SMALL GROUP ADVENTURES for 18-35’s 2012/13 ASIA Inc. Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia & China
LEGENDARY for a reason
THE ORIGINAL
SINCE ‘62 Celebrating 50 great years. See p.16
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> MEET CÉLINE Ms Cousteau talks oceans, Ghandi, and her family. See p.26
> MAIN COURSE Get ready to indulge in a taste of Asia. See p.13
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CONTENTS ASIA 2012/13> GREAT WALL OF CHINA
What’s What
BEIJING CHINA
02 04 06 07 08 09 10 12 13 14 15 17
Meet Contiki Experience Asia The Contiki way Why we’re different Explore more - free time Only Contiki Includes more Meet the team & How we travel in Asia Where you stay Food in Asia Only Contiki Save with Contiki Join us online
XI’AN SHANGHAI China
GUILIN
YANGSHUO HONG KONG
VIETNAM
Indochina 18 19
Introducing Indochina Vietnam Highlights
20
Vietnam Experience
Vietnam HANOI
Halong Bay
PAKBENG LAOS Laos
10 days £749
CHIANG RAI
12 days £895
22
LUANG PRABANG
VANG VIENG VIENTIANE
CHIANG MAI
HUE
Asian Adventure 14 days £1199
24
Da Nang
Big Indochina Adventure
THAILAND
Thailand
HOI AN
25 days £2315
Thai Islands 28 29
BANGKOK
NHA TRANG
Cambodia CAMBODIA
Introducing the Thai Islands Thai Island Hopper West
PHNOM PENH KOH TAO
9 days £545
30
SIEM REAP
Thai Island Hopper East
MEKONG DELTA
HO CHI MINH CITY
KOH PHA NGAN KOH SAMUI
9 days £475
China
KRABI PHUKET
31 32
Introducing China China Adventure
KOH PHI PHI
12 days £1649
Cool Stuff 16 26 27
The original since ‘62 Meet Céline Contiki cares
Other Stuff 34 35 36
Got a question? Booking conditions How to book
Need help finding your perfect trip? Scan to ask the Contiki genius
Meet us and other travellers online:
02-03 Why Contiki Asia.indd 2
twitter.com/contikiuk
facebook.com/contiki
youtube.com/contiki
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www.contiki.com
The Original
Since ‘62 Exploring the world with Contiki is more than just travelling it’s about taking a journey. A journey where you’ll discover awe inspiring places & create unforgettable memories. A journey packed full of local culture, cool places & great people. An experience that will change your view on the world. It starts with people just like you from around the world, people who are determined to get the most out of every minute. With us, you’ll discover the real Asia the diverse cultures & local customs, the incredible food, the historical past & especially, the people themselves.
Small group adventures for 18-35’s. See p.6-7 for more
You may be a seasoned explorer or a first timer, with a group or going solo, but one thing’s for sure – when you travel with us you’ll experience more. Our Asia tours include heaps of extras, from exceptional accommodation & authentic local meals, to experiences that are unique & showcase the local’s Asia. They’re also about amazing optional activities, a great team, authentic ways to get around & local guides for that essential in-depth local experience.
The greatest journeys start with a single step & end up as legendary stories. Start yours with us.
flickr.com/contikiholidays
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We travel for the moments... Moments that make your jaw drop & your eyes widen, like the first time you watch the sunrise over the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, or walking in the footsteps of thousands past on the Great Wall of China. Some give you that “wow” moment, like staring out over the turquoise waters of Halong Bay from a traditional Junk Boat, or meeting the locals in the hutongs of Beijing. Others are a little more low-key, like taking a slow boat to the beaches of Koh Phi Phi or watching the Buddhist monks quietly stroll by in Luang Prabang.
These moments all come together to create your story… one that will live with you forever. It’s the cultural explosion that makes Asia so special - the local cultures & customs, the unbeatable food, the incredible variety of landscapes & the amazing characters that make each country so unique. It’s about widening your perspective on the world & coming home with your own story to tell... Your journey starts here...
Profile pic
Fast food 19:00: Nha Trang
11:23: Great Wall of China
Road trip 10:35: Luang Prabang
Main sail
07:14: Halong Bay
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UNESCO’s World Heritage sites Most Contiki Asia tours visit World Heritage sites, so look for the World Heritage symbol on the tour pages.
Island time
visit contiki.com/worldheritagelist to find out more
09:45: Koh Phi Phi
Local deli
Walk the line 12:57: Bangkok
High rise
06:00: Luang Prabang 11:15: Angkor Wat Scan to explore Asia with Contiki... Find out more at contiki.com/barcodes
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Travelling in Asia is mind-blowing, and experiencing it with Contiki isn’t quite like anything else. Here’s why...
GO
Only Contiki
Get even more value with our “Only Contiki” special inclusions, like a private 2 day cruise along the Mekong River, a guided bike ride through the Vietnamese countryside or a cable car journey at the Great Wall of China . Check the “Only Contiki” section on the tour pages to see the included experiences.
See Asia your way. No matter how you like to travel, we have a trip to suit. Want an island getaway? Or looking to explore it all? With 7 tours across 5 countries, if you want a short trip or you’ve got time to see more, there’s a trip with your name on it.
More time to explore. No journey is complete without time to relax, go local & find your own path. On our tours we give you lots of free time to head out, discover the real Asia & create your own adventure. Relax, learn, go exploring or just chill. Plus we also give you plenty of inspirational ideas for other things to do with our unique optional activities. See p.8 for more.
Get more with Contiki. Getting the most out of your money when you travel is important, so we include more. More sights, more amazing accommodation, more activities, the best guides plus exclusive extras you can only get with us. The bottom line? You’ll get more incredible experiences travelling with Contiki.
We’re here for you. From your Tour Manager & expert Local Guides, to our customer service teams, everyone at Contiki has one focus – to ensure your trip is the trip of a lifetime. Our team are passionate travellers, who know Asia like the back of their hand. To complement them, our expert English-speaking Local Guides give you that essential insiders view on the places we visit, often their home.
Amazing places to stay. Nearly all hotel accommodation means you’ll sleep easy each night with all your favourite home comforts. Plus we live it local with our unique Junk Boat & guesthouse Special Stays. More on p.12.
Local know-how. When you travel, getting the local experience is essential. Whether it’s scouting out the best local markets, finding the best street food vendor in Ho Chi Minh or the best spot to party in Koh Pha Ngan, we’ll show you.
Siem Reap
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Contiki
The
What makes us different? Contiki Asia is a way to travel unlike any other. > 10 ways to get around We love to go local, & with 10 ways to get around, you will too. To reduce travelling time, we often fly, to get you where you’re going faster, so there’s more time to explore. And you’ll get a real taste for how the locals get around, with rickshaw, cyclo & tuk tuk rides, boats, overnight trains & more.
you’re keen on a little more privacy, you can opt for a ‘room to myself’ for a little extra. More on p.12. > Authentic experiences Get a real taste for Asia with our overnight experiences at locally owned guesthouses in Pakbeng & the Mekong Delta, plus a stunning Junk Boat overnight on Halong Bay. More on p.12.
> Amazing accommodation
> The perfect group size
Almost all hotel accommodation (centrally located too) means you’re travelling in comfort. Think twin-share rooms with en-suites, TVs, air-con, fluffy towels & in some places pools & free WiFi. If you’re travelling solo, we’ll match you up with a same sex room-mate & if
Around 30 people per tour means it’s the perfect size for getting around. It’s about getting that intimate experience but with enough people to meet other like-minded travellers. Get ready to make new friends from around the world.
> Make a difference Whenever we can, we support & give back to the local communities we visit. Like visiting a centre that helps the modern day victims of Lao’s Civil War & eating at restaurants that train & provide employment for the less fortunate.
Locally guided bike tours Giving back
Private beach at Bay View Resort, Koh Phi Phi
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Chinese acrobat show, Shanghai
Day boat cruise, Koh Phi Phi
Explore more Make the most of your free time...
Kayaking, Bamboo Island
No journey is complete without some time to explore, relax & go your own way. When you travel with us, the only things that are fixed are your destinations. Want to venture out & explore the local markets, grab a bite & soak up the sun? Want to do something more active, or relax? The choice is yours. We plan our trips to ensure there’s heaps of free time to explore the way you want, so you can dive head first into the buzz of Asia. Explore, hit the markets or the shops, or find a place to relax & people watch. Grab your camera & frame up some great shots, hit the beach or immerse yourself in the places you’re at. And on our tours we take it further. On each trip, for an additional cost, we’ve hand-picked some Explore More options, unique to the places you visit. They’re our tried & tested traveller favourites. Relax as you hit the islands
Hit the streets & explore
of Nha Trang & swim in the Kuang Si waterfalls in Laos or get a rich local experience as you learn to cook like a pro in Thailand, Vietnam or China. Other options will leave you amazed, like watching Chinese acrobats at a show in Shanghai, or catching the incredible underwater world as you snorkel off Koh Tao. Whatever you choose, you’ll get great prices & we’ll organise it all for you. Look out for the Explore More symbol on the tour pages & don’t forget your sense of adventure.
Boat cruise off Nha Trang / Swim in the blue waters of Kuang Si waterfall / Tall boat cruise & swimming off Koh Pha Ngan / Authentic Thai cooking experience / KOTO restaurant dinner in Hanoi / Impressions Liu Sanjie show / Cooking class in Hoi An / & many more...
Snorkelling cruise, Koh Tao
Visit the local markets
Swim in Kuang Si waterfall Vietnamese cooking class, Hoi An
Please note: Explore More optional activities are not included in the price of your tour. They are run by 3rd party operators & on occasions, for some 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 & be aware that some of our optionals can be physically demanding & therefore involve some risk.
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Only Contiki includes more... The Great Wall of China
Travelling in Asia is an experience like no other. There’s so much you need to see, so we make sure you experience it all. From the iconic sights, like Halong Bay & Angkor Wat, to those authentic local experiences that make Asia so unique, we show you more. We also give you more bang for your buck - with Contiki you get more included as part of your tour than going any other way. Asia’s best sights, all included:
Exclusive experiences:
From the big stuff, like Xi’an’s ancient city walls, the Royal Palace in Bangkok & Angkor Wat in Siem Reap – we’ll show you Asia’s best sights & hidden gems too, so you’ll discover more.
With us, you’ll get exclusive experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. Think guided bike tours through the Vietnamese countryside & Luang Prabang, private cruises down the Mekong, entry & tour of the Forbidden City in Beijing & more.
Discover the real Asia:
Private two-day Mekong cruise Angkor Wat, Siem Reap
Go inside Asia like only a local can & experience more, with guided bike tours, walking tours & cool local ways to get around. Our team take you inside the real Asia with overnight stays in local guesthouses & experiences that give back to the local communities we visit.
The best team: Your Tour Manager & Local Guide are all about you, ensuring your trip is hassle free. Our Tour Managers make travelling easy - everything from finding the hotel & where you need to go to making all the bookings. It’s their job, not yours. And our expert English-speaking Local Guides take it up a level. Their knowledge is priceless you’ll get that unique local perspective that will enrich your travel experience.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Included highlights are shown on each tour page
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Exceptional accommodation: Nearly all hotel accommodation means there’s no need to say goodbye to your creature comforts. With twin-share or single room options available, the choice is yours. We also give you some unique Special Stay overnights, with guesthouse stays in Pakbeng & the Mekong Delta, for a truly local experience.
Better value: There’s no extra cost if you’re travelling solo & we include local taxes & charges in our prices. This all adds up to better value for you. More on p.14 .
Time to explore: Lots of time to explore means free time to get into the heart of Asia, explore the way you want & get off the beaten track even more.
Definite departures Over 100 definite departures, with more added every week. Check your tour on contiki.com & look out for the definite departure symbol on the availability calendar.
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Meet the team The Contiki Difference Nothing’s better than a travel mate who knows Asia like the back of their hand. A friend who is soley focussed on making sure your trip is an incredible journey where you can learn & experience more. Contiki’s expert Tour Manager & Local Guide team have only one thing on their mind. You. Tuk tuk’s!
& relax, knowing that choosing to travel Contiki means everything from finding your hotel, to knowing the best local bars, negotiating border crossings & all the other little travel details are their job - not yours. Our friendly English-speaking Local Guides complement our Tour Managers perfectly – they’ll give you that essential local aspect, that only a local has. Their knowledge of where you visit (often their home) means you’ll learn even more.
Meet Johnny, one of our expert Local Guides
PROFILES
Our Tour Managers & Local Guides are your on-road dream team. Our Tour Managers will fast track you to the must-see sights, open doors to authentic local experiences & are always happy to help. They’ll take you off the tourist track & into the real Asia, as well as ensuring your trip is smooth & hassle free. We pick the best of the bunch & send them on a training trip (the best in the industry), & they’ve often worked with us in our other locations around the globe. You can sit back
Chen
> CHEN, Local Guide, lives in Siem Reap I know… Siem Reap like the palm of my hand - I’ve lived here all my life. All… young travellers are different– I’ll show you what you want to see when you come to Siem Reap. I love Cambodia… especially Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat, the mountains & waterfalls.
> DAVE, Asia Manager, from Victoria, Australia Taste… as many different local foods in Asia as you can – you may never taste anything like them again. Believe…Travel broadens the mind – & can change your life. I love my job because…I never know who I’m going to meet or what curious surprises will be arriving around the next corner.
