COLLETTE AAY BROCHURE

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ESCORTED TOURS WORLDWIDE

2012-2013

AMERICA CANADA Latin America Asia Australia & New Zealand Africa & Middle East Europe

In Association With...

all holidays include Door to Door Transfer*

An Award Winning Company 98% Customer Satisfaction


ESCORTED TOURS WORLDWIDE 2012 - 2013

CONTENTS WHY AN ESCORTED TOUR WITH COLLETTE WORLDWIDE HOLIDAYS COLLETTE FOUNDATION EXPLORATIONS AIRLINES CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND 3-5 6 7 8 9

AMERICA Heritage of America New England’s Back Roads Islands of New England Colours of New England NEW America’s Music Cities Trains of the Colorado Rockies Canyon Country National Parks of America NEW South Dakota & the Badlands NEW California’s Coast Trains, Wineries and Treasures of Northern California NEW Southern Charm Heart of Texas NEW Hawaiian Adventure NEW Alaska Discovery

10 - 11 12 - 13 14 - 15 16 - 17 18 - 19 20 - 21 22 - 23 24 - 25 26 - 27 28 - 29 30 - 31 32 - 33 34 - 35 36 - 37 38 - 39

CANADA Canadian Rockies By Train Rockies Train Highlights Resorts of the Rockies The Best of Eastern Canada Canada’s Atlantic Coast

40 - 41 42 - 43 44 - 45 46 - 47 48 - 49

LATIN AMERICA Costa Rica: A World of Nature 50 - 51 Tropical Costa Rica NEW 52 - 53 Discover Panama NEW 54 - 55 Peru: Ancient Land of Mysteries 56 - 58 Ecuador: Avenue of the Volcanoes with the Galapagos Islands NEW 59 - 61 Wonders of South America NEW 62 - 63 Antarctica 64 - 65

ASIA Highlights of China Best of China Ancient China’s Wonders and Yangtze River Cruise China and Tibet NEW Mysteries of India Three Kingdoms of Indochina NEW Flavours of Thailand NEW

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66 - 67 68 - 69 70 - 71 72 - 73 74 - 75 76 - 77 78 - 79

Exploring New Zealand From the Outback to the Glaciers NEW The Best of Australia and New Zealand South Pacific Tours Extension Options

80 - 82 83 - 85 86 - 88 89

AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST Spectacular South Africa The Plains of Africa Israel - Journey to the Holyland NEW

90 - 91 92 - 93 94 - 95

EUROPE Wonders of Iceland Russia River Cruise Italian Vistas NEW Reflections of Italy Italian Lakes and Greek Islands NEW Exploring the Alpine Countries NEW Alpine Lakes and Scenic Trains NEW Magnificent Cities of Central and Eastern Europe NEW Classical Turkey NEW Discover Croatia NEW Discover Portugal’s Treasures NEW Spain’s Classics NEW Legendary Waterways of Europe Christmas on the Danube

96 - 97 98 - 99 100 - 101 102 - 103 104 - 105 106 - 107 108 - 109 110 - 111 112 - 113 114 - 115 116 - 117 118 - 119 120 - 121 122

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION BOOKING CONDITIONS

123 -124 125 -127 128 -131


Since its founding in 1918, Collette Worldwide Holidays has been searching out the cultural experiences that will enhance your journey and create lifelong memories.

Daniel J. Sullivan, Jr., President & CEO, Collette Worldwide Holidays

We incorporate history and culture, relaxation and adventure, as well as magical sightseeing and dining experiences into each of our well-planned touring itineraries.

Experience & Quality Assured A family owned and operated company, Collette Worldwide Holidays has been dedicated to creating and delivering high quality escorted tours since 1918. We are proud that Collette Worldwide has become synonymous with integrity, quality and expertise. Debt free and financially secure, here at Collette we offer the kind of old-fashioned customer service that instils confidence that your holiday plans are in safe hands. What makes us different is our people. Our team travels the world. We care about your touring experience and strive to deliver new holidays which bring to life the local flavour of the destinations featured in our brochure. We take care of all elements of your tour to ensure that your valuable time is free to spend in the best possible way. We carefully research and plan every tour we feature to ensure that all of our suppliers provide you with the standard of service and attention we know you expect from a Collette Worldwide holiday. Our buying power means you benefit from the best escorted touring experience. Our in-house team of experts continuously strive for the best for our customers. They travel around the world meeting with hotels, airlines, restaurants, sightseeing attractions and other travel venues to build secure partnerships with reputable suppliers. You can always count on Collette Worldwide Holidays for unique and exciting tours, affordable prices and extensive travel experiences.

Best Value Assured We understand that booking a holiday is an investment of both your time and money, and we recognise and cherish your choice. We encourage you to compare hotels, sightseeing, dining experiences and meals, plus the unique experiences we offer with those offered by other tour operators. We are confident that you won’t find better value and service than with Collette Worldwide Holidays.

An Award Winning Company ABTA No.W050X

5032

Registered in England No. BR003101 as Adventures Unlimited Inc. trading as Collette Worldwide Holidays. Registered Office: Unit 11, Brook Business Centre, Cowley Mill Road, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 2FX. Collette Worldwide Holidays is fully bonded by ATOL. Our ATOL number is 4832. All air holidays and flights in this brochure are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Collette Worldwide is also a member of the Association of British Travel Agents, ABTA No. WO5OX Collette Worldwide Holidays is a member of the Association of the Independent Tour Operators. The Association represents Britain’s leading independent tour operators and encourages high standards of quality and service. Collette Worldwide Holidays abides by the Association’s Code of Conduct and adheres to the AITO Quality Charter which can be viewed on www.aito.co.uk. Visit the website to find out more about the Association or call 0208 744 9280.

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WHY AN ESCORTED TOUR WITH COLLETTE WORLDWIDE HOLIDAYS

All Tours In This Brochure Include • Door to Door Transfer Service from your home to the airport within 100 miles in the mainland UK and Northern Ireland only (see below for full details) • Quality accommodation in carefully selected locations • Many meals and dining experiences as outlined in your itinerary • ‘Must See’ sights as outlined in your itinerary • Transportation on tour by private, climate controlled motorcoach • Services of a professional Tour Manager throughout the entire tour • Expert local guides • Local transfers from the airport to hotel on arrival and hotel to airport on departure on the first and last day of your tour • Welcome and farewell dinners as outlined in your itinerary • Admission charges as outlined in your itinerary • Luggage handling • Applicable gratuities for bellmen, doormen and waiting staff

Quality Hotels We have strict criteria when we search for hotels to include in our tour itineraries. Our in-house team look for hotels which are reflective of the region and spirit of the destination. You can be confident that your hotel stays will be just as much a highlight as the rest of the tour. The location of every hotel is just as important and we strive to use only hotels which are centrally located and close to the top attractions.

Authentic Dining Experiences We work diligently to create menus that typify the cuisine of the destinations you are visiting. We research a wide range of dining venues to find the right restaurants offering authentic local cuisine and special dining experiences. All of the dinners included in our itineraries are multi-course and offer a choice to cater for most preferences.

Sightseeing & Excursions Many of our excursions are once in a lifetime experiences or the ‘must-sees’ of the region. We think it is important to embrace the local customs and traditions of the destinations visited so we include unique trips such as home hosted dinners in certain regions. The character and charm of every destination is reflected in the extras we include in our tours. These excursions are already included in the holiday price quoted and are not offered as expensive pre-bookable options as with other tour operators.

Gratuities for cruise ship personnel, overnight passenger train personnel, local sightseeing guides, hotel housekeepers, drivers and Collette Tour Managers have not been included.

All of the included sightseeing arrangements and admission tickets required are booked in advance to avoid unnecessary queues and inconvenience. Please refer to the tour itineraries for the details of the excursions included with each tour.

Door to Door Transfer Service*

Tour Managers

• Applicable hotel taxes and service charges

Travelling with Collette Worldwide Holidays is all about comfort and simplicity so you can spend time enjoying the cherished moments of your escorted touring holiday with us. With this in mind, we are delighted to include a door to door transfer service with every* booking. We will include a return transfer on all individual bookings for distances of up to 100 miles from the point of collection to the departure airport and return, mainland UK and Northern Ireland only. For those customers located outside of the 100 mile threshold, a supplementary cost will be applicable and our Reservations team will be happy to provide you with a quote. Please book your door to door transfer at the time of booking.

Our Tour Managers are fully trained to ensure you get the maximum satisfaction from your holiday. They accompany you for the entire tour and will provide information on everything and anything including travel tips, restaurant recommendations and on where to shop for those all important souvenirs, as well as information on local traditions and historical anecdotes.

Extended Hotel Stays We are pleased to be able to offer you the opportunity of extending your stay before and/or after your chosen tour. We have highlighted in an ‘Extend Your Stay’ box featured on each tour page, the location to extend your stay and the lead in price. Prices are per person, per night and we are able to extend your stay with almost all departure dates featured in the brochure. Please call us for availability and your personalised quotation.

*Please refer to our terms and conditions of booking for full details on page 125.

ALL HOLIDAYS INCLUDE DOOR TO DOOR TRANSFER*

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Paul from Collette in Peru

An escorted tour with Collette offers excellent value for money, and as we include so many extras such as meals, entrances and excursions, it is far easier to budget. We also take you directly to the best sights, with no need to worry about unfamiliar territory or languages.

Pre-Bookable Options on Tour Whilst our tours include a choice of excursions, we also understand the need for free time is a vital part of any holiday.With this in mind, we have included leisure time into most of our tours so there is opportunity for independent exploring of the regions visited. During your tour, our Tour Managers will offer you a selection of optional activities for those who have an appetite for further exploration. Our Tour Managers will help with booking and will have a list of the optional activities available together with prices. Please see the tour pages and pages 123-124 for a list of options available to book before your departure.

Tour Extensions On several of our tours we offer tour extensions to lengthen your touring holiday with Collette Worldwide. These are highlighted, where applicable, on the tour itinerary pages. A Collette Tour Manager will accompany customers on these tour extensions in many instances.

Single Travellers Our single travellers can relax in the company of friends and with the assurance of knowing our Tour Manager is at hand if required. For ease of reference you will find the single occupancy details on every tour page featured in this brochure. We wish to encourage you to compare our tours and inclusions to discover the value for money we offer our single travellers.

Group Bookings We are experts in organising group travel, delivering wonderful quality and excellent service. Our professional and personalised service to groups includes a dedicated Sales Manager who will provide advice, as well as support to you and your travel agent, from the initial stages of selecting an escorted tour to your return home.

For further details for booking groups, please call us on 0800 804 8703 email groups@colletteworldwide.com or see your local specialist Travel Agent.

Tour Pacing Our Tour Pacing (1 - 5) is featured on each tour itinerary page. The definition of each activity level is listed here. We recommend packing comfortable walking shoes, so you are able to fully enjoy every aspect of your holiday with us. Level 1: A very leisurely paced tour which involves minimal physical activity, such as climbing some steps or boarding a coach, as well as walking from the hotel reception area to hotel rooms and dining areas. Level 2: This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven ground and cobblestone streets. Level 3: This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends longer and shorter days, and more leisure time.Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up steps or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected. Level 4: To truly experience the tour and destination, you need to be able to participate in physical activities such as longer walking tours, walking over uneven terrain, climbing steps and be comfortable with periods of standing. Level 5: This tour is very active, requiring participants to be physically fit to fully enjoy all of the experiences.This itinerary has more strenuous activities.

Tour Pacing

Leisurely

On the Go

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 Overall Rating

✔

98%

Customer Satisfaction For 2009 & 2010 we achieved a customer satisfaction rating of 98%

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THE COLLETTE FOUNDATION This journey began four years ago and it’s been an inspiring one full of hope and determination, for all of us.

