TRAVEL WITH NO REGRETS
ASIA & INDIA 2019 – 20 PLUS AFRICA SMALL GROUP ADVENTURES FOR 18 – 35 YEAR OLDS
travel no regrets WITH
This is your time. You only get to live it once, so do it right. LIVE LIFE AS AN ADVENTURE. BREAK THE MOULD, CHALLENGE EVERYTHING. AND DO THINGS WITH PASSION OR NOT AT ALL. FIND YOUR PEOPLE. TREAD LIGHTLY, LIVE RESPONSIBLY, AND BE CONSCIOUS OF YOUR IMPACT. YOUR STORY IS MADE UP OF MOMENTS. MAKE EVERY MOMENT COUNT. These are the words we live by.
CHIANG MAI, THAILAND
ASIA 2019/20
CONTIKI.COM/ASIA
WE’VE GOT T R AV E L L E R P I C K S BANGKOK TO SINGAPORE The one that combines 3 eclectic countries with floating huts & foodie hot spots. 14 days
Asia
p.34
DELHI
11 days
AGRA
JAIPUR
SOUTHERN SPICE The one that journeys through Kerala backwaters & beyond, discovering elephants, temples & a different side of India.
COVERED
RANTHAMBHORE NATIONAL PARK
UDAIPUR
p.52
INDIA
VIETNAM HIGHLIGHTS The one that explores Vietnam’s vibrant nightlife, secret gardens & fresh cuisine. 10 days
p.40
MUMBAI
KERALA B A C K WAT E R S
GOA
Float on a houseboat through the Kerala Backwaters, India, see p.52.
MOST POPULAR COUNTRIES
CHENNAI PONDICHERRY
I NDI A Eternal India 12 days Southern Spice 11 days Me to We India 4 days
COCHIN
THAIL AND p.50 p.52 p.20
Thai Tripper North 9 days p.60 Thai Tripper South p.61 8 days Total Thailand p.58 16 days
C A M BODI A
VIETNAM
Cambodian Magic p.66 8 days Cambodia & Laos Uncovered p.32 9 days
Vietnam Experience p.42 12 days Vietnam Highlights p.40 10 days
KUMBAKONAM MADURAI
KERALA BACKWATERS KUMARAKOM
PERIYAR
SRI LANKA KANDY NEGOMBO
ELLA
COLOMBO UNAWATUNA
UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK
K
LAKE CHEOW LARN
A MONTH OFF
BACK IN 2 WEEKS Munch Asia 12 days Japan Unrivalled 13 days Japan Winter Wonder 10 days China Adventure 12 days Pure Sri Lanka 10 days Thai Island Hopper East 9 days Thai Island Hopper West 8 days
Swim, sunbathe, and sip on fresh coconuts, Thailand, see p.34. @jamescastell
p.36 p.44 p.46 p.48 p.56 p.65 p.64
Bangkok to Singapore 14 days Big Indochina Adventure 27 days Eternal India + Southern Spice 22 days Asian Adventure 16 days Japan Winter Wonder + Ski 13/15 days Total Thailand + Thai Island Hopper West 24 days
p.34 p.28 p.54 p.30 p.70 p.62
BEIJING
JAPAN TAKAYAMA
XI’AN
HAKUBA TOKYO
KYOTO HAKONE OSAKA
HIROSHIMA
MT KOYA
SHANGHAI
CHENGDU
CHINA
G R E AT WA L L O F C H I N A Wave at satellites from the only man-made structure visible from space, China, see p.48. @_shann._
YANGSHUO
Check the hashtag on the trip page and let the alumni of 2018 inspire your 2019 Asian escape.
VIETNAM HANOI HALONG BAY LUANG PRABANG
PAKBENG PAI VANG VIENG CHIANG MAI
EVERY ONE OF OUR TRIPS HAS A UNIQUE HASHTAG
KYOTO VIENTIANE
Watch glamourous Geishas float by in the Gion area, Japan, see p.44. @gemzy167
HUE
LAOS
THAILAND
HOI AN
KANCHANABURI BANGKOK SIEM REAP
CAMBODIA
NHA TRANG
M E K O N G D E L TA
PHNOM PENH KAMPOT HO CHI MINH CITY KEP KOH PHA NGAN KOH RONG KHAO SOK MEKONG DELTA KOH SAMUI PHUKET KOH TAO
SIHANOUKVILLE
Travel down the river on local Sampans, Vietnam, see p.42. @vickyjolee
A N G K O R WAT
KOH PHI PHI KRABI KOH LANTA
Watch the sun rise over ancient ruins of the Eighth wonder of the world, Cambodia, see p.32. @travelholicfrolic
LANGKAWI
INTRODUCING
AFRICA New for 2019, see more on p.72.
PENANG CAMERON HIGHLANDS
MALAYSIA KUALA LUMPUR
UGANDA KENYA
TANZANIA SINGAPORE
ZIMBABWE
INDONESIA BUILD YOUR DREAM TRIP Want to do as much of Asia as possible? Heaps of our trips’ dates match up, so you can keep the adventure alive; jumping off one trip and rolling up to the next. See trip pages for trip combinations.
BOTSWANA
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OVERNIGHT STOPS CONTIKI EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL STAYS
SOUTH AFRICA
ASIA 2019/20
THE CONTIKI DIFFERENCE
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REAL EXPERIENCES All of the icons you just can’t miss, the things you can only do with Contiki and a few unexpected gems along the way. Our experiences are designed around you. Do as many or as little as you like. Your trip, your rules. See more on p.10.
For over 50 years, we’ve been fine-tuning the secret formula needed to make the ultimate travel experience. We know you need the essentials included (like lots of WiFi), but we also know you need more than that. You want accommodation that isn’t just comfortable but is also part of the experience. You’re looking for experiences you might not be able to find on your own. We know you’re after local insight – someone who’s done it all before
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and who gives tried and tested advice. With this in mind, our secret formula isn’t so secret after all. In actual fact, it comes down to 5 key ingredients which make all the difference.
GREAT WALL OF CHINA, @SWILSON84
Others may do some things well, we do all of these better.
THE BEST TEAM You know that friend who’s travelled everywhere and has a nose for what’s good? That’s our team. Bursting with equal amounts local insight and infectious enthusiasm, these guys are at the top of their game. Some even live in Asia full-time. Trust us, they know how to deliver the goods. See more on p.16.
TRIP MANAGER SHANNON, TAJ MAHAL, INDIA
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EAT LOCAL Sake tasting in Japan, cooking classes in Vietnam, Thailand & China, and enjoying a curry with a local family in India – just a taste of what we do with food. We know food is a huge part of travelling in Asia, and we’ve taste tested everything (just to be sure) all in pursuit of foodie excellence. See more on p.12.
STREET FOOD, HOI AN, VIETNAM
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UNIQUE ACCOMMODATION So, so important to us. When you’re not in comfy 3 & 4 star hotels, we’ve scoped out some of the coolest local digs in Asia - places that are experiences in themselves. Shack up in Special Stays like a Thai jungle treehouse, a floating raft hotel or even a Vietnamese junkboat. Or if lounging beachfront is more your style, we’ve got resorts for that too. We’ve done the research, now it’s your turn to enjoy it all. See more on p.14.
W
ITH A C OMPANY WHO C ARES
We’re committed to sustainable tourism and treading lightly. See more on p.24.
AND (OF COURSE) FLOATING HUTS LAKE CHEOW LARN, KHAO SOK
WE’VE GOT EVERYTHING ELSE COVERED TOO
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AWESOME PEOPLE And finally, you guys – you’re the final ingredient. Being exclusively 18-35 means you’ll meet people from all over the world who just get you. Laughter and friendships all guaranteed on our small group adventures in Asia. See more on p.18.
LOADS OF FREE TIME All of our trips include loads of free time each day to make your experience entirely your own.
WIFI Stay connected to the world every step of the way, with WiFi at most hotels.
COMFY TRANSPORT Travel around Asia like a boss, hopping from A to B by plane, train, mini-van, boat or in comfy airconditioned private coaches.
NO COMPULSORY TIPPING No hidden costs here; tip what you like, when you like and only if you like. ANGKORWAT,CAMBODIA,@KATIEMARIONGREY
ASIA 2019/20
WAYS TO TRAVEL
Travel experiences created with you in mind.
Our different travel styles are all about giving you choice. Differentiated by how many places you want to visit and how much you want included in the price, it means you know exactly what you’re getting when you travel with us on our small group adventures in Asia. No matter the style, every trip with us delivers value without compromise.
DISCOVERER S EE I T AL L , D O I T AL L If you’ve been dreaming of Asia and want to experience a slice of many countries on this varied continent, go Discoverer. Icons, experiences, tastes and all the OMG moments you could fathom are packed into these trips, making them the perfect choice for those with an Asian bucket list longer than your arm. See p.26 for more.
ANGKOR WAT, SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER GO LOCAL Prefer to get under the skin of a particular country or region? Our In-Depth Explorer trips are designed to get you seeing, breathing, tasting, experiencing and generally living the local way of life in each country. Culture packed, foodie fabulous and with time to explore, this is the only way to truly go local. See p.38 for more.
LUANG PRABANG, LAOS, @JARWINTEE
HAKUBA, JAPAN, @EMMAPULLEN11
SKI & SNOWBOARD KEEP IT COSY Think you’ll find the best snow in Europe or Canada? Japan will have you thinking otherwise, offering mile upon mile of perfect fresh powder. This trip brings the best of both worlds – incredible culture, and equally incredible skiing or boarding, with a traditional Onsen experience and a robot restaurant thrown in for good measure. See p.68 for more.
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DISCOVERER
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
S E E I T AL L , D O I T AL L
GO LOCAL
D E S TI N ATIONS
Experience many countries and cultures all on one trip
Explore one region or country in depth
E X PE R I E N C ES S E E P. 1 0
Visit the must sees, plus lots of can’t miss experiences included in the cost of your trip
Lots of included local experiences, centered around cultural immersion
FOOD
Breakfast included most days
Breakfast included most days
Local restaurant meals included
Local restaurant meals included
Cultural foodie experiences, like market visits and cooking lessons
Immersive dining experiences in locals’ homes, local-run cooking lessons and locals only hidden gems on every trip
3 & 4 star hotels & unique Special Stays
3 & 4 star hotels, unique Special Stays & luxe beachfront resorts
S E E P. 1 2
ACCOMMODATION S E E P. 1 4
Twin share only Close to the action
Twin share only Local & unique
TE A M S E E P. 1 6
English speaking Trip Manager on hand for you, for the whole trip Our network of Local Guides
English speaking Trip Manager who’s a regional specialist, with you for the whole trip Our network of Local Guides
TR A N S PO RT S E E P. 1 7
Seamless transport included to get you from A to B in comfort
Seamless transport included to get you from A to B in comfort
PR I CE
From US$134 per day
From US$127 per day
S E E DE A L S ON P.23
Plus, check out our other awesome ways to travel.
SKI & SNOWBOARD Keep it cosy. See p.68 for more.
INTRODUCIN G: MUNC H ASIA This continent has some seriously tasty food. So we’ve created a trip to Munch your way from Bangkok to Singapore, with heaps of unique foodie experiences included. See p.36 for all the details.
ASIA 2019/20
EXPERIENCES WITH NO REGRETS Make every moment count –– that’s what our experiences are all about. Travel is about the places you visit, but it’s what you do in that destination that really makes the difference. You want to be amazed. You want to connect to a culture. You want to do something utterly incredible; something you never even knew you could do. So that’s how we’ve designed our experiences. Iconic, unique and unexpected, take your pick and create a trip that is bespoke to you, and your budget.
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We split our experiences into two groups – No Regrets Inclusions and Free Time Add-Ons.
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS These are experiences included in the cost of your trip, that you just can’t afford to miss. Because if splashing around with elephants at a Thai nature sanctuary isn’t an essential, then we don’t know what is.
FREE TIME ADD-ONS Want to do something awesome with your free time? Take your pick from our menu of Add-Ons. These are the kinds of experiences you never even imagined you’d be doing in Asia, available to buy once you’re on your trip.
The icons. THE THINGS YOU CAN’T MISS. You’re coming to Asia, so damn right you want to tick off the Great Wall of China, the pink-hued Taj Mahal, or the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat, not to mention those Insta-perfect Thai beaches. We’ll show you them all, but with a Contiki twist, like skipping the queue, or giving you insider access for the ultimate view.
Walk in the footsteps of ancient warriors on the Great Wall of China Watch the colours of Angkor Wat change with the sunrise, Siem Reap See the soft white and pink hues of the Taj Mahal, Agra Rock to sleep on a junkboat in Halong Bay, Vietnam Hang out the window of the train from Kandy to Ella, Sri Lanka See the glitz and sparkle of Thailand’s Grand Palace, Bangkok Throw peanuts on the floor & have a Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel
Look out for the No Regrets Inclusions and Free Time Add-Ons icons on trip pages to see what you will experience on each trip. #NOREGRETS: 1. Taj Mahal, Agra; 2. Hang out the window from Kandy to Ella, Sri Lanka; 3. Swim in Lake Cheow Larn, Thailand, @kaylinscheepers; 4. Float on the Mekong River, Vietnam, @georgieprev 5. Visit an Elephant Sanctuary, Chiang Mai, @kirstenlederer, 6. Spot adorable pandas at Chengdu Panda Centre, China, @_shann._
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FREE TIME It’s important. Time to discover on your own, to get off the beaten path and hunt down those out-of-the-way experiences. Even time to get lost. We organize a bunch of stuff, but we also know having time to yourself is super important. All of our trips include loads of free time each day, giving you the freedom to do your own thing.
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The unique.
The unexpected.
THE THINGS YOU ONLY GET WITH CONTIKI.
THE THINGS THAT WILL SURPRISE YOU.
Tapping into the local culture of Asia is what we pride ourselves on, and our experiences reflect this. Cooking classes, locally guided walks, street art tours, visiting hard to find natural beauty, learning and even dining with locals are just some of the unique experiences we have to offer, and you can only get them with us.
With us, expect the unexpected. Who knew you’d be the one kicking goals on a floating Football pitch in Thailand, or tasting snake whiskey in Laos? We did. We do heaps of things we know you’ll love. Let us surprise you.
All of the Insta snaps on a street art tour, Penang Fall asleep to the sounds of the water, Lake Cheow Larn Special Stay Visit 3 day old turtles, Turtle Conservation Centre, Sri Lanka Eat fresh crab at the Kep Crab Markets, Cambodia Giving of alms to Monks in Luang Prabang, Laos The gorgeous blue of the Erawan Waterfalls, Thailand Flight of the Gibbons ziplining in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Visit the stunning Pondicherry beaches, Southern India Playing a soccer game on a floating pitch with locals in Koh Panyee, Thailand See the tooth of Lord Buddha in a locally guided tour through The Temple of the Tooth, Kandy Buy quirky tropical fruit (but stay away from the Durian) at the Mae Klong Railway market, Bangkok Master a mean Pad Thai at an authentic local cooking class, Thailand The future is now so have dinner at Robot Restaurant, Tokyo
Important: Free Time Add-On activities are not included in the price of your trip. They are run by 3rd party operators and on occasion, for some of the activities, travellers may be required to sign a waiver to participate. Before you leave, it’s important that you check your insurance includes your participation in adventure activities and be aware that some of our add-ons can be physically demanding and may involve some risk.
ASIA 2019/20
If you agree that to travel is to eat, you’ve come to the right place. Foodie friends, welcome to Munch. Munch is our food philosophy and sums up everything to do with food on Contiki: –– It’s breakfast most days, plus a handful of included lunches and dinners at local (and super cute) restaurants
–– And it’s all of the immersive dining experiences, like tuk tuk street food tours, plantation spice farm tours, and sharing curries with locals in their homes in India.
–– It’s our eclectic range of foodie centric Free Time Add-On experiences, like cooking classes, sake tastings and dinner cruises.
ALL THIS TALK ABOUT FOOD GETTING YOUR MOUTH WATERING? CHECK OUT OUR ASIA MUNCH TRIP, THE ONE THATʼS FULLY DEDICATED TO EATING YOUR WAY AROUND ASIA, ON P.36
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THE COOKING CLASS
Available on Discoverer & In-Depth Explorer trips Trip Manager Fiona at The Best Thai Cooking School @contikifi
In a bustling Chiang Mai market, we meet Perm (a real Contiki legend) who teaches us which ingredients to look out for, and collect our fresh local produce, before heading to the Best Thai Cooking School. Here, surrounded by the verdant rice paddies, abundant gardens and rolling hills of the northern countryside, Perm gives us a masterclass in Thai cooking from farm to table. At our individual cooking stations, everyone tries their hand at all the classics, including aromatic Tom Yum soup, punchy Pad Thai and sticky rice with mango. I chuckle at everyone’s surprise at how delicious (and authentic!) their very own food tastes as we all tuck in to dinner afterwards. FROM TOP Traveller made Pad Thai, @rachelstorey Learning about ingredients, Chiang Mai
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THE SOCIAL ENTERPRISE Available on In-Depth Explorer trips Trip Manager Bec at Eat My Cake @bec_contiki
Eat My Cake isn’t just a place to grab a delicious traditional French baguette or sweet treat (although it really nails that). It’s also a social enterprise that’s helping empower local women who have been victims of domestic violence. Behind the beautiful little French façade of this café is a place that employs women from the local community who come from
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T H E FA M I LY L U N C H Available on In-Depth Explorer Trip Manager Hayley @haileemoana
We start out our day taking a rickshaw ride through the traditional winding hutongs narrow streets and huddled houses, with communal facilities. It’s a very social and communal way of living, and reflects the amazing sense of community shared by the people who live there. We arrive at our destination - the home of our charming
host family, who whip us up a delicious regional lunch; sweet and sour pork, stir fried beef with fluffy white rice or even delicious dumplings. Their little granny will definitely fuss over your portion sizes. And once we’ve eaten seconds (and thirds), we get a chance to ask the family about their daily lives, leaving with a deeper understanding of their local culture and cuisine.
#MUNCH 1 The Best Thai Cooking School, Chiang Mai 2 A handmade cupcake, Pondicherry @sruthyshah 3 Fresh baguettes, Eat My Cake, Pondicherry 4 The local women of Eat My Cake, Pondicherry 5 Making chapatis, Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, Delhi 6 Familiy Lunch, Beijing 7 Hawker markets, Penang, @nat.asia
disadvantaged backgrounds; victims of domestic violence whose husbands are no longer around to support them. The cheesecake is hands down my favourite item on the menu: you don’t find a lot of dairy products in India, because many people are lactose intolerant, so to find a real, proper French cheesecake is the best thing!
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ASIA 2019/20
CONTIKI.COM/ASIA
more than just a bed Central hotels, chilled beach resorts and Special Stays with a difference. These are the places you’ll stay in Asia. Think great locations, the best vibes and the ultimate p experience for y you. STALK EXACTLY WHERE YOU’LL BE STAYING ON EVERY TRIP OVER AT CONTIKI.COM/WHERE-YOULL-SLEEP
HOTEL, CHIANG MAI
f you’re looking for accommodation that’s more than just a place to lay your head, you’re in the right spot. You’ll either be sleeping in comfy 3 and 4 star hotels, beach resorts, special overnight trains, or our Special Stay properties (think
treehouses, beach bungalows and floating jungle rafts) that boast serious wow factor. Because no one has time for lumpy pillows when there’s a whole continent to explore.
HOUSEBOAT, KERALA BACKWATERS
BAYVIEW RESORT, KOH PHI PHI
FLOATING RAFT HOTEL, KANCHANABURI @LITTLEMISSWINNEY
FREE WIFI AT MOST ACCOMMODATION
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beachside resorts AVAILABLE ON IN-DEPTH EXPLORER TRIPS MORE ON P.38
If you’re imagining living your best beach life on the tropical coasts and palm-fringed islands of Asia, you are 100% guaranteed to love
our resort accommodation. Think great locations, local rustic vibes, and turquoise-hued waters just a few leaps from your door.
LONG SET RESORT, KOH RONG, CAMBODIA
LANTA CASUARINA BEACH RESORT, KOH LANTA
CALAMANDER UNAWATUNA BEACH, SRI LANKA
CHARM CHUREE RESORT, KOH TAO
hotels AVAILABLE ON ALL TRAVEL STYLES MORE ON P.26, P.38 & P.68
3 and 4 star, often locally owned, our hotels are twin or triple share only and come complete with all the AO NANG HOTEL, KRABI @LAURAVUYLSTEKE
essential mod cons. Plus they’re all located either centrally, or in the coolest neighbourhoods in town. NEO+ HOTEL, PENANG
NUOVO CITY HOTEL, BANGKOK
special stays AVAILABLE ON ALL TRAVEL STYLES MORE ON P.26, P.38 & P.68
A floating jungle raft hotel on the River Kwai, a safaristyle glamping experience on the Walawe riverside, a treehouse in the Thai
jungle, and a zen Buddhist guesthouse at Mount Koya – all ours (or rather, yours) to enjoy.
ATHGIRA RIVER CAMPING, UDAWALAWE,
THAI RAFT HUTS, KHAO SOK @ISNATHAN
JUNKBOAT, HALONG BAY
KANCHANABURI FLOATING RAFT HOTEL, THAILAND
AQUEEN HOTEL SINGAPORE
ASIA 2019/20
CONTIKI.COM/ASIA/TRANSPORT
T R AV E L W I T H THESE GUYS
That’s our crew of Trip Managers & Local Guides.
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Professional, insightful and always ready to go, our team are the ones who will bring Asia to life, right in front of your eyes. Our Contiki trained Trip Managers and English-
APPLICANTS IN 2018
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GRADUATES
speaking guides are a never ending source of knowledge (check out just how much they have to learn below). See contiki. com/asia/team to meet them all.
who became our Trip Managers.
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6
4
HOURS
REGRETS
on the full training trip.
learned in different languages.
of fun facts and knowledge shared with travellers each day.
when you travel with us.
DAYS
HELLOS
262
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eaten by our Trip Managers.
Trip Managers who love eating the creepy crawlies.
that our Asia Trip Managers travelled on around the world.
7/11 CHEESE TOASTIES
FRIED SCORPION LOVERS
CONTIKI TRIPS
ELEANOR
WAWA H
AARON
SHANNON
Trip Manager @contiki.elle
Trip Manager @wawah_queen_b
Trip Manager @contikicoops
Trip Manager @_shann._
LOVES FOOD SO MU CH , S H E HA S CHILLI & PHO TATTOOS
QUEEN BEE OF L ANNA, T H AIL AND ( AND T RAV EL )
IS A DIVE MASTER AFTER TRAINING ON A MALAYSIAN ISLAND, POPULATION: 7
EVERY TRAVEL NIGHT IS FRIDAY NIGHT
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GETTING
AROUND UPGRADE YOUR DAILY COMMUTE In Asia, getting from place to place is half the fun, thanks to tuk-tuks, bullet trains, junk boats, bicycles, not to mention private air-conditioned mini coaches and internal flights already included in the cost of your trip.
SCENIC TRAIN RIDE, SRI LANKA
LONG TAIL BOAT, THAILAND BULLET TRAIN, JAPAN
JUNKBOAT, VIETNAM
INTERNAL FLIGHTS
MINI-COACH, INDIA
When you think of travelling in Asia, we’re guessing neverending night buses and cramped train rides spring to mind? Well that ain’t quite our style.
Instead, we prefer comfort, style, and all the fun. We don’t think you should spend half your holiday getting to your destination, so we include internal flights to get you around quickly and easily. And because it’s all (well, mostly) about the journey, think exclusive Contiki carriages on the bullet train, Japan, & watching epic scenery glide by on a junk boat in Vietnam and scenic train through Sri Lanka.
SO WHAT DO YOU GET? • Carefully selected internal flights that save you precious travel time. • Private air-conditioned mini coaches. • Local forms of transport, think songthaews, longtail boats and bamboo rafts. • One super speedy bullet train to whiz you across Japan. • And even an overnight junk boat to cruise around Halong Bay, Vietnam.
ASIA 2019/20
@ESTIANMUSIC
better together 50 likes @jodiehutchinson_ Started as a solo traveller, left as Thailand, you have outdone yourself. part of a family Huge thanks to this crazy bunch for making the experience even more incredible. Until the next time #EastHopperReunion #contiki #travels #thailand #thaiwest #islands #sun #views #7-11ToastiesFTW
Travel is an experience best shared with friends, it’s that simple.
ELEPHANT SANCTUARY, CHIANG MAI @NICOLAMAY96
The stories, the memories, the ‘you had to be there’ moments – each down to the friendships you’ll make on your travels. Sure you’ll meet as strangers but you’ll leave with some of the best friends in the entire world.
@SUZANNEHARTNELL
BEST CONTIKI SO FAR!
Fabulous trip! You can visit a place or you can truly experience it. Our Trip Manager did a great job of tailoring visits and making recommendations on where to go depending on your interests. Overall my best Contiki so far and already looking forward to my next trip. JAPAN UNRIVALLED, 2018
jennifer
@_SHANN._
INSTAGRAM.COM/CONTIKI
4.6
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@XJOSEALBERTOX
feefo rating based on 10, 422 customer reviews
@BRIANS_TRAVEL
@SOPHIEDEERING
Amazing trip. 100% would recommend 110 likes
@_shann._ To say I’m at work in this picture makes me smile ear to ear but doing this with new friends is what makes it incredible!
Perfect trip. Well organised. Lovely accommodation (especially for the price!). An incredible Trip Manager. The trip was absolutely amazing. I loved the balance of free relaxing days as well as days where we had lots of activities. Definitely recommend doing the additional Add-Ons, they’re well worth it. THAI ISLAND HOPPER EAST, 2018
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LEAVE MORE THAN A
FOOTPRINT BEHIND
ooking to give back on your travels? First up, high-fives to you. And the good news is, we’ve teamed up with the MVP of charitable organisations to allow you to do just that. After finishing your Eternal India adventure in Goa, or your Southern Spice adventure in Cochin, you could be spending 4 unforgettable days deep in rural and utterly beautiful Rajasthan, working alongside ME to WE, a WE Charity partner and TreadRight supported initiative.
So what will you be doing? Well pretty much anything and everything, from assisting with clean water projects and women’s health & awareness projects, to local education and small scale construction projects, learning about the local communities and families of the region, and more. Whilst here, you’ll be sleeping multi share in the rather dreamy Araveli Cottages and Tented Camp, which boast all the home comforts, snuggly beds and views over the mountains you’ll be hard pressed to drag your eyes away from.
NADINE SYKORA BUILDING A SCHOOL WITH ME TO WE, @HEYNADINE
ITINERARY D AY 1
D AY 2
D AY 3
D AY 4
Finish your Eternal India trip in Goa (day 12), or Southern Spice in Cochin (day 11) and fly to Udaipur, where your ME to WE guide will meet you on arrival and take you to the Araveli Cottages in rural Rajasthan.
Start your day with a morning yoga session, then spend the rest of it working on a sustainable development project alongside local community members.
Take a nature hike through your gorgeous rural surroundings before continuing work on your chosen development project. Later, turn your hand to local art and visit the second-longest wall in the world.
After a final farewell breakfast, you’ll make your way to Udaipur to explore a local market before catching your flight home.
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LOCAL CHILDREN, @HEYNADINE
ME to WE India by Nadine Sykora, @heynadine E to WE is so much more than just volunteering – it’s an inspirational learning experience and a lifechanging adventure. In the morning you may find yourself enjoying a spot of yoga, a hike or camel ride to get yourself energised for the day ahead. Then it’s time to immerse yourself in some richly rewarding projects; helping to build a school, repairing wells or building walls - all dependent on the village you’re working in. Interactions with locals are at the core of ME to WE. This is how you’ll connect with different cultures and lives whilst imparting key skills and resources to help people provide for themselves. You could be participating in a ‘Day in the Life’ – where you carry out daily tasks of one of the locals - or maybe you’ll sit with the Women’s Circle, where you’ll trade stories with some truly inspirational women.
ARAVELI COTTAGES, RAJASTHAN @HEYNADINE
After lunch you’ll get some free time to relax or explore the tranquil camp, set by a gorgeous lake and framed by the Araveli mountains. You’ll be able to spot local wildlife bathing or drinking in the glittering waters whilst you enjoy a delicious mixture of Indian and American food, prepared by a skilled on-site chef. Local merchants and artisans from nearby towns set up mini stalls, where you’ll be able to buy unique art, clothing and more. Evenings are all about music, food and friends. Performers arrive to perform traditional dances (that you’re welcome to participate in), and you and your team eat, drink and discuss what you’ve achieved that day and the challenges ahead.
NADINE WITH LOCAL WOMEN, @HEYNADINE
MAKE THE MOST OF INDIA See p.50, & p.52 to read how you can explore India on Eternal India, and or Southern Spice before your ME to WE experience. Visit contiki.com/metowe or speak to your travel agent for full details.
YOU CAN ALSO SPEND TIME IN ECUADOR OR AFRICA, VOLUNTEERING ON A ME TO WE PROJECT. SEE CONTIKI.COM/ METOWE FOR MORE INFO.
ME to WE is a completely unique travel experience, where youʼll feel what itʼs like to truly make a difference in other peoplesʼ lives, whilst learning, exploring and making lifelong friends. We get so much from travel and tourism, but nothing’s more fulfilling than giving something back.
ASIA 2019/20
R E A DY T O BOOK
We make booking a trip simple. Low deposit, no change fees and flexible payment options make it easy to lock in your trip now, so if your plans change, your trip can too. I guess you could say we prefer a no strings attached kinda approach.
5 REASONS TO B O O K T O D AY
1 2 3
US$200 DEPOSIT Only US$200 deposit to secure your trip today, giving you the freedom to change your mind without breaking the bank.
FLEXDEPOSIT But if you do change your mind, you never really lose your deposit with us. We’ll hold onto it for you to put towards another trip in the future or you can gift it to a mate. Please refer to p.83.
NO CHANGE FEES Booked the wrong date? Need to change your trip? No worries. We let you make those kinda changes for free. We’re cool like that.
4 5
PAY SECURELY We accept Mastercard, Visa, even PayPal so whichever way you like to pay you know that your money will reach us safely.
FLEXIBLE PAYMENT Unlike other travel companies, we don’t need full payment until 45 days before you leave so you can spread the cost out over time.
NO HIDDEN COSTS. WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET.
CONTIKI.COM/DEALS
ASIA 2019/20
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P AY E A R LY
S AV E
PAY EARLY & SAVE UP TO
US$495
BOOK TOGETHER
UP TO
10%
5%
Just pay for your trip in full by 30 Nov 2018 for Asia trips†, or 31 Jan 2019 for Africa trips and you can save up to 10%
CONTIKI +
Not your first trip with us? We’d like to welcome you back with a little discount on selected trips to say thanks
† Pay Early savings only apply to departures on or after 1st April, 2019
for Asia trips.
SAVE EVEN MORE
UP TO
5%
*
M U LT I - T R I P
Can’t decide between two trips? Do both! Book 2 trips 7 days or longer and get up to 5% off the cheaper one. Boom!*
MULTI TRIP COMBOS Heaps of our trips in Asia are designed to roll off one, and jump onto your next adventure. Plus you can get up to 5%* off when you book two or more trips. Here are some of our favourite combos.
CAMBODIA & LAOS UNCOVERED + CAMBODIAN MAGIC 17 days, 2 countries ................................... p.32 & p.66 SOUTHERN SPICE + PURE SRI LANKA 21 Days, 2 Countries.................................. p.52 & p.56 THAI TRIPPER SOUTH + THAI ISLAND HOPPER WEST 16 Days, 1 Country..................................... p.61 & p.64 BANGKOK TO SINGAPORE ADVENTURE + VIETNAM EXPERIENCE 26 Days, 4 Countries.................................. p.34 & p.42
Everyone saves 10% when 10 or more book (or the 11th person goes free)
7.5% Everyone saves 7.5% when 7 or more book together
5% Everyone saves 5% when 4 or more book together
GO TO CONTIKI.COM/DEALS TO SEE ALL OF THE LATEST DEALS The facts: All these discounts apply to the land portion of your trip price only (this excludes taxes, included flight costs, national park fees, permits, extra accommodation & optional activities). Your trip price does not include the costs of international flights to/from Asia or Africa that start or end your trip. Pay Early savings do not apply to bookings made within 45 days of trip departure and are not combinable with Last Minute Deals. Pay Early savings of US$495 based on the Japan Unrivalled trip p.44. Discounts are subject to availability & may be withdrawn at any point without notice. Book Early Savings are limited to departures on or after 1st April, 2019. You can combine the Contiki+ discount (past traveller) and the multi trip discount (2nd trip discount) with group discounts (Book Together), & early payment (Pay Early) discounts on trips of 7 days or longer. Multiple discounts are added incrementally and not as a total amount off the gross price. It is possible to use a Contiki+ discount (past traveller) with a multi-trip discount on the same booking, however only one 5% discount will be applied per trip. Group discounts (‘Book Together’) are available on all trips & are based on the land portion of a twin-share trip. *The 5% multi trip discount will be applied to the lower priced of your two (or more) trips to Asia or Africa, please contact Contiki or your travel agent to apply relevant discounts when booking your trip.
ASIA 2019/20
CONTIKI.COM/CONTIKICARES
contiki cares powered by TreadRight
MEET AN ELEPHANT, ELEPHANT SANCTUARY, CHIANG MAI @ LITTLEMISSWINNEY
The world’s wildlife is balancing on a dangerous precipice. Partnering with leading wildlife organisations such as Wildlife SOS and the Wilderness Foundation, we’re determined to do something about it. When we visit the Elephant Nature Park and Soi Yok elephant
M A K E T R AV E L M A T T E R
We believe sustainable tourism matters. Contiki Cares is our commitment to preserving the planet, wildlife, and giving back to the communities we visit for generations to come.
