HOT Hosted Journeys Brochure 2019

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HOT Hosted Journeys 2019

ALASKA & CANADA INDIA MEDITTERANEAN THE BALTICS EUROPEAN RIVERS

Trip of a Lifetime

HOT Hosted Journeys Why travel 'hosted' with House of Travel?

Best of both worlds guarantee. Best holiday at the best value and that’s more than just price. We have taken great care planning our hosted journeys to make the most of each destination with our first hand local knowledge, to create an enriching travel experience.

Hosted is the ultimate way to travel – a hassle free holiday in the company of fellow travellers, guided by your host with all the insider’s info. We connect you with our secret spots, our favourite eats and local encounters in the places we go so you can explore at your own pace.

Flexibility All our hosted journeys are guaranteed to depart.

We offer flexible return dates so you can take in more of the destination by returning to New Zealand at your leisure.

Contents Baltic Capitals Alaska Dream & Canadian Rockies Magnificent Europe Mediterranean Discovery The Best of India

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Meet your hosts Annie Mellor I

am passionate about cruising, spirituality and all things Italian. You may have heard me on Radiolive and The Café TV3 talking cruising. I love to unpack once, make my cabin my home and each day discover the people, food, sights and history of a new destination. I have cruised on expedition ships, ocean ships and yachts, but my greatest privilege is to host a cruise group, to get to know my fellow travellers and share my knowledge with them.

Nick Simich I have been in the travel industry for over 40 years and as a retired pilot with a major airline, travel is still a way of life which I’m excited to be sharing with you. North America is a fascinating place to visit with the mix of both familiar and culturally diverse experiences and landscapes. I love the food, the people and the sights in the big cities, towns and remote areas we will be exploring together. I hope you will join me on this tour of Canada and Alaska.

Lee Broadbelt I have worked in travel for 18 years and have enjoyed all my travel experiences. For me working in travel is like being in a lolly shop – it’s all good! India is one of my all -time favourites. I’m captivated by the romantic Taj Mahal, the rich history of the Moguls, the spices, the colourful saris and anklet jewellery worn by the women, and I get to share the highlights with you on this Golden Triangle and the unique West Bengal cruise journey.

Baltic Capitals 18 days

Cruise from Copenhagen to visit the Baltic, Europe’s secret sea. An ancient crossroads of medieval towns, local culture and food. Discover Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia. We visit the chic cities of Copenhagen, Stockholm and Helsinki and spend an overnight in St Petersburg, Russia.

Thu 16 May: Gdynia, Poland Today we cruise to Gdynia, Poland, on the Gulf of Gdansk. A strong maritime history can be discovered by strolling through the harbour district with museums and restaurants.

FINLAND

SWEDEN

Helsinki

STOCKHOLM Tallinn

Baltic Sea

ESTONIA

DENMARK

Riga

St. Petersburg

RUSSIA

LATVIA

COPENHAGEN Klaipeda

LITHUANIA

Warnemunde (Berlin)

GERMANY

Gdynia (Gdansk-Danzig)

POLAND

Fri 10 May: New Zealand – Singapore Depart from New Zealand this evening flying Singapore Airlines. Arrive Singapore and transfer to our hotel.

Sat 11 May: Singapore – Copenhagen, Denmark This morning we enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of this vibrant city including a visit to the Orchid Gardens before we fly to Copenhagen at night.

Sun 12 May: Copenhagen Arrive Copenhagen this morning and transfer to our hotel for a two night stay.

Mon 13 May: Copenhagen Its easy to explore this irresistible city with its

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many bridges and palaces. Head to the city’s historic centre with the 18th century rococo district and enjoy the relaxed ambience of this uber-cool pedestrian city. Overnight Copenhagen.

Tue 14 May: Embark MSC Poesia Cruise Today we board the luxury MSC Poesia to cruise the Baltic Capitals for eleven glorious days.

Wed 15 May: Warnemunde, Germany We have a full day in Warnemunde Germany for an excursion* to Berlin with its hip reputation, art scene and architecture or to Lubeck the beautiful UNESCO city with gabled merchant houses and historic alleyways.