Dave
Meet Dave & Richie, two of our Contiki Asia team
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Johnny
> JOHNNY, Local Guide, lives in Luang Prabang I’ll… teach you about the the history & the culture of Laos. I’ve… trained for 5 years & I’ll help you find the things that are special to Luang Prabang. Taste… Luang Prabang’s food – it’s the best in Laos. I love Luang Prabang’s famous chilli sauce.
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Getting around With Contiki we mix it up - giving you a taste of how travel is really done in Asia. From included flights, 4-wheels, to 2-wheels, to no wheels (with paddles & outboard motors instead), there are up to 10 different types of transport when you travel Contiki in Asia.
Private two-day Mekong cruise
Travelling in Asia is more than just a way to get around, it’s a social event. You’re never short of mates to hang out with – check out the views, listen to music or just chill. What’s even better is that we make getting around in Asia easy. We get you where you need to be, drop you right at your door & unload your bags so you can hit the ground running.
Cyclo ride
Longtail boats
Caption
Cycling tours
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We average around 30 people per group, so it’s a great size to get amongst it all. Internal flights, overnight trains, private minibuses, rickshaws, tuk-tuks, songtaews, long tail boats, bicycles, sampans (wooden canoes) & a traditional Chinese style junk boat are some of the ways you’ll travel. All these are chosen to make sure you get to places quickly & hassle free in a fun & authentic way.
Sampan Mekong Delta
Ferry ride to Koh Phi Phi
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Sleep easy In comfort & style... Bay View Resort, Koh Phi Phi
Traditional Junk Boat, Halong Bay
Casa Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap
Sawaddi Patong Resort, Phuket
Accommodation on our Asia trips is nothing short of amazing. visit contiki.com/asia to find out more
Sawadee Patong Resort, Phuket
Nearly all hotel accommodation means a big yes on comfort, the best locations & facilities - so you can travel in style. Centrally located spots mean you’re right where the action’s at, mixed with facilities you’ll love, like en-suites, TVs, air-con & sometimes pools & free WiFi - they’re the perfect place to relax.
Comfort close to the action In Bangkok we’re two minutes from Koh San Road, in Nha Trang we’re right by the beach, in Siem Reap we’re 10 minutes walk from Bar Street & in Hoi An we’re just minutes from the Old Town. It’s comfort right where you want to be.
Go local - Special Stay overnights On top of our fantastic hotels & resorts, we give you a taste of other essential local overnight experiences, at our Special Stays like guesthouses in Pakbeng & the Mekong Delta. We also get you out on the water, with a stunning overnight cruise on a traditional Chinese style Junk Boat in Halong Bay. Check out the tour pages for more.
Going solo?
Visoun Namsok Hotel, Luang Prabang
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We don’t charge solo supplements for solo travellers - we’ll match you up with a same sex room-mate. Or, if you’re keen for a little more privacy, for a small ‘room to myself’ supplement, it’s yours.
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We include breakfast every day & lots of evening meals, but we like to leave lots of meal times free, for a reason. Asia has some of the best food in the world, from street market specialities, to local delicacies you’ll never experience anywhere else. It’s your chance to really indulge. Wherever you travel, our team will help you uncover some great, authentic restaurants & street food in the regions & cities you visit – at bargain prices.
Cuon washed down with a Bia hoi in Vietnam. And we take it further on our trips, by visiting restaurants that give back to the local communities, helping disadvantaged youth & the less fortunate have a brighter future.
Included in our trips are some hand-picked favourites for some extra special dining experiences. Think home cooked Chinese specialities to Goi
We’re pretty good at catering to special dietary requirements too – just let us know when you book & we’ll do our best to accommodate.
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And on our optional nights out, you can tempt yourself with delicious Peking Duck, a dumpling banquet, cooking classes in Hoi An, Thailand or Yangshuo (& can feast on the results).
Taste Asia
There’s no better place to indulge in authentic local cuisine than in Asia. From fresh Amok curry in Cambodia, to authentic Thai favourites or Goi Cuon in Vietnam, on our trips you’ll discover what makes Asian cuisine so spectacular.
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Only Contiki When you travel Asia with Contiki you see more, experience more & get more for your money
The original since ‘62 Because we’ve been doing what we do longer than anyone else, we can show you Asia like nobody else. We live & breathe it - our experience means that you get the most amazing, authentic, life changing experiences for 18-35’s.
Travel your way Whether you’re looking for a long trip or quick get-away, if you’re a first timer or a seasoned traveller, going solo or with a group, you will find your perfect Asia trip with Contiki. With tours in Indochina, the Thai Islands & China, there’s always something to suit.
More free time We build in loads of free time so you can explore on your own if you want. Free time means time to head off & get local. We’ve also organised a whole load of amazing optional activities for you to try if you’d like. It’s your choice. Our Tour Managers take care of all the details (not you), so you’ll get the most out of your trip.
Unbeatable value More sights, more activities, more free time, more definite departures, local payments included & more amazing accommodation. Plus a host of exclusive experiences that you only get with us. The bottom line? Go Contiki - you’ll get more than going any other way.
Extraordinary service When it comes to crew, we lead. Our Tour Manager & Local Guide team are the best trained & the most committed to delivering amazing experiences, tailored especially for 18-35’s.
Amazing accommodation Hotel accommodation in central, comfy & well located hotels with air-con & sometimes pools & WiFi & other little extra’s you’ll love. We include some extra special overnights too, so you can really experience the local lifestyle.
Great ways to get around We include domestic flights, so you see more & get more time in the places that count. Plus, when you’re on land it’s mostly private transport, just for Contiki. Plus loads of other ways to travel like trains, traditional Junk Boats, long tail boats, tuk-tuks, plus more.
Incredible food Breakfast every day, all included. We also include some authentic meal experiences so you can try Asia’s incredible variety of food – plus loads of free meal times so you can experience more of what you like, in your time. More on p.13.
Legendary for a reason What does all this add up to? The most amazing travel experience, tailored specifically for you.
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Save
Scan to view our latest deals... Find out more at contiki.com/barcodes
with Contiki We know how important your hard earned money is to you, so we have plenty of deals to help your money go further. Pay Early
£
SAV E
Book early & save up to £199* if you book & pay 12 months before you leave, or save up to £99* if you book & pay 6 months before you leave. See tour pages to find out your pay early discount.
We believe in the principle of the more the merrier. So the more friends you can round up, the more you will save.
4 or more Everyone saves 5% 7 or more Everyone saves 7.5% 10 or more Everyone saves 10%, or invite an 11th for free!
1
If you’ve travelled with us before, we’d like to welcome you back with a 5% discount. Plus, we can hook you up with discounts with our sister companies as well. See p.34 for more.
2 or More Book 2 or more Contiki tours (of 7 days or more from any of our destinations) at the same time to save £60 for each additional tour you book. So continue your holiday with another tour in Asia or consider Europe, North America, New Zealand, Australia or South America.
The facts: All these discounts apply to the land portion of the total tour price only. You can combine group discounts, multi-tour discounts & early payment discounts on tours of 7 days or longer. In calculating applicable discounts the land portion of the tour price excludes any included flight/airfare costs, air taxes, surcharges & port taxes. External flights to & from the start & finish locations of the tour are not included in the tour price nor are they applicable for any of the above discounts.
Go Vintage. Buy your next outfit at your local charity shop.
Travelling Again?
* Pay Early Savings of £199 & £99 based on Big Indochina Adventure.
Book with Mates
Our top 5 saving tips
2
Ride a bike to work. Save money on transport costs (plus you’ll get fit & help the environment too!)
3
Cut the credit. Stick a picture of your next holiday spot on your credit card. When you go to use it next, you’ll think twice.
4
Got skills? Why not take it to the streets & try busking.
5
Go back to basics. Save money on fruit & veg & grow your own. Got your own tip on how to save? Tell us about it at facebook.com/contiki
Mix it up & see more While you’re in this part of the world, take time to see even more of Asia with Contiki - many of our tours & dates easily link with our other Asia trips. Our China tour easily links with our Big Indochina, Asian Adventure & Vietnam tours. Fly Hong Kong to Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh & experience even more. Or, after our Asian Adventure trip, why not chill out on island time & fly to Koh Samui or Phuket to take one of our 2 great-value Thai Island hoppers? Speak to Contiki to see what tours easily link up, or visit your travel agent for more.
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The Original Since ’62 We’re the original travel company for 18-35s - we’ve been travelling the world with people like you for 50 years. The old combi vans have long since been replaced, but some things will never change. Our spirit of adventure lives on. We’re a bunch of young travellers who are still as passionate about discovering new things across the globe today as we’ve ever been. But we’re nothing without our fellow travellers - you are Contiki & we’d love you to write the next chapter of our story... Love it retro? Check out three of our favourite old logos from the Contiki archives…
Win
Happy birthday to us. And to celebrate, presents for you. It really is true that time flies when you’re having fun. This year we’re celebrating sharing the good times, so we thought we would give our travellers a chance to get their hands on some presents. We’re giving away free trips, loads of goodies & plenty
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more, so register to find out how you can be in to win. We have so much planned, so fasten your seat belts. Register at contiki.com/since 62
25/10/2011 12:23
16 | 17
£
Get connected Join the Contiki community to create a personal profile, plan your trip, save articles & share your travel experiences. You’ll also get access to our discussion forums where you can chat to past travellers & our super-knowledgeable Contiki Team for lots of handy travelling tips & advice. Plus, head to our meeting place & chat with your tour mates before you leave.
Contiki Part Pay
Your e-brochure
Got an upcoming birthday, graduation or special event? Sign up for Contiki Part Pay & ask your family & friends to give towards your travels (what could be a better present than that!) Plus, you can use Part Pay to make payments yourself, allowing you to budget your savings to pay off your trip.
Create your own personalised Contiki e-brochure. Simply choose the tours you want to compare from the search results, name your e-brochure & then you can either download it to keep, or share on Facebook or Twitter – easy! Build yours at contiki.com/brochures
Find out more contiki.com/partpay Join up contiki.com/community
Join us online... Whatever you’re looking for your search starts at contiki.com Get more info on our Asia tours or use our trip finder to find your perfect trip. Our tour pages have past traveller reviews, interactive route maps, the ability to compare tours & you can check live availability & definite departures.
Contiki Reviews Win a tour - share your review & win a Contiki trip. Don’t just take our word for it, check out our tour reviews & see what our past travellers have to say about our trips. Plus, once you get back from your tour, leave a review & you could win your next trip on us! Find out more contiki.com/reviews
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Not sure what trip to choose?
Check-in Already booked? Don’t forget to check-in for your tour – it only takes 5 mins. As well as saving you time & paperwork on the first day of your trip, it makes sure we have important contact information on file should we need to contact you.
Compare tours on our website, post to Facebook & let your friends vote & help you decide. Simply select on search page to compare up to 5 tours.
Get in touch Don’t miss our latest updates, deals or giveaways. Our team are there to answer questions, give advice & talk & share all things Contiki.
Check-in contiki.com/checkin Join Us
twitter.com/contikiuk
facebook.com/contiki
25/10/2011 12:23
Indochina Tours
4
Indochina tours to choose from
Ancient history, temples & beaches, mixed with monuments, friendly locals, great food & incredible landscapes make Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Thailand hard to beat. From the Mekong, to Halong Bay, to busy city vibes, experience it all on our great value tours that bring you face to face with Indochina’s best.
£
REMEMBER If you book early you save money!
We’re always adding more departure dates for tours, so keep an eye on contiki.com for more.
