SMALL GROUP ADVENTURES Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, China & Japan
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There are only twoin times your life...
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now and too late. THE #NOREGRETS PHILOSOPHY
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This is your youth. You only get to live it once, but if you do it right once is more than enough
Celebrate individuality, diversity, connections & a little bit of craziness
Live life on your own terms - create the stories now that you’ll recount for decades to come
See the world through youthful eyes, a little bit of naivety & a truckload of optimism
Find comfort outside your comfort zone
Make new friends from new places
Live for the moment. Have #NOREGRETS, just memories
Travel a lot. It’s the only thing you’ll buy that’ll make you richer
And above all... Make every moment count.
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CONTENTS ASIA 2015/16
#NOREGRETS Contents The Contiki difference Where we go 3 Ways to travel Ways to stay What we include ME Time (free time) Taste Asia Meet our team Getting around Asia What you’ll get & ways to save Online & Social Contiki cares
02 04 05 06 08 10 12 14 16 18 20 21 22 23
DISCOVERY PLUS TRIPS Big Indochina Adventure Asian Adventure
24 26 28
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER TRIPS Japan Unrivalled China Adventure Vietnam Experience Vietnam Highlights
30 32 34 36 38
EASY PACE TRIPS Thai Island Hopper West Thai Island Hopper East
39 40 41
Got a question? Booking Conditions How to book
42 43 44
New for 2015
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THE CONTIKI DIFFERENCE YOU DON’T KNOW UNTIL YOU GO 18-35S ONLY Your boss, parents, high school English teacher – they’re lovely people, but chances are you don’t want to be travelling with them. We keep our trips open to 18-35s exclusively so you’re exploring the world with young, like-minded travellers just like yourself.
YOUR ASIA EXPERTS With your nose stuck in a map, you’ll miss out on the best parts of Asia. Every Contiki trip comes with a two-person team – a Trip Manager to take care of all the logistics & a Local Guide to give you authentic insight into the places you’ll visit.
SMALL GROUP ADVENTURES Trip sizes of a max. 30 people means the perfect size for intimate experiences & ultimate fun.
CHOICE, CHOICE & MORE CHOICE Seven unique countries & three amazing ways to travel – there’s something for everyone in Asia. Choose between Discovery Plus, In-Depth Explorer & Easy Pace trips, all designed with a different type of traveller in mind.
THE BEST OVERNIGHTS Travelling locally doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort. The places we stay at not only support the local community, they also have many of the luxuries you have at home – pools, WiFi, gyms – so you’ll start each day well-rested & ready to take on a new adventure.
GETTING AROUND Asia can be a bit of a nightmare when it comes to traffic, let’s be honest. We get you from place to place by plane, train & waterway – whichever route is quickest so that you can spend more time exploring & less time travelling.
GIVING BACK We believe that for everything you take home on your travels, you should give something back. The places you’ll eat, the hotels you stay at, the artisans we visit – they all give back to the local economy, so you can feel free to return home with all the life-changing experiences you want.
BANGKOK
ASIA 2015/16
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Great Wall of China BEIJING
CHINA
OUR ASIA
XI’AN
SHANGHAI
Guilin YANGSHUO
WE VISIT SOME PRETTY INCREDIBLE PARTS
VIETNAM
OF ASIA, FROM THE CULTURE-HEAVY
PAKBENG
CITIES OF CHINA TO THE BREATHTAKING
CHIANG RAI
THAI ISLANDS TO THE EPIC LANDSCAPES
CHIANG MAI
LUANG PRABANG
HANOI
HONG KONG
HALONG BAY
LAOS
VANG VIENG VIENTIANE
OF JAPAN. WITH AN ENDLESS AMOUNT OF EXPERIENCES TO BE HAD, THE ONLY
HUE
THAILAND
QUESTION IS – WHERE WILL YOUR ADVENTURE TAKE YOU?
Da Nang HOI AN
BANGKOK SIEM REAP
NHA TRANG
CAMBODIA PHNOM PENH KOH TAO KOH PHA NGAN KOH SAMUI PHUKET
HO CHI MINH CITY
MEKONG DELTA
KRABI
KOH PHI PHI
THAILAND Bright lights & the big city buzz of Bangkok, mixed with serene local villages, make Thailand a cool blend that is on any traveller’s bucket list. Explore the klongs & temples of Bangkok, visit the hill tribe villages & learn about what makes this incredible country any explorer’s fave.
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CAMBODIA A rich cultural THE THAI ISLANDS With white sand beaches, turquoise water & endless good times, Thailand’s islands are incredible. Let us show you why we love them, and experience the best of the Thai Islands at their ultimate time of year. Whether you’re looking for party-filled nights on the East coast or total relaxation on the beach on the West, we have it covered.
past, ancient temples, peaceful village vibes & colourful markets, Cambodia is not to be missed. See the sun rise over the stunning Angkor Wat in Siem Reap & delve into the country’s dark history in Phnom Penh.
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CHINA 5000 years of history, forbidden cities, delicacies & tales make exploring China’s mix of ancient & modern a must. The fast paced vibes in Beijing & Shanghai, combined with traditional must-sees, make China a gem just waiting to be discovered. Take on the Great Wall, get up close to the Shanghai skyline & get amongst busy city streets – China is all about a journey of experiencing it all.
HONG KONG With its famous skyline, bustling shopping areas & neon signs, this dynamic region is a breathtaking mix of East meets West. Visit Victoria Peak for panoramic views of the city, cruise China’s largest harbour, shop up a storm at Stanley Market & indulge in some seriously great cuisine.
JAPAN Hida TAKAYAMA
VIETNAM A rich & diverse history, bustling
HIROSHIMA Miyajima Island
OSAKA
Matsumoto Mt Fuji
KYOTO Nara
TOKYO HAKONE
WAKAYAMA
cities, stunning turquoise waters & delicious cuisine – Vietnam has it all. Visit the ancient city of Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) for a head-spinning introduction to this vibrant country, see the stunning sunsets over Halong Bay by traditional junk boat & cycle the backstreets of Hoi An.
JAPAN Contiki’s newest crush! Say ‘konnichiwa’ to the land of sushi, samurai & sake with our sexy new destination. From bright lights & big city vibes in Tokyo, to Geisha girls in Kyoto to beautiful scenery & ancient shrines on Hiroshima’s Miyajima Island – Japan is a hub of cultural treasures & futuristic sights. LAOS Full of beautiful sights & ancient customs, discover the old-fashioned charm, laid-back attitude & traditional village life of Laos. Cruise the famous river Mekong, feed the Buddhist monks in Luang Prabang, have an outdoor adventure in Vang Vieng & soak up the French influenced capital of Vientiane. ASIA 2015/16
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ASIA YOUR WAY NO TWO TRAVELLERS ARE THE SAME & WE KNOW THAT. THAT’S WHY WE OFFER MORE CHOICE FOR YOUNG EXPLORERS WITH TAILOR-MADE TRAVEL EXPERIENCES GUARANTEED TO GIVE YOU THE ULTIMATE ASIAN ADVENTURE THAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR. Are you the traveller who wants to tick off your bucket list? See the highlights & make friends back home jealous through endless epic Instagram posts? Or do you want to spend more time in a single country seeing the backstreets & blockbusters while getting to really know the locals? Or just take things slow & relaxed? Whatever type of traveller you are, read on to discover our three Asia travel experiences & check the travel intro sections for details on what’s included with each way to travel.
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DISCOVERY PLUS See it all, do it all See p. 24 for more Discovery Plus adventures are all about seeing & experiencing even more of Asia, your way. These trips are packed with inclusions travellers just have to see in this part of the world. Explore by foot or by boat with tours of Bangkok & Ho Chi Minh City, or visit Ta Prohm Temple by tuk-tuk or cruise the Mekong in Pakbeng. Add to this specialist Local Guides in every destination to give you that priceless inside angle. Take a journey into the real Asia, with travel experiences you crave. Add to this plenty of free time to discover your own path too. Top this off with great hotels, resorts & unique Special Stays in fantastic locations… what’s not to like? With us you really can see & do it all.
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER Crave for living like a local? See p. 30 for more Our Asian In-Depth Explorer trips really get you into the destinations you visit. These trips are for the travellers happiest when they can lose themselves in a new city, make friends with locals & dedicate some serious time to hunting out the best local delicacies. We know some travellers don’t just want to see it all, they want to get under the skin of a destination & really explore it deeper, choose a country & become a native in no time!
EASY PACE Take it slowly See p. 39 for more Later starts, 2 & 3 nights in each place & mega ME Time are what our Easy Pace trips in the Thai Islands are all about. It’s a more relaxed way to see Asia, for those who think taking it slow is the only way to go. Really delve deep into local life or kick back & relax enjoying the sun, sand & sea.
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WAYS TO STAY HENJOKOIN TEMPLE SPECIAL STAY, WAKAYAMA
SAWADDI PATONG RESORT, PHUKET
LET’S NOT BEAT AROUND THE BUSH – OUR ACCOMMODATIONS IN ASIA ARE STRAIGHT-UP AWESOME. NOTHING’S BETTER THAN FRESH BREAKFASTS EVERY MORNING & COMFORTABLE BEDS TO CRASH IN EACH NIGHT OF YOUR CONTIKI ADVENTURE. OH, AND WIFI? NO WORRIES, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED.
COMFORT YOU’LL LOVE Asia is an absolutely incredible place, and after a long day exploring all that the destination has to offer, you’ll want to kick back & relax. The hotels we stay at have air-conditioning & pools to cool off in, not to mention WiFi at most spots to get your friends’ FOMO levels rising from your Instagram updates. Wake up the next morning with delicious breakfasts to fuel you for the adventures that lie ahead!
AO NANG CLIFF BEACH RESORT, AO NANG, KRABI
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES A few of the places we stay at in Asia are simply too epic to call ‘hotels’ – they offer a unique experience that you just can’t get anywhere else. From a cool jungle resort in Koh Tao to an overnight junk boat cruise in Halong Bay to a traditional Ryokan guesthouse in Hakone – our Special Stays are all about mixing it up right in the heart of the local community.
CENTRAL LOCATIONS Want to stay out a little later at the night markets or have a few moonlit brews on the beach? All of our accommodations in Asia are centrally-located, meaning you don’t have to worry about catching that last bus back to the hotel or paying a fortune for a taxi in rush-hour.
Visit contiki.com/waystostay-asia for more details of hotels & Special Stays we visit
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CHARM CHUREE VILLA, KOH TAO
VAN LOI HOTEL, HOI AN
JUNK BOAT SPECIAL STAY, HALONG BAY
SHIRALEA RESORT, KOH PHA NGAN
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MORE INCLUDED EXPERIENCES:
Our insider’s guide EVERY TRIP IS PACKED FULL OF THE ICONIC SIGHTS, THE HIDDEN GEMS & THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES, ALL INCLUDED, ON US.
Nobody wants to waste time in long lines, trying to ask for directions in (very) broken Thai or getting scammed by a taxi driver trying to make an extra buck. Your holiday time is precious. We totally get it. That’s why we have it all included so you can spend more time getting under the skin of the places you visit & less time figuring out the best time to see the sun rise over Angkor Wat.
ON EACH TRIP… We include orientations or sightseeing with our expert Trip Managers in each of the destinations you visit, sharing everything from historical facts to the best place to get authentic street food. You’ll also be joined by one of our Local Guides*, who will passionately share insider knowledge of their home country & help out with your language skills as you take to the local markets. Plus, no need to worry about having enough Baht to get into the temples – the entry fees are on us.
HERE’S A TASTE OF OUR EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS: • The Grand Palace, Bangkok
• Private river boat cruise, Mekong
• Angkor Wat, Siem Reap
• Great Wall of China
• The Forbidden City, Beijing
• Peace Memorial Museum, Hiroshima
• Guided bike tours, Vietnam
• Imperial Palace, Tokyo
*Local Guides are not included on our Thai Island Hopper trips
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GIVING BACK We also include experiences that give back to the local communities we visit. These experiences give our travellers the chance to support great causes in the places you’ll come to love. • Visit Friends Restaurant, a vibrant & colourful (& delicious!) restaurant that trains young people to become skilled in the kitchen, helping them to have a secure & brighter future. Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
• Take part in a unique experience, the ritual of offering alms (food) to hundreds of Laotian Buddhist monks. Luang Prabang, Laos. • Visit the COPE Support Center to see the work they’re doing in providing prosthetics & mobility devices for victims of landmines, with the opportunity to donate to this incredible cause. Vientiane, Laos.
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FREE TIME
ME TIME IS ABOUT THE FREEDOM & FLEXIBILITY TO DISCOVER ASIA YOUR WAY.