To make travel mutually beneficial for all, it’s vital that travellers invest in local communities and the incredible people who make the experience so unique. From Dhonk, India, where Divya Khandal offers vocational training to children and adults from former poaching families, to Ock Pop
Tock in Laos where a women’s collective empowers local artisans, we visit and support inspirational communities across the globe, helping them to understand their abilities and transfer them into financial gain. Check out trip pages p.28, p.30, p.32, p.50, p.54 for the trips that support these projects.
sanctuaries in Thailand, we educate our travellers on ethical wildlife experiences, highlighting the difference between barbaric Elephant camps and ethical havens. Ultimately, when the buying stops, so does the killing and maltreatment.
LEARNING LOCAL CRAFTS, DHONK, INDIA
Reduce and reuse isn’t just a catch phrase for us, it’s a lifestyle. We’ve committed to eliminating single use plastics at our offices, and on the road by 2022. In 2019 our crew will all be equipped with innovative, reusable bottles, and tote bags which travellers will be able to buy on trip.
In 2017 we introduced e-docs which allows our travellers to receive their documents digitally. There’s no need for paper and they’ll have a tree planted in their name as part of our plant a tree initiative.
All of this, whilst supporting projects striving to keep our oceans and coastlines clean, are just some of the ways we’re committing to safeguarding the future of our planet. SURFRIDERS, AUSTRALIA
TTC.COM/SOCIALTRAVEL
ASIA 2019/20
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YO U’RE O NLY YOUN G ON C E We’re not alone in the belief that being young and travelling the world is the best relationship since wine and cheese. When you travel with us, you’re welcomed into our family – The Travel Corporation. These are the guys who have taught us everything we know; they’ve shown us that passion is everything, sustainability is key, incredible service is what sets you apart, and that every trip and every travel experience should be nothing less than extraordinary.
let you experience the world in the same way we do; with wide eyes, youthful optimism, and the knowledge that travel is an experience best shared with friends. If you haven’t found the perfect trip with Contiki, one, if not several, of our unique and award winning sister brands are sure to be a match to your travel type. C HOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE
TTC.com/ SocialTravel
The best thing about our family? The fact that our sister brands
ADVENTUR E WO R LD
40 years of life changing journeys
ADVENTUREWORLD.COM #OURWORLDYOURWAY
Tailor-making our trip to Cambodia and Laos meant we could get off-thebeaten-track, explore amazing temples and immerse ourselves in daily life. Making lemongrass prawn skewers with fresh ingredients from the local markets at a private cooking class, exploring the more remote temples in Siem Reap by bike, all while staying in boutique properties made for a magical trip. Alison - Australia
BUSA BOUT
Giving you freedom of choice to create your own adventure.
I would compare @busabout.official to college; convenient and fun with some independence but also some handholding. Konnor - Australia
BUSABOUT.COM #BUSABOUT
ASIA 2019/20
DISCOVERER. SEE IT ALL, DO IT ALL Uncover the very best of Asia through a wide range of experiences, all included in the cost of your trip. Treat your inner foodie to tasty meals courtesy of our favourite local restaurants and at night, go to sleep in comfy hotels and Special Stays close to the action.
PENANG, MALAYSIA
FROM
5
TRIPS
9 DAYS
FROM
27 $134
USD PER DAY
CONTIKI.COM/ASIA/DISCOVERER
ASIA 2019/20
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see more
Drift to sleep on floating raft houses nestled in the Thai jungle
Discoverer is all about seeing it all and experiencing it all. If you don’t want to miss the iconic landmarks but you also want to walk the backstreets, Discoverer trips let you cover as much of Asia as you possibly can.
LONGTAIL BOAT, BANGKOK
Check out the sparkle of the Grand Palace, Bangkok Bask in the sun & take in the scenery on a slow boat on the Mekong Spy the incredible greenery of a tea plantation in the Cameron Highlands Have dinner on a cruise while you watch the sunset, Langkawi SUNRISE AT ANGKOR WAT, CAMBODIA, @SWIREPHOTOS
STREET FOOD, BANGKOK
NEO+ HOTEL, PENANG
NUOVO CITY HOTEL, BANGKOK
sleep in comfort AO NANG HOTEL, KRABI
eat local
Like to stay close to the action? You will do on Discoverer. As night time rolls around, settle down in our mix of comfortable 3 and 4 star hotels and Special Stays.
Regional delicacies like authentic Pad Thai, sweet Chai and dumplings along with delicious meals in local restaurants is how you’ll be eating on Discoverer. Think spicy and sweet flavours that reflect the culture of the destination you’re in, enjoyed in settings where the vibe is nearly as tasty as the food itself.
MARINA BAY SANDS SINGAPORE
Live the high life, with an included dinner on the top of one of Singapore’s most impressive buildings.
TUK-TUK STREET FOOD TOUR BANGKOK
Dart around the city in a tuk-tuk tasting the freshly cooked, delicious flavours of Bangkok’s tasty street food.
ASIA 2019/20
CONTIKI.COM/INDOCHINA-ADVENTURE
#BIGINDOCHINA
DISCOVERER
BIG INDOCHINA ADVENTURE THE NUMBERS THE DETAILS
27
FROM
4
DAYS
Unique Special Stays: 1 overnight train, 1 night in a floating hotel, 2 nights in a Guesthouse, 1 night on a Chinese style Junk Boat in Halong Bay & 21 nights in 3 star hotels
38 INCLUDED MEALS 26 breakfasts (B) 7 lunches (L) 5 dinners (D)
*
PER DAY
COUNTRIES
26 NIGHTS
FROM
US$4489 US$167 *
ESSENTIALS Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations, All private coach transport, 6 internal flights
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS • Visit the Cu Chi tunnels • Sunrise at Angkor Wat • Elephant Haven Sai Yok Kanchanaburi
4.8 RATING
FREE TIME ADD-ONS F Cooking Class, Hoi An F Caving & Kayaking, Vang Vieng F Quad biking, Siem Reap
ERAWAN FALLS, THAILAND
ANGKOR WAT, CAMBODIA @big_blue_eyes_3
HALONG BAY, VIETNAM @chris_hale_exploring
GRAND PALACE, BANGKOK @contiki
HOI AN, VIETNAM @travelwithgraces
CONTIKI.COM/INDOCHINA-ADVENTURE
ASIA 2019/20
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START 6:00PM BANGKOK
DAY 2Ì KANCHANABURI After a visit to the Grand Palace & a long tail boat ride, we’ll change our pace & move from Bangkok to the calmer scene of the River Kwai. Here in Kanchanaburi we’ll learn the art of living off the grid & spend a night drifting on a jungle raft. (B,D) « Floating hotel Special Stay • Grand Palace guided tour & Khlong tour with fish feeding DAY 3Ì KANCHANABURI We’ll wake up in jungle paradise, & start our day with a visit to the Death Railway & see the bridge over the River Kwai. Later, we’ll head to a local elephant sanctuary to see how the rescued elephants are cared for. Hotel (B,L) • See Death Railway Museum, Second World War Cemetery & the Bridge on the River Kwai • Visit Sai Yok Elephant Haven DAY 4ÌOVERNIGHT TRAIN (AYUTTHAYA - CHIANG MAI) We’ll start our day with a visit to the breathtaking Erawan Falls for a quick dip before we stop in the UNESCO listed city of Ayutthaya. We’ll grab bikes & cycle past rice paddies, temples & quaint villages before we board our overnight train to Chiang Mai. (B) « Overnight Train Special Stay • Visit Erawan Waterfalls • Bike tour in Ayutthaya
DAY 7ÌPAKBENG Taking a border hop we’ll cross into Laos. We’ll journey to Pakbeng, taking part of the trip by river cruise on a local boat. Remote, traditional, & endlessly charming, Pakbeng is a true traveller’s dream. (B,L,D) « Guest house Special Stay • River cruise on a local boat DAYS 8Ì- 9ÌLUANG PRABANG Early risers will be rewarded by the sacred Laotian ritual of offering alms (food) to Buddhist Monks. Later we will explore Luang Prabang by bike, visiting the TreadRight supported Ock Pop Tock Centre for Artisans. Hotel (B,L)(B) • Bike ride around Luang Prabang • Visit Ock Pop Tock Centre for Local Artisans (Treadright Partner) • Visit Wat Xieng Thong Temple F Kuang Si waterfall visit DAYS 10Ì- 11Ì VANG VIENG Limestone karsts & delicious Lao Pancakes will be waiting in Vang Vieng after a scenic overland journey. We’ll find swimming holes, explore caves & watch the sun drop behind the mountains on two nights in this town. Hotel (B,L)(B) • Scenic drive to Vang Vieng F Kayaking & Caving Experience
DAY 12ÌVIENTIANE The quaint capital of Laos will greet us with warmth & Mekong charm. Here in Vientiane we’ll see sights like Pha That Luang stupa, & lend a hand at the COPE centre – a local charity working with land mine victims. Hotel (B) • Visit Luang Stupa & Patuxi • Visit COPE support centre DAY 13Ì PHNOM PENH A short flight will land us in Phnom Penh. We’ll learn of the horrific Khmer Rouge rule at the ‘Killing Fields’ & Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, before having the mood lightened by a life changing TREE Alliance restaurant. Hotel (B,D) • Visit the ‘Killing Fields' & Genocide Museum • Dinner at a TREE Alliance restaurant DAYS 14Ì- 15Ì SIEM REAP Flying into Siem Reap & the home of Angkor Wat. On day-15 we’ll journey through dawn’s hours to catch the first rays of sunlight on the town’s jungle tangled spiritual masterpiece. Hotel (B)(B) • Visit Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom & Ta Prohm F Quad Biking at Sunset DAY 16Ì HO CHI MINH Stepping into a whirl of scooters & skyscrapers, you’ll unwind in the hotel before kicking off the Vietnam exploring, starting with the Ben Thanh markets. Hotel (B)
• See local industry demonstrations • Mekong Delta cruise
the UNESCO Old Quarter, cycle past rice fields, & see traditional pottery & silk weaving at the local markets. Hotel (B)(B) • Visit the town's Old Quarter & Japanese covered bridge • Guided bike ride through Hoi An's UNESCO listed Ancient Town F Tasty Vietnamese cooking class F Marble Mountains Tour
DAY 18Ì HO CHI MINH We’ll journey back to Ho Chi Minh via the Viet Cong’s tunnels in Cu Chi. Hotel (B) • Visit to the Cu Chi tunnels DAYS 19Ì- 20Ì NHA TRANG After a final bout of Ho Chi Minh exploring, we’ll take flight to the coastal town of Nha Trang. Hotel (B)(B) • View the Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office & the Presidential Palace • Visit the War Remnants Museum F Cruise & swimming day trip F Mud Bath & Hot Springs Experience
DAY 23ÌHUE We’ll take a cycle to the Imperial Citadel & learn of a horrific Buddhist massacre at Thien Mu Pagoda. Hotel (B) • Cross the Hai Van Pass • Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda & the Imperial Citadel • Cyclo ride F Group photo at Hue's Imperial Citadel F Hue Street Food Walking Tour
DAYS 21Ì- 22Ì HOI AN We’ll arrive in Hoi An after a quick flight. Here we can visit
DAY 24ÌHANOI Flying into the country’s capital, we’ll be left smitten by the gardens of the Temple of
Tristan Park
LUANG PRABANG
DAY 26ÌHANOI After a last bout of grotto swimming & monkey spotting, we’ll head back to Hanoi for our final night. Hotel (B,L) F Kayaking on Halong Bay DAY 27ÌHANOI Our trip will wrap up in Hanoi shortly after our final team breakfast or choose to fly back to Bangkok with us for an additional charge. (B) END 9:00AM HANOI
HANOI 1
1
HALONG BAY
1
2
PAKBENG
1
LAOS 2
CHIANG MAI
DAY 25Ì HALONG BAY A Chinese style junk boat will drift us around the lime stone island setting of the Gulf of Tonkin, offering complete serenity for our time in Halong Bay. (B,L,D) « Junk Boat Special Stay • Visit the Sung Sot Caves
VIETNAM
END
The only way to see all the sights of south east Asia
Literature & 36 trading streets offering an array of local goods. Hotel (B) • Visit the Temple of Literature
VIENTIANE
2
SOUTH CHINA SEA
VANG VIENG 1
1
HUE
THAILAND
1
Da Nang
2
DAY 17Ì MEKONG DELTA We’ll rise for a journey to the Mekong Delta. By night we’ll mix with the locals & have dinner at our special guest house. (B,L,D) « Guest house Special Stay • Mekong Delta fishing experience
HOI AN
KANCHANABURI 1
1
Ayutthaya
SIEM REAP
BANGKOK
2
1
Places visited
1
Nightstops
CAMBODIA 2
Optional end city
NHA TRANG
Optional start/end city 1
1
Special Stay
1
HO CHI MINH CITY
1
Plane
HOW MUCH & WHEN
1
PHNOM PENH
Coach or Train
MEKONG DELTA
Optional flight to Bangkok
Start Jan 01 Jan 05 Jan 08 Jan 12 ✜ Jan 15 ✜ Jan 19 ✜ Jan 22 Jan 26 Feb 02 Feb 09 Feb 16
US$4489
End Jan 27 Jan 31 Feb 03 Feb 07 Feb 10 Feb 14 Feb 17 Feb 21 Feb 28 Mar 07 Mar 14
Start Feb 23 Mar 02 Mar 09 Mar 16 Mar 23 Mar 30 Apr 06 ● Apr 13 ● Apr 20 Apr 27 May 04
US$4489
End Mar 21 Mar 28 Apr 04 Apr 11 Apr 18 Apr 25 May02 May09 May16 May23 May30
Start May 11 May 18 May 25 Jun 01 Jun 08 Jun 11 Jun 15 Jun 18 Jun 22 Jun 25 Jun 29
US$4489
End Jun Jun Jun Jun Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul
06 13 20 27 04 07 11 14 18 21 25
Start Jul 06 Jul 13 Jul 20 Jul 27 Aug 03 Aug 10 Aug 17 Aug 24 Aug 31 Sep 07 Sep 14
US$4489
End Aug 01 Aug 08 Aug 15 Aug 22 Aug 29 Sep 05 Sep 12 Sep 19 Sep 26 Oct 03 Oct 10
Start Sep 21 Sep 28 Oct 05 Oct 12 Oct 19 Oct 26 Nov 02 Nov 09 Nov 16 Nov 23 Nov 30 ■
US$4489
End Oct 17 Oct 24 Oct 31 Nov 07 Nov 14 Nov 21 Nov 28 Dec 05 Dec 12 Dec 19 Dec 26
Start Dec 03 Dec 07 Dec 10 Dec 14 Dec 17 Dec 21 Dec 24 Dec 29 Dec 31
▲ ◆ ✱ ✝ ✤ ▼ ★ ✚ ◗✜
US$4489
End Dec Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan
29 02 05 09 12 16 19 24 26
2020
2019
2019/20Ì| CODE:BICA | START BANGKOK & FINISH HANOI Start 2020 Jan 04 Jan 07 Jan 11 Jan 14 Jan 18 Jan 25 Feb 01 Feb 08 Feb 15 Feb 22
End ✜ ✜ ✜ ✜
US$4489
Jan 30 Feb 02 Feb 06 Feb 09 Feb 13 Feb 20 Feb 27 Mar 05 Mar 12 Mar 19
Start Feb 29 Mar 07 Mar 14 Mar 21 Mar 28
End Mar 26 Apr 02 Apr 09 Apr 16 Apr 23
US$4489
* Prices above are based on twin-share (multi-share on train). If you’re travelling solo, we can pair you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement is available for US$1005 (only applicable in hotels). Included flights: This trip includes flights, as specified on the map, as part of the trip price. Please note the flight from Hanoi to Bangkok is optional & comes at an additional cost. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. ● These trips will be in Thailand for Songkran (Thai New Year & water festival) or Laos for Pi-Mai Lao (Laos New Year & water festival) or Vietnam for Tet (Vietnamese New Year). ■ Trip spends Xmas in Hanoi. ▲ Trip spends Xmas in Hue. ◆ Trip spends Xmas in Nha Trang & NYE in Halong Bay. ✱ Trip spends Xmas in Ho Chi Minh & NYE in Hoi An. ✝ Trip spends Xmas in Vientiane & NYE in Ho Chi Minh. ✤ Trip spends Xmas in Luang Prabang & NYE in Siem Reap. ▼ Trip spends Xmas in Chiang Mai & NYE in Vang Vieng. ★ Trip spends Xmas in Kanchanaburi & NYE in Luang Prabang. ✚ Trip spends NYE in Kanchanaburi. ◗ Trip spends NYE in Bangkok. ✜ These trips will be in Vietnam for Tet (Vietnamese New Year). Arrival & departure transfers & return flight to Bangkok are available. To purchase, speak to your travel agent or visit contiki.com/transfers. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.82.
#BIGINDOCHINA
DAY 1ÌBANGKOK Hot, hustling, & completely addictive, Bangkok will lure us in & play host to our first day. You’ll have time to unwind & enjoy the hotel before we unite. Hotel
DAYS 5Ì- 6Ì CHIANG MAI Our last destination in Thailand will entertain us with buzzing night markets, an exotic Old Quarter, & a dazzling line up of temples. In between sites you can feast on the intense flavours of northern Thai food. Hotel (B)(B) F Flight of the Gibbon Ziplining F Thai Cooking Class & Market Visit F Muay Thai Class
DISCOVERER
The one that's our biggest trip in South East Asia for those who want to do it all
ASIA 2019/20
CONTIKI.COM/ASIAN-ADVENTURE
#ASIANADVENTURE
DISCOVERER
ASIAN ADVENTURE THE NUMBERS THE DETAILS
16
FROM
3
DAYS
Unique Special Stays: 1 overnight train, 1 night in a floating hotel, 1 night in a Guesthouse & 12 nights in 3 star hotels
22 INCLUDED MEALS 15 breakfasts (B) 4 lunches (L) 3 dinners (D)
*
PER DAY
COUNTRIES
15 NIGHTS
FROM
US$2375 US$149 *
ESSENTIALS Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations, All private coach transport, 2 internal flights
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS • Elephant Haven Sai Yok Kanchanaburi • Sunrise at Angkor Wat, Siem Reap • Guided tour of Grand Palace, Bangkok
4.7 RATING
FREE TIME ADD-ONS F Ziplining in Chiang Mai F Kuang Si waterfalls trip in Luang Prabang F Sunset quad biking, Siem Reap
SIEM REAP , CAMBODIA
LUANG PRABANG, LAOS @b_firth
ERAWAN FALLS, THAILAND @kirstenlederer
QUAD BIKING, CAMBODIA @sophietheadmirer
CHIANG MAI, THAILAND @meganlynwale
CONTIKI.COM/ASIAN-ADVENTURE
ASIA 2019/20
030 031
DAY 1Ì BANGKOK Hot, hustling, & completely addictive, Bangkok will lure us in & play host to our first day on tour. You'll have time to unwind & enjoy the hotel before we unite & get acquainted. Hotel DAY 2 KANCHANABURI After a visit to the Grand Palace & a long tail boat ride, we'll change our pace & move from Bangkok to the calmer scene of the River Kwai. Here in Kanchanaburi we'll learn the art of living off the grid & spend a night drifting on a jungle raft. (B,D) « Floating Hotel Special Stay • Grand Palace guided tour & Khlong tour with fish feeding DAY 3 KANCHANABURI We'll wake up in jungle paradise, & start our day with a visit to the notorious Death Railway & see the bridge over the River Kwai. Later, we'll head to a local elephant sanctuary to see how the rescued elephants are cared for. Hotel (B,L) • Death Railway Museum, Second World War Cemetery & the Bridge on the River Kwai • Visit Sai Yok Elephant Haven
DAY 4 OVERNIGHT TRAIN (AYUTTHAYA CHIANG MAI) We'll start our day with a visit to the breathtaking Erawan Falls for a quick dip before we stop in the UNESCO listed city of Ayutthaya. We'll grab bikes & cycle past rice paddies, temples & quaint villages before we board our overnight train to Chiang Mai. (B) « Overnight Train Special Stay • Visit Erawan Waterfalls • Bike tour in Ayutthaya DAYS 5 - 6 CHIANG MAI Our last destination in Thailand will entertain us with buzzing night markets, an exotic Old Quarter, & a dazzling line up of temples. In between sites you can feast on the intense flavours of northern Thai food, inhaling an abundance of lemongrass, chili & coconut. Hotel (B)(B) F Flight of the Gibbon Ziplining F Thai Cooking Class & Market Visit F Muay Thai class
DAY 7ÌPAKBENG Taking a border hop we'll cross out of Thailand & into Laos. After collecting our passport stamps we'll journey to Pakbeng, taking part of the trip by river cruise on a local boat. Remote, traditional, & endlessly charming, Pakbeng is a true traveller's dream. (B,L,D) « Guest house Special Stay • River cruise on a local boat DAYS 8Ì- 9Ì LUANG PRABANG Early risers will be rewarded by the sacred Laotian ritual of offering alms (food) to Buddhist Monks. Later we will explore Luang Prabang by bike, visiting the TreadRight supported Ock Pop Tock Centre for Artisans. Hotel (B,L)(B) • Bike ride around Luang Prabang • Visit Ock Pop Tock Centre for Local Artisans (Treadright partner) • Visit Wat Xieng Thong Temple F Kuang Si waterfall visit DAYS 10Ì- 11Ì VANG VIENG Limestone karsts & delicious Lao Pancakes will be waiting in Vang Vieng after a scenic overland journey. We'll find swimming holes, explore caves & watch the sun drop behind the mountains on two blissful nights in this town. Hotel (B,L)(B) • Scenic drive to Vang Vieng
Places visited 1
Nightstops
1
Special Stay
2
PAKBENG
Coach or Train Boat or Plane
VANG VIENG
CHIANG MAI
LUANG PRABANG
1 LAOS 2
2
1
1 VIENTIANE
THAILAND
END
KANCHANABURI 1
1
Ayutthaya
START
BANGKOK
1
Great trip, fabulous time. Would 100% do another Contiki trip
SIEM REAP 2
CAMBODIA
1
PHNOM PENH
Kimberly Wybenga F Kayaking & Caving Experience
DAY 12ÌVIENTIANE The quaint capital of Laos will greet us with warmth & Mekong charm. Here in Vientiane we'll see sights like Pha That Luang stupa, & visit the COPE centre – a local charity working with land mine victims. Hotel (B) • Visit Luang Stupa & Patuxi • Visit to COPE Support Centre DAY 13Ì PHNOM PENH A short flight will land us amidst the shy smiles &
tree-lined streets of Phnom Penh. We'll learn of the horrific Khmer Rouge rule at the ‘Killing Fields' & Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, before having the mood lightened by a life changing TREE Alliance restaurant. Hotel (B,D) • Visit the ‘Killing Fields' & Genocide Museum • Dinner at a TREE Alliance restaurant DAYS 14Ì- 15Ì SIEM REAP Flying out of Phnom Penh we'll arrive in Siem Reap, home of Angkor Wat, the bustling Pub Street & traditional markets. On day15 we'll journey through
dawn's hours to catch the first rays of sunlight on the town's jungle tangled spiritual masterpiece. Hotel (B)(B) • Visit Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom & Ta Prohm F Quad Biking at Sunset DAY 16ÌSIEM REAP Our trip will wrap up in Siem Reap shortly after our final team breakfast. We'll go our separate ways after saying somber goodbyes & making sincere plans to organise a reunion tour. (B) END 9:00AM SIEM REAP
HOW MUCH & WHEN Start Jan 1 Jan 5 Jan 8 Jan 12 Jan 15 Jan 19 Jan 22 Jan 26 Feb 2 Feb 9 Feb 16
US$2375
End Jan 16 Jan 20 Jan 23 Jan 27 Jan 30 Feb 3 Feb 6 Feb 10 Feb 17 Feb 24 Mar 3
Start Feb 23 Mar 2 Mar 9 Mar 16 Mar 23 Mar 30 Apr 06 ● Apr 13 ● Apr 20 Apr 27 May 04
US$2375
End Mar 10 Mar 17 Mar 24 Mar 31 Apr 7 Apr 14 Apr 21 Apr 28 May5 May12 May19
Start May 11 May 18 May 25 Jun 01 Jun 08 Jun 11 Jun 15 Jun 18 Jun 22 Jun 25 Jun 29
US$2375
End May26 Jun 2 Jun 9 Jun 16 Jun 23 Jun 26 Jun 30 Jul 3 Jul 7 Jul 10 Jul 14
Start Jul 06 Jul 13 Jul 20 Jul 27 Aug 03 Aug 10 Aug 17 Aug 24 Aug 31 Sep 07 Sep 14
US$2375
End Jul 21 Jul 28 Aug 4 Aug 11 Aug 18 Aug 25 Sep 1 Sep 8 Sep 15 Sep 22 Sep 29
Start Sep 21 Sep 28 Oct 05 Oct 12 Oct 19 Oct 26 Nov 02 Nov 09 Nov 16 Nov 23 Nov 30
US$2375
End Oct 6 Oct 13 Oct 20 Oct 27 Nov 3 Nov 10 Nov 17 Nov 24 Dec 1 Dec 8 Dec 15
Start Dec 03 Dec 07 Dec 10 Dec 14 Dec 17 Dec 21 Dec 24 Dec 29 Dec 31
▲ ◆ ✱ ✝ ✤ ▼
US$2375
End Dec Dec Dec Dec Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan
18 22 25 29 1 5 8 13 15
2020
2019
2019/20Ì| CODE:ASAD | START BANGKOK & FINISH SIEM REAP Start 2020 Jan 04 Jan 07 Jan 11 Jan 14 Jan 18 Jan 25 Feb 01 Feb 08 Feb 15 Feb 22
US$2375
End Jan 19 Jan 22 Jan 26 Jan 29 Feb 2 Feb 9 Feb 16 Feb 23 Mar 1 Mar 8
Start Feb 29 Mar 07 Mar 14 Mar 21 Mar 28
End Mar 15 Mar 22 Mar 29 Apr 5 Apr 12
US$2375
* Prices above are based on twin-share (multi-share on train). If you’re travelling solo, we can pair you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement is available for US$585 (only applicable in hotels). Included flights: This trip includes flights, as specified on the map opposite, as part of the trip price. Please see ‘Included flights’ on p.82 for important info. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. ● These trips will be in Thailand for Songkran (Thai New Year & water festival) or Laos for Pi-Mai Lao (Laos New Year & water festival). ▲ Trip spends Xmas in Vientiane. ◆ Trip spends Xmas in Luang Prabang & NYE in Siem Reap. ✱ Trip spends Xmas in Chiang Mai & NYE in Vang Vieng. ✝ Trip spends Xmas in Kanchanaburi & NYE in Luang Prabang. ✤ Trip spends NYE in Kanchanaburi. ▼ Trip spends in NYE Bangkok. Arrival transfers to your hotel are available. To purchase, speak to your travel agent or visit contiki.com/transfers. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.82. Note: This trip is part of the Big Indochina Adventure, so when you leave Siem Reap you’ll be waving goodbye to your group as they depart for Vietnam. Can’t take the FOMO? Why not extend your stay for even more fun through Asia.
#ASIANADVENTURE
START 6:00PM BANGKOK
DISCOVERER
The one that covers Thailand, Cambodia & Laos in 2 weeks
ASIA 2019/20
CONTIKI.COM/CAMBODIA-LAOS-UNCOVERED
THE NUMBERS THE DETAILS
9
FROM
2
DAYS
US$1199
*
COUNTRIES
8 NIGHTS 8 nights in 3 star hotels
#CAMBODIALAOSUNCOVERED
DISCOVERER
CAMBODIA & LAOS UNCOVERED
10 INCLUDED MEALS 8 breakfasts (B) 1 lunch (L) 1 Dinner (D)
ESSENTIALS Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations, All private coach transport, 2 internal flights
FROM
US$134
*
PER DAY
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS • Locally guided bike tour of World Heritage listed Luang Prabang • Guided visit of the COPE centre in Vientiane • Sunrise at Angkor Wat
4.8 RATING
FREE TIME ADD-ONS F Kuang Si waterfalls trip in Luang Prabang F Kayaking & Caving Experience, Vang Vieng F Quad Biking at Sunset, Siem Reap
VIENTIANE, LAOS
ANGKOR WAT, CAMBODIA @ditslice@jt_jenkins
ANGKOR THOM, CAMBODIA @ditslice
ANGKOR WAT, CAMBODIA @ditslice@thetravellingtripper
LUANG PRABANG, LAOS @contiki
CONTIKI.COM/CAMBODIA-LAOS-UNCOVERED
ASIA 2019/20
032 033
DAY 1ÌLUANG PRABANG After checking in to the hotel & getting comfortable, we'll join up, get acquainted, & begin taking in the sites of this UNESCO listed city. Hotel DAY 2 LUANG PRABANG Early risers will be rewarded by the sacred Laotian ritual of offering alms (food) to Buddhist Monks. Later we will explore Luang Prabang by bike, visiting the TreadRight supported Ock Pop Tock Centre for Artisans. Hotel (B) • Included bike ride around Luang Prabang • Visit Ock Pop Tock Centre for Local Artisans (Treadright partner)
• Visit Wat Xieng Thong Temple F Kuang Si Waterfall Visit DAYS 3Ì- 4Ì VANG VIENG Limestone karsts & delicious Lao Pancakes will be waiting in Vang Vieng after a scenic overland journey. We'll find swimming holes, explore caves & watch the sun drop behind the mountains on two blissful nights in this town. Hotel (B,L)(B) • Scenic drive to Vang Vieng F Kayaking & Caving Experience DAY 5ÌVIENTIANE The quaint capital of Laos will greet us with warmth & Mekong charm. Here in Vientiane we'll see sights like Pha That Luang stupa, & visit the COPE centre – a
#CAMBODIALAOSUNCOVERED
START 6:00PM LUANG PRABANG
DISCOVERER
The one that explores colonial architecture & ancient ruins over 9 days
local charity working with land mine victims. Hotel (B) • Visit Luang Stupa & Patuxi • Visit to COPE Support Centre DAY 6Ì PHNOM PENH A short flight will land us amidst the shy smiles & tree-lined streets of Phnom Penh. We'll learn of the horrific Khmer Rouge rule at the ‘Killing Fields' & Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, before having the mood lightened by a life changing TREE Alliance restaurant. Hotel (B,D) • Visit the "Killing Fields" & Genocide Museum • Dinner at a Tree Alliance Restaurant
ANGKOR WAT, CAMBODIA @blondiebetts
START
DAYS 7Ì- 8Ì SIEM REAP Flying out of Phnom Penh we'll arrive in Siem Reap, home of Angkor Wat, the bustling Pub Street & traditional markets. On day-8 we'll journey through dawn's hours to catch the first rays of sunlight on the town's jungle tangled spiritual masterpiece. Hotel (B)(B) • Visit Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom & Ta Prohm F Quad Biking at sunset
2
LUANG PRABANG
Best Christmas present I ever gave myself Amie Sutcliffe
LAOS
VANG VIENG
2
VIENTIANE 1
1
Nightstops Coach or Train Plane
DAY 9ÌSIEM REAP After one final breakfast together, our trip will come to an end. We'll dive into a bout of goodbyes before leaving armed with a mosaic of magic memories. (B)
END
CAMBODIA
SIEM REAP
2
END 9:00AM SIEM REAP
1
PHNOM PENH
HOW MUCH & WHEN Start Jan 8 Jan 12 Jan 15 Jan 19 Jan 22 Jan 26 Jan 29 Feb 2 Feb 9 Feb 16 Feb 23
US$1199
End Jan 16 Jan 20 Jan 23 Jan 27 Jan 30 Feb 3 Feb 6 Feb 10 Feb 17 Feb 24 Mar 3
Start Mar 2 Mar 9 Mar 16 Mar 23 Mar 30 Apr 6 Apr 13 ● Apr 20 Apr 27 May 4 May 11
US$1199
End Mar 10 Mar 17 Mar 24 Mar 31 Apr 7 Apr 14 Apr 21 Apr 28 May5 May12 May19
Start May 18 May 25 Jun 1 Jun 8 Jun 15 Jun 18 Jun 22 Jun 25 Jun 29 Jul 2 Jul 6
US$1199
End May26 Jun 2 Jun 9 Jun 16 Jun 23 Jun 26 Jun 30 Jul 3 Jul 7 Jul 10 Jul 14
Start Jul 13 Jul 20 Jul 27 Aug 3 Aug 10 Aug 17 Aug 24 Aug 31 Sep 7 Sep 14 Sep 21
US$1199
End Jul 21 Jul 28 Aug 4 Aug 11 Aug 18 Aug 25 Sep 1 Sep 8 Sep 15 Sep 22 Sep 29
Start Sep 28 Oct 5 Oct 12 Oct 19 Oct 26 Nov 2 Nov 9 Nov 16 Nov 23 Nov 30 Dec 7
US$1199
End Oct 6 Oct 13 Oct 20 Oct 27 Nov 3 Nov 10 Nov 17 Nov 24 Dec 1 Dec 8 Dec 15
Start Dec 10 Dec 14 Dec 17 Dec 21 Dec 24 Dec 28 Dec 31
■ ▲ ◆ ✱
US$1199
End Dec Dec Dec Dec Jan Jan Jan
18 22 25 29 1 5 8
2020
2019
2019/20Ì| CODE:LAKH | START LUANG PRABANG & FINISH SIEM REAP Start 2020 Jan 5 Jan 7 Jan 11 Jan 14 Jan 18 Jan 21 Jan 25 Feb 1 Feb 8 Feb 15
US$1199
End Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb Feb Feb
13 15 19 22 26 29 2 9 16 23
Start Feb 22 Feb 29 Mar 7 Mar 14 Mar 21 Mar 28 Apr 4
End Mar 1 Mar 8 Mar 15 Mar 22 Mar 29 Apr 5 Apr 12
US$1199
* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can pair you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement is available for US$319. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. ● These trips will be in Laos for Pi-Mai Lao (Laos New Year & water festival). ■ Trip spends Xmas in Vientiane. ▲ Trip spends Xmas in Luang Prabang & NYE in Siem Reap. ◆ Trip spends NYE in Vang Vieng. ✱ Trip spends NYE in Luang Prabang. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.82. Note: This trip is part of a bigger picture – our 27-day Big Indochina Adventure trip. When you jump aboard this trip, you’ll be joining a horde of other travellers who are already geared up in Contiki’s world-famous exploration mode. Wait until you see the warm welcome you’ll receive as a new addition to the group.
