Pam08 ts

Discover Autumn 2013

Inspiring travel ideas from

Way out West To where the bridges are golden and the landscapes are epic

The US Navy wanted the Golden Gate Bridge painted yellow and black

The bridge is named after the Golden Gate Strait

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Holiday ideas and tours to destinations worldwide PLUS A-Z of Adventure | Chicago | Dubai | Rio de Janeiro | Malta | Sardinia

WELCOME

e!

You coccuhuld, Pebrue her Machu Pi

Ancient history..

Dean Evans, Editor

… is the highlight of many Travelsphere and Just You tours. China’s Great Wall has stood since the 14th century. The temple complex at Angkor Wat is two centuries older, while the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul dates back to 537 AD. Rome’s famous Colosseum is even older still, commissioned

by Emperor Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus in the 1st century.

Visit any of these magical sights and you feel as if you are stepping back in time.

Looking ahead, this issue is crammed fit to burst with great travel ideas for 2014 and beyond, including brand new tours to Greece (page 48), Sardinia (page 56) and Kashmir (page 52). Just You also has a fresh

and zesty new image with some exciting changes. All the things that make holidaying with Just You great are still there, along with some tempting additions. Hear more about Just You’s new image on page 8.

Finally, we’d like to hear what you think of Discover magazine. What do you like and want to see more of? What don’t you like?

Take part in our easy Reader’s Survey online at www.futuresurvey.com/travelsurvey – it only takes a few minutes. Your participation will be greatly appreciated and will help us produce an even better magazine. You’ll also be in with a chance of winning a shopping voucher. For more details, follow the link mentioned above.

TERMS & BOOKING CONDITIONS

We’re open seven days a week, Monday to Friday 9am-8pm, Saturday 9am-5.30pm, Sunday 10am-4pm. Calls from landlines will be charged at local rate, calls from mobiles may be higher. Calls may be recorded to ensure high levels of customer service. Terms & Conditions Prices are subject to availability and are correct at the time of going to print.

A £2.50 ATOL surcharge is included in all holidays by air. You will be informed of any fuel or flight related surcharges or supplements payable in addition to the advertised price at the time of booking. Travelsphere and Just You are part of Page & Moy Travel Group, which is part of All Leisure Holidays Limited. Booking Conditions The booking conditions for all holidays featured within this publication are as per our standard booking conditions – see our websites travelsphere.co.uk and justyou.co.uk. Deposits (or full balance if departure is within 12 weeks of booking) are payable on all Page & Moy Travel Group holidays, please call us for details. It is a condition of booking that you are adequately insured, call us for details of the fully comprehensive insurance policy we offer. When you book a holiday with us, your money is completely safe. If your holiday includes a flight departing from (or returning to) a UK airport, your holiday will be operated by Page & Moy Travel Group Air Holidays Limited (company number 01329030).

These holidays are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL number 1091). Page & Moy Travel Group Air Holidays Limited is also a member of ABTA (the Association of British Travel Agents Limited). ABTA number V5874. For any holidays which do not include a flight, your holiday will be operated by Page & Moy Travel Group Surface Holidays Limited (company number 01151142). These holidays are protected by ABTA (the Association of British Travel Agents Limited). ABTA number V6345.

travelsphere.co.uk | justyou.co.uk | 3

Contents Revel in Rio, relax on a Rhine cruise or seek out rare experiences with our A-Z of Adventure – whatever your idea of holiday heaven, we’ve got the trip for you

EXPERIENCE 12 | Dazzling Dubai 14 | The story behind: The Taj Mahal 16 | Local knowledge: Jordan 18 | A taste of China 20 | 24 hours in... Delhi 22 | How to choose a camcorder

40

WORLD WAR BATTLEFIELDS

34

10 CHICAGO

MADRID IN A WEEKEND

26

36

FLYING DOWN TO RIO

4 Discover Magazine | Call us on 0844 567 5212

A-Z OF ADVENTURE

CONTENTS

INSPIRATION

DESTINATION

DEPARTURES

24 | Time travelling 26 | The A-Z of Adventure 34 | Chicago | What to see in the Windy City 36 | Flying down to Rio | Sunshine, sequins and samba in South America’s hottest city 40 | World War battlefields

44 | Idyllic Italy 48 | Glorious Greece 50 | Historic Malta 52 | Captivating Kashmir 54 | Wine & Rhine 56 | Stylish Sardinia

58 | Departures | Festive breaks, popular tours and your last chance to book 64 | Travellers’ Tales 65 | Holiday Extras 66 | Unforgettable Moments | A holiday to remember on the Cook Islands

6

LAKE BLED

42

COOK ISLA

N DS

CLASSIC CHINA

52

CAPTIVATING KASHMIR

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Illustration: Jelly London/Jo Bird – Pics: iStockphoto.com/Pavliha; 4Corners/SIME/Pavan Aldo; Alamy/Sam Vaughan; Giel Op ‘t Veld

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EXPERIENCE

Beautiful Bled Where the world seems to stand perfectly still

Northwest of Ljubljana, medieval Bled Castle stands eternal watch over atmospheric Lake Bled.

Wooden boats carve through crystal clear water on their way to Bled Island, where visitors can ring the church’s wishing bell and clamber up 99 steps for a spectacular tower view.

Bled is the first of several stops on Travelsphere’s From the Mountains to the Med, a two-country Balkan adventure through Slovenia and Croatia (10 days from £999, FSLCR); and the Just You Tour holiday Slovenia – Mountains & Coast (8 days from £999, SESL).

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EXPERIENCE

A new...

It’s good to have a change.

Especially one as positive as this.

CITY City holidays are completely new. They’re ideal if you want to squeeze an extra break into the year or if you’ve never been on a Just You holiday and want a taster of what it’s all about.

We know it’s easy to book a flight to that must-see city, find a decent hotel and arm yourself with a guidebook, but it takes time to get things just right; it’s so much better to let Just You do all the organising.

Let us do the leg work and as soon as you arrive at the airport you can start your adventure – we’ll be waiting to whisk you away! We’ve spent time sourcing a central hotel so you’re close to all the main sights. And we’ve organised an orientation tour so you can get your bearings as soon as you arrive. If you want to socialise, compare notes and share your discoveries, there’ll always be someone around.

EXPLORE

Every travel experience is amazing, yet venturing further from the usual tourist trail brings extraordinary rewards. Indulge your spirit of adventure on a Just You Explore holiday, visiting stand-out destinations and faraway countries.

Find yourself in the depths of the rainforest, gazing upon intriguing ruins, surrounded by infectious culture, or standing face-to-face with nature found nowhere else on Earth. This is true adventure territory, yet you’ll always have the support of a Tour Manager and Local Guide; they take you to the cultural hotpots that many other travellers never see. Wherever you are, we’ll be there in the background making sure everything runs like clockwork.

We really hope you love our bright and zesty new image as much as we loved creating it

8 Discover Magazine | Call us on 0844 567 5212

O

ver the last year you spent time chatting to us and telling us what you thought about the way we did things. You told us that you like our holidays and our look, and we did too, but we knew that we could come up with something fresher that you’d like even more.

Our creative people got to work and made a few tweaks. The outcome is a fresh and zesty new look that not only appears more modern but sounds more human too.

Along with our new image, our holiday range has grown too. There are lots of new destinations to choose from and we’ve divided our holidays into sections: City, Tour, Explore and Escape making it even easier to find the holiday that’s right for you.

BRILLIANT BENEFITS Every Just You holiday still boasts all the brilliant benefits it always has; scheduled flights, your hotel, a Tour Manager, some meals and an excursion or two, sometimes lots, depending on the type of holiday you

ESCAPE

choose. In 2014 there’ll always be a representative to greet you at the UK airport and lounge passes on lots of tours to get your holiday off to the best start possible.

It’s been a great few months for the Just You team, we really hope you love our bright and zesty new image as much as we loved creating it.

So, for more about the types of holidays we offer read on... and don’t forget, if you have any questions, you can chat to us online at www.justyou.co.uk/YourCommunity. See you there.

TOUR

Finding that perfect balance between relaxation and exploration isn’t always simple, and Escape holidays offer the ideal flexible travel option with the opportunity to do as much or as little as you like. Escape from the daily routine and relax in a great hotel, get to know the nearby resort or take the chance to enjoy new experiences with a range of optional excursions.

We’ve chosen great hotels with lovely outdoor spaces, pool areas and restaurants, plus you’ll usually be close to a coastal village or town. If one of the main things you want from your holiday is to relax and unwind, an Escape holiday will be just the thing. And when you’re ready for a break from your sun lounger, you can join us on the great variety of excursions that we’ve put together. What could be better than a sun holiday coupled with some great cultural highlights? It’s the perfect mix.

Whatever aspect of the world you want to experience, our Tour holidays create the possibilities. Experience the best of Europe, jet off to faraway lands, take a road trip across a continent or make an epic journey to Australia or New Zealand.

If you want a travel experience that’s all about the culture, seeing the iconic sights and finding yourself somewhere new every few days, this is the perfect option.

You’ll see the acclaimed sights and important landmarks but we’ll also introduce you to the hidden aspects that make your trip an experience, not just a holiday. You’ll meet the locals, witness the native traditions, try the delicious food and absorb the culture.

A Tour holiday is a great way to experience a country, visit an area you’ve always dreamt of, and get to grips with the variety of different cultures that make our planet so diverse and fascinating.

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EXPERIENCE

1

3

5

Illustration: Naomi Hocking

2

4

Madrid in a weekend 1 The Royal Palace

2 Almudena Cathedral

Unlike Buckingham Palace, Madrid’s Royal Palace isn’t the Spanish royal family’s permanent city centre home. Of the 3,418 rooms, a cluster are accessible, each more exquisite and opulent than the next.

Our tip: don’t miss the fascinating royal ‘Armory’.

Framed by a clear blue sky, the Almudena Cathedral is a majestic sight, thanks to its Gothic-inspired architecture, soaring bell towers and eye-catching 20-metre dome. Located next to the Royal Palace, it’s free to enter and well worth a wander inside.

Spain’s vibrant capital is a cultural treasure. Discover it with Travelsphere...

3 Puerta del Sol Madrid has several striking squares – the bustling Puerta del Sol (Gateway of the Sun) with its famous bear statue; the Plaza de Oriente, between the Royal Palace and the Royal Theatre; and the Plaza Mayor, which is enclosed by elegant three-storey buildings that house boutiques and lively cafes.

4 Prado Museum

5 Buen Retiro

Featuring an unparalleled collection of 12th-19th century art, the Museo Nacional del Prado includes the work of Francisco de Goya, Diego Velázquez, Titian and Rubens. It offers a cooling escape from a hot Spanish day. Allow several hours to do it justice.

This 350-acre park is an oasis of calm and green in the centre of the city – the perfect place for an afternoon stroll. Look out for the Crystal Palace – a glass pavilion inspired

by London’s famous landmark – the pretty Avenida de México and the central boating lake.

NOW BOOKING Travelsphere’s Madrid & the Way of St James 10 DAYS FROM £849 DEPARTING MAY – OCT 2014 HIGHLIGHTS Madrid • Burgos • Leon • Santiago de Compostela • Salamanca • Toledo REF FSP

NEW TOUR

10 Discover Magazine | Call us on 0844 567 5212

the

hotspot Catedral de Granada

WHERE IS IT? Tucked away on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, Granada is one of the many destinations on Travelsphere’s epic Costa Rica & Nicaragua holiday (17 days from £2499, ref: LCOSN) and Just You’s Explore tour of the same name (17 days from £3199, ref: SLCOSN). WHY GO? Granada offers a fascinating slice of Conquistador history.

Come for the Spanish colonial architecture with its wrought iron grills and delicately arched windows. Stay for the delicious food, shopping, lazy boat rides and the chance to visit the famous Mombacho volcano nearby.

SUNSHINE RATING

T RU E OR FA L S★★E ? ★★★

Which of the following statements are fact and which are pure fiction?

1 The longest, single-word place name in the world belongs to the Welsh village of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch (58 letters).

2 The small principality of Andorra has two national postal systems.

3 China invented gunpowder, the compass and chess.

4 At 3,704,426 square miles, China is the second largest country in the world, behind Russia.

Build a holiday Adventure, culture and relaxation in one perfect package

+

+

BREATHTAKING HISTORIC VIEWS MON U M E N TS

= GLITZ & GLAMOUR

NOW BOOKING Travelsphere’s The Best of the National Parks, Mount Rushmore & Little Big Horn with Las Vegas add-on (UAPLBA) • 19 days from £211 • Apr 2014 – May 2015 • Deadwood • Yellowstone • Grand Canyon

USA

ANSWERS 1. False. A hill near Hawke’s Bay in New Zealand lays claim to the world’s longest, single-word place name: Taumatawhakatangjjihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu (85 letters). It translates to: “The summit where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, the climber of mountains, the land swallower who travelled about, played his nose flute to his loved one.”

