuche. 10 To Everest Base Camp and Gorak Shep. 11 Climb Kala Pattar. To Pheriche. 12 To Tengboche. 13 To Jersale. 14 To Lukla. 15 Kathmandu. 16 Depart Kathmandu. 16/17 Arrive UK. Accommodation: hotel, trekking lodges Meals: most meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £1089 Flight inclusive: from £1835

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Asia • Tibet & Nepal

The mighty Potala Palace dominates the skyline of the fascinating main city of Tibet, Lhasa.

Lhasa to Kathmandu via Everest Journey across the ‘Roof of the World’

See Everest’s North Face at Rongbuk Cross the Tibetan Plateau Visit Lhasa and the Potala Palace Explore Gyantse and Shigatse Experience the descent into Nepal

This epic overland odyssey takes in several days in Lhasa visiting the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung and Sera Monasteries, and Norbulingka Summer Palace before exploring the Ganden Monastery and Drak Yerpa Valley.

Our journey across the wild Tibetan Plateau brings us to Gyantse and Shigatse. After exploring Shigatse, dominated by the huge Tashilhunpo Monastery, we visit the Tibetan villages of Sakya then detour to Rongbuk and Everest Base Camp, where we’ll walk around the area to vary the views of the North Face. We make an overnight halt at Old Tingri before crossing into Nepal and following what is reputed to be the longest road descent in the world to reach Kathmandu, the fascinating capital.

Duration: 14 days Trip code: ATLK Group max: 12 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK. 2 Arrive Kathmandu. 3 Kathmandu tour. 4 Fly Lhasa. 5 Visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple. 6 Drepung and Sera Monastery, Norbulingka Summer Palace. 7 Ganden and Drak Yerpa. 8 To Gyantse via Palkhor Monastery. 9 Shigatse. To Sakya. 10 Rongbuk. 11 Explore Everest Base Camp area. 12 Dawn walk to see Everest. To Old Tingri. 13 Kathmandu. 14 Depart Kathmandu, arrive UK. Accommodation: hotels, guesthouses Meals: all breakfasts included

Mighty Everest (8848m), known as Chomolungma to Tibetans, looms over Rongbuk Monastery.

Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £1975 Flight inclusive: from £2828

& GO ONLINE for availability, departure dates, prices, photographs, maps and Trip Dossiers at: www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

Discover more online www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

Asia • India

Meet mahouts and their lumbering steeds at Amber Palace near Jaipur.

Himalayas, Tigers and Taj The ultimate North Indian adventure

Rajasthan, Ranthambore and more Classic exploration of India’s regal north Visit the ghats of Varanasi See sunset at the Taj Mahal Search for the elusive tiger Walk Kumbhalgarh National Park Make friends on train journeys Forts, forests, tigers and trains – this is classic India overland exploration at its very best. Visit bustling Delhi, the sacred Ganges at Varanasi, the erotic carvings of Khajuraho’s temples, the Taj Mahal, the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri, the tigers of Ranthambore and the varied cities of Rajasthan: pink Jaipur, lake-set Pushkar and Udaipur, peaceful Kumbhalgarh, blue Jodhpur. Add to this heady mix a walk in the Aravalli Hills to a noble family’s castle and chances to experience the real India with a couple of overnight train journeys. All departures coincide with one or more of India’s vibrant and colourful festivals.

Duration: 20 days Trip code: AIRR Group max: 14 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK. 2 Arrive Delhi. City tour. Overnight train. 3–4 Explore Varanasi and the ghats. 5 To Khajuraho. 6 Explore Khajuraho. 7 Taj Express to Agra. 8 Explore Agra: Taj Mahal and Fort. 9 Fatehpur Sikri. To Ranthambore. 10 Tiger safaris. 11 Jaipur. 12 Amber Fort. Pushkar. 13 To Udaipur. 14 Tour of Udaipur. 15 Ranakpur. Kumbhalgarh. 16 Trek in Kumbhalgarh National Park. 17 To Jodhpur. 18 Jodhpur. Overnight train to Delhi. 19/20 Depart Delhi, arrive UK. Accommodation: hotels, sleeper train Meals: some meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £1895

Well over 100 tigers live in Corbett: this could offer your best chance of a sighting.

Take a short Himalayan trek See the ‘pink city’ of Jaipur Go rafting on the Ganges Get spiritual in Rishikesh Track tigers in Corbett NP

We kick off with a tour of Old Delhi before an overnight train journey to Corbett National Park, where we’ll watch for tigers, leopards, sloth bears, elephants and more. Then we’ll drive up through the Himalayan foothills to Lohjung to embark on a four-day trek, with views of peaks soaring to over 7000m. We’ll raft the Alaknanda and Ganges Rivers, and visit Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehra Dun. In Agra we visit the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, and explore the ‘ghost city’ of Fatehpur Sikri before heading to the fabled ‘pink city’ of Jaipur to explore the Amber Fort and the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds).

Flight inclusive: from £2644

EXPLORE KUMBHALGARH Away from Rajasthan’s tourist circuit, this massive fort and surrounding national park offer an ideal venue for walking off the beaten track.

MEET A MOUNTAIN LEGEND Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at: www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

At Dehra Dun you’ll have the opportunity to take dinner with KP Sharma (one of India’s most famous mountaineers) in his own home.

Duration: 19 days Trip code: AIHT Group max: 14 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK. 2 Arrive Delhi. Sleeper train. 3–4 Corbett National Park: look for tigers on jungle safaris. Transfer to Kausani. 5–10 Himalayan trek via Lohjung, Vikaltal and Brahmtal. 11 Rafting on the Ganges. 12 Spiritual Rishikesh. 13 Haridwar and Dehra Dun. 14 To Agra. 15 Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. 16–17 Fatehpur Sikri. Jaipur. 18–19 Depart Delhi, arrive UK. Accommodation: hotels, camps, sleeper train, jungle resort, village huts, tourist cottage Meals: most meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £1695 Flight inclusive: from £2270

Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at: www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

Speak to an expert: 0845 304 8679

festival fever Y

ou can have too many camels. That’s just my opinion, of course – having spent a few nights under desert skies, watching for shooting stars and trying to drift off to the sound of chewing, belching dromedaries, while still aching in unnameable parts from a day in the hump-top saddle. In Pushkar, I’m very much in the minority. For ﬁve days each autumn, hundreds of thousands of people (and tens of thousands of camels) ﬂock to this small holy town in Rajasthan to watch the ‘ships of the desert’ get decorated, sold, raced and celebrated in song and dance. The Camel Fair is one of the world’s greatest festivals – and even someone like me, with a slight grudge against these lurching, lumbering (OK, impressively adapted) creatures, is overwhelmed by the electric atmosphere. It’s India in microcosm – the energy, the colour, the noise.

It is only one of several incredible events in India included in departures of Adventure Worldwide’s Rajasthan, Ranthambore and More trip. The 2 October 2013 trip takes in the Dussehra and Marwar Festivals; go on 30 October and you’ll experience Diwali (the Festival of Lights) and the Camel Fair; while in 2014, departures catch Vasant Panchami, Jaipur’s Elephant Festival and paint-spattered Holi. Paul Bloomﬁeld, travel writer For details, visit www.adventureworldwide.co.uk/information/festivals.html Rajasthan, Ranthambore and More, 20 days, from £1895 – see opposite.

WATCH THE SKIES! Check out our special trips to spot celestial events – solar eclipses, meteor showers and more. For details call: 0845 304 8679 or sign up for our e-newsletter at adventureworldwide.co.uk

Asia • India

IMAGINE... FESTIVALS • INDIA

Asia • India

Walk past chortens and Buddhist monasteries in the Ladakh Himalaya.

The Spice Trails of Kerala Exotic trekking in South India

Jewels of the North

Rest your legs posttrek on a houseboat drifting slowly along Kerala’s backwaters.

Ladakh, Amritsar, Dharamshala and the Taj

Cross the world’s highest road pass – the Khardung La in Ladakh See the ‘Closing the Border’ ceremony between India and Pakistan Visit the Taj Mahal and the ‘ghost city’ of Fatehpur Sikri Meet Nubra shepherds and bactrian camels Be dazzled by the Golden Temple at Amritsar

Ladakh is more Tibetan than Indian, as we discover during three nights in Leh, acclimatising and taking in the Royal Palace and the imposing monasteries. We cross the world’s highest road pass, the Khardung La (5600m), to explore the Nubra Valley, meeting shepherds and the bactrian camels of Hunder. Next, to Amritsar to see the Golden Temple and enjoy the border-closing ceremony at Wagah. We journey to ‘Tibet in Exile’, Dharamshala, then take a sleeper train to Agra to see the Fort and the Taj Mahal, as well as the ‘ghost city’ of Fatehpur Sikri.

Duration: 19 days Trip code: AIJN Group max: 14 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK. 2 Arrive Delhi. 3–4 Explore Leh. 5 Hemis, Thikse and Shey Monasteries. 6–8 Cross Khardung La; trek Nubra shepherd lands. 9 To Leh. 10 Pangong Lake. 11 To Leh. 12 Fly to Delhi. Train to Amritsar. 13 Golden Temple, Wagah. 14–15 ‘Tibet in Exile’: Dharamshala and Mcleodganj. 16 Train to Agra 17–18 Agra Fort, Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri. 19 Depart Delhi, arrive UK. Accommodation: guesthouses, hotels, ﬁxed camp, sleeper train Meals: most meals included

& GO ONLINE for availability, departure dates, prices, photographs, maps and Trip Dossiers at: adventureworldwide.co.uk

Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £2095 Flight inclusive: from £2899

Trek the fragrant Cardamom Hills Cruise the backwater lagoons Take in the temples of Madurai Spot wildlife in Periyar From the attractive Keralan port of Kochi we drive into the Cardamom Hills, among spice, coffee and tea plantations. Trekking through verdant forests and tribal villages across the Silent Valley into Tamil Nadu, we climb Meesapulimala for sweeping views, before heading for the colourful temple city of Madurai. We visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to wild Indian elephants and tigers, and complete our Kerala experience with a relaxing cruise along the meandering rivers and lush tropical lagoons of the backwaters. Visit Madurai’s kaleidoscopic temples.

Duration: 16 days Trip code: TKER Group max: 12 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK. 2 Arrive Kochi. 3 To Munnar. 4 Walk around Munnar. 5–8 Trek through tea plantations, crossing the Western Ghats into Tamil Nadu. 9 Explore Madurai. 10 Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary; walk through spice gardens of Kumily. 11 Jungle walk through Periyar. 12 Kumarakom, backwater cruise on houseboat. 13 Experience rural Keralan life at Coir village. 14 Kochi. 15 Depart Kochi. 16 Arrive UK. Accommodation: hotels, camping, houseboat Meals: some meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £1145 Flight inclusive: from £1779

Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at: www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

Speak to an expert: 0845 304 8679

South-East Asia

South-East

Asia CAMBODIA, LAOS & VIETNAM Imagine: Indochina in action

Explore ancient temples with alternative locomotion â&#x20AC;&#x201C; kayak, bike and hike.

Indochina on a Shoestring Cambodia and Vietnam Explorer Cambodia Express Active Cambodia Activities: Cycle of life

22 22 23 23 24

Why pedalling through South-East Asia provides unique insights into local lifestyles.

Cycle Bangkok to Saigon Indochina Experience Classic Vietnam Active Vietnam

26 26 27 27

THAILAND Siam Surprise

BALI Bali High and Coast

Experience the extraordinary... Kayak the Tonle San River, Cambodia p23 Explore the mysterious Plain of Jars in

remote north-eastern Laos p26 Learn to create authentic Vietnamese

Come face to face with the mysterious smiling stone faces of the Bayon at Angkor, Cambodia.

Discover more online: www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

cuisine on a cookery cruise p27 Climb an active volcano in Bali p28 Cycle through three countries in just

a fortnight p26

Play Indiana Jones amid the stranglerďŹ g-wrapped ruins of Ta Prohm at Angkor.

Hike unbeaten tracks through the forests of Cambodia to reach lush national parks.

Take to the water to discover everyday life for the people of the Tonle San River and Tonle Sap Lake.

South-East Asia • Cambodia

IMAGINE... CAMBODIA

indochina in action K

ayaking, I quickly learned, provides unique insights in two very different ways. First, it gives you a fresh perspective on the world. Arriving at the tiny riverside village that would be our home for the night, our water-level viewpoint gave us a real feel for rural Khmer life – quite unlike the sensation of stepping off a tour bus or out of a car. Second, it reminds you why exercising your abs is a good idea. As any kayaking guide will confirm, the right way to kayak is using your abdominal muscles to power the paddles. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? Well, it is – once you’re used to the effort. For the first half-hour of our day on the Tonle San River in remote northeastern Cambodia, I found it hard to focus on anything much other than the creak of my muscles (or lack of) as I attempted to master the technique. Fortunately, it wasn’t long before I caught the drift – literally and figuratively.

Then the burn was replaced by the joy of tackling rapids just big enough to thrill, the fascination of watching stilted villages and ﬁelds slide past, smiling and waving at Khmer children as they laughed and ran alongside the river, and listening out for the sounds of the jungle around us. ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND I used pretty much every muscle on my active exploration of Cambodia: my calves stretched during our trek to the jungleclad mountains of Virachay National Park; my quads were given a workout on bike rides along the Mekong River and around the temples near Siem Reap; my hands gripped the seat-back of our 1970s jeep as we headed to the further reaches of Angkor to explore the most remote vegetation-cloaked temples. With rivers, forests and mountains, Cambodia is a veritable playground for active travellers. Chris Poole, Adventure Worldwide Head of Sales Active Cambodia, 15 days, from £1095 – p23

AN ACTIVE VOLCANO 1 •CLIMB BALI Hike up to the Indonesian island’s highest point – rumbling Mt Agung – on an active adventure among paddy ﬁelds and shoreline temples, with plenty of opportunities for trying new activities on the coast. Bali High and Coast, 15 days, from £765 – p28

THE MYSTERIOUS 2 VISIT PLAIN OF JARS • LAOS Delve into remote north-eastern Laos to discover the weird and wonderful site where hundreds of huge, two-millenniaold jars lie scattered in a land long offlimits, where 40 years ago the ‘secret war’ was fought. Indochina Experience, 23 days, from £2495 – p26

COMING SOON

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Kinabalu Trek Plus Climb Mt Kinabalu (Borneo’s highest peak), discover rainforest wildlife in the tropical Malaysian state of Sabah and don mask and snorkel to swim among dazzling marine life.

3 MORE SOUTH-EAST ASIAN ADVENTURES

Tour Angkor in a 1970s Jeep. Paddle the waters of remote Ratanakiri.

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THE HILLTRIBES AROUND 3 MEET CHIANG MAI • THAILAND Stay in a village house and discover the customs of the people of far northern Thailand. Trek among the rolling hills and lush jungle to access remote tribes – and hop aboard an elephant for a new perspective on this colourful region. Siam Surprise, 13 days, from £415 – p28

South-East Asia • Cambodia, Vietnam & Thailand

Explore the temples of Angkor on foot, by bike or in an original 70s Jeep.

Indochina on a Shoestring

Cambodia & Vietnam Explorer

Asia without breaking the bank

Flamboyant destinations by land and air

Travel overland from Saigon to Bangkok through Cambodia Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, dug by the Viet Cong Visit the ancient temples of Angkor Be dazzled by Bangkok’s Grand Palace Experience Indochina on an affordable budget

This mini-epic takes in the best of southern Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand’s bustling capital. First up is a walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City – Saigon of old – and a chance to delve into the extraordinary Cu Chi Tunnels, dug by the Viet Cong during the war. Then it’s across to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital, where glitz mixes with grit: the Royal Palace and the Killing Fields, a reminder of the Khmer Rouge regime. The mesmerising temples of Angkor beckon, some still clad in jungle, before another overland journey to discover the buildings, Buddhas and buzz of Bangkok.

If lengthy overland journeys aren’t for you, this trip’s just the ticket, with air travel over longer sections. Kick off with a comprehensive look at Angkor’s mesmerising temple complexes, before ﬂying to Phnom Penh to take in the Royal Palace and the Killing Fields. Then it’s a short hop to Ho Chi Minh City, to explore Saigon and visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. At Hoi An we’ll discover the timeless charms of this World Heritage site by the sea, before strolling around Hanoi, possibly Asia’s most peaceful capital, and taking a cruise among the karst outcrops and junks of Ha Long Bay.

& GO ONLINE for availability, departure dates, prices, photographs, maps and Trip Dossiers at: adventureworldwide.co.uk

Duration: 12 days Trip code: AIST Group max: 16 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK. 2 Arrive Ho Chi Minh City. 3 Walking tour of Saigon. 4 Visit Cu Chi Tunnels. Overland to Phnom Penh. 5 Cyclo tour of Phnom Penh. 6 Travel to Siem Reap. 7 Tour of the ancient temples of Angkor. 8 Free day – explore more of Angkor’s wonders, learn to cook Khmer cuisine, take a boat trip on the Tonle Sap Lake or enjoy one of several other options. 9 Cross into Thailand and on to Bangkok. 10 Tour of Bangkok. 11–12 Depart Bangkok, arrive UK. Accommodation: hotels, guesthouses

Explore the vast site of Angkor and its incredible temples Take a cruise on Ha Long Bay Discover the World Heritage city of Hoi An Visit the Killing Fields to understand the legacy of the Khmer Rouge Take internal ﬂights to see all the sights without long overland travel Duration: 15 days Trip code: ACVE Group max: 16 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK. 2 Arrive Siem Reap. 3 Tour Angkor. 4 Banteay Srei. Cruise Tonle Sap Lake. 5 Fly Phnom Penh. 6 Tour of Phnom Penh. Killing Fields. 7 Fly Ho Chi Minh City. 8 Visit Cu Chi Tunnels. Tour Saigon. 9–10 Fly Danang, transfer Hoi An, walking tour. 11 Fly Hanoi. City tour. 12 Transfer Ha Long Bay, junk cruise. 13 Hanoi. 14–15 Depart Hanoi, arrive UK. Accommodation: hotels Meals: some meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D

Meals: some meals included

Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades

Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D

Land only: from £1295

Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades

Flight inclusive: from £2037

Land only: from £495 Flight inclusive: from £1359

Shop at colourful local markets.

Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at: www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

Speak to an expert: 0845 304 8679

South-East Asia • Cambodia

Cambodia Express

Pedal your way around local villages.

Fantastic short tour of a fascinating land

Active Cambodia

Meet novice Buddhist monks in Phnom Penh.

Explore Angkor Wat Visit the Killing Fields Meet the Chambok community Relax on white-sand beaches Do a cyclo tour of Phnom Penh

The best way to get under the skin of Cambodia is by meeting the welcoming and friendly Khmer people – and this short adventure combines the incredible ancient monuments of Angkor, the colonial architecture of Phnom Penh and sandy beaches, as well as the opportunity to stay in a local Mekong-region village. We’ll bike to the edge of the Kirirom National Park and meet the Chambok community at an ecotourism project. We’ll then stay in a family home and walk into the forests near the village to reach a 40m-high waterfall before enjoying a traditional dance performance. MEET CHAMBOK VILLAGERS Visiting the ecotourism project at Chambok, on the Mekong River, is a great chance to help locals and get an insight into rural life.