ASIA 2019/20
CONTIKI.COM/BANGKOK-SINGAPORE-ADV
#BANGKOKSINGAPOREADVENTURE
DISCOVERER
BANGKOK TO SINGAPORE ADVENTURE THE NUMBERS THE DETAILS
14
FROM
3
DAYS
Unique Special Stays: 1 night overnight train, 1 night treehouse, 1 night floating cabin & 10 nights in 3-4 star hotels
16 INCLUDED MEALS 12 breakfasts (B) 2 lunches (L) 2 dinners (D)
*
PER DAY
COUNTRIES
13 NIGHTS
FROM
US$2575 US$184 *
ESSENTIALS Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations, All private coach transport, 1 internal flight
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS • Cheow Larn Lake Stay • Guided Walking Tour of Georgetown Street Art • Cameron Highland Countryside Tour
4.8 RATING
FREE TIME ADD-ONS F Half day Islands cruise, Krabi F Sunset Cruise with Dinner, Langkawi F Grand Palace Guided Tour, Bangkok
PENANG, MALAYSIA
KHAO SOK, THAILAND @nat.asia
LANGKAWI, MALAYSIA @contikitonz
PENANG, MALAYSIA @nat.asia
KHAO SOK, THAILAND @julia_thwaites
CONTIKI.COM/BANGKOK-SINGAPORE-ADV
ASIA 2019/20
034 035
DAY 1ÌBANGKOK Hot, hustling, & completely addictive, Bangkok will lure us in & play host to our first day on tour. You'll have time to unwind & enjoy the hotel before we unite & get acquainted. Hotel DAY 2 OVERNIGHT TRAIN TO SURAT THANI This morning why not opt to view the intricacies of the Grand Palace of Bangkok as they are peeled back by a Local Guide, or if that's not your thing, dig into some street food or indulge in a Thai massage. Come evening we'll be riding the comfortable overnight train to Surat Thani. (B) « Overnight Train Special Stay F Grand Palace Guided Tour DAY 3ÌKHAO SOK Soon after arriving in Surat Thani, we'll be canoeing down the Sok River, stopping for bamboo tea & monkey spotting. We'll make our way into the Khao Sok jungle where our treetop accommodation awaits. Time here will be spent enjoying the river by swim or tube, & taking in limestone cliffs with a fresh juice in hand. (L) « Jungle Tree House Special Stay • Entrance to Khao Sok National Park • Canoe Tour of Khao Sok National Park
DAY 4 KHAO SOK Today's adventure takes us to the Cheow Larn Lake & our raft hut accommodation for the evening. By day we'll cruise the oldest lake in Southern Thailand, kayaking, swimming & soaking up the sun. By night we'll be treated to a feast prepared by local families while the sun sets on another day in this jungle paradise. (B,L,D) « Floating Raft Huts Special Stay • Day Cruise on Lake Cheow Larn
DAY 9ÌPENANG Offering the perfect contrast to island tranquility, Penang will change the pace with its bright lights & sensory delights. We'll devour a fusion of Indian, Chinese & Malaysian street food & absorb the history of the UNESCO marked city. Hotel (B)
DAY 12ÌKUALA LUMPUR Our love affair with Kuala Lumpur will begin by seeing the Petronas Twin Towers – the tallest twin buildings in the world. Eating & shopping will then seal the deal, leaving us mesmerised by this chaotic capital. Hotel (B) • City sightseeing of Kuala Lumpur
DAYS 10Ì- 11Ì CAMERON HIGHLANDS Moving on from Penang we'll arrive amidst the wild guava & chirping birds of Malaysia's Cameron Highlands. Here we'll walk through the tea fields of the Boh Tea Plantation, indulge in a traditional dinner using the unique steam cooking method famous in the area, & gulp plenty of strawberries & fresh mountain air. Hotel (B,D)(B) • Included Tour of Temples & street art in Georgetown. • Tea Plantation Tour • Included Regional dinner in the Cameron Highlands
DAYS 5Ì- 6ÌKRABI (AO NANG) Whether you choose to lay poolside armed with coconuts & cocktails or get out to visit the Tiger Cave Temple & roam the markets, Krabi will enchant. Monkeys, sunsets & pretty island vistas – you may never want to leave. Hotel (B)(B) F Half Day Islands Cruise DAYS 7Ì- 8Ì LANGKAWI Heading south along the Thai peninsula, we'll arrive in Satun, where a ferry ride will land us in an untapped archipelago & a new country - Malaysia. For two days we will be free to lose sense of time amidst the slanted palm trees, teal waters & mountainous backdrop of Langkawi Island. Hotel (B)(B) F Sunset Dinner Cruise
DAY 14ÌSINGAPORE Our time together will wrap up in the arms of Singapore's skyscrapers. We'll say heartfelt goodbyes before going our separate ways, leaving with a deep & unwavering appreciation for this special Asian region. (B)
THAILAND
START
BANGKOK
1
END 9:00AM SINGAPORE
1
KHAO SOK
Absolutely amazing! The trip was fantastic from the start. Megs (the trip manager) made all of us feel right at home!
Surat Thani
2 2
KRABI
William McNeillie LANGKAWI
Satun
2
PENANG
1
2
Places visited 1
CAMERON HIGHLANDS, MALAYSIA @nat.asia
DAY 13ÌSINGAPORE After a short flight out of Malaysia we'll land in the immaculate Asian metropolis that is Singapore. Our last night together will be open to opportunities; waterside cocktails at Marina Bay Sands being one of the most tempting. Hotel (B)
SINGAPORE
1
CAMERON HIGHLANDS MALAYSIA
KUALA LUMPUR
Nightstops Special Stay
1
Coach or Train END
Boat or Plane 1
SINGAPORE
HOW MUCH & WHEN
Start Dec 15 ■
US$2705
Start Dec 29 ▲
US$2695
US$2575 End Jan 11
Start 2020 Jan 12 Jan 26 Feb 16 Mar 8 Mar 29
US$2575
US$2605
US$2575
End Jun 29 Jul 20 Aug 10 Aug 31
Start Sep 8
US$2635
End Sep 21
Start Sep 29
US$2575
End Oct 12
Start Oct 20
US$2665
End Nov 2
2019
Start Jun 16 Jul 7 Jul 28 Aug 18
2019
End Jun 8
2019
Start May26
2019
End Mar 2 Mar 16 Mar 30 Apr 13 Apr 27 May18
2019
Start Feb 17 Mar 3 Mar 17 Mar 31 Apr 14 ● May5
2019
End Feb 16
US$2625 End Dec 28
2019
2019
US$2575
Start Feb 3
2019
End Jan 19 Feb 2
2020
Start Jan 6 Jan 20
2019
2019
2019/20Ì| CODE:BKSG | START BANGKOK & FINISH SINGAPORE Start Nov 10 Dec 1
End Nov 23 Dec 14
US$2575
End Jan 25 Feb 8 Feb 29 Mar 21 Apr 11
* Prices above are based on twin-share (multi-share on train). If you’re travelling solo, we can pair you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement is available for US$835 (only applicable in hotels). A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. ● These trips will be in Thailand for Songkran (Thai New Year & water festival). ■ Trip spends Xmas in Cameron Highlands. ▲ Trip spends NYE in Khao Sok Arrival transfers to your hotel are available. To purchase, speak to your travel agent or visit contiki.com/ transfers. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.82.
#BANGKOKSINGAPOREADVENTURE
START 6:00PM BANGKOK
DISCOVERER
The one that combines 3 eclectic countries with floating huts & foodie hot spots
ASIA 2019/20
CONTIKI.COM/MUNCH-ASIA
THE NUMBERS THE DETAILS
#MUNCHASIA
DISCOVERER
MUNCH ASIA 12
NEW TRIP
FROM
3
DAYS
11 nights in 3 star hotels
19 INCLUDED MEALS 11 breakfasts (B) 2 lunches (L) 6 dinners (D)
*
PER DAY
COUNTRIES
11 NIGHTS
FROM
US$2365 US$198 *
ESSENTIALS Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations, All private coach transport, 3 internal flights
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS • Tuk Tuk Street Food Tour in Bangkok • Penang Hawker Market Tour • Dinner at Marina Bay Sands Singapore
4.6 OVERALL RATING
FREE TIME ADD-ONS F Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur F Snorkelling Day Trip, Phuket
SINGAPORE
PENANG, MALAYSIA @contiki
PENANG, MALAYSIA @contiki
PENANG, MALAYSIA @contiki
BANGKOK, THAILAND @contiki
CONTIKI.COM/MUNCH-ASIA
ASIA 2019/20
036 037
DAY 1ÌBANGKOK Touchdown in Bangkok. Today you're free to relax at the hotel before we head to the banks of Bangkok's famous Chao Phraya River for a group dinner. Get acquainted with your new travel fam over some authentic local food: just the starter for great things to come. Hotel (D)
#MUNCHASIA
START 6PM BANGKOK
DISCOVERER
The one that takes you on a culinary journey, giving you authentic Asian flavours right from the source DAYS 4Ì- 5ÌPHUKET Rise & shine, today we're off to Phuket to slip into island life & soak up what this tropical paradise has to offer. This evening we'll get a masterclass in Thai cuisine. The next day you're free to soak up some sunshine or opt for a snorkelling trip in the balmy Andaman sea. Hotel (B,D)(B) • Thai Cooking Class F Snorkelling Day Trip
THAILAND START
BANGKOK
3
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Places visited 1
Nightstops Coach or Train
BANGKOK, THAILAND
Plane
PHUKET
2
Georgetown
2
PENANG MALAYSIA
KUALA LUMPUR
2
END
2
SINGAPORE
DAYS 2Ì- 3Ì BANGKOK After a buffet breakfast we'll enjoy a scenic train ride into Mae Klong railway market, then a long-tail boat journey to the famous Damnoen floating market. Lunch is authentic food at a local homestay, served with a lesson on Thai ingredient essentials. Day 3 is yours to explore the city of Bangkok before we jump in a tuk-tuk for our evening street food tour. Hotel (B,L)(B,D) • Mae Klong Railway Market • Damnoen Saduak Floating Market • Tuk Tuk Street Food Tour
DAYS 6Ì- 7ÌPENANG Our noses have led us to a whole new country: Malaysia. First stop Penang, for an evening hawker market tour to sample the local cuisine. On day 7 we'll visit the UNESCOlisted Georgetown for a morning Malay cooking class, followed by a visit to temples & street art. Hotel (B)(B,L) • Hawker Night Tour • Malay Cooking Class DAYS 8Ì- 9Ì KUALA LUMPUR The street food of Kuala Lumpur is calling. An included city orientation will get us acquainted with KL, & this evening we'll be treated to an authentic Malay dinner with a modern twist. Day 9 is yours to discover the beauty & charm of this diverse city, or to visit Malaysia's national treasure, the Batu Caves. Hotel (B,D)(B) • Sightseeing tour of Kuala Lumpur F Batu Caves
SINGAPORE
DAYS 10Ì- 11Ì SINGAPORE Today we land in our final destination, Singapore. On our first night you'll be treated to an evening hawker's market tour. Day 11 is yours explore the city before we rendevouz at Raffles for a classic Singapore Sling. Next stop is dinner at Marina Bay Sands & Skypark, styling out the end of the trip with an incredible 200m high view of the Singapore skyline. Hotel (B,D)(B,D) • Hawker Market Tour • Visit Raffles Singapore Long Bar • Dinner at Marina Bay Sands DAY 12ÌSINGAPORE That's all courses complete on our Munch trip of Asia. After our final breakfast, we'll say fond farewells before going our separate ways. (B) END 9AM SINGAPORE
HOW MUCH & WHEN
Start Jun 12 Jun 26
US$2365
End Jun 23 Jul 7
2019
2019
2019Ì| CODE:AMUN | START BANGKOK & FINISH SINGAPORE Start Dec 18 ● Dec 29 ■
End Dec 29 Jan 9
US$2470
* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can pair you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement is available for US$1425. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. ● Trip spends Xmas in Kuala Lumpur. ■ Trip spends NYE in Bangkok. Arrival transfers to your hotel are available. To purchase, speak to your travel agent or visit contiki.com/ transfers. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.82.
ASIA 2019/20
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER. GO LOCAL Get to know a particular region or country in depth, with experiences designed around cultural immersion, all included in the cost of your trip. Take a cooking class, dine with locals and after days packed with unique adventures, settle down in twin share hotels, beachfront resorts and epic Special Stays.
AMBER FORT, JAIPUR
FROM
16 TRIPS
8 DAYS
FROM
24 $127 USD PER DAY
CONTIKI.COM/ASIA/IN-DEPTH-EXPLORER
ASIA 2019/20
038 039
see more
PANDAS PLAYING, CHINA @_SHANN._
Super cute pandas at a Panda Research and breeding centre, China Meet the women of the Dhonk Centre, India
Designed to get you fully immersed into a particular country or region, our In-Depth Explorer experiences get you seeing, breathing, tasting, experiencing and generally living the local way of life.
Day trip to the idyllic island of Koh Tonsay, Cambodia Spot wild elephants on a wildlife safari, Sri Lanka Mario Kart gets real, driving around Tokyo or Osaka with MariCar, Japan WALK THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA, @VINNYMADONIA
MARKET LUNCHES, HOI AN
sleep in comfort
HOUSEBOAT, KERALA BACKWATERS
CHARM CHUREE BEACH RESORT, THAILAND
ATHGIRA RIVER CAMPING, UDAWALAWE
No boring sleeps here. You’ll find a mixture of Special Stays like a floating jungle raft hotel and Jungle Tree House, along with an overnight train, luxe beachfront resorts and comfy 3 and 4 star hotels. All hand-picked to get you feeling up close and personal with the local area.
eat local On In-Depth Explorer, you’ll have the chance to taste your way around Asia with a mix of street eats and delicious regional dishes in our favourite local restaurants. Slurp Pho in Hanoi, sip fresh coconuts on Koh Phi Phi, and splurge on sushi in Tokyo.
LUNC H WITH A LOCAL FAMILY
C HALONG RUM DISTILLERY
MEKONG DELTA
PHUKET
Sit down to lunch with a local family in Vietnam. Try delicious local flavours and learn about Vietnamese foodie culture.
While you’re relaxing on island time, taste the locally made rum, or maybe try your hand at mixing delicious cocktails.
ASIA 2019/20
CONTIKI.COM/VIETNAM-HIGHLIGHTS
THE NUMBERS THE DETAILS
#VIETNAMHIGHLIGHTS
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
VIETNAM HIGHLIGHTS 10
FROM
1
DAYS
US$1479
*
COUNTRY
9 NIGHTS Unique Special Stay: 1 night on a Chinese style Junk Boat in Halong Bay & 8 nights in 3 star hotels
12 INCLUDED MEALS 9 breakfasts (B) 2 lunches (L) 1 dinner (D)
ESSENTIALS An experienced Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations, All private coach transport, 3 internal flights
FROM
US$148
*
PER DAY
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS • Guided bike ride through Hoi An old town • Visit the Temple of Literature
4.6 RATING
FREE TIME ADD-ONS F Mud bath & Hot Springs experience, Nha Trang F Marble Mountains Tour, Hoi An F Kayaking, Halong Bay
HALONG BAY, VIETNAM
HOI AN,VIETNAM @colettecseke
HALONG BAY, VIETNAM @contikimatt
HOI AN,VIETNAM @tamazon
HOI AN,VIETNAM @vickyjolee
CONTIKI.COM/VIETNAM-HIGHLIGHTS
ASIA 2019/20
040 041
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
The one that explores Vietnam's vibrant nightlife, secret gardens & fresh cuisine
DAY 1ÌHO CHI MINH Stepping into a whirl of scooters & skyscrapers, you'll unwind in the hotel before uniting with the Trip Manager & team to get the low down on the days ahead. Hotel DAYS 2Ì- 3Ì NHA TRANG After a final bout of Ho Chi Minh exploring, we'll take flight to the coastal town of Nha Trang. Golden sand beaches & turquoise waters will offer us water sports, sunsets, & the chance to soak up the town's laidback lifestyle. Hotel (B)(B) • View the Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office & Presidential Palace • Visit to the War Remnants Museum F Relaxing cruise with swim stops & snorkelling F Mud bath & Hot Springs experience
DAYS 4Ì- 5ÌHOI AN After a quick flight & coastal drive, we'll arrive in Hoi An amidst charm & architecture influenced by many parts of the world. Here we can visit the UNESCO Old Quarter, cycle past rice fields, & see traditional pottery & silk weaving at the local markets. Hotel (B)(B) • Visit the town's Old Quarter & Japanese covered bridge • Guided bike ride through Hoi An's UNESCO listed Ancient Town F Tasty Vietnamese cooking class F Marble Mountains Tour DAY 6ÌHUE The former imperial town of Hue offers no shortage of charm, with lotus flower ponds, intricately decorated pavilions, & an artistic soul. We'll take a cyclo to the Imperial Citadel & learn of a horrific Buddhist massacre at Thien Mu Pagoda. Hotel (B)
HANOI, VIETNAM
HUE, VIETNAM
• Cross the Hai Van Pass • Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda & the Imperial Citadel • Cyclo ride F Group photo at Hue's Imperial Citadel F Hue Street food walking tour
DAY 9ÌHANOI After a last bout of grotto swimming & monkey spotting in Halong Bay, we'll head back to Hanoi for our final night. The quirky water puppet performance in Red River Delta will offer the perfect warmup to our final evening together. Hotel (B,L) F Kayaking on Halong Bay
DAY 10ÌHANOI Our trip will wrap up in Hanoi shortly after our final team breakfast. We'll go our separate ways after saying goodbyes & making plans to organise a reunion trip. (B) END 9:00AM HANOI HUE, VIETNAM
END
HANOI 2
DAY 7ÌHANOI Flying into the country's capital, we'll find a mesmerising fusion of French, Chinese & Vietnamese, & settle into our hotel in the middle of the bustling Old Quarter. Here we'll be left smitten by the gardens of the Temple of Literature & 36 trading streets offering an array of local goods. Hotel (B) • Visit the Temple of Literature DAY 8Ì HALONG BAY A Chinese style junk boat will drift us around the lime stone island setting of the Gulf of Tonkin, offering complete serenity for our time in Halong Bay. We'll explore the Sung Sot Caves, swim in lagoons, & eat seafood over a picturesque sunset. (B,L,D) « Junk Boat Special Stay • Visit the Sung Sot Caves
#VIETNAMHIGHLIGHTS
START 6:00PM HO CHI MINH CITY
1
HALONG BAY
VIETNAM
Places visited 1
Nightstops
1
Special Stay Coach
1
Plane
HUE Da Nang
Worth every dollar. Would do it again in a heart beat!
2
HOI AN
Mark Gauld
2
NHA TRANG
START
HO CHI MINH CITY
1
HOW MUCH & WHEN
Start Jan 18 Jan 22 Jan 25 Jan 29 ● Feb 1 ● Feb 5 ● Feb 8 Feb 12 Feb 19 Feb 26 Mar 5
US$1479
End Jan 27 Jan 31 Feb 3 Feb 7 Feb 10 Feb 14 Feb 17 Feb 21 Feb 28 Mar 7 Mar 14
Start Mar 12 Mar 19 Mar 26 Apr 2 Apr 9 Apr 16 Apr 23 Apr 30 May 7 May 14 May 21
US$1479
End Mar 21 Mar 28 Apr 4 Apr 11 Apr 18 Apr 25 May2 May9 May16 May23 May30
Start May 28 Jun 4 Jun 11 Jun 18 Jun 25 Jun 28 Jul 2 Jul 5 Jul 9 Jul 12 Jul 16
US$1479
End Jun Jun Jun Jun Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul
6 13 20 27 4 7 11 14 18 21 25
Start Jul 23 Jul 30 Aug 6 Aug 13 Aug 20 Aug 27 Sep 3 Sep 10 Sep 17 Sep 24 Oct 1
US$1479
End Aug 1 Aug 8 Aug 15 Aug 22 Aug 29 Sep 5 Sep 12 Sep 19 Sep 26 Oct 3 Oct 10
Start Oct 8 Oct 15 Oct 22 Oct 29 Nov 5 Nov 12 Nov 19 Nov 26 Dec 3 Dec 10 Dec 17 ■
US$1479
End Oct 17 Oct 24 Oct 31 Nov 7 Nov 14 Nov 21 Nov 28 Dec 5 Dec 12 Dec 19 Dec 26
Start Dec 20 Dec 24 Dec 27 Dec 31
▲
◆ ✱ ✝
US$1479
End Dec Jan Jan Jan
29 2 5 9
2020
2019
2019/20Ì| CODE:VIHI | START HO CHI MINH CITY & FINISH HANOI Start 2020 Jan 3 Jan 7 Jan 10 Jan 15 Jan 17 Jan 21 Jan 24 Jan 28 Jan 31 Feb 4
End
● ● ● ●
US$1479
Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb Feb Feb
12 16 19 24 26 30 2 6 9 13
Start Feb 11 Feb 18 Feb 25 Mar 3 Mar 10 Mar 17 Mar 24 Mar 31 Apr 7 Apr 14
End Feb 20 Feb 27 Mar 5 Mar 12 Mar 19 Mar 26 Apr 2 Apr 9 Apr 16 Apr 23
US$1479
* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can pair you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement is available for US$435 (only applicable in hotels). Included flights: This trip includes flights, as specified on the map above, as part of the trip price. Please see ‘Included flights’ on p.82 for important info. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. ● These trips will be in Vietnam for Tet (Vietnamese New Year). ■ Trip spends Xmas in Hanoi. ▲ Trip spends Xmas in Hue. ◆ Trip spends Xmas in Nha Trang & NYE in Halong Bay. ✱ Trip spends NYE in Hoi An. ✝ Trip spends NYE in Ho Chi Minh. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.82. Note: This trip is part of our epic 27-day Big Indochina Adventure, so when you start your trip, you’ll be meeting travellers who have already had a taste of what it’s like to explore Asia with Contiki, & who’ll be excited to have new friends for the adventure.
1
ASIA 2019/20
CONTIKI.COM/VIETNAM-EXPERIENCE
THE NUMBERS THE DETAILS
#VIETNAMEXPERIENCE
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
VIETNAM EXPERIENCE 12
FROM
1
DAYS
Unique Special Stays: 1 night in a Guesthouse in the Mekong Delta, 1 night on a Chinese style Junk Boat in Halong Bay & 9 nights in 3 star hotels
16 INCLUDED MEALS 11 breakfasts (B) 3 lunches (L) 2 dinners (D)
*
PER DAY
COUNTRY
11 NIGHTS
FROM
US$1789 US$150 *
ESSENTIALS An experienced Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations, 3 internal flights
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS • Guided bike ride through Hoi An old town • Hue’s ancient Citadel • Visit the Cu Chi tunnels
4.7 RATING
FREE TIME ADD-ONS F Cruise & swimming day trip, Nha Trang F Marble Mountains Tour F Mud bath & Hot Springs experience
HALONG BAY, VIETNAM @cooper.kate
DANANG, VIETNAM @mikaela_borgas
HOI AN, VIETNAM @vickyjolee
HUE, VIETNAM @ebony.mackay
NHA TRANG, VIETNAM @sarahstarnovsky
CONTIKI.COM/VIETNAM-EXPERIENCE
ASIA 2019/20
042 043
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
START 6:00PM HO CHI MINH CITY
DAY 1Ì HO CHI MINH Stepping into a whirl of scooters & skyscrapers, you'll unwind in the hotel before uniting with the Trip Manager & team to get the low down on the days ahead. We'll waste no time kicking off the Vietnam exploring, getting acquainted over pho at the Ben Thanh markets. Hotel
Brilliant Trip Manager, hotel rooms & activities. Could not be better. Vietnam Experience is most certainly value for money. Caelyn Stegmann
VIETNAM
END
HANOI
2
1
HALONG BAY
1
HUE
Places visited 1
Nightstops
1
Special Stay
2
Coach
HOI AN
Da Nang
Plane
NHA TRANG
2
DAY 2Ì MEKONG DELTA We'll rise & shine for a journey to the Mekong Delta, landing us amidst floating markets, sampans (local boats) & artisans going about their craft. By night we'll mix with the locals & have dinner at our special guest house. (B,L,D) « Guest house Special Stay • Mekong Delta cruise • Mekong Delta fishing experience • See local industry demonstrations
START
HO CHI MINH CITY 1
2
MEKONG DELTA
HOI AN, VIETNAM
DAY 3Ì HO CHI MINH Leaving the Mekong after breakfast, we'll journey back to Ho Chi Minh's addictive mania via the Viet Cong's tunnels in Cu Chi. Here we will marvel at traps, hidden doors & 250kms of tunnels that Vietnamese resistance fighters dug by hand. Hotel (B) • Visit to the Cu Chi tunnels
Vietnamese, & settle into our hotel in the middle of the bustling Old Quarter. Here we'll be left smitten by the gardens of the Temple of Literature & 36 trading streets offering an array of local goods. Hotel (B) • Visit the Temple of Literature HOI AN, VIETNAM
• Visit the town's Old Quarter & Japanese covered bridge • Guided bike ride through Hoi An's UNESCO listed Ancient Town F Tasty Vietnamese cooking class F Marble Mountains Tour
DAYS 4Ì- 5Ì NHA TRANG After a final bout of Ho Chi Minh exploring, we'll take flight to the coastal town of Nha Trang. Golden sand beaches & turquoise waters will offer us water sports, sunsets, & the chance to soak up the town's laidback lifestyle. Hotel (B)(B) • View the Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office & Presidential Palace • Visit to the War Remnants Museum F Mud bath & Hot Springs experience F Cruise & swimming day trip
DAY 8ÌHUE The former imperial town of Hue offers no shortage of charm, with lotus flower ponds, intricately decorated pavilions, & an artistic soul. We'll take a cyclo to the Imperial Citadel & learn of a horrific Buddhist massacre at Thien Mu Pagoda. Hotel (B) • Cross the Hai Van Pass • Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda & the Imperial Citadel • Cyclo ride F Group photo at Hue's Imperial Citadel F Hue Street food walking tour
DAYS 6Ì- 7ÌHOI AN After a quick flight & coastal drive, we'll arrive in Hoi An amidst charm & architecture influenced by many parts of the world. Here we can visit the UNESCO Old Quarter, cycle past rice fields, & see traditional pottery & silk weaving at the local markets. Hotel (B)(B)
DAY 9ÌHANOI Flying into the country's capital, we'll find a mesmerising fusion of French, Chinese &
DAY 10Ì HALONG BAY A Chinese style junk boat will drift us around the lime stone island setting of the Gulf of Tonkin, offering complete serenity for our time in Halong Bay. We'll explore the Sung Sot Caves, swim in lagoons, & eat seafood over a picturesque sunset. (B,L,D) « Junk Boat Special Stay • Visit the Sung Sot Caves DAY 11ÌHANOI After a last bout of grotto swimming & monkey spotting in Halong Bay, we'll head back to Hanoi for our final night. The quirky water puppet performance in Red River Delta will offer the perfect warmup to our final evening together. Hotel (B,L) F Kayaking on Halong Bay DAY 12ÌHANOI Our trip will wrap up in Hanoi shortly after our final team breakfast. We'll go our separate ways after saying somber goodbyes & making sincere plans to organise a reunion tour. (B) END 9:00AM HANOI
HOW MUCH & WHEN
Start Jan 16 Jan 20 Jan 23 Jan 27 ● Jan 30 ● Feb 3 ● Feb 6 Feb 10 Feb 17 Feb 24 Mar 3
US$1789
End Jan 27 Jan 31 Feb 3 Feb 7 Feb 10 Feb 14 Feb 17 Feb 21 Feb 28 Mar 7 Mar 14
Start Mar 10 Mar 17 Mar 24 Mar 31 Apr 7 Apr 14 Apr 21 Apr 28 May 5 May 12 May 19
US$1789
End Mar 21 Mar 28 Apr 4 Apr 11 Apr 18 Apr 25 May2 May9 May16 May23 May30
Start May 26 Jun 2 Jun 9 Jun 16 Jun 23 Jun 26 Jun 30 Jul 3 Jul 7 Jul 10 Jul 14
US$1789
End Jun Jun Jun Jun Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul
6 13 20 27 4 7 11 14 18 21 25
Start Jul 21 Jul 28 Aug 4 Aug 11 Aug 18 Aug 25 Sep 1 Sep 8 Sep 15 Sep 22 Sep 29
US$1789
End Aug 1 Aug 8 Aug 15 Aug 22 Aug 29 Sep 5 Sep 12 Sep 19 Sep 26 Oct 3 Oct 10
Start Oct 6 Oct 13 Oct 20 Oct 27 Nov 3 Nov 10 Nov 17 Nov 24 Dec 1 Dec 8 Dec 15 ■
US$1789
End Oct 17 Oct 24 Oct 31 Nov 7 Nov 14 Nov 21 Nov 28 Dec 5 Dec 12 Dec 19 Dec 26
Start Dec 18 Dec 22 Dec 25 Dec 29
▲
◆ ✱ ✝
US$1789
End Dec Jan Jan Jan
29 2 5 9
2020
2019
2019/20Ì| CODE:VIEP | START HO CHI MINH CITY & FINISH HANOI Start 2020 Jan 1 Jan 5 Jan 8 Jan 13 Jan 15 Jan 19 Jan 22 Jan 26 Jan 29 Feb 2
End
● ● ● ● ●
US$1789
Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb Feb Feb
12 16 19 24 26 30 2 6 9 13
Start Feb 9 Feb 16 Feb 23 Mar 1 Mar 8 Mar 15 Mar 22 Mar 29 Apr 5 Apr 12
End Feb 20 Feb 27 Mar 5 Mar 12 Mar 19 Mar 26 Apr 2 Apr 9 Apr 16 Apr 23
US$1789
* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can pair you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement is available for US$495 (only applicable in hotels). Included flights: This trip includes flights, as specified on the map above, as part of the trip price. Please see ‘Included flights’ on p.82 for important info. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. ● These trips will be in Vietnam for Tet (Vietnamese New Year). ■ Trip spends Xmas in Hanoi. ▲ Trip spends Xmas in Hue. ◆ Trip spends Xmas in Nha Trang & NYE in Halong Bay. ✱ Trip spends Xmas in Ho Chi Minh & NYE in Hoi An. ✝ Trip spends NYE in Ho Chi Minh. Arrival transfers to your hotel are available. To purchase speak to your travel agent or visit contiki.com/transfers. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki. com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.82. Note: This trip is part of our epic 27-day Big Indochina Adventure, so when you start your trip, you’ll be meeting travellers who have already had a taste of what it’s like to explore Asia with Contiki, & who’ll be excited to have new friends for the adventure.