2. True. Amazingly, Andorra doesn’t operate its own postal system. Instead, competing services are run by France and Spain, with their own unique stamps and post boxes.

3. False. While China is responsible for giving us the compass and gunpowder, the militaristic game of chess is believed to have originated in ancient India.

4. False. China is the world’s fourth largest country. At 3,854,082 square miles, Canada is the second largest country in the world, behind Russia (6,591,027 square miles). The USA is third (3,717,727 square miles).

5. True. The Vatican is indeed the world’s smallest nation, measuring just 108.7 acres.

Did you know that it’s the only nation that can lock its own gates at night?

Pic: iStockphoto.com/Mlenny/Nikada

5 The Vatican (below), is the world’s smallest nation.

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Burj Al Arab

Enjoy a...

Modern Metropolis WHERE? Dubai has fast become a popular holiday spot, whether it’s your main destination or a stopover as part of a longer trip. One of seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, its main city is a desert metropolis dominated by a string of glittering skyscrapers, including the world’s tallest building – the Burj Khalifa.

WHICH TOUR? You can enjoy a three-day stopover in Dubai at the start of Travelsphere’s Grand Tour of Australia, before jetting onwards to the city of Perth. Or spend three days exploring the city and surrounding area on the Dubai Relax & Discover holiday, which combines golden beaches and endless sunshine with sightseeing tours and a dune safari.

Ambition and extravagance continue to shape the fast-growing city of Dubai

Stunning location

The world’s tallest buildings 900

BURJ KHALIFA, DUBAI Completed in 2010 2,717 feet (828 metres)

800 700 600

TAIPEI 101, TAIWAN Completed in 2004 1,667 feet (508 metres)

2,909 stairs from the ground to 160th floor

500

You can read its clock from 16 miles away

400 300 200 100 0

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Five floors underground

MAKKAH CLOCK ROYAL TOWER Completed in 2012 1,972 feet (601 metres)

Burj Khalifa

EXPERIENCE

NOW BOOKING ARABIAN ADVENTURE Dubai Relax & Discover

Sheikh Zayed Mosque

6 DAYS FROM £1039 DEPARTING NOW – FEB 2014

HIGHLIGHTS Three-quarter-day tour of Dubai • Optional Sharjah Ajman city tour, Al Ain tour, Dhow dinner cruise, Abu Dhabi tour, dune safari • 4 nights’ bed & breakfast accommodation at the 4-star Holiday Inn Downtown or 5-star Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa REF JFDUB

ALTERNATIVELY MEGA CITY Inspirational China

YOU ALSO EXPERIENCE

MA JESTIC

WEALTHY

Modern Dubai

Sharjah

Abu Dhabi

Like Las Vegas, Dubai is a monument to mankind’s mastery over nature.

Where there was once desert, more than 45 million flowers now bloom in the Miracle Garden and you can ski inside a shopping mall, carving up the snow on the icy slopes of an 85ft high indoor mountain. Don’t forget to visit the opulent, sail-shaped Burj Al Arab too, dubbed the world’s only 7-star hotel.

The neighbouring emirate of Sharjah doesn’t share Dubai’s architectural lust for cloud-touching skyscrapers. Here you’ll find more traditional squares, mosques and Islamic souks alongside the ranks of swish hotels and cavernous mega malls. Towards the border with Oman, red sand dunes give way to the lush green parks and farms around the university town of Al Ain – the Garden City.

South of Dubai lies the emirate of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. It doesn’t boast the world’s tallest building or an archipelago shaped like a palm tree. But the white marble Sheikh Zayed Mosque is breathtaking (with room for 40,000 worshippers), the man-made port at Jebel Ali is vast, while the Al Husn Palace dates back to the 19th century.

HIGHLIGHTS Summer Palace • Great Wall • Han Tombs • Terracotta Warriors • Leshan Giant Buddha and boat ride • Shanghai sightseeing • Shanghai acrobats • Huangpu river cruise • 9 nights’ accommodation in your own room REF SLCHI

The skyscrapers of Shanghai.

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Pics: iStockphoto.com/Nikada/Rjycnfynby/Typhoonski/Dblight

MAN-MADE

12 DAYS FROM £2099 DEPARTING NOW – DEC 2014

EXPERIENCE

The four Ottoman -inspired minarets are 130 feet high

The huge circular dome symbolises perfection and unity

The white marble reflects the colour of the sky - pink at sunrise, gold at dusk

The story behind…

The Taj Mahal

T

he Taj Mahal is one of India’s most recognisable sights. But do you know the love story behind its epic construction?

It begins in 1607 with a simple tale of boy (the Mughal Emperor’s son, Shah ab-ud-din Muhammad Khurram) meets girl (pretty Persian Arjumand Banu Begum). The couple were married five years later and Prince Khurram succeeded

his father as Mughal Emperor in 1628, becoming Shah Jahan – ‘Glory of the world’. While the emperor had other wives, Arjumand was his favourite. She became his trusted advisor and he gave her the title of Mumtaz Mahal – ‘the chosen one of the Palace’.

Their happiness was short-lived, however. Mumtaz Mahal died in 1631, giving birth to the couple’s 14th child.

The heartbroken emperor devised a magnificent mausoleum for her and the white marbled Taj Mahal was completed in 1653, lavishly decorated with crystal from China, Tibetan turquoise and Sri Lankan sapphires. Rumour had it that Shah Jahan planned to build a matching black tomb.

But he never did. When he died in 1666, at the age of 74, he was buried next to his wife beneath the Taj Mahal’s onion dome.

NOW BOOKING

ALTERNATIVELY

Treasures of the Raj

Across India & Nepal

16 DAYS FROM £2849 DEPARTING NOW – NOV 2014 HIGHLIGHTS Kolkata • Varanasi • Aarti ceremony • Dawn Ganges boat trip • Old and New Delhi • Taj Mahal and Agra Fort • Amber Fort • Jaipur • Udaipur • Elephanta Caves • 14 nights’ accommodation REF LINI

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14 DAYS FROM £2659 DEPARTING FEB 2014 – APR 2015 HIGHLIGHTS Old and New Delhi • Agra and Taj Mahal • Khajuraho temples • Aarti ceremony • Dawn Ganges boat trip • Kathmandu • Chitwan • Bhadgoan • 12 nights’ accommodation REF LINNEP

EXPERIENCE

2 years as resident rep in Istanbul

Wadi Rum

Local Knowledge Just You and Travelsphere Tour Manager Caroline Rajani reveals why a holiday to Jordan will take your breath away...

Must do

Caroline has been a Tour Manager for two years

The Dead Sea Visit the lowest point on earth and float in the warm, mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea. Its healing properties are renowned, soothing skin conditions and relieving aching joints.

Must see

Pics: iStockphoto.com/Moorhen/George Tsartsianidis

Petra

A magnificent rose red city, carved out of the sandstone by the Nabataeans, who settled here more than 2,000 years ago. Enter through the 1km long Siq, a narrow gorge flanked by dazzling 80-metre high cliffs.

Tea with Bedouins Enjoy the hospitality of Bedouin hosts and learn about their traditional values in the beautiful mountainous desert region of Wadi Rum. A real Lawrence of Arabia moment you won’t soon forget.

Jerash Surrounded by hilly fertile land, this is one of the best preserved Roman cities in the world. Human occupation dates back more than 6,500 years, and for centuries Jerash was hidden in the sand.

16 Discover Magazine | Call us on 0844 567 5212

Must taste Knafeh

A delicious rich creamy dessert with a crunchy topping. Made with pastry, soft cheese, shredded kadaif noodles, sweet syrup and pistachios.

NOW BOOKING Treasures of Jordan 8 DAYS FROM £1339 DEPARTING NOW – NOV 2015 HIGHLIGHTS Dead Sea, Mount Nebo and Madaba • Amman Jerash visits • Shobak Castle • Petra walking tour • Wadi Rum desert by 4x4, including tea in a Bedouin tent • 7 nights’ accommodation REF FLJOE

EXPERIENCE

A TASTE OF

CHINA Sweet and sour, stir-fried or steamed, here's a sample of what food you can expect on an Oriental odyssey...

Four Chinese foods to try ‘Stinky’ tofu

Pickled ginger

Tofu (bean curd) originated in ancient China over 2,000 years ago, so vegetarian travellers need not worry about meat-free options. In Shanghai and Beijing, you might come across ‘stinky tofu’, a particularly pungent variety that is sold on street stalls.

You might have encountered sweet pickled ginger in your supermarket sushi – it cleanses the palate. It’s also a popular Chinese ingredient that’s often stir-fried into beef and chicken dishes. It’s made by marinating thinly-sliced ginger root in a mixture of vinegar and sugar.

Dim Sum

Sesame seeds

Dim Sum are snack-sized foods, often served in small bamboo steamer baskets. Dishes include: meatballs, spare ribs, chicken’s feet (yes, chicken’s feet...) and rice flour dumplings that are either steamed or steamed and then pan-fried.

Available in a variety of colours – ranging from black and brown through to red and ivory – these tiny seeds have a nutty taste and add a delicate, almost invisible crunch to dishes. They are used to make sesame oil, essential for Chinese cooking.

NOW BOOKING Sample Chinese cuisine like this on an epic tour of China. While breakfasts are Western-Continental style, lunches and dinners consist of a variety of delicious local Chinese dishes.

Treasures of China 13 DAYS FROM £2299 DEPARTING MAY – SEP 2014 HIGHLIGHTS Beijing Summer Palace • Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven • Night market • Avenue of Statues and Great Wall • Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Han Tombs • Terracotta Army • Jiuzhaigou National Park, Nine Villages Valley • Leshan and the Grand Buddha • Mt Emei and Wannian Temple • Chengdu Panda Base and traditional tea ceremony • 10 nights’ accommodation with most meals included REF LCPND

18 Discover Magazine | Call us on 0844 567 5212

Tofu originated in ancient China

ith Pan -fried tofu wonions chilli and spring

Nutty sesame seeds

Pic: rosiebarnett.com

Steamed pak choi

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EXPERIENCE

hours in…

Delhi

Chaotic, colourful, intoxicating, exhilarating – the Indian capital is anything but dull. Here’s your plan for the perfect day...

MORNING

AFTERNOON

I N YO U R OW N T I M E

Embrace the New

Explore the Old

Wander the Rajpath

Admire the architecture

The metropolis is divided into atmospheric Old Delhi – a tumble of temples and bazaars – and New Delhi, the more orderly colonial city. Start in the Old, on bustling Chandni Chowk, then delve into the warren of alleys just south. Also try to visit the magnificent Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, built by Shah ‘Taj Mahal’ Jahan.

If Connaught Place is circles, Rajpath is New Delhi’s ultimate straight line. Explore this stately boulevard, bookended by the official residence of the President and the broad, 42-metre arch of Indian Gate, where you can join the locals watching the world go by. The National Museum is on Rajpath too, a treasure trove of subcontinental art.

Humayun’s Tomb is a Mughal masterpiece.

Just south of New Delhi, this 16th century mausoleum, built for Emperor Humayun by his senior wife, enchants with its romantic atmosphere and tranquil Persian-style gardens. Further south you’ll find the 12th century Qutub Minar, a cluster of exquisitely carved shrines, dominated by a 73-metre leaning tower.

Remember the Mughals

And relax...

Jahan was also the guiding hand behind the Red Fort. Begun in 1638, this crimson sandstone behemoth dominates Old Delhi. Inside its walls, you can wander between the octagonal tower (Jahan’s study), the hammam steam baths and the drum house, where musicians amused the emperor. Its museum of archaeology gives you a fascinating glimpse of Mughal life.

Exploring Delhi can be tiring, so seek out a quieter corner for a well-earned break. The leafy Lodi Gardens are a blissful spot for a stroll, full of shady trees, exotic birds and marvellous tombs dating back to the 15th century. For the ultimate Delhi finale, retreat to the historic Imperial Hotel’s 1911 Bar to enjoy a cool drink as the sun sets.