The fun way to explore exotic Cambodia

Duration: 12 days Trip code: ACCE Group max: 16 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK. 2 Arrive Siem Reap. 3 Tour of the Angkor temples. 4 Free day to explore more of Angkor or other options. 5 Overland to Phnom Penh. 6 Cyclo tour of Phnom Penh. Visit the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. 7 To Chambok community ecotourism site. 8 Beach time at Sihanoukville. 9 Beach or optional activities. 10 Travel to Phnom Penh. 11–12 Depart Phnom Penh, arrive UK. Accommodation: hotels, guesthouses, homestay Meals: some meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £425 Flight inclusive: from £1324

Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at: www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

Discover more online www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

Cycle the Mekong River Trail Explore iconic Angkor Wat Meet the Kachah Tribe Kayak on the Tonle San River Trek through the jungle

To get closer to this diverse land and its people, we’ll explore on foot, by bike and by kayak. We’ll cycle along the Mekong River Trail, passing tiny Khmer villages and maybe a rare Irawaddy river dolphin, and into remote Ratanakiri province, wedged between Laos and Vietnam. Then it’s to Tonle San for jungle trekking and kayaking to the village of Kaoh Piek for a family homestay. A forest trek and boat ride brings us to Virachay National Park. We then kayak the Tonle San River to meet the Kachah tribe in this remote region. At Siem Reap we’ll cycle to the Roluos and Angkor temples, exploring further in an authentic 70s jeep.

Duration: 15 days Trip code: ACAC Group max: 10 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK. 2 Arrive Phnom Penh. 3 Villages and Mekong River cycling. 4 Bike the Mekong Trail. 5 Cycle to Ratanakiri. 6 Jungle trek and kayak rapids. 7 Trek to Virachay National Park. 8 Kayaking. Meet Kachah tribe. 9 Ban Lung market. Overland to Siem Reap. 10–11 Cycle to Tonle Sap Lake, Angkor Wat and around region. 12 Tour temples in 70s Jeep. 13 Transfer to Phnom Penh. 14–15 Depart Phnom Penh, arrive UK. Accommodation: hotels, homestay Meals: most meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £1095 Flight inclusive: from £1923

DISCOVER RATANAKIRI Few travellers delve into Cambodia’s remote north-eastern Ratanakiri province – a visit to the Kachah people here is unforgettable.

Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at: www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

Pedal among French colonial buildings in Vietnam and Cambodia. Greet locals planting rice as you ride past their paddies.

Meeting locals on bikes is a good way of breaking the ice.

South-East Asia • Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

IMAGINE... CYCLING • INDOCHINA

cycle of life T

here’s been a lot of talk about ‘slow travel’ over the past few years. And also increasing speed – faster planes, faster trains, new ﬂights. But as I pedalled towards another small Thai village – where we were about to stop for a drink, a bowl of noodle soup and (I now knew from several days’ experience) a laugh-packed chat with a handful of smiling, fascinating local people – I wondered, why doesn’t anyone champion medium-pace travel? That’s what cycling offers. There’s just so much that’s perfect about bikebased trips. There’s the way the landscape morphs alongside you as you pedal: across rivers, past rice paddies, between karst outcrops and rainforests, via gilt-trimmed wats or a statue of Buddha. Then there’s the exhilaration of the downhills, and the sense of achievement of the ups – not to mention the justiﬁcation cycling gives for an extra helping of pad thai…

But most of all, there’s the freedom to stop and meet the locals, or to investigate something intriguing, wherever and whenever you want. And there’s a real connection with other cyclists: on their own steeds I met long-distance backpackers, farmers pedalling vegetables to market, kids on their way to school. Arriving at the millennium-old temples of Angkor on our bikes, timing our visit for the quietest moments and delving into the leasttouristed spots, was the icing on the cake. ADVENTURE ASIA South-East Asia is the perfect place to work up a sweat: biking to remote hamlets along the Mekong, picking up a paddle to kayak the Tonle San River to more tribal villages, or hiking up a smoking volcano on Bali. There’s always another challenge – and a fresh way of seeing this mesmerising region. Mark Knowles, Adventure Worldwide Product Manager Bangkok to Saigon, 16 days, from £1095 – p26

3 MORE BIKE-BASED ADVENTURES

SOUTH AMERICA’S BEST 1 RIDE ONE-DAY DOWNHILL • PERU Prime your adrenaline gland for a mountain-bike ride to remember: hurtle down from a spot above the Sacred Valley at 3700m, via the otherworldly ruins at Moray, to the Urubamba River – where a well-deserved cold beer awaits. Total Adventure Peru, 13 days, from £1745 – p45

Cycle

THE ATLAS ON TWO 2 TACKLE WHEELS • MOROCCO Pedal Morocco’s mountain trails, among olive groves, traditional Berber villages and centuries-old mosques, working up an appetite for tagine and couscous amid the dramatic High Atlas range. Active Morocco, 8 days, from £675 – p32

HIGH-JINKS IN 3 EXPERIENCE THE HIMALAYA• NEPAL

Cycling gets you away from the main tourist circuit.

Discover more online www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

Leave your hiking boots behind as you encounter a different side to the world’s loftiest mountains – biking around Pokhara, against a backdrop of the snow-capped peaks of the beautiful Annapurnas. Active Nepal, 15 days, from £1295 – p14

South-East Asia • Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam

Pedal between the sights of Indochina.

Indochina Experience A Grand Tour by land, air and water Discover the dazzling gilt temples of Luang Prabang.

Cycle Bangkok to Saigon Exotic South-East Asia on two wheels Bike three countries in two weeks Pedal around Angkor Enjoy a Mekong Delta homestay Travel at a relaxed pace Benefit from full vehicle support Pedalling at your own pace is the perfect way to experience the lush landscapes, ancient sites and – most of all – people of these three fascinating lands. Our journey from Thailand to Vietnam takes us through Cambodia – exploring the temples of Angkor en route – with time to meander the Mekong Delta and experience a homestay in Vietnam. Our trip is vehicle supported, so your luggage is carried and you can cadge a lift at any time. Bikes are provided, the terrain is fairly flat, daily distances are relatively modest and the cycling not technical – in short, this journey is ideal for anyone with just a little fitness and lots of curiosity. ENJOY A MEKONG HOMESTAY Learn about the everyday lives of the people for whom the Mekong River is larder, road and marketplace during our stay on a peaceful island.

Duration: 16 days Trip code: ABTS Group max: 16 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK. 2 Arrive Bangkok. 3 To Prachinburi. 4 Cycle to Sa Kaew. 5 Ride to Aranyaprathet. 6 Cambodia. Bike to Sisophon. Transfer to Siem Reap. 7 Explore Angkor by bike. 8 Ride to Banteay Srei. 9–10 Transfer to Phnom Penh. 11 Vietnam. To Chau Doc. 12 Cycle through Mekong Delta. Homestay. 13 Cai Be. Cycle Cai Lay to My Tho. Transfer to Saigon. 14 Saigon tour. 15–16 Depart Saigon, arrive UK. Accommodation: hotels, homestay Meals: some meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £1095 Flight inclusive: from £1847

Cruise down the Mekong River Meet a variety of tribespeople Explore the Angkor temples Sleep on a junk in Ha Long Bay Visit the mysterious Plain of Jars Experience the best of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. From Bangkok we fly north to the Golden Triangle. We cross the border to Laos for our private boat down the Mekong to Luang Prabang, where we’ll visit the Kuang Si Falls. In remote Xieng Khuang Province we’ll meet Hmong hilltribes and visit the Plain of Jars before flying to Vientiane. In Cambodia we explore the Angkor complex, meet a fishing community, and visit Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, Tuol Sleng Prison and the Killing Fields. From Saigon we visit the Viet Cong tunnels at Cu Chi, tour delightful Hoi An and Hanoi, and spend a night aboard a junk among the karst islands of Ha Long Bay.

& GO ONLINE for availability, departure dates, prices, photographs, maps and Trip Dossiers at: www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

Duration: 23 days Trip code: AICE Group max: 16 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK. 2 Arrive Bangkok.3 Bangkok Tour. Fly to Chiang Rai. 4 Cruise Mekong into Laos. 5 Cruise to Luang Prabang. 6 Tour Luang Prabang. Visit Kuang Si Falls. 7 To Xieng Khuang. 8 Plain of Jars. Fly to Vientiane. 9 Vientiane tour. 10 Fly to Siem Reap. 11 Tour of Angkor. 12 Visit Banteay Srei. Cruise on Tonle Sap Lake. 13 Fly to Phnom Penh. 14 Tour of Phnom Penh. Killing Fields. 15 Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). 16 Visit Cu Chi Tunnels. Saigon Tour. 17 Fly to Danang. Transfer to Hoi An. 18 Walking tour of old Hoi An. 19 Fly to Hanoi, city tour. 20 Transfer to Ha Long Bay, junk cruise. 21 Transfer to Hanoi. 22–23 Depart Hanoi, arrive UK. Accommodation: hotels, lodge, junk Meals: some meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £2495 Flight inclusive: from £3228

Speak to an expert: 0845 304 8679

South-East Asia • Vietnam

Spend a night aboard a junk among the karst outcrops of Ha Long Bay.

Classic Vietnam

Active Vietnam

The ultimate Vietnam experience

A different way to travel exotic Asia

Traverse the length of Vietnam, from south to north Explore the Viet Cong tunnels at Cu Chi Relax on Nha Trang beach Cruise among the craggy outcrops of Ha Long Bay Chill out at the peaceful hill station of Dalat

Stretching over 1000 miles from north to south, Vietnam is dizzyingly diverse – and this comprehensive tour takes in the key highlights. Thrusting, get-ahead Saigon is our ﬁrst stop – for a trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, home to the Viet Cong. Next we head to the cool of the French colonial hill station of Dalat. There’s time to relax at beach resort Nha Trang, and to discover the World-Heritage-listed delights of Hoi An’s old town and the old Imperial capital, Hue. Finally, we take a sleeper train to Hanoi, the charming capital, and set sail aboard a junk to drift among the dramatic karst islands and outcrops of Ha Long Bay.

This trip is all about getting under the skin of this fascinating land – and having fun at the same time. From Hanoi we take a sleeper train north to the mountainous region bordering China, where we’ll spend several days trekking among terraced hills, jungle and rivers, between the colourful tribal villages where we stay each night. At Ha Long Bay we kayak and take an overnight junk cruise. We visit Hue’s Imperial Citadel and explore its hinterland by bike, cycling along the coast to discover the charms of historic Hoi An and join a cookery class. From Saigon we take a boat into the Mekong Delta, where we’ll walk among sleepy villages.

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Duration: 19 days Trip code: AVCV Group max: 16 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK. 2 Arrive Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). 3 Cu Chi Tunnels. Saigon tour. 4 Saigon. 5–6 Overland to the Central Highlands. Tour of Dalat and surroundings. 7 To coast and Nha Trang. 8 Boat cruise around coastal islands. 9 To Quy Nhon. 10 To My Lai and onward to Hoi An. 11 Walking tour of Hoi An old town. 12 Scenic overland journey to Hue. 13 Dragonboat cruise and tour of Hue. Overnight Reuniﬁcation Express train to Hanoi. 14 Arrive Hanoi. 15 Tour of Hanoi. 16 To Ha Long Bay. Junk cruise. 17 To Hanoi. 18–19 Depart Hanoi, arrive UK. Accommodation: hotels, junk, sleeper train Meals: some meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £1095 Flight inclusive: from £1833

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Meet the hilltribes of the north – Hmong, Dzao and Dao peoples Kayak among the dramatic karst islands of Ha Long Bay Learn to cook Vietnamese cuisine Cycle along the tropical coastline to World-Heritage-listed Hoi An Explore the Mekong Delta by boat and on foot

Trek to Red Dzao villages.

Duration: 17 days Trip code: AAVH Group max: 10 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK. 2 Arrive Hanoi. 3 Tour of Hanoi. Overnight train to Lao Cai. 4–8 Trek among Red Dzao, Black Dao and Black Hmong hilltribes. Sa Pa. Train to Hanoi. 9–10 Ha Long Bay junk cruise and kayaking. Fly to Hue. 11 Cycle around Hue. 12 Cycle to Hoi An. 13 My Son. Cinnamon Cruise cooking class. 14 Fly to Saigon; city tour. 15 Explore Mekong Delta by boat and on foot. 16–17 Depart Saigon, arrive UK. Accommodation: hotels, homestays, sleeper trains, junk cruise Meals: most meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £1450 Flight inclusive: from £2385

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South-East Asia • Thailand & Bali

Explore the jungles of the Golden Triangle on elephant-back.

Bali High and Coast Discover a touch of the exotic

Siam Surprise

Visit the dramatic shoreline temples of Bali’s southern coast.

Experience the real Thailand

Travel to northern Thailand in local style Take a longtail boat trip to the Bridge on the River Kwai Explore the temples of the ancient Ayutthaya Kingdom Discover the palaces, temples and markets of Bangkok Trek among the hilltribes of the far north

Get under the skin of old Siam on our great-value exploration by bus, train, boat and songthaew (share taxi). At Kanchanaburi we learn about Thailand’s involvement in World War II at Hellﬁre Pass and the Bridge on the River Kwai, before heading to Ayutthaya to discover the remains of the medieval capital of Siam. We trek through the northern jungles, spend a night in a hilltribe village and enjoy an elephant ride and a spot of bamboo rafting. We’ll also barter at Chiang Mai’s famous Night Market, and explore Bangkok by klong boat, public bus, ferry and skytrain.

Duration: 12 days Trip code: ATSS Group max: 16 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK. 2 Arrive Bangkok. 3 Bus to Kanchanaburi. Longtail boat ride to the Bridge on the River Kwai. 4 Hellﬁre Pass, Erawan National Park. 5 Ayutthaya. Cycle temples. Sleeper train to Chiang Mai. 6 Explore Chiang Mai. 7 Jungle trek/elephant ride/rafting. 8 Return to Chiang Mai. 9 Sleeper train to Bangkok. 10 Bangkok tour. 11–12 Depart Bangkok, arrive UK. Accommodation: hotels, homestay, guesthouses, sleeper trains Meals: some meals included

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Climb a rumbling volcano Relax at the beach Experience real Balinese culture Visit Tirta Gangga Water Palace Meet the artisans of Ubud There’s no denying the appeal of Bali’s beaches and warm waters – but there’s a wealth of traditions and activities to discover too, especially at Ubud, the island’s cultural capital. Climb simmering Mt Agung volcano, enjoy a traditional Balinese dance and feast, watch artisan wood- and stone-carvers at work, stroll through terraced rice paddies and look out for monkeys in the nearby forest. Then relax on the ﬁne sand beaches or grab your surfboard and catch those waves! Spot monkeys around Ubud.

Duration: 15 days Trip code: ABHC Group max: 12 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK. 2 Arrive Bali. 3 Village/jungle/hill trek. Balinese dance. 4 Discover Balinese culture: temple, market. 5 Sunrise trek up Mt Agung. 6 Tirta Gangga Water Palace. 7 Meet artisans of Ubud. Walk in Monkey Forest. 8 Leisure day/optional activities. 9 Walk along riverbanks and paddy ﬁelds. Balinese feast. 10 Travel to coast. 11–13 Beach time – relax or enjoy optional water activities. 14–15 Depart Bali, arrive UK. Accommodation: mountain resort villa, hotel Meals: most meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades

Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D

Land only: from £765

Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades

Flight inclusive: from £1787

Land only: from £415 Flight inclusive: from £1174

Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at: www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

Speak to an expert: 0845 304 8679

Africa

Learn about tribal traditions on a visit to the Maasai Mara in Kenya.

Africa MOROCCO Imagine: Arabian nights

Get gloriously lost in Fezâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s medina.

Oriental Desert Express Active Morocco Grand Tour of Morocco Toubkal Ascent Winter Toubkal Climb Sahara Desert Adventure Morocco Extensions

32 32 33 34 34 35 35

NAMIBIA Wildlife: Big cat close-up

Experience a cheetah encounter at Okonjima.

Namibia Adventure

KENYA Across Kenya Safari Magical Kenya Safari

39 39

TANZANIA Kilimanjaro Summit: Rongai Route 40 Big Five Safari 40

Experience the extraordinary... Spot rare species in less-visited Samburu

National Park, Kenya p39 Look for tree-climbing lions in Manyara,

Tanzania p40 Explore the Atlas by mountain bike and

zip-wire, Morocco p32 Watch wildlife from the terrace of famous

Treetops Lodge, Kenya p39 Get a guaranteed window seat on

a Serengeti safari, Tanzania p40

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IMAGINE... MOROCCO

3 UNIQUE AFRICAN ADVENTURES RIDE THE TRAIN 1• MOROCCO TO NOWHERE Board Swiss railway nut Edi’s private loco and carriage to chug from near the Algerian border to the edge of the Sahara. You’ll also explore the mysterious medina of Fez and experience life on an olive farm. Oriental Desert Express, 8 days, from £1,285 – see p32 ENCOUNTER 2 THE ANCESTORS • TANZANIA Discover the ‘Cradle of Mankind’ – Olduvai Gorge, where the fossilised remains of some of our earliest ancestors were unearthed. You’ll also track the Big 5 game animals in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Big Five Safari, 9 days, from £1,735 – see p40 THE HIMBA 3 MEET • NAMIBIA Be enthralled by the traditional culture of the Himba people with a village visit. You’ll also learn how cheetahs are rehabilitated at the AfriCat Foundation and watch for wildlife in Etosha National Park. Namibia Adventure, 11 days, from £895 – see p38

COMING SOON

Uganda Exerience the total solar eclipse, trek with mountain gorillas and enjoy more East African encounters! BE FIRST TO HEAR Sign up to our e-newsletter adventureworldwide.co.uk

Africa • Morocco

arabian nights I

don’t understand Arabic. Or Mule, for that matter. But in the throbbing heart of Fez’s ancient medina, I was getting to grips with the basics quickly. Deep in the bowels of the bazaars, where dust danced in the shafts of light that broke the high-walled gloom, I learned to listen out for the brays and the shouts of ‘Balek!’ (look out!). I became ever ready to press myself against the sides – or, better, dive into a shop fragrant with perfumes or spices – as heavily laden asses were driven past by their impatient masters through squeezebelly-narrow alleys. It’s a timeless scene, virtually unchanged for over 1000 years. To meander the medina’s labyrinthine souqs and sidestreets is to be transported back into a scene from the legendary tales of Scheherazade. Behind each carved or studded door is a mystery: a verdant courtyard house, a medersa (Islamic college), a hammam (steam bath), the pungent tanneries. Around every corner is a souq selling lamps or leather, silver or spices. And at night the smell of smoke from the grills barbecuing brochettes scents the air, the chatter and music becomes allenveloping, and getting lost in the 9400 unknowable alleys seems the most seductive thing in the world.

At night, smoke scents the air, and getting lost seems the most seductive thing in the world

Grab a sprig of mint to hold to your nose to mask the smell of Fez’s tanneries.

And Morocco offers so many wonderful opportunities for going astray: amid the dunes of the Sahara, in remote side-valleys of the Atlas Mountains, even on a train to nowhere over the Oriental Plateau. With the expert guides of Adventure Worldwide to lead you off the beaten track, there’s no better way to discover the joys of getting totally, delightfully lost. Paul Bloomﬁeld, travel writer For our exciting range of Morocco trips, see p32

Africa • Morocco

There’s riding rough and smooth to be enjoyed in the Atlas Mountains.

On the Desert Express, unscheduled stops are all part of the experience!

Oriental Desert Express

Active Morocco

Hop on for a unique Moroccan train trip

Fun by the High Atlas and Atlantic Coast

Bike in the Atlas Mountains Zipwire at Terres d’Amanar Take a camel trek Hike beneath Mount Toubkal Explore exotic Marrakech

Travel on the Desert Express! Explore enchanting Fez Discover the oasis of Figuig Meet desert nomads Stay on a traditional olive farm

This Moroccan delicacy is unique, exploring rarely visited areas at the edge of the Sahara – by private train. From the ancient alleyways of Fez we head to the Med to relax before boarding the Oriental Desert Express. It runs for 305km from Oujda over the remote Oriental Plateau. Originally built to move French troops, this railway now transports minerals – and a few pioneering travellers. We’ll make unscheduled stops, meet the local nomads and take in the views. Disembarking deep in the Sahara, we’ll explore beautiful, palm-swathed Figuig Oasis, stay on a working olive farm and traverse the little-known eastern Atlas. A special trip indeed. RIDE A REMOTE RAILWAY The Oriental Desert Express runs just a few times each year. We have access to both ﬁrst-class and panoramic viewing wagons.