#VIETNAMEXPERIENCE
The one that explores Vietnam's vibrant nightlife, secret gardens & fresh cuisine including the Mekong Delta
ASIA 2019/20
CONTIKI.COM/JAPAN-UNRIVALLED
#JAPANUNRIVALLED
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
JAPAN UNRIVALLED THE NUMBERS THE DETAILS
13
FROM
1
DAYS
14 INCLUDED MEALS
Unique Special Stays: 1 night in a Ryokan in Hakone, 1 night in a Shukubo on Mt Koya & 10 nights in 3 star hotels
12 breakfasts (B) 2 dinners (D)
*
PER DAY
COUNTRY
12 NIGHTS
FROM
US$4525 US$349 *
ESSENTIALS An experienced Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations, All private coach transport & bullet trains
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS • Locally guided city tour of Tokyo • Ferry to Miyajima Island & visit the Peace Memorial Museum • Sightseeing tour of Kyoto
4.7 RATING
FREE TIME ADD-ONS F Robot restaurant, Tokyo F Sushi-making experience, Tokyo F Hida Beef dinner, Takayama
TOKYO, JAPAN @ raymahendra
ITSUKUSHIMA, MIYAJIMA ISLAND @jt_jenkins
TOKYO, JAPAN @contiki
KYOTO, JAPAN @loracaronna
KYOTO, JAPAN @official_d.senthavong
CONTIKI.COM/JAPAN-UNRIVALLED
ASIA 2019/20
044 045
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
START 6:00PM TOKYO
DAY 1ÌTOKYO Landing in the eccentric Japanese capital of Tokyo, we'll get comfortable in our hotel before uniting with the team for a low down on the days ahead. Night one will be ours for getting acquainted. Hotel DAYS 2 - 3 TOKYO From the lake woven grounds of the Imperial Palace to the wild fashion district of Harajuku & Shibuya, Tokyo will reveal itself & offer limitless inspiration. We'll take you to all the iconic spots & leave you with plenty of time to indulge in sushi land adventures of your own. Hotel (B)(B) • See the Imperial Palace, Asakusa Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Street, Shibuya, Meiji Jingu Shrine & Harajuku F Show at the Robot Restaurant F Onsen experience DAY 4ÌHAKONE This morning, see the wonder that is the Tsukiji Fish markets before our
TOKYO
• See Itsukushima Shrine • Visit the Peace Memorial Museum F Okonomiyaki Lunch F Hiroshima Night Cruise
first overland journey takes us south to the haven of mountain vistas that is Hakone. Here we will enjoy a hot spring dip & nest in the arms of true hospitality at a traditional Japanese guesthouse. (B,D) « Contiki Special Stay Ryokan • Tsukiji fish market • See the Hakone Ropeway F Sushi-making
Worth every penny. Japan was beautiful and I know I would not have experienced as much as I did without this trip. Kenneth Homan
DAYS 9Ì- 10ÌKYOTO A golden castle, manicured gardens… Kyoto is nothing shy of incredible & we'll share its intricacies artfully. Known as the culture hub & land of the Geisha, prepare to see a rainbow of kimonos & wooden platform shoes. Hotel (B)(B) • Nijo Castle • See Fushimi Inari Shrine • See Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion & Gion Area
DAYS 5Ì- 6Ì TAKAYAMA Now enamoured by hot springs, we'll move on to Takayama where we'll find them in our own hotel. This hilly village of wooden buildings will be yours to explore, from the morning markets to the historic Edo period Jinya house & Hida Folk Village. Hotel (B)(B) • See Kamisan no machi (Kamisan Town) & Takayama morning markets • See Matsumoto Castle F Hida beef dinner F Sake Tasting
DAY 11Ì MT KOYA Making our way to Wakayama via train, we'll slip into the Zen lands of Mount Koya. After being welcomed into a Buddhist guesthouse we'll savour mindfulness, the pristine natural setting, & not least of all, traditional Buddhist food. (B,D) « Contiki Special Stay Shukubo • Visit to Kongobuji Temple
DAYS 7Ì- 8Ì HIROSHIMA After an exhilarating ride on the Shinkansen (bullet train), we'll arrive in Hiroshima. Here we'll recount the WWII bombing tragedy & uncover what is now a city enveloped in peace. A ferry to Miyajima Island & the Itsukushima Shrine will complete our Hiroshima experience. Hotel (B)(B)
DAY 12ÌOSAKA Osaka will offer a complete contrast to our mindful mountain moments. Here we can jump back into the neon kanji signs of a buzzing Japanese city, & sip local beer to ease the pain of Karaoke. Hotel (B) • Morning Buddhist service
#JAPANUNRIVALLED
The one that takes in bustling cities, relaxing hot springs & majestic mountains for the ultimate Japan experience
JAPAN Matsumoto
TAKAYAMA
HIROSHIMA 2 Miyajima Island
2
KYOTO
1
OSAKA
START
2
TOKYO 3
Mt Fuji END
1
HAKONE
1
MT KOYA Places visited 1
Nightstops
1
Special Stay Coach or Train
F Izakaya dinner F MariCar ** Must have an International Driving License ** DAY 13ÌOSAKA Our Japanese fairytale will end in Osaka, leaving us to share goodbyes & depart with many incredible memories. (B) END 9:00AM OSAKA TOKYO
HOW MUCH & WHEN
US$4819
Start Sep 21
US$4625
US$4539 End Oct 3
Start Oct 5
US$4965
US$4819 End Oct 17
Start Oct 19
US$4625
End May16
US$4625 End Oct 31
Start Oct 26
Start May18 Jun 1 Jun 15 Jun 29 Jul 13
US$4525
End Start May30 Jul 27 Jun 13 Jun 27 Jul 11 Jul 25
US$4525
End Aug 8
Start Aug 10
US$4625
End Aug 22
2019
Start May4
2019
End May2
2019
Start Apr 20
2019
2019
End Apr 25
2019
End Sep 19
Start Apr 13
2019
Start Sep 7
End Apr 18
US$4625
2019
2019
US$4819
Start Apr 6
2019
End Mar 28 Apr 4 Apr 11
2019
Start Mar 16 Mar 23 Mar 30
2019
2019
2019 | CODE:JAPN | START TOKYO & FINISH OSAKA Start Aug 24
End Sep 5
US$4539
End Nov 7
US$4965
* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can pair you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement is available from US$1019 (only applicable in hotels). Triple-share reduction of US$60 available. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.82
ASIA 2019/20
CONTIKI.COM/JAPAN-WINTER-WONDER
THE NUMBERS THE DETAILS
10
FROM
1
DAYS
NEW TRIP
*
9 nights in twin-share hotels
9 INCLUDED MEALS 9 breakfasts (B)
*
PER DAY
COUNTRY
9 NIGHTS
FROM
US$2935 US$294
#CONTIKIWINTERWONDER
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
JAPAN WINTER WONDER
ESSENTIALS An experienced Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations, All private coach transport & bullet trains
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS • Tokyo Sightseeing tour • Ferry to Miyajima Island & visit the Peace Memorial Museum in Hiroshima • Travel by Bullet Train • Day trip to Hakone
4.6 OVERALL RATING
FREE TIME ADD-ONS F Okonomiyaki Lunch, Hiroshima F Onsen Experience, Tokyo F Nara Half Day Trip, Kyoto
KYOTO, JAPAN
KYOTO, JAPAN @contiki
TOKYO, JAPAN @borderlinesunshine
NARA, KYOTO @ashnmuir
HAKUBA, JAPAN @contiki
CONTIKI.COM/JAPAN-WINTER-WONDER
ASIA 2019/20
046 047
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
The one that fuses the best of ancient and modern Japan in 10 magical days.
DAY 1ÌOSAKA Konnichiwa friends: welcome to the land of the rising sun, famed for its beauty, culture, cuisine & just a touch of crazy. Get settled into your hotel before joining forces with your Trip Manager & travel crew, then we'll head out to explore the local area. Hotel DAY 2ÌOSAKA Universal Studios, Osaka Castle, iconic Dōtonbori today is yours to take on Osaka as your heart desires. This evening, why not get to know your new travel friends over our Free Time Add-On foodie experience, a traditional Izakaya? Hotel (B) F Izakaya Welcome Dinner
DAYS 3Ì- 4ÌKYOTO After breakfast in Osaka we head to Kyoto. We'll kick things off with a guided tour of this beautiful city: get your camera ready for temples, gardens, colourful shrines & famous geisha girls. On Day 4 you'll have a full free day to explore Kyoto your way. Hotel (B)(B) • Guided sightseeing in Kyoto F Half day trip to Nara
#CONTIKIWINTERWONDER
START 6:00PM OSAKA
see miniature deer & the Itsukushima Shrine. Hotel (B)(B) • Peace Park & Peace Memorial Museum • Itsukushima Shrine & Miyajima Island F Okonomiyaki Lunch F Hiroshima Dinner Cruise DAYS 7Ì- 9ÌTOKYO From Hiroshima we travel to the bright lights of Tokyo. A sightseeing tour shows us the best bits, like the Harajuku district & Shibuya crossing. We've GOT MORE TIME? also included a day trip to Hakone. With another Got More Time? full free day to explore, Why not add-on do Tokyo your way: just the 4 or 6 day Ski remember to check out the package, see p.70 Onsen hot spring baths & for more details. Robot restaurant. Hotel (B)(B)(B) • Sightseeing tour including Imperial Palace, Asakusa Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise Street, Meji Jingu Shrine & Shibuya Crossing • Hakone day trip with Hakone ropeway • Ashinoko Lake Cruise F Onsen Experience F MariCar Tokyo HIROSHIMA 2 Go-Cart Experience (International Driver's Miyajima Island License required) F Robot Restaurant Show
DAYS 5Ì- 6Ì HIROSHIMA All aboard! A bullet train shoots us over to historic Hiroshima for 2 nights. We'll learn about the past & present of this noble city on a sightseeing tour & we'll take a ferry to Miyajima island to
KYOTO
JAPAN END
KYOTO
3
2 START
2
Hakone
OSAKA
Places visited 1
DAY 10ÌTOKYO And just like that, it's all over. Your trip comes to an end in Tokyo, but you'll keep the memories (& photos) forever. (B)
KYOTO
Nightstops Coach or Train
END 9:00AM TOKYO
HOW MUCH & WHEN
Start Mar 23 Apr 06
US$3389
Start Apr 20
US$2935
US$3105
Start Jan 19 Jan 26 Feb 02
US$2935
End Jan 28 Feb 04 Feb 11
Start Feb 09 Feb 16
US$3105
End Feb 18 Feb 25
Start Feb 23 Mar 02
US$2935
End Mar 04 Mar 11
2019
End Jan 21
2019
Start Jan 12
Jan 14
2019
End
2019
Start 2019 Jan 05
2019
End Dec 31 Jan 07
US$3389 End Apr 01 Apr 15
2019
2019
US$2935
Start Dec 22 ■ Dec 29 ▲
2019
End Dec 24
2018
2018
2018/19 | CODE:JAPF | START OSAKA & FINISH TOKYO Start Dec 15
TOKYO
Start Mar 09
US$3105
End Apr 29
US$3165
* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can pair you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplements available from US$885. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. ■ This trip will spend Xmas in Kyoto ▲ This trip will spend NYE in Kyoto. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.82
End Mar 18
ASIA 2019/20
CONTIKI.COM/CHINA-ADVENTURE
THE NUMBERS THE DETAILS
#CHINAADVENTURE
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
CHINA ADVENTURE 12
FROM
1
DAYS
10 nights in 3 star hotels 1 overnight train
17 INCLUDED MEALS 11 breakfasts (B) 3 lunches (L) 3 dinners (D)
*
PER DAY
COUNTRY
11 NIGHTS
FROM
US$3015 US$252 *
ESSENTIALS An experienced Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations, All private coach transport, 2 internal flights
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS • Lunch with a local family in a Beijing hutong • Entry & guided visit of the Forbidden City • Visit a Panda Sanctuary
4.8 RATING
FREE TIME ADD-ONS F Tang dynasty show & dinner in Xi’an F Cooking class in Chengdu
FORBIDDEN CITY, BEIJING @mr.jakerich
SHANGHAI, CHINA @angiedienstfuchs
GREAT WALL OF CHINA, BEIJING @contiki
CHENGDU, CHINA @contiki
YANGSHUO, CHINA @contiki
CONTIKI.COM/CHINA-ADVENTURE
ASIA 2019/20
048 049
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
The one that hits up Great Walls, Terracotta Warriors, a Panda Sanctuary & so much more…
#CHINAADVENTURE
Great Wall of China
Easiest way to experience China, good guides and fantastic Trip Manager
56#46
3
$'Đ+0)
Ashlea Waight
XI’AN, CHINA
1
:+¥#0
1
CHINA '0&
2
%*'0)&7
5*#0)*#+
2
Guilin
2
;#0)5*71
Places visited 1
Nightstops Coach or Train Plane
START 6:00PM BEIJING
DAY 1 ARRIVE BEIJING Arriving in Beijing you'll be welcomed into China's epicentre of politics, education & culture. You can settle into the hotel before our first team catch up by night, at which time we'll get to know each other over the bright lights & bustling streets of the capital. Hotel
DAYS 2 - 3 BEIJING Prepare to have your mind boggled by the lands of Beijing, as we visit an art precinct built into decommissioned military factories, the ancient tombs of 13 Ming Dynasty Emperors & not least of all, the Great Wall of China. Hotel (B,L)(D,B) • Peking Duck dinner • Visit Tiananmen Square • Tour the Forbidden City • Visit the 798 Art Precinct
• Visit the 2008 Olympic Village • Visit the Sacred Way • Visit a cloisonné factory • Visit the Great Wall (Mutianyu section) DAY 4 OVERNIGHT TRAIN Feeling plump on Peking duck & in awe of Beijing, we'll move on to our next destination. Taking it local on the overnight train, we'll
drift through countryside en route to Xi'an. (B,L,D)
the Terracotta Army & stroll the Shaanxi folk & ancient Chinese art of TangBo museum. We'll also take a cycle on the old city walls. Hotel (B,L) • Tour the ‘Terracotta Warriors' complex • Visit the TangBo Art Museum • Bike Ride on the Xi'an City Walls F Spectacular Tang Dynasty show & dinner DAYS 6 - 7 CHENGDU A high speed train will take us out of Xi'an, & land us in a city dotted with teahouses & livened by an expanding student culture. Our highlight here in Chengdu will be visiting a panda sanctuary, an endlessly cute half day experience that will stay with us forever. Hotel (B)(B) • Visit a Panda Sanctuary F Sichuan Cooking Class
setting of this village & surrounding limestone karsts, we may never want to leave. Hotel (B,D)(B) F Tai Chi Class DAYS 10 - 11 SHANGHAI Flying into Shanghai we'll experience the ultimate scene change, as the neon lights & urban energy become our reality. We'll take to the dizzying heights of the Shanghai Tower, hit up the Chengheng Miao for some shopping bargains, & learn about the ancient silk trade at a silk factory. Hotel (B)(B) • Visit the City God Temple Complex • Entrance to Shanghai Tower • Visit Shanghai's Bund area • Visit a Shanghai Silk Factory F Acrobat Show F Huangpu Cruise
« Overnight Train Special
• • • •
Stay Visit a hutong Lunch with a local family Ride in a rickshaw Visit the Beijing Summer Palace
DAY 5 XI’AN Xi'an will continue in the theme of history, as we visit the UNESCO listed site of
DAYS 8 - 9 YANGSHUO Out of Chengdu we'll take flight to Guilin, before a scenic drive sees us in Yangshuo. Here we'll get acquainted with China's traditional way of life, sipping Tsingtao & shopping the late night markets. With the quaint
DAY 12 SHANGHAI Our trip will wrap up amidst the bustle of Shanghai, shortly after a final team breakfast. We'll say heartfelt goodbyes before going our separate ways, now armed with a deep affection for this country. (B) END 9:00AM SHANGHAI
HOW MUCH & WHEN 2019
2019 | CODE:CHNA | START BEIJING & FINISH SHANGHAI Start Apr 7 May5
US$3015
End Start Apr 18 Jun 23 May16 Jul 14
US$3015
End Start Jul 4 Sep 15 Jul 25 Oct 6
End Sep 26 Oct 17
US$3015
* Prices above are based on twin-share (multi-share on train). If you’re travelling solo, we can pair you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement is available for US$575 (only applicable in hotels). Included flights: This trip includes flights, as specified on the map as part of the trip price. Please see ‘Included flights’ on p.82 for important info. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. Arrival transfers to your hotel are available. To purchase, speak to your travel agent or visit contiki.com/transfers. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.82
ASIA 2019/20
CONTIKI.COM/ETERNAL-INDIA
THE NUMBERS THE DETAILS
#ETERNALINDIA
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
ETERNAL INDIA 12
FROM
1
DAYS
US$2315
*
COUNTRY
13 INCLUDED MEALS
11 NIGHTS 11 nights in 3 star twin-share hotels
11 breakfasts (B) 1 lunch (L) 1 dinner (D)
FROM
US$193
PER DAY
4.0 RATING
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
ESSENTIALS An experienced Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations, All private coach transport, 2 internal flights
*
• Locally guided sightseeing tour in Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur & Mumbai • Entrance into the Taj Mahal • Visit a Sikh Kitchen in Delhi
F Ranthambhore Safari F Mumbai Bollywood Dance Class F Cooking demo & dinner with local family in Jaipur
JAIPUR, INDIA
AGRA, INDIA @_shann.
JAIPUR, INDIA @contiki
RANTHAMBHORE, INDIA @cooprod
JAIPUR, INDIA @martin.shakir
CONTIKI.COM/ETERNAL-INDIA
ASIA 2019/20
050 051
The one that gives you a fusion of colour, culture, spirituality & spice over 12 days
DAY 1ÌDELHI Arriving in the motherland’s capital of Delhi, we’ll join forces for a pow wow after settling into our hotel. Wasting no time getting acquainted with India, we’ll take to the streets for dinner & our first bout of exploring. Hotel DAY 2ÌDELHI Before the first morning’s out, we’ll have seen a kaleidoscope of sights & explored Old Delhi, in part on the thrilling wheels of a rickshaw. Our senses will be delighting in colourful sarees, a commotion of noises, & a hearty serve of street food. Hotel (B) • Locally guided sightseeing tour DAY 3ÌAGRA After a scenic drive overland out of Delhi, we’ll arrive in the city of Agra. Here we’ll have time to get comfortable & eat some lunch before our soul stirring step into the almighty Taj Mahal & Agra Fort. Hotel (B) • Visit Agra Fort • Visit the Taj Mahal DAY 4Ì RANTHAMBHORE Swapping out of the bustling city scene, we’ll arrive in Ranthambhore National Park. By afternoon we’ll visit Dhonk, a centre for the empowerment of local women & artisans, before arriving at our hotel where we can lounge poolside & enjoy an included dinner. Make sure you’ve pre-booked your
Contiki Sunrise Safari for tomorrow – it’s an absolute must do! Hotel (B,D) • Visit Dhonk centre DAYS 5Ì- 6ÌJAIPUR The pink city of Jaipur will offer another window into the architectural & spiritual beauty of India. We'll see the City Palace, explore markets of treasures & flowers, & enjoy leisurely evenings in the comfort of our hotel. Hotel (B)(B) • Locally guided sightseeing tour of Jaipur F Sunrise Safari Ranthanbhore NP F Amer Fort trek F Cooking demonstration & local family dinner DAYS 7Ì- 8ÌUDAIPUR The narrow lanes & marble monuments of romantic Udaipur will be ours after a drive out of Jaipur through the state of Rajasthan. Lush green hills, temples & creamy curries will delight us for two days in this city. Hotel (B,L)(B) • Locally guided sightseeing tour
you through the city’s greatest charms – including the Dobhi Ghat & India Gate – then leave you to make some discoveries of your own. Hotel (B) • Locally guided sightseeing tour of Mumbai F Bollywood Dance Class
#ETERNALINDIA
START 6:00PM DELHI
Looking to give back on your travels? After finishing your Eternal India adventure in Goa, you could be spending 4 unforgettable days deep in rural & utterly beautiful Rajasthan, working alongside ME to WE. Available on 10 departures listed in the panel below with '●'. See p.20 for more details. Visit contiki.com/metowe for more departure dates. #indiametowe
A great way to see the must see's in India. Having the whole trip planned out was well worth the $$$$$$$$$$ Stu
DAYS 10Ì- 11ÌGOA After conquering Mumbai we’ll board a flight in search of the palm lined beaches of Goa. This tiny west coast oasis will offer us breathtaking sunsets, a banquet of international food, & the chance to slip into the state’s inhibition free energy. Hotel (B)(B) F Mumbai at Dawn Tour F Yoga on the beach
START
2
JAIPUR
DELHI 1
2
AGRA
1
UDAIPUR
RANTHAMBHORE NATIONAL PARK
2
INDIA
DAY 12ÌGOA Our trip will come to an end amidst the kingfisher beers & good times of Goa. We’ll say heartfelt goodbyes before going our separate ways (unless we’ve all decided to keep the dream alive by joining the Southern Spice trip!). (B)
1
MUMBAI
END
GOA
2
END 9:00AM GOA
1
Nightstops Coach Plane
DAY 9ÌMUMBAI Leaving the white city behind us, we’ll take flight to Mumbai – the birthplace of Bollywood & India’s capital of cool. We’ll guide
GOA
MIX & MATCH
Got more time? Combine this trip with Southern Spice & see even more of India. See p.54 for more info, departure dates & prices. Visit contiki. com/eternal-india-southern-spice
Dehli, @sophiedeering
HOW MUCH & WHEN
US$2315
Start Feb 10 Feb 17 ● Feb 24 Mar 3 ● Mar 13 ▲
US$2315
End Feb 21 Feb 28 Mar 7 Mar 14 Mar 24
Start End Start Mar 17 ▲● Mar 28 Nov 10 Mar 24 Apr 4 Apr 7 ● Apr 18 Oct 6 Oct 17 Oct 20 ◆ Oct 31
US$2315
US$2315
End Nov 21
Start End Dec 22 ▼● Jan 2
US$2765
Start Dec 29 ★
US$2465
End Jan 9
2020
17 24 31 7 14
2019
End Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb
2019
2019
2019/20Ì| CODE:INDI | START DELHI & FINISH GOA Start Jan 6 Jan 13 Jan 20 Jan 27 Feb 3 ●
Start 2020 Jan 12 ● Jan 26 Feb 9 Feb 23 ●
US$2315
End Jan 23 Feb 6 Feb 20 Mar 5
Start Mar 1 Mar 8 Mar 15 Mar 22 Apr 5
▲ ▲ ● ●
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
ME TO WE EXTENSION
End Mar 12 Mar 19 Mar 26 Apr 2 Apr 16
US$2315
* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you're travelling solo, we can pair you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement is available for US$715. Included flights: This trip includes flights, as specified on the map as part of the trip price. Please see ‘Included flights' on p.82 for important info. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. ▲ This trip will be in India for the Holi Festival. ◆ This trip will be in India for the Diwali. ▼ This trip spends Xmas in Ranthambhore & NYE in Goa. ★ This trip spends NYE in Agra. ● These departures have the option for Me to We extension. Arrival & departure transfers to your hotel are available. To purchase speak to your travel agent or visit contiki.com/transfers. Please note: The Sunrise Safari must be booked at the same time as your Eternal India trip. Make sure you ask your Travel Agent or Contiki for details as late bookings cannot be accepted. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.82
ASIA 2019/20
CONTIKI.COM/SOUTHERN-SPICE
#CONTIKISOUTHERNSPICE
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
SOUTHERN SPICE THE NUMBERS THE DETAILS
11
FROM
1
DAYS
Unique Special Stays: 1 night on a Houseboat & 9 nights in 3 star twin-share hotels
16 INCLUDED MEALS 10 breakfasts (B) 4 lunches (L) 2 dinners (D)
*
PER DAY
COUNTRY
10 NIGHTS
FROM
US$2215 US$202 *
ESSENTIALS An experienced Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations, All private coach transport, Local taxes, payments & service charges
4.0 RATING
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS • Rickshaw ride to Meenakshi Temple in Madurai • Kalaripayattu Martial Arts Performance • Periyar Wildlife Boat Safari
F Hertiage Walking Tour in Pondicherry F Local family cooking demonstration and dinner in Periyar
KERALA BACKWATERS, INDIA
KERALA BACKWATERS, INDIA @contiki
KERALA BACKWATERS, INDIA @contiki
PERIYAR, INDIA @contiki
KERALA, INDIA @contiki
CONTIKI.COM/SOUTHERN-SPICE
ASIA 2019/20
052 053
START 6:00PM CHENNAI
DAY 1ÌCHENNAI A hub of South Indian arts & traditions, Chennai will be the perfect host for our trip's introduction. We'll unite with the team for a 6pm pow wow before having a free evening to unwind in our hotel. Hotel
My perfect southern spice trip. The people that I met were lovely, friends for life. Isabella Knightley
DAYS 2Ì- 3Ì PONDICHERRY After taking in the sights of Chennai, we'll move on to Pondicherry where we'll find a delicious fusion of French beauty & Indian soul. Here we'll devour cake & coffee at a café run by local widows, & visit the progressive experimental township of Auroville. Hotel (B)(B,L) • Sightseeing tour of Chennai with local guide • See Mahabalipuram Shore Temple & Krishna's Butterball • 'Eat my Cake' visit • Visit Auroville township F Heritage Walking Tour
START
CHENNAI INDIA
1 Mahabalipuram
Auroville
END
1
2
KERALA BACKWATERS
1
PONDICHERRY KUMBAKONAM 2
COCHIN
Tanjore
MADURAI PERIYAR 1
1 1
KUMARAKOM
Places visited 1
Nightstops
1
Special Stay
DAY 4Ì KUMBAKONAM Arriving in Kumbakonam in the bounds of two rivers, we'll begin uncovering South India's artisans by visiting a bronze casting & silk weaver's home. By night you can dress to the inspiration of our Dharasuram temple visit, wearing a Saree or Dhotti to our included dinner. Hotel (B,L,D) • Visit Silk Weavers home & Bronze casting school • Visit Dharasuram Temple
Coach
DAY 5ÌMADURAI One of the oldest cities in India, Madurai is the
KERALA BACKWATERS
Got more time? Combine this trip with Eternal India & see even more of India. See p.54 for more info, departure dates & prices. Visit contiki.com/eternal-indiasouthern-spice
pride & soul of Tamil Nadu. Here we'll see a palace of great pillars, ride a rickshaw, & witness an evening procession at the awe-inspiring Meenakshi Amman Hindu Temple. Hotel (B) • Sightseeing tour of Madurai with local guide • Rickshaw Ride • Experience a night time procession at Meenakshi Temple DAY 6ÌPERIYAR Crossing out of the state of Tamil Nadu we'll arrive in Kerala, ‘the land of coconuts'. We'll pull up by the elephant & tiger reserve of Periyar National Park where we can explore a spice plantation & watch an ancient style of Martial Arts called Kalaripayattu. Hotel (B) • Visit a Spice Plantation • Kalaripayattul Martial Arts performance F Local family cooking demonstration & dinner DAY 7Ì KUMARAKOM After a wildlife boat safari along the Periyar River, we'll make our way to the lake region of Kumarakom. En route we'll frolic through a tea factory & plantation, enjoying one of Kerala's proudest exports. Hotel (B,L) • Wildlife boat safari along the Periyar River
• Visit to Connemara Tea Factory & Plantation DAY 8ÌKERALA BACKWATERS Arriving in the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, we'll board a traditional houseboat made of wood, bamboo & palm leaves. Drifting past slow grazing cows, we'll see kingfishers darting through the forests & season our sightings with many spicy fish curries. (B,L,D) « Houseboat Special Stay DAYS 9Ì- 10ÌCOCHIN Back on solid ground we'll find ourselves amidst the bustling spice markets & fort lands of Cochin. Here we can eat Keralan delicacies, marvel at palaces & watch the golden sun drop behind the Chinese fishing nets known as Cheena vala. Hotel (B)(B) • Sightseeing tour of Cochin with local guide F Sunset Boat Cruise DAY 11ÌCOCHIN Our time on trip will end in the Southern spice lands of Cochin. Having bonded deeply in these spiritual lands, we'll say heartfelt goodbyes before going our separate ways. (B) END 9:00AM COCHIN
ME TO WE EXTENSION
Looking to give back on your travels? After finishing your Southern Spice adventure, you could be spending 4 unforgettable days deep in rural & utterly beautiful Rajasthan, working alongside ME to WE. See p.20 for details. Visit contiki.com/metowe for more departure dates.
HOW MUCH & WHEN
US$2215
End Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb
13 20 27 3 10
Start Feb 7 Feb 14 Feb 21 Feb 28 Mar 7
US$2215
End Feb 17 Feb 24 Mar 3 Mar 10 Mar 17
Start Mar 14 Mar 24 Mar 28 Apr 4 Apr 18
US$2215
End Mar 24 Apr 3 Apr 7 Apr 14 Apr 28
Start Oct 17 Oct 31 Nov 21
US$2215
End Oct 27 Nov 10 Dec 1
Start Dec 23 ◆
US$2395
End Jan 2
2020
Start Jan 3 Jan 10 Jan 17 Jan 24 Jan 31
2019
2019
2019/20Ì| CODE:INSO | START CHENNAI & FINISH COCHIN Start 2020 Jan 16 Feb 6 Feb 20 Mar 12
US$2215
End
Start Mar 19 Jan 26 Apr 2 Feb 16 Mar 1 Mar 22
End Mar 29 Apr 12
US$2215
* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can pair you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement is available from US$799. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. ◆ This trip will spend Xmas in Pondicherry & NYE in Cochin . Arrival & departure transfers to your hotel are available. To purchase speak to your travel agent or visit contiki.com/ transfers. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.82
#CONTIKISOUTHERNSPICE
The one that journeys through Kerala backwaters & beyond, discovering elephants, temples & a different side of India
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
MIX & MATCH
ASIA 2019/20
CONTIKI.COM/ETERNAL-INDIA-SOUTHERN-SPICE
THE NUMBERS THE DETAILS
22
FROM
1
DAYS
20 nights in 3 star hotels, 1 night houseboat
29 INCLUDED MEALS 21 breakfasts (B) 5 lunches (L) 3 dinners (D)
*
PER DAY
COUNTRY
21NIGHTS
FROM
US$4815 US$219 *
ESSENTIALS An experienced Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations, All private coach transport, 3 internal flights
NEW TRIP
4.6 OVERALL RATING
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS • Locally guided sightseeing tour in Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur & Mumbai • Entrance into the Taj Mahal • Visit a Sikh Kitchen in Delhi • Rickshaw ride to Meenakshi Temple in Madurai
FREE TIME ADD-ONS F Ranthambhore Safari F Mumbai Bollywood Dance Class F Cooking demo & dinner with local family in Jaipur F Hertiage Walking Tour in Pondicherry
#ETERNALINDIA
#CONTIKISOUTHERNSPICE
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
ETERNAL INDIA PLUS SOUTHERN SPICE
AGRA, INDIA
GOA, INDIA @_shann.