Fri 17 May: Klaipeda, Lithuania Klaipeda is another gem with a colourful past.

The city has been under German and Russian rule but now boasts strong nationalism since their independence in 1990.

Sat 18 May: Riga, Latvia Take a stroll through the old town with its elaborate opera house and UNESCO historic buildings. Visit the ceramics museum and relish in this charming, cosmopolitan and often underrated city.

Sun 19 May: Tallin, Estonia Wander from the ship to discover this beautiful medieval city and its fascinating history.

Stunning architecture and churches line the cobbled streets, and for history buffs, its worth checking out the Museum of Occupations.

Mon 20 May: St Petersburg, Russia Today is truly a highlight of our cruise as we sail into St Petersburg. The sheer grandeur and history of Russia's imperial capital never fails to amaze, and there is time today to explore its Tsarist Palaces, canals and piazzas, museums and art works*.

Tue 21 May: St Petersburg, Russia Take an excursion* to enjoy the Baroque Winter Palace with the Hermitage Museum created in 1764. Visit the elaborate Catherine Palace in Pushkin*, once the summer residence of the Tsars or take a leisurely tour through the canals and rivers of St Petersburg.

Wed 22 May: Helsinki, Finland Discover the backstreets, boulevards and bridges of this design city with its array of boutiques, galleries and beautiful buildings.

Take time out at a café for some great local food.

your stay in Europe or for those returning to New Zealand we fly via Singapore to arrive in Auckland on the 27th of May.

Thu 23 May: Stockholm, Sweden The city of Stockholm, our port today is beautiful with its maze of cobbled streets and stunning palaces. Flourishing as a worldrenowned waterfront destination with great cuisine and a hotbed of fashion on Södermalm island south of the city.

Fri 24 May: Day at sea A relaxing day at sea to share a meal and tales with fellow travellers, check out the boutiques and the entertainment on board, or spend the day at the pool.

Sat 25 May: Disembark MSC Poesia Cruise into Copenhagen early this morning, leaving time to explore the city further.

Overnight Copenhagen.

Departs: 10 May 2019 Returns: 27 May 2019

Sun 26 May: Copenhagen – New Zealand We transfer to the airport for our flight home to New Zealand. You may wish to extend

18 days from

What's Included

7999

$ Hosted by: Annie

• Return Economy class flights from Auckland/Wellington/Christchurch to Copenhagen with Singapore Airlines • 1 night accommodation, breakfast and sightseeing in Singapore • 2 nights precruise accommodation and breakfast in Copenhagen • All transfers to airport, hotels and ship • 11 night Cruise on board MSC Poesia • Cruise gratuities and port charges • Gala Dinner, private cocktail party, all meals and entertainment on the cruise • 1 night post-cruise accommodation in Copenhagen

Twin Inside Cabin: $7999 Twin Oceanview Cabin: $8399 Twin Balcony Cabin: $9249 Single pricing and other cabin categories are available on request

Flexible return dates available

*MSC offer a range of shore excursions for an additional charge which allow you to personalise your experience in each destination. A Russian visa may be required for some excursions.

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Alaska Dream & Canadian Rockies 18 days

Explore the spectacular glaciers, gold rush towns and the Inside Passage as you cruise Alaska on board luxurious Celebrity Eclipse. Immerse yourself in Vancouver and take an amazing Rocky Mountaineer rail journey through the magnificent Canadian Rockies with abundant wildlife, turquoise lakes and charming ski resorts.

ALASKA Key Cruise Coach Rail

Hubbard Glacier (Yakutat Bay) Icy Strait Point

Thu 06 Jun: Juneau Juneau nestled between mountains and sea offers stunning scenery, fascinating gold rush history and a chance at gold panning. Take an exciting dog sled ride* or enjoy a whale watch and salmon bake local cruise*.