Explore the bustling city streets, relax on the picture perfect beaches, or take part in some unforgettable optional activities.
You’re explorers… so we give you all the free time you need to take in the things you came to see & do. Our team have all the insider knowledge you’ll need in each & every destination, like where to find the tastiest local delicacies in Bangkok & the best museums to visit in Ho Chi Minh City. Or just chill on the beach with a book. You choose, it’s your time.
ME TIME OPTIONALS Our tried & tested traveller favourite ME Time optionals are another way you can make the most of your free time. It’s the stuff our travellers have told us, you just have to do.
FREE TIME IN LUANG PRABANG
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ME TIME OPTIONAL IN HALONG BAY
We hook our travellers up with great prices & offer unique experiences that ensure you make every moment count. Look out for the M symbol on our trip pages for some great tips on how to spend your ME Time – & here are just a few to get you started: • Sushi making & Tsukiji fish market tour, Tokyo • Kayaking adventure, Halong Bay • Vietnamese cooking class, Hoi An • Onsen experience, Tokyo • ‘The Beach’ experience, Koh Phi Phi • Visit native hill tribes, Chiang Rai
• Relaxing island cruise & swimming, Nha Trang • Spectacular Tang Dynasty show & dinner, Xi’an • Chinese cooking experience, Yangshou Visit contiki.com/metime for a full list of our ME Time optionals. Important: ME Time optional activities are not included in the price of your trip. They are run by 3rd party operators & on occasions, for some of the activities, travellers may be required to sign a waiver to participate. Before you leave, it’s important that you check your insurance includes your participation in adventure activities & be aware that some of our optionals can be physically demanding & may involve some risk.
ME TIME OPTIONAL IN HOI AN
FREE TIME ON KOH PHI PHI
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TASTE
ASIA
OF
BREAKFAST DAILY PLENTY OF FOODIE ME TIME INCLUDED LOCAL MEALS THAT GIVE BACK With such delicious & diverse cuisine across Asia, where do we begin (without drooling?) We include a ton of meals at local restaurants, supporting local businesses, plus give you all the ME Time you need to seek out new tastes & try things for yourself – like eating your way through the food markets of Thailand, trying the freshest sushi in Tokyo or daring to sample a fried cricket in Cambodia. And unlike others, on every single one of our adventures, you’ll start each day with breakfast (because who wants to head out & find food first thing in the morning? No thanks!) And no trip to Asia would be complete without a cooking class, right? So for those wanting to take their culinary skills to the next level, we offer classes in Chiang Mai, Hoi An, Tokyo & Yangshou – getting you hands-on with local dishes to practise when you get home.
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‘so much of what is where you ’ MEET OUR TEAM 14 TRIP MANAGERS, 15 LOCAL GUIDES Our team is what really makes our trips the best, & each of our travel experiences include a Trip Manager who’s with you from the start to the finish of your adventure. Our team are all English speaking expats, who now call Asia home, and their sole purpose is to ensure our travellers go home with #NOREGRETS. They’re extensively trained & travelled, and exploring runs through their blood. Helping you to discover the absolute A to Z of the places you visit is their passion – so you’re guaranteed to have the best adventure possible. And on top of that, they take the hassle out of travelling. Leave the organization & travel details to them, so you can focus on exploring the Asia you’ve come to see. To add to this, we team up with our extensive network of Local Guides* in every destination we visit, who’ll take you on an insider journey of each city or spot – meaning you’ll learn & experience more, from those that know it best. See the world through the eyes of some of our awesome team (opposite), and follow their journeys through this incredible continent with Contiki. Meet our amazing team at contiki.com/team *Local Guides are not included on our Thai Island Hopper trips
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Local Guide Johnny
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you are ve been.’ – anon Alex @apalma17
Local Guide Thang
Local Guide Quang
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HOW WE TRAVEL
WHAT’S INCLUDED – INTERNAL FLIGHTS – PRIVATE AIR-CONDITIONED MINI-BUS TRANSPORTATION
Getting around Asia on your own can be a daunting task – finding your way to train & bus stations, buying tickets, all while hauling your bags to your next destination can be painful. And really, 18-hour bus rides aren’t appealing either, no matter how local you might want to go!
– JUNK BOATS
The good news is, you won’t get that when you travel with us. Let us take the hassle out of travelling & at the same time, get a truly authentic local experience.
– LOCAL EXPERIENCES: SONGTHAEWS, LONGTAIL BOATS, TUK-TUKS, RICKSHAWS, BIKES & MORE
Our team is hand-selected to make sure you get to the places you need to be quickly, with hassle-free & local experiences.
– OVERNIGHT & BULLET TRAINS
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PAY EARLY, SAVE MORE! IT’S REALLY PRETTY SIMPLE. BOOK & PAY EARLY FOR THE BEST DEAL ON YOUR TRIP & AIRFARES!
#1 SAVE UP TO C$375 Pay in full on or before 29th January 2015 & save up to 7.5%
#2 SAVE UP TO C$250
MORE WAYS TO SAVE TRAVELLING AGAIN? Travelled with us or one of our sister companies before? Welcome back to the family with 5% additional discount.
BOOK 2 OR MORE TRIPS Can’t get enough of Contiki? We know the feeling. Book 2 trips of 7+ days & get C$50 off your second trip!
BOOK WITH FRIENDS We believe in the principle of the more the merrier! Start early & get your friends on board for an amazing European adventure. Here’s how you can save, it’s really pretty simple. • 4 or more – everyone saves 5%
Pay in full on or before 26th March 2015 & save up to 5%
• 7 or more – everyone saves 7.5%
DON’T MISS OUT ON THESE GREAT DEALS. Check contiki.com/deals for the latest.
Once you’ve booked your trip, register it online & share with your family & friends, & let them fund the adventure! You can also make payments yourself, to pay off your trip over time. Easy!
• 10 or more – everyone saves 10% (or invite an 11th person & one goes free)
PART PAY
These deals are subject to availability & may be withdrawn. Pay Early Savings of C$375 & C$250 based on 13-day Japan Unrivalled p.32-33 The Pay Early savings above only apply to departures on or after 1st April 2015.
CONTIKI VS. GOING IT ALONE You may think to yourself… ‘I can definitely do Asia cheaper on my own’. And yes, you’re probably right. But there’s a catch. You won’t get the central, lush & local accommodation; no-way near as many inclusions, or a Trip Manager AND Local Guide* in every single destination for the same price if you go it alone. Plus, you’ll likely waste precious travel time on 18-hour public bus rides as opposed to travelling on quick included internal flights & private Contiki-only air-con transport. When it comes to a mind-blowing experience, we’ve really got it covered. Check it out below or visit contiki.com/reviews & see what our recent travellers have to say!
WHAT
CONTIKI
GOING IT ALONE
Sorted. Hotels in great locations with facilities like pools & WiFi & air-con, combined with local Special Stays. Rest up in comfort after the day’s adventure.
Not sorted. Scratchy sheets, random locations, who knows what you’re going to get! And let’s not get started on the endless hours you’ve spent on Trip Advisor researching…
Sorted. Private air-con mini coaches, just for Contiki, or a flight anyone? And you get your bags unloaded too, easy!
Not sorted. Going local is cool, but in 40 degree heat, waiting for a public bus that you have no idea how long you’ll be on? Not so cool.
TEAM
Sorted. Trip Manager & Local Guide* in every single destination get you in the know on the stuff you came to see. And on top of that, you’ll always be in the know on the essentials, like where’s the ATM & the bathrooms?
Not sorted. When you don’t know your way, finding tickets, getting directions & looking for the essentials like the ATM can be painful. And we all know how niggly those headsets at monuments can be!
INCLUDED EXPERIENCES
Sorted. We know the highlights you came to see – so we include the entry fees, sort the tickets & get you in quick. Skip the lines VIP style. It means more exploring time for you….
Not sorted. Getting to the location, finding the ticket stall, then waiting in line in the heat for hours is time consuming & stressful… doesn’t really sound that appealing… does it?
BREAKFAST EVERY DAY
Sorted. Fresh fruit, omelettes cooked right before your eyes, coffee, pastries & cereal, we include yummy breakfasts daily.
Not sorted. Cos who wants to head out to find breakfast first thing when they wake up? And who knows what you’ll get!
ACCOMMODATION
TRANSPORT
o
The facts: All these discounts apply to the land portion of your trip price only (this excludes taxes, included flight costs, extra accommodation & optional activities. Your trip price does not include the costs of international flights to/from Asia that start or end your trip). You can combine loyalty discounts , group discounts (‘Book with Friends’) multi trip discounts (‘2 or more’) & early payment (‘Pay Early’) discounts on trips of 7 days or longer. Pay Early savings do not apply to bookings made within 45 days of trip departure & are not combinable with Last Minute Deals. Group discounts (‘Book with friends’) is available on all trips. *Local Guides are not included on our Thai Island Hopper trips.
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YOUTUBE (youtube.com/contiki) Join us as we take you behind the scenes of our Contiki trips CONTIKI.COM Check out the range of trips on offer, our amazing inclusions & top deals FACEBOOK (facebook.com/contiki) Hit up our Facebook team, we’re always here to help PINTEREST (pinterest.com/contiki) Follow us for travel inspiration & ideas
PART PAY (contiki.com/partpay) Register your trip online & share with family & friends to help pay it off, OR use it to budget your own payments.
E-BROCHURES (contiki.com/brochures) Create a personalised eBrochure. Choose the trips you want to compare, then download or share on Facebook & Twitter
GET INSPIRED
GOOGLE PLUS (plus.google.com/+Contiki) Travel articles, tips & advice
BEFORE YOUR TRIP
CHECK-IN (contiki.com/checkin) Check in for your trip before you go, saving you time & paperwork on the first day of your trip.
INSTAGRAM (instagram.com/contiki) Capture your favourite travel moments & tag with #Contiki & #NOREGRETS We regram our favourites on @contiki!
DURING YOUR TRIP
VINE (vine.co/contiki) Share your trip in realtime, as it happens.
SOCIAL MEDIA Keep in touch once you return home & find out first about new destinations, deals & contests.
Trip of a lifetime!
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REVIEWS (contiki.com/reviews) Don’t just take our word for it, check out trip reviews & see what our past travellers have to say. And once you’ve finished your trip, leave a review yourself!
THE EXCHANGE (contiki.com/exchange) Get inspired by the hottest music, fashion, food & nightlife from the places you’ll visit around the globe
AFTER YOUR TRIP
MEETUPS (contiki.com/meetups) Meet your fellow travellers before you go. Or download our Shout! App & access MeetUps on your iPhone or Android. SHOUT! Download our FREE app today. See your itinerary, access MeetUps to chat to your fellow travellers before you go & check out handy travel tools.
TWITTER (twitter.com/contikiCAN) Include #Contiki & #NOREGRETS on your tweets, or give us a shout out – we read everything! THE MOST DANGEROUS RISK OF ALL – THE RISK OF SPENDING YOUR LIFE NOT DOING WHAT YOU WANT, ON THE BET YOU CAN BUY YOURSELF THE FREEDOM TO DO IT LATER.
CONTIKI.COM Book your next adventure here! Even though you’ve ticked Asia off your bucket list, there are plenty of other amazing parts of the world to explore with Contiki – like New Zealand, Australia, Latin America, North America & Europe or head back to Asia to explore more. You’re part of the family now, so enjoy a 5% discount off your next trip, wherever it may be.
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TRAVEL - IT LEAVES YOU SPEECHLESS THEN TURNS YOU INTO A STORYTELLER.
Check out contiki.com/storytellers to find out more.
CONTIKI CARES At Contiki, we’re creating a community of young & passionate people who simultaneously live with conscience & live to travel. To continue travelling the world for decades & centuries to come, we need to respect & protect the places we visit through everything we do. Change doesn’t happen overnight & it doesn’t come easy, but we’re dedicated to making the effort & empowering the next generation of changemakers.
TIMELINE OF CONTIKI CARES PROJECTS Since 2011, Contiki has partnered with some incredible ocean-based organizations, providing support for sustainability & conservation initiatives & educating travellers through Earth Month expeditions.
5 WAYS TO TREAD LIGHTLY WHEN TRAVELLING For more information on what Contiki is doing to protect our oceans, check out contiki.com/ contikicares
1. Bring a reusable water
bottle & reduce the use of plastics.
2012
2014
MAR Leadership
Sea Turtle Conservancy
2011
2012
2013
2014
Sustainable Coastlines
Oceana
Shark Savers
Surfrider Australia
2. Explore cities by foot,
bike or public transport on your ME Time to reduce your carbon footprint.