KERALA BACKWATERS, INDIA @ebonyhooper
AMBER FORT, INDIA @rhiannonmatravers
MUMBAI, INDIA @contiki
CONTIKI.COM/ETERNAL-INDIA-SOUTHERN-SPICE
ASIA 2019/20
054 055
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
The one that combines scenery, spices and spiritual splendour on an epic 22-day Indian Odyssey. 1
Nightstops
1
Special Stay Coach Plane or boat
START
Taj Mahal
JAIPUR
2
Dhonk Centre
1
UDAIPUR
AGRA
1
RANTHAMBHORE NATIONAL PARK
2
INDIA
1
GOA
MUMBAI
2
1
END
COCHIN
1
2
KERALA BACKWATERS
1
CHENNAI 2 PONDICHERRY KUMBAKONAM
Tanjore
MADURAI PERIYAR 1
1 1
KUMARAKOM START 6:00PM DELHI
DAY 1ÌDELHI Arriving in the motherland's capital of Delhi, we'll join forces for a pow wow after settling into our hotel. Wasting no time getting acquainted with India, we'll take to the streets for dinner & our first bout of exploring. Hotel DAY 2ÌDELHI Before the first morning's out, we'll have seen a kaleidoscope of sights & explored Old Delhi, in part
on the thrilling wheels of a rickshaw. Our senses will be delighting in colourful sarees, a commotion of noises, & a hearty serve of street food. Hotel (B) • Locally guided sightseeing tour DAY 3ÌAGRA After a scenic drive overland out of Delhi, we'll arrive in the city of Agra. Here we'll have time to get comfortable & eat some lunch before our soul stirring step into the
DAY 4Ì RANTHAMBHORE Swapping out of the bustling city scene, we'll arrive in Ranthambhore National Park. By afternoon we'll visit Dhonk, a centre for the empowerment of local women & artisans, before arriving at our hotel where we can lounge poolside & enjoy an included dinner. Make sure you've pre-booked your Contiki Sunrise Safari for tomorrow – it's an absolute must do! Hotel (B,D) • Visit Dhonk centre DAYS 5Ì- 6ÌJAIPUR The pink city of Jaipur will offer another window into the architectural & spiritual beauty of India. We'll see the City Palace, explore markets of treasures & flowers, & enjoy leisurely evenings in the comfort of our hotel. Hotel (B)(B) • Locally guided sightseeing tour of Jaipur F Sunrise Safari Ranthanbhore NP F Amer Fort trek F Cooking demonstration & local family dinner DAYS 7Ì- 8ÌUDAIPUR The narrow lanes & marble monuments of romantic Udaipur will be ours after a drive out of Jaipur through the state of Rajasthan. Lush green hills, temples & creamy curries will delight us for two days in this city. Hotel (B,L)(B) • Locally guided sightseeing tour DAY 9ÌMUMBAI Leaving the white city behind us, we'll take flight to Mumbai – the birthplace of Bollywood & India's
capital of cool. We'll guide you through the city's greatest charms – including the Dobhi Ghat & India Gate – then leave you to make some discoveries of your own. Hotel (B) • Locally guided sightseeing tour of Mumbai F Bollywood Dance Class DAYS 10Ì- 11ÌGOA After conquering Mumbai we'll board a flight in search of the palm lined beaches of Goa. This tiny west coast oasis will offer us breathtaking sunsets, a banquet of international food, & the chance to slip into the state's inhibition free energy. Hotel (B)(B) F Yoga on the beach F Mumbai at Dawn Tour DAY 12ÌCHENNAI We may be parting ways with some of the group today but there's so much more to look forward to. After breakfast, take a flight to Chennai & keep this adventure going. Hotel (B) DAYS 13Ì- 14Ì PONDICHERRY After taking in the sights of Chennai, we'll move on to Pondicherry where we'll find a delicious fusion of French beauty & Indian soul. Here we'll devour cake & coffee at a café run by local widows, & visit the progressive experimental township of Auroville. Hotel (B,L)(B) • Sightseeing tour of Chennai with local guide • See Mahabalipuram Shore Temple & Krishna's Butterball • 'Eat my Cake' visit • Visit Auroville township F Heritage Walking Tour DAY 15Ì KUMBAKONAM Arriving in Kumbakonam
in the bounds of two rivers, we'll begin uncovering South India's artisans by visiting a bronze casting & silk weaver's home. By night you can dress to the inspiration of our Dharasuram temple visit, wearing a Saree or Dhotti to our included dinner. Hotel (B,L,D) • Visit Silk Weavers home & Bronze casting school • Visit Dharasuram Temple DAY 16ÌMADURAI One of the oldest cities in India, Madurai is the pride & soul of Tamil Nadu. Here we'll see a palace of great pillars, ride a rickshaw, & witness an evening procession at the awe-inspiring Meenakshi Amman Hindu Temple. Hotel (B) • Sightseeing tour of Madurai with local guide • Rickshaw Ride • Experience a night time procession at Meenakshi Temple DAY 17ÌPERIYAR Crossing out of the state of Tamil Nadu we'll arrive in Kerala, ‘the land of coconuts'. We'll pull up by the elephant & tiger reserve of Periyar National Park where we can explore a spice plantation & watch an ancient style of Martial Arts called Kalaripayattu. Hotel (B) • Visit a Spice Plantation • Kalaripayattul Martial Arts performance F Local family cooking demonstration & dinner DAY 18Ì KUMARAKOM After a wildlife boat safari along the Periyar River, we'll make our way to the lake region of Kumarakom. En route we'll frolic through a tea factory & plantation, enjoying one of Kerala's proudest exports. Hotel (B,L)
• Wildlife boat safari along the Periyar River • Visit to Connemara Tea Factory & Plantation DAY 19ÌKERALA BACKWATERS Arriving in the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, we'll board a traditional houseboat made of wood, bamboo & palm leaves. Drifting past slow grazing cows, we'll see kingfishers darting through the forests & season our sightings with many spicy fish curries. (B,L,D) « Houseboat Special Stay DAYS 20Ì- 21Ì COCHIN Back on solid ground we'll find ourselves amidst the bustling spice markets & fort lands of Cochin. Here we can eat Keralan delicacies, marvel at palaces & watch the golden sun drop behind the Chinese fishing nets known as Cheena vala. Hotel (B)(B) • Sightseeing tour of Cochin with local guide F Sunset Boat Cruise DAY 22ÌCOCHIN Our time on trip will end in the Southern spice lands of Cochin. Having bonded deeply in these spiritual lands, we'll say heartfelt goodbyes before going our separate ways. (B) END 9:00AM COCHIN
JAIPUR, INDIA
HOW MUCH & WHEN
Start Oct 6 Oct 20 Nov 10
US$4815
End Oct 27 Nov 10 Dec 1
2020
2019
2019/20Ì| CODE:INTP | START DELHI & FINISH COCHIN Start 2020 Jan 26 Feb 9
US$4815
End
Start Mar 1 Feb 16 Mar 8 Mar 1 Mar 22
End Mar 22 Mar 29 Apr 12
US$4815
* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you're travelling solo, we can pair you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement is available for US$1510. Included flights: This trip includes flights, as specified on the map as part of the trip price. Please see ‘Included flights' on p.82 for important info. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. Arrival & departure transfers to your hotel are available. To purchase speak to your travel agent or visit contiki.com/transfers. Please note: The Sunrise Safari must be booked at the same time as your trip. Make sure you ask your Travel Agent or Contiki for details as late bookings cannot be accepted. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.82
#CONTIKISOUTHERNSPICE
DELHI 2
almighty Taj Mahal & Agra Fort. Hotel (B) • Visit Agra Fort • Visit the Taj Mahal
#ETERNALINDIA
Places visited
ASIA 2019/20
CONTIKI.COM/PURE-SRI-LANKA
#PURESRILANKA
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
PURE SRI LANKA THE NUMBERS THE DETAILS
10
NEW TRIP
FROM
1
DAYS
Unique Special Stays: 2 nights Glamping & 7 nights in 3 star hotels
12 INCLUDED MEALS 9 breakfasts (B) 1 lunch (L) 2 dinners (D)
*
PER DAY
COUNTRY
9 NIGHTS
FROM
US$1535 US$154 *
ESSENTIALS An experienced Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations, All private coach transport
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS • Locally guided tour of the Temple of the Tooth • Morning safari in Udawalawe National Park • Visit UNESCO listed city of Galle
4.6 OVERALL RATING
FREE TIME ADD-ONS F Street Food Tour, Kandy F Surf Lesson, Weligama F Whale watching, Mirissa (seasonal)
ELLA, SRI LANKA
UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK, SRI LANKA @contiki
KANDY, SRI LANKA @contiki
UNAWATUNA, SRI LANKA @contiki
ELLA, SRI LANKA @contiki
CONTIKI.COM/PURE-SRI-LANKA
ASIA 2019/20
056 057
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER #PURESRILANKA
The one that gives you the true taste of Sri Lanka, from cascading waterfalls and coastal beaches to lush tea-fields and ancient temples F Half day afternoon safari at Udawalawe National Park
ELLA, SRI LANKA
START 6PM NEGOMBO
DAY 1ÌNEGOMBO Our Sri Lankan adventure begins in Negombo. Find your feet in this diverse & laid-back town with coastal beaches, local fish markets & Dutch-style canal system. This evening you'll meet up with your Trip Manager & your team for a full brief of the travels about to unfold, before heading out for the first taste of some local delicacies. Hotel DAY 2ÌKANDY This morning we head inland to what was once the last imperial city of Sri Lanka, Kandy. Home to the most important of Buddhist relics - the tooth of Lord Buddha - we have a locally guided tour of the Temple of the Tooth awaiting us. Tonight, watch traditional Kandyan Folk Dance explode into rhythm & colour, before opting to tuck into some local street food for dinner. Hotel (B) • Spice Garden visit • Locally guided tour of the Temple of the Tooth • Kandayan Cultural dance performance F Kandy Street Food Tour DAYS 3Ì- 4ÌELLA Today we head further into the hill country on the
train, passing lush green hills & waterfalls en route to Nuwara Eliya. This small town is found in the heart of Sri Lanka's famous Ceylon tea industry, so it'd be rude not to visit a tea plantation (& sample some of the best) before continuing on to our next destination of Ella. Hotel (B)(B) • Local train journey from Kandy to Nanuoya • Visit a Tea Plantation F Horton Plains National Park & hike to World's End
DAYS 7Ì- 8Ì UNAWATUNA Say goodbye to the wilderness as we head along the South West coast to Unawatuna, here we'll take a trip to explore the UNESCO-listed fort city of Galle & in the evening you can learn the ways of Sri Lankan cooking with locals. At Mirissa, why not head out whale watching for an unmissable up-close encounter. The afternoon is yours to unwind on the beach or opt in for a surf lesson at nearby Weligama Bay. Hotel (B)(B) • Visit the UNESCO listed port city of Galle F Cooking demonstration & dinner F Mirissa Whale watching (seasonal) F Weligama Surf School
INDIA
SRI LANKA
1
NEGOMBO 1
2
Places visited
END
1
Nightstops
COLOMBO
1
Special Stay Coach or Train
DAYS 5Ì- 6Ì UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK As our journey continues south towards lush jungle & rich wildlife, we'll stop en route at the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home before heading to our accommodation for the night: riverside glamping at The Udawalawe National Park. Next morning we'll jump aboard our Safari Jeep to explore the park's wildlife. You're free to spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool, or hire a bike for your own cycle adventure. (B,D)(B,L,D) « Glamping Special Stay • Visit an Elephant transit home • Morning Safari in Udawalawe National Park
KANDY
START
1
Galle
2 2
ELLA UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK
UNAWATUNA
COLOMBO, SRI LANKA
DAY 9ÌCOLOMBO After a stop to learn about the traditional art of mask painting followed by a visit to the Kosgoda Turtle Conservation centre, we'll reach our final destination of Colombo. Jumping straight on a sightseeing tour of the city, we'll check out temples & mosques, colonial buildings &, if you're feeling brave, the famous (& chaotic) Pettah Bazaar. Tonight, we're
going out in style to the best roof-top bars - the perfect way to cap off the last incredible 9 days. Hotel (B) • Visit a Traditional Mask Painting Centre • Visit Kosgoda Turtle Conservation centre • City Sightseeing DAY 10ÌCOLOMBO Your Contiki trip finishes this morning in Colombo. Hold back the happy tears as you say goodbye to your newest life-long friends & plan a meet up somewhere in the world soon. (B)
UDAWALAWE, SRI LANKA
END 9AM COLOMBO
HOW MUCH & WHEN
Start Jan 28 Feb 11 Mar 4
US$1535
End Feb 6 Feb 20 Mar 13
Start Oct 7 Oct 21 Nov 4
US$1535
End Oct 16 Oct 30 Nov 13
Start Nov 18 Dec 2 Dec 30 ●
US$1535
End Nov 27 Dec 11 Jan 8
2020
2019
2019/20Ì| CODE:SLCO | START NEGOMBO & FINISH COLOMBO Start 2020 Jan 13 Jan 27
US$1535
End
Start Feb 10 Jan 22 Feb 24 Feb 5 Mar 9
US$1535
End Start Feb 19 Mar 23 Mar 4 Mar 18
End Apr 1
US$1535
* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can pair you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement is available for US$609. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. ● This trip will spend NYE in Kandy. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.82
ASIA 2019/20
CONTIKI.COM/TOTAL-THAILAND
#TOTALTHAILAND
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
TOTAL THAILAND THE NUMBERS THE DETAILS
16
NEW TRIP
FROM
1
DAYS
Unique Special Stays: 1 overnight train, 1 night in a floating hotel, 2 nights in a Riverside Cottage & 11 nights in 3 star hotels
18 INCLUDED MEALS 14 breakfasts (B) 3 lunches (L) 1 dinner (D)
*
PER DAY
COUNTRY
15 NIGHTS
FROM
US$2929 US$184 *
ESSENTIALS Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations, All private coach transport, 2 internal flights
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS • Visit to Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai • Sightseeing tour of the Grand Palace Bangkok • Cheow Lam Lake Cruise
4.6 OVERALL RATING
FREE TIME ADD-ONS F Flight of the Gibbon Zipling, Chiang Mai F Cooking class, Chiang Mai F Muay Thai Class, Pai
ERAWAN FALLS, THAILAND
CHIANG MAI, THAILAND @b_firth
CHIANG MAI, THAILAND @missgeorginachelsea
CHIANG MAI, THAILAND @b_firth
BANGKOK, THAILAND @lyndzii
CONTIKI.COM/TOTAL-THAILAND
ASIA 2019/20
058 059
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
The one that covers the North & South for the ultimate Thai experience
DAY 1ÌBANGKOK Touch down in Thailand's capital. After checking into our hotel there'll be time for DIY exploring, a massage or lying by the pool to catch the first of that sweet tropical sunshine. Later we'll rendezvous back at base so you can hear what's in store for the trip, then the night is yours to enjoy authentic Pad Thai & the Khao San road nightlife. Hotel
PAI 2 CHIANG MAI 2 Elephant Nature Park
THAILAND
1
KANCHANABURI 1
Ayutthaya
START
3 BANGKOK
Places visited 1
Nightstops
1
Special Stay Coach or Train
2 KHAO SOK Lake Cheow Larn
END
PHUKET 2
Plane or Boat
2 KOH LANTA
CHIANG MAI, THAILAND
DAY 2ÌBANGKOK After a quick breakfast we'll set out on a locally guided visit to Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) then jump on a local ferry to visit the Grand Palace. Finish up our morning with a tour of the Klongs (canals) & watching life along the river. This afternoon you're free to head to a local rooftop bar to toast the beginning of your trip with your new Contiki fam. Hotel (B) • Guided Tour of Wat Arun & the Royal Grand Palace F Bangkok street food tour by Tuk Tuk DAY 3Ì KANCHANABURI Today we swap the heat & hustle of the city for the sleepy town of Kanchanaburi. We'll start with visits to the WWII Cemetery & the famed Bridge on the River Kwai before catching a local boat to our home for the night: The Jungle Raft Hotel. Not only will you be greeted with candlelit rooms & a delicious dinner at dusk, you can even jump into
#TOTALTHAILAND
START 6PM BANGKOK
the river directly from your room. (B,D) « Floating Raft Hotel Special Stay • See the Bridge on the River Kwai BANGKOK, THAILAND
DAY 4ÌOVERNIGHT TRAIN (AYUTTHAYA CHIANG MAI) We're starting our day with a visit to the breathtaking Erawan Falls. Here you can take a quick dip in the emerald-hued ponds & get an unreal FOMO Insta shot. Next stop is the UNESCOlisted city of Ayutthaya, where we'll grab bikes to cycle past ornate temples & quaint villages to see the once-capital of the Kingdom of Siam. Tonight we board our overnight sleeper train to Chiang Mai. (B,L) « Overnight Train Special Stay • Guided Tour of the Erawan National Park • Bike Ride in Ayutthaya DAYS 5Ì- 6ÌPAI Rise & shine as we roll through Chiang Mai & pull into the picturesque mountain town of Pai. Head out by foot or by bike & explore the little streets & countryside of this traveller's paradise. There's time to try a Muay Thai skills class on Day 6 before we head out for the evening to experience Pai as it comes alive by night. Hotel (B) F Muay Thai Class DAYS 7Ì- 8Ì CHIANG MAI En route to Chiang Mai we'll squeeze in a visit to the Elephant Nature Park.
Tonight, we'll explore the buzzy night markets that make Chiang Mai so legendary. Day 8 is a free day to explore the city, or jump on an adventurous zipline through the treetops. For our final night in Chiang Mai, you can dabble in the art of authentic Thai cooking. Hotel (B,L)(B) • Elephant Nature Park F Flight of the Gibbon, Ziplining F Thai Cooking Class
DAYS 12Ì- 13Ì KOH LANTA The beach is calling & we know you're ready! Ultimate relaxation awaits us on the island of Koh Lanta. Jump off the ferry & slip into island life with unlimited sun & swimming. On Day 13, opt for a snorkelling cruise exploring the crystal clear water of the coast. Hotel (B)(B) F Snorkelling Day Trip
DAY 9ÌBANGKOK Hot, hustling, manic & magical - welcome back to Bangkok. Your night is wide open in this vibrant city & how you fill your time is up to you. Catch a tuk-tuk to hit the Patpong Night Markets, or make your way to one of the many lively rooftop bars, buzzy nightclubs or cocktail lounges to toast the halfway point in your Thai adventure. Hotel (B)
DAYS 14Ì- 15Ì PHUKET Back on the boat for our last stop, Phuket. Treat yourself to a traditional massage in the afternoon before we kick things off with the bright lights of Bangla Road this evening. On Day 15, there's a chance to explore coastal caves & limestone karsts, with time to squeeze in some shopping amongst Chinese architecture in Phuket Town. Hotel (B)(B) F Pum's Cooking Class
DAYS 10Ì- 11Ì KHAO SOK After breakfast we board a plane down to Khao Sok. Soon after we land we'll head to Cheow Larn lake for a day trip, starting with a cruise on the lake & including time for kayaking, swimming & soaking up the sun. (B,L)(B) « Riverside Cottage Special Stay • Cruise on Lake Cheow Larn
DAY 16ÌPHUKET Our trip will wrap up shortly after our last team breakfast. Time to say fond farewells to your new BFFs & leave with a new place in your heart for the Land of Smiles. (B) END 9AM PHUKET
HOW MUCH & WHEN
Start Apr 8 ● Apr 22 May6 May20 Jun 3
US$2929
End Apr 23 May7 May21 Jun 4 Jun 18
Start Jun 17 Jul 1 Jul 15 Jul 29 Aug 12
US$2929
End Jul 2 Jul 16 Jul 30 Aug 13 Aug 27
Start Aug 26 Sep 9 Sep 23 Oct 7 Oct 21
US$2929
End Sep 10 Sep 24 Oct 8 Oct 22 Nov 5
Start Nov 4 Nov 18 Dec 2 Dec 16 ■ Dec 30 ▲
US$2929
End Nov 19 Dec 3 Dec 17 Dec 31 Jan 14
2020
2019
2019/20 | CODE:THNS | START BANGKOK & FINISH PHUKET Start 2020 Jan 13 Jan 27 Feb 10 Feb 24
US$2929
End
Start Mar 9 Jan 28 Mar 23 Feb 11 Feb 25 Mar 10
End Mar 24 Apr 7
US$2929
* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can pair you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement is available for US$565 (only applicable in hotels). A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. ● This trip will be in Thailand for Songkran (Thai New Year & water festival). ■ Trip spends Xmas in Khao Sok. ▲ Trip spends NYE in Bangkok. Arrival & departure transfers to your hotel are available. To purchase, speak to your travel agent or visit contiki.com/transfers. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.82
ASIA 2019/20
CONTIKI.COM/THAI-TRIPPER-NORTH
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
THAI TRIPPER NORTH 9
1
DAYS
FROM
US$1275 US$142 *
Unique Special Stays: 1 night overnight train, 1 night floating hotel & 6 nights in 3 star hotels
*
PER DAY
COUNTRY
10 INCLUDED MEALS
8 NIGHTS
#THAITRIPPERNORTH
FROM
NEW TRIP
ESSENTIALS
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
An experienced Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations, All private coach transport
7 breakfasts (B) 2 lunch (L) 1 dinner (D)
• Sightseeing Tour of the Grand Palace Bangkok • Visit Erawan Waterfalls • Ayutthaya bike tour • Elephant Nature Park
4.6 OVERALL RATING
FREE TIME ADD-ONS F Flight of the Gibbons Zipling, Chiang Mai F Thai Cooking Class, Chiang Mai F Muay Thai Class, Pai
The one that takes you from bustling Bangkok to the tranquil temples of Northern Thailand PAI 2
END
AYUTTHAYA, THAILAND
2
CHIANG MAI
Elephant Nature Park
THAILAND
1
KANCHANABURI Ayutthaya
1 START
Places visited 1
Nightstops
1
Special Stay
2
BANGKOK
Coach or Train
START 6PM BANGKOK
DAY 1ÌBANGKOK Touch down in Thailand's capital. After checking into our hotel there'll be time for DIY exploring, a massage or lying by the pool to catch the first of that sweet tropical sunshine. Later we'll rendezvous back at base so you can hear what's in store for the trip, then the night is yours to enjoy authentic pad Thai & the Khao San road nightlife. Hotel DAY 2ÌBANGKOK After a quick breakfast we'll set out on a locally guided visit to Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) then jump on
a local ferry to visit the Grand Palace. Finish up our morning with a tour of the Klongs (canals) & watching life along the river. This afternoon you're free to head to a local rooftop bar to toast the beginning of your trip with your new Contiki fam. Hotel (B) • Guided tour of Wat Arun & the Royal Grand Palace F Bangkok street food tour by Tuk Tuk DAY 3Ì KANCHANABURI Today we swap the heat & hustle of the city for the sleepy town of Kanchanaburi. We'll start
with visits to the WWII Cemetery & the famed Bridge on the River Kwai before catching a local boat to our home for the night: The Jungle Raft Hotel. Not only will you be greeted with candlelit rooms & a delicious dinner at dusk, you can even jump into the river directly from your room. (B,D) « Floating Raft Hotel Special Stay • See the Bridge on the River Kwai DAY 4ÌOVERNIGHT TRAIN (AYUTTHAYA CHIANG MAI) We're starting our day with
a visit to the breathtaking Erawan Falls. Here you can take a quick dip in the emerald-hued ponds & get an unreal FOMO Insta shot. Next stop is the UNESCO-listed city of Ayutthaya, where we'll grab bikes to cycle past ornate temples & quaint villages to see the oncecapital of the Kingdom of Siam. Tonight we board our overnight sleeper train to Chiang Mai. (B,L) « Overnight Train Special Stay • Guided Tour of the Erawan National Park • Bike Ride in Ayutthaya
DAYS 5Ì- 6ÌPAI Rise & shine as we roll through Chiang Mai & pull into the picturesque mountain town of Pai. This first day is all yours to head out by foot or by bike & explore the little streets here that pack some punch. With another full day in this traveller's paradise, try a Muay Thai class on our second day before we head out for our final evening in Pai. Hotel (B) F Muay Thai Class DAYS 7Ì- 8Ì CHIANG MAI This morning we're Chiang Mai bound, but we're treating ourselves on the way with a visit to the Elephant Nature Park. This sanctuary will give you a once in a lifetime chance to feed the elephants & watch them splash around on the riverbank. Tonight, we'll explore the buzzy night markets that make Chiang Mai so legendary.
Day 8 is a free day to explore the city, or if you're feeling adventurous, you can sign up for a zipline through the treetops. For our final night, you have the chance to dabble in the art of authentic Thai cooking. Hotel (B,L)(B) • Elephant Nature Park F Flight of the Gibbons, Ziplining F Thai Cooking Class DAY 9ÌCHIANG MAI This morning we say fond farewells before going our separate ways. Dry those tears, because no doubt we'll make big plans to reunite somewhere special soon. (B) END 9AM CHIANG MAI
HOW MUCH & WHEN
Start Apr 8 ● Apr 22 May6 May20 Jun 3
US$1275
End Apr 16 Apr 30 May14 May28 Jun 11
Start Jun 17 Jul 1 Jul 15 Jul 29 Aug 12
US$1275
End Jun 25 Jul 9 Jul 23 Aug 6 Aug 20
Start Aug 26 Sep 9 Sep 23 Oct 7 Oct 21
US$1275
End Sep Sep Oct Oct Oct
3 17 1 15 29
Start Nov 4 Nov 18 Dec 2 Dec 16 Dec 30 ■
US$1275
End Nov 12 Nov 26 Dec 10 Dec 24 Jan 7
2020
2019
2019/20Ì| CODE:THNO | START BANGKOK & FINISH CHIANG MAI Start 2020 Jan 13 Jan 27 Feb 10 Feb 24
US$1275
End
Start Mar 9 Jan 21 Mar 23 Feb 4 Feb 18 Mar 3
End Mar 17 Mar 31
US$1275
* Prices above are based on twin-share (multi-share on train). If you’re travelling solo, we can pair you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement is available for US$289 (only applicable in hotels). A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. ● This trip will be in Thailand for Songkran (Thai New Year & water festival). ■ Trip spends NYE in Bangkok. Arrival transfers to your hotel are available. To purchase, speak to your travel agent or visit contiki.com/transfers. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.82. Note: This trip is part of a wider adventure. Some travellers will be continuing their Contiki journey on the Total Thailand trip. Why not join them if you have time? See p.58.
ASIA 2019/20
CONTIKI.COM/THAI-TRIPPER-SOUTH
060 061
THAI TRIPPER SOUTH
THE DETAILS
8
FROM
1
DAYS
FROM
US$1629 US$204 *
PER DAY
COUNTRY
8 INCLUDED MEALS
7 NIGHTS
ESSENTIALS
7 breakfasts (B) 1 lunch (L)
An experienced Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations, All private coach transport, 1 internal flight
4.6 OVERALL RATING
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
• Cruise on Lake Cheow Larn • Orientation tour of Koh Lanta • Visit the famous Bangla Road in Phuket
F Snorkelling Day Trip, Koh Lanta F Pum’s Cooking Class, Phuket
The one that takes you from bustling Bangkok to blissed out beaches in Southern Thailand BANGKOK, THAILAND
LAKE CHEOW LARN @jamescastell
THAILAND
START 6PM BANGKOK
DAY 1ÌBANGKOK Touch down in Thailand's capital. After checking into our hotel there'll be time for DIY exploring, a massage or lying by the pool to catch the first of that sweet tropical sunshine. Later we'll rendezvous back at base so you can hear what's in store for the trip, then the night is yours to enjoy authentic pad Thai & the nightlife on Khao San road. Hotel DAYS 2Ì- 3Ì KHAO SOK After breakfast we board a plane down to Khao Sok. Soon after we land we'll head
to Cheow Larn lake for a day trip starting with a cruise, get ready to be amazed at the high rising limestone cliffs & green-shining rainforest. Our riverside accommodation awaits in the Khao Sok jungle. Hotel (B,L)(B) « Riverside Cottage Special Stay • Cruise on Lake Cheow Larn DAYS 4Ì- 5ÌKOH LANTA The beach is calling & we know you're ready! Ultimate relaxation awaits us with 2 days on the island of Koh Lanta. Jump off the ferry & slip into island life with
unlimited sun & swimming, or opt for a snorkelling cruise exploring the crystal clear water of the coast. Hotel (B)(B) F Snorkelling Day Trip DAYS 6Ì- 7ÌPHUKET Back on the boat for our last stop, Phuket. You're free to treat yourself to a traditional massage in the afternoon before we kick things up a level on Bangla Road this evening. On Day 7, choose to explore coastal caves & limestone karsts, & find time to squeeze in some shopping in Phuket Town. Hotel (B)(B) F Pum's Cooking Class
DAY 8ÌPHUKET Our trip will wrap up shortly after our last team breakfast. Time to say fond farewells to your new BFFs & leave with a new place in your heart for the Land of Smiles. (B) END 9AM PHUKET
START
BANGKOK
Places visited 1
Nightstops
1
Special Stay
1
Coach Plane or Boat
END
PHUKET 2
2 KHAO SOK Lake Cheow Larn 2 KOH LANTA
HOW MUCH & WHEN
Start Apr 16 Apr 30 May14 May28 Jun 11
US$1629
End Apr 23 May7 May21 Jun 4 Jun 18
Start Jun 25 Jul 9 Jul 23 Aug 6 Aug 20
US$1629
End Jul 2 Jul 16 Jul 30 Aug 13 Aug 27
Start Sep 3 Sep 17 Oct 1 Oct 15 Oct 29
US$1629
End Sep 10 Sep 24 Oct 8 Oct 22 Nov 5
Start Nov 12 Nov 26 Dec 10 Dec 24 ■
US$1629
End Nov 19 Dec 3 Dec 17 Dec 31
2020
2019
2019/20Ì| CODE:THSO | START BANGKOK & FINISH PHUKET Start 2020 Jan 7 Jan 21 Feb 4 Feb 18 Mar 3
US$1629
End
Start Mar 17 Jan 14 Mar 31 Jan 28 Feb 11 Feb 25 Mar 10
End Mar 24 Apr 7
US$1629
* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can pair you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement is available for US$275. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. ■ Trip spends Xmas in Khao Sok. Arrival & departure transfers to your hotel are available. To purchase, speak to your travel agent or visit contiki.com/transfers. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.82. Note: This trip is part of our epic Total Thailand trip, so when you start your trip, you’ll be meeting travellers who have already had a taste of what it’s like to explore Asia with Contiki, & who’ll be excited to have new friends for the adventure.
#THAITRIPPERSOUTH
5 nights in 3 star hotels, 2 nights Riverside Cottage Special Stay
*
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
THE NUMBERS
NEW TRIP
ASIA 2019/20
CONTIKI.COM/TOTAL-THAI-HOPPER-WEST
NEW TRIP
THE NUMBERS THE DETAILS
24
FROM
1
DAYS
Unique Special Stays: 1 overnight train, 1 night in a Floating Raft Hotel, 2 nights Riverside Cottage & 19 nights in 3 star hotels
29 INCLUDED MEALS 23 breakfasts (B) 3 lunches (L) 3 dinners (D)
*
PER DAY
COUNTRY
23 NIGHTS
FROM
US$3829 US$160 *
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
ESSENTIALS Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations, All private coach transport, 2 internal flights
• Sightseeing tour of the Grand Palace Bangkok • Visit Erawan Waterfalls • Ayutthaya bike tour • Watch the sunset over the Andaman Sea from the highest viewpoint on Koh Phi Phi
4.6 OVERALL RATING
FREE TIME ADD-ONS F Flight of the Gibbon Zipling, Chiang Mai F Cooking class, Chiang Mai F Muay Thai Class, Pai F Day trip to ‘James Bond Island’
#TOTALTHAILAND
#THAIWEST
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
TOTAL THAILAND PLUS THAI ISLAND HOPPER WEST
AYUTTHAYA, THAILAND
KHAO SOK, THAILAND @joliendevulder
KOH PHI PHI, THAILAND @krystijaims
KOH PHI PHI, THAILAND @sophiretheadmirer
KHAO SOK, THAILAND @gabroye
CONTIKI.COM/TOTAL-THAI-HOPPER-WEST
ASIA 2019/20
062 063
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
The one that gets under Thailandʼs skin, from lush jungles to idyllic islands, in the ultimate 24-day adventure.
BANGKOK, THAILAND
CHIANG MAI 2
DAY 3Ì KANCHANABURI Today we swap the heat & hustle of the city for living la vida local in the sleepy town of Kanchanaburi. We'll start with visits to the WWII Cemetery & the famed Bridge on the River Kwai before catching a local boat to our home for the night: The Jungle Raft Hotel. Not only will you be greeted with candlelit rooms & a delicious dinner at dusk, you can even jump into the river directly from your room. (B,D) « Floating hotel Special Stay • See the Bridge on the River Kwai
1 THAILAND
KANCHANABURI 1
Ayutthaya
START
3 BANGKOK
Places visited Nightstops
1
Special Stay Coach or train
2 KHAO SOK
END
1
Plane or boat
PHUKET 5
3 KRABI (AO NANG) 2 KOH LANTA 2
KOH PHI PHI
START 6PM BANGKOK
DAY 1ÌBANGKOK Touch down in Thailand's capital. After checking into our hotel there'll be time for DIY exploring, a massage or lying by the pool to catch the first of that sweet tropical sunshine. Later we'll rendezvous back at base so you can hear what's in store for the trip, then the night is yours to enjoy authentic pad Thai & the Khao San road nightlife. Hotel DAY 2ÌBANGKOK After a quick breakfast
we'll set out on a locally guided visit to Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) then jump on a local ferry to visit the Grand Palace. Finish up our morning with a tour of the Klongs (canals) & watching life along the river. This afternoon you're free to head to a local rooftop bar to toast the beginning of your trip with your new Contiki fam. Hotel (B) • Guided Tour of Wat Arun & the Royal Grand Palace F Bangkok Street Food tour by Tuk Tuk
DAY 4ÌOVERNIGHT TRAIN (AYUTTHAYA CHIANG MAI) We're starting our day with a visit to the breathtaking Erawan Falls. Here you can take a quick dip in the emerald-hued ponds & get an unreal FOMO Insta shot. Next stop is the UNESCOlisted city of Ayutthaya, where we'll grab bikes to cycle past ornate temples & quaint villages to see the once-capital of the Kingdom of Siam. Tonight we board our overnight sleeper train to Chiang Mai. (B,L) « Overnight Train • Guided Tour of the Erawan National Park • Bike Ride in Ayutthaya DAYS 5Ì- 6ÌPAI Rise & shine as we roll through Chiang Mai & pull into the picturesque mountain town of Pai.
DAYS 7Ì- 8Ì CHIANG MAI En route to Chiang Mai we'll squeeze in a visit to the Elephant Nature Park. Tonight, we'll explore the buzzy night markets that make Chiang Mai so legendary. Day 8 is a free day to explore the city, or jump on an adventurous zipline through the treetops. For our final night in Chiang Mai, you can dabble in the art of authentic Thai cooking. Hotel (B,L)(B) • Elephant Nature Park F Flight of the Gibbon, Ziplining F Thai Cooking Class
DAYS 12Ì- 13Ì KOH LANTA The beach is calling & we know you're ready! Ultimate relaxation awaits us on the island of Koh Lanta. Jump off the ferry & slip into island life with unlimited sun & swimming. On Day 13, opt for a snorkelling cruise exploring the crystal clear water of the coast. Hotel (B)(B) F Snorkelling Day Trip
KOH PHI PHI
DAY 9ÌBANGKOK Hot, hustling, manic & magical - welcome back to Bangkok. Your night is wide open in this vibrant city & how you fill your time is up to you. Catch a tuk-tuk to hit the Patpong Night Markets, or make your way to one of the many lively rooftop bars, buzzy nightclubs or cocktail lounges to toast the halfway point in your Thai adventure. Hotel (B) DAYS 10Ì- 11Ì KHAO SOK After breakfast we board a plane down to Khao Sok. Soon after we land we'll head to Cheow Larn lake for a day trip, starting with a cruise on the lake & including time for kayaking,
DAYS 14Ì- 15Ì PHUKET Back on the boat for our last stop, Phuket. Treat yourself to a traditional massage in the afternoon before we kick things off with the bright lights of Bangla Road this evening. On Day 15, there's a chance to explore coastal caves & limestone karsts, with time to squeeze in some shopping amongst Chinese architecture in Phuket Town. Hotel (B)(B) F Pum's Cooking Class DAY 16ÌPHUKET This morning we say farewell to some of our Contiki fam while the rest of us continue on our trip.