NOW BOOKING

ALTERNATIVELY

Beyond the Golden Triangle

Spirit of India

10 DAYS FROM £1599 DEPARTING NOW – NOV 2014 AND JAN – JUN 2015 HIGHLIGHTS Taj Mahal • Agra Fort • Ranthambore safaris • Jaipur & Amber Fort • Delhi tours • Fatehpur Sikri • Khajuraho • Varanasi • Ganges boat ride • nights’ accommodation REF LHI

13 DAYS FROM £2899 DEPARTING NOW – NOV 2014 HIGHLIGHTS Taj Mahal • Agra Fort • Ranthambore safaris • Jaipur sightseeing • Amber Fort • Delhi tours • luxury tented camp • 11 nights’ accommodation REF SLIND

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Pics: 4Corners/Günter Gräfenhain; iStockphoto.com/Pedre

New Delhi is the vision of British architect Edwin Lutyens and it became the official capital in 1931. At its heart are the concentric circles of Connaught Place.

Relax in its cafés, then stroll up Janpath to browse the Cottage Industries Emporium, before feeling flummoxed by the Jantar Mantar, a surreal 18th century observatory.

EXPERIENCE

3

4

2

Panasonic HC-X920, £887 www.panasonic.co.uk

1

5

How to choose a camcorder 1 Smart design

2 Powerful lens

Most modern camcorders look much the same and consist of a compact main body (containing the lens) and a flip-out LCD viewfinder. The jet-black Panasonic HC-X920 here is a case in point, measuring 67 x 72 x 150mm. It tips the scales at 417g – the weight of a standard can of Heinz Tomato soup.

Make sure the model you choose features the highest 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution for video recording, otherwise known as 1080p HD or ‘Full HD’. This Panasonic can also capture 20MP photos and features clever Back Side Illumination (BSI) technology for low lighting conditions.

A dedicated camcorder delivers better results and gives you more control over what you shoot. Here’s what to look out for...

3 Image stabilisation

4 Roomy storage

5 Easy connectivity

Arguably one of the most important features of any modern camcorder is its OIS (Optical Image Stabilisation) technology.

Panasonic’s HYBRID OIS is one of the best solutions around, eliminating wobble to ensure that you take picture-perfect, shake-free video footage.

Most modern camcorders store videos and photos on small and inexpensive SD, SDHC or SDXC memory cards. A 16GB SDXC card costs around £15 and is easily roomy enough to store an hour of high definition video. Larger capacities are available, right up to 64GB.

Modern camcorders can be plugged into a computer using a high speed USB cable. Models like the HC-X920 also feature AV and HDMI connections. Panasonic has also squeezed in Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows you to control the camera with a smartphone app.

RECOMMENDED CAMCORDERS JVC HD EVERIO A capable midrange model, featuring a 12MP lens, image stabilisation and built-in Wi-Fi for video sharing.

SAMSUNG HMX-QF30 Cheap, but far from underpowered, this 5MP HD camcorder packs in Wi-Fi, OIS and delivers superb image quality for a mere £250.

JVC HD Everio 30 GZ-VX815BEK, £4

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Samsung HMX-QF30, £250

Special effe★★c★ts

Improve your holiday videos

★★

Keep it simple Avoid recording long, sweeping views of a location – you risk camera shake as you pan. Try not to zoom in mid-shoot either. It looks horrible when you watch it back.

Moving moments Use your video camera to capture those memories that a still camera can’t do justice – a tiger padding through Ranthambore or the bustle of a Vietnamese floating market.

Sunny disposition Consider the position of the sun when you shoot video footage.

Facing towards it will typically make the resulting shot dark, as the camcorder overcompensates for the excess light.

Time Lapse We’ve all seen time-lapse videos on TV – you know the type, clouds barrelling across the sky or leaves unfurling. To do the same with your smartphone, all you need is the Lapse It Pro app, a compact tripod and an external battery pack. Set up your phone and tripod, enable Airport mode and fire up the app.

Pic: iStockphoto.com/Geir Olav Lyngfjell

Panoramic shots Most smartphones now let you take panoramic photos. Make sure there’s no moving objects in view and move the phone steadily and horizontally – don’t go too fast or you’ll miss bits. If your phone doesn’t take panoramic shots automatically, try the Photaf Panorama app for Android phones or Apple’s Autostitch Panorama.

Can I shoot brilliant video with a phone phone??

Yes. But the quality of the video that you take will depend on how good the built-in camera is. Older phones might only be able to capture low-quality QCIF (176 x 144 pixels) or clips in VGA resolution (640 x 480 pixels). Modern smartphones can capture high definition video in 720p (1280 x 720 pixels) or 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels).

But not all phones feature image stabilisation technology, optical zooms or work well in low light.

Nokia’s Lumia phones can take stunning still shots as well as high definition video clips.

HDR New smartphones usually have a High Dynamic Range setting, designed to make your photos ‘look better’. (It actually takes three shots and picks out the best of each.) HDR is ideal for landscape shots, portraits in harsh sunlight and low-light snaps but not for moving subjects, high contrast scenes or vivid colours.

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EXPERIENCE

Time travelling How far can you step back in history when you visit an ancient monument? It’s further than you might think...

1368 THE GREAT

THE MODERN DAY

The lost city of the Incas – the abandoned mountain-top city in the Cusco area of Peru. See it on Travelsphere’s Peru tour (LPER)

750 CHICHEN ITZA

Spectacular Mayan Pyramid hidden in the Central American jungle. Discover it on Travelsphere’s Mexico tour (LMEI)

1500 AD 1000 AD

TEMPLE OF HERA One of three Doric temples at Paestum in Italy. Visit it on Travelsphere’s Italy’s Cilento Coast tour (FICC)

1000 BC 1500 BC 2000 BC

2400-2200 BC

STONEHENGE These celebrated stones are still not the furthest back in time you can go…

3600-3000 BC

MEGALITHIC TEMPLES OF MALTA Step back over 5,000 years on Just You’s Escape holiday Historic Malta (SEM)

24 Discover Magazine | Call us on 0844 567 5212

GIANT BUDDHA A 233-foot statue of Buddha, carved into the cliff face. Visit it on Just You’s Tour holiday Inspirational China (SLCHI)

0 500 BC

550 BC

800 LESHAN

500 AD

2500 BC 3000 BC

438 BC

PARTHENON The temple to Athena, part of the Acropolis that stands over Athens.

1900-730 BC

NURAGHI The unique, megalithic stone remains found in Sardinia number just under 7,000. See them on Just You’s Escape holiday Sun-kissed Sardinia (SEISAR)

2500 BC

GREAT PYRAMID OF GIZA The oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

Pic: iStockphoto.com/tkachuk; fotoMonkee; cenix

1450 MACHU PICCHU

WALL OF CHINA All 5,500 miles of it.

See page 42.

I N S P I R AT I O N

There’s a world beyond the one you know. A world of rare birds and natural wonders; lost cities and amazing artificial islands. Let Just You and Travelsphere amaze and thrill you with places and experiences you’ll never forget…

26 Discover Magazine | Call us on 0844 567 5212

Pics: 4Corners/Udo Bertsch/Michael Howard/Reinhard Schmid; iStockphoto.com/Maryo990/Elenathewise/Sedmak/Benedek; Alamy/Photolocation Ltd/Peter Brogden

Airboats Powered by huge fan propellers, these distinctive, flat-bottomed boats glide over the tangle of sawgrass that clogs the Florida Everglades With meaty V engines, airboats can reach speeds of 40mph, making them ideal for exploring this subtropical wilderness.

WHERE? Travelsphere’s Florida – Everglades, Keys & Sunsets • 12 days from £1699 DEPARTING May 2014 – Jun 2015 REF UFLO

NEW TOUR

Bellagio fountains

460 ¨

443 ¨

The Bellagio is one of the most elegant (and expensive) hotels in Las Vegas. But you don’t need to stay in one of its plush rooms to appreciate its dancing, musical fountains, which can spurt jets of water 460 feet up into the desert air. Our tip: see them after dark.

WHERE? Travelsphere’s America’s Golden West • 9 days from £1299 DEPARTING Jan – Nov 2014 REF UAGW

315 ¨

169 ¨

Castles & convents Stay in a chain of luxury historical hotels across Portugal, including the Pousada de Palmela, located inside a medieval hilltop castle, and the Pousada do Crato, a 14th Century convent, which was also a castle and palace during its rich history.

WHERE? Travelsphere’s Pousadas of Portugal • 11 days from £1299 DEPARTING May – Oct 2014 REF FPO

Vienna

Danube

Munich

The mighty River Danube, Europe’s second longest river, rises in the little German town of Donaueschingen and flows 1,7 5 squiggling miles through four capital cities (Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest and Belgrade) until it meets the Black Sea. WHERE? Travelsphere’s Treasures of the Danube • days from £1299 DEPARTING Jul and Oct 2014 REF KDAN, KDANR, KDANP

Bratislava

Galati

Budapest Belgrade

Ruse Burgas

NEW TOUR

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I N S P I R AT I O N

El Tajo The awe-inspiring Puente Nuevo bridge crosses the 390-foot deep El Tajo gorge at Ronda – one of Spain’s oldest towns. This extraordinary construction has a dark history, however. Prisoners were thrown from the bridge during the Spanish Civil War, an atrocity immortalised in Hemingway’s celebrated novel For Whom the Bell Tolls.

WHERE? Just You’s Escape holiday Treasures of Andalucia • days from £699 DEPARTING Now – Nov 2014 REF SESM

Funicular railway A funicular railway is a specialised cable railway, designed to transport tram-style carriages up and down steep slopes that traditional trains can’t manage. The Cairngorm Mountain Railway is the highest railway in Britain, running from Coirre Cas to the mountain summit 3,599 feet up, where the Ptarmigan Restaurant has glorious views.

WHERE? Travelsphere’s Great Railways of the Scottish Highlands • 5 days from £569 DEPARTING May – Jul 2014 REF PBS

Huskies

Great Lakes

You can travel in many different ways on our tours – by American airboat and Chinese rickshaw, Vietnamese junk and old English steam trains. Or by dog sled.

Journey from the Tromsø Wilderness Camp to meet the indigenous Sami people. And if you’re lucky, you’ll get a glimpse of the Northern Lights (aurora borealis) along the way. It’s nature’s most extravagant light show – luminous green curtains of charged particles hitting the Earth’s atmosphere 100km up, flickering and coiling in the night sky.

WHERE? Travelsphere’s Huskies and the Northern Lights • 5 days from £1449 DEPARTING Feb 2014 – Mar 2015 REF FNH

There are five Great Lakes in North America: Lake Superior (the largest at 31,700 square miles), Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Ontario and Lake Erie (the smallest, measuring 9,910 square miles) WHERE? Travelsphere’s The Great Lakes of America & Canada • 14 days from £1 49 DEPARTING May 2014 – Jun 2015 REF UGL

NEW TOUR

Marquette LAKE SUPERIOR Sturgeon Bay

Mackinaw City

LAKE HURON

WISCONSIN

Toronto

LAKE MICHIGAN

MICHIGAN Detroit

LAKE ERIE

LAKE ONTARIO

Niagara Falls

NEW YORK Chicago

28 Discover Magazine | Call us on 0844 567 5212

Icebergs On day 11 of this fascinating tour the MS Volendam enters Glacier Bay. Here, icebergs are birthed, crashing into the freezing turquoise waters with a thunderous roar.

WHERE? Travelsphere’s Rockies, Rail and an Alaskan Cruise • 15 days from £2999 DEPARTING May 2014 – Jul 2015 REF UCRMA

Pics: 4Corners/Paul Panayiotou/Arch White/SIME/Gg/Aldo Pavan; iStockphoto.com/Daneger/Saracin/Smileus/Dan Prat/Eldad Carin; Alamy/Ian Dagnall/Danita Delimont/dpa picture alliance archive

Jefferson Thomas Jefferson is one of the four US presidents immortalised by 60-foot tall carvings on Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. Jefferson is second from the left, after George Washington. He is joined by Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. The original plan was for each president to be sculpted from head to waist But the project ran out of money in 1941 WHERE? Just You’s Tour holiday National Parks, Mount Rushmore & Little Big Horn • 17 days from £2799 DEPARTING May – Oct 2014 REF SUAPLB

Kangaroos

NEW

Lighthouse at the end of the world

TOUR

Did you know that the collective noun for kangaroos is a mob? Males box with each other to establish dominance, and they are surprisingly good swimmers.