3. Switch off when you’re
not in your hotel room to conserve energy.
4. Buy local – you’ll support
the communities you visit & help reduce shipping from other countries.
5. Conserve water in hotels
by turning off the taps when not in use – water is a scarce resource in many of the countries we visit.
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STUNNING TEMPLES, BLISSFUL BEACHES &
HANOI
ACTION-PACKED CITIES. GET A REAL TASTE OF SOUTH EAST ASIA WITH MORE INCLUSIONS, EXCELLENT ACCOMMODATION & HASSLE-FREE PRIVATE TRANSFERS.
2 TRIPS / 14-25 DAYS Big Indochina Adventure.................. p.26
Asian Adventure ................................... p.28
INCLUDED • Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations
• ME Time – choose to discover this exotic continent in your own time or get involved in more ME Time optionals
• A Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides in every destination
• Stay in great locations, fabulous hotels with excellent facilities & some unique Special Stays that you can’t get any other way
• All private minibus transfers, included flights, trains & boat trips • Small groups (average 22 people) • Breakfast every day plus some delicious local meals included • More included – tick off your bucket list as you see all the big sights & enjoy unique experiences
Contiki.com/discovery-plus-asia
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• Travelling solo? ‘Room to myself’ options available for a little extra, or we’ll match you up with a same sex room-mate
We Love WiFi – stay connected with WiFi at most overnight stops
ANGKOR WAT
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LUANG PRABANG
NHA TRANG
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THAILAND/ LAOS CAMBODIA/ VIETNAM
DISCOVERY PLUS
25 DAYS - FROM C$4599 PP*/C$184 P/DAY* SAVE
PAY EARLY & SAVE UP TO C$255. SEE P.21 FOR DETAILS
China VIETNAM
HANOI 2 Burma
PAKBENG 1
1 Halong Bay
2 LUANG PRABANG LAOS
CHIANG RAI 1
2 VANG VIENG
SOUTH CHINA SEA
VIENTIANE 1
CHIANG MAI 1
1 HUE Da Nang
THAILAND
2 HOI AN
1
1 BANGKOK
5 World Heritage sites visited LUANG PRABANG
1 1
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Places visited Nightstops Special Stay night
SIEM REAP 2
CAMBODIA
1 PHNOM PENH
NHA TRANG 2
2 HO CHI MINH CITY
MEKONG DELTA 1
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BIG INDOCHINA ADVENTURE ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING Day 1: Arrive Bangkok. Tuk-tuks, neon lights & buzzing street life, it’s bustling Bangkok! Arrive at the hotel, meet your Trip Manager & fellow travellers, then hit the city for a night out. Hotel
Day 13: Siem Reap. Wake to watch the sunrise 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 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. (B) Overnight Train Visit the Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha Guided klong (canal) tour M Group photo at Bangkok’s Grand Palace
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 iconic conical hats. Hotel (B)
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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 M Hands-on cooking class
Day 15: 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. (B,L,D) Guest house Special Stay Mekong Delta cruise See local industry demonstrations Visit a local tea garden
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) M Visit hill tribe villages in Chiang Rai
Day 16: Mekong Delta to Ho Chi Minh City. We head back to Ho Chi Minh via the legendary tunnels in Cu Chi – you can even go down into the tunnels & experience them first-hand! Hotel (B) Visit to the Cu Chi tunnels
Day 5: Chiang Rai to Pakbeng. After crossing the Thai/Laos border, we board our private boat & cruise the Mekong, seeing local life along the river. Arrive before sunset in Pakbeng for our overnight stay. (B,L,D) Guest house Special Stay See local riverside villages
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
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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 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. Later, cool off with a swim or visit to the Royal Palace. Hotel (B) Visit the Kuang Si Falls
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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
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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. 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 French influenced capital. Later, we’ll visit That Luang & view Laos’ ‘Arc de Triomphe’. Hotel (B) Visit Luang Stupa & Patuxi Visit COPE support centre
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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 a restaurant where former disadvantaged youth are trained in hospitality. Hotel (B,RD) Visit the ‘Killing Fields’ & Genocide Museum Dinner at ‘Friends’ Restaurant
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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
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Day 18: Nha Trang. Today, do your own thing or opt to cruise the local waters for some swimming & snorkelling. Hotel (B) M Relaxing cruise with swim stops & snorkelling Day 19: Nha Trang to Hoi An. Fly to Da Nang & 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
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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) M Guided tour of My Son Temples Day 21: Hoi An to Hue. Enjoy stunning views while driving over the “Pass of the Ocean Clouds”, then visit the famous sights in Hue. Hotel (B) Cross the Hai Van Pass Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda & the Imperial Citadel Cyclo ride M Group photo at Hue’s Imperial Citadel
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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
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Day 23: Hanoi to Halong Bay. Today we board a traditional Junk Boat on Halong Bay for our overnight cruise. See amazing views as we pass coves, cliffs & beaches. We stop for a swim before docking for sunset. (B,L,D) Junk Boat Special Stay Visit the Sung Sot Caves Boat cruise to the Luon Cave
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Day 24: Halong Bay to Hanoi. Wake to more fantastic views from the Junk Boat before we return to Hanoi. Later you could go to Hanoi’s world-famous water puppet performance before a farewell dinner. Hotel (B,L) Day 25: Depart Hanoi. Your trip ends after breakfast, so it’s time to say farewell to your group. (B)
2015/16 Code: BICA Start Bangkok
Finish Hanoi
Total Cost C$ pp*
2015 Jan Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Apr Apr Apr Apr May May May May May May May Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Aug Aug Aug Aug Aug Sep Sep Sep
18 21 25 28 1 4 8 11 15 18 22 25 1 4 8 15 22 29 5 12 19 26 3 10 17 20 24 27 31 7 14 17 21 24 28 5 12 15 19 22 26 2 9 16 23 30 6 13 20
Start Bangkok
Finish Hanoi
Total Cost C$ pp*
2015
● ● ●
● ●
Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr May May May May Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Aug Aug Aug Aug Aug Aug Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Oct Oct
11 14 18 21 25 28 4 7 11 14 18 21 25 28 1 8 15 22 29 6 13 20 27 3 10 13 17 20 24 1 8 11 15 18 22 29 5 8 12 15 19 26 2 9 16 23 30 7 14
4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599
Sep Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec
Oct 21 Nov 4 Nov 7 Nov 11 Nov 14 Nov 18 Nov 21 Nov 25 Nov 28 Dec 2 Dec 5 Dec 9 Dec 16 Dec 19 Dec 23 Dec 26 Dec 30 Jan 2 Jan 6 Jan 9 Jan 13 Jan 16 Jan 20 Jan 23
4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599
3 Jan 27 6 Jan 30 10 Feb 3 13 Feb 6 17 ● Feb 10 20 ● Feb 13 24 ● Feb 17 27 Feb 20 31 Feb 24 3 Feb 27 7 Mar 2 10 Mar 5 14 Mar 9 17 Mar 12 21 Mar 16 24 Mar 19 28 Mar 23 2 Mar 26 6 Mar 30 13 Apr 6 20 Apr 13 23 Apr 16 27 Apr 20
4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599 4599
27 11 14 18 21 25 28 1 4 8 11 15 22 25 29 2 6 9 13 16 20 23 27 30
2016 Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar
The above prices are accurate as of October 29th, 2014 & include internal airfares. For up-to-date pricing please go to contiki.com/indochina-adventure. Included flights: Prices above include the land trip & internal flights as specified on the map only & do not include international airfares to or from the trip start & end cities. Please see ‘Included flights’ on p.42 for important info.
* 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.
Single room supplement is available for C$1069 (only applicable in hotels). A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. ● These trips will be in Thailand for Songkran (Thai New Year
SNAPSHOT
24
NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION Unique Special Stays: 1 overnight train, 1 night in a Guesthouse in Pakbeng, 1 night in a Guesthouse in the Mekong Delta, 1 night on a Chinese style Junk Boat in Halong Bay & 20 nights in 3 star hotels
33 INCLUDED MEALS 24 breakfasts (B), 5 lunches (L), 3 dinners (D), 1 Regional Dinner (RD): Modern Cambodian cuisine
INCLUSIONS • An experienced & professional Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides • Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations • All private coach transport • 6 internal flights • Local taxes, payments & service charges • Tipping for local staff included
EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS • Private 2 day boat cruise along the Mekong River • Locally guided bike tour of World Heritage listed Luang Prabang • Kuang Si Waterfalls trip in Luang Prabang • Guided visit of the COPE centre in Vientiane • Guided bike ride through the Vietnamese countryside • Cyclo ride to Hue’s ancient Citadel • Visit the Cu Chi tunnels Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with •
ME TIME OPTIONS M Tasty Vietnamese cooking class in Hoi An See itinerary & visit contiki.com for even more
LOCAL CULTURE Head to X Bar in Siem Reap for live music, a chilled atmosphere & a half-pipe skate ramp! This rooftop bar is a hidden gem not to be missed.
& water festival) or Laos for Pi-Mai Lao (Laos New Year & water festival) or Vietnam for T t (Vietnamese New Year). Arrival transfers to your hotel are available. To purchase, speak to your travel agent or visit contiki.com/transfers. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.42.
VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ INDOCHINA-ADVENTURE
ASIA 2015/16
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THAILAND/ LAOS CAMBODIA
DISCOVERY PLUS
14 DAYS - FROM C$2355 PP*/C$169 P/DAY* SAVE
PAY EARLY & SAVE UP TO C$140. SEE P.21 FOR DETAILS
Vietnam Burma
PAKBENG 1
2 LUANG PRABANG LAOS
CHIANG RAI 1
SOUTH CHINA SEA
2 VANG VIENG VIENTIANE 1
CHIANG MAI 1
THAILAND
1
1 BANGKOK
CAMBODIA
SIEM 2 REAP 2 World Heritage sites visited
BANGKOK
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PHNOM 1 PENH
1 1
Nightstops Special Stay night
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SNAPSHOT
ASIAN ADVENTURE
13
NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION Unique Special Stay: 1 overnight train, 1 night in a Guesthouse in Pakbeng & 11 nights in 3 star hotels
17
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 Trip Manager & fellow travellers, then hit the city for a night out. Hotel Day 2: Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Visit the incredible Grand 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. (B) Overnight Train Visit the Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha Guided klong (canal) tour M Group photo at Bangkok’s Grand Palace
• •
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 M Hands-on cooking class
•
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 spot. 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. (B,L,D) Guest house Special Stay See local riverside villages
•
Day 6: Prakbeng to Luang Prabang. Continue cruising the Mekong before arriving in the historic hotspot Luang Prabang. Take a bike tour around town, visit Wat Xieng Thong temple & 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)
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 wateringhole. 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) Visit Luang Stupa & Patuxi Visit to COPE Support Center
• •
Day 11: Vientiane to Phnom Penh. Say goodbye to Laos & hello to 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 at a restaurant where former disadvantaged youth are trained in hospitality. Hotel (B,RD) Visit the ‘Killing Fields’ & Genocide Museum Dinner at ‘Friends’ Restaurant
• •
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 that are 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 Apsara 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
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Day 14: Ends Siem Reap. Our trip ends this morning after breakfast, so it’s time to say goodbye to your group & Trip Manager. (B)
INCLUDED MEALS
2015/16 Code: ASAD Start Bangkok
Finish Total Siem Reap Cost C$ pp*
2015 Jan Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Apr Apr Apr Apr May May May May May May May Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Aug Aug Aug Aug Aug Sep
18 Jan 31 21 Feb 3 25 Feb 7 28 Feb 10 1 Feb 14 4 Feb 17 8 Feb 21 11 Feb 24 15 Feb 28 18 Mar 3 22 Mar 7 25 Mar 10 1 Mar 14 4 Mar 17 8 Mar 21 15 Mar 28 22 Apr 4 29 Apr 11 5 ● Apr 18 12 ● Apr 25 19 May 2 26 May 9 3 May 16 10 May 23 17 May 30 20 Jun 2 24 Jun 6 27 Jun 9 31 Jun 13 7 Jun 20 14 Jun 27 17 Jun 30 21 Jul 4 24 Jul 7 28 Jul 11 5 Jul 18 12 Jul 25 15 Jul 28 19 Aug 1 22 Aug 4 26 Aug 8 2 Aug 15 9 Aug 22 16 Aug 29 23 Sep 5 30 Sep 12 6 Sep 19
Start Bangkok
Finish Siem Reap
Total Cost C$ pp*
Sep 26 Oct 3 Oct 10 Nov 7 Nov 10 Nov 14 Nov 17 Nov 21 Nov 24 Nov 28 Dec 5 Dec 8 Dec 12 Dec 15 Dec 19 Dec 22 Dec 26 Dec 29 Jan 2 Jan 5 Jan 9 Jan 12
2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355
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 1 Mar 5 Mar 8 Mar 12 Mar 15 Mar 19 Mar 26 Apr 2 Apr 5 Apr 9
2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355
13 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 1 dinner (D), 1 Regional Dinner (RD): Modern Cambodian cuisine
2015 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355 2355
Sep Sep Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec
13 20 27 25 28 1 4 8 11 15 22 25 29 2 6 9 13 16 20 23 27 30
2016 Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar
3 6 10 13 17 20 24 27 31 3 7 10 14 17 21 24 28 2 6 13 20 23 27
The above prices are accurate as of October 29th, 2014 & include internal airfares. For up-to-date pricing please go to contiki.com/asian-adventure. Included flights: Prices above include the land trip & internal flights as specified on the map only & do not include international airfares to or from the trip start & end cities. Please see ‘Included flights’ on p.42 for important info.