Duration: 8 days Trip code: AMOD Group max: 12 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Arrive Fez. 2 Guided tour of Fez. Free afternoon. 3 Scheduled train to Nador. 4 Visit the Med. Through the Beni Snassen Mountains to Oujda. 5 Board the Oriental Desert Express Train to Bouarfa. By road to the Oasis of Figuig. 6 Walking tour of Figuig. Olive Farm. 7 Across the eastern Atlas. Through Ifrane National Park to Fez. Farewell Moroccan dinner. 8 Depart Fez. Accommodation: hotels, guesthouses, farmstays Meals: most meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £1285 Flight inclusive: from £1550

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Morocco offers exotic, multi-activity adventure just a short ﬂight from home – and is great value, too. From the dizzying daily goings on in Marrakech, this trip heads into the foothills of the majestic Atlas Mountains to explore by mountain bike, discover timeless Berber villages and hike in the shadow of Mt Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak. There’s also time to whizz around the Terres d’Amanar zipwire course, with the Atlas as an awesome backdrop. We then head for the coast for a quick camel trek before reaching laidback Essaouira, the place to kite-surf, souk-shop or just relax.

Duration: 8 days Trip code: AMAM Group max: 10 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Arrive Marrakech. 2 Mountain-bike in the Atlas Mountains foothills. 3 Bike the Oued Nﬁss Valley. 4 Transfer to Imlil. Day hike in the Atlas, beneath Toubkal. 5 Zipwire at Terres d’Amanar. Transfer to Atlantic coast. 6 Transfer to Essaouira. 7 Free day in Essaouira (optional activities available locally). 8 Transfer to Marrakech. Depart. Accommodation: hotels, riads/ auberges Meals: most meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £675 Flight inclusive: from £856

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Speak to an expert: 0845 304 8679

Africa • Morocco

Grand Tour of Morocco North Africa at its very best

Follow the ‘Route des Kasbahs’ to Ait Benhaddou Stroll around Fez, Marrakech, Meknes and Volubilis Delve into the spectacular Todra Gorge Explore the Bougmez Valley and the Central Atlas Camel trek and dune-climb in the desert

Our ‘Grand Tour’ is exactly that: a celebration of the many sights, sounds, cultures and landscapes of Morocco. Our adventure begins with the spectacular crossing of the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka pass and along the Route des Kasbahs – visiting Ait Benhaddou, backdrop for many a Hollywood blockbuster. We take a walk in the Valley of Roses and then visit the incredible Todra Gorge. Reaching Merzouga, we hop onto camels to trek to a nomad-style desert camp. We then travel through the Middle Atlas and across the plains of Saiss to reach the magniﬁcent cities of Fez and Meknes, and Roman Volubilis. We head into the Central Atlas to explore the beautiful Bougmez Valley by vehicle and on foot. We also visit the Ouzoud Waterfalls before returning to Marrakech for a guided tour and a free day, so you can explore the sights and souks in depth. More than just a tickbox tour, this varied and intimate trip showcases the real Morocco. BE IMMERSED IN THE BOUGMEZ VALLEY We spend two days in this delightfully lush enclave, discovering shrines and dinosaur footprints, and sharing mint tea with the local Berber people.

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Feel like a movie star as you explore the kasbah of Ait Benhaddou.

Browse Morocco’s markets for exotic fruits and spices.

Duration: 15 days Trip code: AMGT Group max: 12 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Arrive Marrakech. 2 High Atlas. Visit Ait Benhaddou kasbah. 3 Walk in Valley of Roses. Boumalne Dades. 4 Todra Gorge. Merzouga. Camel trek. 5 Climb dunes. Camel trek. Travel to Erfoud. 6 Middle Atlas. 7 Fez. 8 Meknes and Volubilis. 9 Central Atlas. 10–11 Bougmez Valley. 12 Ouzoud Waterfalls. 13-14 Marrakech. 15 Depart Marrakech. Accommodation: hotels, kasbahs, auberges, ﬁxed nomad-style camp Meals: most meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £735 Flight inclusive: from £937

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Africa • Morocco Climb Jebel Toubkal for ﬁne views and Berber hospitality.

Toubkal Ascent

Winter Toubkal Climb

Stand atop Morocco and all North Africa

Conquer Morocco’s summit – in snow

Walk amid Morocco’s superb High Atlas peaks Ascend 4167m Jebel Toubkal, North Africa’s highest mountain Dally in the delightful Ourika Valley Cross Tizi n’Tacheddirt pass to reach North Africa’s loftiest village Post-climb, get lost in Marrakech’s bustling bazaars

This amazing, great-value trek takes you to the summit of Jebel Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. You’ll also discover the delights of the Atlas Mountains’ less-trekked areas. Starting in the beautifully verdant Ourika Valley, you’ll hike over the rarely crossed Tizi n’Tacheddirt pass (3230m) to reach North Africa’s highest permanently inhabited village. One more pass, then you join the regular trail to the Neltner Refuge beneath mighty Toubkal itself. Here, a rugged but straightforward route takes you to the summit of Toubkal for far-reaching and stupendous vistas that stretch across the Atlas Mountains and right to the Sahara.

As snow arrives on the peaks of Morocco’s majestic High Atlas Mountains, not only does it make for scenic splendour but also some great winter hill-walking. As well as aiming to make a winter ascent of 4167m Jebel Toubkal, the highest summit in North Africa, the neighbouring peak of Ouanoukrim (4088m) is also a worthy objective, and arguably a more interesting climb. Both afford spectacular views. The trip does require use of an ice-axe and crampons but there is no technical climbing involved and expert guides will teach you all you need to know.

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Duration: 8 days Trip code: TTAS Group max: 12 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Arrive Marrakech. 2 Transfer to Ourika Valley. Trek begins: ascend to tiny village of Iabbassene. 3 Trek: cross high mountain pass; descend into upper Imenane Valley to Tacheddirt. 4 Trek: follow Imenane Valley; cross Tizi Tamatert to Mizane Valley; join main Toubkal trail to Aremd. 5 Trek: ascend to Toubkal Base Camp. 6 Trek: Toubkal ascent (to 4167m summit); descend to Aremd. 7 Trek: walk to the roadhead at Imlil. Transfer to Marrakech, with time to explore the souks and bazaars. 8 Depart Marrakech. Accommodation: hotels, refuges, trekking lodges Meals: most meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £365 Flight inclusive: from £539

Enjoy a superlative winter hill trek, peaking at 4167m Jebel Toubkal Take in the snow-covered peaks of the High Atlas Learn to use crampons and ice-axes Spend time in magniﬁcent Marrakech Beneﬁt from a high guide-to-client ratio

Experience triumph on Toubkal.

Duration: 7 days Trip code: TNAW Group max: 12 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Arrive Marrakech. 2 Transfer to Aguersioual. Acclimatisation trek to Imlil. 3 Trek to Toubkal Base Camp; practice ice-axe and crampon walking. 4 Ascend Toubkal’s neighbour, Ouanoukrim. 5 Climb Toubkal. 6 Descend to Imlil. Transfer to Marrakech, with time for exploring the city. 7 Depart Marrakech. Accommodation: hotels, gite, mountain huts Meals: most meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £395 Flight inclusive: from £589

Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at: www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

Speak to an expert: 0845 304 8679

Africa • Morocco

Sahara Desert Adventure Trek with camels into the rolling sands Explore the desert like a true nomad – atop a dromedary.

Add on a stay at a traditional Moroccan riad.

Morocco Extensions Why not enjoy more of exotic Morocco? We can arrange lots of exciting add-ons...

Visit the kasbah Ait Benhaddou Traverse the Draa Valley Camp wild in the Sahara Trek the desert with camels Discover remote dunes

A spectacularly varied journey takes us across the mountains and through the palm groves of the Draa Valley to the edge of the Sahara. From the frontier city of Zagora we cross a high pass – then it all gets seriously sandy... At Mhamid village, we load our camels, and set off into the Sahara on foot. If you’d prefer not to walk we can arrange a camel for you – though be warned – walking is far more comfortable! Our romantic nomad caravan will then spend days heading deeper into the desert, admiring its scale and solitude, and camping out each night under the stars.

Duration: 8 days Trip code: AMSD Group max: 12 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Arrive Marrakech. 2 Overland across the High Atlas. Visit Ait Benhaddou and the Draa Valley. Arrive Zagora 3 Camel trek from Mhamid into Sahara. 4 Camel trek deeper into Sahara. 5 Camel trek over dunes and across dry Draa River bed. 6 Camel trek to the isolated dunes of Erg Lihoudi. 7 Short trek to roadhead. Transfer to Marrakech. 8 Depart Marrakech. Accommodation: hotels, wild desert camps

Stay in a riad in Marrakech Take a Sahara camel safari Learn how to cook, Berber style Visit historic kasbahs Relax on the Atlantic coast

Don’t rush home once your Morocco trip is over – we can organise a wide and wonderful array of extensions. Why not bed down in a traditional riad in Marrakech? We’ve handpicked a delectable selection to suit a variety of tastes and budgets.

For something completely different after your trek, we can whisk you down to the Sahara to journey by camel to a nomad-style camp. You could learn how to cook delicious Berber-style dishes amid the Atlas Mountains or take a journey along the Route of the Kasbahs. If you fancy a chill-out, we can arrange a break in seaside Essaouira. Or, for mountain luxury, bed down at the Kasbah du Toubkal, voted one of the top 100 hotels in the world.

Relax at fortiﬁed, seaside Essaouira.

Meals: most meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £475 Flight inclusive: from £699

CAMP AT ERG LIHOUDI The sandy dunes of Erg Lihoudi are remote and seemingly roll forever. We camp out here under starry skies – the perfect Arabian night.

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& CONTACT US for details of all our extensions, or to discuss options, call us or use the enquiry form at adventureworldwide.co.uk

Camping at Okonjima gives you the unique chance to get upclose and personal with cheetahs.

Africa • Namibia

IMAGINE... WILDLIFE ENCOUNTER • NAMIBIA

big cat close-up T

he khaki-clad ranger was talking expertly about cheetahs, but I confess I was barely listening. I meant to pay attention – but the lithe, live specimen standing just metres away was a little distracting... The cat was a beauty, his black-andfawn fur rippling over a physique built for speed. At such close quarters I could clearly follow the teardrop markings from his hazel eyes down to his whiskers, tinged pink after a meaty lunch. This was a special encounter indeed, made possible by a night’s camping out under the star-sprinkled skies at Okonjima. Nestled amid Namibia’s Omboroko Mountains, Okonjima is home to the AfriCat Foundation, a conservation operation that aims to rehabilitate orphaned cheetahs and leopards for release back into the wild; it also cares for those cats that cannot be set free. There are few other places where you can get so

close to such creatures – so close you can almost hear them breathe. ANIMAL MAGIC But this is far from Namibia’s only animal adventure. North of Okonjima sits one of Africa’s great national parks: Etosha. On the salt ﬂats here, lions roar, elephants harrumph and giraffe bend gingerly to drink. Best, Etosha’s campsites have their own wild nightlife: after dark, camp waterholes are ﬂoodlit and bustle with thirsty game. The Atlantic coast is no less busy – at Cape Cross, up to 100,000 Cape fur seals gather in a raucous, curious (and somewhat pungent) gang. Namibia is vast – and with that comes glorious, awe-inspiring emptiness. Impressive, wild, remote – but with the right guides, you’ll discover it isn’t quite as empty as you thought... Mark Wright, Adventure Worldwide MD

3 UNIQUE WILDLIFE ADVENTURES

WILD IN BEAR 1 GOCOUNTRY • FINLAND Immerse yourself in the endless taiga forest: learn bush skills, mush huskies, cycle amid the pines and hole up in a hide, all the while watching out for eagles, wolves, wolverine, reindeer and beautiful brown bears. Taiga Forests Adventure, 7 days, from £1,025 – see p59

Namibia Adventure, 9 days, from £895 – see p38

TIGERS IN THE 2 MEET JUNGLE • INDIA This ultimate North India adventure includes an overnight train to Corbett National Park – classic tiger territory, plus elephant, leopard and more. Multiple game drives in open jeeps will maximise your chances of super sightings. Himalayas, Tigers and Taj, 19 days, from £1,695 – see p16

COMING SOON Botswana and Namibia Explorer Delve into the Kalahari Desert and paddle the wildlife-rich Okavango Delta

Spot diverse wildlife at Etosha’s waterholes. Meet a fur seal at Cape Cross.

South Africa Get close and get involved with rhino conservation

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ROUND A WILDLIFE 3 WHIZZ WONDERLAND • KENYA Only got a week? You can still spot an abundance of animals: see high ﬂamingo ﬂocks at Lake Nakuru, view elephants in front of Kilimanjaro in Amboseli and tick off the Big Five in the mighty Maasai Mara. Magical Kenya Safari, 9 days, from £1,245 – see p39

Africa • Namibia

The salt ﬂats of Etosha National Park are rich in giraffe, lion, zebra and much, much more.

Namibia Adventure Find endless landscapes, big game and even bigger thrills in southern Africa

Game drives in Etosha National Park Meet the people of the Himba tribe Explore remote Damaraland Discover the Skeleton Coast Get up close to cheetahs at AfriCat

On this intimate overland epic, not only will you see amazing landscapes but you’ll meet local tribes and wildlife, too. Our ﬁrst camp is at Okonjima, home to AfriCat, a specialist conservation centre.

We’ll take a tour and meet a cheetah up close. Etosha National Park lies north, and we take games drive here, to spot lion, elephant, rhino, giraffe and more. Next, we meet the lions of AfriCat North, and the fascinating Himba people. Damaraland’s desert landscapes will wow en route to the Atlantic’s Skeleton Coast and seal colony. Then it’s on to laid-back Swakopmund, before a drive across the mountains to complete our super circuit.

Duration: 11 days Trip code: ANNA Group max: 14 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK. 2 Arrive Windhoek. 3 Overland to Okonjima, home of AfriCat. 4 Drive to East Etosha. Afternoon game drive. 5 Full day in Etosha. 6 Meet the Himba. Travel to Grootberg region. 7 Explore Damaraland. 8 Travel to Skeleton Coast. 9 Return to Windhoek. 10–11 Depart Windhoek, arrive UK. Accommodation: guesthouses, camping Meals: most meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £895 Flight inclusive: from £1797

& GO ONLINE Take a game drive to spot Etosha’s elephant herds.

for availability, departure dates, prices, photographs, maps and Trip Dossiers at: www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

Speak to an expert: 0845 304 8679

Africa • Kenya

Across Kenya Safari Amazing creatures, amazing country Meet the Maasai people, as well as the Mara’s wildlife.

Watch for leopards lounging in branches above the savannah.

Magical Kenya Safari A truly wonderful wildlife-ﬁlled week

Stay at historic Treetops Lodge Safari in the Maasai Mara Go wild in Samburu Reserve Visit shimmering Lake Nakuru Dance with the Maasai people

This safari through Kenya stops ﬁrst at the mountains of the Aberdares, to watch wildlife in style from the terrace of Treetops Lodge. Next we head to the wilder side of Kenya: Samburu National Park, home to lion, leopard and cheetah, plus rarer species including Beisa oryx and reticulated giraffe. Next, Lake Nakuru, for rhinos and ﬂamingoes, before arriving at the jewel in Kenya’s wildlife crown, the Maasai Mara. Home to a vast array of wildlife, including the Big Five, game viewing here is never dull. We’ll stay in tented camps and drop by to meet the local Maasai, too. SLEEP LIKE THE QUEEN! Queen Elizabeth II learned of her father’s death (and thus her accession to the throne) at Treetops Lodge. We spend a night at this historic spot.

Duration: 10 days Trip code: AKKS Group max: variable Outline itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK. 2 Arrive Nairobi. 3 Transfer to Aberdares; stay at Treetops Lodge. 4 Transfer to Samburu Game Reserve. 5 Samburu Game Reserve game drives. 6 Transfer via Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru. 7 Travel to Maasai Mara for game drives. 8 Maasai Mara and Maasai village visit. 9–10 Transfer to Nairobi Airport. Depart Nairobi, arrive UK. Accommodation: hotels (ranging from 3* to 5*), safari lodges, safari camps Meals: all meals included, bar one Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £1525 Flight inclusive: from £2129

Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at: www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

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See the lions of the Mara View Kilimanjaro from Amboseli Meet the Maasai Visit incredible Lake Nakuru Experience the thrill of a safari

Short on time but want to pack in plenty of wildlife? This is the trip for you. Visiting Lake Nakuru, the Maasai Mara and Amboseli National Park, you’ll have the chance to tick off the Big Five and see some of Kenya’s most spectacular landscapes, too. The Rift Valley soda lake of Nakuru is renowned for huge ﬂamingo ﬂocks and both black and white rhino. The Maasai Mara is simply one of Africa’s greatest reserves, hosting innumerable creatures, and backdrop to the Great Migration. Amboseli is also home to abundant wildlife. Perhaps most unforgettable is to observe elephant herds at sundown, with Kilimanjaro looming behind. SEE EVERY SAFARI MOMENT We explore Kenya’s parks by custom-made ‘pop-up roof’ safari vehicles: everyone in the group gets a window seat and a great view.

Duration: 9 days Trip code: AKMS Group max: variable Outline itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK. 2 Arrive Nairobi. 3 Transfer to Lake Nakuru. Afternoon safari around the lake. 4 Transfer to Maasai Mara National Park. Afternoon safari. 5 Maasai Mara game-viewing. Visit to a Maasai village; watch a traditional Maasai dance. 6 Transfer to Amboseli National Park. 7 Amboseli game drives, with views of Kilimanjaro on clear days. 8–9 Transfer to Nairobi Airport. Depart Nairobi, arrive UK. Accommodation: hotels, safari camps Meals: all meals included, bar one Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £1245 Flight inclusive: from £1989

Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at: www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

Africa • Tanzania

Kilimanjaro is a massive, yet manageable, challenge.

The Big Five Safari Spot big game in Tanzania’s best parks See a world of wildlife in Ngorongoro Crater.

Kilimanjaro: The Rongai Route Trek Africa’s highest peak – the best way

Spend six days on the mountain Camp by Mawenzi Tarn Spot colobus monkeys Stand on the ‘Roof of Africa’ Enjoy a shorter summit option

Gain a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north via the Rongai Route – which many consider to be the most spectacular (and one of the shorter) ways to the top. Starting in rainforest (home to colobus monkeys), you ascend with views of the Kenyan plains. You’ll trek to Mawenzi Tarn, sited dramatically in a cirque beneath towering spires, then cross the lunar desert of the Saddle to reach the foot of Kibo, Kili’s main crater. Summit night is tough but utterly unforgettable: starting around midnight, you’ll push to the crater rim for sunrise and then on to 5895m Uhuru Peak, to stand upon the very Roof of Africa. Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at: www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

Duration: 10 days Trip code: TKRO Group max: 12 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK. 2 Arrive Kilimanjaro and Marangu. 3 Start Rongai trek. 4–6 Trek to Kibo. 7 Summit day! 8 Trek Marangu. 9–10 Depart Kilimanjaro, arrive UK. Accommodation: hotels, camping Meals: most meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £1249 Flight inclusive: from £1985

Uhuru Peak tops Kibo Crater.