WHERE? Travelsphere’s Australia’s East Coast • 15 days from £2 99 DEPARTING Feb – Nov 2014 REF LAGC

Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse in the Tierra del Fuego National Park is the furthest south that you can travel on any Travelsphere or Just You tour. In Argentina it’s known as ‘Faro del fin del mundo’ – the lighthouse at the end of the world. To the south, the landscape fades into the icy waters of the vast South Atlantic. Beyond lies Antarctica…

WHERE? Travelsphere’s Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego • 15 days from £3999 DEPARTING Now – Feb 2015 REF LCPA

NEW TOUR

Mayan ruins The mysterious Maya left numerous well-preserved cities behind including atmospheric Tulum, perched on a clifftop overlooking the sea, and Chichen Itza, probably the most famous and best restored. They are part of Mexico’s rich history and offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of its ancient people. For the ultimate getaway, combine a trip to the ruins with a beach mini holiday.

WHERE? Just You’s Tour holiday Mexico – Kingdom of the Maya • 15 days from £375 (with beach add-on) DEPARTING Sep – Oct 2014 REF SLMEI

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Nippon The Japanese call their country Nippon or Nihon. Up until the end of World War II, its full name was Dai Nippon Teikoku – ‘the Empire of Great Japan’. Nippon literally means ‘origin of the sun’, which is why Japan is often known as the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’. A mix of ancient and modern, a tour of this nation will take you from the ancient blossom-filled gardens and shrines around Mount Fuji to Tokyo’s skyscrapers and super-fast bullet trains.WHERE? Travelsphere’s Land of the Rising Sun • 12 days from £3299 DEPARTING Apr – May 2015 REF LJAP

NEW TOUR

Oman You might not consider Oman to be a tourist destination, but this Sultanate of nearly four million people has some perfect beaches, bustling souks, magnificent mosques and historic forts. Be one of the first to experience its Arabian charms.

WHERE? Travelsphere’s Jewels of Arabia • days from £1499 DEPARTING Apr – Nov 2014 REF FLOD

NEW TOUR

Quetzal The electric-green resplendent quetzal is named after its impressive tail feathers, which can measure up to a metre in length.

Visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and you might be one of the few to spot one of these endangered birds.

WHERE? Just You’s Explore holiday Costa Rica & Nicaragua • 17 days from £3199 DEPARTING Mar – Nov 2014 REF SLCOSN

Pula Arena The Colosseum in Rome isn’t the only amphitheatre to have survived the fall of the Roman Empire. More than 230 arena ruins are scattered across Europe and Africa, including the Pula Arena in Croatia, which stands an impressive three storeys high.

WHERE? Just You’s Tour holiday Discover Italy & Croatia • 10 days from £1299 DEPARTING May – Oct 2014 REF SEICR

Route 66 Historic Route 66 curves across the USA from Chicago to Los Angeles – 2,451 miles of Mother Road that linked east to west before the age of the interstate. It’s the ultimate road trip, taking in the 630-foot high Gateway Arch in St Louis, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma, the Grand Canyon and the bright lights of Las Vegas.

WHERE? Just You’s Tour holiday Route 66 • 16 days from £2 99 DEPARTING Apr – Oct 2014 REF SUR66

Spices India is a land of brightly hued, aromatic spices from fragrant brown cinnamon sticks to golden coriander; delicate saffron threads to green cardamom pods that hide payloads of jet-black seeds. This colourful tour will take you to the fields where these valuable ingredients are grown and show you how the spice trade has helped to shape this ancient nation.

WHERE? Travelsphere’s Spice Plantations & Temples of the South • 15 days from £2249 DEPARTING Mar – Nov 2014 REF LINKT

NEW

Pics: 4Corners/SIME/Massimo Borchi/Aldo Pavan/Johanna Huber/Fridmar Damm/Massimo Borchi; iStockphoto.com/ElementalImaging/Seewhatmitchsee/Tkacchuk; Alamy/Robert Matton AB/Jon Arnold Images Ltd/Ruth Hofshi

TOUR

Titicaca A splash of blue amid the dusty plains of the Altiplano, Titicaca is the largest lake in South America and home to the pre-Incan indigenous Uros, who live on a scatter of artificial islands woven from totora reeds. WHERE? Just You’s Explore holiday Highlights of Peru • 11 days from £2 99 DEPARTING Now – Nov 2014 REF SLPER

BOLIVIA

Putina

LAKE TITICACA Huarina Puno

PERU

Copacabana Juli

Underground tunnels An enormous network of narrow, underground passages that were dug by Viet Cong fighters during the Vietnam War – in Cu Chi alone there were more than 250km of tunnels Explore the secret trapdoors, underground kitchens, living areas and meeting rooms that the VC used to orchestrate attacks on American troops.

WHERE? Just You’s Tour holiday Discover Vietnam with Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh & Mekong River add-on • 1 days from £349 DEPARTING Now – Nov 2014 REF SLVNCA

Valletta The capital of Malta, which proudly displays the George Cross on its national flag. The collective medal was awarded in recognition of Malta’s bravery and resistance during World War II when it fell under siege from Axis forces. WHERE? Travelsphere’s Discover Malta • days from £779 DEPARTING Apr – Sep 2014 REF FEM

NEW TOUR

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Waterfalls Visit the world’s three most famous waterfalls on various tours...

WHERE? For Iguazu Falls: Just You’s Explore holiday Chile, Argentina & Brazil • 14 days from £3199 DEPARTING Feb – Nov 2014 REF SLCAB WHERE? For Victoria Falls: Travelsphere’s Highlights of South Africa with the Victoria Falls add-on • 20 days from £335 DEPARTING Now – Nov 2014 REF LSSV WHERE? For Niagara Falls: Travelsphere’s New England & Canada in the Fall • 14 days from £2199 DEPARTING Sep – Oct 2014 REF UNCF

Xian Xian is one of the oldest cities in China with a history stretching back over 3,000 years. Here stands the famous Terracotta Army – 6,000 life-sized soldiers, 130 clay chariots and 670 sculpted horses, all silently protecting Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. It’s an awe-inspiring sight.

WHERE? Travelsphere’s Grand Tour of China & the Tibetan Trail • 23 days from £3399 DEPARTING May 2014 – May 2015 REF LCGT

NEW TOUR

Yosemite Beautiful, magical Yosemite is an escape from modern America. The granite Half Dome watches over a lush valley floor carpeted with Digger Pine and California Black Oak, while Yosemite Falls tumbles 2,425 feet down sheer cliffs to disappear in a cloud of rainbow spray.

WHERE? Travelsphere’s Scenic California • 14 days from £1999 DEPARTING May – Sep 2014 REF USC

NEW

Pics: 4Corners/HP Huber; iStockphoto.com/Oliver Childs/KateLeigh/OPIS

TOUR

Zlatni Rat On the island of Brac in Croatia, you’ll find Zlatni Rat, an unusual triangular sand bar that juts out from the mainland like a dolphin’s fin. Here you’ll find one of the very best beaches in the Med. WHERE? Travelsphere’s Croatian Coastal Explorer • days from £ 99 DEPARTING Apr – Oct 2014 REF FCRCE

Sveti Ivan Church, Brac, Croatia.

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Windy city. Second city. The city that built the world’s first skyscraper and immortalised the gun-toting Al Capone.

Clinging to the south west lip of vast Lake Michigan, Chicago is the third largest metropolis in the US. It’s also the starting point for Just You’s Tour holiday Route 66 (SUR66) & Travelsphere’s new 2014 tour, Chicago, Mississippi and all that Jazz (UCNO)

Pic: Giel Op 't Veld

Chicago River 34 Discover Magazine | Call us on 0844 567 5212

hat should you do? We dare you to stand on one of the glass balconies on the 103rd f loor of Willis Tower, 1,353 feet above the Financial District. The panoramic view from The John Hancock Observatory is arguably better. Drop in for breakfast. On a clear day, you can see for 80 miles across four states. While below, the buzz of

Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile will tempt you to shop ’til you drop.

But you’ve only just got started. There’s a gentle Ferris Wheel to ride on Navy Pier (take your camera to snap a shot of the city’s skyline), and the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows to explore. Seek out the city’s neo-Gothic Tribune Tower too and take some time to wander around its base.

Here, you’ll discover remnants of famous landmarks, such as the Taj Mahal, Angkor Wat, the Great Wall of China, the Roman

Colosseum and the Berlin Wall, embedded in the walls.

And when you need a break from the city’s crisscross canyons of glass and metal, rest up in Millennium Park, where Chicagoans go to get away from it all.

Numerous cultural events are held here, including concerts, art exhibitions and film screenings. It’s also where you’ll find Anish Kapoor’s bean-shaped sculpture, Cloud Gate, a 110-ton circus mirror that reflects and warps the towering Chicago skyline.

John Hancock Observatory

Navy Pier

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I n s p i r at i o n

1

2

Rio flying down to

eight must-see sights and must-do places in resplendent Rio de Janeiro

F

rom spiritual Corcovado to monolithic Sugar Loaf mountain, Rio de Janeiro huddles around a spine of granite hills, dazzling beaches on one side, scenic wilderness on the other. Tropical, exotic and vibrant, this colonial metropolis is one of South America’s top destinations. It’s easy to see how it got its nickname - Cidade Maravilhosa, the ‘Marvellous City’.

Brazil’s cultural capital is certainly in vogue.

There’s the annual Carnival, of course, when Rio’s streets burst with outrageous colour and

36 Discover Magazine | Call us on 0844 567 5212

sequined dancers shimmy-shake through the night to irresistible samba rhythms. On a larger scale, the 2014 FIFA World Cup final will be played in the city’s vast Maracana football stadium, while the Olympics and Paralympics will march into town in 2016.

With its warm weather and stunning scenery, Rio is poised to become busier and more popular than ever. A stop-off here is one of the highlights of the Chile, Argentina & Brazil tour – an epic South American journey that begins in the Chilean capital Santiago and whisks you to Buenos Aires and the majestic Iguaçú Falls...

3

Sugar loaf Mountain

What’s a sugar loaf? Quite simply, it’s a concentrated cone of refined sugar (with a rounded top) that was once the most efficient way to transport sugar by ship.

The Portuguese nicknamed Rio’s 1,300-foot granite/quartz mountain back in the 16th century and it’s since become one of the city’s top attractions. The summit is reached by cable car, although you’ll often see rock climbers scaling the cliffs. At the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view across the city, over Copacabana beach and to Corcovado in the distance.

2

Copacabana & Ipanema

Rio de Janeiro is famed for its beaches, notably the golden curve of Copacabana and the sandy frown of nearby Ipanema, immortalised by the 1964 bossa nova song.

Both are stunning settings, bathed in golden sunshine and thronged with beautiful people in tiny trunks and improbably titchy Brazilian bikinis. You don’t need to join them. Instead, take a walk along Copacabana’s mosaic promenade on Avenida Atlântica, find somewhere to sit with a cold beer and watch the South American world go by.

3

Christ the Redeemer

The famous Art Deco statue of Christ that watches over Rio is an incredible 98 feet tall and has stood on the top of Corcovado mountain since 1931. That said, it’s not the largest statue of Jesus ever constructed – that honour goes to the 112.2-foot Christ of Peace in Bolivia. Yet, Christ the Redeemer is arguably the more impressive sight, offering a spectacular vista from 2,329 feet over downtown Rio towards Flamengo beach and the hump of Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Ride the cog railway through the lush Tijuca Forest to reach the top.

Pics: 4Corners/SIME/Antonino Bartuccio; iStockphoto/Marchello74

1

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I N S P I R AT I O N

5

CARIOCA AQUEDUCT

Also known as Arcos da Lapa, this 18th century construction is now a bridge for a tramway that connects the centre of Rio to nearby Santa Teresa. It’s a popular tourist ride and is arguably at its most impressive at Lapa, where it crosses an open square.

The aqueduct rises to a height of 57 feet, double-decked with 42 eye-catching, whitewashed arches.

5

JARDIM BOTANICO

In the shadow of Corcovado, Rio de Janeiro’s Botanical Garden is a shady refuge from the hustle of the streets and the heat of the city’s beaches. More than 6,000 species of flora can be found growing here, ranging from soaring palm trees to delicate, bloom-laden orchids. Take some time to walk around the cool gardens and keep your eyes peeled for green-headed tanagers and maroon-bellied parakeets.

WE SAW ALL THE SIGHTS – CORCOVADO, SUGAR LOAF MOUNTAIN AND COPACABANA BEACH, AS WELL AS AN EXTRA TOUR OF SOME FAVELAS (SHANTY TOWNS) – ALL WELL WORTH IT, WITH STUNNING VIEWS EVERYWHERE BOB GRAY, TRAVELLER

Ipanema beach

The promenade alongside Ipanema beach is paved with this striking mosaic. A similar one on Copacabana beach has tiled waves.