* 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.
INCLUSIONS • An experienced & professional Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides • Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations • All private coach transport • 2 internal flights • Local taxes, payments & service charges • Tipping for local staff included
EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS • Private 2 day boat cruise along the Mekong River • Locally guided bike tour of World Heritage listed Luang Prabang • Kuang Si Waterfalls trip in Luang Prabang • Guided visit of the COPE centre in Vientiane Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with •
ME TIME OPTIONS M Visit hill tribe villages in Chiang Rai See itinerary & visit contiki.com for further details
LOCAL CULTURE Head to Utopia in Luang Prabang at sunset. The views over the Mekong make it the perfect place to chill out & watch the stunning sunset.
Single room supplement is available for C$585 (only applicable in hotels). A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. ● These trips will be in Thailand for Songkran (Thai New Year
& water festival) or Laos for Pi-Mai Lao (Laos New Year & water festival). Arrival transfers to your hotel are available. To purchase, speak to your travel agent or visit contiki.com/transfers. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.42.
VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ ASIAN-ADVENTURE
ASIA 2015/16
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SHANGHAI
GET INTO THE HEART OF THESE COUNTRIES & EXPERIENCE ALL THEY HAVE TO OFFER. DISCOVER HIDDEN GEMS & LOCAL CULTURE, PLUS FREE TIME TO EXPLORE THE REGION FURTHER. 4 TRIPS / 10-13 DAYS .............................. p.32
Vietnam Experience ........................... p.36
China Adventure .................................. p.34
Vietnam Highlights............................. p.38
Japan Unrivalled
INCLUDED • Choose your country & discover its every detail • Sightseeing & orientations in every destination • A Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides in every location to really get you in the know • Included flights & train journeys plus private minibus transfers • Small groups of like-minded travellers (average 22 people) • Breakfast every day plus some regional meal experiences
Contiki.com/in-depth-explorer-asia
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• Loads included – from blockbuster sights & historical monuments to secret local spots • ME Time – get involved in our ME Time optionals or enjoy free time to dig deeper & discover the local culture • Stay in central locations at hotels with great facilities & experience unique Special Stays that you won’t find anywhere else • Travelling solo? ‘Room to myself’ options available for a little extra, or we’ll match you up with a same sex room-mate
We Love WiFi – stay connected with WiFi at most overnight stops
New for 2015
LUANG PRABANG
03/11/2014 10:38
KYOTO
THE MEKONG
HALONG BAY
ASIA 2015/16
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JAPAN
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
13 DAYS - FROM C$4815 PP*/C$371 P/DAY* SAVE
PAY EARLY & SAVE UP TO C$375. SEE P.21 FOR DETAILS NEW TRIP
NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN
JAPAN
SEA OF JAPAN
Hida
Takayama 2 2 KYOTO Hiroshima 2 Miyajima Island
OSAKA 1
Nara
Matsumoto
Mt Fuji
3 TOKYO
HAKONE 1
Mt Koya
1 Wakayama 5 World Heritage sites visited 1
KYOTO
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Places visited Nightstops Special Stay night
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SNAPSHOT
JAPAN UNRIVALLED
12
NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION Unique Special Stay: 1 night in a Ryokan in Hakone, 1 night in a Shukubo in Wakayama & 10 nights in 3 star hotels
14
ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING Day 1: Arrive Tokyo. Welcome to the bright lights & big city! With 3 nights here, there’s so much time for sights, exploring, shopping & more. Check into your hotel & get ready for your Japanese adventure to begin in the capital of history, culture & modern technology. Tonight, meet your Trip Manager & fellow travellers then head out & explore. Hotel Day 2: Tokyo. We dive right into this fascinating city with a locally guided tour of the city’s mustsees. With our Local Guide leading the charge, you’ll get the inside track on the city, its monuments & temples. Hotel (B) See the Imperial Palace, Asakusa Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Street & Tokyo Metropolitan Government
•
Day 3: Tokyo. Wake up, grab a bite & enjoy a free day in Tokyo, to explore your way. Opt to experience the traditional Japanese hot-spring baths with an Onsen experience - which many consider a must-do tradition! Enjoy some ME Time with no shortage of things to see, do & experience. Later, opt to check out the show at the unique & lively Robot restaurant. Think cabaret meets, technology, meets super random - we love it! Hotel (B) See Meiji Shrine, Harajuku & Shibuya Street M Onsen experience M Show at the Robot Restaurant
•
Day 4: Tokyo to Hakone. Enjoy your final free morning in Tokyo or opt in to advance your culinary skills with a tasty Sushi making course & guided tour of the world famous Tsukiji fish markets. After lunch, we say goodbye to the bright lights & buzz of Tokyo & head south to Hakone. Tonight, you’ll have a night to remember as you go local at our overnight Unique Special Stay, Ryokan (Japanese guesthouse = tatami mats & futons) with a delicious traditional dinner included. We dive right into this fascinating city with a tour of the city’s must-sees. Ryokan (B,D) See the Hakone Ropeway Hot spring experience M Sushi making course & guided tour of the Tsukiji fish markets
• •
Day 5: Hakone to Takayama. Next up, it’s Takayama via Matsumoto. Spend the full day exploring with our local guide on hand to give you the insider track on one of Japan’s most beautiful original castle cities. Then we head to the Hida Folk Village where you will see dozens of traditional houses & buildings well-preserved to exhibit rural life in centuries gone by. Our adventure continues onto Takayama. On arrival, opt to experience a mouthwatering dinner of Hida beef. Delicious! Hotel (B) See Matsumoto Castle & Hida folk village M Hida beef dinner
•
atomic bomb target during World War ll. Tonight, you could choose to join a traditional Teppanyaki dinner. Hotel (B) M Teppanyaki Dinner Day 8: Hiroshima. Start the day with a ferry ride over to Miyajima Island. See the beautiful scenery, the traditional Japanese gates at the entrance to the shrine & the island’s famous & super cute residents - miniature deer, on the way to the stunning Itsukushima Shrine. In the afternoon, visit the Peace Memorial Museum. Then, relish some free time in Hiroshima to dig a little deeper into its noble history or enjoy some of the city sights. Hotel (B) See Itsukushima Shrine
•
Day 9: Hiroshima to Kyoto. After breakfast we’re off to Kyoto! On arrival, we’ll get straight into it as we take in the sights including stunning temples, beautiful gardens, colourful shrines & world-famous geisha girls. Later, there’s a free evening to explore your own way, indulge in some local cuisine in the Shirakawa area or experience some of the vibrant Kyoto nightlife. Hotel (B) See Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion & Gion Area
•
Day 10: Kyoto. With a full day here, it’s all about fully immersing yourself into this awesome city to see what makes it tick, so we’ve got all the mustsees covered with a locally guided tour. Later, travel to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital city filled with historic treasures & heritage sites. Hotel (B) See Fushimi Inari Shrine, Sake Making Museum, Nijo Castle See Nara Todaiji Temple & Deer Park & Kasuga Shrine
• •
Day 11: Kyoto to Wakayama. Enjoy a free morning to take in the last of Kyoto, then hop on the train to Wakayama, one of the villages at Mount Koya. Tonight stay at a local guest house & enjoy a traditional Buddhist meal. Shukubo (B,D) Day 12: Wakayama to Osaka. Wake up & join in the tradition of an early morning Buddhist Service. We’ll then head out with our Local Guide for an in-depth tour of the Koyasan area before departing early afternoon for the final stop, Osaka. There’s free time on arrival before the final evening kicks off with an optional dinner & what is also considered a must-do in Japan... Karaoke! Hotel (B) Morning Buddhist service M Okonomiyaki Dinner
•
Day 13: Depart Osaka. Our trip ends after breakfast, so it’s time to swap email addresses as you say farewell to your Trip Manager & new friends. (B)
INCLUDED MEALS
2015 Code: CTJAPN Start Tokyo
Finish Osaka
Total Cost C$ pp*
Mar Apr May Jun Jun Jul Jul
4815 4815 4815 4815 4815 4815 4815
2015 Mar Apr May May Jun Jun Jul
14 11 9 23 6 20 4
12 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D)
Start Tokyo
Finish Osaka
Total Cost C$ pp*
Jul 30 Aug 13 Sep 10 Sep 24 Oct 8 Oct 22
5015 5015 4815 5015 4815 5015
2015 26 23 21 4 18 2 16
Jul Aug Aug Sep Sep Oct
18 1 29 12 26 10
* 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.
Single room supplement is available for C$1250 (only applicable in hotels). A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking.
INCLUSIONS • An experienced & professional Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides • Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations • All private coach transport • Local taxes, payments & service charges • Tipping for local staff included
Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.42.
EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS • Locally guided city tour of Tokyo • Guided walking tour of Kamisan Town • Ferry to Miyajima Island & visit the Peace Memorial Museum • Locally guided sightseeing tour of Kyoto Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with •
ME TIME OPTIONS M Tsukiji Fish markets & Sushi making experience See itinerary & visit contiki.com for further details
LOCAL CULTURE FUN FACT: Did you know it could take up to 20 years for Sushi chefs to become an itamae & classed as grand master of their trade? That is some serious dedication to perfection!
Day 6: Takayama. We head out to explore by foot this morning on a locally guided walking tour. Get the insiders look at this traditional Japanese city, including the wonderfully preserved old town & authentic Edo style buildings. Pick up some local delicacies or gifts for the folks back home at the morning markets & see the last remaining Jinya house, restored to its 16th century former glory. Then, enjoy a free afternoon to explore Takayama. Hotel (B) See Kamisan no machi (Kamisan Town), Takayama morning markets & Jinya house
•
Day 7: Takayama to Hiroshima. We’ll head to our next destination on the famous Japanese transport - the bullet train! These trains head up to 320km/hr - so will thrill those with a need for speed! On arrival in Hiroshima, spend your ME Time discovering the city remembered as the world’s first
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ASIA 2015/16
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CHINA
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
12 DAYS - FROM C$3199 PP*/C$267 P/DAY* SAVE
PAY EARLY & SAVE UP TO C$160. SEE P.21 FOR DETAILS
Mongolia
Great Wall of China
BEIJING 3
1
1
YELLOW SEA
XI’AN
SHANGHAI 2
CHINA
Guilin
5 World Heritage sites visited THE GREAT WALL
Burma
1
Places visited Nightstops
2 YANGSHUO
HONG KONG 2
Laos
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SNAPSHOT
CHINA ADVENTURE
11
NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION 10 nights in 3 star hotels, 1 overnight train
17
ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING
INCLUDED MEALS Day 1: Arrive Beijing. Home to the 2008 Olympics & the political, educational & cultural centre of China…it’s bustling! Tonight, meet your Trip 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 M Delicious Peking Duck dinner
• • • •
Day 3: Beijing. We head to Beijing’s countryside to the Sacred Way, entrance to the tombs of the Ming Emperors, before heading to the spectacular Great Wall of China after lunch. Hotel (B,L) Visit the Sacred Way 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. (B,L,D) Overnight Train Visit a hutong Lunch with a local family Ride in a rickshaw Visit the Beijing Summer Palace
• • • •
Day 5: Xi’an. After breakfast, we depart the city of Xi’an before a tour of the world famous ‘Terracotta Army’ complex. 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 the TangBo Art Museum Tour the ‘Terracotta Army’ complex M Spectacular Tang Dynasty show & dinner
• •
Day 6: Xi’an to Shanghai. Get on two wheels with a bike ride on the ancient Xi’an City Walls, an
BEIJING
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,D) Bike Ride on the Xi’an City Wall Orientation 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 & stop 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 Shanghai skyline. Hotel (B) Visit the City God Temple Complex Visit Shanghai’s Bund area Visit a Shanghai Silk Factory M Acrobat Show
• • •
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. You could 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) M Cooking class Day 10: Yangshuo to Hong Kong. Today 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. Hotel (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 trip ends after breakfast, so it’s time to swap email addresses as you say farewell to your Trip Manager & new friends. (B)
11 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 3 dinners (D)
2015/16 Code: CTCHINA Start Beijing
Finish Total Hong Kong Cost C$ pp*
29 12 10 24 21 5 19 30 13 11 25 8
Finish Total Hong Kong Cost C$ pp*
2016
2015 Mar Apr May May Jun Jul Jul Aug Sep Oct Oct Nov
Start Beijing
Apr Apr May Jun Jul Jul Jul Sep Sep Oct Nov Nov
9 23 21 4 2 16 30 10 24 22 5 19
3199 3199 3199 3199 3199 3199 3199 3199 3199 3199 3199 3199
Mar Apr May May Jun Jul Jul Aug Sep Oct Oct Nov
27 10 8 22 19 3 17 28 11 9 23 6
Apr 7 Apr 21 May19 Jun 2 Jun 30 Jul 14 Jul 28 Sep 8 Sep 22 Oct 20 Nov 3 Nov 17
3199 3199 3199 3199 3199 3199 3199 3199 3199 3199 3199 3199
The above prices are accurate as of October 29th, 2014 & include internal airfares. For up-to-date pricing please go to contiki.com/china-adventure. Included flights: Prices above include the land trip & internal flights as specified on the map only & do not include international airfares to or from the trip start & end cities. Please see ‘Included flights’ on p.42 for important info.