The Collette Foundation It was a trip to Peru that sparked the origin of the Collette Foundation for Collette’s President & CEO, Daniel Sullivan, Jr., who is no stranger to the world of giving back. On this business trip in the Summer of 2006, Dan was captivated during a visit to a Peruvian school. With a wide collection of tours that visit destinations on all 7 continents, Dan Sullivan immediately wanted to join employees, partners, vendors and customers together in the mission to enrich the lives of the children around the world. The Collette Foundation was officially launched in 2007, on the eve of Collette’s 90th anniversary, and invests in funding, supplies and manpower to establish and manage projects in destinations such as Australia, China, Costa Rica, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, South Africa and the United States. More than 25% of Collette’s worldwide employees have volunteered to participate on projects. Each project has its own task force to identify and manage programmes, collaborate with foreign organisations and allocate funding. Being in the travel business allows Collette’s employees to actually get on the ground and personally visit the sites they are working with to monitor effectiveness. Even Collette’s customers can experience the Foundation’s work. During their travels, customers will have the opportunity to visit programme sites supported by the Collette Foundation.

Daniel J. Sullivan, Jr., President & CEO, Collette Worldwide Holidays

Experience the Collette Foundation for Yourself On Collette tours that visit Foundation sites, customers have the opportunity to support the Foundation in helping children in need. Prior to your trip, you’ll receive information on your project site so you can bring items with you on your tour, if you so choose. Customers are invited to make voluntary contributions of supplies or donations should they so desire when they visit Collette Foundation sponsored sites. The Collette Foundation offers customers the unique opportunity to see the lives they’re impacting and truly understand how their contributions are making a difference.

For more information on the Collette Foundation please call us on 0800 804 8700 or visit www.collettefoundation.org.

The Travel Foundation The Travel Foundation’s work helps to ensure that the places we love to visit are protected for generations to come. Sustainable tourism improves quality and offers a richer holiday experience, including access to more varied excursions, authentic souvenirs, as well as locally-produced food and drink. It helps you to get closer to the country you’ve come to visit and helps to ensure that local people benefit from your visit, improving living conditions for local communities, as well as protecting the natural environment.

How the Travel Foundation is funded Collette Worldwide Holidays help fund The Travel Foundation’s work, along with many leading UK travel companies and their customers.

For more information go to: www.makeholidaysgreener.org.uk

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EXPLORATIONS

Annette, Collette Product Manager, at work!

Explorations is for you. With a small group of no more than 28 passengers on every tour, gain access to historic sites, exclusive experiences and a more personal journey. Culinary classes, meals with locals, sightseeing off the beaten path, language lessons and truly immersive activities open your eyes, your mind and your heart to what these destinations are really all about.

Explorations Tours in this Brochure

Explore. Connect. LIVE. When you travel, do you like to:

Costa Rica: A World Of Nature

• Experience every must-see sight the destination offers?

50-51

• Have free time to explore on your own? • Connect with new cultures? • Learn from a chef how to cook up a regional dish? • Stay in authentic hotels that embody the local flavour?

China & Tibet

• Meet the locals?

72-73

• Immerse yourself?

Explorations is for you. With a small group of no more than 28 passengers on every departure, every Exploration is more personal, more interactive and loaded with bold experiences. Enjoy the freedom to explore on your own. Dine at smaller local restaurants – like the locals do. Get closer to regional cultures by sharing a meal with a local family, learning from experts about the history you are surrounded by, or meeting the children of the area. Immerse yourself. Dig deeper. Go further. With culinary classes, authentic intimate accommodations that capture the flavour of an area, wine tastings, nature walks, knowledgeable guides, access to smaller historic sites and more opportunity to explore independently you’ll discover the world - first hand, your way.

Mysteries Of India 74-75

Three Kingdoms Of Indochina 76-77

SEE

Some of the most beautiful views unfold slowly; others greet you on arrival.

TASTE

Discover the real meaning of local flavour.

LISTEN

Every destination moves to a different beat.

SMELL

Salty sea air. Snowy glacial peaks. Mouthwatering cuisine.

TOUCH

Embrace a new world; it will touch you too.

The Plains Of Africa 92-93

Discover Portugal’s Treasures 116-117

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AIRLINE PARTNERS

Airline Partners In our efforts to ensure we offer you the best value and service when travelling on one of our worldwide tours, we are continuously looking at the most convenient and affordable flight options for our customers. On many tours*, we also offer the option to upgrade to a premium economy service for your journey, which provides you with a range of additional benefits for your comfort and enjoyment. *with the airline(s) specified in each tour price panel.

The range of benefits which are normally offered include exclusive check-in facilities and access to an airport lounge for relaxation before boarding. On board the aircraft you can relax with extra legroom and space, as well as sampling the selection of high quality in-flight cuisine, drinks and entertainment. If you are interested in upgrading your flights, please contact us today for availability and your individual quotation. Alternatively, please visit one of our specialist Travel Agents who will also assist you with your enquiry.

Upgrade your Flight to World Traveller Plus^ Enjoy the benefits that are afforded to you by British Airways’ World Traveller Plus. British Airways’ extensive flight network means you can connect to hundreds of worldwide destinations. All you have to choose is which cabin to fly in.

World Traveller Plus - Worth the difference • A quieter cabin ‘away from the crowd’ with a maximum of six rows of seats • Larger seats with 7” more legroom than World Traveller • Adjustable headrest, legrest, footrest and lumbar support • Personal Highlife Entertainment System with over 200 entertainment options • A choice of hot food options • Complimentary bar service throughout the flight • Online check-in available 24 hours prior to departure World Traveller Plus is now available on all mainline routes. ^ The supplement will be added to the total cost of your holiday at time of booking. Other premium economy upgrades are available with our other airline partners.

To book a premium economy upgrade, please contact us today.

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OUR CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS

At Collette Worldwide Holidays, we take pride in every tiny detail of your holiday with us and strive to make this the most memorable holiday you have ever experienced from beginning to end. Peter Traynor, General Manager Collette Worldwide Holidays

98% CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

“We have recently returned to the

In order for us to deliver the highest standard of customer care and quality, we need your constant feedback to enable us to review our business and make improvements for our customers. We are proud that our customer satisfaction rating has averaged 98% for the last five years on holiday survey returns.

U.K from a fantastic holiday in the Canadian Rockies with Collette Worldwide Holidays. We would like to give credit to our tour manager. The commitment he showed to his tour party together with his organisation, helpfulness and knowledge were to the highest standard. I hope you will let him know how much he was appreciated as a tour manager.

We are delighted to share some of our customers comments with you and encourage you to share your views and experiences with us.

“My wife and I have just returned

Mike & Janet Hardwick, Dorset

from our Thailand holiday. We felt we must tell you how much we enjoyed ourselves. The hotels were top class, the sightseeing venues were mind blowing but also thought provoking. The tour coach was very comfortable, superbly driven, may I say by Mr Bualee and with his assistant Mr Ya being very attentive to the tour party, our journey through Thailand was made very pleasurable. Our tour guide, now what can one say about her! She was knowledgeable, informative, helpful, funny, friendly - in short she was just fabulous. We would not hesitate in using Collette Worldwide again and would also recommend Collette to family and friends. Thank you for a wonderful Thailand Experience.

Mr & Mrs Bartlett, Plymouth

“Travelling with Collette, the real

bonus lies in the inclusive meals. This is relaxing as you need not worry about looking for a venue at the end of each day. Equally, I have found all of the hotels of good quality which ensures a good nights sleep, keeping you ready for the adventures the next day. Finally, I would like to say ‘thank you’ to all the team for such wonderful times that have been had by my group and I.

Brian Matthews, Bristol

Joan Gilbert, Bournemouth

“I just have to write and let you know

“I would just like to let you know that

I have had the privilege of taking several parties to Canada, New Zealand and USA with Collette Worldwide Holidays. The parties agreed that we could not have chosen a better tour company as all the holidays were excellently organised and the hotels in which we stayed were the best. We loved that the single travellers were treated as well as the couples and the tour leaders were always excellent and became our friends.Now we look forward to the next long haul holiday with Collette Worldwide Holidays.

Mr & Mrs James, South Wales

how much we enjoyed our trip on the Canadian Rockies by Rail tour in May. We have travelled quite a lot over the years, but this was by far the best.We were picked up on time and luggage was handled for us, and all the hotels were excellent. As for our tour manager, I can’t praise him enough, he was the best. He made sure we knew, did and saw everything that was possible, he made our holiday the best ever. We had a fantastic group and made some lovely new friends and happy memories to keep forever. Thank you once again.

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HERITAGE OF AMERICA

W.

US Capitol Building

NEW YORK CITY • PHILADELPHIA • AMISH COUNTRY • GETTYSBURG • SHENANDOAH VALLEY • MONTICELLO • COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG • MOUNT VERNON • WASHINGTON D.C. • SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Spend two nights in the heart of New York City!

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

Overall Rating

On the Go Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

1st Pr

• Learn about the traditions and history of the Amish with a locally guided tour. • Stroll the grounds of historic Colonial Williamsburg and enjoy dinner at one of its famous taverns. • Glimpse into the life of America’s first president with a visit to his estate, Mount Vernon. • From space exploration to the American presidency, see the many exhibits at the world-famous Smithsonian museums.

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1-2 Sheraton New York, New York, New York Day 3-4 Eden Resort Inn and Suites, Lancaster, Pennsylvania Day 5 Skyland Lodge, Shenandoah Valley or Holiday Inn Charlottesville, Charlottesville, Virgina Day 6-7 Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel, Williamsburg, Virginia Day 8-9 Doubletree Crystal City, Arlington, Virginia Day 10 Overnight flight

Empire State Building

10

The M Collet Herita

Day 1: ARRIVE new York City, New York Explore America’s heritage, history and scenic horizons on this in-depth tour of the eastern US. Day 2: New York City Meet your fellow travellers this morning for a welcome breakfast at a NYC diner. Then, a local guide leads you on a fascinating tour of the “Big Apple.” You’ll see Greenwich Village, the Wall Street district, Little Italy, Chinatown, the Empire State Building, United Nations, the Chrysler Building, and other time-honoured landmarks. A memorable visit to Ground Zero is sure to be a moving moment. This afternoon, discover “the city that never sleeps” at your own pace. Today breakfast will be included. Day 3: New York City - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Lancaster Travel to Philadelphia and embark on a tour of “the Birthplace of a New Nation” which highlights the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Independence Hall is rich in heritage as the location of both the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the drafting of the Constitution. Continue on to the Amish Country of Lancaster, the second largest Amish community in America. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. Day 4: Lancaster Visit Wheatland*, the gracious Federalist home of James Buchanan, the U.S.’s 15th President. Sample the true taste of Amish Country with a stop at the Kitchen Kettle Complex where small batches of jams, jellies and relishes are handcrafted daily. Next, a local guide introduces you to the fascinating history and traditions of the Amish people during a tour of their farmlands. As you learn more about their self-sufficiency and peaceful lifestyle, you will understand how their “life apart” is an expression of their religious faith and dedication. Tonight, enjoy a traditional dinner of local specialties and the chance to learn more about Amish customs firsthand when members of the local Amish community** join you for dinner. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 5: Lancaster - Gettysburg - Shenandoah Valley, Virginia Journey to Gettysburg, site of the Union victory that marked a turning point in the Civil War. A guided tour of the site illuminates those three historic days in 1863 and the decisive battle that changed the course of American history forever. Travel to Shenandoah National Park via the famous Skyline Drive, along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where scenic expanses of Shenandoah Valley wilderness extend in all directions. Tonight you’ll overnight† inside the park! Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Colonial Williamsburg

Day 6: Shenandoah Valley Charlottesville - Williamsburg Visit Monticello, the beautiful home and gardens of Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson was not only the third U.S. President and author of the Declaration of Independence, but he was also an accomplished inventor and true “Renaissance man.” This afternoon, arrive in the historic town of Williamsburg. Tonight, begin your journey into Revolutionary-age America by dining in a Colonial Williamsburg tavern specialising in colonial fare. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. Day 7: Colonial Williamsburg Begin the day by viewing “Story of a Patriot,” a short film which introduces you to Colonial Williamsburg, one of the largest and best living


NEW YORK

0

50 miles

0

50 kilometers

CONN.