YUKON TERRITORY

Juneau

GULF OF ALASKA

Ketchikan

CANADA

BRITISH COLUMBIA ALBERTA

Inside Passage Kamloops Vancouver Sat 01 Jun: New Zealand – Vancouver, British Columbia We depart from New Zealand today flying Air New Zealand to Vancouver. We transfer to our hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner. Overnight Vancouver.

Sun 02 Jun: Embark Celebrity Eclipse A day at leisure to explore Vancouver before boarding Celebrity Eclipse this afternoon. Join fellow travellers for dinner as we sail away on our Alaska cruise.

Mon 03 Jun: Inside Passage Relax and rejuvenate today in the spa, or with a book in the library as we cruise the Inside Passage. Check out the range of gourmet

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Columbia Icefield Lake Louise Banff Calgary

cuisine and exciting activities on board Celebrity Eclipse.

Tue 04 Jun: Icy Strait Point Alaska Get a real taste of Alaska at the tiny town of Hoonah at Icy Strait Point with the native Tlingit hospitality and a range of amazing outdoor activities including zip lining and whale watching*.

Wed 05 Jun: Hubbard Glacier viewing Expect spectacular scenic cruising and great photo opportunities in the Hubbard Glacier today. You may hear the glacier calving when the ice chips off and falls with a thunderous sound, as the Celebrity Eclipse sits quietly in the waters close by.

Fri 07 Jun: Ketchikan Ketchikan is a charming Inside Passage town with coloured waterfront houses and seaside boardwalks. A memorable entertaining local fishing trip is a must or take an exhilarating seaplane ride to the nearby Misty Fiords National Monument Wilderness area*.

Sat 08 Jun: Inside Passage Soak up the atmosphere on board today and enjoy the scenery with more than 1000 islands, seemingly endless shore line and thousands of idyllic coves and bays that make up the Inside Passage.

Sun 09 Jun: Vancouver, Canada We arrive back in Vancouver this morning and disembark. Explore English Bay, Chinatown, Gastown or Granville Island with its vibrant Public Market. We have free admission to Vancouver Lookout and then dinner at our hotel and overnight Vancouver.

Mon 10 Jun: Vancouver – Kamloops We transfer to the station to board our Rocky Mountaineer train for our SilverLeaf experience to Kamloops today. We travel through coastal mountains and rainforest, past rivers and waterfalls and overnight in Kamloops. Dinner at own expense tonight.

Tue 11 Jun: Kamloops – Lake Louise Today we enjoy the magnificent scenery of mountain passes and rocky lake shores as we travel by rail through Rogers Pass and tunnels

© Rocky Mountaineer

towards Lake Louise. We overnight in the beautiful Emerald Lake Lodge.

Wed 12 Jun: Lake Louise Today we have a spectacular coach tour to the Icefield where common sightings of bear, elk and moose can be found. We have a glacier skywalk and explorer tour of the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier before heading back to the stunning Emerald Lake Lodge.

Calgary to overnight in our boutique hotel.

Sun 16 Jun: Calgary – New Zealand Breakfast at leisure before we transfer from our Calgary hotel to fly home via Vancouver and arrive in New Zealand two days later.

Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf upgrades available on request.

Thu 13 Jun: Lake Louise – Banff This morning we have a sightseeing Tour of Yoho National Park and Kicking Horse River and a coach transfer to Banff. Overnight Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa. Fri 14 Jun: Banff A day at leisure to discover the Banff National Park, the Upper Hot Springs, a nature walk or stroll through the pretty resort town of Banff.

Dinner this evening is at Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa. Sat 15 Jun: Banff – Calgary A sightseeing tour of Banff and surrounds with a gondola ride and a 12 minute Panoramic Helicopter flight over the Rockies. We arrive in

Departs: 01 June 2019 Returns: 18 June 2019 18 days from

What's Included

13,329

$ Hosted by: Nick

• Economy class flights from Auckland to Vancouver and return from Calgary with Air New Zealand • 1 night pre-cruise accommodation and Welcome dinner in Vancouver • All transfers throughout as specified • 7 night Cruise on board Celebrity Eclipse • Cruise gratuities and port charges • Gala Dinner, all meals and entertainment on the cruise • 7 nights Silver Leaf Rocky Mountaineer rail and coach tour • Accommodation, breakfasts and dinners included on the Rocky Mountaineer tour • All sightseeing and admission fees on tour as stated

Twin Balcony Cabin: $13,329 Twin Concierge Cabin: $13,699 Single pricing and other cabin categories are available on request

Flexible return dates available

*Celebrity offer a range of shore excursions for an additional charge which allow you to personalise your experience in each destination.