Look for the wildlife Big Five Visit Tanzania’s Big Five parks Meet the Maasai Stay in quality accommodation Get a guaranteed window seat

This classic tour of northern Tanzania takes in its legendary national parks: the Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Olduvai Gorge, Tarangire and Ngorongoro. Each has its wildlife wows. For instance, at Lake Manyara we’ll watch out for tree-climbing lions. At Ngorongoro, an ancient and dramatic caldera teeming with life, we’ll witness East Africa in microcosm. In the Serengeti we have the best chance of ticking off the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino), but will see much more besides. There’s an interesting human side, too: we’ll explore Olduvai Gorge and visit a local Maasai village to meet members of this proud tribe.

Duration: 9 days Trip code: ATBF Group max: variable Outline itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK. 2 Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport. Transfer to Arusha. 3 Tarangire National Park game drive. Lake Manyara game drive. 4 Lake Manyara game drives. 5 Ngorongoro Crater game drive. Transfer to Serengeti National Park. 6 Serengeti game drives. 7 Olduvai Gorge and Maasai village. 8–9 Transfer to Kilimanjaro. Depart Kilimanjaro, arrive UK. Accommodation: hotels, safari lodges, tented safari camps Meals: all meals included, bar one Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £1735 Flight inclusive: from £2384

MEET THE ANCESTORS Some of the oldest hominin fossils yet discovered were found at Olduvai Gorge – dubbed the Cradle of Mankind. We stop to pay a visit.

Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at: www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

Speak to an expert: 0845 304 8679

Americas

Hike amid the rock spires of Torres del Paine in Patagonia.

Americas COLOMBIA Imagine: Tales of whales

Spot humpbacks off the wild west coast.

ARGENTINA, CHILE & BOLIVIA Ultimate Patagonia Adventure Secret South America

44 44

PERU Total Adventure Peru

GUATEMALA Active Guatemala

COSTA RICA Rainforest: Green dreams

Delve into wild yet accessible jungle.

Tropical Adventures in Costa Rica

CENTRAL AMERICA Grand Tour of Central America

Experience the extraordinary... G et up-close to humpbacks on the

untouched west coast of Colombia p42 Hike the little-known ‘wild west’ valleys

of the Quebrada, Argentina p44 Be exhilarated on South America’s best

one-day bike ride, Peru p45 Camp amid the Mayan ruins of Uaxactun,

Guatemala p45 Canoe the Chagres River to meet the local

Tusipono tribe, Panama p48

Discover more online: www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

Come face to face with a humpback calf off the west coast of Colombia. The comfortable cabins at El Cantil ecolodge nestle above the tree-lined shore.

Wander the streets of beautiful Cartagena, lined with elegant colonial architecture.

Americas • Colombia

IMAGINE... COLOMBIA

tales of whales I

felt as if I’d landed on an alien planet – that I was in Avatar. In fact, I was staying at El Cantil, a small ecolodge on Colombia’s remote Paciﬁc Coast – bit it was difﬁcult to believe that any place outside a movie could be so beautiful, so pure, so untouched, so brimming with life. One morning I dragged myself away from the boulder-strewn beach to plunge into the jungle behind – and every step brought something new. The plants were almost ridiculous in their diversity: bromeliads, monkey stairs, giant creepers, thousand-peso trees – guide Tejo reeled off these names, his passion and knowledge as abundant as the forest itself. Then there were the iridescent tree frogs and the giant (but not scary) spider whose enormous web nearly barred our path. The following morning, I went the other way – out onto the water on a whalewatching boat trip. We were still gasping at the wonder of a breaching humpback when three surfaced close by. We killed the

motor, wondering what might come next... Then, suddenly, up popped a barnacled calf, perpendicular to our boat; it hardly moved for almost a minute, just looking – watching us. We gawped back, transﬁxed. This is what happens in Colombia – unexpected moments, once-in-a-lifetime surprises; few places are so intoxicating.

Our guide’s passion and knowledge of plants was as abundant as the forest itself A journey here is a real adventure – and, despite years of negative headlines, safe if you heed the proper advice. Whether you’re strolling amid colonial Cartagena, lounging in the haciendas of coffee country or rafting white-water rivers, Colombia will get well and truly under your skin. Mark Wright, Adventure Worldwide MD Adventure Colombia, tailor-made, 11–14 days, from around £1750 – for details call 0845 304 8679

Follow Mark’s lead – grab a paddle and prepare for action!

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK IN THE AMERICAS

ACROSS A FORGOTTEN LAND 1 HIKE • ARGENTINA, CHILE & BOLIVIA Trek through Argentina’s remote northern Quebrada – a landscape straight out of a spaghetti western and riddled with Inca trails. Combine with visits to pre-Hispanic villages, Bolivia’s saltﬂats and the Atacama Desert. Secret South America, 15 days, from £2,225 – see p44

LOOSE IN WILDEST CENTRAL 2 LET AMERICA • GUATEMALA Colourful, a little crazy but never dull: that’s Guatemala. This unique take on the country includes camping amid Mayan ruins, dancing on an active volcano, kayaking on arguably the world’s most beautiful lake and partying like a local. Active Guatemala, 10 days, from £1,395 – see p45

RAFT AND RAMBLE THE 3 RIDE, INCA HEARTLAND • PERU Get active in the Sacred Valley: this trip not only includes the legendary Inca Trail hike, but a remote three-day white-water raft along the Apurimac River, camping on sandy beaches and watching for otter and puma en route. Total Adventure Peru, 13 days, from £1,645 – see p45

Discover more online www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

Americas • Argentina, Chile & Bolivia

Trek to the jagged peaks of Torres del Paine.

Explore Bolivia’s surreal salt ﬂats – the Salar de Uyuni.

Secret South America

Ultimate Patagonia

Latin adventure, well off the beaten track

An epic journey to the end of the earth

Hike Argentina’s wild Quebrada Visit Bolivia’s salt lakes Explore Chile’s Atacama Desert Encounter warm local hospitality Follow historic Inca trails

A journey with real wow factor: travelling on foot and overland, using both private and public transport, you’ll venture into a rarely visited part of northern Argentina, traverse Bolivia’s flamingo-pinked salt flats and enter Chile’s Valley of Death. Start by trekking in Argentina’s remote Quebrada, a fascinating, spaghetti-western-style badland. Then cross into Bolivia to walk by colourful lagoons and spot wildlife. Next are the salt pans of the Atacama Desert, where we’ll also undertake an interesting trek into the salt mountains before overlanding back into Argentina to finish in the vibrant city of Salta. MEET THE HORNADITAS Argentina’s Quebrada is barely trodden, but treks here – along old Inca trails – give access to remote villages that offer warm welcomes.

Duration: 15 days Trip code: AABC Group max: 16 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Arrive Salta. 2 Quebrada del Toro. 3 Trek to Devil’s Throat. 4 Local bus to Humahuaca. 5 Quebrada de Salta. 6 Pena Blanca walk. 7 Meet local Hornaditas community. 8 Into Bolivia. Train to Uyuni. 9 Salt village of Colchani. Walk to Chuvica. 10 Altiplano lagoons. 11 Into Chile and the Atacama. 12 Atacama salt pans. 13 Trek to Valley of Death. 14 Bus across the Andes to Salta. 15 Depart Salta. Accommodation: hosterias, refuges Meals: some meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £2225 Flight inclusive: from £3335

Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at: www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

Trek in Torres del Paine NP Stand in awe of the Cerro Torre Explore Tierra del Fuego Sail across the Beagle Channel

This adventure in Chile and Argentina starts at Los Glaciares National Park – home to magniﬁcent Mount Fitz Roy, the legendary Cerro Torre and some of the best walking trails imaginable. Each day you’ll awake inspired to get up and go. Perito Moreno Glacier and its formidable ice formations are next, before the jaw-dropping scenery of Torres del Paine. Daily hikes will take you in among this amphitheatre of granite towers, twisted spires and deep-blue lakes. Heading south, you cross the Strait of Magellan to Tierra del Fuego – the end of the world – for more treks, with views of the Andes and the Antarctic Ocean.

Duration: 15 days Trip code: TPAT Group max: 15 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Arrive El Calafate. 2 Los Glaciares National Park 3 Trek to Cerro Fitz Roy. 4 Trek to Cerro Torre. 5 Walk to Mirador Mastri and El Chalten. 6 Overland to El Calafate. 7 Perito Moreno Glacier. 8 Torres del Paine. 9 Trek to El Paine. 10 Boat on Lake Pehoe. 11 Trek to Grey Glacier. Puerto Natales. 12 Tierra del Fuego. 13 Estancia visit. 14 Boat on Beagle Channel to Ushuaia. 15 Depart Ushuaia. Accommodation: hotels, ﬁxed camps, mountain huts, hosterias Meals: most meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £1995 Flight inclusive: from £3435

& GO ONLINE for availability, departure dates, prices, photographs, maps and Trip Dossiers at: www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

Speak to an expert: 0845 304 8679

Americas • Peru & Guatemala

Total Adventure Peru Hot Andes action – not for softies!

Mountain-bike among the volanoes of Guatemala.

Active Guatemala Go wild in nature’s adventure playground

Raft the wild waters of the Apurimac River.

Raft the mighty Apurimac River Trek the Inca Trail Indulge in Cusco’s nightlife Mountain-bike the Sacred Valley Discover abundant Inca ruins Hold on tight: this is Peru at its most full-on – possibly the hottest Andean action adventure around. After acclimatising in colonial Cusco, the dial is turned up to 11 as we descend into a vast canyon to hit the Apurimac, one of the world’s top whitewater rafting rivers. We master rapids, camp on isolated beaches and spot wildlife. A spectacular high-adrenalin bike ride follows, before we hit the classic Inca Trail for four days, peaking at 4200m Dead Woman’s Pass and ﬁnishing at mighty Machu Picchu. Finally, catch the scenic train back to Cusco, for a lively farewell celebration. BIKE THE SACRED VALLEY The descent from the Vilcanota Mountains to the Urubamba River, pausing at Inca ruins for lunch, is Peru’s best one-day bike trip.

Duration: 13 days Trip code: APTP Group max: 16 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK. 2 Arrive Cusco. Cusco walking tour. 3 Transfer to Apurimac River. 4 Raft the Apurimac. Riverside camp. 5 Raft the Apurimac. Transfer to Cusco. 6 Mountain biking in the Sacred Valley. 7 Explore Ollantaytambo. Transfer to km82 to begin Inca Trail trek. 8 Inca Trail: Dead Woman’s Pass. 9 Inca Trail: to Winay Wayna. 10 Inca Trail: arrive Machu Picchu via Sun Gate. 11 Free day in Cusco. 12–13 Depart Cusco, arrive UK. Accommodation: hotels, camping Meals: most meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £1745 Flight inclusive: from £3045

Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at: www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

Discover more online www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

Dance on an active volcano Kayak on Lake Atitlan Explore the Mayan ruins of Tikal Trek in ‘10 Volcano Land’ Meet the Uaxactun Maya

Guatemala – all active volcanoes, lost cities, teeming rainforests and Mayan marvels – is colourful, crazy and never dull! This trip is an adventure around the country’s best bits. We downhill mountain-bike, then trek on active Pacaya Volcano. Next, we bike in the highlands – which we call ‘10 Volcano Land’. At Totonicapan, we stay with a local family and explore old Mayan trails. Lake Atitlan – perhaps the world’s most beautiful lake – is the place to kayak, hike and watch Mayan rituals, and visit nearby markets. The Peten region holds more Mayan treasures: here, we’ll explore Tikal and camp out with Mayan communities. CAMP AMONG MAYAN RUINS We’ll meet the Uaxactun community, climb the site’s tower at sunset, dine in the ‘astrological square’ and camp right in the Mayan complex.

Duration: 10 days Trip code: AGAG Group max: 12 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Guatemala City. Transfer to Antigua. 2 Bike and trek on Pacaya Volcano. 3 Bike ‘10 Volcano Land’. Stay with a local family. 4 Trek and bike the Highlands. Travel to Lake Atitlan. 5 Kayak on Atitlan. Trek Cerro de Oro. 6 Visit Chichicastenango market. Trek to Antigua. 7 Fly to Peten. Zip wire. Meet locals. 8 Tour Tikal. Fly to Guatemala City. 9–10 Depart Guatemala City and arrive UK. Accommodation: hotels, camping, guesthouses, homestays Meals: most meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £1395 Flight inclusive: from £2287

Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at: www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

Don’t get obsessed by furry creatures – there’s a dazzling array of birdlife in the Costa Rican rainforest.

Tortuguero is an important nesting site for endangered green turtles.

Sometimes it’s worth seeing things from another angle...

Americas • Costa Rica

IMAGINE... RAINFOREST ADVENTURE • COSTA RICA

green dreams W

hat was that? I jumped as a mysterious whoop burst from the impenetrable green – its creator unknown but its effect spinetingling. As I tried to locate the sound, a second whoop – louder still – boomed in reply, then a third, a fourth. Suddenly, a cacophonous riot of jungle-chatter erupted, like a Mexican wave of avian and animal sound. There’s a lot going on in Costa Rica’s Tortuguero National Park: a boat trip along its tree-draped creeks and lagoons is to see, hear and feel nature breathe. There are jaguars here, and sloths, howler monkeys and manatees. Rainforest can be a terrible tease, and sometimes sightings come in mere glimpses – a feather ﬂash here, an enigmatic splash there – but even if the wildlife remains elusive, the energy and the anticipation are always turned up to 11. I have never felt so alive, and so surrounded by life.

The beauty of Costa Rica is both the accessibility and profusion of its jungle, and its proximity to so much else. Central America is a continent in microcosm – distances between countries are small, yet the diversity of terrain, culture and experiences huge. MORE THRILLS, LESS TIME One day you might be watching Tortuguero’s endangered green turtle hatchlings make a dash for the Caribbean; the next you’re snorkelling off an island in Panama or hiking Nicaragua’s active volcanoes. In less than three weeks you can combine six countries, seeking out the Mayan legacy of Honduras, the mountains of little-known El Salvador, the curious lakeside cultures of Guatemala – and discovering the mysteries of them all, not least the jungle-clad remains of the ancient Maya culture. Chris Poole, Adventure Worldwide Head of Sales

3 MORE RAINFOREST ADVENTURES

REALLY WILD • COSTA RICA 1 GOConcentrate on just Costa Rica to delve deeper into its wildlife-abundant forests in a variety of ways: on foot, by 4WD vehicle, by white-water raft or via a 3km-long canopy zipwire. This is all about making forest exploration even more fun! Tropical Adventures in Costa Rica, 9 days, from £1,495 – see p48

Grand Tour of Central America, 20 days,

from £2,985 – see p48.

AND TREK AMID 2 FLOAT TROPICAL FOREST • INDIA Mix up many marvellous jungles on this active exploration of Kerala – take offbeat hikes in the cool and fragrant Western Ghats, and amid lush tea plantations, and take a classic cruise along the palm-lined backwaters. The Spice Trails of Kerala, 16 days, from £1,145 – see p18

THE BEST 3 COMBINE OF BOTH • BALI

Night walks in the rainforest reveal its magniﬁcent diversity.

Discover more online www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

Base yourself in the Balinese mountains to both soak up the island’s rich culture and crafts, and tackle awesome Agung Volcano – we get up early to make the climb, to summit for the most spectacular sunrise. Bali High and Coast, 15 days, from £765 – see p28

Americas • Central America & Costa Rica

Grand Tour of Central America Six countries, one really big adventure Admire the colonial charms of Granada, Nicaragua.

Tropical Adventures

Raft the wildlife-ﬂanked Pacuare River.

Costa Rica by raft, horse, bike and more

Walk high in the forest canopy Spot a dazzling array of wildlife Mountain-bike under a volcano Raft on the Pacuare River Add on a sublime beach stay

This holiday is the perfect balance of action and intrigue, combining natural wonders with many adventurous means of exploration. First stop: the Pacuare River, to whitewater raft through deep gorges in the jungle – look out for monkeys and macaws. Next, take the PanAmerican Highway into the central volcanic region to horse-ride through tropical forests. Swap to two wheels and two feet to explore Arenal National Park; then board a boat to cross Arenal Lake. In Monteverde, soar above the cloudforest by sky tram, then ﬁnish with a 3km-long zipwire course right through the treetops.

Duration: 9 days Trip code: ACRA Group max: 12 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive San Jose. 2 Whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River. 3 Transfer to Arenal volcano highlands. Horse ride and hike to La Fortuna waterfalls. 4 Mountain-bike in Arenal Volcano National Park. 5 Cross Arenal Lake. Overland to Monteverde Cloud Forest. 6 Canopy walk and wildlifespotting in Monteverde Cloud Forest. 7 Transfer to San Jose (or take beach extension). 8–9 Depart San Jose, arrive UK. Accommodation: hotels Meals: all meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £1495 Flight inclusive: from £2424

LINGER BY THE BEACH It’s easy to add on a seaside extension: we can arrange a stay by the tropical waters of Playa Tamarindo or Playa Hermosa.

Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at: www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

Take a boat across Lake Atitlan Visit the Mayan ruins of Copan Marvel at the Panama Canal Meet the indigenous Tusipono Look for wildlife in Costa Rica

A truly grand tour, this trip combines six super Central American countries: Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama. Sail Lake Atitlan and meet mysterious Mayan god Maximon; visit offbeat El Salvador’s Peace Museum and El Mozote community; explore the amazing Mayan ruins of Copan and picturesque Yojoa Lake; amble Nicaragua’s colonial cities and raft Ometepe Island; look out for sloth, turtles and monkeys in Tortuguero National Park; and meet the indigenous Tusipono people before touring the Panama Canal’s Miraﬂores Locks – one of the modern wonders of the world. A diverse, jam-packed journey. Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at: www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

Duration: 20 days Trip code: AGCA Group max: 12 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Depart UK, arrive Guatemala City. Transfer to Antigua. 2 Antigua. Lake Atitlan 3 Boat across lake. Panajachel. Quetzaltenango. 4 To Guatemala City. 5 El Salvador. 6 El Salvador. 7 Suchitoto and La Palme. Into Honduras. 8 Copan. 9 Santa Barbara. Yojoa Lake. 10 Into Nicargua. Leon. 11 Masaya Volcano. Granada. Lake Nicaragua. 12 Ometepe Island. 13 Charco Verde Reserve. Into Costa Rica. 14 Tortuguero NP. 15 Tortuguero. Into Panama. 16 Laguna Bocatorito. 17 Fly to Panama. Panama Canal. 18 Canoe trip. Meet Tusipono tribe. 19–20 Depart Panama City, arrive UK. Accommodation: hotels Meals: some meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £2985 Flight inclusive: from £3660

Speak to an expert: 0845 304 8679

Europe

Europe ALBANIA Imagine: So near, so far

Find the exotic on your doorstep.

Albania Highland Adventure

ROMANIA Active Transylvania 53 The Grand Tour of the Carpathians 53

ARMENIA & GEORGIA Classic Caucasus

CORSICA High Octane Corsica

SPAIN Active Catalonia

POLAND & SLOVAKIA Walking: Night on bear mountain 56 Track brown bears on foot in the High Tatras.

Walking with Bears

FINLAND Call of the Wild Taiga Forests Adventure Lapland: Northern Lights Special

58 59 59

TURKEY Active Turkey

Experience the extraordinary... L ive with traditional Highland farmers

in the Accursed Mountains, Albania p52 Stay and cook with nomads, Armenia p54 Track bears on foot in the usually off-limits

High Tatras, Slovakia and Poland p58 Mush your own team of huskies in Finland â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

Discover remote mountain monasteries in Georgia.

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in winter and summer p58-59

The farmers of the Accursed Mountains offer a warm welcome.