* 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.
Single room supplement is available for C$735 (only applicable in hotels). A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. Arrival transfers to your hotel are available. To purchase, speak to your travel agent or visit contiki.com/transfers. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.42.
INCLUSIONS • An experienced & professional Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides • Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations • All private coach transport • 3 internal flights • Local taxes, payments & service charges • Tipping for local staff included
EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS • 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 complex • Entry to the 88th floor of Jin Mao Tower • Guided bike ride through Yangshuo countryside Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with •
ME TIME OPTIONS M Impressions Liu Sanjie show in Yangshuo See itinerary & visit contiki.com for further details
LOCAL CULTURE There are over 11,000 restaurants in Hong Kong so what do you choose? Head to Mong Kok for endless delicious eats, with street food stalls on every corner!
VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ CHINA-ADVENTURE
ASIA 2015/16
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VIETNAM
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
12 DAYS - FROM C$1839 PP*/C$154 P/DAY* SAVE
PAY EARLY & SAVE UP TO C$105. SEE P.21 FOR DETAILS
China
VIETNAM
HANOI
2
1 Halong Bay
Laos
1 HUE Da Nang
Thailand
2 HOI AN
Cambodia
3 World Heritage sites visited 1
HOI AN
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1
Places visited MEKONG DELTA 1 Nightstops Special Stay night
NHA TRANG
2
2 HO CHI
MINH CITY
SOUTH CHINA SEA
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SNAPSHOT
VIETNAM EXPERIENCE
11
NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION Unique Special Stays: 1 night in a Guesthouse in the Mekong Delta, 1 night on a Chinese style Junk Boat in Halong Bay & 9 nights in 3 star hotels
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 Trip Manager & fellow travellers at the hotel before seeing the Ben Thanh markets. 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 life on the water. Tonight, see a musical performance before dinner at our local guest house. (B,L,D) Guest house Special Stay Mekong Delta cruise See local industry demonstrations Visit a local tea garden
• • •
Day 3: Mekong Delta to Ho Chi Minh City. We head back to Ho Chi Minh 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 turquoise waters on our ME Time 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 Da Nang & travel down to Hoi An. We take a guided HALONG BAY
walking tour through the Old Quarter, before some free time. Explore this city, known for its colourful fabrics & 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 M Tasty Vietnamese cooking class
•
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) 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-storey Thien Mu Pagoda & see the famous sights in Hue. Hotel (B) Cross the Hai Van Pass Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda & the Imperial Citadel Cyclo ride M Group photo at Hue’s Imperial Citadel
• • •
Day 9: Hue to Hanoi. Our morning begins with a flight to Hanoi. This city is an open-air museum & we’ll start with 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 from the Junk Boat as we pass coves, cliffs & beaches. We stop for a swim before docking for sunset. (B,L,D) Junk Boat Special Stay Visit the Sung Sot Caves Boat cruise to the Luon Cave
• •
Day 11: Halong Bay to Hanoi. Wake to more fantastic views from the Junk Boat before we return to Hanoi. Later, you could go to Hanoi’s worldfamous water puppet performance before a farewell dinner. Hotel (B,L) Day 12: Depart Hanoi. Your trip ends after breakfast, so it’s time to swap email addresses & say farewell to your group. (B)
16
2015/16 Code: VIEP Start Ho Chi Minh City
Finish Hanoi
Total Cost C$ pp*
2015 Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Apr Apr Apr Apr May May May May May Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Aug Aug Aug Aug Aug Aug Sep
17 Jan 28 20 Jan 31 24 Feb 4 27 Feb 7 31 Feb 11 3 Feb 14 7 Feb 18 10 ● Feb 21 14 ● Feb 25 17 ● Feb 28 21 Mar 4 24 Mar 7 28 Mar 11 3 Mar 14 7 Mar 18 10 Mar 21 14 Mar 25 17 Mar 28 21 Apr 1 28 Apr 8 4 Apr 15 11 Apr 22 18 Apr 29 25 May 6 2 May 13 9 May 20 16 May 27 23 Jun 3 30 Jun 10 2 Jun 13 6 Jun 17 9 Jun 20 13 Jun 24 20 Jul 1 27 Jul 8 30 Jul 11 4 Jul 15 7 Jul 18 11 Jul 22 18 Jul 29 25 Aug 5 28 Aug 8 1 Aug 12 4 Aug 15 8 Aug 19 15 Aug 26 22 Sep 2 29 Sep 9 5 Sep 16
INCLUDED MEALS
Start Ho Chi Minh City
Finish Hanoi
Total Cost C$ pp*
Sep 23 Sep 30 Oct 7 Nov 4 Nov 7 Nov 11 Nov 14 Nov 18 Nov 21 Nov 25 Nov 28 Dec 2 Dec 5 Dec 9 Dec 16 Dec 19 Dec 23 Dec 26 Dec 30 Jan 2 Jan 6 Jan 9
1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839
2 Jan 13 5 Jan 16 9 Jan 20 12 Jan 23 16 Jan 27 19 Jan 30 23 Feb 3 26 Feb 6 ● 30 Feb 10 2 ● Feb 13 6 ● Feb 17 9 Feb 20 13 Feb 24 16 Feb 27 20 Mar 2 23 Mar 5 27 Mar 9 1 Mar 12 5 Mar 16 8 Mar 19 12 Mar 23 15 Mar 26 19 Mar 30 26 Apr 6
1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839
11 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 2 dinners (D)
2015 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839 1839
Sep Sep Sep Oct Oct Oct Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec
12 19 26 24 27 31 3 7 10 14 17 21 24 28 5 8 12 15 19 22 26 29
2016 Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar
The above prices are accurate as of October 29th, 2014 & include internal airfares. For up-to-date pricing please go to contiki.com/vietnam-experience. Included flights: Prices above include the land trip & internal flights as specified on the map only & do not include international airfares to or from the trip start & end cities. Please see ‘Included flights’ on p.42 for important info.
* 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.
INCLUSIONS • An experienced & professional Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides • Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations • All private coach transport • 3 internal flights • Local taxes, payments & service charges • Tipping for local staff included
EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS • Guided bike ride through the Vietnamese countryside • Cyclo ride to Hue’s ancient Citadel • Visit the Cu Chi tunnels Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with •
ME TIME OPTIONS M Relaxing cruise with swim stops & snorkelling in Nha Trang M Guided tour of My Son Temples in Hoi An See itinerary & visit contiki.com for further details
LOCAL CULTURE While in Vietnam make sure you grab a legendary Banh mi sub sandwich. Famous around the world & packed with all kinds of edible goodness - they’re a must try.
Single room supplement is available for C$490 (only applicable in hotels). A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. ● These trips will be in Vietnam for T t (Vietnamese New
Year). Arrival transfers to your hotel are available. To purchase speak to your travel agent or visit contiki.com/transfers. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.42.
VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ VIETNAM-EXPERIENCE
ASIA 2015/16
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China
VIETNAM
HANOI
2
1 Halong Bay
Laos
HALONG BAY
SNAPSHOT 1 HUE
Thailand
9
Da Nang
NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
Unique Special Stay: 1 night on a Chinese style Junk Boat in Halong Bay & 8 nights in 3 star hotels
2
HOI AN
INCLUDED MEALS
VIETNAM HIGHLIGHTS
9 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 1 dinner (D)
10 DAYS - 1 COUNTRY FROM C$1519 PP*/C$152 P/DAY*
12
SAVE
PAY EARLY & SAVE UP TO C$80. SEE P.21 FOR DETAILS
NHA TRANG
2
Cambodia
1
3 World Heritage sites visited 1 1
HO CHI MINH CITY
SOUTH CHINA SEA
Places visited Nightstops Special Stay night
INCLUSIONS • An experienced & professional Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides • Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations • All private coach transport • 3 internal flights • Local taxes, payments & service charges • Tipping for local staff included
EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS • Guided bike ride through the Vietnamese countryside • Cyclo ride to Hue’s ancient Citadel Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with •
ME TIME OPTIONS See itinerary & visit contiki.com for further details
ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly known as Saigon, cosmopolitan Ho Chi Minh is action packed. Tonight, meet your Trip Manager & fellow travellers at the hotel before seeing the 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
• •
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 turquoise waters on an optional cruise! Hotel (B) M Relaxing cruise with swim stops & snorkelling Day 4: Nha Trang to Hoi An. Fly to Da Nang & travel down to Hoi An. Enjoy a guided city 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 M Tasty Vietnamese cooking class
•
LOCAL CULTURE
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) M Guided tour of My Son Temples
Don’t miss Vietnam’s tailors! Shopaholics will love Vietnam’s famous tailors & get a true fashion fix. Pick up some unique threads or copies of old favourites at great prices, all made to measure.
Day 6: Hoi An to Hue. Enjoy stunning views while driving over the “Pass of the Ocean Clouds”, then visit the famous sights in Hue. Hotel (B) Cross the Hai Van Pass Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda & the Imperial Citadel Cyclo ride M Group photo at Hue’s Imperial Citadel
VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ VIETNAM-HIGHLIGHTS
• • •
Day 7: Hue to Hanoi. Our morning begins with a flight to Hanoi & a visit to the Temple of Literature. Hotel (B)
038-039 V'nam H'lghts - Easy Pace_CAD.indd 2
2015/16 Code: VIHI
• Visit the Temple of Literature Day 8: Hanoi to Halong Bay. Today we board a traditional Junk Boat on Halong Bay for our overnight cruise. See amazing views from the Junk Boat as we pass coves, cliffs & beaches. We stop for a swim before docking for sunset. (B,L,D) Junk Boat Special Stay Visit the Sung Sot Caves Boat cruise to the Luon Cave
• •
Day 9: Halong Bay to Hanoi. Wake to more fantastic views from the Junk Boat before we return to Hanoi. Later you could go to Hanoi’s world-famous water puppet performance before a farewell dinner. Hotel (B,L) Day 10: Depart Hanoi. Your trip ends after breakfast, so it’s time to say farewell to your group. (B)
Please note: Included flights: Prices above include the land trip & internal flights as specified on the map only & do not include international airfares to or from the trip start & end cities. Please see ‘Included flights’ on p.42 for important info.
* 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. Single room supplement is available for C$429 (only applicable in hotels). A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. ● These trips will be in Vietnam for T t (Vietnamese New Year). Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.42. Note: For additional departures see contiki.com.