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Here at House of Travel we enjoy everything about cruise holidays. From only having to unpack once – no matter how long you’re sailing for – to the ease of moving between destinations, a cruise is the ultimate hassle-free holiday.

Visit www.hotcruises.co.nz and let the Cruise experiences unfold right in front of you.

Search on our cruise finder tool and book direct on our website or for personal service, contact one of our Cruise Specialists at your local House of Travel store. They will be happy to book any amazing cruise deals for the same great price.

With over 17,000 cruises to choose from, www.hotcruises.co.nz is the place to start your cruise search.

www.hotcruises.co.nz

Magnificent Europe 24 days

Experience centuries of epic history, medieval villages and lush vineyards as you cruise the cultural canvas of Europe. Cruise aboard the luxurious all-inclusive APT river ship and tailor make your journey. Enjoy the highlights of Singapore and Paris pre-cruise for an unforgettable journey.

NETHERLANDS

Key: Cruise Coach Train

GERMANY

Amsterdam

Cologne

BELGIUM

Andernach

Rüdesheim

POLAND Bamberg

Miltenberg Würzburg Rothenburg

Paris

FRANCE

CZECH REPUBLIC

Nuremberg ˇ Krumlov Regensburg Ceský Passau Salzburg

SWITZERLAND

Sat 27 Jul: New Zealand – Singapore Depart from New Zealand today flying Singapore Airlines. Arrive Singapore and transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay.

Sun 28 Jul: Singapore This morning we enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of this vibrant city including a visit to the Orchid Gardens. Enjoy a welcome dinner and overnight Singapore.

Mon 29 Jul: Singapore – Paris After breakfast we head to the Airport for our flight to Paris.

Tue 30 Jul: Paris Arrive in Paris and transfer to our hotel. We have a day at leisure to explore Paris. Overnight Paris.

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Sat 03 Aug: Amsterdam Freedom of choice sightseeing with APT offers you the chance to see Amsterdam’s canals from a boat or to visit Zaanse Schans, a lovely village famous for its traditional Dutch houses, windmills and specialty produce. Welcome Gala dinner tonight.

Dürnstein

Linz

SLOVAKIA Bratislava

Melk VIENNA

AUSTRIA

Gödöllő˝ Gödöllo BUDAPEST

HUNGARY

Wed 31 Jul: Paris Enjoy a three hour guided walking tour to the Louvre Museum, including skip the queue.

Thu 01 Aug: Paris Discover this beautiful city of Paris on a sightseeing tour. See the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower and soak up the Parisian atmosphere as you wander through the Montmartre district. Overnight Paris.

Fri 02 Aug: Amsterdam, Embark APT River Cruise We travel by train through the stunning scenery of Northern France and Belgium en-route to Amsterdam where we are met to board our ship.

Sun 04 Aug: Cologne – Bonn – Andernach Enjoy Cologne at your leisure and sample the local beers in the historic city centre. We cruise on to Andernach for an exclusive visit to the 14th century Namedy Castle. Wander through the beautiful gardens and savour dinner in the ballroom, accompanied by a classical piano recital.

Mon 05 Aug: Cruise the Rhine We continue down the Rhine today with rolling hills and vineyards to Rudesheim where you can board a scenic gondola for exceptional views or perhaps sample wines from the region during an on board tasting.

Tue 06 Aug: Miltenberg Explore Miltenberg’s winding cobblestone lanes with quaint half-timbered shops, and sample some delicious local fare along the way or take a tour of the picturesque Franconian Vineyard.