3 OUT-THERE EUROPE ADVENTURES ALL AREAS • 1ACCESS ARMENIA & GEORGIA Unique experiences abound in these two little-visited countries on the fringes of Europe. Ride the world’s longest aerial tramway, 4WD into tough-to-reach mountains, learn to cook local specialities and meet Yezidi nomads. Classic Caucasus, 12 days, from £1,995 – see p54 TRY IT ALL IN 2 TRANSYLVANIA • ROMANIA Dig beyond the Dracula kitsch to ﬁnd real Romania. Search the forests for bears, take a horse-drawn cart to a Romanian barbecue, drive the dramatic Transfagarasan Highway into the hills and explore Saxon villages by bike. Active Transylvania, 8 days, from £875 – see p53 IN ON THE ISLAND ACTION • CORSICA 3 GET The Mediterranean’s ‘Beautiful Isle’ is also action-packed. In one high-adrenalin week, mix climbing, mountain-biking, treetop adventure courses and scuba diving with a truly original trek up to an old Genoese tower, amid incredible scenery. High Octane Corsica, 8 days, from £1,385 – see p55

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Europe • Albania

IMAGINE... ALBANIA

so near, so far I

woke k up early l iin the h iisolated l d valley ll – and ll d seemed d to have entered Utopia. The jagged and brooding Accursed Mountains towered around me; the sound of silence was broken only by the turquoise river thundering in the distance. Despite the hour, my hosts were already up and busy in the kitchen, preparing our breakfast from their homegrown bounty; their sheep wandered around, doing sheep stuff. I strolled out into the lovingly planted ﬁelds, gazing at tendrils of smoke snaking up from the valley’s few other houses to those all-dominating, forest-cloaked peaks. This was deﬁnitely a ‘glad to be alive’ day. Deda, the owner of Nderlysa Farmstead – and the man who decided to open it up to the few intrepid travellers who make it here – came out to greet me with a bottle of home-brewed

((and d potent)) raki, kii the h llocall b d A shot h iis the h Al A lb b i way brandy. Albanian to start the day, so – well, when in Rome – we toasted each other’s health, and I drank to the fact that the famed Albanian Highlander hospitality was as warm as I’d been lead to believe. BLESSED ISOLATION Throughout my time in the Prokletije (‘Accursed’) Mountains, and Albania as a whole, I had to keep reminding myself I was in Europe. Life here is hard, more akin to surviving in the remote Himalaya than in any country on our continent. But this isolation, and the preservation of strong traditions, makes for a very special place: a little bit of exotic right on the doorstep. And that’s Albania all over: so close to familiar places, yet so unexpectedly different. Mark Knowles, Adventure Worldwide Product Manager Albania Highland Adventure, 8 days, from £725 – see p52

Europe • Albania

Amble around the scenic hilltop town of Kruja.

Albania Highland Adventure Remote mountain communities, hilltop towns, quiet coast: Europe as it used to be

Experience highland life hands-on Explore glorious Thethi National Park Visit historic hillside Kruja Sea-kayak in secluded Med bays Join in Tirana’s lively nightlife

On this offbeat adventure we venture into the remote Accursed Mountains in far northern Albania to meet a tiny community of largely self-sufﬁcient Highlanders. We’ll stay with a family at their smallholding, to Discover how highlanders live in the Accursed Mountains.

learn about their lives – getting hands-on, if you like. We’ll also walk in beautiful Thethi National Park and discover one of its remaining ‘Blood Feud Towers’. Next it’s on to the historic hillside town of Kruja, then a remote stretch of coast to sea-kayak to Rodoni Cape Fortress. In the mountains above the capital, Tirana, we’ll walk to Pellumbas Cave, then spend our ﬁnal night in this cosmopolitan city, perhaps sampling ‘The Block’ district’s trendy bars.

Duration: 8 days Trip code: AAHA Group max: 10 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Arrive Tirana. Transfer to Shkodra. 2 Transfer to Nderlysa farmstay. 3 Highland farming activities, ﬁshing, picnic. 4 Explore Thethi on foot. Transfer to Nderlysa: traditional dinner. 5 Visit Lezha Lagoon. Transfer to Kruja. 6 Sea-kayaking, Rodoni Cape Fortress. 7 Walk to Pellumbas cave. Free time in Tirana. 8 Depart Tirana. Accommodation: hotels, village guesthouse Meals: all meals included, bar one Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £725 Flight inclusive: from £995

EMBRACE LIFE ON THE FARM Nderlysa Farm welcomes guests with hearty meals and warm hospitality. It’s a great base for walks and trying farm activities, from cooking to milking sheep!

Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at: adventureworldwide. co.uk

Speak to an expert: 0845 304 8679

Europe • Romania

Active Transylvania

Trek to the wooden monastery of Barsana near Maramures.

Romania – with extra bite

The Grand Tour of the Carpathians

Walking and cycling Transylvania is a great way to meet the locals.

Visit ‘Castle Dracula’ Watch bears from a hide Raft whitewater rivers Walk on the high Bucegi Plateau Drive the Transfagarasan road

Delve beyond the Dracula stuff to ﬁnd the real Transylvania – sweeping forests, high mountains, river valleys and proper adventure. After Sinaia’s palace we hit Bucegi Plateau, medieval Brasov, and the supposed ‘Castle Dracula’. Next, we plunge deep into the forest to spot bears and enjoy Romanian cooking. We take the twisting Transfagarasan Highway into the mountains then visit the real Dracula’s castle at Poienari. After Piatra Craiului NP, we cycle the plains and stay in a Saxon village. Add in some rafting and a bit of Bucharest, and that’s a real taste of authentic Transylvania. PICNIC WITH THE WOLVES We take a horse and cart into Piatra Craiului National Park for a Transylvanian BBQ. Howl and you might hear the wolves howl back!

The best of Romania in two active weeks

Duration: 8 days Trip code: ARAT Group max: 12 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Arrive Bucharest. Transfer to Sinaia. 2 Visit Peles. Cablecar to Bucegi Plateau. Transfer to Brasov. 3 Walk in Bran area. Visit Bran Castle. Bear Hide. 4 Drive Transfagarasan. Poienari. 5 Transfer to Viscri and cycle area. 6 Transfer to Brasov. Afternoon at Adventure Park. 7 Rafting. Transfer to Bucharest. Visit Village Museum. 8 Visit Parliament. Depart Bucharest. Accommodation: hotels, guesthouses, homestay Meals: most meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £895 Flight inclusive: from £1090

Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at: www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

Discover more online www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

See Transylvania from Mt Omu Visit World Heritage Viscri Find ancient wooden churches See Bucovina’s monasteries Mix mountain and rural treks

From the peaks of Transylvania to the bucolic landscapes of Maramures, this epic journey overland and on foot packs in the best of Romania. There are sights galore: Bran’s iconic ‘Castle Dracula’, medieval Brasov, the Saxon village of Viscri, the citadel of Sighisoara and Bucovina’s painted monasteries. But there’s also wonderful walking, too. Summit Mt Omu for panoramic views across the Carpathians, delve into Piatra Craiului to hike amid jagged peaks, and trek Maramures, a region of tiny villages, rolling hills and remote mountains that are steeped in history and where local customs still hold strong. SLEEP ON A SUMMIT After hiking on the Bucegi Plateau, we’ll stay at a mountain hut built right on the 2505m summit of Mt Omu. Sunrises here are spectacular.

Duration: 15 days Trip code: TGTC Group max: 8 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Arrive Bucharest. Transfer to Sinaia. 2 Bucegi Plateau trek. 3 Trek Cerbului Valley to Busteni. Transfer to Brasov. 4 Bran. Trek to Zarnesti. 5 Viscri. Rural walk. 6 Sighisoara. 7 Moldavia. 8 Trek Bucovina Mountains. 9 Trek Rarau Mountains. 10–12 Trek Maramures region. 13 ‘Merry Cemetery’. Ocna Sugatag market. Sighet. 14 Sleeper train to Bucharest. 15 Depart Bucharest. Accommodation: hotels, pensions, guesthouses, mountain hut, train Meals: some meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £1695 Flight inclusive: from £1895

Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at: www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

Europe • Armenia & Georgia

4WD on wild mountain roads to reach the remote villages of the Caucasus.

Classic Caucasus Discover Armenia and Georgia – the ancient lands where East and West meet

Discover a Silk Road caravanserai Visit ancient monasteries See spectacular Caucasus scenery Meet Yezidi nomads Enjoy Armenian and Georgian cuisine

This is a trip of geographical contrasts – from the canyons and volcanic plateaux of Armenia to the snowy peaks of Georgia. Armenia ﬁrst: here, we horseride with nomadic shepherds, walk on Mt Aragats You won’t go hungry in Armenia or Georgia.

(Armenia’s highest), sail on Lake Sevan, explore strands of the Silk Road and meet an enclave of Molokan Russians. The world’s longest aerial tramway is quite a thrill – as is attempting Armenian cooking. Crossing into Georgia, we 4WD into the Caucasus over outlandish mountain ‘roads’ to access the wild and remote Tusheti region, and experience local life here. Then we ﬁnish at Georgia’s vibrant capital, Tbilisi, to toast a trip well done.

Duration: 12 days Trip code: ACAG Group max: 12 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Arrive Yerevan. 2 Horse ride. Geghard Monastery. Garni Temple. 3 Walk to Amberd Fortress beneath Mt Aragats. 4 Khor Virap Monastery. Aerial tramway. 5 Selim Pass Caravanserai. Lake Sevan. 6 Sevan Monastery, Dilijan Spa. Meet Molokan locals. 7 Into Georgia. Telavi. 8 Abanao Pass to Shenako. 9 Kesalo Tower. Chesho. 10 Girevi Valley. Shrolta. 11 Tbilisi. 12 Depart Tbilisi. Accommodation: hotels, guesthouses, homestay Meals: all meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £1995 Flight inclusive: from £2683

& GO ONLINE for availability, departure dates, prices, photographs, maps and Trip Dossiers at: adventureworldwide.co.uk

Speak to an expert: 0845 304 8679

Europe • Corsica & Spain

Cap de Creus is a great place for hiking.

High Octane Corsica Adrenalise yourself on ‘Action Island’ Chalk those hands and get climbing on Corsica’s cliffs.

Active Catalonia Adventure Mix it up in wildest north-east Spain Bike down from Col de Vergio View Corsica beneath the waves Summit Pointe de Criche Stay in quality hotels Lap up Med and mountain views Stand by for action on this multi-activity holiday to Corsica. The French ‘Isle of Beauty’ is truly blessed with spectacular mountains and an equally dramatic Mediterranean coast, making it ideal for all sorts of adventures. First we base ourselves in a great hotel right beneath the Col de Vergio. Warming up with mountain-biking, we try a treetop accrobranche course. Next, it’s rock climbing, then a trek and scramble to the 2057m summit of Pointe de Criche for farreaching views. Finally, we head to the coast. After learning basic dive skills in the pool, it’s out to sea to scuba. We ﬁnish with a truly original trek up to a Genoese Tower at Capu Rosso.

Duration: 8 days Trip code: AHOC Group max: 8 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Arrive Bastia. 2 Mountain bike. Treetop high-wire course. 3 Rock climb. 4 Trek to Pointe de Criche. 5 Downhill bike from Col de Vergio. Transfer to coast. 6 Dive training in pool. Afternoon sea dive. 7 Trek to Capu Rossu. 8 Depart Bastia. Accommodation: hotels Meals: some meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £1385 Flight inclusive: from £1565

Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at: www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

Discover more online www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

Sea-kayak off the wild coast Recharge at a charming hotel Tuck in to tasty Catalan cuisine Hike, bike and horseback ride Bask in the balmy Med climate

This is the Spanish coast – but not as you know it! We start with sea-kayaking off the rugged Catalan shore – and jump in to snorkel, too. A picnic on the beach is de rigueur before we walk to Cap de Creus. Next, it’s Aiguamolls d’Emporda Nature Park on horseback, then a downhill mountain-bike to the coast. A day at Adventure Lake offers everything from archery to abseiling. On your free day, you can relax or try a variety of pursuits. We then head into the Pyrenees by rack railway to walk, or try out optional activities. Finally, there’s a kayak trip on the River Fluvia before some well-earned time on the beach.

Duration: 8 days Trip code: ASAC Group max: 16 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Arrive Girona. Transfer to Castello D’Empuries. 2 Sea-kayak. Afternoon walk to Cap de Creus. 3 Horseride in Aiguamolls d’Emporda Nature Reserve. Afternoon mountain-bike. 4 Multiple activities at Adventure Lake. 5 Free day: choose from selection of optional activities. 6 Catalan Pyrenees: choose from selection of optional activities. 7 River kayak. Roman/Greek ruins visit or beach time. 8 Depart Girona. Accommodation: hotel Meals: some meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £885 Flight inclusive: from £1085

PICK YOUR OWN PACE

Corsica’s trails offer great biking.

Several days offer optional activities so you can dictate how adventurous this trip is – or add in some culture, such as a visit to the Dali Museum.

Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at: www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

IMAGINE... WALKING • POLAND & SLOVAKIA

night on the

bearmountain The High Tatras are criss-crossed with countless hiking trails – lace up and get trekking!

3 MORE WILD WALKS CLIMB AND COUNT 1 THE ANIMALS • TANZANIA Watch for colobus monkeys and the profuse birdlife of the equatorial forest on your ascent of the ‘Roof of Africa’ – Mt Kilimanjaro, 5895m and six days of challenging but incredibly rewarding trekking. Kilimanjaro Summit – the Rongai Route, 9 days, from £1249 – see p40. CONDORS 2 GLIMPSE • PATAGONIA Search the skies for these mighty soaring birds while keeping watch for guanaco, grey fox and puma on the trekking trails of Argentine and Chilean Patagonia. Ultimate Patagonia Adventure, 15 days, from £1195 – see p44. TRACK TIGERS AND 3 ELEPHANTS • SOUTH INDIA Watch for elephants and the planet’s biggest cats in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, after hiking through the Western Ghats of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Spice Trails of Kerala, 16 days, from £1095 – see p18

COMING SOON

Kinabalu Trek Plus Climb Borneo’s highest mountain and watch for the wildlife of rainforest and reef – orangutans, dizzyingly colourful birds and sea turtles. BE FIRST TO HEAR Sign up for our e-newsletter adventureworldwide.co.uk

that’s where the sense of drama is cranked up. This area has one of the highest densities of bears in Europe, and the possibility of spotting one – not from the safety of a hide, but wild and with nothing between us but distance – is electrifying. There are plenty of other gems to look out for – chamois and golden eagles, red deer and even, whisper it, wolves – but the big brown ones are the draw we all both long for and hope against meeting. Walking in this area, forbidden to all other tourists, is a truly unique opportunity. Reaching our ranger cottage for the night, I realise I’m disappointed. Not with the walk – few hikes have been so beautiful and exhilarating – but the lack of an ursine encounter. Still, there’s tomorrow. And another tomorrow. Mark Wright, Adventure Worldwide MD Walking with Bears, 8 days, from £895 – see p58

WALKS WORLDWIDE A collection of hundreds of dedicated walking and trekking holidays is available from Walks Worldwide. Call 0845 301 4737 or visit www.walksworldwide.com

Europe • Poland & Slovakia

here are times when silence is peaceful. Calming, reassuring. Then there’s now. Because in ‘Silent’ Valley – the translation of its Slovak name, Ticha – the absence of chat reﬂects the edginess in our group: we’re listening for bears. No noise is good noise. Or is it? This slice of the High Tatra Mountains, on the PolishSlovak border, is a mouthwatering feast of hiking, spiced up with some exceptional opportunities for spotting wildlife. The ‘High’ in the name is a clue to some of the appeal: steep, jagged peaks tear upwards from emerald meadows, with countless well-marked trails tantalising walkers of all abilities. But today’s hike – the ﬁrst full session of our eightday exploration of the region – is pleasingly challenging, descending from the border ridge deep into the valley. And

Europe • Poland, Slovakia & Finland

Learn to mush your own team of huskies.

Hike in the High Tatras – and look out for bears.

Walking with Bears

Call of the Wild

Track bears on foot in Poland & Slovakia

Find winter fun in northern Finland

Gaze at the majestic High Tatras With luck, see wild bears on foot Look out for other wildlife Trek with expert rangers Stay in remote huts and lodges

This is a walking holiday with a big difference: the aim is not just to hike in awesome mountains, but to look for bears as we go! There’s no sitting around hides: we aim to actively ﬁnd bears and observe them (from a safe distance) in their natural habitat. We begin in Poland, following footpaths across the High Tatras. Then we descend into Slovakia’s Ticha (Silent) Valley, where this adventure comes into its own. We’re joined by a ranger who will take us off-piste, walking in areas where tourists are usually forbidden. In groups of no more than eight, we’ll venture into spots known to harbour bears. Not only that, but any observations we make will be passed on to further help bear conservation. Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at: www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

Duration: 8 days Trip code: TURS Group max: 8 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Arrive Krakow. Transfer to Zakopane. 2 Climb into High Tatras. 3 Bear hike into Ticha Valley, Slovakia. 4 Bear hike in Ticha Valley. 5 Bear hike in Liptovske Kopy area. 6 Ascend Mt Krivan. Transfer to Spisska Sobota. 7 Free day: explore Spisska Sobota, Poprad or Spis Castle. 8 Depart Krakow. Accommodation: hotels, mountain lodge, park ranger cottage Meals: most meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £965 Flight inclusive: from £1099

BECOME A LONE RANGER We have an exclusive arrangement with rangers in the Silent Valley, so we can enter areas usually off-limits to tourists to look for bears.

Drive your own husky sled Try a range of winter acitivities Build an igloo Relax in Finnish-style saunas

Just beneath the Arctic Circle, the wild forests and frozen lakes of the taiga are among Europe’s last great wildernesses – and the perfect venue for winter fun! Based in Finland’s Kylmäluoma region, you’ll cross-country ski into the forest, looking out for wildlife – including wolf, lynx, elk and reindeer. Then mount an overnight snowshoe expedition to a remote cabin, drive your own team of huskies and even learn how to make your own igloo. Each night you can relax in a sauna, Finnish-style. And maybe, when you step outside your cosy log cabin after a tasty dinner, the magical northern lights will put on a bit of a show.

Duration: 8 days Trip code: TCOW Group max: 16 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Arrive Kuusamo. Transfer to Kylmäluoma region. 2 Introduction to region. Cross-country skiing. 3. Wilderness cabin stay. 4 Snowshoe back to Kylmäluoma. 5 Build an igloo. 6 Options: cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice-ﬁshing or a visit to a reindeer farm. 7 Husky sledding. 8 Transfer to Kuusamo. Depart Kuusamo. Accommodation: log cabins, wilderness cabin Meals: all meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £1095 Flight inclusive: from £1499

& GO ONLINE for availability, departure dates, prices, photographs, maps and Trip Dossiers at: www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

Speak to an expert: 0845 304 8679

Europe • Finland

Taiga Forests Adventure

2013 is set to be an excellent year for the northern lights.

Go wild in the forests of Finland Look for bears in Finland’s taiga forest.

Lapland: Northern Lights Special Be awed by the aurora in remote Finland Take charge of a husky scooter Hike and bike in the wilderness Learn forest survival skills Go bear-watching Unwind in a Finnish sauna This adventure is all about having fun while experiencing the vast, remote, wildlife-rich Finnish taiga. We start with husky sledding. Well, there’s no snow, so it’s actually huskies pulling wheeled scooters along the forest trails. Great fun! Then, on foot and by canoe, we head for a lake island and (with our guide) try to fend for ourselves for the night, building shelter and foraging for supper. We’ll also cycle through the taiga to a farm on the Russian border, to look for bears and more. We ﬁnish with the fun Finnish Wilderness Olympics: a chance to put all your new skills to the test!