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• INCLUDES: THAILAND CAMBODIA LAOS VIETNAM
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contiki.com/vietnam-highlights
Vietnam Highlights
Vietnam Highlights 10 Days What’s Included:
10 Days 1 Country
China
VIETNAM
Vietnam HANOI 2
Halong Bay
1
Vietnam
9 nights accommodation: 8 nights in 3 star hotels 1 overnight cruise (more on p.12) 13 meals: 9 breakfasts (B) 2 lunches (L) 2 dinners (D)
Laos
£749pp* £75 per day
An experienced & professional Tour Manager & English speaking local guides
1 HUE Da Nang
Thailand
2 HOI AN
NHA TRANG 2
Cambodia
Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations Local taxes, payments & service charges 3 internal flights Transport & included sightseeing
HO CHI MINH CITY 1
Places visited Nightstops Special stay night
Halong Bay
Itinerary & sightseeing Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Formerly known as Saigon, cosmopolitan Ho Chi Minh is action packed. Tonight meet your Tour Manager & fellow travellers at the hotel before visiting Ben Thanh markets. Hotel Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang Take a tour of the city hotspots before catching a flight to the beach paradise of Nha Trang. Hotel (B) View the Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office & Presidential Palace Visit to the War Remnants Museum
• •
tour through the Old Quarter then some free time, or opt for a cooking class tonight! Hotel (B) Visit the town’s Old Quarter & Japanese covered bridge
Day 7: Hue to Hanoi Our morning begins with a flight to Hanoi & a visit to the temple of Literature. Hotel (B) Visit the Temple of Literature
Day 5: Hoi An Maybe visit the temples of My Son, ride a bike down to the beach or use the day to explore the town. Hotel (B)
Day 8: Hanoi to Halong Bay Today it’s on to Halong Bay for our overnight Junk Boat cruise. Junk boat Special Stay (B,L,D) Visit the Sung Sot Caves Boat cruise of a grotto island
•
Day 6: Hoi An to Hue Enjoy stunning views while driving over the “Pass of the Ocean Clouds” to Hue. Visit the famous city sights before dinner at a family-run restaurant. Hotel (B,D) Cross the Hai Van Pass Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda & the Imperial Citadel Cyclo ride
•• •
• ••
Day 9: Halong Bay to Hanoi Wake to fantastic views from the junk before we return to Hanoi. Hotel (B,L) Day 10: Depart Hanoi Your tour ends after breakfast, so it’s time to say farwell to your group. (B)
Day 3: Nha Trang Sink into the laid-back beach lifestyle with a free day. Do your own thing or take off to the gorgeous offshore islands on an optional cruise! Hotel (B) Day 4: Nha Trang to Hoi An Fly to Danang & travel down to Hoi An. Enjoy a guided city
GO
Code: VIHI 2011/12/13 Start Ho Chi Mihn
Finish Hanoi
Total Cost £ pp*
Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Jan
7 14 21 24 28 4
749 749 749 749 749 749
2012 Jan 2 Jan 11 Jan 9 Jan 18 Jan 13 Jan 22 Jan 16 ● Jan 25 Jan 23 ● Feb 1 Jan 30 Feb 8 Feb 6 Feb 15 Feb 9 Feb 18 Feb 13 Feb 22 Feb 20 Feb 29 Feb 27 Mar 7 Mar 5 Mar 14 Mar 12 Mar 21 Mar 19 Mar 28 Apr 2 Apr 11 Apr 9 Apr 18 Apr 16 Apr 25 Apr 30 May 9 May 7 May 16 May 14 May 23 May 28 Jun 6 Jun 4 Jun 13 Jun 11 Jun 20 Jun 25 Jul 4 Jul 2 Jul 11 Jul 9 Jul 18
749 749 749 749 749 749 749 749 749 749 749 749 749 749 749 749 749 749 749 749 749 749 749 749 749 749
2011 Nov Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec
28 5 12 15 19 26
Start Ho Chi Mihn
Finish Hanoi
Total Cost £ pp*
Aug Aug Aug Aug Sep Sep Sep Oct Nov Nov Nov Nov Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Jan Jan
1 8 15 29 5 12 26 3 7 14 21 28 5 12 19 22 26 2 9
749 749 749 749 749 749 749 749 749 749 749 749 749 749 749 749 749 749 749
2013 Jan 7 Jan 16 Jan 10 Jan 19 Jan 14 Jan 23 Jan 21 Jan 30 Jan 28 Feb 6 Feb 4 ● Feb 13 Feb 7 ● Feb 16 Feb 11 Feb 20 Feb 18 Feb 27 Feb 25 Mar 6 Mar 4 Mar 13 Mar 11 Mar 20 Mar 18 Mar 27
749 749 749 749 749 749 749 749 749 749 749 749 749
2012 Jul Jul Aug Aug Aug Sep Sep Sep Oct Nov Nov Nov Nov Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec
23 30 6 20 27 3 17 24 29 5 12 19 26 3 10 13 17 24 31
Only Contiki includes
• Guided bike ride through the Vietnamese countryside • Cyclo ride to Hue’s Citadel • Traditional Vietnamese meal at a local restaurant • English-speaking Local Guide • All private coach transport
Plus
Plus Unique Special Stays
• Junk Boat in Halong Bay
$
SAV E Pay 12 months in advance you save £65. Or pay 6 months in advance you save £29. See p.15 for details.
3 World Heritage sites visited
* Prices above are based on twin-share. Hoi An
Explore more: optional activities Nah Trang Relaxing island cruise with swim stops & snorkelling Hoi An Authentic Vietnamese cooking class • Guided tour of My Son Temples Hue Group photo at Hue’s Imperial Citadel Hanoi A chance to enjoy a farewell dinner at KOTO restaurant where former disadvantaged youth are trained in hospitality Visit contiki.com/vietnam-highlights-explore-more for all the optional activities you can do
18-19 Indochina Intro - Viet H'lights.indd 3
SOUTH CHINA SEA
If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. A single room supplement is available for £199 (only applicable in hotels). Included flights: This trip includes flights as specified on the map above as part of the tour price. Please see ‘Included flights’ on p.34 for important info. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Tour starts at 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. ● These tours will be in Vietnam for Tet – Vietnamese New Year. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.34.
25/10/2011 12:32
Vietnam Experience 12 Days 1 Country Vietnam
£895pp* £75 per day
GO
China VIETNAM
China
Vietnam HANOI 2
Only Contiki includes
• Guided bike ride through the Vietnamese countryside • Cyclo ride to Hue’s ancient Citadel • Visit the Cu Chi tunnels • Expert English-speaking Local Guide • All private coach transport
Halong Bay
1 Laos
Plus 1 HUE
Plus Unique Special Stays
• Guest house in the Mekong Delta • Chinese style Junk Boat in Halong Bay
Da Nang
Thailand
2 HOI AN
Plus
Plus Regional Dinners
• Traditional Vietnamese meal at a local family-run restaurant Cambodia
2 NHA TRANG
2 HO CHI MINH CITY
Places visited Nightstops Special stay nights
20-21 Vietnam Experience.indd 2
MEKONG DELTA 1
SOUTH CHINA SEA
Explore more: optional activities Nah Trang Relaxing island cruise with swim stops & snorkelling Hoi An Authentic & tasty Vietnamese cooking class • Guided tour of My Son Temples Hue Group photo at Hue’s Imperial Citadel Visit contiki.com/vietnam-experience-explore-more for all the optional activities you can do
25/10/2011 12:34
20 | 21
contiki.com/vietnam-experience DON’T MISS
sarah_ blue3: Absolute best trip ever! Would definitely go on another Contiki after this!
Vietnam on your mind? Cruise the delta, see floating markets, cycle around Hoi An & experience the best of Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi & Hue. Raise the relaxation vibes in Nha Trang, hit Halong Bay in a Junk Boat & see why this place is truly a country where East meets West.
A legendary Vietnamese Bánh mì sub sandwich. Famous around the world & packed with all kinds of edible goodness – they’re a must try.
Vietnam Experience 12 Days What’s Included:
Itinerary & sightseeing Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Formerly known as Saigon, cosmopolitan Ho Chi Minh is packed with scooters, roadside shops, high-rises & reminders of the Vietnam war. Tonight meet your Tour Manager & fellow travellers at the hotel. Tantalise the tastebuds as you hit the thriving Ben Thanh markets – you can pick up anything from tasty local foods to Vietnam’s iconic conical hats. Hotel Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta It’s a 2 day journey into the Mekong Delta. We’ll try out sampans (local boats), take in local industries & see floating markets – giving a glimpse of everyday waterway life. Tonight, see a musical performance before dinner at our local guest house. Guest house Special Stay (B,L,D) Mekong Delta cruise See local demonstrations Visit a local tea garden
•• •
Day 3: Mekong Delta to Ho Chi Minh City We head back to Ho Chi Minh City via the Viet Cong’s legendary tunnels in Cu Chi. See traps, hidden doors & some of the 250kms of tunnels that Vietnamese resistance fighters dug by hand – you can even go down into the skinny tunnels & experience them first-hand! Hotel (B) Visit to the Cu Chi tunnels
•
Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang View the Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office & the Presidential (or Reunification) Palace on our city tour. We also
visit the War Remnants Museum for some history on the Vietnam War. Explore the city before catching a flight to Nha Trang, famous for its golden beaches & idyllic turquoise waters. Hotel (B) View the Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office & Presidential Palace Visit to the War Remnants Museum
• •
Day 5: Nha Trang Sink into the laid-back beach lifestyle with a free day to enjoy the sun & sea. Do your own thing or take off to the gorgeous offshore islands on our optional cruise with swim stops, snorkelling & banquet lunch. Afterwards perhaps indulge in a mineral mud bath & hot springs experience before getting a taste of Nha Trang by night! Hotel (B) Day 6: Nha Trang to Hoi An Fly to Danang & travel down to Hoi An. We take a guided walking tour through the Old Quarter, before some free time. Explore this city, known for it’s colourful cloths & tailors who make to order. Then taste why Vietnamese food has such a good reputation with an optional cooking class. Hotel (B) Visit the town’s Old Quarter & Japanese covered bridge
•
Day 7: Hoi An Maybe visit the temples of My Son, ride a bike down to the beach or use the day to explore the town. Otherwise relax or walk along the waterfront to the local markets. Hotel (B)
How much & when Day 8: Hoi An to Hue There are stunning coastal views while driving over the “Pass of the Ocean Clouds” to the former Royal City of Hue. Visit the 7-storied Thien Mu Pagoda before dinner at a family-run restaurant. Hotel (B,D) Cross the Hai Van Pass Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda & the Imperial Citadel Cyclo ride
•• •
Day 9: Hue to Hanoi Our morning begins with a flight to Hanoi & a visit to the temple of Literature. Hotel (B) Visit the Temple of Literature
•
Day 10: Hanoi to Halong Bay Today we board a traditional junk boat on Halong Bay for our overnight cruise. See amazing views as we pass hidden coves, sheer cliffs & legendary scenery. We check out the Sung Sot Caves & stop for a swim in an idyllic lagoon before docking for sunset. Junk boat Special Stay (B,L,D) Visit the Sung Sot Caves Boat cruise of a grotto island
••
Day 11: Halong Bay to Hanoi Wake to more fantastic views from the junk before we return to Hanoi. Later you could try Hanoi’s world-famous water puppet performance before a chance to enjoy a farewell dinner at KOTO restaurant, where former disadvantaged youth are trained in hospitality skills. Hotel (B,L) Day 12: Depart Hanoi Your tour ends after breakfast, so it’s time to say farwell to your group. (B)
Code: VIEP 2011/12/13 Start Ho Chi Mihn
Finish Hanoi
Total Cost £ pp*
Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Jan Jan
7 14 21 24 28 4 11
895 895 895 895 895 895 895
2012 Jan 7 Jan 18 Jan 11 Jan 22 Jan 14 ● Jan 25 Jan 21 ● Feb 1 Jan 28 Feb 8 Feb 4 Feb 15 Feb 7 Feb 18 Feb 11 Feb 22 Feb 18 Feb 29 Feb 25 Mar 7 Mar 3 Mar 14 Mar 10 Mar 21 Mar 17 Mar 28 Mar 31 Apr 11 Apr 7 Apr 18 Apr 14 Apr 25 Apr 28 May 9 May 5 May 16 May 12 May 23 May 26 Jun 6 Jun 2 Jun 13 Jun 9 Jun 20 Jun 23 Jul 4 Jun 30 Jul 11 Jul 7 Jul 18 Jul 21 Aug 1
895 895 895 895 895 895 895 895 895 895 895 895 895 895 895 895 895 895 895 895 895 895 895 895 895 895
2011 Nov Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec
26 3 10 13 17 24 31
Start Ho Chi Mihn
Finish Hanoi
Total Cost £ pp*
Aug Aug Aug Sep Sep Sep Oct Nov Nov Nov Nov Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Jan Jan
8 15 29 5 12 26 3 7 14 21 28 5 12 19 22 26 2 9
895 895 895 895 895 895 895 895 895 895 895 895 895 895 895 895 895 895
2013 Jan 5 Jan 16 Jan 8 Jan 19 Jan 12 Jan 23 Jan 19 Jan 30 Jan 26 Feb 6 Feb 2 ● Feb 13 Feb 5 ● Feb 16 Feb 9 ● Feb 20 Feb 16 Feb 27 Feb 23 Mar 6 Mar 2 Mar 13 Mar 9 Mar 20 Mar 16 Mar 27 Mar 30 Apr 10
895 895 895 895 895 895 895 895 895 895 895 895 895 895
2012 Jul Aug Aug Aug Sep Sep Sep Oct Nov Nov Nov Nov Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec
28 4 18 25 1 15 22 27 3 10 17 24 1 8 11 15 22 29
11 nights accommodation: 9 nights in 3 star hotels 1 night in a guest house 1 overnight cruise (more on p.12) 17 meals: 11 breakfasts (B) 3 lunches (L) 3 dinners (D) An experienced & professional Tour Manager & English speaking local guides Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations Local taxes, payments & service charges 3 internal flights Transport & included sightseeing
$
SAV E Pay 12 months in advance you save £75. Or pay 6 months in advance you save £39. See p.15 for details.
3
* Prices above are based on twin-share.