It's time to experience the picture perfect Thai beaches - they're hyped up for good reason! Hotel (B) DAYS 17Ì- 18Ì PHUKET Uniting in idyllic Phuket, we'll settle in to our hotel before having our team pow wow. Wasting no time soaking up what this paradise has to offer, we'll get acquainted over the world famous nightlife of the area. Hotel (B) DAYS 19Ì- 20Ì KOH PHI PHI After breakfast we'll hit the Andaman Sea, taking a ferry to Koh Phi Phi. We'll get orientated & settle in to our hotel before watching sunset from the island's highest vantage point. After two days of salt water & sunshine here, we'll be feeling downright glorious. Hotel (B,D)(B) F The Beach Experience DAYS 21Ì- 23Ì KRABI (AO NANG) Back on the Thai mainland we'll take in the island vistas from the charming setting of Krabi. Local markets, cheap massages & sunset cocktails can reward us from more adventurous activities like the 1260 step march to the Buddhist Tiger Cave Temple. Hotel (B,D)(B)(B) F Day trip to 'James Bond Island' DAY 24ÌKRABI TO PHUKET Our trip will wrap up in Phuket shortly after arriving back from Krabi. We'll cheers our final coconuts & go our separate ways, making sincere plans to organise a reunion tour. (B) END 1PM PHUKET
HOW MUCH & WHEN
US$3829
US$3829
US$3869
End Start Nov 27 Dec 16 ● Dec 11 Dec 25
US$3869
End Jan 8
Start Dec 30 ■
US$3889
End Jan 22
Start 2020 Jan 13
US$3869
End
Start Jan 27
Feb 05
US$3889
End Feb 19
2020
Start Nov 4 Nov 18 Dec 2
2020
End Nov 13
2020
End Start Oct 2 Oct 21 Oct 16 Oct 30
2019
Start Sep 9 Sep 23 Oct 7
2019
2019
2019/20Ì| CODE:THTP | START BANGKOK & FINISH PHUKET Start Feb 10 Feb 24 Mar 9
US$3869
End Start Mar 4 Mar 23 ▲ Mar 18 Apr 1
End Apr 15
US$3869
* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can pair you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement is available from US$1185 (only applicable in hotels). A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 1:00pm. ● Trip spends Xmas in Khao Sok. ■ Trip spends NYE in Bangkok. ▲ This trip will be in Thailand for Songkran (Thai New Year). Arrival transfers to your hotel are available. To purchase, speak to your travel agent or visit contiki.com/transfers. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.82
#THAIWEST
Elephant Nature Park
swimming & soaking up the sun. Our riverside accommodation awaits us for the two nights we spend in the Khao Sok jungle. (B,L)(B) « Riverside Cottage Special Stay • Cruise on Lake Cheow Larn
#TOTALTHAILAND
PAI 2
Head out by foot or by bike & explore the little streets & countryside of this traveller's paradise. There's time to try a Muay Thai skills class on Day 6 before we head out for the evening to experience Pai as it comes alive by night. Hotel (B) F Muay Thai Class
ASIA 2019/20
CONTIKI.COM/THAI-HOPPER-WEST
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
THAI ISLAND HOPPER WEST 8
1
DAYS
US$869
*
COUNTRY
7 NIGHTS 7 nights in 3 & 4 star hotels
#THAIWEST
FROM
9 INCLUDED MEALS
FROM
US$109
*
PER DAY
ESSENTIALS
7 breakfasts (B) 2 dinners (D)
4.7 RATING
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
An experienced Trip Manager, All private minivan transport, Local ferry transport
F Phang Nga Bay day cruise F ‘The Beach’ experience, Koh Phi Phi F Half Day Rock Climbing, Krabi
• Watch the sunset over the Andaman Sea from the highest viewpoint on Koh Phi Phi • Visit the well known beach of Ao Nang
Go West, visiting long time island faves, like Koh Phi Phi & Krabi. KOH PHI PHI, THAILAND
THAILAND
3
KRABI
(AO NANG)
ANDAMAN SEA
2
PHUKET 2
KOH PHI PHI 1
START 6:00PM PHUKET
DAY 1ÌPHUKET Uniting in idyllic Phuket, we'll settle in to our hotel before having our first team pow wow. Wasting no time soaking up what this paradise has to offer, we'll get acquainted over the world famous nightlife of the area. Hotel
PHUKET, THAILAND
DAY 2ÌPHUKET When we're not bouncing through the neon lights & energetic dance floors of Bangla Road, we'll be exploring coastal caves & limestone karsts. If time on the sand manages to get old, you can do some shopping whilst marveling at Chinese architecture in Phuket Town. Hotel (B) F Pum's Cooking Class DAYS 3Ì- 4Ì KOH PHI PHI After breakfast we'll hit the Andaman Sea, taking a ferry to Koh Phi Phi. We'll
Nightstops Boat Coach
KRABI, THAILAND @cecilebalmer
DAYS 5Ì- 7ÌKRABI (AO NANG) Back on the Thai mainland we'll take in the island vistas from the charming setting of Krabi. Local markets, cheap massages & sunset cocktails can reward us from more adventurous activities like the 1260 step march to the Buddhist Tiger Cave Temple. Hotel (B,D)(B)(B) F Phang Nga Bay day cruise F Half Day Rock Climbing
get orientated & settle in to our hotel before watching sunset from the island's highest vantage point. After two days of salt water & sunshine here, we'll be feeling downright glorious. Hotel (B,D)(B) F The Beach Experience
DAY 8Ì KRABI TO PHUKET Our trip will wrap up in Phuket shortly after arriving back from Krabi. We'll cheers our final coconuts & go our separate ways, making sincere plans to organise a reunion tour. (B) END 1:00PM PHUKET
HOW MUCH & WHEN
US$915
9 12 14 16 19 21 23 26 28 30 2 4
Start Jan 30 Feb 2 Feb 6 Feb 9 Feb 13 Feb 16 Feb 20 Feb 23 Feb 27 Mar 2 Mar 6 Mar 9
US$915
End Feb 6 Feb 9 Feb 13 Feb 16 Feb 20 Feb 23 Feb 27 Mar 2 Mar 6 Mar 9 Mar 13 Mar 16
Start Mar 13 Mar 16 Mar 20 Mar 23 Mar 27 Mar 31 Apr 3 Apr 7 ● Apr 10 ● Apr 14 ●
US$915
End Mar 20 Mar 23 Mar 27 Mar 30 Apr 3 Apr 7 Apr 10 Apr 14 Apr 17 Apr 21
Start Sep 21 Sep 25 Sep 28 Oct 2 Oct 5 Oct 9 Oct 12 Oct 16 Oct 19 Oct 23 Oct 26 Oct 30
US$869
End Sep 28 Oct 2 Oct 5 Oct 9 Oct 12 Oct 16 Oct 19 Oct 23 Oct 26 Oct 30 Nov 2 Nov 6
Start Nov 2 Nov 6 Nov 9 Nov 13 Nov 16 Nov 20 Nov 23 Nov 27 Nov 30 Dec 2 Dec 4 Dec 7
US$869
End Nov 9 Nov 13 Nov 16 Nov 20 Nov 23 Nov 27 Nov 30 Dec 4 Dec 7 Dec 9 Dec 11 Dec 14
Start Dec 9 Dec 11 Dec 14 Dec 16 Dec 18 Dec 21 Dec 23 Dec 25 Dec 28 Dec 30
■ ▲ ◆ ✱ ✝
US$869
End Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Jan Jan Jan
16 18 21 23 25 28 30 1 4 6
Start 2020 Jan 1 Jan 4 Jan 6 Jan 8 Jan 11 Jan 13 Jan 15 Jan 18 Jan 22 Jan 25 Jan 29
US$869
End Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb
8 11 13 15 18 20 22 25 29 1 5
Start Feb 1 Feb 5 Feb 8 Feb 12 Feb 15 Feb 19 Feb 22 Feb 26 Feb 29 Mar 4 Mar 7 Mar 11
US$869
End Feb 8 Feb 12 Feb 15 Feb 19 Feb 22 Feb 26 Feb 29 Mar 4 Mar 7 Mar 11 Mar 14 Mar 18
2020
End Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb
2020
Start Jan 2 Jan 5 Jan 7 Jan 9 Jan 12 Jan 14 Jan 16 Jan 19 Jan 21 Jan 23 Jan 26 Jan 28
2019
2019
2019/20Ì| CODE:TIPH | START PHUKET & FINISH PHUKET Start Mar 14 Mar 18 Mar 21 Mar 25 Mar 28 Apr 1 Apr 4 Apr 8 ● Apr 11 ● Apr 15 ●
End Mar 21 Mar 25 Mar 28 Apr 1 Apr 4 Apr 8 Apr 11 Apr 15 Apr 18 Apr 22
US$869
* Prices above are per person based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can pair you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement is available for US$589. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 1:00pm. Please book flights out of Phuket after 2:30pm. ● This trip will be in Thailand for Songkran (Thai New Year & water festival). ■ Trip spends Xmas in Krabi. ▲ Trip spends Xmas in Koh Phi Phi. ◆ Trip spends Xmas in Phuket & NYE in Krabi. ✱ Trip spends NYE in Koh Phi Phi. ✝ Trip spends NYE in Phuket Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.82
ASIA 2019/20
CONTIKI.COM/THAI-HOPPER-EAST
064 065
THAI ISLAND HOPPER EAST
THE DETAILS
9
1
DAYS
FROM
US$885
US$99
*
*
PER DAY
COUNTRY
8 NIGHTS
10 INCLUDED MEALS 8 breakfasts (B) 2 dinners (D)
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
An experienced Trip Manager & Local Guide, Local ferry transport
• Spend time on Koh Samui, Thailand’s third largest island • Get an orientation walk of Koh Tao island
F Ang Thong National Marine Park cruise & snorkel day trip F Half day snorkelling trip, Koh Tao
A tropical blend of heavenly beaches, divine food & full moon fun KOH TAO
KOH TAO, THAILAND
2
3
3
1
Nightstops
1
Special Stay
KOH PHA NGAN
KOH SAMUI
Boat START 6:00PM KOH SAMUI KOH SAMUI, THAILAND @inlove_with_wanderlust
DAY 1ÌKOH SAMUI Tropical, buzzing, & completely luxurious, Koh Samui will pull us in & wind us down without delay. After checking in to our hotel & having time to settle in, we'll get acquainted over the nightlife of Chaweng Beach. Hotel DAYS 2Ì- 3Ì KOH SAMUI Slipping contently into island life, we'll have
time to snorkel, swim & bathe in the sun without interruption. Those keen for more can go explore, seeing a 15-metre golden Buddha statue & sampling local delicacies like coconut Penang curry & fresh mangosteen. Hotel (B)(B) F Highlights of Samui Tour
An orientation walk & included beachside dinner will perfect our time on the island. Hotel (B,D)(B) F Half-Day Island Cruise & Snorkelling Adventure DAYS 6Ì- 8ÌKOH PHA NGAN From Koh Tao we'll journey to the home of the untameable full moon parties & the flawless paradise of sloping palm trees that is Koh Pha Ngan. Take a few more traditional Thai massages & lounge at the beach, making the
DAYS 4Ì- 5ÌKOH TAO Though we will spot sea turtles in the waters of Koh Tao, hiking trails, seasonal waterfalls, & luscious mountains will encourage us to explore the land too.
most of our last few days on island time. (B,D)(B)(B) « Bungalow Special Stay F Day Cruise to Ang Thong Marine Park F Koh Tao Diving - Intro or Certified DAY 9ÌKOH SAMUI Our trip will wrap up in Koh Samui shortly after our last team breakfast. We'll cheers our final coconuts & go our separate ways, making sincere plans to organise a reunion tour. (B) END 1:00PM KOH SAMUI
HOW MUCH & WHEN
Start Dec 29 ▲ 2019 Jan 2 Jan 5 Jan 9 Jan 14 ■ Jan 17 Jan 19 Jan 23
US$885
End Jan 6 Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan
10 13 17 22 25 27 31
Start Jan 26 Jan 30 Feb 2 Feb 6 Feb 9 Feb 13 ■ Feb 16 Feb 20 Feb 23
US$885
End Feb 3 Feb 7 Feb 10 Feb 14 Feb 17 Feb 21 Feb 24 Feb 28 Mar 3
Start End Feb 27 Mar 7 Mar 30 Apr 7 Apr 6 ● Apr 14 Apr 13 ● ■ Apr 21 Apr 20 Apr 28 Apr 27 May5 May 4 May12 May 12 ■ May20 May 18 May26
Start May 25 Jun 1 Jun 5 Jun 10 ■ Jun 12 Jun 15 Jun 19 Jun 22 Jun 26
US$885
US$885
End Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jul
2 9 13 18 20 23 27 30 4
Start Jun 29 Jul 6 Jul 12 ■ Jul 20 Jul 27 Aug 3 Aug 9 ■ Aug 17 Aug 24
US$885
End Jul 7 Jul 14 Jul 20 Jul 28 Aug 4 Aug 11 Aug 17 Aug 25 Sep 1
Start Aug 31 Sep 7 Sep 14 Sep 21 Sep 28 Dec 5 Dec 21 Dec 25 Dec 28
■
■ ◆ ✱ ✝
US$885
End Sep Sep Sep Sep Oct Dec Dec Jan Jan
8 15 22 29 6 13 29 2 5
2020
2018/19
2018/19/20Ì| CODE:TIKS | START KOH SAMUI & FINISH KOH SAMUI Start 2020 Jan 1 Jan 4 ■ Jan 8 Jan 11 Jan 15 Jan 18 Jan 22 Jan 25
US$885
End Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Feb
Start Jan 29
End Feb 6
9 12 16 19 23 26 30 2
US$885
* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can pair you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement is available for US$455. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 1:00pm. It is suggested to book flights after 2:30pm. ● These trips will be in Thailand for Songkran (Thai New Year & water festival). ■ These trips will be in Koh Pha Ngan for Full Moon Parties. Although every effort has been made to ensure that trip dates above coincide with Full Moon Parties, dates may occasionally change at short notice due to Buddhist holidays. ▲ This trip will spend NYE in Koh Samui. ◆ This trip will spend Xmas in Koh Tao. ✱ This trip will spend Xmas in Koh Samui & NYE in Koh Pha Ngan. ✝ This trip will spend NYE in Koh Tao. Arrival transfers to your hotel are available. To purchase, speak to your travel agent or visit contiki.com/transfers. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.82
#THAIEAST
Unique Special Stay: 3 nights in a bungalow in Koh Pha Ngan & 5 nights in 3 star hotels/resorts
ESSENTIALS
4.6 RATING
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
THE NUMBERS
FROM
ASIA 2019/20
CONTIKI.COM/CAMBODIAN-MAGIC
THE NUMBERS THE DETAILS
#CAMBODIANMAGIC
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
CAMBODIAN MAGIC 8
FROM
1
DAYS
NEW TRIP
US$955
*
COUNTRY
7 NIGHTS Unique Special Stays: 5 nights in 3 star hotels & 2 nights Beachside Resort
7 INCLUDED MEALS 7 breakfasts (B)
ESSENTIALS Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, All private mini-van transport, Local ferry transport
FROM
US$120
*
PER DAY
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS • Day trip to Koh Tonsay • Visit a Kampot Pepper Plantation • Visit the famous Kep Crab Market
4.6 OVERALL RATING
FREE TIME ADD-ONS F Trip to Bokor National Park F Cambodian Cooking Class
KOH RONG, CAMBODIA
KEP, CAMBODIA @contiki
KAMPOT, CAMBODIA @contiki
KEP, CAMBODIA @contiki
LA PLANTATION, CAMBODIA @contiki
CONTIKI.COM/CAMBODIAN-MAGIC
ASIA 2019/20
066 067
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
The one that uncovers the Cambodian Riviera from tranquil beaches to bustling markets
rendezvous at base tonight to get the trip download & celebrate our first evening. Hotel
DAY 1Ì SIHANOUKVILLE Welcome to the perfect gateway for our Cambodian adventure, where beach bliss & crystal clear water awaits. After settling into our hotel you're free to explore this colourful historical town, or just lie by the pool & soak up the sun. We'll
evening it's your chance to explore the small town area, mingle with the locals & get a feel for life outside of the hustle & bustle. Hotel (B) • Visit the famous Kep Crab Market
DAY 2ÌKEP Today we make our way to the small fishing village of Kep to check out the French colonial architecture & get acquainted with one of Cambodia's many beautiful beaches. This
DAY 3ÌKEP (DAY TRIP TO KOH TONSAY) After a short boat ride, you'll spend the day on the palm-fringed island paradise of Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island). You're free to swim in the balmy sea, taste the local seafood or just park yourself in a hammock with cold drink in hand. Hotel (B) • Day trip to Koh Tonsay DAYS 4Ì- 5ÌKAMPOT After breakfast we head towards Kampot, stopping at the La Plantation Pepper Farm & Secret Lake en
KEP, CAMBODIA
route. Our hotel is centrally located so we can check out the lively, small market town & the many bars, restaurants & shops that line the promenade. Your next day is free for an optional hike into the Bokor National Park. Hotel (B)(B) • Visit a Kampot Pepper Plantation • Dip in the waters of the Secret Lake F Trip to Bokor National Park F Cambodian Cooking Class DAYS 6Ì- 7ÌKOH RONG (VIA SIHANOUKVILLE) Island life awaits us again on Koh Rong, an idyllic jungle hideaway with clear turquoise water & sparkling white sands. This tropical island is all yours to explore for two nights. Check out the nearby port of White Beach, play a
game of volleyball, or lay in a hammock overlooking the sea. (B)(B) « Beachside Resort Special Stay DAY 8Ì SIHANOUKVILLE After breakfast we bid farewell to our island paradise as we board a boat for Sihanoukville & the mainland. Our trip will
wrap up upon arrival in Sihanoukville. (B) END 12PM SIHANOUKVILLE
SIHANOUKVILLE, CAMBODIA
KOH RONG, CAMBODIA
CAMBODIA
2
KAMPOT
La Plantation
SIHANOUKVILLE 1
2
2
KOH RONG
Places visited
KEP
Koh Tonsay
1
Nightstops
1
Special Stay Boat KOH RONG, CAMBODIA
Coach
HOW MUCH & WHEN
US$1010
End Jan 14
Start Jan 21 Feb 4 Feb 18 Mar 4 Mar 18
US$955
End Jan 28 Feb 11 Feb 25 Mar 11 Mar 25
Start Apr 1 Apr 15 Apr 29 Oct 7 Oct 21
US$955
End Apr 8 Apr 22 May6 Oct 14 Oct 28
Start Nov 4 Nov 18 Dec 2 Dec 9 Dec 30 ●
US$955
End Nov 11 Nov 25 Dec 9 Dec 16 Jan 6
2020
Start Jan 7
2019
2019
2019/20 | CODE:KHSI | START SIHANOUKVILLE & FINISH SIHANOUKVILLE Start 2020 Jan 13 Jan 27 Feb 10 Feb 24
US$955
End
Start Mar 9 Jan 20 Mar 23 Feb 3 Apr 6 Feb 17 Apr 20 Mar 2
End Mar 16 Mar 30 Apr 13 Apr 27
US$955
* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can pair you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement is available for US$419. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 12:00pm. ● This trip spends NYE in Kep. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.82
#CAMBODIANMAGIC
START 6PM SIHANOUKVILLE
ASIA 2019/20
SKI & SNOWBOARD. KEEP IT COSY Japan? Snow? You betcha, Japan has some of the best powder in the world. With pistes for total beginners through to seasoned pros, there’s a slope ready and waiting for you to shred.
FROM
2
TRIPS
13 DAYS
FROM
15 $271
USD PER DAY
JAPAN @AIDALYN
CONTIKI.COM/ASIA/SKI-SNOWBOARD
ASIA 2019/20
068 069
see more Bring together the best of both worlds, combining perfect powder-fresh slopes with a chance to experience the utterly unique Japanese culture. Snap the instaworthy fashion of the Harajuku district in Tokyo, ride the bullet train, watch geishas walk the streets in Kyoto, and of course, hit the slopes in Hakuba.
Make friends with teeny spotted deer on Miyajima island, Hiroshima Ride up a cable car on a day trip to Mount Hakone Prove your MarioKart skills in real life on the streets of Tokyo or Osaka
MEET A HARAJUKU GIRL, TOKYO, @WILLWKS
SNOWBOARDING, HAKUBA, @EMMAPULLEN11
MARICAR EXPERIENCE, TOKYO, @MITCH.FILOCAMO
SHINAGAWA PRINCE HOTEL, TOKYO
sleep in comfort You’ll snooze in comfy 3 and 4 star hotels, conveniently close to the action, from the streets of Osaka, to the fresh powder of Hakuba.
MONTEREY GRASMERE HOTEL, OSAKA
CURRY WITH PUPPY DOG RICE, TOKYO
eat local Arguably one of the best parts of choosing to ski & snowboard in Japan is being able to taste all of the local flavours on offer while you’re there. Think authentic ramen and a whole restaurant precinct dedicated to okonomiyaki.
SUSHI MAKING
OKONOMIYAKI LUNCH
TOKYO
HIROSHIMA
Pick your fillings, prepare your rice, and roll up your very own delicious sushi like a local.
Taste all the different types of this delicious japanese pancake, at a restaurant precinct dedicated to the stuff.
ASIA 2019/20
CONTIKI.COM/JAPAN-WINTER-WONDER-SKI-4
THE NUMBERS THE DETAILS
13
FROM
1
DAYS
12 INCLUDED MEALS
12 NIGHTS IN HOTELS 12 nights in 3 & 4 star hotels
FROM
US$3515 US$271 *
12 breakfasts (B)
ESSENTIALS An experienced Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, Ski package will be unescorted. Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations, All private coach transport, Local taxes, payments & service charges
NEW TRIP
*
PER DAY
COUNTRY
#CONTIKIWINTERWONDERSKI
SKI & SNOWBOARD
JAPAN WINTER WONDER PLUS 4 DAY SKI
4.6 OVERALL RATING
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS • Sightseeing tours in Kyoto & Tokyo • Ferry to Miyajima Island & visit the Peace Memorial Museum in Hiroshima • Travel by Bullet Train
FREE TIME ADD-ONS F Okonomiyaki Lunch, Hiroshima F Onsen Experience, Tokyo F Nara Half Day Trip, Kyoto
HAKUBA, JAPAN
KYOTO, JAPAN @ryan_starkey
OSAKA, JAPAN @loracaronna
KYOTO, JAPAN @contiki
OSAKA, JAPAN @tirameesu
CONTIKI.COM/JAPAN-WINTER-WONDER-SKI-4
ASIA 2019/20
070 071
GOT MORE TIME
DAY 1ÌOSAKA Konnichiwa friends: welcome to the land of the rising sun, famed for its beauty, culture, cuisine & just a touch of crazy. Get settled into your hotel before joining forces with your Trip Manager & travel crew, then we'll head out to explore the local area. Hotel DAY 2ÌOSAKA Universal Studios, Osaka Castle, iconic Dōtonbori today is yours to take on Osaka as your heart desires.
This evening, why not get to know your new travel friends over our Free Time Add-On foodie experience, a traditional Izakaya? Hotel (B) F Izakaya Welcome Dinnder
girls. On day 4 you'll have a full free day to explore Kyoto your way. Hotel (B)(B) • Guided sightseeing in Kyoto F Half day trip to Nara
DAYS 3Ì- 4ÌKYOTO After breakfast in Osaka we head to Kyoto. We'll kick things off with a guided tour of this beautiful city: get your camera ready for temples, gardens, colourful shrines & famous geisha
DAYS 5Ì- 6 HIROSHIMA All aboard! A bullet train shoots us over to historic Hiroshima for 2 nights. We'll learn about the past & present of this noble city on a sightseeing tour, & we take a ferry to Miyajima island to see miniature deer & the Itsukushima Shrine. Hotel (B)(B) • Peace Park & Peace Memorial Museum • Itsukushima Shrine & Miyajima Island F Okonomiyaki Lunch F Hiroshima Dinner Cruise
HAKUBA
TOKYO, JAPAN
3 JAPAN
END
KYOTO
3
TOKYO
DAYS 7Ì- 9ÌTOKYO From Hiroshima we travel to the bright lights of Tokyo. A sightseeing tour shows us the best bits, like the Harajuku district & Shibuya crossing. We've also included a day trip to Hakone. With another full free day to explore, do Tokyo your way: just remember to check out the Onsen hot spring baths & Robot restaurant. Hotel (B)(B)(B) • Sightseeing tour including Imperial Palace, Asakusa Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise
2 START
HIROSHIMA
2
2
Hakone
OSAKA
Places visited 1
Miyajima Island
Nightstops Coach
• • F F
F
Street, Meji Jingu Shrine & Shibuya Crossing Hakone day trip with Hakone ropeway Ashinoko Lake Cruise Onsen Experience MariCar Tokyo Go-Cart Experience (International Driver's License required) Robot Restaurant Show
DAYS 10Ì- 12Ì HAKUBA An included train takes us to Hakuba. Widely recognised as one of the world's best skiing spots, this winter paradise boasts 9 resorts, 135 lifts & over 200 runs. You have 3 nights to hit the slopes & live your best snow life. Hotel (B)(B)(B) Note: Ski package unescorted
DAY 13ÌTOKYO And just like that, it's all over. Waving goodbye to Hakuba this morning, we'll trace our steps back to Tokyo, by jumping on the train. Your trip comes to an end in Tokyo, but you'll keep the memories (& photos) forever. (B) END 12PM TOKYO
SENSOJI TEMPLE, TOKYO
HOW MUCH & WHEN
Start Mar 23 Apr 06
US$3969
Start Apr 20
US$3969 End May02
Start Jan 12
End Jan 24
Jan 17
US$3515
US$3685
Start Jan 19 Jan 26 Feb 02
End Jan 31 Feb 07 Feb 14
US$3515
Start Feb 09 Feb 16
End Feb 21 Feb 28
US$3685
Start Feb 23 Mar 02
End Mar 07 Mar 14
2019
End
2019
Start 2019 Jan 05
2019
End Jan 10
2019
Start Dec 29 ▲
2019
End Jan 03
US$4179 End Apr 04 Apr 18
2019
2019
US$3725
Start Dec 22 ■
2019
End Dec 27
2018
Start Dec 15
2018
2018
2018/19Ì| CODE:JAPF4Ì| START OSAKA & FINISH TOKYO JAPAN WINTER WONDER PLUS 4 DAY SKI OPTION
US$3515
Start Mar 09
End Mar 21
US$3685
* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can pair you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplements available from US$1105. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 12:00pm. ■ This trip will spend Xmas in Kyoto ▲ This trip will spend NYE in Kyoto. Note: You will need to make your own way to Tokyo Station on Day 10 to catch an included train to Nagano Station, you will also need to catch a local bus to Hakuba Station this is not included. For more information speak to your travel agent or visit Contiki.com/transfers. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/ staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.82
US$3955
Start Mar 23 Apr 06
US$4269
Start Apr 20
US$4405
US$4269 End May04
US$3815
Start Jan 12
Jan 19
US$3985
End Jan 26
Start Jan 19 Jan 26 Feb 02
US$3815
End Feb 02 Feb 09 Feb 16
Start Feb 09 Feb 16
US$3985
End Feb 23 Mar 02
Start Feb 23 Mar 02
US$3815
End Mar 09 Mar 16
2019
End
2019
Start 2019 Jan 05
2019
End Jan 12
2019
Start Dec 29 ▲
2019
End Jan 05
US$4629 End Apr 06 Apr 19
2019
2019
US$4175
Start Dec 22 ■
2019
End Dec 29
2018
Start Dec 15
2018
2018
2018/19Ì| CODE:JAPF6Ì| START OSAKA & FINISH TOKYO JAPAN WINTER WONDER PLUS 6 DAY SKI OPTION Start Mar 09
End Mar 23
US$3985
* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can pair you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplements available from US$1245. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 12:00pm. ■ This trip will spend Xmas in Kyoto ▲ This trip will spend NYE in Kyoto. Note: You will need to make your own way to Tokyo Station on Day 10 to catch an included train to Nagano Station, you will also need to catch a local bus to Hakuba Station this is not included. For more information speak to your travel agent or visit Contiki.com/transfers. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/ staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.82
#CONTIKIWINTERWONDERSKI
START 6:00PM OSAKA
Why not upgrade to our 6-day ski version for even more fun! Visit contiki.com/japan-winter-wonderski-6. See below for dates & prices.
SKI & SNOWBOARD
The one that discovers Japan's iconic cities where ancient & modern collide including 4 days to hit the ski fields
ASIA 2019/20
CONTIKI.COM/AFRICA
AFRICA. ADVENTURE, UNFILTERED
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA
PAY EARLY & SAVE UP TO
US$405 Just pay for your Africa trip in full by 31 Jan 2019 and you can save up to 10% CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA
SEE OUR TRIP TO THE MIDDLE EAST AS WELL AT CONTIKI.COM/ISRAEL-JORDAN
ASIA 2019/20
072 073
Southern Africa, Kenya, Uganda & Tanzania. If you’ve never walked her sweeping plains, explored her ancient cultures or slept beneath her star-swept skies, Africa is difficult to understand. This is travel that will change you forever.
9
FROM
4
TRIPS
13
DAYS IN LENGTH
SMALL GROUP SIZES & SUPERIOR SAFARI VEHICLES
ACCOMMODATION THATʼS MORE THAN A PLACE TO SLEEP
GAME PARK FEES & INTERNAL FLIGHTS ALL INCLUDED
HANDPICKED EXPERIENCES FROM OUR LOCAL EXPERTS
Our small group sizes mean intimate trips, roomy accommodation and smaller safari vehicles (from mini coaches to 7-seater pop-up roof 4WDs), so you’re always guaranteed the best view in the house.
Luxury safari tents with proper beds, en-suites and exclusive lodges with swimming pools – a lot of thought goes into our accommodation, so you can get the most out of Africa.
We don’t believe in nasty surprises. With us, all game drives and park fees are included in the price, as well as speedy internal flights in southern Africa so you spend more time in the heart of adventure.
Our dedicated team of experts have scoped out the most authentic African experiences, from iconic sights to secluded favourites.
A C C O M M O D AT I O N
EXPERIENCES
Every night will be one to remember with our unique and quirky sleeping experiences.
Safari game drives, incredible wildlife, river cruises, UNESCO heritage sights, we include it all and more.
AFRICAN LODGE, LAKE ELEMENTAITA
LUXURY SAFARI TENTS
Go wildlife-spotting and tick off the ‘Big Five’ in Kruger National Park, South Africa
Experience the magic of a Balloon Safari in the Serengeti, Tanzania
Stroll along one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World: Victoria Falls, South Africa
Visit a penguin colony and sip fine wine in Cape Town, South Africa
Hang out with a gorilla family in their natural habitat at Bwindi Forest Reserve, Uganda
Explore the cobbled streets and crumbling colonial facades of UNESCO-listed Stone Town, Zanzibar
Take a sunset cruise surrounded by pods of hippos and crocs on the Chobe River, Botswana
CAMPING, CHOBE
LUXURY SAFARI TENTS
Raft the whitewaters of the mighty Zambezi River, Zimbabwe
Go snorkelling in the clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar Check out the resident giant tortoises on Prison Island, Zanzibar
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA
ASIA 2019/20
CONTIKI.COM/CAPE-SAFARI-FALLS
AFRICA
CAPE, SAFARI & FALLS THE NUMBERS
#CAPESAFARIFALLS
THE DETAILS
11
FROM
3
DAYS
NEW TRIP
4 nights in hotels, 5 nights in African Lodges and 1 night Contiki Special Stay - luxury camping (twinshare dome tents) in the Chobe National Park
15 INCLUDED MEALS 10 breakfasts (B) 1 lunch (L) 4 dinners (D)
*
PER DAY
COUNTRIES
10 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION
FROM
US$2365 US$215 *
ESSENTIALS An experienced Trip Manger & Local Guides. Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations. All private transport, from coaches to safari vehicles, 2 internal flights. Local taxes, payments, service charges
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS • Table Mountain Cable Car • Wildlife spotting in National Parks • Walk along Victoria Falls
4.6 OVERALL RATING
FREE TIME ADD-ONS F Visit a Penguin Colony, Cape Town F Bungee Jumping, Victoria Falls F Sunset Cruise, Chobe River
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA
ZAMBEZI RIVER, VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE
CONTIKI.COM/CAPE-SAFARI-FALLS
ASIA 2019/20
074 075
GOT MORE TIME?