Duration: 7 days Trip code: AFFA Group max: 12 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Arrive Kuusamo. Transfer to Hossa region. 2 Husky-scooter activity. 3 Hike/canoe to an island for Forest Survival. 4 Canoe/hike back to Hossa. 5 Cycling and bear watching on the Russian border (May/Aug departures); cycling plus boat trip (Sept departure). 6 Free morning for optional activities. Afernoon: Finnish Wilderness Olympics. 7 Transfer to Kuusamo. Depart Kuusamo. Accommodation: hotels, wild camp/bivouac Meals: all meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £1095 Flight inclusive: from £1485

SURVIVE THE WILDERNESS Play Ray Mears! Our survival night on an isolated island will see you catching ﬁsh, ﬁnding berries and learning to fend for yourself.

Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at: www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

Discover more online www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

See the aurora in the wilderness Drive a husky sled Witness the wonder of Lapland Warm up in saunas each night Have lots of snow fun!

According to NASA, 2013 is going to the best year in decades for auroral activity. And we think we’ve found the ideal place to watch it. Our base is a remote hotel high above the Arctic Circle that even Laplanders describe as the middle of nowhere. With little light pollution and long periods of darkness, it’s ideal for watching the northern lights. On this trip, view the aurora by snowmobile, on snowshoes, laying on a frozen lake or by an open ﬁre in a warm, glass-roofed hut. During the day there’s more snow fun to be had: board a sled to drive your own team of huskies, go cross-country skiing or head off on snowshoes to discover more of Lapland’s ethereal wilderness. Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at: www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

Duration: 4 days Trip code: ALNL Group max: 10 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Arrive Ivalo. Transfer to hotel. Look for northern lights from frozen lake. 2 Optional snow-fun activities. Aurora Workshop. Hunt for northern lights by snowshoe. 3 Morning husky safari. Afternoon: optional snow activities. Hunt for northern lights by snowmobile. 4 Transfer to Ivalo. Depart Ivalo. Accommodation: hotel Meals: all meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £775 Flight inclusive: from £1084

ENROL IN AN AURORA CLASS Our expert-led Aurora Workshop explains the phenomenon and gives useful photographic tips to help you capture the magic on camera.

Europe • Turkey Dive with turtles in the warm, clear waters off Turkey’s coast.

Active Turkey Adventure Discover real Turkish delight on the unspoiled Lycian Coast

See the sunken city of Kekova Kayak and ride beneath Mt Olympos Cook in the Flames of Chimera Stay at charming Adrasan Bay Try tasty Turkish cuisine

The Bay of Adrasan, on the sunny Turkish Med, is away from the big tourist resorts, and a great location for multi-activity fun. We’ll start with some sea-kayaking under the watchful eye of Mt Olympos.

We’ll also visit the ruins of 3000-year-old Olympos city and see the earth ablaze at the mysterious Flames of Chimera. A boat tour, with a spot of snorkelling, will reveal the sunken city of Kekova. We’ll then try gorge-walking, zipwiring through the forest at an adventure park and ponytrekking in the foothills of Mt Olympos. To round things off, we take an intro dive lesson then scuba in the clear seas, looking out for the local turtles.

Duration: 8 days Trip code: ATRK Group max: 16 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Arrive Antalya. Transfer to Adrasan. 2 Sea-kayak at Ceneviz Bay in the shadow of Mt Olympos. 3 Visit Olympos ruins and Flames of Chimera on foot. 4 ‘Sunken City’ Tour. 5 Gorge walking. Adventure park. 6 Pony trek below My Olympos. Market visit. 7 Scuba dive in Bay of Adrasan. 8 Depart Antalya. Accommodation: hotel Meals: all meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £795 Flight inclusive: from £1096

DIVE WITH TURTLES

At the Adventure Park, remember to hold on tiiiiiiiiiiight....

The Bay of Adrasan has some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean, and is home to monk seals and a colony of loggerhead turtles. We arrange a dive trip into their realm.

Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at: adventureworldwide. co.uk

Speak to an expert: 0845 304 8679

Middle East

Explore the wild landscapes of Jordanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wadi Rum.

Middle East EGYPT Imagine: Dune roaming

Camp out in the wild, weird Western Desert.

Pyramids and Deserts Egypt Adventure

64 64

JORDAN Petra, Desert, Dead and Red

LEBANON Active Lebanon Winter Snowshoe Adventure

66 67

Experience the extraordinary... Camp out with cheeky foxes in the weird

White Desert, Egypt p64 Take in the views from the summit of Black

Peak, Lebanon p66 Bed down like a Bedouin in the surreal

desert of Wadi Rum, Jordan p65 Strap on snowshoes for some surprising

winter fun, Lebanon p67 Spend a night in the home of a Nubian

family, Egypt p64

Discover more online: www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

IMAGINE... EGYPT

dune roaming O

ut in the emptiness of the desert, Cairo seemed like a different world. Don’t get me wrong – I’d been fascinated by the capital’s museums and mayhem, its world-wonder Pyramids and noseless Sphinx. But this – well, the Western Desert deﬁnitely proves the point that less is more. From the moment we’d veered off the already-remote road, things had taken a turn for the weird. The sand, ﬂecked with quartz, began to glitter like Christmas; then bizarre chalk formations started to appear – it was like driving through a fresh-whipped Eton Mess. The further we delved, the bigger those white rocks got; some were high as houses, teetering like giant mushrooms, looking ready to fall. We set up camp right beneath one, just as the setting sun turned it blush-pink. There were no other people

Camp among the weird rock formations of Egypt’s Western Desert – and watch out for cheeky foxes.

in sight, just our small group clustered round the campﬁre where our guide, Mo, was cooking up the evening’s feast – and a cheeky desert fox, stealthily (but unsuccessfully) attempting to sneak up and steal it. Unlucky for Mr Fox, we devoured it all ourselves, before further gorging on the silence and the stars. It’s Egypt, but not as you know it. While the well-known Nile Valley is packed with treasures, from the temples of ancient Thebes to the Valley of the Kings, the Western Desert – once considered the Land of the Dead – remains full of surprises. To loop from Cairo to Luxor via a series of far-removed oasis towns is to experience an alternative Egypt: a realm of golden mummies, desert in many guises, donkey carts and date groves, ancient mud-brick citadels – and big-eared foxes trying to make off with your dinner. Chris Poole, Adventure Worldwide Head of Sales Pyramids and Deserts, 9 days, from £475 – see p64

DOWN LIKE A BEDOUIN 1BED • JORDAN Experience the surreal sanctuary of Wadi Rum like a local, trekking by camel and sleeping out under the stars. Also, explore the rock-hewn city of Petra, dip in the Dead Sea and snorkel in the Red Sea. Petra, Desert, Dead and Red, 8 days, from £835 – see p65 ON TOP OF THE WORLD 2 FEEL • LEBANON Hike to the top of Black Peak – at 3085m, Lebanon’s highest summit, and an active (though manageable) twist on a tour of this cultural hotspot. Other highlights include Byblos, Beirut and walks through wildliferich cedar forest. Active Lebanon, 8 days, from £975 – see p66 DEEPER INTO THE LAND OF THE 3 DELVE PHAROAHS • EGYPT Experience Egypt’s big-hitters – the Pyramids, Luxor, a cruise on the Nile – but still get under the skin of the place: travel by overnight train to meet the locals, and spend a night in a traditional Nubian family home. Egypt Adventure, 9 days, from £495 – see p64

Middle East • Egypt

3 MORE MIDDLE EAST ADVENTURES

Middle East • Egypt

Cruise the Nile on a traditional felucca boat.

Desert foxes will join your camp in the White Desert.

Pyramids and Deserts

Egypt Adventure

See and feel Egypt in Black and White

Does exactly what it says on the tin!

Camp out in the White Desert Traverse the Black Desert Take a camel trek See the Pyramids and Sphinx Explore the Valley of the Kings

Egypt – with added adventure! As well as the classic sights, we’ll explore the remote wilderness of the Western Desert. After visiting the Pyramids, we head to Bahariya Oasis, at the edge of the Black Desert to wild camp beneath starry skies. Next, in the surreal White Desert, we’ll eat with local hosts (and, likely, desert foxes). At Dakhla Oasis we swap jeeps for camels to reach our next wild camp near El Kasr. Then we head for Luxor, to visit its Temple and the Valley of the Kings. An overnight train zips us back to Cairo, for a delve into the Egyptian Museum and the bustling bazaars.

Duration: 9 days Trip code: AEPD Group max: 16 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Arrive Cairo. 2 Visit Giza Pyramids and Sphinx. Travel to Bahariya Oasis. 3 Jeep into Black Desert. 4 White Desert: BBQ beneath the stars. 5 Dakhla Oasis. Desert camel trek. 6 Overland to Luxor via Kharga Oasis. Visit Luxor temple. 7 Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut by donkey. Overnight train to Cairo. 8 Arrive Cairo. Visit Egyptian Museum. 9 Depart Cairo. Accommodation: hotels, safari camp, desert camp, sleeper train Meals: most meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £475 Flight inclusive: from £927

See the Pyramids and Sphinx Cruise the Nile in a felucca Luxor and the Valley of the Kings Stay with a Nubian family Ride overnight trains

With just the right amount of culture, key sights and offbeat experiences, this trip is a chance not only to see Egypt, but to feel a real part of it, too. After essential visits to Giza’s Pyramids and Egyptian Museum, ride the sleeper train to Aswan and chat to locals en route. Next, it’s a camel trek and a classic Nile cruise in a felucca sailing boat before an intimate encounter with a Nubian family. After travelling to Luxor, we’ll take a walking tour of Luxor Temple, visit the Valley of the Kings by donkey and explore Karnak by caleche (horsedrawn carriage), before boarding the overnight train back to Cairo – with plenty of time to hit the bazaars for some last-minute shopping!

Trip code: AEEA Group max: 12 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Arrive Cairo. 2 Visit Pyramids, Sphinx and Egyptian Museum. Overnight train to Aswan. 3 Arrive Aswan. Camel trek to St Simon. Free afternoon. 4 Nile felucca cruise. Stay in a Nubian house. 5 Transfer to Luxor. Luxor Temple. 6 Valley of the Kings by donkey. Afternoon free. 7 Explore Karnak by caleche. Overnight train to Cairo. 8 Arrive Cairo. Free afternoon. 9 Depart Cairo. Accommodation: hotels, homestay, sleeper train Meals: some meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £495 Flight inclusive: from £944

& GO ONLINE

STAY WITH A NUBIAN FAMILY

for availability, departure dates, prices, photographs, maps and Trip Dossiers at: www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

Get off the tourist trail to spend a night in a traditional Nubian home for an intimate look at life in the Upper Nile.

Duration: 9 days

Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at: www.adventureworldwide.co.uk

Speak to an expert: 0845 304 8679

Middle East • Jordan

Petra, Desert, Dead and Red The ‘Full Monty’ tour of Jordan

Explore magniﬁcent Petra Camp out in the desert of Wadi Rum Float in the Dead Sea Take a dip in the Red Sea at Aqaba Visit Crusader castles and Roman cities

Join this rich journey through the otherworldly landscapes and awesome sights of friendly Jordan. From the capital, Amman, we’ll visit the Roman ruins of Jerash and the magnificent sixth-century mosaics of Madaba. Then it’s on to Mt Nebo (from where Moses saw the Promised Land) and the Crusader castle of Kerak. Next, Petra, where we’ll stay just minutes from the main site so we can head out on foot to spend a full day exploring; there’s an option of re-visiting Petra at night, too. After a visit to ‘Little Petra’, we’ll head down to the lunar-like desert of Wadi Rum to reach our overnight Bedouin-style camp: atmospheric and unforgettable. After a morning camel trek, we’ll continue to the Red Sea for a balmy dip. We’ll then try some salty floating in the Dead Sea, before heading back to Amman for one last evening of wonderful Arabic cuisine and Jordanian hospitality – the perfect finale. SLEEP RIGHT ON PETRA’S DOORSTEP We stay in a hotel just five minutes’ walk from Petra’s main entrance, maximising the time we can spend exploring the ancient rock-hewn city.

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Hop aboard a camel for the most traditional take on Wadi Rum.

Enter Petra through the narrow Siq for the most dramatic views

Duration: 8 days Trip code: AJDR Group max: 16 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Arrive Amman. 2 Visit Jerash. Travel to Madaba. 3 Visit Mt Nebo and Kerak. Transfer to Petra. 4 Full day visit to Petra. 5 Visit Little Petra. Head south to Wadi Rum. Camp out overnight 6 Desert camel ride. Head to Aqaba to visit Red Sea. 7 Visit the Dead Sea. Return to Amman. 8 Depart Amman. Accommodation: hotels, traditional Bedouin-style camp Meals: some meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £835 Flight inclusive: from £1095

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Middle East • Lebanon

Active Lebanon

Explore the ancient ruins of Byblos, which sit right by the sea.

From the Med to the very top of Lebanon

Climb Black Peak, the highest mountain in Lebanon Combine trekking and cultural sightseeing Walk in magniﬁcent Lebanon cedar forests Experience Lebanon’s Mediterranean coast Taste wonderful wine and look out for wolves

Lebanon – a country that sits at the crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe – is renowned for its tasty cuisine and warm hospitality. On this mouth-watering trip, soak up the culture and visit the highlights, on foot and overland. After exploring buzzing Beirut, we head up to ancient Byblos, reputed to be the world’s oldest town. Then we venture inland, ﬁrst to scale 3088m Black Peak for epic views, and then to camp in Ehden Nature Reserve, to hike amid cedar forest, looking out for wolves and wildcats. For a real historical hit we visit Bsharreh, the St Elysee Monastery and the Unesco-listed Roman ruins at Deir Al Qamar – a good spot for wine-tasting, too. After a short walk in the Shouf Cedar Reserve, we return to the glittering Med to explore Sidon’s sea castle and old souks before toasting our trip with a fun ﬁnal night in Beirut. CONQUER LEBANON’S HIGHEST PEAK In contrast to most cultural tours of Lebanon, our trip includes manageable hikes, too, to keep you active and showcase the country’s wilder side.

Climb Qornet El Sawda (Black Peak) – at 3088m, Lebanon's loftiest mountain.

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Duration: 8 days Trip code: ALAL Group max: 15 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Arrive Beirut. 2 Beirut tour. Jeita Grottoes. Transfer and visit Byblos. 3 Black Peak trek. 4 Trek in the Cedar of Lebanon forests. 5 Rural mountain village trek. Visit Bsharreh. Transfer to Beirut. 6 Visit Roman ruins. Wine-tasting. Transfer to Deir Al Qamar. 7 Hike in Shouf Cedar Reserve. Visit Beiteddine Palace and Sidon. 8 Depart Beirut. Accommodation: hotels, camping Meals: most meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £975 Flight inclusive: from £1532

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Lebanon Winter Snowshoe Adventure Unexpected and spectacular snow fun in the Middle East Enjoy Lebanese hospitality and cuisine Discover a different winter destination Visit fascinating historical sights Lebanon may not spring to mind when it comes to planning a winter adventure, but it certainly has all the right ingredients: marvellous mountains rising to over 3000m and a generous sprinkling of snow. This adventure holiday combines snowshoe walks into several different

mountain areas, as well as an interesting mix of historical sightseeing, too. Add to this legendary Lebanese hospitality and food and you have the perfect winter trip with a difference. Don’t worry if you’ve never used snowshoes before – it’s a very easy activity to pick up, and you can rent from us any equipment you don’t own. All you need is plenty of enthusiasm and a spirit of adventure!

The weather at Lebanon’s coast is mild, even in winter.

Duration: 8 days Trip code: TLWS Group max: 14 Outline itinerary: Day 1 Arrive Beirut. 2 Qanat Bakish to snowshoe. Jeita Grottoes. Overnight Byblos. 3 Snowshoe near Mt Lebanon. Visit a Crusader castle. Explore Byblos. 4 Snowshoe in Ehden Nature Reserve. Visit Bsharreh. 5 Snowshoe in cedar reserve. Visit Tripoli. 6 Snowshoe in Shouf Mountains. Visit Beiteddine Palace and Deit Al Qamar. 7 Visit Faqra Temple. Wine tasting. 8 Depart Beirut. Accommodation: hotels Meals: some meals included Departs: J F M A M J J A S O N D Physical grade: A B C D Adventure grade: A B C D See p4 for details of grades Land only: from £995 Flight inclusive: from £1349

SNOWSHOEING IN EHDEN This nature reserve is wonderful year-round; in winter, walking here – among the famous cedars and beneath Mt Lebanon – is even more magical.

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Go online for availability, departure dates, prices, maps, photographs and Trip Dossiers at: adventureworldwide. co.uk

Middle East • Lebanon

No experience required: snowshoeing is easy to pick up.

Essential information PRICING Full details of prices, including seasonal price variations etc, can be found on our website. We reserve the right to revise the prices of any of the holidays shown in our brochure and/or on our website. Prices indicated in this brochure are ‘from’ prices only. Please note: if booking a 2014 holiday, prices, dates and itineraries quoted are provisional and may be subject to change. INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT INCLUSIVE PACKAGE OPTION You can combine our Land Only holidays with international flights as a Flight Inclusive package. We are fully bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority and hold a full ATOL license so we can book flights with most airlines. International flight prices are variable and usually can only be guaranteed at the time of booking. The ‘from price’ shown for all flights in this brochure are a guideline only to help you decide whether the holiday we are offering is within your budget. These prices are based on flight costs obtained by our team in November 2012 and were the lowest fares available on this date from London airports with either a scheduled or low cost airline. In some instances where 2013 fares were unavailable on these dates we have used an estimated price based on 2012 fares. These guideline prices are not fixed and do not include our booking fee, or additional charges some airlines may charge (e.g. baggage). As flight prices will vary considerably according to your specific travel dates, seat availability, preferred airline, peak travel periods etc, please bear in mind that these fares may no longer be available at the time you book your holiday or the dates you are travelling. Please

contact us for an up to date flight price quote for your preferred travel dates and regional departure options. LAND ONLY For all our holidays we offer a ‘Land Only’ price. This price does not include international travel and is based on joining at the stated point for the individual holiday in the destination country in the Trip Dossier. IMPORTANT: If you are purchasing your own air ticket, you should be aware that most of the cheaper airline tickets available for sale on the internet or from low cost carriers are non-refundable in the case of cancellation and will not be protected by our ATOL bonding. For this reason we strongly advise you to check the rules of the ticket when you make a flight booking, and check the limitations of any cancellation insurance policy you have. We cannot be held liable for any losses incurred relating to or as a result of any flight bookings or other travel arrangements you have made yourself including you having to cancel your holiday due to travel disruption. Please also refer to the specific joining arrangements, transfers section and Land Only section of the individual Trip Dossier before booking your holiday with us. WHAT IS INCLUDED As we offer such a wide variety of holiday choices, what we include and don’t include also varies. We firmly believe in a clear, concise and fair pricing policy and you will find what’s included in the price of each holiday outlined in brief on the individual holiday page in this brochure and on our website. Further details of what is and what isn’t included can be found in the individual Trip Dossier.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS For many of our trips there is a wide choice of international flight options. So rather than tying ourselves to one airline and/or route we will always try to take advantage of special fares, promotions and regional flight options to provide you with the lowest possible flight prices. Consequently, clients are likely to arrive and depart on different flights, making a single group transfer impractical in most cases. Therefore as a general rule, unless otherwise stated in the Trip Dossier, airport transfers are usually not included* in our prices. If you do require an airport arrival and/or departure transfer, we can arrange this for you at a small extra cost - please see our website or ask your consultant for details. Alternatively, you may choose to organise your own taxi or use local transport to reach the Joining Point of the tour. The choice is yours. It's worth noting that there can be a significant price advantage in offering such flexibility with regard to international airfares, and this far outweighs the relatively insignificant cost of a transfer. So, rather than build the transfer cost into the selling price for everyone, we give you the choice. * Please Note: On some trips – where it is difficult to arrange your own transfer to the Joining Point – we include a timed transfer in the trip price. Please see Trip Dossier or ask your consultant for details. GROUP SIZES For all of our scheduled, guided group treks there is both a minimum and maximum group size. These are stated on the individual holiday trip page on our website. To enable a trip to go ahead, the minimum number of participants required must be reached. Once the Hike among the jagged spires of Patagonia – for details, see p44.