Wed 07 Aug: Wurzburg Stroll to the 18th century palace in Wurzburg with its amazing tapestries and frescoes or journey to the medieval town of Rothenburg.

Thu 08 Aug: Bamberg Visit this world heritage site today exploring the old town with a guide, followed by a cruise through the famous Main-Danube canal.

Fri 09 Aug: Nuremberg An historic tour takes you to a selection of

World War II sites, such as the Reich Party Rally Grounds. Alternatively, take a hike through the beautiful Schwarzach Valley.

Sat 10 Aug: Regensburg On a guided walking tour, see the historic world heritage city centre of Regensburg. Enjoy a Bavarian Polka dance lesson at a local beer haus or take a gourmet walking tour with an insight into the cuisine of a Michelin-star restaurant.

Sun 11 Aug: Passau, Linz Travel to Salzburg to the Sound of Music film locations or take a full day journey to Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic, renowned for its 13th century castle, old town square and quaint ancient lanes. Enjoy the pretty city of Linz this afternoon.

Mon 12 Aug: Melk, Durnstein Visit the famous Melk Abbey or take a bike ride along the canal and re-join the ship in Durnstein. We cruise through the Wachau Valley wine region today and arrive at the village of Durnstein.

Tue 13 Aug: Vienna Today we arrive in beautiful Vienna to take in

the Ringstrasse famous road and St Stephen’s cathedral. This evening we visit Liechtenstein’s City Palace for an exclusive Cocktail Party and a private recital featuring a full orchestra with performances of Mozart and Strauss.

Wed 14 Aug: Vienna Visit Schonbrunn Palace or take an excursion to Bratislava, the diverse capital of nearby Slovakia with its 18th-century rococo design architecture.

Thu 15 Aug: Budapest After your Budapest city tour, follow in the footsteps of Elisabeth of Bavaria and embark on an imperial train journey. Enjoy a guided tour of the Godollo Palace. Captain's farewell dinner tonight.

Fri 16 Aug: Budapest Disembark after breakfast for your transfer to your hotel in Budapest. Time today to explore the city at leisure. Overnight Budapest.

Sat 17 Aug: Budapest – New Zealand We transfer to the airport for our flight home to New Zealand. You may wish to extend your stay in Europe or for those returning to New Zealand we fly via Singapore to arrive two days later.

Departs: 27 July 2019 Returns: 19 August 2019 24 days from

What's included

$ Hosted by: Annie

• Economy class flights from Auckland/Christchurch to Paris and return from Budapest with Singapore Airlines • 2 nights accommodation, sightseeing and welcome dinner in Singapore • 3 nights pre-cruise accommodation in Paris with transfers • Paris Half Day Sightseeing Tour • Guided walking tour to the Louvre, Paris • All transfers to hotels and ship • 14 night APT luxury river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest • All meals and beverages on board the river ship • All inclusive sightseeing while cruising • Gratuities on the ship • Gala dinner, Captain's farewell dinner on the cruise • 1 night post-cruise accommodation in Budapest with transfers Flexible return dates available

12,999

Twin Window Cabin: $12,999 Panoramic Balcony Suite: $16,799 Twin Balcony Suite: $17,849 Single pricing and other cabin categories are available on request

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Mediterranean Discovery 22 days

We set sail from the alluring city of Venice to cruise the Greek Islands, Italy, Malta, Spain and France. We discover the historic sites in Athens, the culture of Barcelona and the history of Malta and Montenegro. Relax on the beaches of Greece and be swept up by the charm of Santorini.

Mon 16 Sep: Bari, Puglia Bari with its ancient walled town is our first port of call. Take an excursion* to see the Trulli, the famous round stone houses and village in the Puglia region.

Venice

FRANCE Marseille (Provence)

Genoa

(Portofino)

ITALY

Barcelona

Kotor

Montenegro

Naples

(Pompeii)

SPAIN

GREECE

Bari Corfu

Messina

MEDITERRANEAN SEA

(Sicily)

Valletta

Piraeus Katakolon

(Athens)

(Olympia)

Santorini

MALTA Tue 10 Sep: New Zealand – Dubai Depart from New Zealand this evening flying Emirates to Dubai where we enjoy a two day stopover.