Start Ho Chi Minh City
Finish Hanoi
Total Cost C$ pp*
Start Ho Chi Minh City
1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519
Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec
2 Feb 11 5 Feb 14 9 Feb 18 ● 12 Feb 21 16 ● Feb 25 19 ● Feb 28 23 Mar 4 26 Mar 7 2 Mar 11 5 Mar 14 9 Mar 18 12 Mar 21 16 Mar 25 19 Mar 28 23 Apr 1 30 Apr 8 6 Apr 15 13 Apr 22 20 Apr 29 27 May 6 4 May 13 11 May 20 18 May 27 25 Jun 3 1 Jun 10 4 Jun 13 8 Jun 17 11 Jun 20 15 Jun 24 22 Jul 1 29 Jul 8 2 Jul 11 6 Jul 15 9 Jul 18 13 Jul 22 20 Jul 29 27 Aug 5 30 Aug 8 3 Aug 12 6 Aug 15 10 Aug 19 17 Aug 26 24 Sep 2 31 Sep 9 7 Sep 16 14 Sep 23 21 Sep 30
Total Cost C$ pp*
Oct 7 Nov 4 Nov 7 Nov 11 Nov 14 Nov 18 Nov 21 Nov 25 Nov 28 Dec 2 Dec 5 Dec 9 Dec 16 Dec 19 Dec 23 Dec 26 Dec 30 Jan 2 Jan 6 Jan 9
1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519
2016 Jan 4 Jan 13 Jan 16 Jan 7 Jan 20 Jan 11 Jan 23 Jan 14 Jan 27 Jan 18 Jan 30 Jan 21 Feb 3 Jan 25 Feb 6 Jan 28 ● Feb 10 Feb 1 Feb 4 ● Feb 13 Feb 8 ● Feb 17 Feb 20 Feb 11 Feb 24 Feb 15 Feb 27 Feb 18 Mar 2 Feb 22 Mar 5 Feb 25 Mar 9 Feb 29 Mar 12 Mar 3 Mar 16 Mar 7 Mar 19 Mar 10 Mar 23 Mar 14 Mar 26 Mar 17 Mar 30 Mar 21 Apr 6 Mar 28
1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519 1519
2015
2015 Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Apr Apr Apr Apr May May May May Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Aug Aug Aug Aug Aug Aug Sep Sep Sep
Finish Hanoi
28 26 29 2 5 9 12 16 19 23 26 30 7 10 14 17 21 24 28 31
The above prices are accurate as of October 29th, 2014 & include internal airfares. For up-to-date pricing please go to contiki.com/vietnam-highlights.
03/11/2014 10:45
KOH PHI PHI
TAKE IT SLOW AS YOU RELAX & UNWIND ON THE BEAUTIFUL THAI ISLANDS. EAST OR WEST? WE’VE GOT IT COVERED. 2 TRIPS / 9 DAYS Thai Island Hopper West .....................................................p.40 Thai Island Hopper East ......................................................p.41
INCLUDED • Really take it easy & enjoy your time in each place PHUKET
• Minimum 2 night stays in each destination • Sightseeing & orientations on every island • An expert Trip Manager to take care of all the details • Included private minibus transfers & local ferries • Small groups of like-minded explorers • Breakfast every day plus some tasty local dinners • Mega ME Time – lots of free time to discover the stunning Thai Islands your way, or, choose to join our ME Time optionals • Stay in the best locations at resorts with great facilities & experience our Special Stay bungalows • Travelling solo? ‘Room to myself’ options available for a little extra, or we’ll match you up with a same sex room-mate
contiki.com/easy-pace-asia
Stay connected with WiFi at most overnight stops KOH TAO
ASIA 2015/16
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39
03/11/2014 10:45
THAILAND THAIL AND
KRABI 2
PHUKET 3
(Ao Nang) n
ANDAMAN SEA
3 KOH O PHI PHI 1
Nightstops
EASY PACE
SNAPSHOT
8
NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION
8 nights in 3 & 4 star resort accommodation
THAI ISLAND HOPPER WEST 9 DAYS - 1 COUNTRY FROM C$1059 PP*/C$118 P/DAY* SAVE
10
PAY EARLY & SAVE UP TO C$79. SEE P.21 FOR DETAILS KOH PHI PHI
INCLUDED MEALS 8 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D)
INCLUSIONS • An experienced & professional Trip Manager • All private mini-van transport • Local ferry transport • Local taxes, payments & service charges • Tipping for local staff included
ME TIME OPTIONS See itinerary & visit contiki.com for further details
LOCAL CULTURE When on Phuket make sure you escape the crowds & head to stunning little Kata Noi for some laid back vibes.
VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ THAI-HOPPER-WEST
040-041 Thai West - Thai East_CAD.indd 2
ITINERARY & SIGHTSEEING Day 1: Arrive Phuket. Check-in to your hotel, then head out to explore Phuket, with its exotic sights & great food. Spend the afternoon getting settled in before meeting your Trip 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, or sip cocktails while watching the sun go down. Maybe try some of the watersports on offer or opt for a day tour to the popular “James Bond Island”. Resort (B,B) M Day trip to “James Bond Island”
2015/16 Code: CTTIPH 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 trip 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 see 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 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 island’s fire twirlers, or kick back on the sand with a drink & relax. Resort (B,B) M Exclusive full day boat cruise to Maya Bay with snorkelling & beach stops Day 7: Koh Phi Phi to Krabi (Ao Nang). Today we set sail to one of the most popular beaches on Krabi – Ao Nang. Set amongst the limestone karsts, Krabi has unspoilt islands & beaches. Resort (B,D)
Please note: Single room supplement is available for C$665. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 1:00pm. Please book flights after 2:30pm. ● This trip will be in Thailand for Songkran
(Thai New Year & water festival). Note: Due to seasonal variances, return ferry from Krabi (Ao Nang) may be replaced with a land transfer. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.42.
Start Phuket
Finish Phuket
Total Cost C$ pp*
2015 Jan Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Apr Apr Apr Sep Sep Sep Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov
31 Feb 8 4 Feb 12 7 Feb 15 11 Feb 19 14 Feb 22 18 Feb 26 21 Mar 1 25 Mar 5 28 Mar 8 4 Mar 12 7 Mar 15 11 Mar 19 14 Mar 22 18 Mar 26 21 Mar 29 25 Apr 2 28 Apr 5 1 Apr 9 4 Apr 12 8 ● Apr 16 23 Oct 1 26 Oct 4 30 Oct 8 3 Oct 11 7 Oct 15 10 Oct 18 14 Oct 22 17 Oct 25 21 Oct 29 24 Nov 1 28 Nov 5 31 Nov 8 4 Nov 12 7 Nov 15 11 Nov 19 14 Nov 22 18 Nov 26 21 Nov 29 25 Dec 3 28 Dec 6
Start Phuket
Finish Phuket
Total Cost C$ pp*
Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Jan Jan
10 13 17 20 24 27 31 3 7
1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059
2016 Jan 2 Jan 10 Jan 6 Jan 14 Jan 9 Jan 17 Jan 13 Jan 21 Jan 16 Jan 24 Jan 20 Jan 28 Jan 23 Jan 31 Feb 4 Jan 27 Jan 30 Feb 7 Feb 3 Feb 11 Feb 6 Feb 14 Feb 10 Feb 18 Feb 13 Feb 21 Feb 17 Feb 25 Feb 20 Feb 28 Feb 24 Mar 3 Feb 27 Mar 6 Mar 2 Mar 10 Mar 5 Mar 13 Mar 9 Mar 17 Mar 12 Mar 20 Mar 16 Mar 24 Mar 19 Mar 27 Mar 23 Mar 31 Apr 3 Mar 26 Mar 30 Apr 7 Apr 6 ● Apr 14 Apr 9 ● Apr 17
1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059
2015 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059 1059
Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec
2 5 9 12 16 19 23 26 30
* 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.
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KOH TAO 2 GULF OF THAILAND
3
KOH PHA NGAN
3 KOH SAMUI
1 1
Nightstops Special Stay night
EASY PACE
KOH TAO
SNAPSHOT
THAI ISLAND HOPPER EAST
8
NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION
Unique Special Stay: 3 nights in a bungalow in Koh Pha Ngan, & 5 nights in 3 star hotels/resorts
9 DAYS - 1 COUNTRY FROM C$1015 PP*/C$113 P/DAY* SAVE
PAY EARLY & SAVE UP TO C$75. SEE P.21 FOR DETAILS
10 INCLUDED MEALS
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 Trip 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) M Island tour with waterfall swim 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 & experience the aquatic sites or just chill. Resort (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. Resort (B) M Half day snorkelling cruise Day 6: Koh Tao to Koh Pha Ngan. Today we’ll jump on a ferry & sail to the party island of Koh Pha Ngan for a taste of the buzzing island atmosphere, famed for its legendary Full Moon Parties. We’ll stay in a relaxed setting, just off Haad Yao Beach. (B,D) Bungalow Special Stay
2015 Code: CTTIKS Days 7 - 8: Koh Pha Ngan. You choose how to spend the next few days: we’d suggest by day relaxing on the beach under the coconut trees, by night heading out to one of the Moon Parties that Koh Pha Ngan is famous for - there’s always something going on. (B,B) Bungalow Special Stay 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 to your travel friends. You can either take a free transfer to the airport or back to our start hotel in Koh Samui. (B)
Start Koh Samui
Finish Koh Samui
Total Cost C$ pp*
28 11 15 19 26 2 5 9 16 19 23 27 30 3 6 10 13 17 20 24 27
Start Koh Samui
Finish Koh Samui
Total Cost C$ pp*
2015
2015 Mar Apr Apr Apr Apr May May May May May May May May Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun
8 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D)
●
Apr Apr Apr Apr ● May May May May May May May ● Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun ● Jul Jul
5 19 23 27 4 10 13 17 24 27 31 4 7 11 14 18 21 25 28 2 5
1015 1015 1015 1015 1015 1015 1015 1015 1015 1015 1015 1015 1015 1015 1015 1015 1015 1015 1015 1015 1015
Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Aug Aug Aug Aug Aug Aug Aug Aug Sep Sep Sep
2 Jul 10 5 Jul 13 8 Jul 16 11 Jul 19 15 Jul 23 18 Jul 26 22 Jul 30 26 ● Aug 3 29 Aug 6 1 Aug 9 5 Aug 13 8 Aug 16 12 Aug 20 16 Aug 24 19 Aug 27 23 ● Aug 31 30 Sep 7 5 Sep 13 12 Sep 20 19 Sep 27
1015 1015 1015 1015 1015 1015 1015 1015 1015 1015 1015 1015 1015 1015 1015 1015 1015 1015 1015 1015
* 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.
Single room supplement is available for C$500. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 1:00pm. It is suggested to book flights after 2:30pm.
INCLUSIONS • An experienced & professional Trip Manager • Local ferry transport • Local taxes, payments & service charges
ME TIME OPTIONS M Hands-on cooking class See itinerary & visit contiki.com for further details
LOCAL CULTURE Known as ‘Turtle Island’, Koh Tao is the perfect place to dive whether you’re a newbie or a pro, there is a diving opportunity for you here.
● These trips will be in Koh Pha Ngan for Full Moon parties.
Although every effort has been made to ensure that trip dates above coincide with Full Moon parties, dates may occasionally change at short notice due to Buddhist holidays. Arrival transfers to your hotel are available. To purchase, speak to your travel agent or visit contiki.com/transfers. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.42.
VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ THAI-HOPPER-EAST
ASIA 2015/16
040-041 Thai West - Thai East_CAD.indd 3
41
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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 trip’ airport transfers listed in the Snapshot section on the trip pages. • Accommodation, breakfasts, lunches & dinners listed in the Snapshot section on trip pages. • Sightseeing listed in the Snapshot section in each trip itinerary. Unless specified, entrance fees to these locations are included. • Experienced Contiki Trip 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 trip pages. • ME Time optional activities such as cooking classes, etc. • Lunches (unless specified under Snapshot section) & some dinners. • Anything not specified in the Snapshot section.
INCLUDED FLIGHTS Flights as specified on individual trip itineraries are included as part of the price. As detailed within our Booking Conditions (p.43) under ‘General’, we rely on international conventions regarding air travel & other transportation as specified. Through enrolment & payment for your trip you acknowledge & accept such. Individual electronic tickets may not be issued to you prior to travel due to the group nature of the air/flight booking. In such circumstances, you acknowledge that by receipt of any applicable boarding pass &/or by boarding the aircraft you have accepted the airlines terms & conditions of travel, the application of all relevant International Conventions & applicable national & international law governing air transportation.
WHERE WILL I STAY? Our hotel accommodation is always twin-share (except in Unique Special Stays and on overnight trains), staying in superior tourist class hotels, many of which are centrally located with great facilities. Twin-share is 2 people, either travelling together or as a same-sex room match. We also offer upgrades to single rooms for a supplement, but please note that on rare occasions the availability at some hotels can be limited.
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 have ultimate fun.
WILL I GET MORE INFORMATION? Upon receipt of final payment, your trip documentation will be released 21 days prior to your departure. Make sure you visit contiki.com/guide 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 ME Time optional activities available on your trip. 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 & passport. * 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.
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 trip are the Riel (Cambodia), Kip (Laos), Baht (Thailand), Yuan (China), Dong (Vietnam) or Yen
042-043 Q&A_Booking_Cons_CAD.indd 2
(Japan). The countries we visit rely largely on cash as opposed to credit cards. 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: this does not apply for Japan.