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minimum number is reached, the trip status will become ‘Guaranteed to Run’. We reserve the right to guarantee and operate a trip departure below the stated minimum number of participants at our discretion.

There are plenty of opportunities for getting wet and wild: try rafting in Peru – for details, see p45.

GUIDES/TOUR LEADERS For all of our scheduled guided group trips, a professional, qualified and experienced English-speaking guide is provided and acts as the overall tour leader. SOLO/SINGLE TRAVELLERS There is NO COMPULSORY SINGLE SUPPLEMENT charge for any solo/single person booking one of our scheduled group trips. If you are a single/solo traveller on one of our small group trips you will be sharing accommodation with someone of the same gender where applicable. If you prefer not to share then you can request single accommodation where applicable/ available for a supplementary charge. ACCOMMODATION The accommodation we offer on our adventure holidays is as varied as the holidays themselves! On one holiday alone you may find yourself staying in a 3* hotel, a rustic and remote village house and a yurt! Details of the accommodation used can be found in the individual Trip Dossier. As a general rule we use mid-range accommodation where available. Our itineraries are planned around the quality of the adventure first and foremost. For many of our trips we do not name specific accommodation in advance, but indicate a type of accommodation (e.g. hotel, pension, tent etc) as the specific accommodation used may vary from holiday to holiday dependent upon availability. BAGGAGE Please ensure you use the correct type of baggage for your chosen holiday. Please refer to the baggage section in the individual Trip Dossier for more specific information about what to use for your main baggage and any weight restrictions. ALTITUDE Where our trips involve going to altitudes above 2000M the maximum altitudes involved for these trips are indicated on the relevant trip page on our website. The effects of altitude are something that you should be aware of and to combat the effects of altitude our itineraries are carefully planned to allow most people adequate acclimatisation. Generally speaking most people will acclimatise to the altitudes involved on our trips, although it is important to understand that people often acclimatise at different rates. More details regarding altitude can be found in the Essential Information section of our website, which we strongly recommend you read and contact us if you have any concerns. VISAS AND VACCINATIONS To check whether a visa is required and for the most up to date visa information for the country you are visiting please visit www.cibt.com/ adventureworldwide. We always recommend visiting your doctor and dentist for a check up before travelling. Either your GP or a specialist vaccination centre will also have access to the most up to date information on vaccinations and medical precautions for the country. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Adventure Worldwide are fully committed to the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s “Know

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before you go” campaign. We thoroughly recommend that all Adventure Worldwide clients visit the FCO website – www.fco.gov.uk. If you have any questions or concerns about government travel advice to your chosen country please contact the Adventure Worldwide ofﬁce. It is not our policy to provide destination information (e.g. laws, culture etc) beyond the bounds of the trip itself. As there are a large number of country/ destination travel guide books available, we strongly you recommend you obtain a travel guide book relevant to your chosen destination before you travel. DIETARY REQUIREMENTS Vegetarians can usually be catered for on most of our trips, however in certain destinations you may ﬁnd vegetarian options very limited. If you have other special dietary requirements it is important that you discuss these BEFORE BOOKING. While we will do our best to pass on any dietary details you provide us

IMPORTANT WARNING Our holidays are adventurous, and many travel to remote areas and/or to countries less developed than the United Kingdom and frequently not able to meet or provide standards usually expected by UK tourists. Despite painstaking planning and organisation, many of our holidays should not be taken for granted like regular mass tourism type holidays. Many things in less-developed and other countries can be less predictable than in the United Kingdom, and may not have the same standards or quality of emergency health and safety services. Transport can be and often is unreliable and uncomfortable, and accommodation will often not approach the standards of the United Kingdom, both in remote areas and major conurbations too. IF YOU ARE NOT PREPARED FOR THIS YOU SHOULD NOT TRAVEL WITH US. The unpredictable nature of travelling to other countries means that our published holiday itineraries are statements of intent and NOT contractual

with, we cannot always guarantee that such requests can always be delivered. On many trips special dietary requirements cannot be catered for. Note that we cannot provide separate menus and cannot accept any liability for any problems arising from special dietary requirements requests or intolerances. PLEASE BOOK EARLY There are many reasons as to why it is beneﬁcial to book early. For one it usually means the lowest air fares can be found. Booking early also means you can be more certain of a place on your chosen holiday. Where a particular trip requires a minimum number of participants to reach guaranteed operational status, it is clearly in the best interests of all those wishing to take part to book as early as possible. Of course we understand that it isn’t always possible to book well in advance, therefore we do not impose a late booking charge. However, higher air fares and restricted availability are more likely to be the result of booking late.

obligations. Many factors (e.g. weather, transport problems, political instability etc.) can dictate the necessity to make an enforced change to an itinerary at very short notice, sometimes even during the course of the holiday itself. Naturally, we (and our local agents) will always do everything we can to minimise any changes and/or disruption. However, we cannot be held responsible for the results of enforced changes or delays, irrespective of their cause. As all our holidays are adventurous, to ‘expect the unexpected’ is the norm. Consequently it pays dividends to travel with a sense of adventure, humour and the philosophy to accept that other countries in the world are not the same as the United Kingdom. Although the vast majority of our holidays run smoothly, if you are not able to appreciate and accept that travelling to other countries and remote areas (even within Europe) means many, many things will not always be of the same standard, or happen the same way as in the United Kingdom, please do not book your holiday with us.

Booking information & conditions BOOKING INFORMATION Please note, this Booking Information forms part of your contract with Adventure Worldwide, a trading division of Chameleon Worldwide Travel Ltd. Please see our Booking Conditions for definitions of words used. 1. Making your booking To confirm a booking, you should provide us with the information requested on our booking form either verbally, by completing and returning the booking form or in writing by some other means (such as e-mail or using our Online Booking facility). Please note you must be at least 16 years old to participate in one of our trips. All bookings are subject to our Booking Conditions. You should confirm your acceptance of our Booking Conditions by signing and returning our booking form or in writing by some other means (such as e-mail or using our Online Booking facility). The lead passenger must be authorised by all participants or their parent or guardian where the participant is under 18, to make a booking with us on the basis of our Booking Conditions. By making a booking, the lead passenger confirms that he / she and all participants agree to the Booking Conditions. The lead passenger is responsible for making all payments due to us as set out in more detail in clause 2 below. The lead passenger must be at least 18 years old when the booking is made. Once we have received the information we need to make the booking and all appropriate payments, we will, subject to availability, confirm your booking by issuing a confirmation invoice. This invoice will be sent to you or your travel agent. Please check your invoice carefully as soon as you receive it. Contact us immediately if any information which appears on the confirmation or any other document appears to be incorrect or incomplete as it may not be possible to make changes later. We regret we cannot accept any liability if we are not notified of any inaccuracy (for which we are responsible) in any document within 14 days of our sending it out (5 days for tickets). We will do our best to rectify any mistake notified to us outside these time limits but you must meet any costs involved in doing so. The only exception to this requirement to meet costs is where the mistake in question was made by us and there is good reason why you did not tell us about it within these time limits. 2. Payment The applicable deposit (as set out in Table A below) per person must be paid at the time of booking. If you wish to purchase the insurance policy we offer, all applicable premiums must also be paid at the time of booking. Please see clause 4 below on the subject of insurance. The final balance of the price is due no later than the date set out in Table A below. If a booking is made after this date then the full amount is payable at the time of booking.

Table A - On Booking £100 per person or 10% of the holiday cost as a deposit (whichever is the greater). For some holidays we may request a higher deposit to cover non refundable elements of the holiday payable by us to our suppliers on booking or prior to balance due date. Eight weeks before departure* Balance of the total holiday cost. 3. Special requests & medical problems/disabilities If you have a special request, you should inform us of it in writing at the time of booking. We will advise the relevant supplier of your requirements, but we cannot guarantee that such requests will be met unless we have specifically confirmed this. For your own protection, you should obtain confirmation in writing from us that your request will be complied with (where it is possible for us to give this) if your request is important to you. Confirmation that a special request has been noted or passed on to the supplier or the inclusion of the special request on your confirmation invoice or any other documentation is not confirmation that the request will be met. Unless and until specifically confirmed, all special requests are subject to availability. We regret we cannot accept any conditional bookings, i.e. any booking which is specified to be conditional on the fulfilment of a particular request. All such bookings will be treated as “standard” bookings subject to the above provisions on special requests. If any participant has any medical problem or disability which may affect your holiday, you must tell us before the lead passenger confirms your booking so that we can advise as to the suitability of the chosen arrangements. In any event, you must give us full details in writing at the time of booking. You must also notify us of any change or deterioration in the disability or medical condition or development of any disability or medical condition after booking. In view of the nature of the holidays featured in this brochure and on our website, we regret we must reserve the right to decline any booking or cancel (in the event of the development, deterioration or change of any disability or medical condition occurring after confirmation) whenever we reasonably feel unable to accommodate the needs or restrictions of any particular client or where, in our reasonable opinion, the medical condition or disability of the client concerned is likely to have a significant adverse effect on other clients taking the same holiday. We further reserve the right to cancel any holiday and impose cancellation charges if we are not fully advised of any relevant disability or medical condition at the time the booking is made and/ or promptly notified of any development, change or deterioration occurring after booking. On occasion, the decision for us to cancel may be made at the time the person concerned joins the tour as it may only be apparent at this stage that their disability or medical condition cannot be accommodated. Any client affected by a disability or medical condition must ensure they have notified this to their travel insurers and that their travel insurance will cover it. As it is a condition of booking that all clients have adequate and appropriate travel insurance, we are entitled to insist on evidence that the disability or medical condition is covered. 4. Insurance The lead passenger is responsible for ensuring all participants have adequate and appropriate insurance. The insurance must as a minimum cover personal accident, medical expenses, loss of effects, repatriation costs and all other expenses, which might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience. This policy must include a minimum cover of £5,000,000 for medical and repatriation expenses. Policy details should be read carefully and taken on holiday with you. It is your responsibility to ensure that the insurance cover you purchase is suitable and adequate for your particular needs. Details of the policy we offer are shown in this brochure and on our website. 5. Passports, visas, permits, certificates and health All participants must be in possession of a valid passport and all visas, permits and certificates, including medical certificates required for the whole of the holiday booked. It is your responsibility to obtain these unless you are expressly advised otherwise by us. All information and advice given by us on visas, vaccinations, climate, clothing, baggage, special equipment etc. is given in good faith. The lead passenger must ensure that all participants are in possession of all necessary travel and health documents before departure. All costs incurred in obtaining such documentation must be paid by you. We regret we cannot accept any liability if you are refused entry onto any transport or into any country due to failure on your part to carry correct documentation. If you are not a British citizen or hold a non British passport, you must check passport and visa requirements with the embassy or consulate of the country(ies) to or through which you are intending to travel. If failure to have any necessary travel or other documents results in fines, surcharges or other financial penalty being imposed on us or costs incurred by us, you will be responsible for reimbursing us accordingly. We require details of the passports held by all participants no later than 6 weeks prior to departure. A full British passport usually presently takes approximately 2 to 4 weeks to

obtain unless you are 16 or over and are applying for a first passport. The UK Passport Service has to confirm your identity before issuing such a passport and may ask applicants to attend an interview in order to do this. A minimum of 6 weeks should be allowed in this case. If any participant does not have a passport or will need to renew it prior to departure, they are recommended to apply at least 3 months in advance. For travel to and via the USA, every person travelling (including children) must have a visa unless they qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Most British citizens travelling on holiday will qualify for the VWP but please see the important note below. All visitors who are eligible for the VWP must now apply for authorisation to travel to the US in advance in accordance with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). For authorisation to travel you must complete an online application on the ESTA website (details below) at least 72 hours before your flight to the US departs but you are recommended to apply earlier. Providing the application is accepted, you will be provided with approval via the website. Approval is usually provided very quickly but can take up to 72 hours if data needs to be checked. You should make a note of the ESTA approval number when you receive it. Please note; authorisation to travel under ESTA does not guarantee entry into the United States; that decision rests with the immigration official at the point of entry in the same way that travellers currently entering the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program or with a visa are subject to inspection. Warning: If your passport has ever been reported lost or stolen to the authorities and then recovered, please do not attempt to use it for travel to the United States. If you input the passport details into ESTA, your application will be denied. It is your responsibility to obtain ESTA approval or a US visa if required. If you fail to obtain authorisation to travel through the ESTA website or a US visa in advance of travel, you will not be allowed on your outbound flight to the US. Full cancellation charges will then apply. The ESTA website can be found at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ esta Important note: Not all British visitors to the USA will qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. You cannot apply for the VWP and will require a visa if you do not have a machine readable passport. All new style, burgundy coloured UK passports are machine readable. You will also need to apply for a visa if you have ever been arrested (even if you were not convicted of an offence) or have a criminal record of any description. Other exemptions also apply. If you are in any doubt as to whether you may require a visa, please contact the US Embassy, Consular Information Unit, 24 Grosvenor Square, London W1A 1AE or visit the website www.usembassy.org.uk before making your booking. Further information on entry requirements for the USA is available at http:// travel.state.gov. You must check entry requirements at the time of booking and in good time before departure as requirements may change. Requirements generally and for any country may change and you must check the up to date position in good time before departure with the embassy or consulate of the country(ies) you are travelling through and to. It is your responsibility to ensure you are aware of all recommended vaccinations and health precautions in good time before departure. Details are available from your GP surgery and from the National Travel Health Network and Centre www.nathnac. org Information on health is also contained in the Department of Health leaflet T7.1 (Health Advice for Travellers) available from the Department of Health on 0870 1555 455 or via its website www.dh.gov.uk and most Post Offices. For holidays in the EEA all participants should obtain an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) prior to departure. An EHIC is not, however, a substitute for travel insurance. Health requirements and recommendations may 6. Minimum Numbers and effect on price of party/group size Some of the holidays featured in this brochure require a minimum number of participants before we can operate them. The applicable minimum number depends on various factors and varies from tour to tour. If the group size drops below the minimum number, we reserve the right either to cancel or to run the trip. We promise to advise you no later than 6 weeks prior to departure if we have to cancel your holiday due to lack of numbers. Clause 5 of our Booking Conditions will then apply. For groups, the price per person given at the time of booking is based on a particular number of participants. If the group size changes at any time prior to departure (including where confirmed participants cancel without being substituted and pay less than 100% cancellation charges), we reserve the right to re-cost the trip and the per person price. Any increase in the price will be payable by all remaining participants. The increase will not be a surcharge and accordingly will not be subject to the surcharge provision set out in clause 4 of our Booking Conditions. 7. Tailor-Made Prices Our tailor-made prices are based on two people travelling together and sharing a room. If you require a single room, please ask us to quote the appropriate supplement. 8. Variation of conditions No variation of these Conditions may be made unless this is done in writing by one of our Directors. BOOKING CONDITIONS The following Booking Conditions together with the Booking Information form the basis of your contract with Adventure Worldwide, a trading division of Chameleon Worldwide Travel Limited (registered in England with number: 7018224) having its registered office address at Long Barn South, Sutton Manor Farm, Bishops Sutton, Alresford SO24 0AA. Please read them carefully as they set out our respective rights and obligations. These Booking Conditions and the Booking Information only apply to holiday arrangements which you book with us in the UK and which we agree to make, provide or perform (as applicable) as part of our contract. All references in these Booking Conditions to “booking”, “contract”, “itinerary”, “tour” or “arrangements” mean such holiday arrangements. The following words have the following meanings in both these Booking Conditions and the Booking Information., References to “you”, “your”, “party”, “group” and “participant(s)” means all persons (or any of them as the context permits or requires) named on the booking (including anyone who is added or substituted at a later date). In relation to all communications between us, “you” means the lead passenger. “We”, “us” and “our” means Chameleon Worldwide Travel Limited. The “lead passenger” means the adult who makes the booking with us in accordance with clause 1 of the Booking Information. We will communicate with the lead passenger and only the lead passenger should communicate with us. In order to make a booking, please follow the procedure set out under Booking Information. 1. A binding contract between us and you comes into existence when we despatch our confirmation invoice to the lead passenger. We both agree that English law (and no other) will apply to that contract and to any dispute, claim or other matter of any description that arises between us (“claim”) (except as set out below). We both also agree that any claim must be dealt with by the Courts of England and Wales only unless, in the case of Court proceedings, you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland. In this case, proceedings must either be brought in the Courts of your home country or those of England and Wales. If proceedings are brought in Scotland or Northern Ireland, you may choose to have the contract and your claim governed by the law of Scotland or Northern Ireland as applicable (but if you do not so choose, English law will apply). 2. Payment must be made as set out under Booking Information. If we do not receive all payments due (including any surcharge where applicable) in full and on time, we are entitled to assume that you wish to cancel your booking. In this case, we will be entitled to keep all payments which are paid or due at that date. If we do not cancel straight away because you have promised to make payment,

you must pay the cancellation charges shown in Table B depending on the date we reasonably treat your booking as cancelled. If you make your reservation through a travel agent we shall address all communications to the agent. Except for flight inclusive bookings, all monies you pay to one of our authorised travel agents for your holiday with us will be held by the agent on your behalf until we issue our confirmation invoice. After that point, your agent will hold the monies on our behalf until paid to us. For flight inclusive bookings, all monies paid to such agents for your holiday with us will be held on our behalf until they are paid to us. 3. If you wish to make any alterations to your holiday we will make every reasonable effort to accommodate these, but cannot guarantee that alterations will be possible. If the alterations you request are possible, these will be subject to payment of any amendment or other charges imposed or incurred by the relevant supplier plus the sum of £50 per booking for each change to cover our administrative costs. Requests for amendments must be made in writing by the lead passenger. Any cancellation of the entire booking or of the booking of any participant must be notified to us in writing by the lead passenger. The date on which the letter is received by us will determine the cancellation charges applicable. The applicable cancellation charges will be as set out in Table B (below) and are expressed as a percentage of the total holiday price (excluding amendment charges and insurance premiums) payable by the participant(s) cancelling. Amendment charges and insurance premiums are not refundable in the event of your cancellation. Depending on the reason for cancellation, you may be able to reclaim these cancellation charges (less any excess) under the terms of your insurance policy. Claims must be made directly to the insurance company concerned.