38 Discover Magazine | Call us on 0844 567 5212

Pics: iStockphoto/Celsopupo/Luoman/Earlytwenties; 4Corners/SIME/Antonino Bartuccio

4

7

6

MARACANA STADIUM

Brazil loves its football - the country has won the World Cup five times, more than any other nation. Rio de Janeiro’s Wembley Stadium is the Maracana, which first opened in 1950 and accommodated a record-breaking crowd of almost 200,000 standing spectators. Its current 78,838 seated capacity is dramatically less, but it remains an awe-inspiring stadium. The final of the FIFA World Cup will be played here in 2014.

7

TIJUCA FOREST

Covering 12.4 square miles, Tijuca Forest is classed as an ‘urban forest’, all but encircled

by Rio de Janeiro. The cog (aka funicular) railway that runs up to Christ the Redeemer carves through the forest’s western edge – sit on the right for the best views. But you can venture in deeper on foot to find quiet mountain trails, hidden waterfalls and a plethora of wildlife.

8

NOW BOOKING THE RIO CARNIVAL

Chile, Argentina and Brazil

The Carnival in Rio is the biggest in the world. It’s not so much a celebration of music and Latin dance, but a battle royale between local samba schools competing to parade the most elaborate sparkly costumes and themed floats. It is held before Lent every year and two million people take to the streets to witness the spectacle.

The 2014 Carnival takes place between 28 February and 5 March and you can witness the spectacular, glitter-spattered Winners’ Parade with Travelsphere.

Book a special departure for 2014 that gives you everything in the main Chile, Argentina and Brazil tour itinerary (see right) but includes an extra night in Rio de Janeiro and a reserved seat in the cacophonous Sambadromo. The Rio Carnival Winner's Parade 2014 tour (ref: LCABR) is priced at £3999 and departs 24 Feb 2014 only.

The ultimate option, and another special departure for 2014 is our Rio Carnival Winner’s Parade with Rio de Janeiro add-on (ref: LCABRA), which adds an extra three nights in Rio on top of the previous tour.

14 DAYS FROM £3199 DEPARTING NOW – MAR 2015 HIGHLIGHTS Santiago • Mendoza • Buenos Aires • Igua Falls • Rio de Janeiro (including Corcovado, Christ the Redeemer) • 11 nights’ accommodation REF LCAB

ALTERNATIVELY Chile, Argentina and Brazil 14 DAYS FROM £4299 DEPARTING SEP – NOV 2014 HIGHLIGHTS Santiago • Mendoza • Buenos Aires • Igua Falls • Rio de Janeiro (including Corcovado & Christ the Redeemer) • Welcome drinks • Farewell meal • 11 nights’ accommodation in your own room REF SLCAB

NEW TOUR

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I N S P I R AT I O N

WORLD WAR

BATTLEFIELDS MARK THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF WORLD WAR I AND COMMEMORATE 70 YEARS SINCE THE D-DAY LANDINGS

g n i r e b m e m e R the Somme

April 15th.1917

k the In 2014, Travelsphere will mar h a special centenary of the Great War wit & Flanders tour - Battlefields of France visit the

by Rail. Over four days, you’ll umont Hamel remains of the trenches at Bea part of the Newfoundland Memorial Park, Battle of the front line during the famous d as one of Som me. The battle is remembere the war – by the biggest and bloodiest of e than a million the end of the offensive, mor or killed. men had either been wounded

its s i v n the rt a r p u o l t a t The a vi ces , e n g e f d e i d R Vimy he German anadians of t he C 7. t y b 91 red captu in April 1

ABOVE ROWS OF GRAVESTONES AT TYNE COT CEMETERY, COMMEMORATING THE SOLDIERS SOLDIE WHO DIED DURING THE GREAT WAR. LEFT L THE FIELDS OF FLANDERS, WHERE THE B BATTLE OF THE SOMME WAS FOUGHT.

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70 years since D-Day

Flanders Fields

The Flanders jour ney continues to the town of Poperinge and TOC H - the R&R centre for Allied soldiers more commonly kn own as Talbot House. Ty ne Cot Cemetery is next on the agenda. It’s the largest Brit is h war cemetery in the world, a moving me mo ri al to the 1917 Batt le of Passchenda ele.

The tour ends wi th a visit to th e In Flanders Fields Museum in Ypres, where more than 2,000 origin al objects and do cuments from WW1 are on display. Hear st or ies about the men wh o fought in the wa r, before attending a Last Post ceremo ny at the Menin Gate .

In 2014, it will be 70 years since Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy to begin the mammoth task of liberating France.

NORMANDY BEACHES The D-Day invasion began on June 6, 1944 with the mass landing of British, Canadian and US forces on five beaches – Gold, Juno, Sword, Omaha and Utah.

PEGASUS BRIDGE You can follow in the footsteps of these brave soldiers on the special Normandy D-Day Landings by Rail tour (ref: PFNL), which includes visits to Pegasus Bridge and its Memorial Museum; plus the Mulberry harbours at Arromanches.

RIGHT SOLDIERS NERVOUSLY VOUSLY AWAITING THE ORDER TO ADVANCE DURING ING THE TTLE OF THE SOMME. BATTLE

GUN BATTERIES

Battlefields of France & Flanders

by Rail

You’ll also visit the imposing gun batteries at Longues-Sur-Mer and the pretty town of St. Mere Eglise. This four-day tour departs April – October 2014; price from £499.

Ref: PFBAT From: £449 Departing: May – Oct 2014

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Pics: Alamy/Outdoor-Archiv/Sam Vaughan/Classic Image/Brian Harris/Cephas Picture Library/Arterra Picture Library; iStockphoto.com/RonTech2000/Rouzes/Sorendls/Pixalot/Richardp/Bikemech/Artgo/Zaharov/Wavetop

July 24th.1917

TOP T I P If you’re a novice, eating with chopsticks can be a messy business – you’ll inevitably end up splashing some noodle juice on yourself. So avoid packing too many white T-shirts.

Go for dark coloured tops instead.

The Great Wall of China ABOVE China’s most famous monument slices through the mountains. RIGHT Visit a street food market and sample freshly fried meats. BELOW Get the best view of these beautiful animals at the Chengdu panda centre.

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D E S T I N AT I O N

Classic China

Fast Facts

Capital Beijing Population 1.3 billion Language Ch inese (Mandarin), Ca ntonese Religion Budd hism, Taoism Currency Yu an (Renminbi ) Time GMT +8 (Beijing)

Bustling Beijing, the world’s greatest wall, the gorgeous giant panda – meet China’s ultimate big three

C

hina is massive. The fourth largest country in the world, and by far the most populous, you could spend a lifetime exploring here and not even scratch the surface.

To narrow such a vast, varied place down to highlights is hard, but it’s the only way to tackle a land of this scale. Here are our top three...

First, Beijing: the capital, likely entry point, and – for over 1,000 years – the thrusting heart of the nation. History and modernity meet here in frenetic fashion, combining to make it a sensory overload. Must-sees include Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace.

It’s also a good place to shop: the 1,700 vendors on Silk Street sell something for everyone. Even more intriguing is exploring the hutongs, the city’s old alleyways, which are still lined with old men playing mahjong and shophouses full of mysterious ingredients and curious antiques.

Beautiful barrier The second icon has to be the Great Wall of China. Stretching around 6,000km from

NOW BOOKING

Jiayuguan, in the Gobi Desert, to Shanhaiguan by the Yellow Sea, this bold bastion was the vision of Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the third century BC. Subsequent dynasties made it bigger, stronger, even more daring; though much is now in disrepair, astonishing remnants still stand.

Just north of Beijing, for instance, is the Badaling section. Badaling means ‘Eight Prominent Peaks’, and the restored Ming dynasty stonework here curls though dramatic mountainous terrain, punctuated by watchtowers. The wall averages eight metres by six metres – wide enough for five horsemen or 10 foot soldiers to march abreast. The views are breathtaking.

Pretty pagodas

Big bear-cats The final entry in China’s top trio is the panda, a conservationist’s nightmare. They cling to a fragile ecosystem - man has destroyed much of their habitat. So when you see a baby panda – a teddy-bear ball of fluff and cuteness – you can’t help but fall for this endangered species.

Undoubtedly, the very best place to see pandas is the Chengdu Research Base. It was

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founded in 1987 and, since then, 124 giant panda cubs have been born here; there are now 83 on site. A visit to the base allows you the rare privilege of seeing the da xiong mao (their Chinese name, meaning ‘big bear-cat’) loll, play and munch bamboo in wonderful, memorable close-up.

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Inspirational China

8 DAYS FROM £1199 DEPARTING MAY 2014 – MAY 2015 HIGHLIGHTS Beijing tour • lunch in Summer Palace • Forbidden City • Great Wall visit • Chengdu • Panda Base • Leshan Buddha • 5 nights’ full-board accommodation REF LCBC

12 DAYS FROM £2099 DEPARTING NOW – DEC 2014 HIGHLIGHTS Summer Palace • Beijing • Terracotta Warriors • Chengdu panda centre • Shanghai • Huangpu river cruise • 9 nights’ accommodation in your own room REF SLCHI

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D E S T I N AT I O N

Fast Fact

s

Populatio n 60, 700,0 00 Capital Ro me Language Italian Religion C atholic Currency Euro Time GMT +1

Idyllic Italy

From lesser-known lakes and quiet hilltop towns to the unspoilt wilds of Abruzzo, discover a more o±eat Italy

I

n the wilds of Abruzzo there’s an atmospheric town called Sulmona. Flanked by the majestic massif of Majella, it’s the birthplace of Roman poet Ovid and the home of confetti, the traditional almond sweets given at weddings. It’s not Rome or Venice; it doesn’t feature in many brochures. But it’s thoroughly, wonderfully Italian: Sulmona’s clustered centre is the place to take a passeggiata (pre-dinner stroll), stop for an aperitivo and gossip with friends.

Welcome to the real Italy.

Although Italy is one of the most visited countries in the world (fifth behind France, the USA, China and Spain), it’s still quite possible to find quieter, more authentic corners. The mountainous Abruzzo region is a perfect example, but there are plenty more gems.

Spoleto is a real find. This medieval hilltop town balances amid the verdant Umbrian countryside in postcard-perfect fashion; its duomo, ancient churches and Roman ruins spill between olive groves, its arched stone bridge spans a dramatic gorge. Briefly, in the 9th century, it lay claim to being the capital of the entire Holy Roman Empire. These days it’s a sleepier spot, though it comes alive during the annual Summer Festival, Italy’s leading international arts fiesta.

Hidden gems Scanno is another classic ‘old Italy’ hilltop town of cool squares, stone houses and narrow alleys, reached by a spectacularly scenic drive through the rocky Gole del Sagittario. Scanno is famed for its filigree gold-ware,

Medieval Spoleto

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In Italian, peperoni (note the single ‘p’) are bell peppers, so if you’re a fan of hot salami on your pizza, order a pizza diavola instead, or look for salame piccante amongst the toppings.

Pic: iStockphoto.com/LiliGraphie

Explore picturesque Portofino

D I D YO U K N OW ?

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D E S T I N AT I O N

Lake Maggiore

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An Italian Journey – Lakes to Apulia ABOVE Enjoy a relaxing cruise on pretty Lake Maggiore. BELOW Portofino’s colourful harbour.

13 DAYS FROM £1399 DEPARTING APR – OCT 2014 HIGHLIGHTS Lake Maggiore boat trip • Portofino • Perugia • Spoleto • Assisi • Sulmona • 12 nights’ HB accommodation REF FILA

RIGHT Juicy, sweet tomatoes, salty soft cheese and fresh olives – Italy is a paradise for food fans.

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colourful religious processions, many Madonnas and the traditional long, dark skirts still worn by many of the old local ladies.

Mix and match Trips to Italy’s lesser-known areas are ideal when mixed with some of the country’s more obvious sites.

For example, it would be a shame to fly into Milan and not visit the Italian lakes, just to the north. Besides, a boat trip on Lake Maggiore still feels like an escape from the rush of the modern world: the resorts here are peaceful and genteel; the gardens and villas on the

Borromean islands a tranquil haven. Also, some key sites feel essential. The glamorous Ligurian resort of Portofino is a decadent intro to chic Italy, while beautiful Florence is a must for understanding Renaissance art. Assisi represents the country’s spiritual heart; the town’s famed former resident, St Francis, is the patron saint of Italy (as well as namesake of the new Pope); taking a tour of the beautiful basilica and its Giotto frescos with a Franciscan monk will give you a glimpse into a totally different world.