ME TIME OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES WHEN DO I CHOOSE? Optionals are arranged & paid for during your trip. 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 trips 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 trip participants to ensure that these conditions are understood & accepted. Note: Travel insurance is compulsory for all Contiki Asia trips.
PAST TRAVELLER 5% DISCOUNT Eligibility for this discount is based on travellers 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 trip. Travellers must have completed a trip before they can redeem the discount on a subsequent trip booking. Only one discount can be redeemed per past traveller annually. A deposit must be received before the discount can be applied to the land component of the booking. It is not available on pre & post-trip accommodation rates & other selected products such as internal flights. The discount applies to brochured land 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, 2014), the following immunizations are recommended for travellers in Southeast Asia by the CDC (US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention): • Diphtheria & tetanus • Hepatitis A • 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? Please read carefully. Depending on your nationality, you may require visas to enter certain countries included in your trip. You are fully responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your trip. Contiki is not legally permitted to knowingly allow anybody who does not have a valid visa to join a trip. 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 trips. Consult your travel agent or Contiki 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 trip & 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.
BOOKING SECURITY
HOW MUCH LUGGAGE CAN I BRING?
It is strongly recommended that you check-in to your trip prior to departure at contiki.com/checkin. Checking in will save you time on your first day of the trip, give you essential information & also ensure that Contiki can contact you in the unlikely event of any changes to your trip due to matters out of our control. For more information on how to get more before & after your trip see p.22.
There are some things to consider when packing for a Contiki Asia trip: • Due to the large number of flights on Contiki Asia trips, 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. On our trips, 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. Contiki reserves the right to refuse to accept larger & heavier suitcases on trip. Use of a backpack/rucksack is suggested, but not required. Wheeled suitcases can be used on Contiki trips in Asia. On overnight rail journeys, overnight Junk Boat, overnight guest stays & other journeys, as directed by your Trip Manager, you will be required to store your main luggage & utilize your smaller bag.
NO COMPULSORY TIPPING - REWARD ONLY EXCELLENCE! Every country in the world has different tipping policies & in Asia, within service industries, tipping is common practice. Tipping is totally optional & only given if you feel the service has exceeded your expectations. If you think your Contiki Team have done an exceptional job then you may wish to tip them. This is entirely discretionary – it’s completely up to you. No compulsory tipping – reward only excellence!
Contiki has been running trips for young people since 1962 & in all countries where Contiki operates we fully comply with local travel industry laws. All your money is held in a Trust Account until the time of travel to comply with Canadian Travel Industry Regulations. Contiki is a member of the Association of Canadian Travel Agents (ACTA), the Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO) and the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO).
ONLINE CHECK-IN
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 has the right to refuse travellers without the required insurance cover to join our trips. 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 adventure sports and activities when travelling then please ensure your policy covers such. Some policies exclude certain adventure activities. Contiki offers a comprehensive package that can be tailor made to your holiday. A brief description of this coverage is outlined below. For insurance details please speak to your travel agent when you are booking your trip.
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS Photos courtesy of © Sawaddi Patong Resort, Phuket p.11 Swimming Pool. Photos courtesy of © Ao Nang Cliff Beach Resort, Ao Nang, Krabi p.11 Hotel Room. Photos courtesy of © Charm Churee Villa, Koh Tao p.12 Beach Resort. Photos courtesy of © Shiralea Resort, Koh Pha Ngan p.12 Accommodation.
CONTIKI HOLIDAYS TRAVEL PROTECTION PLAN PROVIDING YOU WITH “ANY REASON” CANCELATION FLEXIBILITY AND PEACE OF MIND WHILE YOU TRAVEL: Contiki Holidays Travel Protection Plan – designed with the following: Priced at: Trips up to $2,000: $129 per person / Trips $2,001 or greater: $169 per person Note: Prices are subject to change without notice and subject to provincial sales tax, where applicable. SECTION I: TRAVEL ARRANGEMENT PROTECTION Provided by Contiki Holidays Trip Cancelation: Up to Total Trip Cost. Reimburses the non-refundable Contiki Holidays cancelation penalties imposed if you must cancel your trip for a specified reason such as illness, injury or death to you, a traveling companion or an immediate family member. Other eligible reasons for cancelation include Common Carrier-caused delays due to inclement weather, jury duty, subpoena, or a documented traffic accident en route to departure, and other reasons as cited in the plan description. The Contiki Holidays “Any Reason” Cancelation Waiver**. With the Contiki Holidays “Any Reason” Cancelation Waiver, Contiki Holidays will provide you with 100% of the cancelation charges in the form of a future travel credit certificate, should you cancel your trip more than 48 hours prior to your scheduled departure for any reason that is not eligible for cash reimbursement under the Trip Cancelation section of the Travel Protection Plan. Cancelation charges are reimbursed in the form of Contiki Holidays Travel Certificates allowing you a two year credit to travel with us at a later date! Please note that to be eligible for the “Any Reason” Cancelation Waiver, you must enroll and pay for the plan within two days of your initial trip deposit. The certificate is valid for two years, is non-transferrable and non-refundable and may not be redeemed for cash. Future travel certificates do not include airfare cancelation charges for air arrangements unless those arrangements were provided by Contiki Holidays. Trip Interruption: Up to Total Trip Cost Trip Delay: Up to C$1,000 (C$150/day)
SECTION II: TRAVEL INSURANCE BENEFITS Underwritten by Legacy General Insurance Company* Baggage Protection: Up to C$2,500 Bag Delay: Up to C$500 Medical & Dental Expenses: Up to C$1,000,000** Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation: Up to C$50,000 SECTION III: EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE SERVICES Provided by On Call International The above is only a summary – a plan description detailing the terms, conditions and exclusions will be sent to you – we have highlighted just a few of the plan benefits. If you have any Travel Protection Plan questions, or would like to request a copy of the plan description, please call our plan administrator, Berkely, at 1-866-580-4871. You may also view the plan at www.contiki.com The Contiki Holidays Travel Protection Plan is provided in addition to other applicable indemnity or insurance programs, where permitted by law and shall apply only after benefits have been paid. * Section II Travel Insurance Benefits, Policy Number MZ0926385H0001A are underwritten by Legacy General Insurance Company. ** NOTE: The Medical & Dental Expense benefits of this plan are subject to a maximum benefit limit of $30,000 CAD for those persons who, at the time of a covered Injury or Sickness, do not have valid hospital and medical insurance under a Government Health Insurance Plan of a province or territory of Canada. This plan was designed and is administered by Aon Affinity Berkely Travel (an authorized agent for Legacy General Insurance Company). In Canada, this plan is administered by Aon Reed Stenhouse Inc.
This plan was designed and is administered by BerkelyCareSM.
03/11/2014 10:48
BOOKING CONDITIONS Once Contiki accepts your booking by confirmation thereof a contract is made between Contiki & you upon the terms & conditions set out below.
OUR RESPONSIBILITIES 1. YOUR VACATION RESERVATION On receipt of your deposit, subject to availability and at our discretion, Contiki will reserve your place on your selected vacation. A contract is only made between you and us upon your booking being confirmed and accepted by us and our communication thereof to either you or your travel agent. 2. PRICE GUARANTEE Trip prices in this brochure are based on costs, charges, tariffs, rates, prices, taxes, levies and exchange rates as of 7th August, 2014. Should any of these costs change, a surcharge may be made on the price of your vacation. If the total trip price increases by more than 7%, passengers will have the right to cancel within 7 days of notification of the surcharge without penalty. No surcharges in respect of cost or currency fluctuations will be made once payment has been received. The guarantee excludes fuel surcharges and does not apply to any taxes, charges or levies imposed by any government or their agencies. In exchange for these guarantees, no refund will be made if costs are reduced. Prices are per person and are in Canadian Dollars unless otherwise specified. 3. IF WE CANCEL OR CHANGE YOUR VACATION 3.1 Contiki reserves the right to change or cancel your booking in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances beyond its control. 3.2 Should change or cancellation prove necessary we will give you reasonable notice thereof, in the circumstances, and where available, offer you a comparable alternative. 3.3 If an alternative is not available or acceptable you will be entitled to either a full refund of monies paid by you to us or transfer to another Contiki vacation without payment of any transfer fee. 3.4 If the change or cancellation is due to force majeure (i.e. circumstances like political unrest, war or threat of war, riots, civil strife, closure of airports or ports, industrial disputes, terrorist activity, natural and nuclear disasters, fire, epidemic or health risk, Acts of God, adverse weather conditions or other similar events beyond Contiki’s control) we will give a full refund of any monies paid to us less reasonable expenses incurred by us in respect of your booking. 3.5 Contiki is not responsible for any other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations or rescheduling of any trip departure. 4. VACATION DETAILS AND CONDITIONS 4.1 The information in our brochure is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of going to print (October, 2014) but we cannot guarantee that any item or amenity mentioned will be available especially where we have no direct control over it. 4.2 With respect to our touring program, Contiki will do our best, at our discretion, to select accommodation, sightseeing trips and transportation to give you good value for money. 4.3 Contiki constantly strives to improve trip itineraries and features. If such improvements can be made, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary, we reserve the right to vary itineraries and to substitute hotels. Contiki is not responsible for any other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations. 4.4 We reserve the right to alter or substitute the type, the size of vehicle and/or the style of transport mentioned in the brochure, resulting in occasionally having to utilise transport without some of the features promoted. Please note there are strict laws in Europe governing Driver’s driving hours and this may necessitate utilising public transport in some cities. 5. LIABILITY 5.1 Your travel agent shall, on the receipt of any monies, hold such monies for you until the booking is confirmed at which time those monies made to a reservation after the booking is confirmed unless the change increases the value of the booking, a change of tour date or tour itinerary laws. 5.2 We will be entitled to keep for our account any interest earned on such monies. 5.3 All monies paid by you to us through your travel agent or otherwise, whether in respect of the deposit or full payment, may be disbursed by us as and when we see fit, in respect of the services to be provided and/ or fees payable under your selected vacation. The payment of a deposit or any other monies in respect of your vacation shall be deemed to be an authorization for disbursement thereof as aforesaid.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
1. BOOKING YOUR VACATION 1.1 In order to reserve your vacation, a deposit of C$200, per person per trip, or the full amount payable if booking is made within 45 days of departure from Canada, must be submitted to Contiki within 3 days in respect of that vacation. This payment is in addition to any deposit required by your travel agent. The deposit is accepted as a first installment of the vacation price by Contiki only once the booking has been confirmed in writing by Contiki or your travel agent. Any form of payment is accepted for the initial deposit of C$200 per person. 1.2 Your land reservation will be confirmed on receipt of a non refundable deposit of C$200 per person, per trip which must be within 3 days of booking or the reservation will automatically be cancelled. 1.3 Air Reservations/Ticketing: Air-inclusive bookings may require an additional non-refundable deposit at time of booking. Upon receipt of full air payment, your airfare, taxes and fuel surcharges are final. This will be regardless of future price fluctuations up or down. When booking a guided vacation including flights, you will be required at the time of booking to provide us the full name as detailed on the passport or government-issued ID. 1.4 Any special meal requirements will be made on a request basis only. Contiki cannot guarantee special meal requests nor will it assume any responsibility or liability if clients’ special meal requirements are not fulfilled. 1.5 Travel documents and instructions for joining your trip will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure (provided full payment has been received). If final payment is not received when due, costs to courier documents will be the responsibility of the Travel Agent. Please note that entry to another country may be refused even if the required information and travel documents are complete. 2. PAYING THE BALANCE 2.1 The balance of the vacation price must be paid by no later than 45 days before the scheduled vacation departure date from Canada which shall be by the due date stated on the confirmation issued to you by Contiki. 2.2 If payment isn’t made by the due date, Contiki may assume that you have cancelled and cancellation charges in accordance with clause 3