World Heritage sites visited
If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. A single room supplement is available for £235 (only applicable in hotels). Included flights: This trip includes flights as specified on the map opposite as part of the tour price. Please see ‘Included flights’ on p.34 for important info. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Tour starts at 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. ● These tours will be in Vietnam for Tet – Vietnamese New Year For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.34. Hue
Halong Bay
20-21 Vietnam Experience.indd 3
Vietnamese cooking class
Cu Chi Tunnels
25/10/2011 12:37
Asian Adventure 14 Days 3 Countries Thailand, Laos, Cambodia
£1199pp* £86 per day
Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang
China China
PAKBENG 1
• Private 2 day boat cruise along the Mekong River • Forest elephant ride • Locally guided bike tour of World Heritage listed Luang Prabang • Guided visit of the COPE support & rehab centre • Expert English-speaking Local Guide • All private coach transport
2 LUANG PRABANG LAOS
CHIANG RAI 1
2 VANG VIENG VIENTIANE 1
CHIANG MAI 1
Only Contiki includes
VIETNAM Vietnam
Burma
GO
SOUTH CHINA C SEA
Plus
Plus Unique Special Stays
• Guest house stay in Pakbeng 1 BANGKOK 1
THAILAND
Plus
SIEM REAP 2
Plus Regional Dinners
• Modern Laotian meal at a restaurant that trains disadvantaged youth in hospitality CAMBODIA
Explore more: optional activities 1 PHNOM PENH
Places visited Nightstops Special stay night
22-23 Asian Adventure.indd 2
Bangkok Group photo at Bangkok’s Grand Palace Chiang Mai Hands-on Thai cooking class experience Chiang Rai Visit to unique Thai hill tribe villages Luang Prabang Kuang Si Waterfalls trip & swimming Visit contiki.com/asian-adventure-explore-more for all the optional activities you can do
25/10/2011 12:03
22 | 23
contiki.com/asian-adventure DON’T MISS
Olivia B: I would strongly recommend this tour to anyone contemplating a trip to Asia. There’s so much to see that’s not mentioned in the itinerary. I had the absolute time of my life!
Experience the best of Thailand, Laos & Cambodia on this epic trip! From busy Bangkok, the chilled Mekong with its sugar fields & coconut palms, to French influenced Luang Prabang, finish it up with cool Cambodia for a serious historical fix.
Sunset at Utopia Restaurant in Luang Prabang. The views over the Mekong make it the perfect place to have a drink & watch the stunning sunset.
Asian Adventure 14 Days What’s Included:
Itinerary & sightseeing Day 1: Arrive Bangkok Tuk-tuks, streetside BBQs, neon lights & buzzing street life, it’s bustling Bangkok! Arrive at the hotel & meet your Tour Manager & fellow travellers, then hit the city for a night out. Hotel Day 2: Bangkok to Chiang Mai Visit the incredible Royal Palace & Emerald Buddha Temple. Later, cruise the klongs (canals) & see locals going about their day then dive into the downtown area’s plazas, or shops in Siam Square. Try Chinatown for some Asian delicacies before we board an overnight train to Chiang Mai. Overnight train (B) Visit the Royal Palace & Emerald Buddha Guided klong (canal) tour
• •
Day 3: Chiang Mai Head for the hills with our Local Guide & maybe even receive a Buddhist blessing! Surrounded by a moat & 300 temples, chill out & explore Chiang Mai. You could take an optional Thai cooking class tonight, chill by the pool or visit the famous Night Bazaar. Hotel (B) Visit Wat Phrathat Temple
•
Day 4: Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Today we head towards Chiang Rai. In the afternoon, opt to visit unique hill tribe villages before heading back to Chiang Rai to explore or check out a local night stop. Hotel (B) Day 5: Chiang Rai to Pakbeng After crossing the Thai/Laos border, we board our private boat & cruise the mighty Mekong River. Drift through towering, jungle covered gorges, seeing local life in remote villages along the river banks. We arrive before sunset in Pakbeng for our overnight stay. Guest house Special Stay (B,L,D)
Hill tribe visit, Chiang Rai
22-23 Asian Adventure.indd 3
•
See local riverside villages
Day 6: Pakbeng to Luang Prabang Continue cruising the Mekong before arriving in the historic hotspot Luang Prabang. Take a bike tour around town, visit Wat Xiang Thong monastery & perhaps take a walk up Mt Phu Si before perusing the night markets where local people sell their textiles & handicrafts. Hotel (B,L) Visit the Pak Ou Caves Visit Wat Xieng Thong temple
••
Day 7: Luang Prabang If you make an early start, take part in the ritual of offering alms (food) to the hundreds of Buddhist monks. If you feel like cooling off, take a trip to the Kuang Si waterfalls for a swim or visit the Royal Palace. Hotel (B) Forest elephant ride
•
Day 8: Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng Today it’s on to riverside & action packed Vang Vieng, known for its dramatic limestone karsts (rock formations) & outdoor adventure activities. Later, check out the buzzing nightlife in this vibrant backpacker town. Hotel (B) Scenic drive to Vang Vieng
•
Day 9: Vang Vieng Get hold of a map & explore with a free day. Maybe hire a bike – there’s an array of limestone caves, swimming holes, tunnels & bunkers to discover. Tonight, watch the sunset at a riverside bar or an island watering-hole. Hotel (B) Day 10: Vang Vieng to Vientiane Arriving in Vientiane, we’ll take a locally guided tour of the nation’s French influenced capital. Later, we’ll visit That Luang & view Laos’ ‘Arc de Triomphe’. Hotel (B,D)
How much & when
•• •
Visit Luang Stupa & Patuxi Visit to COPE exhibition centre Dinner at Makphet Restaurant
Day 11: Vientiane to Phnom Penh Goodbye Laos & hello Cambodia as you travel by plane to the capital city, once known as the “Pearl of Asia”. View first hand the reminders of the country’s dark history with a visit to the Khmer Rouge ‘Killing Fields’ & the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Tonight wrap up the day with some friends at one of the many riverside restaurants or cafes. Hotel (B) Visit the ‘Killing Fields’ & Genocide Museum
•
Day 12: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap Catch a flight to Siem Reap before taking a private boat cruise to see the unique floating villages found here. Chill out with a visit to the Psar Chas (old market) for handicrafts & exotic fresh produce. Or for a dose of culture, see an Aspara dance performance. Hotel (B) Tonle Sap Lake cruise
•
Day 13: Siem Reap Wake to watch the sun rise over Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world & hear the legends of the sacred sites of the Khmer Empire from your Local Guide. Later, we visit Angkor Thom by tuk-tuk & Ta Prohm temple, as seen in the movie Tomb Raider. After a long day of sights relax, play some pool, or venture down Pub Street to explore the nightlife. Hotel (B) Visit Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom & Ta Prohm
•
Day 14: Ends Siem Reap Our tour ends this morning after breakfast so it’s time to say goodbye to your group & Tour Manager. (B)
Code: ASAD 2011/12/13 Start Bangkok
Finish Total Siem Reap Cost £ pp*
2011 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199
2012 Jan 1 Jan 14 Jan 8 Jan 21 Jan 15 Jan 28 Jan 22 Feb 4 Jan 25 Feb 7 Jan 29 Feb 11 Feb 5 Feb 18 Feb 12 Feb 25 Feb 19 Mar 3 Feb 26 Mar 10 Mar 4 Mar 17 Mar 18 Mar 31 Mar 25 Apr 7 Apr 1 Apr 14 Apr 8 ● Apr 21 Apr 15 Apr 28 Apr 22 May 5 Apr 29 May 12 May 13 May 26 May 20 Jun 2 May 27 Jun 9 Jun 10 Jun 23 Jun 17 Jun 30 Jun 24 Jul 7 Jul 8 Jul 21 Jul 15 Jul 28 Jul 22 Aug 4
1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199
30 4 11 18 25 29
Finish Total Siem Reap Cost £ pp*
2012 13 17 24 31 7 11
Nov Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec
Start Bangkok
Dec Dec Dec Dec Jan Jan
Aug Aug Sep Sep Sep Sep Oct Nov Nov Nov Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Jan Jan Jan
18 25 1 15 22 29 13 10 17 24 1 8 11 15 22 29 5 8 12
1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199
2013 Jan 6 Jan Jan 13 Jan Jan 20 Feb Jan 23 Feb Jan 27 Feb Feb 3 Feb Feb 10 Feb Feb 17 Mar Feb 24 Mar Mar 3 Mar Mar 17 Mar Mar 24 Apr Mar 31 Apr Apr 7 ● Apr
19 26 2 5 9 16 23 2 9 16 30 6 13 20
1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199 1199
Aug Aug Aug Sep Sep Sep Sep Oct Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec
5 12 19 2 9 16 30 28 4 11 18 25 28 2 9 16 23 26 30
* Prices above are based on twin-share. (multi-share
on train). If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. A single room supplement is available for £289 (only applicable in hotels). Included flights: This trip includes flights as specified on the map opposite as part of the tour price. Please see ‘Included flights’ on p.34 for important info. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Tour starts at 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. ● These tours will be in Laos for Laos New Year & Water Festival For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.34.
13 nights accommodation: 11 nights in 3 star hotels 1 night in a guest house 1 overnight train (more on p.12) 17 meals: 13 breakfasts (B) 2 lunches (L) 2 dinners (D) An experienced & professional Tour Manager & English speaking local guides Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations Local taxes, payments & service charges 2 internal flights Transport & included sightseeing
$
SAV E Pay 12 months in advance you save £105. Or pay 6 months in advance you save £55. See p.15 for details.
2 World Heritage sites visited
Angkor Wat
Kuang Si waterfalls in Laos
That Luang Stupa, Vientiane
25/10/2011 12:04
Big Indochina Adventure 25 Days 4 Countries Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam
£2315pp* £93 per day
Tuk tuks, Luang Prabang
GO China
China VIETNAM
PAKBENG 1
Vietnam 2 HANOI LUANG PRABANG 2
Halong Bay
1
Laos LAOS
CHIANG RAI 1
2 VANG VIENG VIENTIANE 1
CHIANG MAI 1
1 HUE
Only Contiki includes
• Private 2 day boat cruise along the Mekong River • Forest elephant ride • Locally guided bike tour of World Heritage listed Luang Prabang • Guided visit of the COPE support & rehab centre • Modern Laotian meal at a restaurant that trains disadvantaged youth • Guided bike ride through the Vietnamese countryside • Cyclo ride to Hue’s ancient Citadel • Visit the Cu Chi tunnels • Expert English-speaking Local Guide • All private coach transport
Da Nang
THAILAND Thailand
2 HOI AN
Plus
Plus Unique Special Stays
11 BANGKOK 1
SIEM CAMBODIA REAP 2 Cambodia
1 PHNOM PENH
2 NHA TRANG
2 HO CHI MINH CITY
MEKONG DELTA 1 SOUTH CHINA SEA
Places visited Nightstops Special stay nights
24-25 Indochina Adventure.indd 2
• Guest house in the Mekong Delta • Guest house stay in Pakbeng • Chinese style Junk Boat in Halong Bay
Explore more: optional activities Bangkok Group photo at the Grand Palace Chiang Mai Hands-on Thai cooking class experience Chiang Rai Visit to unique Thai hill tribe villages Luang Prabang Kuang Si Waterfalls trip Nha Trang Relaxing island cruise with swim stops & snorkelling Hoi An Authentic Vietnamese cooking class • Guided tour of My Son Temples Visit contiki.com/indochina-adventure-explore-more for all the optional activities you can do
25/10/2011 12:15
24 | 25
contiki.com/indochina-adventure RANDOM FACT
Courtney: Great way to travel, our guide was so much fun & we saw some amazing places. Would go back in a heart beat!
Go all out on the Big Indo. From busy cities, chilled countrysides & stunning beaches to history, you’ll get it all in 25 days. With the perfect mix of action & adventure blended with the ideal amount of relaxing & taking it easy - this trip is set to amaze.
Make a splash! To celebrate the New Year (in April!), the people of Thailand & Laos hit the streets to take part in the world’s largest water festival.