Wed 11 Sep: Dubai Arrive in Dubai with time to explore this fascinating city with its gleaming buildings and expansive shopping malls. Overnight Dubai.

Thu 12 Sep: Dubai We have an insight into the rich history of Dubai today with our half day sightseeing as we visit the spice and gold souks, the museum and the palace. Overnight Dubai.

Fri 13 Sep: Dubai – Venice, Italy This morning we fly to Venice and arrive by

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private water taxi to the hotel, just minutes from St Marks Square. Discover Venice by night and indulge in local cuisine. Overnight Venice.

Sat 14 Sep: Venice You have time today to explore the secrets of this wonderful city. Visit St Mark's Square, the Basilica, Doges Palace, Bridge of Sighs, Rialto Bridge and the Jewish Ghetto. Overnight Venice.

Sun 15 Sep: Embark MSC Magnifica Cruise Today we board MSC Magnifica and sail down the canal towards the Adriatic Sea passing the historic houses, palaces and piazzas that make up the maze of Venetian islands.

Tue 17 Sep: Katakolon, Greece Stroll along the waterfront of Katakolon to enjoy a Greek seafood lunch and explore the shops in this tiny fishing village. You might take an excursion* to Olympia the first Olympic site and ruins of the temple of Zeus.

Wed 18 Sep: Santorini, Greece Santorini with its picture postcard whitewashed houses and bougainvillea is the perfect Greek island. Walk among the winding tiny streets or head to the pretty village of Oia for magnificent views above the harbour.

Thu 19 Sep: Athens, Greece Athens today! Enjoy a walking tour here with your host to Syntagma Square, the Plaka and lunch under the Acropolis or take an excursion* to Corinth Canal.

Fri 20 Sep: Corfu, Greece We call at Corfu today for a stroll along the waterfront to the old town or head for a swim on the other side of the island with its stunning beaches and lemon and olive groves.

Sat 21 Sep: Kotor, Montenegro We cruise to the medieval town of Kotor Montenegro, a UNESCO World Heritage-site with its fortified walls, 6th century churches and stunning piazzas.

Sun 22 Sep: Kotor – Genoa, Italy Today we cruise back to Venice and travel by coach through countryside and mountains to the ancient port city of Genoa. Board MSC Bellissima today.

Mon 23 Sep: Naples, Italy Naples with its bustling streets and history is a burst to the senses; discover it on foot or take an excursion* to seaside Sorrento or the fascinating ruins of Pompeii.

Tue 24 Sep: Messina, Sicily Messina, Sicily is near Taormina where high above the Mediterranean you can enjoy views of the sea and the active volcano Mt Etna from the piazzas brimming with local cafes.

Wed 25 Sep: Valetta, Malta Soak up the history of Valletta Malta, the fortified city built in the 1500s by the Knights of St. John, a Roman Catholic order. It’s known for the stunning palaces, gardens and grand churches.

and Barceloneta Beach for a tapas lunch or take an excursion* to visit the Gaudi cathedral.

Sat 28 Sep: Marseille, France Marseille is a bustling ancient port town with a pretty fishing village nearby. A visit to Aix-en Provence is always an option* or an excursion* to historic Avignon.

Sun 29 Sep: Disembark MSC Bellissima.

Fly Milan – New Zealand Today we cruise back to Genoa for our transfer to the airport in Milan. We visit the beautiful village of Portofino en-route where we have time to wander and enjoy a local lunch*.

You may wish to extend your stay in Europe or for those returning to New Zealand we fly via Dubai to arrive in Auckland two days later.

Thu 26 Sep: Day at sea Today we are at sea with time to explore MSC Bellissima the newest MSC ship or just relax with a book by the pool or enjoy the outstanding spa.