Why not add on Kilimanjaro-Marangu, Kilimanjaro - Rongai or Zanzibar p.80
Nightstops
1
Special Stay
ZAMBIA
Coach
END
Plane
CHOBE
2
2
VICTORIA FALLS ZIMBABWE
BOTSWANA 3
Johannesburg ATLANTIC OCEAN
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
SOUTH AFRICA
INDIAN OCEAN
START
CAPE TOWN
CAPE TOWN
START 6PM CAPE TOWN
DAY 1ÌCAPE TOWN The adventure begins! Drop off your bags at the hotel & meet your Trip Manager & new Contiki fam in the lobby. We'll all walk across to the food market next door for your choice of dinner along with some drinks to get to know each other. Hotel (D)
3
DAYS 2Ì- 3ÌCAPE TOWN Our time here is dedicated to sightseeing, starting with a cable car ride up Table Mountain & a city tour of Cape Town. You have free time to explore the city or relax on the beach. On Day 3, take advantage of excursions to Cape Point & Boulders Beach or treat yourself to a local wine tour. (B)(B) • Visit Table Mountain • City Tour • Visit the Water Front F Cape Point & Boulders Beach Tour F Wine Tour
CAPE TOWN
CHOBE
DAYS 4Ì- 6ÌKRUGER NATIONAL PARK After a short flight to Johannesburg, we'll drive along the famed Panorama Route to Kruger National Park. The next 2 days will be dedicated to venturing through this game-dense Park from sunrise to sunset with breaks in the midday heat, to capture glimpses of Africa's Big Five while the air is cooler. African Lodge Hotel (B,D)(B)(B,D) • Full day game drives in Kruger National Park
DAYS 7Ì- 8Ì VICTORIA FALLS After a flight from Johannesburg, we'll arrive at Victoria Falls to explore one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world. Opt for a bungee jump, river swing or zipline over the Zambezi river. On Day 8 you can sign up for white water rafting or a scenic helicopter flight. African Lodge (B,L)(B) • Tour of one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World F Bungee Jump F Gorge Swing F Zip line over the mighty Zambezi River F River raft the Zambezi River (rated no.2 in the world) F Scenic Helicopter flight over the falls & neighbouring Game Reserve F Tribal Trap Escape room F The Boma - African Dinner & Drum Show
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
DAYS 9Ì- 10ÌCHOBE We leave the Falls behind & cross the border to Botswana & the Chobe National Park. Today is a non-stop action adventure spotting wildlife as we drive along the Chobe river, surrounded by wilderness that houses the largest density of elephants in the world. Our evening is topped off by a night sleeping under the African stars in our very own private Contiki site in the middle of Chobe National Park. (B,D)(B)(B) « Luxury Safari Camping Special Stay • Game Drive in Chobe National Park F Sunset game viewing Cruise
DAY 11ÌCHOBE It's time for our last breakfast together this morning then get ready for sad farewells at Kasane Airport or take a complimentary transfer back to Victoria Falls ready for your next adventure. (B) END 10AM KASANE AIRPORT OR 1PM VICTORIA FALLS
HOW MUCH & WHEN
■ ■ ■
US$2525
■
US$2525
End Jun 19 Jul 03
Start Jul 07 Jul 21 Aug 04 Aug 18
US$2365
End Jul 17 Jul 31 Aug 14 Aug 28
Start Sep 01 Sep 15 Sep 29
US$2365
End Sep 11 Sep 25 Oct 09
Start Oct 13 Oct 27 Nov 10
● ●
US$2399
End Oct 23 Nov 06 Nov 20
Start Nov 24 Dec 08 Dec 22
● ● ●
US$2415
End Dec 04 Dec 18 Jan 01
2020
End Start Apr 17 Jun 09 May08 Jun 23 May22 Jun 05
2019
■
2019
Start Apr 07 Apr 28 May12 May26
2019
2019
2019/20 | CODE:BBSA | START CAPE TOWN & FINISH KASANE/VIC FALLS Start 2020 Jan 5
End ●
Jan 15
US$2575
* Prices above are per person based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can pair you with a same sex room-mate at no extra cost. Single room supplement of US$515. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 10:00am. ● These trips will stay only in lodge accommodation during the 2 night stay in Chobe. There is no camping due to the rainy season. ■ Accommodation for these departures will be based on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, the remaining departures will be based on the Zimbabwean side. For more ways to save see p.23For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. For travel insurance see p.82
#CAPESAFARIFALLS
VICTORIA FALLS
Places visited 1
AFRICA
The one that combines Cape Town, Kruger National Park & Victoria Falls
ASIA 2019/20
CONTIKI.COM/EAST-AFRICA-SAFARI
AFRICA
EAST AFRICA SAFARI THE NUMBERS
#EASTAFRICASAFARI
THE DETAILS
13
FROM
2
DAYS
NEW TRIP
2 nights in twin-share hotels, 2 nights in African Lodges & nights in Luxury Safari Tents including 8 nights in a Contiki Special Stay inside the Serengeti National Park
32 INCLUDED MEALS 12 breakfasts (B) 10 lunches (L) 10 dinners (D)
*
PER DAY
COUNTRIES
12 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION
FROM
US$4169 US$321 *
ESSENTIALS An experienced Trip Manager & Driver/Guide team will take you around East Africa in 7 seater poptop safari vehicles & all local taxes & service charges
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS • Morning & afternoon Game drives in all National Parks in 7-seater pop-top safari vehicles • Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary Visit • Visit the Giraffe Centre
4.6 OVERALL RATING
FREE TIME ADD-ONS F Balloon Safari F Maasai Village Tour
TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
SERENGETI, TANZANIA
TARANGIRE, TANZANIA
MASAI MARA, KENYA
LAKE ELEMENTAITA, KENYA
CONTIKI.COM/EAST-AFRICA-SAFARI
ASIA 2019/20
076 077
SEE EVEN MORE
DAY 1ÌNAIROBI Touch down in Nairobi. You'll be greeted by a transfer rep & taken through the city in private transportation to your accommodation for the night. Set your bags down at the hotel & feel the excitement build as your Trip Manager runs through the itinerary. This evening, head out for a local dinner with your new Contiki fam. Hotel
DAY 4ÌLAKE ELEMENTAITA We'll treat ourselves to one last morning drive in the Masai Mara before we head north, passing through Lake Naivasha where some scenes from the epic film ‘Out of Africa’ were shot. We wind up on the shores of Lake Elementaita for a buffet dinner & accommodation this evening. African Lodge (B,L,D) • See Lake Naivasha, film set for "Out of Africa"
1
Nightstops
1
Special Stay
#EASTAFRICASAFARI
START 6PM NAIROBI
Want to explore even more of Africa? Combine with Cape, Safari & Falls p.74 & save up to 5% with our multi-trip discount on selected departures.
LAKE ELEMENTAITA 1
UGANDA
KENYA
MASAI MARA SERENGETI
2
1 2
1 1
DAYS 5Ì- 6Ì AMBOSELI Today we are lucky enough to get up & close to some of Africa's biggest animals at the giraffe centre & elephant orphanage sanctuary, on our way to tonight's lodge at the edge of the Amboseli National Park. Next morning we'll set out for iconic shots of wildlife to a backdrop of Mt Kilimanjaro. You'll have the chance to do a Maasai village tour before tonight, when we enjoy a final Kenyan Bush Dinner. Luxury Safari Tents (B,L,D)(B,L,D) • Visit The Giraffe Centre • Elephant orphanage sanctuary visit F Maasai Village Tour
TARANGIRE
DAY 7ÌARUSHA Tanzania is calling & we're ready to explore! When we arrive in Arusha, you'll be delivered to the hotel to drop off your bags. Find yourself some local dinner before turning in for an early night. Part Two of our African Adventure starts tomorrow! Hotel (B) DAYS 8Ì- 9Ì TARANGIRE We’ll meet our Local Guides & jump into the safari vehicles. After we reach our lodge, we depart for an afternoon game drive in Tarangire National Park, famous for its giant Baobab trees & herds of elephant. Next morning,
MASAI MARA
AMBOSELI
END
ARUSHA
2
DAYS 2Ì- 3ÌMASAI MARA We’ll start with breakfast before meeting our Local Guides & loading up in the safari vehicles for the start of our great Masai Mara trip. We'll pass through the Great Rift Valley as we arrive at our lodge, with your first game drive in the afternoon. Day 3 is dedicated to a search for Africa's elusive big cats, with both a morning & evening game drive in the reserve famous for the Great Migration. Luxury Safari Tents (B,L,D)(B,L,D) • Afternoon Game Drive in the Masai Mara F Morning Balloon Safari
START
NAIROBI 2
NGOROGORO CRATER
MASAI MARA
INDIAN OCEAN
TANZANIA
an early start will give us a full day back in the park, in the hopes for a glimpse of its elusive predators & beautiful landscapes. African Lodge Luxury Safari Tents (B,L,D)(B,L,D) • Game Drive in Tarangire National Park DAYS 10Ì- 11Ì SERENGETI After breakfast we'll enjoy incredible valley & crater views as we drive toward & through the endless vast plains of the Serengeti. Tonight our accommodation is luxury Safari tents surrounded by wildlife under the stars of the African sky. On Day 5 we spend a full day seeking out the wildlife of Africa's plains, including wildebeest, zebra
& their pursuing predators. (B,L,D)(B,L,D) « Game Drive in the Serengeti National Park • Mto Wa Mbu Village Tour & local market visit F Balloon Safari DAY 12Ì NGOROGORO CRATER Enjoy some breakfast before we depart the Serengeti with a morning game drive on our way back to Ngorongoro Crater: an ancient volcano, boasting one of the highest densities of predators stalking the abundant wildlife enclosed inside the volcano's centre. A true natural wonder, only found in Africa. African lodge (B,L,D) « Game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater
DAY 13ÌARUSHA It's your last chance to do some souvenir shopping this morning, before we enjoy a final spectacular view of the Rift Valley on our way back to Arusha. With full hearts & memories made, it's time to say fond farewells to your new lifelong friends & to our African adventure. (B) • Rift Valley View • Africa Galeria Souvenir Shop visit END 1PM ARUSHA
GOT MORE TIME?
Why not add on Kilimanjaro-Marangu, Kilimanjaro - Rongai or Zanzibar p.80
HOW MUCH & WHEN
US$4169
US$4339
US$4509
Start Sep 01 Sep 15 Sep 29 Oct 13
US$4509
End Sep Sep Oct Oct
13 27 11 25
Start Oct 27
US$4389
End Nov 08
Start Nov 10 Nov 24 Dec 08
US$4299
End Nov 22 Dec 06 Dec 20
Start Dec 22
US$4879
End Jan 03
2020
End Jul 19 Aug 02 Aug 16 Aug 30
2019
Start Jul 07 Jul 21 Aug 04 Aug 18
2019
End Jun 21
2019
Start Jun 09
2019
End May24
2019
2019
SUMMER 2019/20Ì| CODE:BBEAM | START NAIROBI & FINISH ARUSHA Start May12
AFRICA
The one that combines the lush Kenyan plains & abundant Tanzanian wildlife in one, packed with all the essentials included
Start 2020 Jan 05
End Jan 17
US$4589
* Prices above are per person based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can pair you with a same sex room-mate at no extra cost. Single room supplement of US$825. Trip starts 6:00pm in Nairobi & ends approx. 1:00pm in Arusha. For more ways to save see p.23. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. For travel insurance see p.82.
ASIA 2019/20
CONTIKI.COM/KENYAN-HIGHLIGHTS
KENYAN HIGHLIGHTS AFRICA AFRICA & THE
7
1
DAYS
US$1759
*
COUNTRY
6 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION Unique Special Stays: 1 night in a twin-share hotel, 1 night in an African Lodge, & 4 nights in Luxury Safari twin-share tents
#KENYANHIGHLIGHTS
FROM
16 INCLUDED MEALS
NEW TRIP
US$252
*
PER DAY
ESSENTIALS
6 breakfasts (B) 5 lunches (L) 5 dinners (D)
SEE EVEN MORE
FROM
4.6 OVERALL RATING
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
An experienced Trip Manager & Driver/Guide team will take you around East Africa in 7 seater poptop safari vehicles & all Local taxes & service charges
Want to explore even more of Africa? Combine with Cape, Safari & Falls p.74 & save up to 5% with our multi-trip discount on selected departures.
• Every Game Drive and all park fees to ensure you have the best chance of seeing Africa’s iconic wildlife • Visit The Giraffe Centre
F Balloon Safari F Maasai Village Tour
The one that gives you a week of pure Masai magic in picturesque Kenya Caption
KENYA
LAKE ELEMENTAITA 1
2
1
Nightstops
MASAI MARA
START 6PM NAIROBI
DAY 1ÌNAIROBI Touch down in Nairobi! You'll be greeted by a transfer rep & taken through the city in private transportation to your accommodation for the night. Set your bags down at the hotel & feel the excitement build as your Trip Manager runs through the itinerary. This evening, head out for a local dinner with your new Contiki fam. Hotel
NAIROBI
DAYS 2Ì- 3Ì MASAI MARA We’ll start with breakfast before meeting our Local Guides & loading up in the safari vehicles for the start of our great Masai Mara trip. We'll pass through
the Great Rift Valley as we arrive at our lodge, with your first game drive in the afternoon. Day 3 is dedicated to a search for Africa's elusive big cats, with both a morning & evening game drive in the reserve famous for the Great Migration. Luxury Safari Tents (B,L,D)(B,L,D) • Morning & afternoon game drives with a chance of seeing Lion & Cheetah F Balloon Safari Experience DAY 4ÌLAKE ELEMENTAITA We'll treat ourselves to one last morning drive in the Masai Mara before we head north, passing
1
NAIROBI
MASAI MARA 2
AMBOSELI
AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
through Lake Naivasha where some scenes from the epic film 'Out of Africa' were shot. We wind up on the shores of Lake Elementaita for a buffet dinner & accommodation this evening. African Lodge (B,L,D) • See Lake Naivasha, film setting for "Out of Africa" DAYS 5Ì- 6Ì AMBOSELI Today we are lucky enough to get up close & personal with some of Africa's biggest animals at the giraffe centre & elephant orphanage sanctuary, on our way to tonight's lodge at the edge of the Amboseli National Park. Next morning we'll set out for iconic shots of
wildlife to a backdrop of Mt Kilimanjaro, before we drive back to Nairobi. Luxury Safari Tents (B,L,D)(B,L,D) • Visit The Giraffe Centre • Visit the orphaned baby elephants rehabilitation centre • Game drives in Amboseli National Park F Maasai Village Tour DAY 7ÌNAIROBI After a final breakfast, we’ll have one last opportunity of game viewing as we drive through Amboseli & then back up to Nairobi where the trip will end. (B) • Morning Game drive in Amboseli NP END 1PM NAIROBI
HOW MUCH & WHEN
US$1759
US$1849
End Jul 13 Jul 27 Aug 10 Aug 24
Start Sep 01 Sep 15 Sep 29 Oct 13
US$1849
End Sep Sep Oct Oct
Start 07 Oct 27 21 05 19
US$1849
End Nov 02
Start Nov 10 Nov 24 Dec 08
US$1759
End Nov 16 Nov 30 Dec 14
Start Dec 22
US$2039
End Dec 28
2020
Start Jul 07 Jul 21 Aug 04 Aug 18
2019
End May18 Jun 15
2019
Start May12 Jun 09
2019
2019
SUMMER 2019/20Ì| CODE:BBKHM | START NAIROBI & FINISH NAIROBI Start 2020 Jan 05
End Jan 11
US$1859
* Prices above are per person based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can pair you with a same sex room-mate at no extra cost. Single room supplement of US$385. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends at 1:00pm. Note: This trip is part of a wider adventure. Some travellers will be continuing their Contiki journey on the East Africa Safari trip. Why not join them if you have time. See p.76. For more ways to save see p.23. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. For travel insurance see p.82.
ASIA 2019/20
CONTIKI.COM/TASTE-TANZANIA
078 079
TASTE OF TANZANIA 1
DAYS
THE DETAILS
FROM
FROM
US$2355 US$337 *
PER DAY
COUNTRY
16 INCLUDED MEALS
6 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION
6 breakfasts (B) 5 lunches (L) 5 dinners (D)
ESSENTIALS
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
An experienced Trip Manager & Driver/Guide team will take you around East Africa in 7 seater poptop safari vehicles & all local taxes & service charges
• Every Game Drive and all park fees to ensure you have the best chance of seeing Africa’s iconic wildlife
4.6 OVERALL RATING
FREE TIME ADD-ONS F Balloon Safari F Game Drive in Tarangire National Park
The one that will see you safari your way around Tanzania's wondrous wildlife SERENGETI, TANZANIA
SERENGETI
START 6PM ARUSHA
SERENGETI 2
NGOROGORO CRATER
1 1
ARUSHA
2
TARANGIRE
DAY 1ÌARUSHA Touch down in Africa at Kilimanjaro Airport & jump straight on the transfer to Arusha. You'll be greeted by a transfer rep who will deliver you to your hotel to drop off your bags & meet your crew. Your Trip Manager will run through the plan for the ultimate 7 days of African adventure ahead of you. Hotel (B)
TANZANIA
1
Nightstops
1
Special Stay
DAYS 2Ì- 3Ì TARANGIRE We’ll meet our Local Guides & jump into the safari vehicles. After we reach our lodge, we depart for an afternoon game drive in Tarangire National Park, famous for its giant Baobab trees & herds of
Coach
elephants. Next morning, an early start will give us a full day back in the park, in the hopes for a glimpse of its elusive predators & beautiful landscapes. (B,L)(D) F Game Drive in Tarangire National Park
pursuing predators. (B,L,D)(B,L,D) « Luxury Safari Tents Special Stay • Serengeti Game Drives • Mto Wa Mbu Village Tour & local market F Balloon Safari
DAYS 4Ì- 5Ì SERENGETI After breakfast we'll enjoy incredible valley & crater views as we drive toward & through the endless vast plains of the Serengeti. Tonight our accommodation is luxury Safari tents surrounded by wildlife under the stars of the African sky. On Day 5 we spend a full day seeking out the wildlife of Africa's plains, including wildebeest, zebra & their
DAY 6 NOROGORO CRATER Enjoy some breakfast before we depart the Serengeti with a morning game drive on our way back to Ngorongoro Crater: an ancient volcano, boasting one of the highest densities of predators stalking the abundant wildlife enclosed inside the volcano's centre. A true natural wonder, only found in Africa. African Lodge (B,L,D) • Game Drive
DAY 7ÌARUSHA It's our last chance to do some souvenir shopping this morning, before we enjoy a final spectacular view of the Rift Valley on our way back to Arusha. With full hearts & memories made, it's time to say fond farewells to your new lifelong friends & to our African adventure. (B) • Africa Galeria Souvenir Shop visit END 1PM ARUSHA
SEE EVEN MORE
Want to explore even more of Africa? Check out Cape, Safari & Falls & discover the wonders of Kenya too.
HOW MUCH & WHEN
US$2355
US$2525
Start Jul 13 Jul 27 Aug 10 Aug 24
US$2605
End Jul 19 Aug 02 Aug 16 Aug 30
Start Sep 07 Sep 21 Oct 05 Oct 19
US$2605
End Sep Sep Oct Oct
13 27 11 25
Start Nov 02 Nov 16 Nov 30 Dec 14
US$2485
End Nov 08 Nov 22 Dec 06 Dec 20
Start Dec 28
US$2794
End Jan 03
2020
End Jun 21
2019
Start Jun 15
2019
End May24
2019
Start May18
2019
2019
SUMMER 2019/20Ì| CODE:BBTTM | START ARUSHA & FINISH ARUSHA Start 2020 Jan 11
End Jan 17
US$2675
* Prices above are per person based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can pair you with a same sex room-mate at no extra cost. Single room supplement of US$440. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends at 1:00pm. Note: This trip is part of a bigger picture - our 13 day East Africa Safari. When you jump aboard this trip, you’ll be joining a group of other travellers who have been travelling on this trip. Wait until you see the warm welcome you’ll receive as a new addition to the group. For more ways to save see p.23. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. For travel insurance see p.82.
#TASTEOFTANZANIA
1 night in twin-share hotels, 1 night in an African Lodge & 4 nights in Luxury Safari tents including a two night Special Stay in the middle of the Serengeti
*
AFRICA AFRICA & THE
7
THE NUMBERS
NEW TRIP
ASIA 2019/20
CONTIKI.COM
2 nights in hotels, 5 nights in twin-share tents set up & carried by Porters 18 INCLUDED MEALS 7 breakfasts (B) 6 lunches (L) 5 dinners (D) ESSENTIALS
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS • All meals, accommodation & guides
GOT MORE TIME Rongai & Managu climbs are ideally added to the end of Taste of Tanzania & East Africa Safari.
START 6PM KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
DAY 1ÌMOSHI TOWN You'll be collected from Kilimanjaro airport & taken to Our Hotel. Here you’ll have a climb briefing plus dinner. Hotel (D) DAY 2ÌSIMBA We'll drive through villages & coffee plantations to Nale Muru (1,950 m/6,398 ft). The hike begins! We'll climb from wide fields to a pine forest surrounded by wildlife until we reach Simba Camp (2,600 m/8,530 ft), with extensive views over the Kenyan plains. Tent (B,L,D)
NEW TRIP
6 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION 2 nights in hotels, 4 nights in multi-share mountain huts 15 INCLUDED MEALS 6 breakfasts (B) 5 lunches (L) 4 dinners (D) ESSENTIALS An experienced Englishspeaking Local Guide with a team of Porters & Cooks. See p.82. for more info on our essentials NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS • All meals, accommodation & guides
GOT MORE TIME Rongai & Managu climbs are ideally added to the end of Taste of Tanzania & East Africa Safari.
SEE CONTIKI.COM/KILIMANJARO-RONGAI FOR PRICING.
COUNTRY
DAY 3ÌKIKELEWA Load up on breakfast because today's hike will be approximately 6-7 hours walking. We spend the night resting up at camp at an altitude of 3600m. Tent (B,L,D) DAY 4Ì MAWENZI TARN We'll take a short & steep morning climb of 3-4 hours, with the afternoon to acclimatise & time to explore. Tent (B,L,D) DAY 5ÌKIBO HUT Today we cross the incredible lunar desert, approx 5-6 hours walking, to reach Kibo hut. Tent
SUMMER 2019/20Ì| CODE:BBKR | START KILIMANJARO AIRPORT & FINISH KILIMANJARO AIRPORT deps all year between Apr 01 Dec 31
DAY 6ÌHOROMBO (UHURU PEAK) The peak is calling! Rise & shine at midnight & prepare for departure before dawn. We'll reach Gilman's Point early morning for views of the crater & icecaps. Another 2 hours of hiking takes us to Kilimanjaro's true summit & Africa's highest point, Uhuru Peak, by 9 AM. Success! We descend back to the Horombo Huts for dinner & sleep. Tent (B,L,D)
Places visited 1
KENYA
Nightstops SIMB MBA BA
1
1 Uhuru Peak
1
1
HOROMBO HUT
DAY 7ÌMOSHI TOWN Wake up, pack, & descend through moorland & lush forests. Once we’re back to our hotel in Moshi, it’s definitely time for celebration! Hotel (B)
KIK KELEWA E A
MAWENZI TARN KIBO HUT 1
2 TANZANIA
MOSHI TOWN
DAY 8ÌMOSHI TOWN The morning transfer takes you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for a final goodbye. (B) END AFTER BREAKFAST KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
deps all year between Jan 1 Apr 30
NOTE: THIS TRIP DEPARTS FREQUENTLY WITH MULTIPLE DEPARTURES PER WEEK IN HIGH SEASON AND REQUIRES A MINIMUM OF TWO PEOPLE ON THE TRIP TO OPERATE- PLEASE CONTACT US DIRECTLY FOR AVAILABILITY OR REFER TO CONTIKI.COM/KILIMANJARO-RONGAI
KILIMANJARO
* Prices are per person based on multi-share, for more information see p.82. If you are travelling solo, we can pair you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Start 6:00pm at Kilimanjaro Airport & end after breakfast at Kilimanjaro Airport. These are small group tours & will not have a Contiki Trip Manager but a Local Guide. Note: This trip is not a Contiki exclusive product. Trips are subject to availability & are on request basis only. For travel insurance see p.82.
MARANGU KILI CLIMB THE DETAILS
CONTIKI.COM/KILIMANJARO-RONGAI
HOW MUCH & WHEN
7
1
DAYS
START 6PM KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
DAY 1ÌMOSHI TOWN You'll be collected from Kilimanjaro airport & taken to Our Hotel. Here you’ll have a climb briefing, dinner, & time to prepare before bunking down for the night. Hotel (D) DAY 2Ì MARANGU HUT We set off from the National Park Gate at Marangu with 3-4 hours climbing altitude. Mountain Hut (B,L,D) DAY 3ÌHOROMBO We start with a steep ascent through the forest, opening out to grassy moorland. If we're lucky we'll get a good view of Kibo & Mawenzi peaks. After 4-6 hours of climbing
NEW TRIP
COUNTRY
SEE CONTIKI.COM/KILIMANJARO-MARANGU FOR PRICING.
we'll reach Horombo, our hut accommodation for tonight. Mountain Hut (B,L,D)
back to the Horombo Huts for dinner & sleep. Mountain Hut (B,L,D)
DAY 4ÌKIBO Today we climb gradually towards the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi & Kibo. After 4-5 hours, we reach Kibo Hut (4,700 m.) Mountain Hut
DAY 6Ì MOSHI TOWN We re-trace our steps with a 5-6 hour walk through moorlands & through lush forest back to the National Park Gate. Once back to the hotel, it’s defintely time for a celebration. Hotel (B,L,D)
DAY 5ÌHOROMBO (UHURU PEAK) Rise & shine! Prepare for departure with flashlights & warm layers before dawn. Our aim is to reach Gilman's Point, 5-6 hours away, by sunrise. Another 2 hours of hiking past glaciers will take you to Kilimanjaro's true summit & Africa's highest point, Uhuru Peak. Success! We descend
CONTIKI.COM/KILIMANJARO-MARANGU
DAY 7ÌMOSHI TOWN Say goodbye to your trip mates & give yourself a huge pat on the back. The morning transfer takes you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for a final goodbye. (B)
Places visited 1
KENYA
Nightstops
Uhuru Peak
1
HOROMBO HUT
TANZANIA
KIBO HUT 2 1
MARANGU HUT
2
MOSHI TOWN
END AFTER BREAKFAST KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
HOW MUCH & WHEN SUMMER 2019/20Ì| CODE:BBKM | START KILIMANJARO AIRPORT & FINISH KILIMANJARO AIRPORT deps all year between Apr 01 Dec 30
2020
#CONTIKIKILIMANJARO
#CONTIKIKILIMANJARO
An experienced Englishspeaking Local Guide with a team of Porters & Cooks. See p.82. for more info on our essentials
1
DAYS
2020
7 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION
8
2019
THE DETAILS
2019
AFRICA
RONGAI KILI CLIMB
deps all year between Jan 1 Apr 30
NOTE: THIS TRIP DEPARTS FREQUENTLY WITH MULTIPLE DEPARTURES PER WEEK IN HIGH SEASON AND REQUIRES A MINIMUM OF TWO PEOPLE ON THE TRIP TO OPERATE- PLEASE CONTACT US DIRECTLY FOR AVAILABILITY OR REFER TO CONTIKI.COM/KILIMANJARO-MARANGU
KILIMANJARO
* Prices are per person based on multi-share, for more information see p.82. If you are travelling solo, we can pair you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Start 6:00pm & end after breakfast. These are small group tours & will not have a Contiki Trip Manager but a Local Guide. Note: This trip is not a Contiki exclusive product. Trips are subject to availability & are on request basis only.
ASIA 2019/20
CONTIKI.COM/ZANZIBAR-BEACH
080 081
ZANZIBAR BEACH ESCAPE
NEW TRIP
FROM
FROM
DAYS
COUNTRY
3 NIGHTS IN BEACH BUNGALOWS 3 nights in twin share beach bungalows
3 INCLUDED MEALS
ESSENTIALS
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
3 breakfasts (B)
Airport transfers are both included. See p.82. for more info on our essentials
F Spice tour/ Stone town by night
*
*
US$370 US$93 PER DAY
DAY 1ÌZANZIBAR And...relax! You’ll be picked up from Zanzibar Airport and transferred to your rustic bungalow, nestled up against the perfect white sands and unbelievable jewel-hued waters that make Zanzibar look like paradise. The next 3 nights are yours to get away from it all, with the only agenda item being beachside chill. Hotel DAYS 2Ì- 3ÌZANZIBAR The next couple of days are yours to spend living your best island
ZANZIBAR
DAY 4ÌZANZIBAR
life. Try exploring this chilled-out fishing village & sip a fresh coconut in the sun, sign up for a diving trip or swim in the clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Hotel (B)(B)
Enjoy your last breakfast in this island paradise before check out at 10am. You'll be transferred to Zanzibar Airport for your departure flight. (B)
HOW MUCH & WHEN
US$480
US$420
US$480
US$370
deps all year between Dec 21 Jan 08
US$480
deps all year between Jan 09 Jan 31
US$420
2020
deps all year between Nov 01 Dec 20
2020
deps all year between Oct 01 Oct 31
2019
2019
deps all year between Sep 01 Sep 30
2019/20
US$370
deps all year between Jun 28 Aug 31
2019
deps all year between Apr 01 Jun 27
2019
2019
SUMMER 2019/20Ì| CODE:BBZV | START ABEID AMANI KARUME INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT & FINISH ABEID AMANI KARUME INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT deps all year between Feb 01 Apr 30
US$449
NOTE: THE ABOVE TRIP DEPARTS DAILY 1ST APRIL, 2019 - 30TH APRIL, 2020. * Prices above are per person based on twin-share, for twin-share accommodation, both persons must book at the same time. Single room supplement from US$110. Note: This trip is not a Contiki exclusive product. Got More time? Why not combine this trip with one of our other Africa trips, See p.72. For travel insurance see p.82.
#CONTIKIZANZIBAR
1
AFRICA
4
CONTIKI.COM/ZANZIBAR-RESORT
ZANZIBAR RESORT ESCAPE FROM
4
1
DAYS
COUNTRY
*
US$330
NEW TRIP
FROM
*
US$83 PER DAY
3 NIGHTS IN HOTELS
3 INCLUDED MEALS
ESSENTIALS
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
3 nights twinshare luxurious resort style hotel accommodation
3 breakfasts (B)
Airport transfers are both included. See p.82. for more info on our essentials
F Spice tour/ Stone town by night
HOW MUCH & WHEN
ZANZIBAR
DAYS 2Ì- 3ÌZANZIBAR The next couple of days are yours to spend living your best island life. Try exploring Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site or swim in the clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Hotel (B)(B)
DAY 4ÌZANZIBAR
Enjoy your last breakfast in this island paradise before check out at 10am. You'll be transferred to Zanzibar Airport for your departure flight. (B)
#CONTIKIZANZIBAR
DAY 1ÌZANZIBAR Ready for total bliss? You’ve arrived in the home of white sand beaches, sparkling turquoise waters and the ancient seat of Sultans. You’ll be picked up from Zanzibar Airport and transferred to your luxurious resort-style hotel, equipped with all the essentials for spending your next 3 nights at leisure. Hotel
deps all year between Apr 01 ● Jan 31
2020
2019/20
SUMMER 2019/20Ì| CODE:BBZR | START ABEID AMANI KARUME INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT & FINISH ABEID AMANI KARUME INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
US$330
deps all year between Feb 01 ● Apr 30
US$350
NOTE: THE ABOVE TRIP DEPARTS DAILY 1ST APRIL, 2019 - 30TH APRIL, 2020. ● Easter supplements apply 17th - 21st April 2019 and 8th - 12th April 2020. * Prices above are per person based on twin-share, for twin-share accommodation, both persons must book at the same time. Single room supplement from US$150. Note: This trip is not a Contiki exclusive product. Got More time? Why not combine this trip with one of our other Africa trips, See p.72. For travel insurance see p.82.
CONTIKI.COM/GORILLA-TREK NEW TRIP
START 7AM ENTEBBE AIRPORT, UGANDA
4
1
DAYS
COUNTRY
3 NIGHTS IN AFRICAN LODGES 3 nights in African Lodges
9 INCLUDED MEALS
ESSENTIALS
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
3 breakfasts (B) 3 lunches (L) 3 dinners (D)
An experienced Driver/Guide & safari included
F Spice tour/ Stone town by night
SEE CONTIKI.COM/GORILLA-TREK FOR PRICING.
HOW MUCH & WHEN deps all year between Apr 1 Dec 31
2020
2019
SUMMER 2019/20Ì| CODE:BBGT | START ENTEBBE & FINISH ENTEBBE deps all year between Jan 1 Apr 30
NOTE: THIS TRIP DEPARTS FREQUENTLY WITH MULTIPLE DEPARTURES PER WEEK IN HIGH SEASON AND REQUIRES A MINIMUM OF TWO PEOPLE ON THE TRIP TO OPERATE- PLEASE CONTACT US DIRECTLY FOR AVAILABILITY OR REFER TO CONTIKI.COM/GORILLA-TREK.
DAY 1ÌBWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST RESERVE, UGANDA Upon arrival at Entebbe airport, you'll be met by a rep who will introduce you to your team & driver guide. Today is spent driving from the Lake Victoria Basin to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, passing Ugandan villages & beautiful countryside before the Kigezui mountains. African Lodge (L,D) DAY 2ÌBWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST RESERVE This is the day you've been waiting for! After an early breakfast, we'll drive to the nearby park offices to attend a Gorilla briefing. Our incredible gorilla trek
begins. We’ll spend an enchanting and unforgettable hour with a mountain gorilla family here in the wilderness of their natural habitat. African Lodge (B,L,D) • Gorilla Trek, Incl up to 1 hour with Gorilla group F Community village visit (time permitting) F Batwa cultural experience (time permitting) DAY 3ÌLAKE MBURO After breakfast, we take a morning drive through terraced evergreen mountains & stop at Mantana Lake Tented Camp for lunch. A late afternoon game drive takes you wildlife-spotting, this time for Zebra, Impala, Topi, Cape Buffalo & other plains game. African Lodge (B,L,D) • Afternoon game drive
DAY 4ÌENTEBBE Rise & shine for a final morning game drive followed by breakfast at the camp. After breakfast you'll get driven back to Entebbe & dropped at the airport for your onward flight. It's goodbye for now but you'll leave with plenty of photos & memories to revisit this adventure for a long time to come. (B) END 1PM ENTEBBE AIRPORT
UGANDA
* See contiki.com/gorilla-trek for pricing. Prices are per person, if you are travelling solo we can pair you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Trip starts 7:00am & ends approx 1:00pm. There needs to be a minimum of 2 travellers for the trip to run. Subject to Gorilla permit availability. Permits need to be purchased up front & are not refundable. If permits can only be acquired in the Ruhija sector then an additional fee will be charged. Note: This trip is not a Contiki exclusive product. Got More time? Why not combine this trip with one of our other Africa trips, See p.72. For travel insurance see p.82.
#CONTIKIGORILLATREK
GORILLA TREK
ASIA 2019/20
BEFORE YOU BOOK WHAT’S INCLUDED THE ESSENTIALS All accommodation, transport, and a good handful of meals are included in the cost of your Contiki trip (in most regions we offer breakfast every day, plus a cherry-picked selection of authentic and tasty meals). We also include our No Regrets Inclusions, which are basically the sights and activities we think you just can’t afford to miss. And then of course you also get our expert and highly trained team of Contiki staff; our Trip Managers, and English speaking Local Guides. Plus we include all private coach transport and internal flights (check your itinerary). We also include sightseeing tours of all major cities and orientations in all other destinations, and Hotel tips, local taxes and service charges.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED Flights and airport transfers to and from your start and end destination are not included in the cost of your trip. We also keep a number of meal times free for you to explore a region and its foodie offerings in greater detail, so budgeting for non-catered meals is important. In terms of activities, we also offer Free Time Add-Ons, which are not included in the overall price. If you’re hitting the slopes with us in Japan, we can point you in the right direction for ski & snowboard hire or lessons if you need to brush up on your skills. If you have your own kit, you’ll also need to budget any excess baggage fees, or additional transfer charges, and any tips for porters. Travel insurance and visas are also not included in the cost of your trip, and need to be booked separately.
AIRFARES Flights as specified on individual trip itineraries are included as part of the price. As detailed within our Booking Conditions (p.83) under ‘General’ we rely on international conventions regarding air travel & other transportation as specified. Through enrolment & payment for your trip you acknowledge & accept such. Individual electronic tickets may not be issued to you prior to travel due to the group nature of the air/flight booking. In such circumstances you acknowledge that by receipt of any applicable boarding pass &/ or by boarding the aircraft you have accepted the airline’s terms & conditions of travel & the application of all relevant International Conventions & applicable national & international law governing air transportation.