PENNSYLVANIA Gettysburg

2

N.J.

Lancaster 2

New York

Philadelphia

MD. W. VA.

Shenandoah Valley 1

£1999

on s a er c pp ou ly p

le

INCLUDING

Washington, D.C. Mt. Vernon DEL.

Door to Door Transfer 1

Charlottesville

VIRGINIA

ATLANTIC OCEAN

PRICES FROM:

SA BO VE O up K E Te rm to £ ARL s& co 10 nd 0p Y iti

2 Williamsburg

Overnight stay* Visit Standard Tour

* – number indicates length of stay

please see page 4 for details

11 DAYS, 14 MEALS:

9 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners

history museums in the world. Costumed re-enactors populate the streets and buildings, bringing the customs and sentiments of 1770 to life. Tour Governor’s Palace and Gardens before enjoying time to independently wander the cobblestone streets and explore some of the eighty-eight historic buildings. Factory, Inc. will be included. Today breakfast

The M Collette Vacations Day 8: Williamsburg - Washington D.C. HeritageVisit of America_10 Mount Vernon, the beloved home of the first U.S. president, George

Washington. Wander the beautiful plantation grounds he adored and tour

home, 6/25/09 filled with 18th Century artifacts. Then, travel to Washington 1st Proofthedate:

D.C. Explore the world-famous Smithsonian Institution’s countless treasures, containing the largest and most extensive collection of artifacts in the world, such as the fabled Hope Diamond and the actual Apollo 11 Command Module. Today breakfast will be included. Day 9: Washington D.C. This morning, a guided tour of America’s capital affords you wonderful views of the Capitol building, the White House, monuments and museums. Drive along Embassy Row and stop at the moving World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Memorial. Next, visit the White House Visitor Center where you will gain insight into the many transitions this historic residence has undergone. This afternoon, visit Arlington National Cemetery to view the Tomb of the Unknowns and the Kennedy gravesites. Toast the end of a wonderful trip this evening at a farewell dinner. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. Day 10: Washington D.C. - Depart for home Your tour ends in Washington D.C. this morning. Today breakfast will be included. Day 11: Arrive U.K.

CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON IN WASHINGTON, D.C. - LATE MARCH - MID APRIL††

EXPERIENCE IT!

Cherry Blossom season colours the city in a sea of pink and white. Thousands of trees now grow along the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park, East Potomac Park, and on the Washington Monument grounds. The original trees were a gift from Japan in 1912. Enjoy the many activities and festivities that take place during this beautiful herald of spring. Learn of the history and lineage of these beautiful trees.

The establishment of Shenandoah National Park in 1935 was the culmination of an effort that took almost four decades. Shenandoah National Park lies astride a beautiful section of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Skyline Drive, a 105mile road that winds along the crest of the mountains through the length of the park, provides vistas of the spectacular landscape to the east and west. The park holds more than 500 miles of trails and is home to many animals, including deer, black bears and wild turkeys, which flourish among the rich growth of an oak-hickory forest. Your overnight stay in the park may be at Skyland Resort, built in 1886 by George Freeman Pollock, Jr. who was influential in establishing Shenandoah as a national park. Pollock chose the perfect spot for his summer retreat which, at 3,680 feet, is now the highest point on the Skyline Drive.

††

Please Note: Blooming will vary slightly from year-toyear due to weather conditions. Please call for more information.

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre nights in New York from £130 per person per night and/or add post nights in Washington D.C. area from £60 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Option 1 available. Please see pages 123-124.

SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK

Shenandoah National Park

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NEW ENGLAND’S BACK ROADS

Bennington, Vermont

BOSTON • LINCOLN • NORTH CONWAY • FRIESIAN HORSE PERFORMANCE • VERMONT COUNTRY STORE • HILDENE • ADAMS FARM • MOLLY STARK TRAIL • BENNINGTON MUSEUM • APPLE ORCHARD • NORMAN ROCKWELL MUSEUM • HANCOCK SHAKER VILLAGE

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Enjoy a locally guided tour of historic Boston and a visit to its famed Faneuil Hall marketplace. • Watch a captivating Friesian horse performance at a Vermont horse farm. • Explore Norman Rockwell’s vast portfolio of illustrations at Stockbridge’s Norman Rockwell Museum.

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1 Doubletree Guest Suites, Cambridge, Massachusetts Day 2-3 Mountain Club on Loon, Lincoln, New Hampshire Day 4-5 Grand Summit Mount Snow, West Dover, Vermont Day 6-7 Crowne Plaza Pittsfield-Berkshires, Pittsfield, Massachusetts Day 8 Overnight flight

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

DAY 2: BOSTON - LINCOLN, NEW HAMPSHIRE A sightseeing tour of Boston features the Old South Meeting House, gathering place of patriots; the Public Gardens, the Old North Church, Beacon Hill and the U.S.S. Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. Later, stop at the famed Faneuil Hall marketplace with its eclectic and tempting assortment of food and shops before departing for New Hampshire. En route, enjoy spectacular views of the tree-covered mountainsides which in Autumn are often ablaze with colour. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

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DAY 4: LINCOLN - TOWNSHEND, VERMONT - WEST DOVER A full day of scenic splendour awaits, as you travel from the picturesque White Mountains of New Hampshire to the “Green Mountain State” – Vermont. Traditional white steeple churches and quaint villages dot the landscape. This afternoon, witness the elegance and beauty of the Friesian breed of horses when you attend a captivating

Level 4

Level 5

DAY 1: Arrive BOSTON AREA, MASSACHUSETTS From country stores to covered bridges and remarkable mountains, welcome to New England’s back roads. Collette is pleased to offer this exciting adventure which showcases the best of New England.

DAY 3: LINCOLN - NORTH CONWAY - LINCOLN This morning you depart for a full day of sightseeing in the scenic White Mountains of New Hampshire. You will take the Kancamagus Highway, a Scenic Byway that winds along the Swift River, offering breathtaking vistas and countless photo opportunities. This afternoon, arrive in North Conway. Enjoy time at leisure to stroll through the quaint village and visit the locally-owned shops and restaurants located there before returning to Lincoln. Today breakfast will be included.

Quincy Market, Boston

Level 3

Lake Champlain Lighthouse

Majestic Friesian performance at a working horse farm. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 5: WEST DOVER - WESTON MANCHESTER - WEST DOVER Enjoy the beauty of Vermont. This morning, visit the Vermont Country Store, “purveyors of the practical and hard-to-find.” Browse the shelves for Vermont-made products including fudge, sweets and cheeses. Next, visit Hildene, the Lincoln family home. This stunning summer residence of Robert Todd Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln’s eldest son, includes a historic home, gardens and farm set on 412 picturesque acres. This afternoon, visit one of Vermont’s picturesque working farms that has opened its doors to visitors from around the world. Enjoy a tractor-pulled tour of the grounds before heading inside the barn theatre to learn about maple sugaring in Vermont. Today breakfast will be included.

Shelburne Museum


MAINE

North Conway

PRICES FROM:

Lincoln 2

VERMONT N.H.

Weston Manchester West Dover 2 Bennington 2

ATLANTIC OCEAN

Townshend

Pittsfield

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9 DAYS, 10 MEALS:

7 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners

White Mountains

DAY 6: WEST DOVER - BENNINGTON - PITTSFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS Begin your day with a drive along the scenic Molly Stark Trail, where every turn brings a new breathtaking vista. Arrive in the town of Bennington and visit the gravesite of Robert Frost as well as the historic 306ft. (93m) stone obelisk known as the Bennington Battle Monument. Next, visit Bennington Museum’s rich collection of Americana, including the largest public collection of work by local artist Grandma Moses. This afternoon, experience a tour of an apple orchard before stopping at the bake shop for a tasty treat! Later, travel south through the rolling hills of the Berkshires in western Massachusetts. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 7: PITTSFIELD - STOCKBRIDGE - PITTSFIELD This morning, visit the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge which contains the world’s largest collection of the famous illustrator’s work. Explore the many exhibits, including Rockwell’s Saturday Evening Post covers and other recognisable works of art. This afternoon, visit the Hancock Shaker Village. Discover the roots of the Shaker community during a guided tour of the village. Visit the historic Brick Dwelling, Round Stone Barn and the Laundry/Machine Shop. Complete your Shaker experience with a traditional four-course Shaker supper, concluding with a special music programme. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

EXPERIENCE IT! ADAMS FARM

Visit one of southern Vermont’s picturesque working farms which has opened its doors to visitors from around the world. Adams Farm is a sixth generation working farm located in the pristine Mount Snow Valley. Enjoy a behind-thescenes revolving farm experience while learning about maple syrup production, farm animals and local Vermont life. Take a comfortable wagon ride through some of the farm’s 210 acres. Learn first-hand what it takes for a family farm to survive as a local farmer tells you about their experiences with true Yankee humour. Be sure to visit the farm store which is filled with many wonderful Vermont products.

DAY 8: PITTSFIELD - BOSTON - DEPART FOR HOME Return to Boston airport for your flight home. The many pleasant memories of your New England Back Roads adventure will last a lifetime. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 9: ARRIVE U.K.

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre nights in the Boston area from £105 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Option 2 available. Please see pages 123-124.

Adam's Farm

13


ISLANDS OF NEW ENGLAND

The Mayflower II, Plymouth

PROVIDENCE • NEWPORT • BOSTON • CRANBERRY BOG • PLYMOUTH ROCK • PLIMOTH PLANTATION • CAPE COD • LOBSTER FEAST • MARTHA’S VINEYARD • NANTUCKET • HYANNIS • PROVINCETOWN

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • At Plimoth Plantation, journey back in time to the 1620’s when the Mayflower landed in Plymouth, Massachusetts. • Spend a day exploring Nantucket, known for its beautiful cottages and cobblestone streets. • Enjoy a guided tour of a working New England cranberry bog. • Indulge in a traditional New England lobster feast.

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1-3 Hilton Providence, Providence, Rhode Island Day 4-7 Radisson, Hyannis, Massachusetts Day 8 Overnight flight

Boston

JFK Museum, Hyannis

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

Level 4

Level 5

DAY 1: ARRIVE BOSTON PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND Join Collette on a journey highlighting the natural beauty and traditional charm of New England. Arrive in Boston and transfer to Providence, the capital of Rhode Island, where your tour begins. DAY 2: PROVIDENCE - NEWPORT - PROVIDENCE This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of Providence, “America’s Renaissance City.” Following your city tour, depart for Newport, the “Yachting Capital of the East.” Travel along breathtaking Ocean Drive en route to Bellevue Avenue which is lined with 11 historic mansions representative of America’s Gilded Age. Built in the 1800’s as summer “cottages,” 7 of the 11 mansions have been designated National Historic Landmarks. You will have the opportunity to tour the Marble House, one of these architectural marvels. As you explore the gorgeous summer home of Mr. and Mrs. William Vanderbilt, you will gain an understanding of why Newport became known as a legendary resort. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 3: PROVIDENCE - BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - PROVIDENCE Depart Providence and travel north to the exciting city of Boston. Let Boston’s historical charm envelop you during a tour highlighting Beacon Hill, the Old South Meeting House, Boston Public Gardens, the historic North End, Old North Church, the U.S.S. Constitution and Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Then, use your leisure time to stroll along the famed Freedom Trail, a 2.5 mile walking path along the streets of Boston showcasing the city’s historical sites, or explore the lively marketplace in Faneuil Hall. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 4: PROVIDENCE - CAPE COD, MASSACHUSETTS Today you’ll tour a traditional New England cranberry bog and learn about dry harvesting. Then, step back in time with a stop in the celebrated city of Plymouth where the Pilgrims landed in 1620. See legendary Plymouth Rock and board a reproduction of the Mayflower, the 102-passenger ship used by

14

Level 3

The M Factory, In Collette Vacations Islands of New En

final Proof date: 1 the Pilgrims for the 65-day journey from England. Experience the Pilgrim way of life with a visit to Plimoth Plantation, a re-creation of a 17th-century village. Tonight, indulge in a traditional, savoury New England lobster feast. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Newport Harbour

DAY 5: CAPE COD - MARTHA’S VINEYARD - CAPE COD A ferry ride transports you to the beautiful island of Martha’s Vineyard. Known for visits by presidents and royalty, this summer home of many artists, writers and celebrities is full of surprises. A local guide will show you all the highlights of “the Vineyard,” including quaint gingerbreadstyled cottages and a once-famous whaling port, resplendent with sea captain’s homes and widow’s walks. Later, depart the island and cruise back to Cape Cod. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 6: CAPE COD - NANTUCKET CAPE COD Step aboard the Nantucket ferry complete with all the luxuries of first-class ferry service, en route to Nantucket. Upon arrival you’ll set out on a tour exploring the beauty of this idyllic island, from cobblestoned Main Street to its beaches and lighthouses. During leisure time explore the island’s waterfront where yachts bob in the harbour or perhaps shop for a famous Nantucket basket. Today breakfast will be included.