Departs: 10 September 2019 Returns: 01 October 2019

Fri 27 Sep: Barcelona, Spain Your host has a walking tour of Barcelona planned to Las Ramblas, the Gothic Quarter

22 days from

What's Included

8799

$ Hosted by: Annie

• Economy class flights from Auckland/Christchurch to Venice and return from Milan with Emirates • 2 nights accommodation, breakfast and sightseeing in Dubai • Transfer to and from airport/ship • 2 nights Venice accommodation and breakfast • 7 night cruise on board MSC Magnifica • Transfer from Venice to Genoa by coach • 7 Night cruise on board MSC Bellissima • Cruise gratuities and port charges • All meals, Gala Dinner, private cocktail party and entertainment on the cruise • Transfer to Milan Airport with Portofino excursion included

Twin Inside Cabin: $8799 Twin Oceanview Cabin: $9579 Twin Balcony Cabin: $10,279 Single pricing and other cabin categories are available on request

Flexible return dates available

*MSC offer a range of shore excursions for an additional charge which allow you to personalise your experience in each destination.

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The Best of India 19 days

A truly unique tour including sacred Varanasi, majestic palaces and history of Rajasthan’s Golden Triangle. We cruise through rural West Bengal to experience the secret life of the untouched Ganges villages, enjoy their food, culture and everyday life from the luxury of our riverboat.

Delhi Jaipur

Agra

its ancient calligraphy inscriptions of verses of the Holy Quran. Dinner at the hotel and overnight in Delhi.

Farakka

Varanasi

Jangipur

Farakka Baranagar

INDIA

Berhampur

Murshidabad Katwa

INDIA Matiari

Mayapur

Kalna Chandannagar

Chinsurah Barrackpore

Kolkata

Mon 23 Sep: New Zealand – Singapore Depart New Zealand flying Singapore Airlines.

Arrive Singapore and transfer to our hotel.

Tue 24 Sep: Singapore This morning we enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of this vibrant city including a visit to the Orchid Gardens. Overnight Singapore.

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Fri 27 Sep: Varanasi An early start today for a sunrise cruise on the Ganges to see pilgrims recite their sacred mantra against a backdrop of vibrant flags and temples. Later we take a tour of Varanasi including the museum and site of Gautama Buddha’s first sermon. Overnight Varanasi.

Wed 25 Sep: Singapore – Delhi Fly from Singapore to Delhi today and transfer to our hotel on arrival. Overnight Delhi.

Sat 28 Sep: Varanasi – Delhi We fly back to Delhi today and transfer to our hotel with the remainder of the day free to discover this vibrant city. Overnight Delhi.

Thu 26 Sep: Delhi – Varanasi After breakfast we fly to Varanasi. This afternoon we visit an artisan silk weaving village and later a heritage walk to the Ghats to witness the grand Ganges prayer ceremony. Overnight Varanasi.

Sun 29 Sep: Delhi Today we experience both Old and New Delhi visiting the Mosque and travel by rickshaws to the spice market. Visit Qutub Minar with

Mon 30 Sep: Delhi – Agra This morning we begin our Golden Triangle tour with a drive to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. This afternoon visit Agra Fort built

by Emperor Akbar. Dinner at the hotel and overnight in Agra.

Tue 01 Oct: Agra – Jaipur Spend an early morning visiting the Taj Mahal and marvel at the white marble changing its hue by daylight, along with the beautiful gardens. After breakfast we head for Jaipur to enjoy a traditional evening with the ancient art of Heena painting, Rajasthani Turban tying and dance. Overnight Jaipur.

Wed 02 Oct: Jaipur Today we immerse ourselves in the ancient capital of Rajasthan. See its Amber Fort, majestic palace and museum with priceless Hindu scriptures and delicate paintings. We end the day with a visit to Jantar Mantar an astronomical instrument still accurate today.

Overnight Jaipur.

Thu 03 Oct: Jaipur – Farakka We travel by air and train to reach our ship for our seven night West Bengal Ganges cruise.

Relax in the spacious cabins with individual climate control and en-suites. Meals are a choice of Western and Indian cuisine with an excellent wine list, the service is outstanding and there’s a library on board to enjoy.