below will be levied by Contiki. 2.3 Tickets and other documents won’t be forwarded until full payment has been received by us. Travel agency cheques must be received within 7 business days from the date payment is called in. 2.4 In the case of Late Bookings made within 45 days of your departure from Canada, the full cost of the vacation will be payable immediately on booking and we reserve the right to provide all travel documents at the vacation 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. 2.6 Your authorization to use your Credit Card number for deposit and/ or final payment indicates your compliance with our booking conditions, whether or not you have actually signed the appropriate draft. Verbal authorization of the use of your Credit Card confirms your reservation. MasterCard, Visa, Visa Debit and American Express are accepted. Credit Card payments are not accepted for group bookings. A signed sales draft is required. If you wish to change a credit card payment after it has been processed, change fees will apply. For security purposes, we are required to collect passengers’ credit card billing address as well as the passengers 3-digit CVC2 code (MasterCard) or 3-digit CVV2 code (Visa & Visa Debit) or 4-digit CID code (American Express). 3. IF YOU CANCEL 3.1 If you cancel, your deposit will not be refunded nor can it be credited to any other booking. 3.2 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 vacation price and is calculated as follows: PERIOD OF NOTICE CANCELLATION FEE Number of days prior to as % of trip commencement total price 45 days or more notice The non-refundable deposit plus the Travel Protection Plan’s insurance premium is forfeited 44-31 days: ........................................................................................25% 30-8 days: ..........................................................................................50% 7-1 days: ............................................................................................75% Day of departure: ..............................................................................100% NB: Please note, Contiki’s cancellation policy is different in Asia due to internal flight ticketing timeframes & ground transport confirmations. These must be booked well in advance in order to secure high quality services that adhere to our strict safety standards. Where the percentage cancellation fee is less than the trip deposit, the cancellation fee will equal loss of deposit. If the reason for cancellation falls within the terms of any holiday insurance policy which you hold, then any such charges may, subject to the terms of your insurance policy, be refunded to you by the insurance company. 3.3 Any cancellation of additional services within 14 days from date of service, such as pre & post accommodation & transfers, will incur a 100% cancellation fee. For cancellation of additional services outside of 14 days from date of service, please refer to the above cancellation policy. 3.4 These cancellation fees are in addition to any cancellation fees that may be levied by your Travel Agent. All cancellation policies valid as at 29th October, 2014 and are subject to change. Final policy will be confirmed at time of booking. 4. IF YOU CHANGE YOUR BOOKING 4.1 If after your booking has been confirmed, you wish to change to an alternate departure date or you wish to change to a different Contiki vacation, you may do so subject to availability and provided the new vacation date is also in this brochure. 4.2 A fee of C$35 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 trip date or trip itinerary within 45 days of departure date will be treated as a cancellation, and normal cancellation fees will apply except when the change is to an earlier trip departure of equivalent or greater value in which case a C$35 per person amendment fee will be charged. 4.3 Air Cancellation & Changes: Prior to airline ticketing, a service fee $35 per person and after airline ticketing a service fee of $75 per person, plus any airline imposed penalties which may be up to 100% of the air ticket price, will be charged. If paper tickets are issued, no refund will be made for canceled air tickets until after the paper tickets are returned to Contiki. Non-refundable tickets cannot be refunded. Please ensure any returned guided vacation document which contains airline tickets is sent by certified or registered mail. Lost ticket replacement can take up to one year and processing fees may be assessed. 4.4 Air Seating: Not all airlines offer pre assigned seats. Some may charge for pre assigned seats. Any additional charge imposed by airlines will be at guests’ expense. Where pre-assigned seats are not offered or different seats are desired, guests must contact airline(s) direct to arrange seating assignments. Seating is solely under the airline’s control, as are itinerary changes due to flight delays and schedule changes. Contiki reserves the right to offer alternative schedules for itineraries affected by airline schedule changes and equipment. Flight delays, flight cancellation and schedule changes are the responsibility of the airline. Contiki will not be responsible or liable for such delays or rescheduling, and additional charges may be involved. 5. VACATION 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, while Contiki Holiday’s Trip Manager and staff will do our best to accommodate passengers with special dietary needs or food allergies or restrictions, we cannot guarantee that all restaurants, accommodations or hotels will be able to adhere their special requests or meet their needs. 5.2 Contiki holidays are specifically designed and marketed for those in the 18 through 35 age group. Consequently the facilities and activities on a Contiki vacation 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 member of the Contiki staff. 5.3 The Company strives to provide a safe, enjoyable and memorable travel experience for all passengers. The Company welcomes passengers with special needs or disabilities. However, please note the following: • Passengers are required to advise the Company, in advance, of any physical, medical or other special needs that require accommodation. • All guests must ensure they are medically and physically fit for travel. The Company may impose safety requirements necessary for the safe operation of the trip. The Company may also exclude an individual from participating in a trip or an activity if that individual’s participation poses a direct threat to health or safety. • 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, assisting with luggage, toileting or dressing,). A companion capable of providing such assistance must accompany any passenger who requires services of a personal nature. • 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 trip, or for the quality of the care or services received. • Passengers should be aware some trips include rough terrain, extensive walking over cobblestone streets, uneven pavement, steps and locations & overnight accommodations which may not be easily accessible or accessible by wheelchair. During the trip, the Company may make arrangements with carriers, hotels and other independent suppliers to provide travel services. These parties are independent entities over which the Company has no control. Accommodations on international trips may differ from those in North America. The Company cannot guarantee disability access or accommodations for passengers traveling on international trips. • Passengers are required to carry their own luggage to the coach and also to their rooms, there may be times passengers are required to carry their luggage far distances & up many flights of stairs with no assistance. • 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 trip. Passengers agree not to hold the Company or any of its related entities liable for any actions taken under these terms and conditions. 5.4 You are responsible for all travel arrangements and costs to/from the point of commencement/conclusion of the vacation. 5.5 There may be times when the Contiki Trip Manager or Representative has to make a decision in your best interest or the best interests of their group. You agree to comply with the authority and decisions of the appointed Contiki Trip Manager or Representative and the laws of the country in which you are traveling. If you do not so comply or if, in the Contiki Trip Manager’s or Representative’s opinion, you are not compatible with the general enjoyment and well being of other members on the trip or the smooth operation of the vacation itself, we reserve the right to refuse to let you continue with the trip. We do not tolerate the possession or carriage of illegal or restricted substances (drugs). Furthermore you agree that your fellow travellers and any Contiki Representative has the right to travel/work in a safe environment. Any threats to their safety, well being or inappropriate behavior by you, whether verbal or physical, will be taken extremely seriously and may result in the immediate termination of your vacation. In either event, you will be responsible for your own repatriation and related costs and have no claims against us. 5.5.1 You are responsible for any costs incurred as a result of damage or excess cleaning fees related to your accommodation. You are advised to immediately report any pre-existing damage in your room to hotel staff and/or a Contiki Trip Manager as soon as it is discovered. 5.6 Where the passenger occupies a motorcoach seat fitted with a safety belt, neither the operator or service providers, agents or co-operating organizations shall be liable for any illness, injury or death or any loss or damages or claims whatsoever arising from any accident or incident, if the safety belt is not being worn at the time of the accident or incident. 5.7 It is your responsibility to have a valid passport and all visas, permits and certificates required for your selected holiday before your departure as well as any necessary vaccinations and to comply with all applicable laws. Contiki is not responsible for any costs incurred as a result of failing to obtain necessary visas. Any costs whatsoever regarding obtaining, replacing or changing visas whilst on trip (including accommodation, meals, flights and transfers incurred due to associated delays) are at your own expense 5.8 You agree that our Contiki Trip Managers or Representatives may take photographs and films of you while you are on vacation 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 vacation, you should inform the Contiki Trip Manager or Representative during the course of the vacation and if the matter cannot be resolved after the representative’s best endeavours to do so during the vacation, your complaint should be made in writing to Contiki, Guest Relations as soon as it is reasonably possible after the vacation. 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 The contract and all matters arising in respect hereof shall be subject to English Law, unless we agree otherwise in writing. 5.10.1 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. 5.10.2 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. Contiki offers a comprehensive package that can be tailor made to your vacation. A brief description of this coverage is shown on p.42. The complete limitations and exclusions are contained in the certificate of insurance sent to you with your final documents. Please ask your Travel Agent to ask Contiki when making your booking. Please note there will be no travel insurance provided unless you request it from your Travel Agent and the payment is forwarded to Contiki.
7. ILLNESS OR ABSENTEEISM In the event of your withdrawal from a vacation after the commencement as a result of illness, you must obtain a medical certificate in support of any insurance claim. No refunds will be made for any absence from the trip. 8. WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN THE VACATION PRICE Airfares to and from your vacation destination, airport taxes, airport transfers, passport and visa fees, insurance, laundry, phone calls, beverages, meals not detailed in the itinerary, special needs and services required by handicapped clients (see 5.3 under Vacation Details & Conditions), tips to Trip Managers, representatives, drivers and local guides, items of a personal nature, excess baggage, optional excursions. 9. WEATHER CONDITIONS Under no circumstances can we be held responsible for snow or weather conditions, nor can any vacation be cancelled or amended by you at any time on the basis of snow or weather conditions.
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 authorized officer or director of Contiki. 1.2 Your contract is with us as the trip operating company and not Contiki Holidays (Canada) Limited. At any time and at our complete discretion we may nominate to you in writing any other company or person to have the benefit of some or all of those provisions of this contract, which we may then specify, as if you had agreed the provisions concerned directly with that company or person in the first place as well as agreeing them with us. We may at our complete discretion assign all or any rights and liabilities arising under or by virtue of this or any other contract with you. 1.3 Transportation companies, airlines etc. are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not on board planes, transportation or conveyances. We rely on international conventions, national and international law, which may apply to the services provided by us, our suppliers or agents with respect to any claim of any nature brought by you against us as a result of the provision of those services. International conventions which apply may include: Warsaw Convention 1929, (as amended by Hague Protocol & Montreal Protocol) in relation to air travel, or Montreal Convention; the Berne Convention for rail travel; Athens Convention 1974 for carriage by sea; the Geneva Convention for carriage by road & the Paris Convention 1962 for Hotels. We are to be regarded as having all benefit of these conventions on limiting our liability in relation to any claim for death, injury, loss, damage & delay to passengers & luggage. Enrolment in & payment for a trip shall constitute agreement & acceptance by the passenger of the terms & conditions set forth in this brochure which cannot be varied except in writing by an officer of the Company. 1.4 Contiki is not a carrier or hotelier nor does it own aircraft, hotels or coaches. 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 Vacation 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 vacation 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. DATA PROTECTION STATEMENT In order to process your trip booking, Contiki Holidays will need to use personal information for you and other passengers included in your booking. This personal information may include each passenger’s name, address, phone number, email address, passport number, credit/debit card number and sensitive information such as health, medical, dietary, mobility, religious or other special requirements. This personal information may be passed on to other suppliers of your travel arrangements in addition to public authorities (such as customs and immigration), security and credit checking organizations, and otherwise as required by law. Similarly, we may also need to provide personal information to contractors who provide services to or for us (e.g., sending mail, processing payments, providing marketing assistance). This may involve sending personal information (including sensitive information) to other countries that may not afford the same level of protection of personal information. We may also use the personal information you provide us to review and improve the trips and services that we offer, and to contact you (by post, email and/or telephone) about other trips and services offered by Contiki Holidays that you may be interested in. If you don’t want to receive this information, or if you want a copy of the personal information we hold about you, write to us at Contiki Holidays, Attn: Marketing Department, 33 Kern Road, Toronto Ontario, Canada, M3B 1S9. Contiki Holidays may charge a fee for supplying you with this information as permitted by law. 3. VALIDITY The programmes advertised in this brochure are valid from January 2015 to November 2016. 4. OPERATING COMPANIES Contiki’s Asian programmes are operated by Contiki Holidays Asia Ltd., Travel House, Rue du Manoir, St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 2JH, Channel Islands. 4. 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. This brochure was published in October, 2014 and supersedes any other current brochure in the market. Please see contiki.com for complete & up to date terms & conditions.
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THE ORIGINAL
SINCE '62 TO BOOK DIRECT CALL 1 866 224 0267 AGENTS CALL 1 800 268 1835 VISIT CONTIKI.COM MAIL CONTACTUS@CONTIKI.CA OR VISIT YOUR LOCAL TRAVEL AGENT CONTIKI HOLIDAYS 33 Kern Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M3B 1S9
CALL OUR CONTIKI EXPERTS AT OUR SALES CENTER 6 DAYS A WEEK
TICO REGISTRATION Wholesale #2058256 Retail #2759979
Sales Center Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-10pm (EST) & Sat 11am-7pm (EST) Tel: As above Fax: 1877 782 6377 or (416) 932 1147 PEFC Recycled
This product is from recycled and controlled sources
PEFC/29-31-67
www.pefc.org
Association of Canadian Travel Agencies
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THE TRAVEL CORPORATION Contiki is backed by The Travel Corporation, one of the world’s most successful family-owned travel companies. Our passion and commitment for giving our travellers life changing experiences is in our blood. It also means you get the peace of mind that comes from a financially strong group with global scale. But don’t take our word for it, check out the awards we’ve won at thetravelcorporation.com.
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© Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. Contiki provides you with holidays & experiences of a lifetime.
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1st Edition
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