1

Boston

MASSACHUSETTS

Provincetown Plymouth

Providence

CONNECTICUT

4

3

R.I.

Newport Martha's Vineyard

ATLANTIC OCEAN

Overnight stay* Visit Standard Tour Cruise

* – number indicates length of stay

Cape Cod

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£1699

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9 DAYS, 11 MEALS:

7 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners

e M Factory, Inc. lette Vacations nds of New England_10

l Proof date: 12/2/08

Martha’s Vineyard

DAY 7: CAPE COD - HYANNIS - PROVINCETOWN - CAPE COD Your day begins with a tour of Hyannis. Catch a rare glimpse of the Camelot era as you travel through Hyannisport, home of the Kennedy compound, and visit the poignant Kennedy Memorial. Visit charming Provincetown, a lively artist colony, famous for its crafts and bright, Cape Cod flair. Your evening features a dazzling farewell dinner onboard an elegant dinner train. Indulge in a fabulous meal while you sit back and watch the beautiful Cape Cod scenery roll by. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 8: CAPE COD - DEPART FOR HOME Today breakfast will be included. DAY 9: ARRIVE U.K. Providence

‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

EXPERIENCE IT!

CAPE COD DINNER TRAIN All aboard! When the whistle blows on the Cape Cod Central, your culinary adventure begins. On Day 7, enjoy a delicious gourmet meal in the company of your friends and fellow passengers as you take in the vistas of scenic Cape Cod. The natural woodlands, lush marshes, the colours and beauty of the cranberry bogs are all lovely sights; their beauty and charm are enhanced when seeing them by train. For more than 150 years, railroading through Cape Cod has enjoyed a rich and colourful history. The award-winning Cape Cod Dinner Train was featured among the top three dinner trains nationwide by TV Food Networks’ Dining on the Train and was also showcased on the PBS programme Great Scenic Railroad Journeys. As you make your way between Hyannis and the Cape Cod Canal on this lovely threehour journey, remember there’s nothing better than wonderful food, great company and beautiful scenery complemented by the unique rhythm of a train.

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre nights in Providence from only £55 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Option 3 available. Please see pages 123-124.

Cape Cod Dinner Train

15


COLOURS OF NEW ENGLAND

White Mountains

BOSTON • WOODSTOCK • QUECHEE GORGE • STOWE • BEN & JERRY’S ICE CREAM FACTORY • ROCKS ESTATE • NORTH CONWAY • LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE CRUISE • KANCAMAGUS HIGHWAY • BOOTHBAY HARBOR • LOBSTER DINNER

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Enjoy a locally guided tour of historic Boston and a visit to its famed Faneuil Hall marketplace. • Spend two nights in the quaint New England town of Stowe, Vermont. • Enjoy a cruise on stunning Lake Winnipesaukee. • Enjoy a true taste of New England at a farewell dinner featuring succulent fresh lobster.

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1-2 Royal Sonesta Boston Hotel, Cambridge, Massachusetts Day 3-4 Stowe Mountain Lodge, Stowe, Vermont Day 5-6 North Conway Grand Hotel, North Conway, New Hampshire Day 7 Spruce Point Inn Resort & Spa, Boothbay Harbor, Maine or Boothbay Harbor Inn, Boothbay Harbor, Maine or Portland Area Hotel*, Portland, Maine. Day 8 Overnight flight

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

DAY 2: BOSTON Start your day with a sightseeing tour that features the Old South Meeting House, Public Gardens, Old North Church, Beacon Hill and the U.S.S. Constitution. Stop at the famed Faneuil Hall marketplace, bustling with various street performers and colourful kiosks of local handiwork. Tonight, the atmosphere becomes very “Ye Olde New England” when you enjoy a welcome dinner at America’s oldest Oyster House, located on the historic Freedom Trail. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 3: CAMBRIDGE - WOODSTOCK, VERMONT - STOWE Set out for Vermont, the “Green Mountain State.” Traditional white steeple churches, quaint villages and tree-covered mountainsides dot the charming landscape of your journey. In Woodstock, a covered bridge in the town centre, along with the beautifully restored Georgian houses that surround the town green, add credence to its reputation as “the quintessential New England village.” Visit the impressive 165 foot deep, mile-long Quechee Gorge before continuing to Stowe for a two night stay. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 4: STOWE Watch apples transform into cider the old-fashioned way - using a rack and cloth press - during a trip to the Cold Hollow Cider Mill. A tour of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory teaches you about the ice cream process and ends with a delicious sample of their sweet treats. This afternoon, enjoy time at leisure in Stowe, a lovely New England town. Today breakfast will be included.

Boston Common

16

Level 4

Level 5

DAY 1: Arrive cAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS Welcome to Massachusetts, the beginning of your journey through New England’s charming and vibrant northern states. Relax during a two night stay in Cambridge along the Charles River.

DAY 5: STOWE - NORTH CONWAY, NEW HAMPSHIRE Today you are New Hampshire-bound! Soak in the lovely New England countryside as you journey

Level 3

through the White Mountains of New Hampshire to North Conway. En route, visit the Rocks Estate, home to the North Country Conservation & Education Center. Tour the farm and learn about the history and importance of maple sugar production in the region, including a visit to a virtual tap room. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Boston Foliage

DAY 6: NORTH CONWAY - LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE - NORTH CONWAY Begin your day with a visit to New Hampshire’s picturesque lakes region, a popular holiday spot for visitors year-round. Board the m/s Mount Washington and spend the next hour cruising stunning Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire’s largest lake. After your cruise, visit the charming town of Wolfeboro, the “oldest summer resort in America.” Later, return to Lincoln via the Kancamagus Highway, a scenic byway offering spectacular views of the White Mountains region. Today breakfast will be included.


Stowe

2

NEW HAMPSHIRE

NEW YORK

Overnight stay* Visit Standard tour Cruise

1

Boothbay Harbor

Lake Winnipesaukee

Woodstock

Kennebunkport

MASS.

please see page 4 for details 0

CONN.

le

Door to Door Transfer

Boston 0

* – number indicates length of stay

on s a er c pp ou ly p

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ATLANTIC OCEAN Cambridge 2

£1999

North Conway

2

VERMONT

1

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R.I.

9 DAYS, 11 MEALS:

7 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners

Boothbay Harbour

DAY 7: NORTH CONWAY - BOOTHBAY HARBOR, MAINE* Depart New Hampshire for Maine, arriving in beautiful Boothbay Harbor, the “boating capital of New England.” View the rugged coastline on a drive along picturesque Ocean Point Road. This afternoon, enjoy a relaxing cruise through Boothbay Harbor for spectacular views of the coast, including lighthouses, summer homes, and even local wildlife, such as the harbour seals. Learn about New England’s lobster industry and watch as a lobster trap is pulled aboard the boat to view the day’s catch. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a very special farewell dinner featuring the fresh native lobster for which coastal Maine is renowned. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

Lake Winnipesaukee

DAY 8: BOOTHBAY HARBOR - KENNEBUNKPORT BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DEPART FOR HOME Today you travel through the seaside community of Kennebunkport, along spectacular Ocean Drive. See Walker’s Point, former President George Bush’s summer home, which is situated on a rocky promontory, before returning to Boston airport. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 9: ARRIVE U.K. Enjoy fresh native lobster

EXPERIENCE IT!

CRUISE LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre nights in Boston from only £115 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Option 4 available. Please see pages 123-124.

A visit to New Hampshire is not complete without a sail on its largest lake, Winnipesaukee, aboard the famous motorship Mount Washington. Since 1872 there have been only two vessels named Mount Washington; the original vessel being built by the Boston & Maine Railroad Company for the purpose of transporting travellers and cargo from one side of the big lake to the other. Today the “Mount” provides the best opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty of the region including the White Mountains, luxurious lakefront homes, and ports like Weirs Beach, Wolfeboro and Meredith. With its wide, spacious decks, there is ample room to move about on this 1,250-passenger vessel while a local expert will call your attention to the interesting views, points of interest and local lore.

17


AMERICA’S MUSIC CITIES

FRENCH QUARTER • NEW ORLEANS SCHOOL OF COOKING • GRACELAND • GRAND OLE OPRY SHOW & BACKSTAGE TOUR • HISTORIC RCA STUDIO B • WILDHORSE SALOON

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Roll up your sleeves and prepare to discover how to cook New Orleans-style during a unique cooking demonstration at the New Orleans School of Cooking. • Stroll world-famous Beale Street, Memphis’ lively and historic entertainment district, alive with the buzz of live music, throngs of music lovers and the glow of city lights. • Enjoy reserved seats at the Grand Ole Opry, the “home of American music,” followed by a backstage tour.

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1-3 Ramada Inn on Bourbon, New Orleans, Louisiana Day 4-5 Memphis Marriott Downtown, Memphis, Tennessee Day 6-7 Gaylord Opryland Hotel, Nashville, Tennessee Day 8 Overnight flight

New Orleans

DAY 1: Arrive NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA Step back in time for a cultural getaway to the “Jazz Capital of the World” – New Orleans! This soulful city abounds with rich history, mouth-watering Cajun and Creole cuisine, and an incomparable soundtrack.

18

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

Overall Rating

On the Go Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

T C T

DAY 2: FRENCH QUARTer Enjoy a leisurely walking tour of New Orleans’ famous French Quarter where you will see the majestic St. Louis Cathedral, one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. Continue on to the bustling French Marketplace where you’ll explore Pirates Alley, the Cabildo, the Presbytere and the Pontalba. Stop to taste a true New Orleans favourite at Café Du Monde. Tonight, roll up your sleeves and prepare to discover how to cook New Orleans-style! During a unique cooking demonstration at the New Orleans School of Cooking, your chef will indulge you in everything that Louisiana cuisine has to offer. Following dinner, discover why New Orleans is known as the “Birthplace of Jazz” when you take in a toe-tapping jazz revue at a local jazz club. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 3: FRENCH QUARTer Enjoy a tour of New Orleans along historic Esplanade Avenue. See St. Louis Cemetery #3, which opened in 1854 and features some of the most elaborate crypts found in New Orleans’ cemeteries. Then, relax during a drive along the shoreline of Lake Pontchartrain. This romantic road eventually leads to the majestic St. Charles Avenue, whisking you past gorgeous mansions as well as Tulane and Loyola, two famous universities in New Orleans. The remainder of the day is free to discover this great city your way. Today breakfast will be included.