Fri 04 Oct: Malda We cruise along the Jangipur canal to Malda for a day trip to Gaur, a quiet city once one of India’s greatest, with a fascinating history

from the 12th century boasting mosques and palaces.

Sat 05 Oct: Baranagar & Murshidabad This morning we moor at the delightful sleepy village of Baranagar, set in idyllic rural India.

We visit the Murshidabad waterfront palace with its collection of artworks followed by the Georgian style Katgola Palace built for rich merchants. We moor overnight on the riverbank across from town.

Sun 06 Oct: Murshidabad Sail downstream to a peaceful Mughul-style garden enclosing the tombs of the last Nawab of Bengal and his family. We continue sailing past the old British cantonment of Berhampur to a rural mooring close to the memorial battlefield. We moor tonight near Katwa, a market town with narrow bustling bazaars.

Mon 07 Oct: Matiari Visit the brass-working village of Matiari and on through countryside to Mayapur to visit the vast new temple headquarters of Hare Krishna.

Tue 08 Oct: Kalna At Kalna, take a rickshaw to visit stunning Bengali terracotta temples. Sail to the outskirts of Kolkata where we view the Imambara to step back in time and relive a slice of Islamic history in Bengal.

Wed 09 Oct: Chandernagore Pass an old Dutch settlement at Chinsura and visit Chandernagore, an 18th century French enclave. Later we take a walk through the vivid story of India’s independence at Barrackpore with its Flagstaff House, Semaphore Tower and Government House.

Thu 10 Oct: Disembark in Kolkata and return to New Zealand Early this morning, we cruise under the Howrah Bridge to central Kolkata. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our return flight home via Singapore to arrive in New Zealand on the 11th of October.

Departs: 23 September 2019 Returns: 11 October 2019 19 days from

What's Included

10,839

$ Hosted by: Lee

• Economy class flights from Auckland/Wellington/Christchurch to Delhi and return from Kolkata with Singapore Airlines • 2 nights accommodation, transfers and sightseeing in Singapore • Return Economy class flight Delhi to Varanasi • Travel by air-conditioned coach • 8 nights luxury hotel accommodation in India with breakfast daily • Dinner as specified pre-cruise • All transfers, transport and sightseeing as specified • All entrance fees • 7 nights West Bengal Cruise • All meals on the cruise • Drinks package for lunch and dinner on the cruise • All gratuities throughout the tour and cruise

Not included - Visa for India USD$50 per person.

Twin Main Deck Cabin: $10,839 Twin Upper Deck Cabin: $11,589 Single Main Deck Cabin: $12,749

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CONDITIONS: Pricing is correct as at 01 June 2018 • Prices are valid for new bookings only • Sales are valid until sold out or withdrawn • Travel dates valid as specified on each itinerary • Prices include return economy class airfares as specified on each itinerary. Departures from other domestic NZ Airports are an additional cost • All package prices are based on Twin share, inside cabin unless specified and costs are per person in NZ dollars • Single pricing is subject to availability and pricing at time of booking • All cruise excursions, beverages and items of a personal nature are at own cost except where outlined as included • Prices may vary due to exchange rates and are indicative only and subject to change until paid in full • All prices and products are subject to availability at time of reservation • Deposit of $1,250 per person is required within 3 days of booking • Final balance is due 4 months prior to departure • All passengers must have a valid passport with more than 6 months validity at the end of their holiday. Travel insurance should be taken out at time of booking to cover in the event of any unforeseen cancellation. Included airfares are based on special non refundable economy fares, ground transfers are not included unless specified. Any hotels included are on a room only basis unless specified. ESTA Visas are required for itineraries visiting USA ,Canada, India, China, Vietnam & Sri Lanka. Visa costs are not included. If travelling on a non NZ passport other visas + NZ re-entry permits may also be required, please check with applicable Embassy. Flexible return dates only are allowed, any additional airfare or taxes are at own expense • Amendment & cancellation fees may apply • Please ask your House of Travel consultant for full details.

The best holidays are created together.

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