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The Amalfi Coast to Apulia 8 DAYS FROM £1199 DEPARTING APR – OCT 2014 HIGHLIGHTS Amalfi • Ravello • Matera • Alberobello • 7 nights’ HB accommodation in your own room REF SEIAA

Pics: iStockphoto.com/Maxhomand/DmitrijsDmitrijevs

Whitewashed Santorini

The harbour at Chania, Crete

ABOVE The Mediterranean offers up a bountiful supply of delicious seafood.

BELOW Crete, Greece’s largest island, has pretty harbours and stunning beaches.

T RY T H I S When eating out, order your food like a local and choose a few dishes to share (if you’re still hungry, you can always order more). Don’t expect the food to come in sequence or all together, though.

You’ll get each dish when it’s ready!

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D E S T I N AT I O N

s Fast Fact00

Population 10,773,0 Capital Athens Language Greek ox Religion Greek Orthod o Eur Currency Time GMT +2

Glorious Greece From the Mountain of the Gods to its heavenly islands, Greece truly is a piece of paradise…

G

reece is drop-dead gorgeous. This sun-drenched country has always been a classic travel destination, by virtue of its ancient ruins, rich history, olive groves and all those islands, scattered across the clear waters of the Mediterranean. But how well do you really know it? And where should you start?

Greece has 13,676km of coastline (the 11th longest coast in the world, despite being only the 97th largest country), which is a lot of seaside to choose from. A good option on the mainland is the area around Thessaloniki. Easy to access, this is also sacred territory: here, Mount Olympus, mythical home of the gods, looms over blissful stretches of Med and sand.

Dion, at the foot of the peak, is where Alexander the Great used to party before his military campaigns.

Now there’s good local wine tasting to be done in the surrounding villages.

Ancient ruins Thessaloniki, Greece’s second city, is bursting with historic intrigue too. It’s home to Agios Dimitrios, one of the country’s oldest churches, plus Roman ruins, Ottoman mansions and excellent cafés. The nearby monasteries of Meteora (meaning ’suspended in the air’) are the most dramatic, however. Founded by hermits from the 11th century onwards, they perch on 300 metre-high pillars of rock.

Of course, you can’t talk Greece without mentioning its islands. There are

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Greece – The Olympic Riviera

up to 6,000 of them – but only 227 have been settled.

Within this abundance you’ll find everything from wild and uninhabited rocks to glamorous resorts.

The best island?

The Cyclades group has some ‘best island’ contenders.

Mykonos, for instance, is home to the most striking village in the archipelago, a warren-like tumble of whitewashed houses, churches and tavernas. The island is also famed for its windmills: 16 dot the countryside, built by Venetians in the 16th century.

And then, less than three hours by ferry, there’s Santorini – the dreamiest Greek isle of all. Balanced on what’s left of a sunken volcanic caldera, it seems too perfect to be true. Traditional white houses and blue-domed chapels cling to the cliffs; prolific vineyards, producing Santorini’s vinsánto dessert wine, cloak the steep hills; Minoan ruins nestle amid the trees. And – whether from a café terrace, a sunlounger or a boat moored in the azure bay – the sunsets are spectacular.

8 DAYS FROM £749 DEPARTING APR – OCT 2014 HIGHLIGHTS Beachfront resort • Dion tour • wine tasting • Paralia village • Meteora Monasteries option • 7 breakfasts and dinners • 7 nights’ accommodation REF FGRS

OR… NEW TOUR

Mykonos & Santorini 8 DAYS FROM £1199 DEPARTING MAY – SEP 2014 HIGHLIGHTS Beachfront resorts • Mykonos • Santorini • Fira and Oia option • Greek taverna meal • 7 nights’ accommodation REF SEGRI

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D E S T I N AT I O N

Historic Malta

Fast Facts

Population 415,654 Capital Valle tta Language M altese, Englis h Religion Rom an Catholic Currency Eu ro Time GMT +1

With its ancient temples, fortresses and striking walled cities, a trip to Malta is like visiting a living museum…

R

elaxing on pretty, sun-soaked beaches, or strolling through sleepy laid-back villages, it’s hard today to imagine, but for much of its 7,000-year past, Malta has been an island under siege – and this history of brutal warfare has left a fascinating legacy: impressive walled cities and fortresses, remote fortifications and a maze of wartime underground tunnels.

One of a cluster of islands – Gozo and Comino are its smaller neighbours – Malta’s position in the Mediterranean, some 50 miles south of Sicily, has been both a blessing and a curse. Surrounded by crystal-clear blue sea, it enjoys a warm climate and an abundance of flora and fauna, but it’s also been seen as strategically important to a host of invading powers – the

Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Knights of St John and the British, to name just a few – and all have made their mark.

Vibrant Valletta Stroll through the narrow baroque streets of the magnificent fortress city of Valletta, Malta’s beautiful 17th century capital, and you’ll stumble across plenty of clues to its troubled past – ancient statues, pretty fountains and historic coats of arms.

But you’ll also find elegant streets crammed with inviting pavement cafés and bars – pause for an alfresco plate of pastizzi – savoury Maltese pastry snacks – before climbing to the Barracca Gardens, high in the city walls, for breathtaking views of the sweeping Grand Harbour, often described as one of the most beautiful in the Med.

ABOVE The Knights of St John have played a major role in the island’s colourful history.

CENTRE Valletta’s stunning Grand Harbour. RIGHT Pretty Gozo is just a short ferry ride away.

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Even older than Valletta, the beautiful fortified cities of Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea – collectively known as The Three Cities – were built by the Knights of St John and have been home to almost all the people who have settled on Malta. Explore their narrow streets and mysterious alleyways for a unique glimpse of authentic island life.

Megalithic monuments Malta – and its smaller cousin, Gozo, just a 20-minute ferry ride away – is also famous for its ancient limestone temples. The stones at Hagar Qim are probably the best preserved. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these megalithic monuments date back 5,000 years and are the oldest free-standing stone structures in the world, making them an absolute must for history buffs.

Valletta’s Grand Harbour

NOW BOOKING Discover Malta

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8 DAYS FROM £779 DEPARTING APR – SEP 2014 HIGHLIGHTS Valletta tour • Harbour cruise • Vittoriosa • Cospicua • Senglea • Folklore evening • 7 nights’ accommodation REF FEM

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Historic Malta

8 DAYS FROM £1169 DEPARTING MAY – OCT 2014 HIGHLIGHTS Valletta tour • Harbour cruise • Vittoriosa • Cospicua • Senglea • 7 nights’ accommodation REF SEM

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D E S T I N AT I O N

Fast Facts

Captivating Kashmir

Population 12,548,926 Capital Jam mu (winter) , Srinagar (sum mer) Language U rdu, Kashm iri Religion Mus lim, Hindu Currency R upee Time GMT +5.5

Long troubled, this Himalayan gem is finally reopen to travellers – and it’s as spectacular as ever

W

elcome to Heaven on Earth. Simply, Kashmir is a Himalayan paradise, where lakes reflect snow-capped peaks, elegant houseboats glide across silvery waters and hillsides are lush and green. Sadly, in 1989 trouble flared between the Indian government and Kashmiri insurgents, rendering this idyll off-limits – until now.

Following a prolonged period of calm, Kashmir is back on the travel map. The best base is still Srinagar, summer capital since the days of the Raj. Staying on a Dal Lake houseboat is like stepping back in time, while a cruise on a traditional shikara reveals hidden corners, from floating gardens to backwater canals.

Srinagar itself is an atmospheric delight of pleasure gardens, old streets and handicrafts shops, dominated by the 14th century Jama Masjid mosque. Nearby Pahalgam, reached via a dramatic drive past saffron fields and ancient temples, has a bustling main market, pretty flowerbeds and

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The mountains of Srinagar

a host of horsemen that lead expeditions into the jaw-dropping countryside.

Kashmir is a place to absorb – to soak up the views, to visit sacred shrines, to learn about local Sufism, to haggle for

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Return to Kashmir 9 DAYS FROM £1899 DEPARTING APR – OCT 2014 / JAN – JUN 2015 HIGHLIGHTS Delhi tour • Houseboat stay • Dal Lake • Handicraft Centre • Srinagar • 12-course banquet • 7 nights’ accommodation REF LINKA

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embroidered rugs and to watch pashmina-weavers at their looms. And the most fitting finale? A Kashmiri wazwan – a 12-course banquet with folk music, to celebrate this resurgent region.

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Spice Plantations & Temples of the South 15 DAYS FROM £2249 DEPARTING MAR – NOV 2014 HIGHLIGHTS Mumbai tour • Cochin tour • Cooking demonstration • Spice plantation visit • Game reserve • 12 nights’ accommodation REF LINKT

D E S T I N AT I O N

Fast Facts THE RHIN

Wine & Rhine

E

Length 766 miles (1,233k m) Countries G ermany, Fran ce, Netherland s, Switzerland Sources Vo rderrhein an d Hinterrhein rivers Mouth North Sea

Castles, culture and wine-tasting on this fascinating cruise through the Rhine Valley

W

inding its way from the snow-capped Swiss Alps on a 766-mile journey to the sea, the magnificent Rhine carves its way through dramatic gorges and green valleys, past castles and vineyards, idyllic villages and historic cities.

And what better way to experience all that this beautiful region has to offer than onboard the MS Amadeus Elegant, a small and stylish cruise ship with beautifully equipped cabins, fantastic food and plenty to keep you occupied.

Your journey starts and ends in stunning Cologne, regularly voted Germany’s favourite tourist attraction, due in no small part to its historic architecture and famous cathedral with its filigree twin towers.

From here you cruise through Germany’s romantic Moselle Valley, where crumbling

castles and ancient fortifications tower over rows of terraced vineyards, gently sloping towards pretty riverside hamlets; some of the world’s very best Rieslings are bottled here.

The first stop is medieval Cochem with its imposing Reichsburg Castle.

Onwards to pretty Rüdesheim, where it would be rude not to sample some of what the surrounding vineyards have to offer. You can take a cable car ride for panoramic views over the town and don’t miss the 33-foot statue of Germania, built to commemorate the founding of the German Empire in 1871.

Quirky charm Away from the Rhine’s natural wonders there are historic cities to explore: medieval Strasbourg boasts elegant architecture, pretty canals and the stunning Gothic Cathedral of Notre Dame. You’ll find crooked half-timbered houses flanking the

Cologne cathedral

RIGHT Soak up some of that fine wine with a freshly baked German pretzel.

54 Discover Magazine | Call us on 0844 567 5212

old town’s winding alleys and traditional Alsace ‘winstubs’ (literally ‘wine room’).

On route to Basel, the Swiss cultural capital with its museums and theatres, there is a chance to explore the Alpine Bernese Oberland, with its decorated chalets, craggy mountains, crystal-clear lakes and pretty waterfalls.

As the river meanders towards Koblenz, you pass one of the highest points of the Rhine Gorge: Lorelei Rock is a 433-foot high slate cliff that, according to legend, was the home of a sea nymph – commemorated by a bronze statue nearby – whose singing lured hapless fishermen to their deaths.

Surrounded by imposing peaks, charming Koblenz is where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet; lose yourself in its charming streets and winding alleyways before returning to the MS Amadeus Elegant for the leisurely return trip to Cologne.

D I D YO U K N OW ?

Most of the Rhine’s castles date back to the Middle Ages when they were manned by armed guards and used to collect tolls

The approach to medieval Cochem

Pic 4Corners/SIME/Riccardo Spila

ABOVE Your luxury floating hotel – the MS Amadeus Elegant.

Expect spacious, comfortable cabins and top-class service.

BELOW Pfalzgrafenstein Castle. BOTTOM Rüdesheim.

NOW BOOKING Magical Moselle & Highlights of the Rhine

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8 DAYS FROM £1349 DEPARTING JUN – AUG 2014 HIGHLIGHTS Mainz walking tour • Boppard walking tour REF AEHT (BY AIR) / AEHTR (BY RAIL)

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Scenic Splendours along the Rhine to Switzerland

10 DAYS FROM £1649 DEPARTING MAY – AUG 2014 HIGHLIGHTS R desheim walking tour and cable car ride • Koblenz walking tour REF AEPP (BY AIR) / AEPPR (BY RAIL)

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Santa Teresa

ABOVE The unspoilt seaside resort of Santa Teresa di Gallura. RIGHT Cosmopolitan Cagliari – behind the old town’s walls you’ll discover cobbled piazzas bordered by beautiful historic buildings. BELOW Cagliari’s 13th century Pisan-Romanesque cathedral.

DID YO U K N OW ?

The Beatles song Octopus’ Garden was written by Ringo Starr after he was served squid and chips on Peter Sellers’ yacht, off the coast of Sardinia in 1968.