Big Indochina Adventure 25 Days What’s Included:
Itinerary & sightseeing Day 1: Arrive Bangkok Tuk-tuks, neon lights & buzzing street life, it’s bustling Bangkok! Arrive at the hotel & meet your Tour Manager & fellow travellers, then hit the city for a night out. Hotel Day 2: Bangkok to Chiang Mai Take in the sights before we cruise the canals & see locals going about their day before boarding our overnight train. Overnight train (B) Visit the Royal Palace & Emerald Buddha Guided klong (canal) tour
• •
Day 3: Chiang Mai Visit Buddhist temples with our local guide, then explore the city or opt for a Thai cooking class tonight. Hotel (B) Visit Wat Prathat temple
•
Day 4: Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai We head towards Chiang Rai, there’s an option to visit unique hill tribe villages before exploring the city’s famous Night Bazaar. Hotel (B) Day 5: Chiang Rai to Pakbeng After crossing the Thai/Laos border, we board our private boat & cruise the Mekong River, seeing local life along the river. Arrive before sunset in Pakbeng for our overnight stay. Guest house Special Stay (B,L,D) See local riverside villages
•
Day 6: Pakbeng to Luang Prabang Continue cruising the Mekong before hitting Luang Prabang. Take a sightseeing bike tour before checking out the night markets. Hotel (B,L) Visit to the Pak Ou caves Visit Wat Xieng Thong temple
••
Day 7: Luang Prabang If you make an early start, take part in the ritual of offering alms (food) to the hundreds of Buddhist monks. If you feel like cooling off, take a trip to the Kuang Si Falls for a swim or visit the Royal Palace. Hotel (B) Forest elephant ride
•
Day 8: Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng Today it’s on to Vang Vieng, known for its limestone karsts (rock formations), outdoor adventure activities & buzzing nightlife. Hotel (B) Scenic drive to Vang Vieng
•
Day 9: Vang Vieng Get hold of a map & explore with a free day. Maybe hire a bike – there’s an array of limestone caves, swimming
24-25 Indochina Adventure.indd 3
holes, tunnels & bunkers to discover. Wind down with your friends & catch sunset at a riverside bar or an island watering-hole. Hotel (B) Day 10: Vang Vieng to Vientiane Arriving in Vientiane, we’ll take a locally guided tour of the nation’s French influenced capital. Later, we’ll visit That Luang & view Laos’ ‘Arc de Triomphe’. Hotel (B,D) Visit Luang Stupa & Patuxi Visit to COPE exhibition centre Dinner at Makphet Restaurant
•• •
Day 11: Vientiane to Phnom Penh In Phnom Penh we’ll see reminders of the country’s dark history, then later wrap up the day at one of the many riverside restaurants or cafes. Hotel (B) Visit the ‘Killing Fields’ & Genocide Museum
•
Day 12: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap Catch a flight to Siem Reap before cruising Tonle Sap Lake on our private boat. Tonight, maybe visit the Psar Chas (old market) for handicrafts & exotic fresh produce. Hotel (B) Tonle Sap Lake cruise
•
Day 13: Siem Reap Wake to watch the sun rise over Angkor Wat & hear the legends of the sacred sites of the Khmer Empire before we visit Angkor Thom by tuk-tuk! Hotel (B) Visit Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom & Ta Prohm
•
Day 14: Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City It’s free time before we fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Later, hit the thriving Ben Thanh markets & pick up anything from tasty food to Vietnam’s iconic conical hats. Hotel (B) Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta It’s a 2 day journey into the Mekong Delta. We’ll try out sanpans (local boats), take in local industries & see floating markets. Guest house Special Stay (B,L,D) Mekong Delta cruise See local industry demonstrations Visit a local tea garden
•• •
Day 16: Mekong Delta to Ho Chi Minh City We head back to Ho Chi Minh City via the legendary tunnels in Cu Chi – you can even go down into the tunnels & experience them first-hand! Hotel (B)
How much & when
•
Visit to the Cu Chi tunnels
Day 17: Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang Take a city tour then visit the War Remnants Museum before we fly to Nha Trang. Hotel (B) View the Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office & the Presidential Palace Visit the War Remnants Museum
• •
Day 18: Nha Trang Today, do your own thing or opt to take off to the gorgeous offshore islands for some swim stops & snorkelling. Hotel (B) Day 19: Nha Trang to Hoi An Fly to Danang & travel down to Hoi An. Take a guided walking tour, see the countryside at sunset by bike, before opting for a cooking class. Hotel (B) Visit the town’s Old Quarter & Japanese covered bridge
•
Day 20: Hoi An Maybe visit the temples of My Son, ride a bike down to the beach or use the day to explore the town. Otherwise relax or walk along the waterfront to the local markets. Hotel (B) Day 21: Hoi An to Hue Enjoy stunning views while driving over the “Pass of the Ocean Clouds” to Hue. Visit the famous city sights before dinner at a family-run restaurant. Hotel (B,D) Cross the Hai Van Pass Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda & the Imperial Citadel Cyclo ride
•• •
Day 22: Hue to Hanoi Our morning begins with a flight to Hanoi & a visit to the temple of Literature. Hotel (B) Visit the Temple of Literature
•
Code: BICA 2011/12/13 Start Bangkok
Finish Hanoi
Total Cost £ pp*
Dec Dec Jan Jan Jan Jan
24 28 4 11 18 22
2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315
1 ● Jan 25 8 ● Feb 1 15 Feb 8 22 Feb 15 25 Feb 18 29 Feb 22 5 Feb 29 12 Mar 7 19 Mar 14 26 Mar 21 4 Mar 28 18 Apr 11 25 Apr 18 1 Apr 25 15 ● May 9 22 May 16 29 May 23 13 Jun 6 20 Jun 13 27 Jun 20 10 Jul 4 17 Jul 11 24 Jul 18 8 Aug 1 15 Aug 8
2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315
2011 Nov Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec
30 4 11 18 25 29
Finish Hanoi
Total Cost £ pp*
Aug Aug Sep Sep Sep Oct Nov Nov Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan
15 29 5 12 26 3 21 28 5 12 19 22 26 2 9 16 19 23
2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315
6 Jan 30 13 Feb 6 20 ● Feb 13 23 ● Feb 16 27 ● Feb 20 3 Feb 27 10 Mar 6 17 Mar 13 24 Mar 20 3 Mar 27 17 Apr 10 24 Apr 17 31 Apr 24
2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315 2315
2012
2012 Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb Feb Feb Mar Mar Mar Apr Apr Apr Apr May May May Jun Jun Jun Jul Jul
Start Bangkok
Jul Aug Aug Aug Sep Sep Oct Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec
22 5 12 19 2 9 28 4 11 18 25 28 2 9 16 23 26 30
2013 Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb Feb Feb Mar Mar Mar Mar
* Prices above are based on twin-share (multi-share
on train). If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. A single room supplement is available for £525 (only applicable in hotels). Included flights: This trip includes flights as specified on the map opposite as part of the tour price. Please see ‘Included flights’ on p.34 for important info. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Tour starts at 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. ● These tours will be in Vietnam for Tet or Thailand for Songkran festival (New Year). For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.34.
24 nights accommodation: 20 nights in 3 star hotels 2 nights in a guest house 1 overnight train 1 overnight cruise (more on p.12) 34 meals: 24 breakfasts (B) 5 lunches (L) 5 dinners (D) An experienced & professional Tour Manager & English speaking local guides Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations Local taxes, payments & service charges 6 internal flights Transport & included sightseeing
$
SAV E Pay 12 months in advance you save £199. Or pay 6 months in advance you save £99. See p.15 for details.
5 World Heritage sites visited
Cham Island cruise, Nah Trang
Day 23: Hanoi to Halong Bay See amazing views from the junk as we pass coves, cliffs & beaches. We stop for a swim before docking for sunset. Junk boat Special Stay (B,L,D) Visit the Sung Sot Caves Boat cruise of a grotto island
••
Day 24: Halong Bay to Hanoi Wake on the junk before we return to Hanoi & explore the city before our farewell dinner. Hotel (B,L) Day 25: Depart Hanoi Your tour ends after breakfast, so it’s time to say farewell to your group. (B)
Phuoc Kien Pagoda, Hoi An
25/10/2011 12:16
oceans
Supporting our
Contiki has proudly partnered with leading environmentalist, adventurer & explorer, Céline Cousteau (granddaughter of legendary oceanographer, Jacques Cousteau) to raise awareness of our ocean conservation projects.
Our conservation projects
MEET CÉLINE COUSTEAU > We’ve joined forces with Céline to help educate our Contiki community & team about environmental issues & marine protection. We speak with Céline in an exclusive interview on ocean conservation & what we can all do to make a difference. Contiki: You were just 9 years old when you took your first expedition with your grandfather, Jacques Cousteau, in the Amazon on his legendary boat ‘The Calypso’. You have recently celebrated his 100th birthday anniversary, what do you think you’ve learned most from him?
part of many discussions about its health, so am very aware of the importance of protecting it. We desperately need more people out there to help communicate & educate around this. Paramount to all of this, people depend on a balance in the natural world & we are all those people.
Céline: Of course there’s so much I have learned, but the heart of it all was an understanding from early on that my existence was only a small part of a greater whole. That learning came from being part of a family of travellers, filmmakers, explorers & photographers who would each bring back their stories from the field. My grandfather showed me it is more what you do with your learning’s that makes a difference. Each of us has the capacity to do more & we owe it to ourselves & others to reach for our full potential when given the opportunity.
Contiki: What do you think is the biggest issue threatening our oceans today?
Contiki: You spend most of your life around oceans, what is it that makes you so passionate about them? Céline: They’re such a wondrous universe & are right under our noses. I’ve had the tremendous opportunity to explore the underwater world & be a
Céline: There are many issues & a lot of them are intertwined, however one example of a very tangible threat is overfishing. We are taking out a lot of species from the ocean in unsustainable quantities & with harmful fishing practices. Consequences are reduced resources, which in turn impacts the natural food chain of the ocean that naturally exists in a healthy balance, so other species are impacted along this chain. However, it’s not all doom & gloom, we don’t have to stop eating everything! We just need to remember consumer choices do make a difference. Find out more at montereybayaquarium.org (they even have a handy iPhone app) or visit blueocean.org/seafood.
Watch Céline’s video message to Contiki travellers at contiki.com/celinecousteau
26-27 Celine_Green.indd 2
Contiki: People often think, ‘I’m just one person, what can I really do? What advice would you give to them? Céline: It shouldn’t be overwhelming. Ghandi once said: “be the change you want to see in the world” - why look any further. By incorporating small changes in all aspects of our lives & empowering others around us to do the same, that is action. These small changes in parallel with our efforts to influence leaders have the power to implement environmental protection laws & make a difference. Contiki: What ‘green tips’ would you recommend to our readers for while they are travelling? Céline: There are so many small things you can do to make a difference. I would recommend filling & packing your own travel sized toiletries so you don’t need to open a new one each time you change hotels. Take your own water bottle (metal is better than plastic) - every bottle you don’t buy is one less piece of plastic used. You can also calculate your carbon footprint based on your travel miles when you get back & offset this online.
At Contiki we love oceans, & are committed to protecting them for future generations to enjoy. We actively support two ocean conservation projects, The Mesoamerican Reef Leadership Program (MAR) & Oceana, who are both involved in the critical task of marine protection. Mesoamerican Reef Leadership Program (MAR) is a fresh new initiative that supports young local environmentalists working ‘hands on’ to protect the world’s second largest barrier reef, the Mesoamerican Reef system. Oceana campaigns to protect & restore the world’s oceans. Their project work involves at-sea expeditions gathering research which they use to inform policy makers to create important laws to protect our ocean systems. To find out more visit contiki.com/contikicares
See the full interview online at contiki.com/contikicares
Follow Céline on twitter @celinecousteau and at celinecousteau.com
25/10/2011 12:07
26 | 27
Contiki cares... We travel to experience the wonders that our world has to offer, be they natural or cultural, & we’re committed to ensuring they remain for the generations to come. Through our various causes we put conservation at the core of how we plan & run our tours. There are also a bunch of ways that you can help as well. Learn more at: contiki.com/contikicares/you
Our Foundation We’re founding partners of the non-profit Conservation Foundation.
Our Foundation has spent over US$2 million to help underprivileged communities & support sustainable tourism around the world. It’s part of its commitment to preserving our planet for generations to come (so far, the Foundation has helped protect 3 million hectares of forest in Brazil, supported the World Wildlife Fund’s work with indigenous sustainable tourism in Australia, plus much more). What’s more, we’re committed to continuing with this support for sustainable tourism for years to come. We’re the primary sponsors of The Tourism for Tomorrow Awards – encouraging tourism operators to develop & share sustainable tourism practices around the world.
Recycling The Travel Corporation & Contiki are committed to use 100% recycled paper for the body stock of all our brochures. The environmental benefits are important in the following ways:
water in a cleaner state than initially received. The use of 100% recovered fibre means that the mill uses approx 1/5th of the energy that would be required to produce corresponding grades from primary fibres.
Recycled paper makes for less waste being deposited into landfills.
The body stock paper in our brochures meets the following Forest/Environmental/Process Certifications: FSC, Blue Angel, ISO 9001 & 14001.
The paper mill uses a chlorine free fibre bleaching process (PCF) that avoids potential dioxins from being released into adjoining waterways.
We are proud to commit to using what is one of the most environmentally friendly coated recycled papers on Planet Earth.
The paper mill uses a complex filtration process that returns the river
*
By using paper made from recycled fibre we save approximately. 90,000 trees per year.*
Calculation based on that provided by The Environmental Defense Fund.
Giving back... Contiki’s all about bringing you closer to local cultures & environments & giving back to the communities we visit. We’re proud to support community projects & NGO’s who are as dedicated to conserving Asia’s natural & cultural heritage as we are. We encourage our travellers to give a little bit back to the special places & people you’ll encounter for now & future generations.
26-27 Celine_Green.indd 3
Some of the things you’ll do in Asia with Contiki:
artificial limbs or support devices.
• Dine in restaurants that have been created to help get youth off the streets, into a job & equipping them with both work & life skills.
• We have the opportunity to visit an orphanage in Cambodia run by an NGO mission & the local community.
• In Laos, we visit the COPE Centre (Co-operative Orthotic & Prosthetic Enterprise), an organisation supporting victims of unexploded objects such as cluster bombs & landmines. They offer their support & rehabilitation to those who need
• We also employ Local Guides who will not only open your eyes to their cultures & ways of life, they’re also earning a much needed income too. Want to do more? There are more ways you can help, so ask your Tour Manager for how.
25/10/2011 12:07
Thai Islands East & West tours
2
Thai Island tours to choose from
With white sand beaches, turquoise water & endless good times, Thailand’s islands are incredible. No matter what time of year you choose to travel, let us show you why we love them. With our two great-value Thai Island Hopper trips you can experience the best of the Thai islands at their ultimate time of year. Try our Thai Island Hopper East between April & September, for kicking back on island time in Koh Samui, Koh Tao & Koh Pha Ngan. And between October & March it’s all about the Island Hopper West, with Phuket, Krabi & the legendary Koh Phi Phi.
£
REMEMBER If you book early you save money!
We’re always adding more departure dates for tours, so keep an eye on contiki.com for more.