Table B - Cancellation Charges More than 56 days before departure

deposit

45 - 56 days before departure

50%

31 - 44 days before departure

75%

30 days or less before

100%

Please note, deposits are not refundable in the event of your cancellation except as set out in these Booking Conditions. Deposits include any additional amounts payable at the time of booking to cover non refundable elements of the holiday which need to be paid to suppliers at this stage or prior to balance due date. Partial cancellation may result in additional costs being payable by the remaining participants – see clause 6 of the Booking Information. 4. Prices quoted are based on costs and exchange rates as known at the time of preparation of this brochure (£1 = US$1.624 in September 2012) or at the time your quotation is given to you in the case of tailor-made itineraries. We reserve the right to make changes to and correct errors in quoted prices at any time before your holiday is confirmed. Once the price of your chosen holiday has been confirmed at the time of booking, we will only increase or decrease it in the following circumstances. A surcharge or refund (as applicable) will be payable, subject to the conditions set out in this clause, in the event of a change in transportation costs (e.g. fuel, scheduled airfares and any other airline surcharges which are part of the contract between airlines (and their agents) and the tour operator) or in dues, taxes or fees payable for services such as landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports or airports or in the exchange rate(s) which have been used to calculate the cost of your holiday. Even in the above cases, only if the increase in our costs exceeds 2% of the total cost of your holiday (excluding insurance premiums and any amendment charges) will we levy a surcharge. If any surcharge is greater than 10% of the cost of your holiday (excluding insurance premiums and any amendment charges), the lead passenger will be entitled to cancel the booking and receive a full refund of all monies paid to us (except for any amendment or previously levied cancellation charges) or alternatively purchase another holiday from us as referred to in clause 5 below. Although insurance (where purchased through us) does not form part of your contract with us or of any “package”, we will consider an appropriate refund of any insurance premiums paid to us if you can show you are unable to use/reuse or transfer your policy in the event of cancellation or purchase of an alternative holiday. Where a surcharge is payable, there will be an administration fee of £5 per person. Please note that travel arrangements are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes have no impact on the price of your holiday due to contractual and other protection in place. A refund will only be payable if any decrease in our costs exceeds 2% as set out above. Where a refund is due, we will pay you the full amount of the decrease in our costs. You have 14 days from the issue date printed on the surcharge invoice to tell us if you want to cancel or purchase another holiday where applicable. If you do not tell us that you wish to do so within this period of time, we are entitled to assume that you will pay the surcharge. Any surcharge must be paid with the balance of the cost of the holiday or within 14 days of the issue date printed on the surcharge invoice, whichever is the later. We promise not to levy a surcharge within 30 days of the start of your holiday. No refunds will be payable if any decrease in our costs occurs within this period either. 5. We start planning the holidays we offer many months in advance. Occasionally, we have to make changes to and correct errors in details both before and after bookings have been confirmed and cancel confirmed bookings. Whilst we always endeavour to avoid changes and cancellations, we reserve the right to do so. Most changes are minor. Occasionally, we have to make a “significant change”. A significant change is a change made before departure which, taking account of the information you give us at the time of booking and which we can reasonably be expected to know as a tour operator, we can reasonably expect to have a major effect on your holiday. Significant changes prior to departure, include; a change of outward departure time or overall length of time you are away of twelve or more hours*, a change of UK departure point* to one which is more inconvenient for you and a significant change of itinerary missing out one or more major destination substantially or altogether (on which our decision is final). NB Please also see clause 8. *Only applies where transport to and from the UK forms part of your contracted arrangements with us. If we have to make a significant change or cancel, we will tell you or your travel agent as soon as possible. If there is time to do so before departure, we will offer you the choice of the following options:- (a) (for significant changes) accepting the changed arrangements; or (b) purchasing an alternative holiday from us, of a similar quality to that originally booked if available. Providing it is possible to do so, we will offer at least one alternative holiday of at least equivalent standard for which you will not be asked to pay any more than the original price. If this holiday is in fact cheaper than the original one, we will refund the price difference. If the lead passenger does not wish to accept the holiday we specifically offer, you may choose any of our other then available holidays. You must pay the applicable price of any such holiday. This will mean you paying more if it is more expensive or receiving a refund if it is cheaper; or (c) cancelling or accepting the cancellation in which case you will receive a full and quick refund of all monies you have paid to us. Please note, the above

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options are not available where any change made is a minor one. If we have to make a significant change or cancel, we will as a minimum (where compensation is appropriate) pay you the compensation payments set out in Table C (below) depending on the circumstances and when the significant change or cancellation is notified to you or your travel agent subject to the following exceptions. Compensation will not be payable and no liability beyond offering the above mentioned choices can be accepted where we are forced to make a change or cancel as a result of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which we could not have avoided even with all due care (for example, but not limited to, where the Foreign and Commonwealth Office advise against travel or all but essential travel to your destination after your booking has been confirmed) or where we have to cancel because the minimum number of persons required to operate your holiday is not reached – please see Booking Information. No compensation will be payable and the above options will not be available if we cancel as a result of your failure to comply with any requirement of these Booking Conditions entitling us to cancel (such as paying on time) or if the change made is a minor one. A minor change is any change which is not a significant change. In the unlikely event that we become unable to provide a significant proportion of the services you have booked after you depart, we will endeavour to make alternative arrangements in respect of those services at no extra charge, or, if we are unable to do so, or you do not accept these alternative arrangements for a good reason, we will provide you with transport back to your point of departure with us as soon as we are reasonably able to (using the same type and class of transport included in the holiday) and a pro rata refund of the cost of the remainder of your holiday . In addition, if appropriate, we will pay you compensation of an amount which is reasonable taking into account the circumstances. Compensation and refunds (unless obtained from any supplier) will not be payable where the situation is caused by force majeure – see clause 6.

Table C - Compensation payments Period before departure within which signiﬁcant change/ cancellation is notiﬁed

Compensation per person

More than 56 days

Nil

56 – 43 days

£10

42 – 29 days

£15

28 – 15 days

£20

14 – 0 days

£30

NB. If any flight you have booked with us is cancelled or delayed, your flight ticket is downgraded or boarding is denied by your airline, depending on the circumstances, the airline may be required to pay you compensation, refund the cost of your flight and/or provide you with accommodation and/or refreshments under EC Regulation No 261/2004 - the Denied Boarding Regulations 2004. Where applicable, you must pursue the airline for the compensation or other payment due to you. All sums you receive or are entitled to receive from the airline concerned by virtue of these Regulations represent the full amount of your entitlement to compensation or any other payment arising from such cancellation, delay, downgrading or denied boarding. This includes any disappointment, distress, inconvenience or effect on any other arrangements. The fact a delay may entitle you to cancel your flight does not automatically entitle you to cancel any other arrangements even where those arrangements have been made in conjunction with your flight. We have no liability to make any payment to you in relation to the Denied Boarding Regulations or in respect of any flight cancellation or delay, downgrading of any flight ticket or denial of any boarding as the full amount of your entitlement to any compensation or other payment (as dealt with above) is covered by the airline’s obligations under the Denied Boarding Regulations. If, for any reason, we make any payment to you or a third party which the airline is responsible for in accordance with the Denied Boarding Regulations, you must, when requested, assign to us the rights you have or had to claim the payment in question from the airline. If your airline does not comply with these rules you should complain to the CAA on 020 7240 6061 www.caa.co.uk. 6. Except where otherwise expressly stated in these Booking Conditions, we regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our obligations under our contract with you is prevented or affected by or you otherwise suffer any damage or loss (as more fully described in clause 15.2) as a result of “force majeure”. In these Conditions “force majeure” means any event or circumstances which we or the supplier of the service(s) in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Examples include (in all cases whether actual or threatened) war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial disputes, natural or nuclear disaster, epidemics / pandemics, fire, adverse weather conditions, unusual water levels in rivers and seas and closure of airspace or airports. 7. If you have a special request or medical problem or disability, please let us know as set out under Booking Information. 8. We are not an ordinary tour operator. The type of travel we offer requires flexibility and you must allow for alternatives. The outline itinerary as given for each holiday must therefore be taken as an indication of what may be accomplished, and not as a contractual obligation on our part. The final decision on the itinerary and conduct of any holiday will be taken by us in the interests of the group as a whole. It is understood that the route schedules, itineraries, amenities and mode of transport may be subject to alteration without prior notice due to local circumstances or events which may include sickness, accident, mechanical breakdown, flight cancellations, strikes, events emanating from political disputes, entry or border difficulties, climate and other unpredictable or unforeseeable circumstances. 9. At all times the decision of our tour leader or overseas representative will be final on all matters likely to affect the safety and well being of the tour being operated. You must at all times strictly comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of the countries visited. Should any participant fail to do so then that person may be required to leave the holiday. In this situation, the person(s) concerned will not be entitled to the payment of any refund, expense or other sum whatsoever. 10. The lead passenger accepts responsibility for any damage or loss caused by any participant. Participants are also responsible for any damage or loss they cause. Full payment for any such damage or loss (reasonably estimated if not precisely known) must be made direct at the time to the accommodation owner or manager or other supplier. If the actual cost of the loss or damage exceeds the amount paid where estimated, you must pay the difference once known. If the actual cost is less than the amount paid, the difference will be refunded. If you fail to pay for any damage or loss when requested, you will be responsible for meeting any claims subsequently made against us (together with our own and the other party’s full legal costs) as a result of your actions. We expect participants to have consideration for other people. We strongly condemn the collecting of any specimen from the natural world. Our holidays

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often provide the opportunity to view and photograph wildlife but not to disturb it! If in our reasonable opinion or in the reasonable opinion of any other person in authority, you behave in such a way as to cause or be likely to cause danger, upset or distress to anyone or damage to property or fail to comply with the reasonable instructions of our tour leader or overseas representative or with clause 9, we are entitled, without prior notice, to terminate the holiday of the person(s) concerned. In this situation, the participant(s) concerned will be required to leave the accommodation or other service. We will have no further responsibility toward such participant(s) including any return travel arrangements. No refund or compensation will be paid and we will not meet any expense or cost incurred as a result of the termination. 11. It is essential that you are covered by adequate travel insurance. Please see Booking Information for further information. 12. Subject to clause 13, if we accept a request to transfer you from one holiday to another you will be liable for the cancellation charges applicable as a result of cancelling the original holiday in addition to the cost of the new one. In addition, we also reserve the right to charge an administration fee of 10% of the value of the first holiday booked. 13. Any participant may, up to 7 days before departure, transfer their booking to another person (introduced by you) if you are unavoidably prevented from travelling and the transferee meets any conditions which may apply to the holiday in question. The right to transfer is subject to payment of an administration fee of £50 per person to cover our administration expenses (plus the appropriate insurance premium if applicable) together with all additional charges of whatever sort imposed by suppliers providing the component parts of the package. These charges will be the joint responsibility of the lead passenger and original and replacement participant(s) and must be paid before the transfer can be made. You should note that some airlines may refuse to accept a name change, or may treat it as a cancellation and a rebooking with a 100% cancellation charge. All notifications of any wish to transfer must be made to us in writing by the lead passenger. 14. By booking with us, you acknowledge that the holidays we offer often involve their own inherent risks and dangers due to matters such as the geographical location of the tour and the activities involved. Such holidays may involve a significant amount of inherent personal risk. These include injury, disease, illness, loss or damage to property, inconvenience and discomfort. 15.1 We promise to make sure that the holiday arrangements we have agreed to make, perform or provide as applicable as part of our contract are made, performed or provided with reasonable skill and care. This means that, subject to these Booking Conditions, we will accept responsibility if, for example, you suffer death or personal injury or the contracted holiday arrangements are not provided as promised or prove deficient as a result of the failure of ourselves, our employees, agents or suppliers to use reasonable skill and care in making, performing or providing, as applicable, the contracted arrangements. Please note it is your responsibility to show that reasonable skill and care has not been used if you wish to make a claim against us. In addition, we will only be responsible for what our employees, agents and suppliers do or do not do if they were at the time acting within the course of their employment (for employees) or carrying out work we had asked them to do (for agents and suppliers). 15.2 We will not be responsible for any injury, illness, death, loss (for example, loss of enjoyment or possessions), damage, expense, cost or other sum or claim of any description whatsoever which results from any of the following:-the act(s) and/or omission(s) of the participant(s) affected or any other participant(s):- or -the act(s) and/or omission(s) of a third party not connected with the provision of your holiday and which were unforeseeable or unavoidable:- or -’force majeure’ as defined in clause 6 above 15.3 Please note, we cannot accept responsibility for any services which do not form part of our contract. This includes, for example, any additional services or facilities which your hotel, accommodation provider or any other supplier agrees to provide for you where the services or facilities are not included in the cost of your itinerary and we have not agreed to arrange them as part of our contract, and any excursion or activities you purchase whilst overseas. In addition, regardless of any wording used by us on our website, in any of our brochures or elsewhere, we only promise to use reasonable skill and care as set out above and we do not have any greater or different liability to you. 15.4 The promises we make to you about the services we have agreed to provide or arrange as part of our contract - and the laws and regulations of the country in which your claim or complaint occurred will be used as the basis for deciding whether the services in question had been properly provided. If the particular services which gave rise to the claim or complaint complied with the local laws and regulations applicable to those services at the time, the services will be treated as having been properly provided. This will be the case even if the services did not comply with the laws and regulations of the UK which would have applied had those services been provided in the UK. The exception to this is where the claim or complaint concerns the absence of a safety feature which might lead a reasonable holidaymaker to refuse to take the holiday in question. Please note, however, our obligation is to exercise reasonable skill and care as referred to in clause 15.1. We do not make any representation or commitment that all services will comply with applicable local laws and regulations and failure to comply does not automatically mean we have not exercised reasonable skill and care. 15.5 Where we are found liable for loss of and/or damage to any luggage or personal possessions (including money), the maximum amount we will have to pay you is £1000 per participant affected or twice the price (excluding insurance premiums and amendment charges) paid by or on behalf of the participant(s) affected, whichever is the lower, unless a different limitation applies to your claim under clause 15.6 below. For all other claims which do not involve death or personal injury, if we are found liable to you on any basis the maximum amount we will have to pay you is twice the price (excluding insurance premiums and amendment charges) paid by or on behalf of the participant(s) affected in total unless a lower limitation applies to your claim under clause 15.6 below. This maximum amount will only be payable where everything has gone wrong and you have not received any benefit at all from your holiday. 15.6 Where any claim or part of a claim (including those involving death or personal injury) concerns or is based on any travel arrangements (including the process of getting on and/or off the transport concerned) provided by any air, sea, or rail carrier, to which any international convention or EC regulation applies, the maximum amount of compensation we will have to pay you will be limited. The most we will have to pay you for that claim or that part of a claim if we are found liable to you on any basis is the most the carrier concerned would have to pay under the international convention or regulation which applies to the travel arrangements in question (for example, the Warsaw Convention as amended or unamended and the Montreal Convention for international travel by air, and/or for airlines with an operating licence granted by an EU country, the EC Regulation on Air Carrier Liability No 889/2002 for national and international travel by air, the Athens Convention for international travel by sea as amended by the 2002 Protocol and COTIF, the Convention on International Travel by Rail). Please note: Where a carrier would not be obliged to make any payment to you

under the applicable international convention or regulation in respect of a claim or part of a claim, we similarly are not obliged to make a payment to you for that claim or part of the claim. When making any payment, we are entitled to deduct any money which you have received or are entitled to receive from the carrier for the claim in question. Copies of the applicable international conventions and regulations are available from us on request. 15.7 Please note, we cannot accept any liability for any damage, loss, expense or other sum(s) of any description which (1) on the basis of the information given to us by you concerning your booking prior to our accepting it, we could not have foreseen you would suffer or incur if we breached our contract or (2) did not result from any breach of contract or other fault (for which we are legally liable) by ourselves or our employees or, where we are responsible for them, our suppliers or (3) relates to any business (including self employed loss of earnings). 16. If you have any complaint whilst on holiday, you must immediately inform your tour leader or our overseas representative who will use all reasonable efforts to remedy it. If you remain dissatisfied, you must make full details of the complaint known to us in writing within 28 days of the end of your holiday. If you fail to follow this simple complaints procedure, your right to claim the compensation you may otherwise have been entitled to may be affected or even lost as a result. 17. For requirements relating to passports, visas, permits, certificates and health, please see Booking Information. 18.1 For Land Only arrangements where you have booked your own flights, or where you do not book an airport transfer through Adventure Worldwide, it is your sole responsibility to ensure you arrive at the departure point for the contracted arrangements in good time before these commence. In the event that flight delays or cancellation result in your late arrival, you will be responsible for all costs we incur in assisting you to join the holiday at a later stage. No refunds will be provided in respect of any services which are unused as a result. Similarly, our contractual responsibilities cease at the end of your contracted arrangements. 18.2 We regret we are not in a position to offer you any assistance in the event of delay at your outward or homeward point of departure. The airline concerned will be responsible for you in the event of flight cancellation or delays and may provide refreshments / meals /accommodation in the event of a delay or cancellation. 18.3 We cannot accept liability for any delay which is due to any of the reasons set out in clause 6 of these Booking Conditions (which includes the behaviour of any passenger(s) on the flight who, for example, fails to check in or board on time). In addition, we will not be liable for any delay unless it has a significant effect on your holiday arrangements. 19. By signing/submitting our booking form you give your consent, for and on behalf of your entire party, to Photovision UK Limited (Photovision) and Adventure Worldwide to process photographs which you and/or any member of your party may feature in or may have taken. You also agree to waive any moral, economic or image rights arising in respect of these photographs and you or any member of your party’s appearance in them. You understand that Photovision and Adventure Worldwide will store copies of the photographs featuring you and your party, together with contact details, on its database in case they need to contact you. 20. Please note, it is the requirements and standards of the country in which any services which make up your holiday are provided which apply to those services and not those of the UK. As a general rule, these requirements and standards will not be the same as the UK and may often be lower. 21. In accordance with EU Directive (EC) No 2111/2005, we are required to bring to your attention the existence of a “Community list” which contains details of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban with the EU Community. The Community list is available for inspection at hhtp://ec. europa.eu/transport/air-ban/ list_en. In accordance with EU regulations, we are also required to advise you of the carrier(s) (or, if the carrier(s) is not known, the likely carrier(s)) that will operate your flight(s) at the time of booking. Where we are only able to inform you of the likely carrier(s) at the time of booking, we shall inform you of the identity of the actual carrier(s) as soon as we are aware of this. Any change to the operating carrier(s) after your booking has been confirmed will be notified as soon as possible. We are not always in a position at the time of booking to confirm the flight timings which will be used in connection with your flight. The flight timings shown in this brochure, on our website and detailed on your confirmation invoice are for guidance only and are subject to alteration and confirmation. The latest timings will be shown on your e-tickets which will be despatched to you approximately two weeks before departure. You must accordingly check your tickets very carefully immediately on receipt to ensure you have the correct flight times. It is possible that flight times may be changed even after tickets have been despatched - we will contact you as soon as possible if this occurs. Any change in the identity of the carrier, flight timings, and/or aircraft type (if given) will not entitle you to cancel or change to other arrangements without paying our normal charges except where otherwise specified in these Booking Conditions. If the carrier with whom you have a confirmed reservation becomes subject to an operating ban as above as a result of which we/ the carrier are unable to offer you a suitable alternative, the provisions of clause 5 will apply. 22. We hold an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL number 10186). When you buy an ATOL protected air inclusive holiday or flight* from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists the flight, accommodation, car hire and/or other services that are financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong. We, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL Certificate, will provide you with the services listed on the ATOL Certificate (or a suitable alternative). In some cases, where neither we nor the supplier are able to do so for reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may provide you with services you have bought or a suitable alternative (at no extra cost to you). You agree to accept that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract to that alternative ATOL holder. However, you also agree that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled to make a claim under the ATOL scheme (or your credit card issuer where applicable). *The flights and flight-inclusive holidays we arrange are ATOL protected providing they are made available in the UK. For further information visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk We are also a member of the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT), and have provided a bond to meet the requirements of the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992. In the event of insolvency, protection is provided for non-flight packages commencing in and returning to the UK and other non-flight packages excluding pre-arranged travel to and from your destination. Please note that packages booked outside the UK are only protected when purchased directly with Adventure Worldwide. In the above circumstances, if you have not yet travelled you may claim a refund, or if you have already travelled, you may claim repatriation to the starting point of your non-flight package.

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