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D E S T I N AT I O N

Fast Fa7,c0ts 00 Population 1,63 Capital Cagliari Language Italian Religion Catholic Currency Euro Time GMT +1

Stylish Sardinia

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Join the beautiful people on Italy’s glamorous, glorious and historically fascinating Mediterranean isle

A

nd relax... The sun-kissed isle of Sardinia – geographically closer to North Africa than its Italian motherland – is the perfect place to take it easy. As the second largest island in the Mediterranean, it has a staggering 1,850km of coast – and that means a bounty of beautiful beaches and craggy coves, all tickled by turquoise waves. It also means you can enjoy the whole gamut of seaside experiences, from bays of pristine sand to glamorous resorts where the rich and famous like to parade. In short, Sardinia has something special for every lover of the sea.

Pics: iStockphoto.com/MassimoAngeloRossi/Ursula Alter

Rich and famous The glitterati tend to head for the Costa Smeralda.

In the 1950s, Sardinia’s northeast tip was wild and undiscovered; in the 1960s, the Aga Khan found it, loved it, got together with some others and bought it.

He then began developing it into a tasteful, überchic playground for beautiful people. Today, there’s an elegant marina, swathes of cool cafés, designer shops and a general ambience of chic. It’s great fun to promenade here, or maybe pause for a glass of sherrylike vernaccia, even if the lifestyle’s out of reach.

Fortunately most of Sardinia’s lovely sands are open to those without a millionaire’s budget – tour the coast to find your favourite, pausing at lookouts for views of pretty harbours and untouched inlets. Boat trips offer an alternative perspective.

It’s not all about the beaches though. Cagliari is a striking capital, its old town clustered within city walls, loomed over by grand Pisan towers. There

Sardinia & Corsica

are classy boulevards, lively piazzas, an impressive cathedral and a fascinating archaeological museum.

Outside the city, cranes and flamingos stalk serene lagoons. Then there’s Olbia: this former fishing village tucked amid fragrant hills is now one of the island’s liveliest towns, packed with buzzing shops and bars.

Nuraghical mystery tour There’s mystery to be found here, too. Little is known about the prehistoric Nuraghic peoples who once roamed Sardinia, but the island is dotted with their nuraghi, unexplained stone constructions, built between 1500 and 500 BC. Sardinia has plenty to occupy a whole holiday, but its proximity to Corsica – barely 10 miles north – makes combining the two an easy option. On a daytrip, you can hop from Italy to France and back, to marvel at the clifftop town of Bonifacio, to breathe in Corsica’s aromatic, maquis-cloaked highlands and to raise a vin rouge/vino rosso to the whole of the Med.

8 DAYS FROM £999 DEPARTING MAY – SEP 2014 HIGHLIGHTS Costa Smeralda tour • Corsica daytrip, including Bonifacio • Olbia • Optional boat trip • 7 breakfasts and dinners • 7 nights’ accommodation REF FISAR

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Sun-kissed Sardinia

8 DAYS FROM £1099 DEPARTING JUN – OCT 2014 HIGHLIGHTS Cagliari tour • Barumini nuraghi tour • Phoenician ruins of Nora trip • Boat trip • Spa facilities • 7 nights half board accommodation REF SEISAR

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D E PA RT U R E S

Last chance to book!

It’s not too late to book a fantastic last-minute holiday…

NORT H AM E R IC A Ultimate Western Explorer

ASIA

14 days from £1699

Departing 19 Feb 2014 Highlights Los Angeles city tour • San Diego city tour • Grand Canyon • Yosemite • San Francisco • Hawaii add-on from £799 Ref USA

Images of Burma 12 days from £2899

Departing 23 Jan 2014 Highlights Yangon • Bagan • Ngwe Saung beach add-on from £399 Ref LBURM

The Deep South Mardi Gras

Grand Tour of India 18 days from £2969

14 days from £2099

Departing 22 Jan 2014 Highlights Old and New Delhi • Ranthambore game drives • Jaipur • Mysore • Agra and the Taj Mahal • Amber Fort • Kovalam beach add-on from £399 Ref LING

Departing 21 Feb 2014 Highlights Nashville • Memphis • Mardi Gras Ref UTDSM

Sumatra, Java & Bali 15 days from £2699

Departing 15 Feb 2014 Highlights Mount Bromo at dawn • Sipisopiso Waterfall • Lake Toba • Bogor • Botanical Gardens • Bali add-on from £149 Ref LSUM

NORWAY

Huskies & The Northern Lights 5 days from £1449

Departing 7 Feb 2014, 14 Feb 2014 Highlights Tromsø tour • Polaria museum • Husky sledding trip, including chance to see Northern Lights (although sightings of this phenomenon cannot be guaranteed) • Sami cultural experience and reindeer sledding Ref FNH

Thailand to Singapore by train 17 days from £2449

Departing 21 Jan 2014, 1 Feb 2014 (£2499) Highlights Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai • Elephant camp • Bangkok • Rose Garden • Penang • Kuala Lumpar • Singapore • Bintan add-on from £249 Ref PLTS

Wonders of Vietnam 14 days from £2349

Departing 15 Jan 2014, 29 Jan 2014 Highlights Hanoi tour with trishaw ride • Halong Bay cruise • Hue city tour • Hoi An • My Son • Saigon • Visit to Cu Chi Tunnels • The Marble Mountain • Mekong Delta, including Cai Rang Floating Market • Angkor Wat add-on from £699 Ref LVHT

SOUTH A M ER ICA Chile, Argentina & Brazil 14 days from £3199

Departing 3 Feb 2014 Highlights Santiago tour • Mendoza tour • Buenos Aires tour • Igua Falls visit • Rio de Janeiro add-on from £499 Ref LCAB

Chile, Argentina & Brazil Rio Carnival 15 days from £3999

Departing 24 Feb 2014 Highlights Mendoza • Igua Falls • Rio de Janeiro add-on from £499 Ref LCABR

TO BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY CALL 0844 567 5212

Sydney, Australia R E ST OF TH E WOR LD

Alhambra Palace, Granada

Australia’s East Coast 15 days from £2899

Departing 22 Feb 2014 Highlights Sydney sightseeing tour • Brisbane tour • Byron Bay • Catamaran trip to the outer Great Barrier Reef • Dubai add-on from £249 Ref LAGC

The Masai Mara Safari & Mombasa 10 days from £1959

Departing 2 Jan 2014, 11 Feb 2014 Highlights Dhow cruise • Mombasa beach add-on from £399 Ref MKENKQX

Mexico

14 days from £2399 Departing 21 Feb 2014 Highlights Chichén Itz • Oaxaca Ref LMEI

SPAIN

Treasures of Andalucia 8 days from £699

Cuba

16 days from £2299 Departing 9 Jan 2014, 30 Jan 2014 Highlights Santiagio de Cuba • Baconao National Park • Trinidad • Cienfuegos • Havana • Varadero add-on from £349 (on 30th Jan) Ref LCUB

Amazing Australia 22 days from £5999

Departing 22 Jan 2014 Highlights Sightseeing in Perth, Alice Springs, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Auckland • Ayers Rock • Great Barrier Reef • Dubai add-on from £449 • New ealand add-on from £2979 Ref SLAS

Cuba

16 days from £2899 Departing 10 Feb 2014 Highlights Sightseeing in Santiago de Cuba, Trinidad, Cienfuegos and Havana • Granjita Siborney • Casa de la Trova • Visit to a Rum Museum and cigar shop Ref SLCUB

Departing 20 Feb 2014 Highlights Mijas and Malaga • Ronda tour • Nerja and Frigiliana • Optional full-day tours to Gibraltar and Granada and Alhambra Palace Ref SESM

Spirit of India

13 days from £2999 Departing 20 Jan 2014, 3 Feb 2014 Highlights Delhi • Amber Fort & Jaipur • Taj Mahal & Agra Fort • Fatehpur Sikri • Ranthambore game drives Ref SLIND

Highlights of Thailand 15 days from £2599

Departing 30 Jan 2014 Highlights Grand Palace • Floating markets • Hill tribes and Mae Sai • Elephant camp • Chiang Mai Ref SLTD

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Festive Breaks Banish those cold-weather blues and jet off for some sunshine…

Durham Cathedral

UK Christmas in the West Country 5 days from £599

Departing 23 Dec 2013 Highlights Sightseeing tour of Bristol • SS Great Britain • Bath • Visit to Roman Baths Museum Ref SXBB

Christmas in Bournemouth

5 days from £729 Departing 23 Dec 2013 Highlights Beaulieu House & Motor Museum • Pantomime tickets • 4 nights’ accommodation Ref SXBO

Shakespearean Stratford at Christmas 5 days from £649

Departing 23 Dec 2013 Highlights Guided walk of Stratford • Anne Hathaway’s Cottage • Warwick Castle Ref SXBS

New Year in Wiltshire 4 days from £519

Departing 30 Dec 2013 Highlights Great Western Railway Museum • Swindon Designer Outlet • Stonehenge, Avebury and Marlborough Ref SYBWIL

New Year in Yorkshire 4 days from £549

Departing 30 Dec 2013 Highlights York guided tour • Saltaire Victorian village and Bolton Abbey • 3 nights’ accommodation in your own room with breakfast Ref SYBY

UK

Christmas in Sorrento

5 days from £699

Departing 23 Dec 2013 Ref SXISO

Christmas in Durham

5 days from £1029

Departing 23 Dec 2013 Highlights Roman Vindolanda & Newcastle • Beamish Open Air Museum • 4 nights’ accommodation in your own room • Traditional Christmas lunch with wine Ref SXBD

New Year on Lake Como 5 days from £999

Departing 29 Dec 2013 Ref SYICO

EUROPE ITALY

Christmas on Lake Como 5 days from £999

Departing 23 Dec 2013 Ref SXICO

Christmas on Lake Garda 5 days from £949

Departing 23 Dec 2013 Ref SXIG

Christmas in Sicily 5 days from £1159

Departing 23 Dec 2013 Highlights Catania • Taormina • Belpasso (optional) Ref SXIS

13 days from £1499 Departing 21 Dec 2013 Ref SXYCB

The Italian Dolomites & Croatia for Christmas & New Year 11 days from £1699 Departing 23 Dec 2013 Ref SXYIC

Christmas in Apulia

Christmas in the Italian Riviera

Departing 22 Dec 2013 Ref SXIPU

Departing 22 Dec 2013 Ref SXIRA

7 days from £1249

SPAIN

Christmas & New Year in the Costa Brava

6 days from £979

TO BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY CALL 0844 567 5212

Cochin, India Las Vegas, USA

New Year in Andalucia 8 days from £949

Departing 27 Dec 2013 Ref SYSA

AUSTRIA

Christmas in Salzburg 5 days from £1049 Departing 23 Dec 2013 Ref SXAT

BELGIUM

Christmas in Bruges via Eurostar 5 days from £759

Departing 23 Dec 2013 Ref SXEBB

GERMANY

Christmas in Festive Germany 5 days from £849

Departing 23 Dec 2013 Ref SXGW

FRANCE

VIETNAM

New Year Paris by Eurostar

Discover Vietnam at Christmas

New Year in North Cyprus

Departing 30 Dec 2013 Ref SYFP

Departing 28 Dec 2013 Highlights Karpas Peninsula • Famagusta tour • 7 nights’ accommodation in your own room Ref SYCYPN

New Year Celebrations

Departing Nov 2013 – Feb 2014 (later dates also available) Highlights Hanoi cyclo tour • Halong Bay cruise • Hue • Hoi An guided walking tour • Saigon • Mekong Delta tour • Angkor Wat add-on from £1335 Ref SLVN

CYPRUS

8 days from £989

4 days from £699

3 days from £389

Departing 30 Dec 2013 Ref SYBH22

CROATIA

Christmas on Lake Bled 8 days from £1329 Departing 21 Dec 2013 Ref SXSILB

ASIA INDIA

Spirit of India at Christmas

13 days from £3599 Departing 16 Dec 2013 Highlights Delhi • Taj Mahal Ref SXLIND

13 days from £2899

NORTH AMERICA America’s Golden West at Christmas & New Year 12 days from £2799

Departing 23 Dec 2013 Highlights San Francisco city tour • San Francisco by night • Lunch aboard The Hornblower • Los Angeles city tour • Hollywood • Visit to Long Beach • Palm Springs • Grand Canyon • Las Vegas by night Ref SXUWC

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D E PA RT U R E S

Popular opular Tours These trips are favourites with our travellers – why don’t you discover why…