1 Then, don your blue suede shoes when you visit Graceland, the palatial home of Elvis Presley. Enter Elvis’ 14-acre estate and visit his home, original business office, trophy building and the Meditation Garden, where Elvis and members of his family have been laid to rest. The remainder of your day is free to enjoy this city’s vast musical offerings on your own. Dance to the live music that may fill the open air or spend the evening exploring Beale Street’s vibrant musical clubs! Today breakfast will be included. DAY 6: MEMPHIS - NASHVILLE Journey to the “Music Capital of the World” – Nashville. This evening, take your reserved seat at the renowned “Grand Ole Opry.” What began as a building where a local radio broadcast show aired once a week in 1925 has grown to become an entertainment complex that attracts music fans from all over the world. After the show, enjoy a behindthe-scenes look at the music during a backstage tour of the Opry! Today breakfast will be included.

DAY 4: NEW ORLEANS - MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE Travel north to Memphis, the birthplace of the Blues, Rock ‘n’ Roll and Soul. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in Memphis’ energetic musical scene as you feast on southern cuisine on worldfamous Beale Street. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 5: MEMPHIS This morning, embark on a one-of-a-kind tour of the city of Memphis. Local musicians board the coach and tell the story of Memphis’ musical heritage and history as you view the city’s many highlights…you may even be tempted to sing along!

Elvis Presley’s Grave


KENTUCKY

MISSOURI Nashville

2

TENNESSEE 2 Memphis

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INCLUDING

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Door to Door Transfer

100 miles

please see page 4 for details

100 kilometers

Overnight stay* Standard tour

* –number indicates length of stay

3

New Orleans Gulf of Mexico

9 DAYS, 10 MEALS:

7 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners

The M Factory, Inc. Collette Vacations The Music Cities_10 1st Proof date: 9/8/09

Graceland, Memphis

DAY 7: NASHVILLE This morning, tour the historic RCA Studio B for an up-close look at Nashville’s oldest remaining record studio where Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton and Charlie Pride once recorded some of their classic hits! Learn the secrets of how each artist recorded their chart-topping music in this famous studio, where you may even have the opportunity to record your own hit! Then, explore the Country Music Hall of Fame, the largest museum of popular music in the world. The museum’s vast collections of memorabilia, costumes, recordings and instruments are artfully presented in cutting-edge exhibits relaying the colourful histories of country music and its artists. This afternoon, a local guide will share the history and lore of Music City during a sightseeing tour. Visit the Old Ryman Auditorium* and view the State Capitol, Music Row and the Parthenon - a full scale replica of the Athenian original! Tonight, enjoy a special dinner at the famous Wildhorse Saloon, home of a 3,300 square foot dance floor that is used every night of the week by dancers and revelers! Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

St. Louis Cathedral

DAY 8: NASHVILLE - DEPART FOR HOME New Orleans’ jazz and food, the country music of Nashville and the sounds of Memphis comprise a journey full of experiences that will have you humming and smiling long after you return home. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 9: ARRIVE U.K.

Studio B, Nashville

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre nights in New Orleans from only £50 per person per night and/or post nights in Nashville from only £70 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Options 5 & 6 available. Please see pages 123-124.

19


TRAINS OF THE COLORADO ROCKIES

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

DENVER • ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK • GEORGETOWN LOOP RAILROAD • GRAND JUNCTION • COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT • DURANGO & SILVERTON RAILROAD • DURANGO • MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK • ROYAL GORGE RAILROAD • COLORADO SPRINGS • PIKE’S PEAK COG RAILWAY • GARDEN OF THE GODS

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Ride aboard the famous Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad through southwestern Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. • Journey on the world’s highest cog railroad to Pike’s Peak, a stunning backdrop for Colorado Springs. • Spend two nights in Durango, a fun-filled cowboy town where you can relive the excitement of the Old West.

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1-2 Red Lion Hotel Denver Southeast, Aurora, Colorado Day 3-4 Doubletree Hotel, Grand Junction, Colorado Day 5-6 Strater Hotel, Durango, Colorado Day 7-8 Colorado Springs Marriott, Colorado Springs, Colorado Day 9 Overnight flight

Royal Gorge

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

DAY 2: DENVER AREA - ESTES PARKROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK - DENVER AREA Travel to the resort village of Estes Park, famous for its Stanley Hotel, the inspiration for Stephen King’s novel, The Shining. Enjoy leisure time to meander among its unique shops and fine galleries. Next stop is Rocky Mountain National Park to discover the true meaning of “panoramic” as you experience incredible views. Then, travel across the famed Trail Ridge Road* which forms the highest continuous highway in America reaching heights of 12,183 feet (3,713 metres). This celebrated “Roof of the Rockies” offers views of massive peaks and rugged canyons as you cross the continental divide. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 3: DENVER AREA - GEORGETOWN - GRAND JUNCTION Travel through the Rocky Mountains on a scenic and historic train ride aboard the Georgetown Loop Railroad. Completed in 1884 as a means to transport silver in and out of the region, this spectacular stretch of narrow gauge railroad is an engineering marvel and features several horseshoe curves and bridges including the Devil’s Gate High Bridge. A lunch stop is made at the picturesque Alpine village of Vail. Lined with chalets, outdoor cafes and intriguing shops and galleries, Vail is one the finest resort destinations in the world. Later, arrive in Grand Junction, your home for the next two evenings. Today breakfast will be included.

20

Level 4

Level 5

DAY 1: Arrive DENVER, COLORADO AREA Traverse the Colorado Rockies with Collette Worldwide Holidays as you journey through the beauty of nature with Alpine lakes, towering peaks and rolling meadows at every turn. Today dinner will be included.

DAY 4: GRAND JUNCTION COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT - GRAND JUNCTION Visit one of the grand landscapes of the American West - Colorado National Monument. Travel along

Level 3

Colorado National Monument

the Rim Rock to see a colourful panorama of deep, sheer-sided canyons and high rock towers. Later, journey to Colorado’s wine country to learn about one of the region’s finest vineyards and sample the fruits of its labours. Tonight’s winemaker’s dinner at a lovely vineyard will be an exceptional experience where you can relax and enjoy the company of your fellow travellers. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 5: GRAND JUNCTION - SILVERTON - DURANGO Drive south to the small mining town of Silverton, a national historic landmark. Hidden high in the San Juan Mountains, this town offers spectacular scenery, Victorian charm and historic architecture built between 1882 and 1910. Then it’s “all aboard” the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This 1881 coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive was built to haul silver and gold ore from the San Juan Mountains…but you will soon realise it is the view that is truly precious. Today breakfast will be included.

Durango


WYOMING Rocky Mountain National Park

Estes Park

PRICES FROM:

Georgetown Loop Railroad

Vail

UTAH Colorado National Monument

2

Grand Junction

2 Denver area

COLORADO Narrow Gauge Railroad

Mesa Verde National Park 1

2

Overnight stay* Visit Standard tour Train

KANSAS

Manitou Springs 2 Colorado Springs Pike’s Peak Canon City

(Royal Gorge Railroad)

Silverton

on s a er c pp ou ly p

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INCLUDING Door to Door Transfer

Durango

please see page 4 for details

NEW MEXICO

0 0

* –number indicates length of stay

£2099

SA BO VE O up K E Te rm to £ ARL s& co 10 nd 0p Y iti

100 miles 100 kilometers

Maximum Elevation: 14,110 feet

10 DAYS, 12 MEALS:

8 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners

Georgetown

DAY 6: DURANGO - MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK - DURANGO An incredible day awaits at Mesa Verde National Park which preserves the one thousand year culture of the remarkable Anasazi Indians. Visit the fascinating Spruce Tree Cliff Dwellings to see two of the largest cliff dwellings built between AD 1211 and 1278 by ancestors of the Pueblos. This evening, enjoy an Old West adventure filled with traditional cowboy food and entertainment**. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 7: DURANGO - CANON CITY - COLORADO SPRINGS Travel east across southern Colorado to Canon City’s Royal Gorge Railroad. Board the train for a 24-mile (38.5 km) ride beneath the highest suspension bridge in the world, the Royal Gorge Bridge, which spans the gorge 1,053 feet (321m) above the railroad tracks. This is some of the most spectacular scenery you will ever see. Today breakfast will be included.

‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

DAY 8: COLORADO SPRINGS - MANITOU SPRINGS - COLORADO SPRINGS Depart for Manitou Springs, home of Pike’s Peak, the legendary symbol of the 1859 Gold Rush. Embark on Pike’s Peak Cog Railway, the world’s highest cog railroad, for an 8.9 mile journey to the top of Pike’s Peak (approx. 14,110 ft, .4,300 m). During the journey you will see magnificent views and perhaps animals in their native habitat. Later, travel to the Garden of the Gods, on the National Register for Historic Places, to view the towering sandstone formations and a wonderful view of Pike’s Peak. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner to celebrate a trip filled with scenic delights and railway adventures. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 9: COLORADO SPRINGS - DEPART FOR HOME Your tour ends in Colorado Springs. Today breakfast will be included.

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

DAY 10: ARRIVE U.K.

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre nights in Denver from only £40 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Option 7 available. Please see pages 123-124.

Mesa Verde National Park

21


CANYON COUNTRY Monument Valley

SCOTTSDALE • OAK CREEK CANYON • KAIBAB NATIONAL FOREST • GRAND CANYON • LAKE POWELL • MONUMENT VALLEY • BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK • ZION NATIONAL PARK • LAS VEGAS

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • See the amazing spires and canyons of three great national parks: Zion, Bryce and the Grand Canyon. • Stay two nights at a hotel that overlooks stunning Lake Powell. • End your holiday with a two-night stay in Las Vegas where you can relax or join in the ‘round the clock activities.

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1-2 Doubletree Resort, Scottsdale, Arizona Day 3 Grand Canyon Lodges, Grand Canyon, Arizona Day 4-5 Lake Powell Resort, Page, Arizona Day 6 Zion Park Inn**, Zion National Park, Utah Day 7-8 Tropicana, Las Vegas, Nevada Day 9 Overnight flight

Lake Powell

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DAY 1: ARRIVE PHOENIX SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA A tour of canyon country features some of America’s most colourful and spectacular scenery and includes visits to three national parks. Your holiday begins in the colourful city of Scottsdale. Today dinner will be included. DAY 2: SCOTTSDALE - PHEONIX - SCOTTSDALE This morning will be a highlight of your trip as you enjoy a chat with a local Native American tribe member. Learn about the different tribes of the area, their histories, and modern day life of Native Americans in Arizona. After your presentation, a local guide will introduce you to Scottsdale and Phoenix. Highlights of this tour include downtown Phoenix, Camelback Mountain, Paradise Valley, Old Town Scottsdale, and more. Next you will visit a local shop in Old Scottsdale to learn a bit of the history of several different Native American styles of jewellery. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Old Town Scottsdale or just relax at your hotel. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 3: SCOTTSDALE - SEDONA - GRAND CANYON Begin the day with a visit to the beautiful city of Sedona and take some time to shop in the marketplace. You will be amazed with Oak Creek Canyon, where the rock formations seem to change hue with every turn in the road. Later, as you travel through the spectacular Kaibab National Forest, you will reach the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Las Vegas

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DAY 4: GRAND CANYON - LAKE POWELL This morning you will have ample time to explore the Grand Canyon. Behold amazing views of the canyon with a drive along the South Rim. Theodore Roosevelt, upon visiting the canyon, is quoted as saying, “This is one of the great sights which every American, if he can travel at all, must see.” Later, a short drive brings you to Cameron Trading Post. For nearly a century, the post has been a haven for travellers, traders, and explorers who come

from all points of the globe to see the wonder of the Grand Canyon and experience the Native American cultures of the Southwest. Continue north through mesa-studded desert scenery before arriving at your home for the next two evenings, a lovely hotel overlooking the stunning blue waters of Lake Powell. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. Native American Statue

DAY 5: LAKE POWELL - MONUMENT VALLEY - LAKE POWELL Begin your day with an invigorating breakfast cruise* along lovely Lake Powell. Journey through the territory of the Navajo nation and arrive in Monument Valley, a sacred Navajo land featuring colourful sandstone spires that rise hundreds of feet from the valley floor. Enjoy an exciting Jeep tour, narrated by one of the Navajo tribe members. A stop will be made at a Hogan. The history and symbolism of a Hogan represents every aspect of Navajo life: their thinking, reasoning, planning, and their philosophy. Later today, return to Lake Powell for an evening of leisure. Today breakfast will be included.