28-29 Thai intro_Thai Islands West.indd 2
• WEST INCLUDES: KOH PHI PHI PHUKET KRABI
• EAST INCLUDES: KOH TAO KOH PHA NGAN KOH SAMUI
25/10/2011 12:27
28 | 29
contiki.com/thai-hopper-west
Thai Island Hopper West
Thai Island Hopper West 9 Days What’s Included:
9 Days 1 Country
8 nights in 3 star resort accommodation (more on p.12) 10 meals: 8 breakfasts (B) 2 dinners (D)
Thailand
£545pp*
An experienced & professional Tour Manager
£61 per day
THAILAND
2 KRABI
Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations Local taxes, payments & service charges Tipping for local staff included
3 PHUKET
ANDAMAN N SE SEA A
3 Local Ferries
3 KOH PHI PHI
Places visited 1 or more nightstops
Bayview Villas, Koh Phi Phi
Itinerary & sightseeing Day 1: Arrive Phuket Check-in to your hotel, then head out to explore Phuket, with it’s exotic sights & great food. Spend the afternoon getting settled in before meeting your Tour Manager & fellow travellers. Tonight, grab dinner & explore Patong’s pulsing nightlife. Resort Days 2-3: Phuket There’s something for everyone on Phuket - chill on the beach, hit the shops, sip cocktails while watching the sun go down. If you feel like taking it up a level, maybe try some of the watersports on offer or opt for a day tour out to the popular “James Bond Island”. Resort (B)(B)
explore or relax. Take a day cruise around the islands & beaches of Phi Phi – it’s a perfect chance to see this beautiful area up close. Snorkel & swim in the warm waters of the Andaman Sea or lie on the beach & unwind. Tonight, watch the islands fire twirlers, or kick back on the sand with a drink & relax. Resort (B)(B) Day 7: Koh Phi Phi to Krabi (Ao Nang) Today we sail to one of the most popular beaches on Krabi – Ao Nang. Set amongst the limestone karsts, Krabi has un-spoilt islands & beaches. Resort (B,D)
Day 8: Krabi (Ao Nang) Laze about on the beach, take a boat trip to Rai Leh or if you are feeling adventurous, try climbing the 1,237 steps that lead to the top of a mountain at the Tiger Cave Temple. Tonight grab a meal at a cool beachside restaurant or party by night in the popular Bar Street. Resort (B) Day 9: Krabi (Ao Nang) to Phuket After a last morning in Ao Nang, we head back to Phuket where the tour ends, so make sure you swap email addresses before you go. It is your choice to be transferred to the airport or our starting hotel in Phuket. (B)
Day 4: Phuket to Koh Phi-Phi Board a ferry & travel to picturesque Phi Phi Island, setting for the movie “The Beach”. You’ll be shown around the island to get your bearings, then try an unbeatable panoramic sunset from a hill top. Later take in the atmosphere of Phi Phi by night. Resort (B,D) Days 5-6: Koh Phi Phi An incredible island to either
Explore more: optional activities Phuket Visit ‘Fantasea’ theme park • Day trip to “James Bond” Island Phi Phi An exclusive full day boat cruise to Bamboo Island with lunch, snorkelling & beach stops Ao Nang Day time boat trip to Rai Leh Beach • Forest Elephant ride Visit contiki.com/thai-hopper-west-explore-more for all the optional activities you can do
28-29 Thai intro_Thai Islands West.indd 3
$
Code: CTTIPH 2011/12/13 Start Phuket
Finish Phuket
Total Cost £ pp*
16 19 26 30 3 10 14 17 24
Nov Nov Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Jan
24 27 4 8 11 18 22 25 1
545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545
2012 Jan 2 Jan 7 Jan 11 Jan 14 Jan 21 Jan 28 Feb 4 Feb 8 Feb 11 Feb 18 Feb 22 Feb 25 Mar 3 Mar 10 Mar 17 Mar 24 Mar 31 Oct 3 Oct 6 Oct 10 Oct 13 Oct 17 Oct 20 Oct 24 Oct 27 Oct 31 Nov 3 Nov 7 Nov 10 Nov 14
Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Apr Apr Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov
10 15 19 22 29 5 12 16 19 26 1 4 11 18 25 1 8 11 14 18 21 25 28 1 4 8 11 15 18 22
545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545
2011 Nov Nov Nov Nov Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec
Transport & included sightseeing
Start Phuket
Finish Phuket
Total Cost £ pp*
17 21 24 28 1 5 8 12 15 19 22 25 28
Nov Nov Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Jan Jan
25 29 2 6 9 13 16 20 23 27 30 2 5
545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545
2013 Jan 2 Jan 5 Jan 9 Jan 12 Jan 16 Jan 19 Jan 23 Jan 26 Jan 30 Feb 2 Feb 6 Feb 9 Feb 13 Feb 16 Feb 20 Feb 23 Feb 27 Mar 2 Mar 6 Mar 9 Mar 13 Mar 16 Mar 20 Mar 23 Mar 27 Mar 30
Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Apr Apr
10 13 17 20 24 27 31 3 7 10 14 17 21 24 28 3 7 10 14 17 21 24 28 31 4 7
545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545 545
SAV E Pay 12 months in advance you save £49. Or pay 6 months in advance you save £25. See p.15 for details.
2012 Nov Nov Nov Nov Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec
Bamboo Island cruise, Koh Phi Phi
* Prices above are based on twin-share.
If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. A single room supplement is available for £365. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Tour starts at 6:00pm & ends approx. 1:00pm. NB: Due to seasonal variances, return ferry from Ao Nang may be replaced with a land transfer. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.34.
25/10/2011 12:27
contiki.com/thai-hopper-east
Thai Island Hopper East 9 Days 1 Country Thailand
£475pp* £53 per day
What’s Included: 8 nights accommodation: 5 nights in 3 star hotels 3 nights in bungalows (more on p.12)
2 KOH TAO
GULF OF THAILAND
10 meals: 8 breakfasts (B) 2 dinners (D) An experienced & professional Tour Manager
3 KOH PHA NGAN
Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations Local taxes, payments & service charges
3 KOH SAMUI
Places visited 1 or more nightstops
Tipping for local staff included 3 Local Ferries Transport & included sightseeing
GO
Only Contiki includes
• Special Stay in Koh Pha Ngan
$
SAV E Pay 12 months in advance you save £45. Or pay 6 months in advance you save £25. See p.15 for details.
30-31 Thai Islands East_China Intro.indd 2
Code: CTIIKS 2012 Start Koh Samui
2012 Mar 31 Apr 6 Apr 14 Apr 23 Apr 30 May 6 May 12 May 22 May 29 Jun 5 Jun 9 Jun 21 Jun 27
Finish Koh Samui
● Apr ■ ◗ Apr ■ Apr ◗ May ● May ◗ May
May May Jun Jun Jun ◗ Jun ● Jul ◗ ● ◗
8 14 22 1 8 14 20 30 6 13 17 29 5
Total Cost £ pp*
475 475 475 475 475 475 475 475 475 475 475 475 475
Start Koh Samui
2012 Jul 5 Jul 14 Jul 20 Jul 29 Aug 4 Aug 11 Aug 18 Aug 26 Sep 2 Sep 8 Sep 16 Sep 24
◗ ◗ ● ◗ ◗ ● ◗ ◗ ●
Finish Koh Samui
Total Cost £ pp*
Jul Jul Jul Aug Aug Aug Aug Sep Sep Sep Sep Oct
475 475 475 475 475 475 475 475 475 475 475 475
13 22 28 6 12 19 26 3 10 16 24 2
Itinerary & sightseeing Day 1: Arrive Koh Samui Check-in to your hotel then hit the streets for some exploring. With its amazing sights, great food & chilled atmosphere, Koh Samui is perfect for settling in to island time. Later, meet with your Tour Manager & fellow travellers. Tonight find a cool local spot & indulge in a delicious Thai meal before some free time. Hotel Days 2-3: Koh Samui With 2 free days here, relax & soak up the rays as you explore Koh Samui’s many gorgeous beaches. Maybe enjoy a Thai massage, try some watersports, or take a tour of the island to see some of the local sights as you unwind on one of
Thailand’s favourite island spots. Hotel (B)(B) Day 4: Koh Samui to Koh Tao This morning we cruise to Koh Tao – an island known for spectacular underwater scenery. A popular location for diving, it’s just as easy to grab a snorkel to experience the aquatic sites too or just chill. Hotel (B,D) Day 5: Koh Tao With a free day you could sit back with a book or take the opportunity to explore the area. Maybe grab a snorkel & acquaint yourself with tropical fish. Try out the optional cruise which takes you to a private island. Hotel (B) Day 6: Koh Tao to Koh Pha Ngan Today we’ll jump on a ferry & set sail to the party island of Koh Pha Ngan for a taste of the buzzing island
atmosphere. Famous for its legendary Full Moon Parties. We’ll stay in a relaxing setting, set just off Had Yao Beach. Bungalows (B) Bungalow Special Stay (B)(B,D) Day 7-8: Koh Pha Ngan You choose how to spend the next few days: lying on the beach surrounded by coconut trees or by night head out to one of the Moon Parties that Koh Pha Ngan is famous for. Bungalow Special Stay (B)(B,D) Day 9: Koh Pha Ngan to Koh Samui We say “la gon” to Koh Pha Ngan & catch a ferry to Koh Samui where it’s time to bid farewell your travel friends. You can either take a free transfer to the airport or back to our start hotel in Koh Samui. (B)
* Prices above are based on twin-share.
If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. A single room supplement is available for £279. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Tour starts at 6:00pm & ends approx. 12:00pm. ● Note: These tours will be in Koh Pha Ngan for Full Moon Parties. Although every effort has been made to ensure that tour dates above coincide with Full Moon Parties, dates of individual Full Moon Parties can occasionally change at short notice due to Buddhist holidays. ◗ Note: These tours will be in Koh Pha Ngan for Half Moon Parties. Although every effort has been made to ensure that tour dates above coincide with Half Moon Parties, dates of individual Half Moon Parties can occasionally change at short notice due to Buddhist holidays. ■ These tours will be in Thailand for Thai New Year & Water Festival. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.34.
Explore more: optional activities Koh Tao Exclusive to Contiki Day snorkelling cruise Koh Pha Ngan Hands-on Thai Cooking Class Koh Samui Island tour with waterfall swim Visit contiki.com/thai-hopper-east-explore-more for all the optional activities you can do
25/10/2011 12:19
30 | 31
China Includes Hong Kong
1
China tour
5000 years of history, forbidden cities, delicacies & tales make exploring China’s mix of ancient & modern a must. Feel the fast-paced vibes in Beijing, Shanghai & Hong Kong, combined with traditional must-sees, which make China so unique. From staring across the landscapes from the Great Wall, getting up close to the fascinating Terracotta Army to the Hong Kong skyline & busy city streets - get ready to experience it all.
£
REMEMBER If you book early you save money!
We’re always adding more departure dates for tours, so keep an eye on contiki.com for more.
30-31 Thai Islands East_China Intro.indd 3
• INCLUDES: BEIJING XI’AN SHANGHAI HONG KONG
25/10/2011 12:20
China Adventure 12 Days 1 Country China
£1649pp* £138 per day
Great Wall of China
GO
3 BEIJING
1
BO HAI
YELLOW YEL ELLOW SEA
XI’AN 1
2
CHINA
SHANGHAI
Only Contiki includes
• Lunch with a local family in a Beijing hutong • Entry & guided visit of the Forbidden City & Beijing Summer Palace • Visit to the 2008 Olympic Village • Return cable car journey at the Great Wall of China • Experience a Chinese tea house • Visit historic Tiananmen Square • Entry & guided visit of the Terracotta Army Museum • Entry to the 88th floor of Jin Mao Tower • Guided bike ride through Yangshou countryside • Expert English-speaking Local Guide • All private coach transport
Explore more: optional activities
Guilin
2 YANGSHUO
2 HONG KONG
Places visited 1 or more nightstops
32-33 China Adventure.indd 2
SOUTH CHINA SEA SO
Beijing Authentic & delicious Peking Duck dinner Xi’an Spectacular Tang Dynasty show & dinner Shanghai Shanghai Acrobat Show Yangshuo Yangshuo cooking class • Yulong River bamboo raft • Impressions Liu Sanjie show Visit contiki.com/china-adventure-explore-more for all the optional activities you can do
25/10/2011 12:01
32 | 33
contiki.com/china-adventure
From the Great Wall to the high rises of Shanghai to Xi’an’s famous Terracotta Army – China is amazing. When you’re not walking in the footsteps of emperors, see it from the back of a rickshaw or cycle ancient city walls in this tour packed with unique experiences.
FUN FACT
Kalo-Lainee: It’s hard to limit it … I can go on & on about everything! Thank you Contiki for making my dream come true.
If you’re trying your luck in China, go for the number 8. The Chinese tried it - the Olympics in Beijing began on 8/8/08 at 8 seconds at 8 minutes past 8 pm.