VISA REQUIREMENTS Visas are super important and are essential for entering certain countries. You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your trip. Sometimes the requirements and cost of entering and leaving a country can change. In Asia & Africa, you might be able to purchase your visa at the border. At contiki.com/travel-resources we have info on all of the countries that we visit in Asia and you can learn about the specific requirements for each place. Contact your travel agent (if applicable) or visit http://cibtvisas.sg/ to determine which visas you require and how to get them. Your passport will need to be valid for at least six months after your arrival. Without enough validity, authorities may deny your entry into a country, even if you’re only staying for a short while.
IMPORTANT
• On some overnight Special Stays you may have to store your main luggage and utilise your smaller bag. On trips with included flights, your luggage should not exceed the weight restrictions imposed by airlines. Contiki reserves the right to refuse to accept larger & heavier suitcases on trip. We suggest that you use a backpack/rucksack but it’s not required. Wheeled suitcases can be used on Contiki trips in Asia. • On East Africa, Kenyan Highlights, Taste of Tanzania, Zanzibar Resort Escape, Zanzibar Beach Escape & Gorilla Trek you can bring one soft-sided bag (duffle bag or similar) with a maximum weight of 15kg (30lbs) plus one small day pack per person. No hard-sided suitcases are permitted & weight is strictly enforced. • On Rongai & Marangu Kili Climbs baggage is strictly limited to 15kgs per person (including hand luggage). Any excess baggage will be charged by the airline at check-in. • On trips with included flights as part of the itinerary, your luggage should not exceed the weight restrictions imposed by airlines. Contiki is not responsible for any costs incurred for overweight luggage. You are responsible for carrying your own luggage. Luggage is at the owner’s risk and insurance is strongly recommended.
TRAVEL INSURANCE DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE? A simple one - yes. It’s essential that you take out travel insurance to cover the likes of cancellation, personal injury, medical expenses and loss of personal property. It’s also super important to check that your insurance covers all of the activities you’ll be partaking in, particularly any adventure activities for all you adrenaline junkies. Visit contiki.com/insurance for more information on this.
SLEEPING WHERE WILL I STAY? ASIA: Our hotel accommodation is always twin-share (except in some Unique Special Stays and on overnight trains), staying in superior tourist class hotels, many of which are centrally located, with great facilities. Twin-share is 2 people sharing, either travelling together or as a same-sex room match. We also offer upgrades to single rooms for a supplement and savings on triple room options on Japan Unrivalled. Please note that on rare occasions the availability of single rooms at some hotels can be limited. There is WiFi at almost all hotel accommodation so you can gram/snap/chat to your heart’s content. Note: On occasion, due to reasons outside our control, alternative hotels may be used. Whilst it is always our intention to use hotels of a similar standard & location, no liability can be accepted for any variation of either. WiFi is not available at remote Special Stays.
AFRICA:
FLEXDEPOSIT FlexDeposit is a policy you automatically get once you’ve paid a deposit on any Contiki trip, and works as credit towards a future Contiki adventure, ensuring your deposit money isn’t lost if you can’t travel on your original trip as intended. FlexDeposit can be used up until your 36th birthday, after which time it can then be transferred for use with any other travel brand within The Travel Corporation family of brands. It can also be gifted to a friend within 5 years of the original booking date. * You can find out more about both policies in the T&C’s on p.83 & by visiting: contiki.com/freedomguarantee contiki.com/flexdeposit
NOW THAT YOU’VE BOOKED REGISTER AT MY CONTIKI Just like you, we want your trip to run as smoothly as possible, so before you travel, make sure you register your details online at My Contiki. This only takes a few minutes and means we’ll have info on: • Your personal details, including your email address and phone number. Your emergency contact info and travel insurance details, just in case we need it. • Any dietary requirements you may have. • You’ll also need to make sure your trip is paid in full 45 days prior to departure. You’ll also find out where your Contiki Trip will start and exactly what accommodation you’ll be staying in. Plus you will be able to see & download your docs approx. 21 days before your trip departure. Visit contiki.com/mycontiki now
FREE TIME ADD-ONS ARE FREE TIME ADD-ON ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN THE COST OF MY TRIP? No, these experiences are an additional cost and are not included in the price of your Contiki trip. However, thanks to our long-standing relationships with suppliers, you can be safe in the knowledge that you are getting the best deal when booking one of our Add-Ons. Look out for the F symbol on our trip pages for the Add-Ons available on each trip. These will also be listed in your travel documents.
HOW DO I PAY FOR FREE TIME ADD-ONS? Payment for your Free Time Add-Ons is made direct to your Trip Manager on your trip. You can choose to pay in cash (local currency) or on some trips USD cash. Note: It’s a good idea to let your bank know you’re travelling & check if there is a daily transaction limit, so you always have access to money when you need it. Note: Ask your Trip Manager for details when you start your trip.
HEALTH DO I NEED VACCINATIONS FOR ASIA? At the time this brochure went to press (September, 2018), the following immunisations are recommended for travellers in Southeast Asia by the CDC (US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention): • Diphtheria & tetanus • Typhoid • Hepatitis A • Rabies • Japanese Encephalitis • Hepatitis B Zika, Malaria & Dengue Fever may also be present within this region. You should consult a travel doctor who specialises in travel medicines or your local doctor to advise on what vaccinations and/or preventative medicines would be required. Don’t forget to bring with you any medication that you may require en route such as antihistamines, antibiotics, etc.
DO I NEED VACCINATIONS FOR AFRICA? In general when travelling in Africa we recommend you consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information, necessary vaccinations and anti-malarial requirements before departure. Yellow Fever: A valid international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required in many countries. It may be requested on arrival but when crossing between Kenya and Tanzania (land or air) you WILL have to present it and may even be asked for it to re-enter your home country. A Yellow Fever certificate is therefore NECESSARY to acquire prior to departing your home country. Malaria: Preventative and anti-malarial medication is highly advised.
SAFETY INFORMATION Security is a major concern to all of us and the situation globally is constantly changing. Events around the world, coupled with the “Travel Advisories” put out by various governments, may at times necessitate changes to the accommodations and itinerary or even trip cancellation. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for further information in this regard. You must accept these risks involved in travel to any country that may experience security difficulties and accept responsibility for your own travel decisions.
BOOKING SECURITY Contiki has been running trips for young people since 1962 & in all countries we fully comply with local Travel Industry Laws. BROCHURE AUTHENTICITY We have put a great deal of effort into producing this brochure. The information given & literature produced by Contiki has been compiled with care & is published in good faith (this includes contiki.com & our ebrochures). Sometimes, because of circumstances outside our control, we have to alter some activities due to seasonal closing or repairs to buildings, etc., especially early or late in the season. If this happens, alternatives will be arranged.
Q&A
1. Visas can take up to six weeks & a fee is normally charged. 2. Failure to obtain all necessary visas could cause you to miss part of your trip & will result in you incurring considerable expense & inconvenience. 3. It is better to apply for all visas through your travel agent or local consular services before you leave home. Be aware that some visas can be purchased & arranged on arrival. 4. It is very important that the entry & exit dates are correct on the visa. Your travel agent will contact Contiki for full details.
PACKING HOW MUCH LUGGAGE CAN I BRING?
• For our Asian trips, luggage is restricted to one decent sized, non-expanding suitcase, approximately 29” × 20” × 10” (73cm x 50cm x 25cm) with a maximum weight of 20 kilos (44lbs.) plus one small hand/day bag. For the Japan Winter Wonder trip, one set of skis or snowboard and boots is permitted. Charges may apply for additional equipment.
Our African trips stay in a variety of accomodation styles including Hotels, Safari Lodges and Luxury Safari Tents. All of which are of a very high standard within the countries you are travelling. The Kili Climb trips and our one night in Chobe on the Cape, Safari & Falls trip will be very basic camping fitting to the location, however, these locations will be some of the most spectacular of the trip.
TRIPS WITHIN TRIPS
You may notice on some of our trips that some groups join and leave at different stages. That’s because we offer shorter trips within a larger itinerary, giving greater choice & flexibility so our travellers can choose when they start their trip and how long they travel for. You can check what trips are part of a bigger trip in the fine print on the actual trip page.
MAKING YOUR BOOKING
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
We get that sometimes plans change unexpectedly, so our cancellation policy offers you absolute flexibility and comes in two parts: The Freedom Guarantee policy ensures that even if your travel plans change, you’ll never miss out or be charged fees for changing your booking. If you want to change the dates of your trip, swap onto another trip or even change your trip for a different region entirely, that’s all possible, without incurring fees*.
MONEY WHAT WILL I NEED MONEY FOR ON TRIP?
In terms of spending money, you’ll need to budget for the following: • Any meals (normally lunches and dinners) that are not included. If you search for your trip at contiki.com, you’ll be able to see the total number of meals included in the cost of your trip. • Any Free Time Add-Ons you would like to do on your trip. • Any additional sightseeing you plan on doing in your Free Time, that is not covered either by our No Regrets Inclusions or Free Time Add-Ons. • Any additional personal expenses. This includes alcohol, shopping, and any evening entertainment not included.
CONTIKI+
We’re massive fans of our Contiki Travellers, particularly those that love us so much they come back for more. That’s why when you travel with us we’ll offer you up to 5% discount on the land portion of selected trips from then on. And we’ve even wrestled our TTC sister brands (found here - ttc.com) into offering exclusive offers.
NO COMPULSORY TIPPING REWARD ONLY EXCELLENCE!
Within Asia, in service industries tipping is common practice. All other tipping is entirely optional, and not an expectation. If you feel your Contiki Team has delivered an outstanding level of service throughout your trip you may wish to tip them, but this is at your discretion, no one else’s.
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS Photos courtesy of © Bay View Resort, Koh Phi Phi p.14 Hotel Pool. Photos courtesy of © Calamander Unwatuna Beach Resort, Sri Lanka p.15 Hotel Pool. Photos courtesy of © Long Set Resort, Koh Rong p.15 Twin Room. Photos courtesy of © Lanta Casuarina Beach Resort, Koh Lanta p.15 Twin Room. Photos courtesy of © Charm Churee Resort, Koh Tao p.15 Beach. Photos courtesy of © Nuo City Hotel, Bangkok p.15 Hotel Room. Photos courtesy of © Neo+ Hotel, Penang p.15 & p.27 Hotel Room. Photos courtesy of © Aqueen Hotel, Singapore p.15 Hotel Room. Photos courtesy of © Vietnam Experience Halong Sails p.15 Twin Room. Photos courtesy of © AO Nang Hotel, Krabi p.27 Hotel Infinity Pool. Photos courtesy of © Nuovo City Hotel, Bangkok p.27 Lounge Area. Photos courtesy of © Charm Churee Beach Resort, Thailand p.39 Beach. Photos courtesy of © Athgira River, Sri Lanka p.39 Camping Room. Photos courtesy of © Shinagawa Prince Hotel, Tokyo p.69 Twin Room. Photos courtesy of © Monterey Grasmere Hotel, Osaka p.69 Twin Room.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
082 083
Once Contiki accepts your booking by confirmation thereof a contract is made between Contiki & you upon the terms & conditions set out below.
OUR RESPONSIBILITIES
1. YOUR HOLIDAY RESERVATION On receipt of your deposit, subject to availability and at our discretion, Contiki will reserve your place on your selected holiday. A contract is only made between you and us upon your booking being confirmed and accepted by us and our communication thereof to either you or your travel agent. 2. PRICE GUARANTEE Prices in this brochure are based on costs and exchange rates as at 18th July, 2018. Should these costs change, it may be necessary to make a surcharge on the price of your holiday. If a booking is made and confirmed at a price which is erroneous we may correct our error by notifying you. Unless we agree to honour the erroneous price, you will have the right to cancel within 7 days of notification without penalty. Should the total trip price increase by more than 10% you will have the right to cancel within 7 days of notification without penalty. No surcharge in respect of cost or currency fluctuations will be made once payment of the deposit for your land trip has been received. This guarantee excludes fuel surcharges and does not apply to any taxes, charges or levies imposed by any government or their agencies. In exchange for these guarantees, no refund will be made if costs are reduced. 3. IF WE CANCEL OR CHANGE YOUR HOLIDAY 3.1 Contiki reserves the right to change or cancel your booking in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances beyond its control. For a coach holiday to operate successfully a minimum number of clients is required. Should the numbers on your holiday fail to reach this minimum Contiki reserves the right to cancel your holiday giving a minimum of 6 weeks notice. 3.2 Should change or cancellation prove necessary we will give you reasonable notice thereof, in the circumstances, and where available, offer you a comparable or better alternative. 3.3 If an alternative is not available or acceptable you will be entitled to either a full refund of monies paid by you to us or transfer to another Contiki holiday without payment of any transfer fee. 3.4 If the change or cancellation is due to force majeure (i.e. circumstances like political unrest, war or threat of war, riots, civil strife, closure of airports or ports, industrial disputes, terrorist activity, natural and nuclear disasters, fire, epidemic or health risk, Acts of God, adverse weather conditions or other similar events beyond Contiki’s control) we will give a full refund of any monies paid to us less reasonable expenses incurred by us in respect of your booking. 3.5 Contiki is not responsible for the costs of any other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations or rescheduling of any trip departure. 4. HOLIDAY DETAILS AND CONDITIONS 4.1 Throughout this brochure reference is made to the standard of accommodation, meal plans, transportation and included extras that make up your Contiki Holiday. 4.2 At the time this brochure went to press (September, 2018) all Contiki’s holidays and included extras as described on the trip pages throughout this brochure were available. 4.3 With respect to our touring program Contiki will do our best, at our discretion, to select accommodation, sightseeing trips and transportation to give you good value for money. 4.4 When winter brochures are released, these prices supersede any winter trip prices in the summer brochure 4.5 Contiki constantly strives to improve trip itineraries and features. If such improvements can be made, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary, we reserve the right to vary itineraries and to substitute hotels. Contiki is not responsible for any other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations. 4.6 We reserve the right to alter or substitute the type, size of vehicle and/or the style of transport mentioned in the brochure, resulting in occasionally having to utilise transport without some of the features promoted including WiFi & power outlets. 4.7 Complimentary WiFi service is available in many Contiki guestrooms and/or the public areas of most properties. In many itineraries there is paid WiFi on-board the coaches. The WiFi on the coaches uses the cellular phone network and as a result the connection will be slower than standard broadband and at times may not be available. 5. LIABILITY 5.1 Your travel agent shall, on the receipt of any monies, hold such monies for you until the booking is confirmed at which time those monies shall be remitted promptly by your travel agent to us. All such monies received by us will be deposited as required by law. 5.2 We will be entitled to keep for each account any interest earned on such monies. 5.3 All monies paid by you to us through your travel agent or otherwise, whether in respect of the deposit or full payment, may be disbursed by us as and when we see fit, in respect of the services to be provided and/ or fees payable under your selected holiday. The payment of a deposit or any other monies in respect of your holiday shall be deemed to be an authorisation to disburse thereof as aforesaid.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
1. BOOKING YOUR HOLIDAY 1.1 In order to reserve your holiday, a deposit of US$200, per person per trip, or the full amount payable if booking is made within 45 days of departure from your home country, must be submitted to Contiki by you in respect of that holiday. This payment is in addition to any deposit required by your travel agent. The deposit is accepted as a first instalment of the holiday price by Contiki only once the booking has been confirmed in writing by Contiki or your travel agent. 1.2 Deposit and final payment will be converted to the local currency at point of booking. Conversion is based on the prevailing exchange rate at time of full/balance payment. Please check with your Travel Agent at time of payment. 1.3 Your land reservation will be confirmed on receipt of a non refundable deposit of US$200 per person per trip, which must be within 7 days of booking or the reservation will automatically be cancelled. 1.4 Any special meal requirements will be made on a request basis only. Contiki cannot guarantee special meal requests nor will it assume any responsibility or liability if clients’ special meal requirements are not fulfilled. 1.5 Gorilla Trek. If you wish to book a trip including the Gorilla Trek you will be required to make an additional non-refundable deposit at the time of booking. Your reservations agent will advise you of the additional amount required. 2. PAYING THE BALANCE 2.1 The balance of the holiday price must be paid no later than 45 days before the scheduled holiday departure date from your home country which shall be by the due date stated on the confirmation issued to you by Contiki. 2.2 If payment isn’t made by the due date, Contiki may assume that you have cancelled and cancellation charges in accordance with clause 3 below will be levied by Contiki.
2.3 Tickets and other documents won’t be forwarded until full payment has been received by us. 2.4 In the case of Late Bookings made within 45 days of your departure from your home country, the full cost of the holiday will be payable immediately on booking and we reserve the right to provide all travel documents at the holiday departure point. 2.5 Contiki reserves the right to cancel the booking and apply cancellation charges should payments not be received within the above specified periods. 3. IF YOU CANCEL 3.1 Freedom Guarantee/FlexDeposit : We know that travel plans can change. If you need to cancel for any reason, your deposit will remain secure until you’re ready to use it. Or if you can’t go, your deposit value is also transferable, so you can gift your deposit at no extra cost. The value of the original deposit can be used as credit towards booking a new trip. The original deposit refers to the trip deposit only and excludes any additional deposits such as Inca Trail, or flights. Any monies already refunded are not applicable. The FlexDeposit will be applied as a discount on the final payment of your new trip. The amount allowed to be redeemed is equal to the original deposit amount paid. In the case of multiple deposits due to back to back trips, only one deposit amount can be credited per trip, they cannot be combined. However multiple trips can be booked using multiple FlexDeposits. Valid on all Contiki trips 7 days or longer. Credit is valid until the client turns 36. i.e fitting within Contiki’s age limit as per Contiki’s booking conditions. After turning 36 years of age, the FlexDeposit can be used with one of our sister brands, get inspired here www.ttc.com/brands/. Credit can also be gifted to family or friends. To gift to family or friend the customer must email confirmation to Contiki stating the nominated name. Gifting only valid within 5 calendar years of the original booking. (eg cancelled in 2014, valid on trips up to end of 2019). FlexDeposit is not valid on existing bookings. FlexDeposit has no cash value and is non-refundable. FlexDeposit is not combinable with Early Payment Discounts or Last Minute Deals within 120 days of original travel date. 3.2 Your deposit is non-refundable upon cancellation by you. 3.3 Upon cancellation you will be liable to pay a fee to cover the estimate of cost and expenses incurred by us in the terms of the schedule set out hereunder. This is expressed as a percentage of the holiday price and is calculated as follows: KENYA & TANZANIA TRIPS: PERIOD OF NOTICECANCELLATION FEE 45 days & over:.......................................................... Deposit is forfeited 44-31 days:.....................................................................50% of trip fare 30-16 days:.....................................................................75% of trip fare 15 days to day of departure: ........................................100% of trip fare UGANDA TRIPS: PERIOD OF NOTICE CANCELLATION FEE 45 days & over:.......................................................... Deposit is forfeited 44-31 days:.....................................................................50% of trip fare 30 days to day of departure: ........................................100% of trip fare SOUTHERN AFRICA TRIPS: PERIOD OF NOTICE CANCELLATION FEE 45 days & over:.......................................................... Deposit is forfeited 44-31 days:.....................................................................50% of trip fare 30-16 days:.....................................................................75% of trip fare 15 days to day of departure: ........................................100% of trip fare SOUTH AFRICA FLIGHTS: PERIOD OF NOTICE CANCELLATION FEE 42 days & over:..........................................................10% of flight ticket 41-29 days:................................................................50% of flight ticket 28 days to day of departure: ...................................100% of flight ticket ASIA TRIPS: PERIOD OF NOTICE CANCELLATION FEE More than 45 days notice:......................................... Deposit is forfeited 45-31 days:.....................................................................25% of trip fare 30-8 days: .......................................................................50% of trip fare 7-1 days: .........................................................................75% of trip fare Day of departure: ..........................................................100% of trip fare NB: Please note, Contiki’s cancellation policy is different in Asia due to internal flight ticketing timeframes & ground transport confirmations. These must be booked well in advance in order to secure high quality services that adhere to our strict safety standards. Where the percentage cancellation fee is less than the trip deposit, the cancellation fee will equal loss of deposit. If the reason for cancellation falls within the terms of any holiday insurance policy which you hold, then any such charges may, subject to the terms of your insurance policy, be refunded to you by the insurance company. Extra night accomodations that are cancelled within 14 days of booked date will incur a 100% cancellation fee, outside 14 days the following fees will be charged: 45-22 days........................................................................................ 25% 21-15 days........................................................................................ 30% All cancellation policies valid as at 27th September, 2018 and are subject to change. Final policy will be confirmed at time of booking. 3.4 In the event that you should not be granted a visa, we have devised this unique scheme to protect you against the necessary cancellation fees detailed above. For trips costing up to US$1,000 - waiver fee US$79 per person. For trips costing over US$1,000 - waiver fee US$89 per person. Waiver fees are payable at the time of booking and are non-refundable. They do not apply to cancellations due to changes of mind or for medical reasons. To protect yourself against these and other eventualities, you should ask your Travel Agent about a suitable insurance policy. N.B. This scheme is applicable only in the event that you provide documentary proof of having a visa application refused. To be eligible for the purchase of the visa waiver insurance, clients are encouraged to do so as early as possible when they make their trip booking. If we do not hear from you or your travel agent 30 days before the trip, we will assume that your visa application has not been approved and we will have to cancel your reservation. However, you can always re-book your trip (subject to availability) should your visa approval come inside 30 days. Bookings made within 30 days without the necessary visa approvals are not eligible for this visa waiver insurance and will be subject to the standard cancellation terms and conditions. 3.5 Any cancellation of additional services booked prior to & after your trip booking, such as pre & post accommodation & transfers, that are cancelled within 14 days of the trip departure incur a 100% cancellation fee. 3.6 These cancellation fees are in addition to any cancellation fees that may be levied by your travel agent. All Cancellation policies valid as at 27th September, 2018 and are subject to change. Final policy will be confirmed at time of booking. 3.7 If flight changes are requested after the deposit has been received, or if flights are cancelled after tickets are issued, revision fees, change fees or Airline cancellation fees will be applicable and may be in addition to the above cancellation charges. 4. IF YOU CHANGE YOUR BOOKING 4.1 If after your booking has been confirmed, you wish to change to an alternate departure date of any available trip, you may do so subject to availability. 4.2 If the change is requested 45 days before the original trip departure no fee will be charged.
4.3 A change of booking within 45 days of original trip departure will be treated as a cancellation and normal cancellation fees will apply (as detailed in section 3). However trip deposits can be used as credit to a new trip, see FlexDeposit. 4.4 The new departure price would not be eligible for early payment discounts (EPD) if within 45 days before departure. 4.5 A name change to a different person will be treated as a cancellation. 4.6 A fee will be charged for any alteration to airline arrangements made by Contiki as per clause 3 5. HOLIDAY DETAILS AND CONDITIONS 5.1 Please read the brochure carefully for those items included in the price. No allowance or refund can be made for meals, accommodation, excursions, etc. that you elect not to take, or when museums, shops, etc are closed. Hotel facilities may vary from place to place. Meals may vary in style. 5.2 Clients must be aged between 18 & 35 inclusive to travel on Contiki trips. 5.3 Contiki must be advised of any medical conditions or physical disability requiring special attention before you book your holiday. If you do not advise us at this stage, we may refuse to accept your booking. We may also refuse you if we feel that the holiday chosen is not suitable without a suitably qualified companion. Contiki will try to help you with your requirements but cannot guarantee to do so, either on our own or our suppliers’ (such as hotels, restaurants and excursions) behalf. Many of our holidays involve getting on and off coaches, walking tours and other physical activities. Some holidays may not be suitable for you if you rely on a wheelchair or have certain other disabilities. Should your disability require you to have special assistance, it is a condition of Contiki accepting your booking that you provide evidence satisfactory to us that an able-bodied person will accompany you and is able to provide any special needs or services that you may require. Contiki will not be responsible for the failure of this person to provide these services. 5.4 You are responsible for all travel arrangements and costs to/from the point of commencement/conclusion of the holiday. 5.5 There may be times when the Contiki Representative has to make a decision in your best interests or the best interests of their group. You agree to comply with the authority and decisions of the appointed Contiki Representative and the laws of the country in which you are travelling. If you do not so comply or if, in the Contiki Representative’s opinion, you are not compatible with the general enjoyment and well being of other members on the holiday or smooth operation of the holiday itself, we reserve the right to refuse to let you continue with the holiday. We do not tolerate the possession or carriage of illegal or restricted substances (drugs). Furthermore, you agree that your fellow travellers and any Contiki Representative has the right to travel/work in a safe environment. Any threats to their safety, well being or inappropriate behaviour by you, whether verbal or physical, will be taken extremely seriously and may result in the immediate termination of your holiday. In either event, you will be responsible for your own repatriation and related costs and have no claims against us. 5.5.1 You are responsible for any costs incurred as a result of damage or excess cleaning fees related to your accommodation. You are advised to immediately report any pre-existing damage in your room to hotel staff and/or a Contiki Trip Manager as soon as it is discovered. 5.6 Where the passenger occupies a motorcoach seat fitted with a safety belt, neither the operator or service providers, agents or co-operating organisations shall be liable for any illness, injury or death or any loss or damages or claims whatsoever arising from any accident or incident, if the safety belt is not being worn at the time of the accident or incident. 5.7 It is your responsibility to have a valid passport and all visas, permits and certificates required for your selected holiday before your departure as well as any necessary vaccinations and to comply with all applicable laws. Contiki is not responsible for any costs incurred as a result of failing to obtain necessary visas. Any costs whatsoever regarding obtaining, replacing or changing visas whilst on trip (including accommodation, meals, flights and transfers incurred due to associated delays) are at your own expense. 5.8 You agree that our Contiki Trip Managers or Representatives may take photographs and films of you while you are on holiday and that these may be used in our Group brochures and/or advertising or publicity material without obtaining any further consent or payment in respect of such photographs and/or films. 5.9 Should you have a complaint in respect of the holiday, you should inform the Contiki Trip Manager or Contiki Representative during the course of the holiday and if the matter cannot be resolved after the Representative’s best endeavours to do so during the holiday, your complaint should be made in writing to Contiki as soon as is reasonably possible after the holiday but within 28 days thereof so that your complaint can be investigated. Any claims made after the 28 day period will not be considered by Contiki. If you choose to write to Contiki via the Internet, please provide your home address so that we are able to reply to you in writing. 5.10.1 The contract and all matters arising in respect hereof shall be subject to English Law, unless we agree otherwise in writing. 5.10.2 If any provision of this contract is held invalid or unenforcable by any court of competent jurisdiction, that provision shall be deemed to be re-written to give effect to the same purpose within the permitted limits of the law. The validity and enforcability of the other provisions shall not be affected. 5.10.3 If you are unsuccessful in any legal action instituted against us, you agree to pay all our costs, including but not limited to, attorney/ client costs. 6. COMPULSORY INSURANCE Travel insurance is compulsory on our trips, and we have some of the best deals on rates. Visit contiki.com/insurance. It is compulsory that you take out comprehensive insurance cover for cancellation, personal injury, death, medical expenses, repatriation expenses and evacuation expenses before you travel on a Contiki holiday. We strongly recommend your insurance also covers cancellation, personal liability and loss of personal property. Please check that the insurance covers all of the activities that you are going to be participating in. Some policies exclude certain adventure activities. This should be arranged at the time of payment of the deposit and will, in certain circumstances, cover you against loss of deposit or cancellation fees from the date of confirmation of your booking, as shown in the insurance policy. Contiki cannot be held responsible for your failure to take out appropriate insurance and we recommend you purchase your insurance at or soon after booking your trip. You also agree to indemnify us against all third-party claims, actions, damages and remedies which may be brought against us in respect of your participation in the holiday. 7. ILLNESS OR ABSENTEEISM In the event of your withdrawal from a holiday after the commencement as a result of illness, you must obtain a medical certificate in support of any insurance claim. No refunds will be made for any absence from the trip.
8. WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN THE HOLIDAY PRICE Airfares to and from your holiday destination, airport taxes, passport and visa fees, insurance, laundry, phone calls, beverages, meals not detailed in the itinerary, tips to Trip Managers, representatives, drivers and local guides, items of a personal nature, excess baggage, Free Time Add-Ons. 9. WEATHER CONDITIONS Under no circumstances can we be held responsible for snow or weather conditions, nor can any holiday be cancelled or amended by you at any time on the basis of snow or weather conditions. 10. LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS Asia trips: Luggage is restricted to one reasonable sized, non-expanding suitcase size up to 29” x 20” x 10” (73cm x 50cm x 25cm) and the maximum weight of 20 kilos (44lbs.) plus one small hand/day bag that can go on the coach with you. No metal frame backpacks are allowed. Contiki reserves the right to refuse to accept larger suitcases on trip. Cape Safari Falls trip: Baggage restrictions of one medium sized bag (ideally soft-sided) with a maximum weight of 20kg (44lbs) plus one piece of hand luggage per person. It is advised that this piece of hand luggage should be used as an “overnight bag” for the one night of camping in the Chobe National Park. East Africa inc Kenya/Tanzania/Gorilla Trek/Zanzibar trips: Baggage restrictions of one soft-sided bag (duffle bag or similar) with a maximum weight of 15kg (30lbs) plus one piece of small day pack per person. No hard-sided suitcases are permitted, and weight is strictly enforced. Day bag for sunblock, water, camera and binoculars while on safari drives. Kilimanjaro Climb trips: Baggage is strictly limited to 15kgs per person (including hand luggage). Any excess baggage will be charged by the airline at check-in.
GENERAL
1. CONTRACTING PARTIES 1.1 The Booking Conditions detailed herein contain the entire contract between you and Contiki. No representation, term, warranty or condition can be expressed or implied by reference to any other writing, advertisement or conversation. This contract may only be varied in writing by a duly authorised officer or director of Contiki. 1.2 Your contract is with us as the trip operating company. At any time and at our complete discretion we may nominate to you in writing any other company or person to have the benefit of some or all of those provisions of this contract, which we may then specify, as if you had agreed the provisions concerned directly with that company or person in the first place as well as agreeing them with us. We may at our complete discretion assign all or any rights and liabilities arising under or by virtue of this or any other contract with you. 1.3 Transportation companies, airlines etc. are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not on board planes, transportation or conveyances. We rely on international conventions, national and international law, which may apply to the services provided by us, our suppliers or agents with respect to any claim of any nature brought by you against us as a result of the provision of those services. International conventions which apply may include: Warsaw Convention 1929, (as amended by Hague Protocol & Montreal Protocol) in relation to air travel, or Montreal Convention; the Berne Convention for rail travel; Athens Convention 1974 for carriage by sea; the Geneva Convention for carriage by road & the Paris Convention 1962 for Hotels. We are to be regarded as having all benefit of these conventions on limiting our liability in relation to any claim for death, injury, loss, damage & delay to passengers & luggage. Enrolment in & payment for a trip shall constitute agreement & acceptance by the passenger of the terms & conditions set forth in this brochure which cannot be varied except in writing by an officer of the Company. 1.4 Contiki is not a carrier or hotelier nor does it own aircraft, hotels or coaches. Contiki contracts with many different suppliers throughout the world to ensure that all the components of your holiday are taken care of. Contiki accepts responsibility for the services contracted with these suppliers as they effect your holiday. Where a part of your holiday as specified in this brochure cannot be provided and a reasonable alternative not accepted, Contiki may pay compensation specific to that loss. Please also note that Contiki cannot be held responsible for the failure of any of these parties to provide facilities or services for handicapped clients (see also 5.3 under Holiday Details & Conditions). 1.5 Please note that no airline or carrier depicted or recommended in this brochure by virtue of their endorsement of this brochure represent themselves either as contracting with any purchaser of a holiday from Contiki or as having any other legal relationship with any such purchaser. 1.6 Every effort is made to ensure brochure accuracy at the time of going to print, however Contiki cannot be held responsible for printing or typographical errors, or errors arising from unforeseen circumstances. 2. VALIDITY The programmes advertised in this brochure are valid from January 2019 to April 2020. 3. OPERATING COMPANIES Contiki’s Asia programmes are operated by Contiki Holidays Asia Ltd., Travel House, Rue du Manoir, St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 2JH, Channel Islands. Contiki’s Africa programmes are operated by Contiki Holidays Ltd, Travel House, Rue du Manoir, St Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands, GY1 2JH Please note that Contiki utilises ground handlers to assist with the operation of our products. These ground handlers include: ARP for Eastern Africa (Kenya, Tanzania including Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar, Uganda). Springbok Atlas for South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. 4. CONTIKI IS REPRESENTED IN: Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom and USA. Contiki is a registered trademark of Contiki Tours International Ltd, Guernsey. DATA PROTECTION STATEMENT Please be assured that we have measures in place to protect the personal booking information held by us. This information will be passed on to the principal and to the relevant suppliers of your travel arrangements. The information may also be provided to public authorities such as customs or immigration if required by them, or as required by law. Certain information may also be passed on to security or credit checking companies. We will only pass your information on to persons responsible for your travel arrangements. This applies to any sensitive information that you give to us such as details of any disabilities, or dietary/religious requirements. (If we cannot pass this information to the relevant suppliers we will be unable to provide your booking. In making this booking, you consent to this information being passed on to the relevant persons.). Where the data might be passed on for marketing purposes, you have the right to opt out of future marketing. You also have a right of access to data held which can be obtained by writing to Contiki Holidays Ltd, Travel House, Rue du Manoir, St Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands, GY1 2JH. This brochure was published in September 2018 and supersedes any other current brochure in the market.
@ CO NTI K I
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YO UR CO N T I KI T R A VE L E X P E R T I S:
1st Edition
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