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The M Factory, Inc. Collette Vacations Canyon Country_09 final Proof date: 11/26/08 Bryce Canyon

DAY 6: LAKE POWELL - BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK - ZION NATIONAL PARK Today, travel to Bryce Canyon National Park, truly one of the most spectacular scenic wonders of the world. The formations within Bryce Canyon National Park, called Hoodoos, are the creation of wind and water erosion over eons of time. Iron oxidizing within the rock causes the natural orange and red hues that colour these formations. Your final destination for the day is the red and white sandstone cliffs of Zion National Park**. In sheer magnitude and colour, Zion is very likely one of the most awe-inspiring national parks in the world. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 7: ZION NATIONAL PARK - LAS VEGAS, NEVADA Climb aboard Zion’s open-air tram to truly experience spectacular scenery as you wind alongside the Virgin River through the 2,400 foot deep, 1/2 mile wide Zion Canyon. Later, leave nature’s beauty behind for the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas strip. Probably the most famous stretch of road in the world, its four miles of neon-lit resorts with around-the-clock action is like nowhere else on earth. A two-night stay provides you plenty of time to enjoy the shows, the casinos and all the fun. Today breakfast will be included.

Navajo Indians at Monument Valley

DAY 8: LAS VEGAS Today is yours to do as you please. Lounge by the pool sipping cool drinks, experience an amazing one-of-a-kind show, go hiking, or try your luck in the casino. Or perhaps explore the hotels on the strip with themes that capture your attention as you get swept away by the wonders inside. Take time to visit Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef aquarium or stop by the Luxor to see the sphinxes and pyramid. New York-New York brings the “Big Apple” to life right on the Vegas strip. See the Eiffel Tower, “ooh” and “ahh” at the Mirage volcano, or watch pirates battle at Treasure Island. The Las Vegas strip brings the world to you. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 9: LAS VEGAS - DEPART FOR HOME Depart for home with amazing memories of your holiday. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 10: ARRIVE U.K.

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre nights in Scottsdale from only £50 per person per night and/or post nights in Las Vegas from only £65 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Options 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12 available. Please see pages 123-124.

EXPERIENCE IT!

MONUMENT VALLEY Included with your Canyon Country holiday is a jeep tour of Monument Valley - one of the most dramatic lands in all of North America. Discover this amazing area through an interpretative tour led by a member of the Navajo tribe. The Navajos have lived in this flat, often desolate landscape for centuries. As you ride across the dry plain, you’ll pass deep red mesas and sandstone towers, many of them rising hundreds of feet into the air. “Stagecoach,” “How the West was Won” and “Back to the Future III” were all filmed in Monument Valley. It’s a landscape as beautiful as it is barren - and an experience that will stay in your memory forever. Nature’s breathtaking beauty surrounds you as you learn more about Native American history at Monument Valley.

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NATIONAL PARKS OF AMERICA

Marble Canyon

SCOTTSDALE • LAKE POWELL • GRAND CANYON • BRYCE • ZION • SALT LAKE CITY • GRAND TETON & YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARKS • OLD FAITHFUL • SHERIDAN • BIGHORN MOUNTAINS • MOUNT RUSHMORE • CRAZY HORSE MEMORIAL

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Visit five of America’s most breathtaking national parks on one great tour. • Discover a world of colour and light as you take a breakfast cruise on beautiful Lake Powell. • Spend two nights in the cowboy town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming and enjoy an evening of cowboy entertainment.

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1 Courtyard by Marriott Scottsdale Old Town, Scottsdale, Arizona Day 2 Lake Powell Resort & Marina, Page, Arizona Day 3 Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim , Grand Canyon, Arizona Day 4 Zion Park Inn, Zion National Park, Utah Day 5-6 Radisson Hotel Salt Lake Downtown, Salt Lake City, Utah or Sheraton City Center, Salt Lake City, Utah Day 7-8 Snow King Resort, Jackson Hole, Wyoming Day 9 Yellowstone National Lodges, Yellowstone National Park Day 10 Holiday Inn Sheridan, Sheridan, Wyoming Day 11 K Bar S Lodge, Keystone, South Dakota or Radisson, Rapid City, South Dakota Day 12 Overnight flight

Yellowstone National Park

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Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

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DAY 1: ARRIVE PHOENIX SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA Join Collette on a tour through five of America’s most splendid national parks. Your tour begins in Arizona, where you will enjoy a stay in the worldfamous resort town of Scottsdale. Today dinner will be included. DAY 2: SCOTTSDALE - SEDONA - LAKE POWELL Begin the day with a visit to the artists’ colony of Sedona where you will see the amazing rock formations change hue with each turn in the road. Later today, you arrive at Lake Powell. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 3: LAKE POWELL - GRAND CANYON Embark on a delightful breakfast cruise* on scenic Lake Powell. Then travel to Carl Hayden Visitors Center and look out over Glen Canyon Dam and see to the end of Lake Powell. Afterwards, travel through Marble Canyon before arriving at the spectacular Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Upon arrival relax at one of the many public seating areas overlooking the immense and colourful canyon. Before dinner you may wish to take a short hike to explore the area. Dinner this evening takes place in the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, offering fine dining in a casual atmosphere, with magnificent views overlooking the rim of the Canyon. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 4: GRAND CANYON - BRYCE CANYON, UTAH - ZION NATIONAL PARK Travel to Bryce Canyon National Park, truly one of the most spectacular scenic wonders of the world. The formations within Bryce Canyon National Park, called Hoodoos, are the creation of wind and water erosion over eons of time. Iron oxidizing within the rock causes the natural orange and red hues that colour these formations. Your final destination for the day is the red and white sandstone cliffs of Zion National Park. In sheer magnitude and color, Zion is very likely one of the

Level 3

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Grand Tetons

most awe-inspiring national parks in the world. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 5: ZION NATIONAL PARK - SALT LAKE CITY A drive north takes you to Salt Lake City, the “City of the Saints,” for a two-night stay. Perhaps you will choose to explore Temple Square. This beautifully landscaped 10-acre plot of ground in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City is one of Utah’s most visited attractions. The centre-piece of the square is the 6-spired granite Salt Lake Temple, and adjacent to this imposing edifice is the domed Tabernacle, home of the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir** and the great Tabernacle organ. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 6: SALT LAKE CITY Enjoy a tour of Salt Lake City, featuring the Great Salt Lake, the state capitol and the residential district. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 7: SALT LAKE CITY - JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING En route to Wyoming you will see the majestic Bear Lake Summit. Later you will arrive in the cowboy town of Jackson Hole. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 8: JACKSON HOLE The day is yours to explore Jackson Hole. Optional activities include shopping, canoeing, hiking and river rafting trips. Tonight, a fun-filled evening of cowboy entertainment and dinner is in store at the Bar J Chuckwagon†. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

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DAY 9: JACKSON HOLE - GRAND TETONS - YELLOWSTONE From Jackson Hole, pass through Grand Teton National Park. Towering more a mile above The than M Factory, Inc. the valley of Jackson Hole, the Grand Teton rises to 13,770 feet. Twelve Teton peaks reach above 12,000 feet and support a dozen mountain Collette Vacations glaciers. The Teton Range is the youngest range in the Rockies and displays National Parks_12 some of North America’s oldest rocks. Later, arrive at the amazing Yellowstone National Park5/15/11 for an overnight stay at your lodge nestled in the heart of this 1st Proof date: wonderful park. One of the many highlights is the world-famous Old Faithful Geyser, a fountain of steam that rises more than 60 feet in the air. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 10: YELLOWSTONE - CODY - SHERIDAN A delightful day of sightseeing begins with a trip along Lake Yellowstone and over Sylvan Pass. From the mountains to the prairies, the scenery is simply amazing. As you pass through Cody, a stop will be made at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, a tribute to one of the most colourful figures of the old west, Buffalo Bill Cody. Before turning in for the night in Sheridan, you drive through the incredible Bighorn Mountains and journey through the territory of the Great Sioux Nation. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 11: SHERIDAN - KEYSTONE, SOUTH DAKOTA See one of the country’s most famous landmarks, Mount Rushmore, before visiting the Crazy Horse Monument, a memorial dedicated to the Native Americans of this great land. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the Native American Cultural Center to learn about their culture and customs. Here, Native Americans discuss the movements of their dances and the significance of wearing different feathers and clothes. Later, arrive at the K Bar S Lodge††, nestled in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Join your fellow travellers at a farewell dinner and share your experience at a lovely home hosted dinner. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 12: KEYSTONE - DEPART FOR HOME Your tour ends, leaving you with many wonderful memories DAY 13: ARRIVE U.K.

Zion National Park

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre nights in Scottsdale from only £55 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Options 13, 14,15 & 16 available. Please see pages 123-124.

‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

EXPERIENCE IT!

SEE HISTORY CAST IN STONE In 1925, Gutzon Borglum set out to create a gigantic work of art. Armed with 400 men and 1 million dollars, he began carving a 5,725-foot mountain into a national masterpiece. The mountain’s name is Mount Rushmore, and the men whose images are carved into its façade symbolize the first 150 years of United States history. Immortalised in stone are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.

Mount Rushmore

Creating the memorial was a difficult task. The rock on Mount Rushmore was so strong, dynamite was the most practical way to mould the monument. Once the stone was blasted to within inches of Borglum’s measurements, the faces were fine-tuned with hammers and chisels. Fourteen years after construction began, Borglum died, leaving the final phases of construction to his son, Lincoln. All work on Mount Rushmore concluded for good in October of 1941. Interestingly enough, what you see immortalised in the Black Hills of South Dakota is actually an unfinished masterpiece. Borglum’s original plans called for the four men to be carved all the way down to their waists.

25


SOUTH DAKOTA & THE BADLANDS Native American Tepee

1880 STEAM TRAIN • MT. RUSHMORE • CRAZY HORSE MEMORIAL • CUSTER STATE PARK • DEADWOOD • HOT SPRINGS • BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK • WALL DRUG STORE

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Travel back in time aboard the 1880 steam locomotive train as it winds through the forest and beautiful scenery. • See Crazy Horse Memorial, the world’s largest sculpture still in progress. • Discover the vibrant colours and rock formations in Badlands National Park. • Explore the legends in the city of Deadwood, home to Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane.

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1-6 Radisson Hotel, Rapid City, or Grand Gateway Hotel, Rapid City, or Best Western Ramkota, Rapid City, South Dakota Day 7 Overnight flight

DAY 1: Arrive RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA Rapid City is the gateway to some of the most intriguing and beautiful attractions in America. Experience the authentic west when you visit the inspirational memorials of spectacular Mt. Rushmore and visionary Crazy Horse. Delight in the tranquility of the Black Hills, Badlands and Custer State Park. Today dinner will be included. DAY 2: RAPID CITY - KEYSTONE - RAPID CITY Travel back to a time when steam locomotives and railroads were the primary form of transportation Badlands

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in America. Your journey between Hill City and Keystone on an 1880’s train transforms you into an early American riding the rails in hopes of finding a new future. Later, a short ride brings you to Mount Rushmore, whose four figures carved in stone represent the first 150 years of American history. Stroll along the Presidential Trail, providing the closest access to the sculpture. Today breakfast will be included.