USA & CANADA

New England & Canada in the Fall 14 days from £2199

Departing Sep – Oct 2014 Highlights Boston • Quebec • Ottawa • Montreal • Toronto • Rochester • Niagara Falls • New York add-on from £299 Ref UNCF

E U ROPE TURKEY

Treasures of Turkey 12 days from £1049

Departing Feb 2014 – Jun 2015 Highlights Istanbul • Cappadocia • Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon Aphrodisias, Hierapolis and Ephesus • Optional Bosphorus Straits cruise Ref FETKT

ITALY

Amalfi Coast

7 days from £599 Departing Nov 2013 – Jun 2015 Highlights Amalfi and Ravello • Pompeii visit • Optional Sorrento, Capri and Positano walking tours Ref FIAC

CROATIA

Croatian Coastal Explorer 8 days from £899

Departing Apr – Oct 2014 Highlights Mljet national park • Dubrovnik add-on from £419 Ref FCRCE

FRANCE

Monet’s Garden & the Chateaux of the Loire by rail 7 days from £669

NORWAY

Huskies & the Northern Lights 5 days from £1449

Departing Feb 2014 – Mar 2015 Highlights Tromsø tour • Polaria museum • Husky sledding trip, including a chance to see the Northern Lights (not guaranteed) • Sami cultural experience and reindeer sledding Ref FNH

Departing Apr – Oct 2014 Highlights Formal Versailles Gardens • Visit to Giverny to explore Monet’s house and gardens • Palace of Versailles and gardens • Orléans, home of Joan of Arc • Chateau of Villandry & the winding medieval streets of Chinon • Visit to Chateau Chenonceau & Amboise on the banks of the Loire river, once home to the famous Renaissance artist, sculptor and inventor Leonardo da Vinci Ref PEFLM

NORT H A M E R IC A USA

The Best of the National Parks, Mount Rushmore & Little Big Horn 17 days from £1999

Departing Apr 2014 – Jun 2015 Highlights Badlands National Park • Crazy Horse Memorial • Mount Rushmore • Little Big Horn Battlefield • Yellowstone National Park • Arches National Park • Monument Valley • Grand Canyon National Park • Bryce Canyon National Park • Las Vegas add-on from £79 Ref UAPLB

ASIA CHINA

Highlights of China 16 days from £2099

Departing Mar 2014 – Jun 2015 Highlights Shanghai, including Jade Buddha Temple • Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Centre • Yangtze Gorges cruise • Terracotta Army • Beijing • Great Wall • Hong Kong add-on from £449 Ref LCGR

INDIA

Beyond the Golden Triangle 10 days from £1599

Departing Nov 2013 – Jun 2015 Highlights Taj Mahal • Agra Fort • Ranthambore • Jaipur • Delhi • Shimla add-on from £499 Ref LHI

TO BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY CALL 0844 567 5212

Shanghai, China CYPRUS

Discover Northern Cyprus 8 days from £839

E U ROPE

Departing Nov 2013 – Nov 2014 Highlights Salamis city and Famagusta tour • Full-day Karpas Peninsula tour • Optional Kyrenia boat trip • Optional full-day Nicosia tour Ref SECYPN

ASIA CHINA

Inspirational China

ITALY

Highlights of Tuscany 8 days from £849

Departing Apr – Oct 2014 Highlights Florence • half-day Pisa tour, including the famous Leaning Tower • San Gimignano & Siena • Optional excursions to Lucca and the island of Elba Ref SEIT

12 days from £2099

Departing Nov 2013 – Dec 2014 Highlights Great Wall • Terracotta Warriors at Xian • Beijing • Chengdu Tea Ceremony • Leshan Giant Buddha • Panda Breeding Research Centre • Shanghai • Yangtze add-on from £699 • Hong Kong add-on from £699 Ref SLCHI

SPAIN

Treasures of Andalucia

8 days from £699 Departing Feb – Nov 2014 Highlights Mijas and Malaga • Ronda and the 600ft deep El Tajo gorge • Nerja and Frigiliana • Optional full-day tours to Gibraltar, and Granada to see the Alhambra Palace Ref SESM

Johann Strauss, Vienna NORT H A M E R IC A USA

America’s Golden West 12 days from £2199

Departing Mar – Nov 2014 Highlights City tours of San Francisco (also by night) and Los Angeles • Las Vegas by night • Long Beach Ref SUWC

AUSTRIA, CZECH REPUBLIC, HUNGARY

Prague, Vienna & Budapest 8 days from £1219

Departing Apr – Oct 2014 Highlights Three-quarter-day tours of Prague, Vienna and Budapest • Visit the pretty town of Telc • Vienna Woods and a trip to the old spa town of Baden • Visit historic Eisenstadt • Sample a slice of Vienna’s famous Sacher cake • 7 nights’ accommodation in your own room Ref SECV

OR VISIT TRAVELSPHERE.CO.UK | JUSTYOU.CO.UK

LETTERS

Travellers’ Tales Your chance to tell us about your holiday experiences…

STAR LETTER

Wonderful service I have just returned from my first, very enjoyable trip with Just You. Prague, Vienna & Budapest was excellently arranged throughout. The travel, accommodation, tours and excursions were good value for money and I’m delighted to think that I am booked on another of your holidays next September.

Anthony Johnson, Kent

Pics: 4corners/SIME/Riccardo Spila/Reinhard Schmid/SIME/Luigi Vaccarella

Mellow Alberobello Just back from a lovely week in Apulia with a fantastic group of people. This area of Italy is beautiful with gorgeous countryside and interesting historic towns. Our guide, Tiziana, was fantastic. She is very knowledgeable about the area and has an excellent sense of humour.

Angelo, our driver, was great. The hotel was good and the swimming pool was a lovely place to relax after a day’s sightseeing in the heat. I did all the excursions – my favourite was to Alberobello to see the trulli houses.

This was my third Just You holiday (heading off to Vietnam for number four) and once again I was happy to meet so many interesting and entertaining people.

MissB2611, via email

Happy memories

We have just returned from our Highlights of China tour and felt we must write to thank all at Travelsphere who made this such a marvellous and memorable trip. The trip was wonderful and our Tour Manager, Harry Wilson, was always available for assistance and nothing was too much trouble. We are already planning our next holiday.

Stephen and Eileen Budd, via email

Summer Palace , Beijing We undertook Highlights of China in April

Smooth operator

and the outstanding contribution to the success of the tour was made by Tour Manager Martin Williamson. He was a tower of strength throughout our period in China.

He spent his entire time ensuring that our enjoyment was paramount and that the tour was of the highest quality.

CF Healy, Devon

64 Discover Magazine | Call us on 0844 567 5212

From the

Forum ★★★★★

Istanbul… this is one of my alltime favourite places.

The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia (now a museum), the bridge which always has scores of people with a rod fishing, the Galata Tower, the lesser-known Cistern, the Sultan’s Topkapi Palace… there are so many great things to see.

Angie S The National Parks, Mount Rushmore & Little Big Horn trip just got better and better. I did the helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon and, although I was a bit nervous to begin with, I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.

Olive B

What a week in Costa de la Luz – lovely sunshine, a great crowd and nonstop laughter! Some people had never been on a Just You holiday and were quite nervous. But, by the end, they’d made many friends.

Diane

www www.justyou.co.uk /your /your-community

Pics: iStockphoto.com/OJO Images/Franckreporter/Emre Ogan/Tirc83

H O L I DAY E X T R A S

Little luxuries Your holiday shouldn’t be hard work – we want you to enjoy it from the moment you leave home. We also believe you deserve a little luxury, which is why we offer these extra services to help you travel in comfort

AIRPORT LOUNGE

PARKING

BAG COLLECTION

Get your holiday off to the best possible start, even before you leave the UK. Be the envy of other travellers and relax in an exclusive airport lounge before you fly. Enjoy a range of alcoholic or soft drinks, plus complimentary snacks – no queuing required. Then settle into a comfortable chair and watch some TV or read a newspaper until it’s time to board your plane. Prices start from just £15 per person.

Airport parking can be stressful, especially when it involves a lengthy walk to the check-in desks. It’s why we developed our quality-assured Meet & Greet service. Simply drive right up to the terminal and a driver will park your car for you. No trekking through the car park with suitcases; no queuing for the airport shuttle. One of our holiday advisors can arrange it for you from only £8 per day.

Have you ever struggled to heft your luggage to the airport or the train station? What if you could have your suitcases conveniently picked up from your home and delivered to your destination before you arrive? The thebaggageman.com service can take care of all this for you, leaving you free to travel light and enjoy your journey.

Prices start at £72 per case. Call The Baggageman direct on 01296 747989.

To book your finishing touches call 0844 567 5212 Alternatively, visit travelsphere.co.uk or justyou.co.uk travelsphere.co.uk | justyou.co.uk | 65

I WA S T H E R E

Unforgettable

moments Discovering paradise on sun-kissed Rarotonga Beach

Pic: Kirklandphotos

“I was lucky enough to visit the island of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands last year,” says traveller Nina Bialk. “With its white sand beaches and turquoise water, music, good food and dancing, the Cook Islands are every bit the South Pacific paradise you imagine them to be. And the best bit? Your hotel isn’t your resort, the whole island is. You can completely immerse yourself in the local culture and you’ll see welcoming smiles everywhere you go. In the restaurants, on the beach and in the charming local market on Saturday morning, everyone has a welcoming ‘Kia Orana’. That’s what makes the Cook Islands unforgettable…”

NOW BOOKING

ALTERNATIVELY

Discover New Zealand with Cook Islands

Simply New Zealand with Cook Islands

27 DAYS FROM £4498 DEPARTING NOV 2013 – DEC 2015 REF LNZRA

19 DAYS FROM £3898 DEPARTING OCT – NOV 2013 REF LNURA

Published on behalf of Page & Moy Travel Group Holidays Limited, which is part of All Leisure Holidays Limited (Compass House, Rockingham Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 7QD)

by FuturePlus, a division of Future Publishing Ltd (company no 2008885), whose registered office is 30 Monmouth St, Bath BA1 2BW. Tel: 01225 442244

ALL LEISURE HOLIDAYS GROUP Kalpa Patel, Elisa Fasoli, Vaughan Young FUTUREPLUS Editor Dean Evans Art Editors Bruce Mytton, Dylan Channon, Dave Montrose, Emma Swift, Steve Roberts, Richard Jenkins and Chris Stenner Production Editor Andrea Ball Contributors Sarah Baxter, Rosie Barnett MANAGEMENT Managing Director, Future Plus UK Jayne Caple Senior Account Manager Debbie Blackman Editorial Director Mark Donald Advertising Steve Hulbert PRODUCTION Co-ordinator Tracy Nugent Production & Procurement Manager Matt Eglinton

66 Discover Magazine | Call us on 0844 567 5212

Travelsphere and Just You are trading names for Page & Moy Travel Group Holidays Limited, which is part of All Leisure Holidays Limited.

10

reasons to book with 1

6

We organise everything – getting to the airport, comfortable hotels in lovely locations and a great programme of tours so that you don’t miss a thing.

Our team takes great pride in finding the right hotels for each holiday.

We think of EVERYTHING

Carefully chosen hotels

2

50 years of travel experience We’ve been around for a while and we know what makes a holiday great. We’re well-respected in the industry and amongst travellers. We won’t let you down.

3

See the world Whether you’re longing for sun, culture, history or wildlife; Europe, Africa, Asia or America, we have all the bases covered.

4

7

It’s all included Flights, hotels, a dedicated Tour Manager, most excursions and many meals. All you need to do is bring your passport and some spending money.

8

Perfect for you We know that your perfect holiday will be different to the next person’s. We can add excursions and extra nights to make your holiday a perfect fit for you.

9

Of course you’ll see all the sights. But you’ll also experience local life, try the food and witness the native traditions – we’ve got all the inside knowledge.

5

Every customer is asked to complete a post-holiday questionnaire. Our customers tell you how great we are so we don’t have to boast!

10

No worries

Passionate people Our enthusiastic team of Tour Managers are amongst the best in the business.

Your holiday is protected by industry standards – ATOL and ABTA. You know that your money is safe with us.

Our family has grown...

Travelsphere is part of All Leisure Holidays; this exciting partnership means we can now offer an even greater range of holidays. Join us on a fabulous small ship discovery cruise with our sister companies Voyages of Discovery, Swan Hellenic and Hebridean Princess Cruises. Discover the delights of the Nile, Egypt and Jordan with Discover Egypt.

And if you decide to travel solo, a holiday with our sister company, Just You, will be ideal for you.

Front cover pic: 4Corners/IMaurizio Rellini/SIME

Don’t just take our word for it...

More than you expect