China Adventure 12 Days What’s Included:
Itinerary & sightseeing Day 1: Arrive Beijing Home to the 2008 Olympics & the political, educational & cultural centre of China…it’s bustling Beijing! Tonight meet your Tour Manager & fellow travellers then head out & explore the city. Hotel Day 2: Beijing Start your adventure with a visit to Tiananmen Square & a tour of the Forbidden City. Afterwards you’ll visit the cool 798 Art Precinct for a look at some modern Chinese art before heading over to the site of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Tonight, you have the chance to try a local specialty – crispy & delicious Peking Duck! Hotel (B) Visit Tiananmen Square Tour the Forbidden City Visit the 798 Art Precinct Visit the 2008 Olympic Village
•• ••
Day 3: Beijing We head to Beijing’s countryside to the complex of tombs built for the Ming Emperors, before heading to the spectacular Great Wall of China after lunch. Hotel (B,L) Visit the Ming Tombs complex Visit a cloisonné factory Visit the Great Wall (Mutianyu section)
• ••
Day 4: Beijing to Xi’an After free time in the morning, you’ll visit the narrow streets of Beijing’s hutongs where you will climb aboard a rickshaw for a ride through this traditional area. Try some tea at a Chinese teahouse before a visit to the Beijing Summer Palace. Tonight it is dinner at a local restaurant & our train journey to Xi’an. Overnight train (B,L,D) Visit a hutong Lunch with a local family
••
The Forbidden City, Beijing
32-33 China Adventure.indd 3
••
Ride in a rickshaw Visit the Beijing Summer Palace
Day 5: Xi’an After breakfast, we depart the city of Xi’an to see how terracotta warriors were made, before a tour of the world famous ‘Terracotta Army’ museum. Tonight maybe opt for a tasty dumpling feast & cultural show before heading out for a taste of Xi’an’s nightlife. Hotel (B, L) Visit a Terracotta Warrior Factory Tour the Terracotta Army complex
• •
Day 6: Xi’an to Shanghai Get on two wheels with a bike ride on the ancient Xi’an City Walls. An orientation tour of the Muslim Quarter with time to shop & taste local specialties. This afternoon it’s a change of scene as we fly to Shanghai & soak up city views from the 88th floor of the Jin Mao Tower. Hotel (B) Bike Ride on the Xi’an City Wall Guided Tour of the Xi’an Muslim area Visit to 88th floor of Jin Mao Tower
• • •
Day 7: Shanghai Today’s yours, so maybe get a shopping fix - there’s loads on offer here. Try the City God Temple (Chenghuang Miao) for some bargains before stopping off at the Bund, Shanghai’s famous promenade. This evening you could opt for an amazing Chinese acrobatic show or simply find a spot to take in the party atmosphere of the Shanghai skyline. Hotel (B,D) Visit the City God Temple Complex Visit Shanghai’s Bund area
• •
How much & when
•
Visit a Shanghai Silk Factory
Day 8: Shanghai to Yangshuo We catch a flight to Guilin this morning then head to Yangshuo, located amongst the limestone karsts on the Li River. Hotel (B) Day 9: Yangshuo With a full free day, do your own thing, or opt to try a bamboo raft on the nearby Yulong River. You could even try a local cooking school to become a master at Chinese cuisine. Tonight maybe watch the Impressions Liu Sanjie Show – set on the local mountains & river with light displays, music & over 600 performers. Hotel (B) Day 10: Yangshuo to Hong Kong Today it’s a ride through the magical scenery of the Guilin Province, before a change of scene as we catch our flight to the bright lights of Hong Kong. (B) Day 11: Hong Kong Reach new heights as we head to Victoria Peak for panoramic views over this exciting city. Later it’s onto the fishing village of Aberdeen & a cruise around the harbour. Pick up gifts for friends & family at the Stanley Markets. Tonight toast your China experience & savour the taste of your last meal in China. Hotel (B,D) Day 12: Depart Hong Kong Our tour ends after breakfast, so it’s time to swap email addresses as you say farewell your Tour Manager & new friends. (B)
Code: CTCHINA 2012 Start Beijing
Finish Hong Kong
Total Cost £ pp*
Apr Apr May May Jun Jun Jul Jul Aug
1649 1649 1649 1649 1649 1649 1649 1649 1649
2012 Apr Apr Apr May May Jun Jun Jul Jul
2 16 30 14 28 11 25 9 23
Start Beijing
Finish Hong Kong
Total Cost £ pp*
Aug Aug Sep Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov
1649 1649 1649 1649 1649 1649 1649 1649
2012 13 27 11 25 8 22 6 20 3
Aug Aug Sep Sep Oct Oct Oct Nov
6 20 3 17 1 15 29 12
17 31 14 28 12 26 9 23
* Prices above are based on twin-share (multi-share
on train) If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. A single room supplement is available for £385. Included flights: This trip includes flights as specified on the map opposite as part of the tour price. Please see ‘Included flights’ on p.34 for important info. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Tour starts at 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.34.
11 nights accommodation: 10 nights in 3 star hotels 1 overnight train (more on p.12) 17 meals: 11 breakfasts (B) 3 lunches (L) 3 dinners (D) A dedicated crew with an experienced & professional Tour Manager & Englishspeaking local guides Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations Local taxes, payments & service charges Tipping for local staff included 3 internal flights Transport & included sightseeing
$
SAV E Pay 12 months in advance you save £155. Or pay 6 months in advance you save £79. See p.15 for details.
5 World Heritage sites visited
798 Art Precinct, Beijing
Hong Kong
Street markets, Hong Kong
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Got a question? Answers to frequently asked questions & things you need to know: What’s included? • Coach, train, boat, ferry transport, internal flights & ‘on tour’ airport transfers listed in the ‘What’s included’ section on the tour pages. • Accommodation, breakfasts, lunches & dinners listed in the ‘What’s included’ section on tour pages. • Sightseeing listed in the ‘Included highlights’ section in each tour itinerary. Unless specified, entrance fees to these locations are included. • Experienced Contiki Tour Manager & Local Guides.
What’s not included? • Personal expense money. • Visas, passport fees, personal insurance & medical fees. • Excess baggage fees & tips for porters. • Sightseeing, visits & entrance fees other than those specified on tour pages. • Optional excursions & activities such as cooking classes etc. • Lunches (unless specified under “What’s included”) & some dinners. • Anything not specified in the What’s included section.
Included flights Flights as specified on individual tour itineraries are included as part of the price. As detailed within our Booking Conditions (Page 35) under ‘General’ we rely on international conventions regards air travel and other transportation as specified. Through enrolment and payment for your tour you acknowledge and 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 and/or by boarding the aircraft you have accepted the airlines terms & conditions of travel and the application of all relevant International Conventions and applicable national and international law governing air transportation.
Group size Contiki’s group size in Asia is a maximum of 30, a group size small enough to have an intimate Asian experience but big enough to make the group dynamic rock.
Will I get more information? Upon receipt of final payment, your documentation will be released 21 days prior to your departure. Make sure you visit contiki.com/ tgasia or /tgchina for our travellers guide. It’s packed full of essential info for your holiday. You’ll also receive a comprehensive day-by-day itinerary including full details & costs of all optional excursions available on your tour. Your free Contiki document wallet & luggage tag* will be sent to you with your travel documents. The wallet is a safe place for your tickets & passports. * Contiki reserves the right to substitute an alternative travel accessory for the Contiki document wallet.
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. 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, alternative activities will be arranged.
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How much money do I need You will need to ensure you allow enough money to cover optional lunches & dinners, souvenirs, shopping, drinks, optional activities, entrance fees to some attractions & evening entertainment. When travelling with Contiki in Asia, you’ll find that you’ll often be using local currencies, particularly in remote areas. The local currencies encountered on tour are the Riel (Cambodia), Kip (Laos), Baht (Thailand), Yuan (China) or Dong (Vietnam).The countries we visit rely largely on cash as opposed to credit cards or travellers cheques. In the larger cities you’ll find that established stores will accept credit cards readily, while local market stalls will operate on a cash only basis – accepting only local currency. Local currency is readily available through cash machines in each country. Obtaining a small amount of local currency before you travel is also a good idea. ATMs that dispense local currency are widely available. However, you can’t depend solely on a credit/debit card for cash as they are not accepted in all areas. We advise you also carry $US cash in small denominations that you can use as an alternate form of payment. Please note that travellers cheques are generally only accepted in big cities at money exchanges or banks to change to local currency.
• Hepatitis B • Typhoid • Rabies • Japanese B Encephalitis Malaria & dengue fever are also an issue 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 visas?
Optionals are arranged & paid for on tour. By leaving the final decisions until then you can choose at the same time as your new friends. You’ll get great value as we get you great rates. Some activities are seasonal & weather dependent. Our optional activities offered on Contiki Asia tours are operated by 3rd party operators. While every attempt is made to ensure the safety of all activities, the nature of the region means that public liability protection that is offered in many countries, may not be applicable in many cases. A waiver will need to be signed by all tour participants to ensure that these conditions are understood & accepted. Note: Travel insurance is compulsory for all Contiki Asia tours.
Please read carefully. Depending on your nationality, you may require visas to enter certain countries included in your tour. You are fully responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your tour. Contiki is not legally permitted to knowingly allow anybody who does not have a valid visa to join a tour. Visa & other entry & exit conditions (such as currency, arrival/departure taxes, customs & quarantine regulations) change regularly. In Asia, some visas but not all, can be purchased at the border. At www.contiki.com/travel-resources we have put together some information for all of the countries that we visit on our Asia tours. Consult your travel agent or visit www.visalink. com to determine which visas you require & how to obtain them. Your passport must have at least six months’ validity remaining when you arrive. Local immigration authorities may deny entry & deport people who do not meet this requirement, even if they intend on staying only for a short period. Important to consider: 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 tour & will result in you incurring considerable expense & inconvenience. 3. It is better to apply for all visas through your travel agent 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.
Past traveller 5% discount
How much luggage can I bring?
Explore More Optional Activities
Eligibility for this discount is based on clients having booked & travelled with Contiki (or one of our Travel Corporation sister brands, visit www.thetravelcorporation.com for details) within 5 years of their last tour. Clients must have completed a tour before they can redeem the discount on a subsequent tour booking. Only one discount can be redeemed per past traveller annually. A deposit must be received before the discount can be applied to the booking. It is not available on pre & post-tour accommodation rates & other selected products. The discount applies to brochured prices only & cannot be combined with any non-brochured special market promotions.
Do I need vaccinations At the time this brochure went to press (October, 2011), the following immunizations are recommended for travellers in Southeast Asia by the CDC (US Centre for Diseases Control & Prevention): • Diphtheria & tetanus • Hepatitis A
There are some things to consider when packing for a Contiki Asia tour: • Due to the large number of flights on Contiki Asia tours, your luggage needs to meet the weight & restrictions imposed by airlines. These limits are imposed by the airlines, not by Contiki. Contiki is not responsible for any costs incurred by overweight luggage. • You are responsible for carrying your own luggage. At times this will be in hotels without elevators (as is common to the region), or onto various forms of transport, such as trains. • At hotels without elevators, there maybe porters to assist with bags, but this is not guaranteed. On our tours, luggage is restricted to a maximum suitcase size of 73cm x 50cm x 25cm (29” x 20” x 10”) & maximum weight of 20 kg (44lbs) plus one small hand/day bag that can go on the coach with you. Contiki reserves the right to refuse to accept larger & heavier suitcases on tour. Use of a backpack/rucksack is suggested, but
not required. Wheeled suitcases can be used on Contiki tours in Asia. The Contiki Tour Manager may suggest you store your main luggage & utilize a smaller bag for overnight rail journeys, overnight junk boat or overnight stays at guesthouses. A small daypack/ backpack of approx 26L capacity is suggested. Contiki reserves the right to refuse to accept larger suitcases on tour. Baggage is carried at the owner’s risk & baggage insurance is strongly recommended.
Am I expected to tip on tour Every country in the world has different tipping practises. Within the service industry in Asia, tipping is common practice. Tipping is totally optional & only given if you feel the service has exceeded your expectations. Your Tour Manager will assist you with any questions about this. All tipping for local guides & drivers is included as part of the tour price. Be aware that services & standards in Asia may not be equivalent to those you find at home. If you think your Contiki team have done an exceptional job than you may wish to tip them. This is entirely discretionary – it’s completely up to you.
Booking Security Contiki has been running tours for young people since 1962. It is a matter of law that tour operators must fully protect their clients’ funds under regulations specified by the European Community Package Travel Directive. We confirm that Contiki is fully complying with the law, therefore your monies are fully protected. Contiki Holidays Limited is a member of the Association of British Travel Agents under membership number Y1792. ABTA & ABTA Members help make holidaymakers to get the most from their travel & assist them when things do not go according to plan. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. For further information about ABTA, the Code of Conduct & the arbitration scheme available to you if you have a complaint, contact ABTA, 30 Park Street, London SE1 9EQ. Tel: 020 3117 0500 or www.abta.com. Contiki Holidays also holds a current ATOL Licence No. 10144.
Travel Insurance Cancellation, unexpected medical expenses, injuries, theft, lost luggage or money can significantly disrupt your holiday. It is compulsory that you take out comprehensive travel insurance before you travel. Contiki have the right to refuse passengers without the required insurance cover to join our tours. Your insurance must cover personal injury, death, medical expenses, repatriation expenses and evacuation expenses. We strongly recommend your insurance also covers cancellation, personal liability and loss of personal property. If you intend to participate in adventures sports and activities when travelling then please ensure your policy covers such. Some policies exclude certain adventure activities.