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DAY 3: RAPID CITY - CRAZY HORSE - CUSTER - RAPID CITY Today you visit Crazy Horse Memorial, the world’s largest sculpture still in progress. The memorial includes the Indian Museum of North America, Native American Cultural Center, the sculptor’s studio, and an orientation centre and theatres. Many Native American artists and craftspeople create their works at the memorial and are on hand to discuss the influence of their culture on their art. Then travel through 14 miles of magnificent rock formations on the Needle Highway*. Its curving rock tunnels and steep rock spires provide a breathtaking backdrop. Later, drive through Custer State Park where a band of bighorn sheep, a herd of majestic elk, or buffalo may be sighted! Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

depicts the relationship of bison and man through interactive exhibits. Journey through an authentic Lakota encampment where everything from tepees to live Lakota interpreters offers a snapshot of Indian life during the height of the buffalo culture in 1840. Enjoy time at leisure in Deadwood where gold, gambling and gunpowder were the three key ingredients that created this town in 1876. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

DAY 4: RAPID CITY - DEADWOOD - RAPID CITY Learn about Black Hills gold on a tour through Mt. Rushmore Black Hills Gold and Diamond Factory…here you’ll see skilled artisans handcraft South Dakota’s official state jewellery. Then, visit Prairie Edge, a Plains Indian store and museum filled with native art, crafts and jewellery. Created by hand, their work remains faithful to the Plains Indian spirit and tradition. Next, travel to Deadwood, a rollicking, rambling western town named as a national historic landmark. Authentic recreations of turn-of-the-century street lamps light the way through accurately restored architecture. Upon arrival, a local guide will introduce you to the history of the city including a visit to Mount Moriah Cemetery and Kevin Costner’s TaTanka: “Story of the Bison,” an interpretive centre that

DAY 5: RAPID CITY - PINE RIDGE - HOT SPRINGS - RAPID CITY Journey to the town of Pine Ridge to see the works of the Collette Foundation**. In partnership with the SuAnne Big Crow Boys & Girls Club, the Collette Foundation is providing much needed after school programming for the Native American youth. During your stop you will learn a bit about the history of the region and the native youth population. Later today, travel to Hot Springs to see the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary to view America as it was 300 years ago. Experience a guided tour through part of this endless prairie of 11,000 acres, where over 400 wild horses run free. You’ll also see Indian petroglyphs over 10,000 years old, a prairie dog town, an authentic Native American Sun Dance site, and the movie set from the classic, Crazy Horse. Today breakfast will be included.


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The M Factory, Inc. Collette Vacations South Dakota The Black Hills & Badlands_09 final Proof date: 12/2/08

‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

EXPERIENCE IT!

CRAZY HORSE MONUMENT DAY 6: RAPID CITY - BADLANDS - WALL - RAPID CITY Start your day with a visit to Badlands National Park. Upon arrival, make a stop at the visitor’s centre to view its informative exhibits and displays as well as see a video introducing you to this area. The Badlands loop is a marvel of vibrant colours and rock formations caused by mineral deposits. Next, enjoy a stop at Wall Drug, an authentic store from 1936, where there is time for lunch and browsing. This evening, enjoy a wonderful dinner at the K Bar S Lodge, nestled in the woods of Keystone. The comforts of home and warm hospitality combine with fine food, good drink and plenty of interesting conversation with your hosts. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 7: RAPID CITY - DEPART FOR HOME Today breakfast will be included. DAY 8: ARRIVE U.K.

Mount Rushmore

Needle Highway

Crazy Horse Memorial, the world’s largest sculpture now in progress, is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The ninestory-high face of Crazy Horse, a visionary leader committed to preserving the traditions and values of the Lakota way of life, was completed in 1998 when work shifted to the 22-story-high massive horse’s head. The work was begun in 1948 by sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski at the request of Native Americans. Korczak determined that the Memorial would be more than just a sculpture… it would be a humanitarian project telling present and future generations the story of Native American peoples by collecting and preserving outstanding examples of Indian culture and heritage. Visitors to the memorial can view the progress of the sculpture as well as tour an Indian Museum and Cultural Center, the sculptor’s studio, and orientation centre. Although Korczak died in 1982, his wife Ruth and their family continue the project working with the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation.

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre nights in Rapid City from only £60 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Option 17 available. Please see pages 123-124.

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CALIFORNIA’S COAST

San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO • YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK • MONTEREY • 17 MILE DRIVE • BIG SUR • HEARST CASTLE • SOLVANG • SANTA BARBARA • LOS ANGELES • SAN DIEGO

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Stay in Yosemite National Park and receive firsthand experiences of its towering waterfalls and unique rock formations. • Travel 17 Mile Drive, the scenic bypass lining the Pacific Ocean, and see such landmarks as the Lone Cypress Tree, the flat top evergreen symbolic of Pebble Beach. • Explore the quaint village of Solvang, known for its Danish architecture, bakeries, windmills, and shops. • A 2-night stay in San Diego at the end of your trip includes a perfect balance of sightseeing and leisure time.

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1-2 San Francisco Marriott, San Francisco, or Renaissance Stanford, San Francisco, California Day 3 Yosemite Hotel, Yosemite National Park, California Day 4 Hotel Abrego, Monterey, California Day 5-6 Hadsten House, Solvang, California Day 7-8 Sheraton Suites San Diego at Symphony Hall, San Diego, California Day 9 Overnight flight

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DAY 1: ARRIVE SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA Welcome as you join us on a scenic journey along California’s amazing coast. Your tour begins in “the City by the Bay,” San Francisco. Enjoy the ambiance of this lively city, known for its ethnic diversity and unique history. Today dinner will be included. DAY 2: SAN FRANCISCO A local guide showcases the popular landmarks of San Francisco, including the Twin Peaks, the Golden Gate Bridge and Chinatown. Later, enjoy some leisure time to explore Fisherman’s Wharf where you may sample cracked crab and the renowned sourdough French bread. Shop in lively Union Square or visit Ghirardelli Square, once the site of one of the largest producers of chocolate in the country. For a true local experience, ride the famed cable cars up and down San Francisco’s thrilling hills as you sightsee. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 3: SAN FRANCISCO - YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK Today you wind through the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains en route to one of Mother Nature’s greatest masterpieces, Yosemite National Park. While camping at the park in 1903, President Teddy Roosevelt called Yosemite “the most beautiful place in the world.” Yosemite’s amazing waterfalls, unique rock formations, deep valleys, Alpine meadows and groves of beautiful trees will leave you awestruck as they did Ansel Adams, who lived in the park while taking his famous portfolio of striking photographs. Upon arrival, join your fellow travellers on an open-air tram* to view sites such as Yosemite Falls, Half Dome and El Capitan, as well as learn about the park’s history, geology and wildlife. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 4: YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK - MONTEREY Travel to Monterey, the city often called the greatest meeting of land, sea and sky. Monterey is home to the famed 17 Mile Drive, also known as one of the most breathtaking coastlines in the world. Along the drive you will pass through the Del Monte Forest

and see such famous sights as the Lone Cypress Tree, perhaps the most photographed tree in the world; Seal Rock, where the seals may actually bark at you; and the Pebble Beach Golf Course. Next, travel to Old Monterey, the place where California’s statehood began in 1849, filled with lovingly restored historic buildings and Spanish adobes. An afternoon arrival will allow you time to independently explore charming Old Monterey and shop at Cannery Row, made famous by John Steinbeck. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 5: MONTEREY - SOLVANG Journey 90 miles along the Big Sur Coast, flanked by the Santa Lucia Mountains and the sea sprayed, rocky Pacific, for a trip that will surely take your breath away. Upon arrival in San Simeon, you will visit one of the world’s greatest showplaces, the palatial mountaintop retreat of Hearst Castle, built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. Tour the Castle, built on a 40,000 acre ranch that Hearst frequently camped on as a child. Now a National Historic Landmark, Hearst was constantly building and rebuilding what he simply called “the ranch.” As a result, the estate was not completed during Hearst’s lifetime and was later donated to the State of California in 1957. Explore some of its 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools, and walkways. Later, arrive at the quaint Danish village of Solvang, in Santa Barbara County, known for its old-world architecture and flower-lined streets. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 6: SOLVANG - SANTA BARBARA - SOLVANG Founded in 1911 by a group of Danish educators, Solvang’s flower-lined streets and European shops and bakeries are the perfect setting for a morning stroll. Later, you’ll leave for Santa Barbara, famous for its breathtaking setting and natural beauty fused from the dramatic mix of mountains, valleys, beaches, islands, and the sea. Some free time allows you to explore the downtown area laced with pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and paseos, with the Santa Ynez Mountains as a lovely backdrop. You may prefer to grab a pedicab (Santa Barbara’s answer to the rickshaw) or hop aboard an eco-

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friendly electric shuttle to the waterfront area famous for Stearns Wharf which has been a part of the scene since 1872. Today breakfast will be included. 7: SOLVANG - LOS ANGELES - SAN DIEGO The MDAY Factory, Inc. This morning, continue on your coastal journey to glittering Los Angeles, Collette Vacations the “City of Angels,” and home to Universal Studios, as well as a host of your California Coast_12

favourite musical and film celebrities. See the Graumann’s Chinese Theatre, where nearly 200 movie stars have left their hand and foot prints, and see the 1st Proof date: 5/17/11 popular Hollywood Walk of Fame and other famous gems. Tonight, arrive in California’s second largest city, San Diego. Known for its ideal climate, 70 miles of pristine beaches, and world-class attractions, San Diego is bordered by the Pacific Ocean, Mexico, the Anza-Borrego Desert, and the Laguna Mountains. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 8: SAN DIEGO This morning, join a local guide for a comprehensive tour including downtown, the Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, Coronado Island, and Old Town San Diego. The afternoon is yours to experience San Diego at your leisure. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for dinner at a great local restaurant. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 9: SAN DIEGO - DEPART FOR HOME Your tour ends today, but the memories will stay with you forever. DAY 10: ARRIVE U.K.

OPTIONAL 3-NIGHT EXPLORE VEGAS POST TOUR EXTENSION Price from £425 per person 3 MEALS: 3 Breakfasts DAY 9: SAN DIEGO - LAS VEGAS, NEVADA Your extension begins in Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world, for a three night independent stay. DAY 10: LAS VEGAS The Las Vegas Explorer Pass leaves you in control, allowing you to have the best, customised experience possible. Choose one day-long ‘main event’ and two ‘wild card’ attractions from the passbook. There is a guide book to help you plan your days, exclusive restaurant and shopping discounts, and best of all, VIP entry at many attractions that allows you to skip the lines. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 11: LAS VEGAS Enjoy another day to explore the city independently - utilising your Las Vegas Explorer Pass. Or, lounge by the pool, experience a show, or try your luck at the casinos! Today breakfast will be included. DAY 12: LAS VEGAS - DEPART FOR HOME Your tour ends today in Las Vegas. Today breakfast will be included. Please Note: This extension is not escorted. A Las Vegas Explorer Pass will be provided for independent exploration. Extensions not purchased at time of deposit are subject to availability and applicable charges at time of request. Transportation to Las Vegas is included. Extension only available for departures after 1 May 2012.

EXPERIENCE IT!

THE BIG SUR COAST Witness the drama of the Big Sur coast unfolding right before your eyes… waves crashing onto the rocky shore… rolling hills giving way to massive cliffs…mile after mile of amazing scenery. Join us on an unforgettable adventure along California’s most picturesque roadway. Early settlers in Monterey often referred to the region where they lived as “El Sur Grande” or “the Big South.” The term “Big Sur” is a simple mixture of English and Spanish. The Big Sur region is a 90-mile stretch of land that parallels Highway 1, starting in Carmel and ending in San Simeon. This scenic route serves up one of the most breathtaking drives in all of North America. This is where the mountains meet the sea. Wind your way along the jagged coastline and take in a view you will not soon forget.

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre nights in San Franciso from only £75 per person per night and/or post nights in San Diego from only £80 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Option 18 available. Please see pages 123-124.