Photography credits Photos Courtesy of Elise Garner p.15. Temple, p.22 & 25 Chiang Rai hill tribe. Photos courtesy of © Carrie Vonderhaar, Ocean Futures Society, Celine Cousteau snorkelling p.94. Photos courtesy of © Çapkin van Alphen-CauseCentric Productions p.95 Celine Cousteau, Celine Cousteau snorkelling.
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Booking conditions Once Contiki accepts your booking by confirmation thereof a contract is made between Contiki & you upon the terms & conditions set out below. The following Booking Conditions, have to the extent possible, been based on the UK interpretation of the European Community Package Travel Directive.
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 made between you and Contiki Holidays Limited (Registered in Guernsey No. 50681 (Contiki)) only upon your booking being confirmed and accepted by us and our communication thereof to you or your travel agent. 2. YOUR FINANCIAL PROTECTION Contiki are a member of ABTA and hold ATOL Number 10144 issued by the Civil Aviation Authority, which provide for your protection in the event of our insolvency. Only bookings from countries subject to the EC Package Travel Directive will receive financial protection from ABTA & CAA. When you buy an ATOL protected air holiday package and/ or flights from Contiki Holidays Limited you will receive a Confirmation Invoice from us (or via our authorized agent through which you booked) confirming your arrangements and your protection under our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence number 10144. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking. For further information visit the ATOL website at www.atol. org.uk. Not all holiday or travel services offered and sold by us will be protected by the ATOL scheme. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. 3. PRICE GUARANTEE Prices in this brochure are based on costs and exchange rates as of 10th October, 2011. No surcharge in respect of costs or currency fluctuations will be made within 30 days of the commencement of the land content of any holiday or once payment of the deposit of your land tour has been received. The price of your travel arrangements can be varied due to changes in transportation costs such as fuel, scheduled airfares and any other airline cost changes which are part of the contract between airlines (and their agents) and the tour operator or organiser. The price of your travel arrangements can also be varied due to government action such as changes in VAT or any other government imposed changes and currency changes in relation to an exchange rate variation. In the case of any small variation, an amount equivalent to 2% of the price of your travel arrangements, which excludes any amendment charges, will be absorbed or retained. For larger variations this 2% will still be absorbed for increases but not retained from refunds. Should the price of your holiday go down, by more than 2% of your holiday cost, then any refund due will be paid to you. However, please note that travel arrangements are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes have no impact on the price of your travel due to contractual and other protection in place. In either case there will be an administration charge of £1.00 per person together with an amount to cover agents’ commission. If this means that you have to pay an increase of more than 10% of the price of your travel arrangements, you may cancel your travel arrangements and receive a full refund of all monies paid, except for any amendment charges. Should you decide to cancel for this reason, you must exercise your right to do so within 14 days from the issue date printed on your final invoice. Whether you cancel or not you will also be entitled, on the terms set out in respect of major changes in clause 4.3 below, to accept an offer of alternative travel arrangements from us if we are able to do so. 4.IF WE CANCEL OR CHANGE YOUR HOLIDAY 4.1 Contiki reserves the right to change or cancel your booking in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances beyond its control. 4.2 Should change or cancellation prove necessary we will give you reasonable notice thereof, in the circumstances, and where available, offer you a comparable alternative. Where cancellation is necessary, a minimum period of 45 days notice will be given by us unless the circumstances leading to the cancellation were beyond our reasonable control. 4.3 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. 4.4 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. 4.5 Contiki is not responsible for the cost of any other travel arrangements affected due to cancellation or the rescheduling of any holiday. 5. HOLIDAY DETAILS AND CONDITIONS 5.1 The information in our brochure is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of going to print (October, 2011) but we cannot guarantee that any item or amenity mentioned will be available especially where we have no direct control over it. 5.2 Contiki will do their best, at their discretion, to select accommodation, sightseeing tours and transportation to give you good value for money. 5.3 Contiki constantly strives to improve tour 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. 6. LIABILITY 6.1 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. Any money paid to a travel agent where land arrangements and flights are booked together is held by the travel agent on behalf of Contiki at all times. 6.2 We will be entitled to keep for our account any interest earned on such monies. 6.3 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 for disbursement thereof as aforesaid.
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YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES 1. BOOKING YOUR HOLIDAY 1.1 In order to reserve your holiday, a deposit of £60, per person per tour must be submitted to Contiki within 7 days in respect of that holiday. If a booking is made within 45 days of departure from your home country full payment is due at time of booking creation. This payment is in addition to any deposit required by your travel agent. The deposit is accepted as a first installment of the holiday price by Contiki only once the booking has been confirmed in writing by Contiki or your travel agent. 1.2 Your land reservation will be confirmed on receipt of a nonrefundable deposit of £60 per person, per tour, which must be within 7 days of booking or the reservation will automatically be cancelled. 1.3 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. 2. PAYING THE BALANCE 2.1 The balance of the holiday price must be paid by 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. When making multi-tour bookings, full payment is due no later than 45 days before scheduled departure date of the first departing tour. 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 will not 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 Notice of cancellation must be made to Contiki or your travel agent as soon as possible. 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: PERIOD OF NOTICE CANCELLATION FEE More than 45 days notice: Deposit is forfeited 45-22 days 25% of tour fare 21-8 days: 30% of tour fare 7-1 days: 50% of tour fare Day of departure: 100% of tour fare Where the percentage cancellation fee is less than the 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. 3.4 Any cancellation of additional services booked prior to and after your tour booking, such as pre and post accommodation and transfers, that are cancelled within 14 days of the tour departure incur a 100% cancellation fee. 3.5 These cancellation fees are in addition to any cancellation fees that may be levied by your Travel Agent. 4. IF YOU CHANGE YOUR BOOKING 4.1 If after your booking has been confirmed, you wish to change to an alternate departure date you may do so subject to availability and provided the new holiday date is also in this brochure. 4.2 A fee of £15 per person will be charged for any revision or alteration made to a reservation after the booking is confirmed, unless the change increases the value of the booking. A change of booking within 45 days of departure will be treated as a cancellation and normal cancellation fees will apply (as detailed in section 3) except when the change is to an earlier departure date of equivalent or greater value, in which case a £15 per person amendment fee will be charged. 4.3 A name change to a different person will be treated as a cancellation. 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 Contiki’s holidays are specifically planned for those in the 18 through 35 age group. Consequently the facilities and activities on a Contiki holiday are not appropriate to persons outside this age bracket. If you have a question regarding the age groups, you are welcome to discuss this with a Contiki staff member. 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. The Company does not provide personal devices (such as wheelchairs, hearing aids or prescription eye glasses) or services of a personal nature (such as pushing a wheelchair or assistance in eating, toileting or dressing). 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 .The Company does not employ medical personnel. Any necessary medical attention will be provided by a local facility at the passenger’s expense. The Company is not responsible or liable for any losses or costs incurred as a result of medical services obtained while on tour, or for the quality of the care or services received. 5.4 You are responsible for all travel arrangements and costs to/from the point of commencement/conclusion of the holiday. 5.5.1 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 have 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 such event, you will be responsible for your own repatriation and related costs and have no claims against us. 5.5.2 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 Tour Manager as soon as it is discovered. 5.5.3 The Company may, in its sole discretion, decline the booking of any passenger or remove any passenger who cannot comply or refuses to comply with the Company’s terms and conditions. The Company is not responsible for any costs incurred in the event a passenger is removed from a tour. Passengers agree not to hold the Company or any of its related entities liable for any actions taken under these terms and conditions. 5.6 Where the passenger occupies a motorcoach seat fitted with a safety belt, neither the operator or service providers, agents or cooperating organisations shall be liable for any illness, injury or death nor any loss, 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 as well as any necessary vaccinations and to comply with all applicable laws. 5.8 You agree that our Contiki 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 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 42 days thereof so that your complaint can be investigated. If you do not write within 42 days, your rights under this contract may be affected. 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 Guernsey Law, unless we agree otherwise in writing. 5.10.2 If any provision of this contract is held invalid or unenforceable 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 enforceability 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. 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. 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 tour. 8. WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN THE HOLIDAY PRICE: Airfares to and from your holiday destination (unless you have booked a tour and fly package), airport taxes, passport and visa fees, insurance, laundry, phone calls, beverages, meals not detailed in the itinerary, tips to Tour Managers & Tour Drivers, items of a personal nature, excess baggage and optional excursions. 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 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 tour.
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 tour 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 tour 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. All bookings with carriers, hoteliers and other service providers are subject to the terms and conditions and limitations of liability imposed by those carriers, hoteliers, and other service providers. Please note that some of these limit or exclude liability in respect of death, personal injury, delay and loss or damage to baggage. Whilst we cannot accept any responsibility for any loss as a result of such actions or as a result of any act or omission of any such third-parties, we will give every reasonable assistance in helping to resolve any reasonable dispute. 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. ARBITRATION Disputes arising out of, or in connection with, this contract which cannot be amicably settled, may be referred to arbitration, if the customer so wishes, under a special scheme arranged by the Association of British Travel Agents, and administered independently by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. The scheme provides for a simple and inexpensive method of arbitration on documents alone with restricted liability on the customer in respect of costs. Full details will be provided on request or can be obtained from the ABTA website (www.abta.com). The scheme does not apply to claims for an amount greater than £5,000 per person. There is also a limit of £25,000 per booking form. Neither does it apply to claims, which are solely in respect of physical injury or illness or their consequences. The scheme can however deal with compensation claims which include an element of minor injury or illness subject to a limit of £1,000 on the amount the arbitrator can award per person in respect of this element. The application for arbitration and Statement of Claim must be received by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators within twelve months of the date of return from the holiday. Outside this time limit arbitration under the Scheme may still be available if the company agrees, but the ABTA code does not require such agreement. 3. VALIDITY The programmes advertised in this brochure are valid from November 2011 to March 2013. 4. OPERATING COMPANIES Contiki’s Asian programs are operated as a division of Contiki Holidays (Australia) Pty Ltd. Contiki Holidays (Australia) Pty Ltd. is a subsidiary of Contiki Tours International Ltd., Picquet House, St. Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 1AF, Channel Islands. IMPORTANT NOTICE: ABTA statement: Contiki Holidays Ltd are a member of ABTA under membership number Y1792. ABTA and ABTA Members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist when things don’t go according to plan. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. For more information on ABTA, the Code of Conduct and the arbitration scheme available to you if you have a complaint, contact ABTA, 30 Park Street, London SE1 9EQ, tel 020 3117 0500 www.abta.com 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. If you travel outside the European Economic Area, controls on data protection may not be as strong as the legal requirements in this country. 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, whether in the EEA or not, 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 Limited. Picquet House, St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 1AF, Channel Islands. FURTHER ADVICE For further advice please visit - www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo or call the ABTA Information Line Tel: 020 3117 0500 (calls are charged at local rate)
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Keep going with Contiki > Europe Summer
Europe Winter
South America
USA, Canada Australia & & Mexico New Zealand
See more with Contiki Great value round the world flights, combined with Contiki’s sweet deals means you can see more for less. So take advantage of our exceptional multi-tour savings & great flight deals & keep exploring. Heading to Australia or New Zealand from the UK? Book a round the world ticket & stop off on one of our USA, South America or Asia trips. Speak to your travel agent for details on round the world tickets & ways to see more with Contiki.
How to book
Call Contiki or visit your travel agent Call: 020 8290 6422 Click: contiki.com Email: travel@contiki.com Visit: your local travel agent UK Marketing
• At the time of booking you must pay a non refundable deposit of £60 per person per tour within 7 days. • Once your deposit has been received, Contiki will send either you or your travel agent confirmation of the details of the booking. • You must pay the balance of your holiday no less than 45 days before the departure date or at the time of booking if less than 45 days before departure. • Contiki will then send you or your travel agent travel vouchers and detailed information about your holiday. The documentation will be sent approximately 21 days prior to your departure.
Contiki Services Ltd. Wells House, 15 Elmfield Rd, Bromley, Kent, BR1 1LS. Tel: (020) 8290 6777 Fax: (020) 8225 4222
Brochure Hotline: Call 0870 333 4884 or Download/view: at contiki.com/ebrochures
IMPORTANT: By paying the £60 deposit per person per tour, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the Booking Conditions as set out on p.35 which make up the contract between you and Contiki.
DRIVEN BY SERVICE
Contiki Holidays is a member of the family-owned The Travel Corporation and is renowned and trusted for its outstanding quality, service, value, reliability and financial stability. www.TheTravelCorporation.com
Groups & special interest tours Whether you’re looking to organise a group tour to Europe, North America, Central America, South America, Asia, Australia or New Zealand then please have a look at the huge range of tours in our brochures. It is more than likely that at least one of our trips will fit perfectly. As long as you are all 18-35, any date can be reserved exclusively for your group at special reduced rates – perhaps even a free trip for you. If you’re looking for something completely different for your school, university or club then just ask – we’ve been designing and running outstanding special tours for years.
Contiki loves the planet The text pages for this brochure are printed on 100% recycled paper. By doing this we’re using less trees & sending less waste to landfills. You can help too, by recycling this brochure when you’re done. Either pass it on to a friend to read, or pop it in your recycling collection. Easy.
ABTA No.Y1792
Contiki is represented in Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Germany, Hong Kong, 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. © Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. Printed in the UK.
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