29


TRAINS, WINERIES & TREASURES OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Sonoma Vineyard

SAN FRANCISCO • SONORA • YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK • RAILTOWN STATE HISTORIC PARK • SACRAMENTO • LAKE TAHOE • WINERY TOUR • SONOMA WINE COUNTRY • NAPA VALLEY WINE TRAIN

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Experience the city of San Francisco during dinner overlooking the bay and on a highlight-packed city tour. • Journey on a splendidly restored Pullman car as you travel through picturesque Napa Valley at an unhurried pace. • Enjoy the incredible beauty of one of America’s most beloved national parks, Yosemite. • Glide along on the pristine waters of Lake Tahoe and marvel at the inspiring scenery.

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1-2 Marriott at Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, California Day 3-4 Best Western Sonora Oaks Inn, Sonora, California Day 5-6 Holiday Inn Capitol Plaza, Sacramento, or Embassy Suites, Sacramento, California Day 7-8 Fountaingrove Inn, Santa Rosa, California Day 9 Overnight flight

Sacramento Capitol

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

Level 4

Level 5

DAY 1: ARRIVE SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA Join Collette Worldwide Holidays in exploring Northern California. From its most popular cites to fertile valleys and historic gold rush towns, many hidden treasures await. Your tour begins in San Francisco, the beautiful “City by the Bay.” Tonight, take in a fabulous view of San Francisco. Enjoy dinner at a restaurant on Fisherman’s Wharf overlooking the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. Today dinner will be included. DAY 2: SAN FRANCISCO This morning, enjoy a leisurely walk from your hotel to Pier 39 for a delightful breakfast. Next, join a local expert for a guided city tour which highlights Fisherman’s Wharf, the famous cable cars, the Golden Gate Bridge and the view of the city from the imposing Twin Peaks. The afternoon is yours to explore this beautiful city independently. Hop on a cable car or enjoy the sights at Fisherman’s Wharf. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 3: SAN FRANCISCO - SONORA Enjoy a relaxing morning in San Francisco before travelling east through California’s central valley to Sonora. In its Gold Rush heyday, Sonora was the cosmopolitan city of 1848, attracting people from all over the world. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 4: SONORA - YOSEMITE - SONORA A scenic drive brings you into the awe-inspiring Yosemite National Park. Your tour through Yosemite’s amazing waterfalls, unique rock formations, deep valleys, Alpine meadows and pristine wilderness will leave you absolutely awestruck. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 5: SONORA - JAMESTOWN - SACRAMENTO Travel to Jamestown to visit Railtown, an 1897 state historic park featuring turn-of-the-century locomotives and railcars. A popular spot for movie makers, High Noon, The Virginian, and Petticoat Junction were filmed here. Arrive in Sacramento for a panoramic tour including the historic Governor’s

30

Level 3

Golden Gate Bridge

Mansion where Ronald Reagan once resided, and the State Capitol building. Then continue through Old Sacramento’s historical district with over 60 restored gold rush-era buildings, wooden sidewalks, cobblestone streets and antique gas lamps for a glimpse at what life was like when thousands of “49ers” flocked here during the California Gold Rush. You’ll have plenty of time to visit the unique shops. This evening, enjoy a fine dining experience along with “wine education” on the Delta King. This stationary restaurant on the Sacramento River is an authentic 285 foot riverboat, christened in 1927. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 6: SACRAMENTO - LAKE TAHOE - SACRAMENTO Travel over the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the resort gambling town of Lake Tahoe. Upon arrival, enjoy a narrated cruise of spectacular Lake Tahoe aboard the M. S. Dixie II paddlewheeler. Later, make a quick visit to a nearby casino to try your luck or explore the shops before returning to Sacramento. Today breakfast will be included. MS Dixie II


0

100 miles

0

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PACIFIC OCEAN

Santa Rosa

San Francisco Overnight stay* Visit Standard tour

Lake Tahoe

Napa Valley 2

2 Sacramento

Sonoma

1

£2249

2

2

Jamestown

Sonora

NEVADA

Yosemite National Park

CALIFORNIA

* –number indicates length of stay

SA BO VE O up K E Te rm to £ ARL s& co 10 nd 0p Y iti

on s a er c pp ou ly p

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INCLUDING Door to Door Transfer please see page 4 for details

10 DAYS, 13 MEALS:

8 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinners

‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

Yosemite National Park Napa Valley

DAY 7: SACRAMENTO - SONOMA - SANTA ROSA A visit to Sacramento is never complete without a stop at the California State Railroad Museum, considered to be one of the best railroad museums in the United States. Enjoy the detailed exhibits and the many historical stories told by your museum guide. Later, take the short drive to Sonoma County, home to one of California’s most fertile wine-growing regions. Special stops will be made at a local winery for a tour and tasting and at an olive oil press for the wonderful opportunity to sample many types of fresh olive oil. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 8: SANTA ROSA - NAPA - SANTA ROSA A unique highlight awaits as you travel through California’s treasured wine vineyards and arrive in Napa, one of the world’s premier destinations. Breathtaking views abound. Sample several different wines before boarding the elegant Napa Valley Wine Train. Once aboard, sit back and relax as the incredible scenery, famous vineyards, and delicious meal complete the luxurious atmosphere. Later this afternoon, relax prior to an excellent farewell dinner - complete with great local wine to cap off your California adventure. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

Napa Valley

DAY 9: SANTA ROSA - SAN FRANCISCO - DEPART FOR HOME Today breakfast will be included. DAY 10: ARRIVE U.K.

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre nights in San Francisco from only £75 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Option 18 available. Please see pages 123-124.

31


SOUTHERN CHARM: Georgia & South Carolina

ALAB

Boone Hall

HISTORIC CHARLESTON • BOONE HALL PLANTATION • BEAUFORT • SAVANNAH • FACTORS WALK • JEKYLL ISLAND • ST. SIMONS ISLAND • AMELIA RIVER CRUISE • ST. AUGUSTINE

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Visit gracious Boone Hall, one of America’s oldest working plantations that still grows crops as it has for the last 320 years. • Enjoy a two night stay at the Jekyll Island Club, once described as “the richest, the most exclusive, the most inaccessible club in the world.” • Take an exciting scenic cruise alongside Amelia Island and Cumberland Island, for a chance to see the region’s wildlife up-close!

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1-2 Renaissance Hotel, Charleston, South Carolina Day 3 Hilton Garden Inn, Savannah, Georgia Day 4-5 Jekyll Island Club, Jekyll Island, Georgia Day 6-7 Hyatt Hotel & Resort, Jacksonville, Florida Day 8 Overnight Flight

St. Simon’s Lighthouse

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

DAY 2: CHARLeSTON Charleston has survived the Civil War, major fires, an earthquake, and hurricanes - and still exudes elegance, charm and grace. Enjoy a guided tour of the city highlighting the cobblestoned streets, historic homes and restored buildings, some with origins prior to the Revolution. Stop at the battery overlooking Fort Sumter where, on 12 April, 1861, the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Following your tour, experience southern plantation living as you explore one of America’s oldest working plantations, Boone Hall, set amidst moss draped oaks. View the remarkably preserved original slave cabins, unusual in their brick construction. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

DAY 4: SAVANNAH - JEKYLL ISLAND Begin the day with a guided tour of Savannah’s sprawling Historic District. Stroll along the cobblestone-paved Factors Walk and River Street, where old cotton warehouses have been converted into trendy shops, taverns and restaurants. Visit the

32

Level 4

Level 5

DAY 1: Arrive CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA Experience true Southern hospitality and charm in Georgia and South Carolina. Your tour begins in beautiful antebellum Charleston, where magnificent formal gardens grace much of the historic district.

DAY 3: CHARLESTON - BEAUFORT SAVANNAH, GEORGIA Travel south along the coast through South Carolina’s Low Country to the charming town of Beaufort, the “Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands.” Perhaps you’ll opt to explore Beaufort’s charms in a horse-drawn buggy or stroll around the streets at your own pace. Continue south to historic Savannah, home of the largest National Historic Landmark district in the United States. This afternoon, visit Savannah’s Candy Kitchen and enjoy a scrumptious tour of the factory to sample sweet southern delicacies such as pralines and peanut brittle. Wander this enchanting city’s treefilled squares, the City Market or the River Street shops at leisure this afternoon. Today breakfast will be included.

Level 3

beautiful Andrew Low Home and Gardens and learn about the driving force behind the Girl Scouts and its founder, Juliette Low. Travel south along the unspoiled Georgia coast of vast marshlands, winding rivers and beautiful beaches. Arrive at the exclusive Jekyll Island Club Hotel, grandly situated in the midst of the fabled Golden Isles. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Beaufort

DAY 5: JEKYLL ISLAND - ST. SIMONS ISLAND - JEKYLL ISLAND Jekyll Island was the winter retreat of prominent gilded age families. Their grand “cottages” still stand. A tram-car brings you on a tour of the Jekyll Island Historic Landmark District one of the nation’s largest restoration projects. The Rockefellers, Vanderbilts and J.P. Morgan once holidayed here along the 240-acre river edge. Visit another of the fabled Golden Isles, quaint St. Simons Island. See its striking 106’ (32.3m) tall lighthouse and visit the Museum of Coastal History. Later, enjoy leisure time to explore the quaint shops and restaurants in the village. Today breakfast will be included.


SOUTH CAROLINA

PRICES FROM: 2

GEORGIA

Charleston

Beaufort 1

ALABAMA

2

Savannah

ATLANTIC OCEAN

Overnight stay* Visit Standard tour

FLORIDA

* –number indicates length of stay

on s a er c pp ou ly p

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St. Simons Island Jekyll Island Amelia Island

Door to Door Transfer

2 Jacksonville 1

£1749

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50 miles

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9 DAYS, 11 MEALS:

7 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners

Charleston

DAY 6: JEKYLL ISLAND - AMELIA ISLAND, FL - JACKSONVILLE Travel south to beautiful Amelia Island. Embark on a narrated sightseeing cruise along Amelia Island and Cumberland Island. Learn about the history of this region and soak in the varied scenery including shrimp boats, Fort Clinch and abundant wildlife. See the wild horses that roam Cumberland Island and keep watch for dolphins, manatees and the many bird species of the region. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Forsythe Park

DAY 7: JACKSONVILLE - ST. AUGUSTINE - JACKSONVILLE Travel south to the United States’ oldest city, St. Augustine, first settled in 1565. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided trolley tour, highlighting the Old Spanish Quarter, historic Bayfront, “Old Town,” which dates to 1572, and the Plaza de la Constitution with its shops and restaurants. Spend time at leisure this afternoon to explore more of the city’s many cultural attractions. This evening, return to Jacksonville and join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 8: JACKSONVILLE - DEPART FOR HOME Your days spent experiencing true southern charm and gracious hospitality will stay dear to your heart for years to come. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 9: ARRIVE U.K..

Boone Hall Slave Cabin

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre nights in Charleston from only £55 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Option 19 available. Please see pages 123-124.

33


THE HEART OF TEXAS

Silver Spur Ranch

AUSTIN • BOB BULLOCK TEXAS STATE HISTORY MUSEUM • LBJ LIBRARY AND MUSEUM • STONEWALL • FREDERICKSBURG • SAN ANTONIO • THE ALAMO • SILVER SPUR DUDE RANCH • FORT WORTH STOCKYARDS • CHAMPIONSHIP RODEO • DALLAS

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES

Tour Pacing

• Learn the art of saddling and roping during a visit to a ranch! • Uncork the secrets of Texas wine with a tasting at a local winery. • Journey the Cotton Belt Route aboard the historic Grapevine Vintage Railroad*.

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1-2 Radisson Town Lake, Austin, Texas Day 3-5 Omni La Mansion del Rio Hotel, San Antonio, Texas Day 6-8 Hilton Fort Worth, Fort Worth, Texas Day 9 Overnight flight

Austin State Capitol Building

Leisurely Level 1

• Enjoy a true Texas tradition - the rodeo!

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

DAY 2: AUSTIN This morning, tour the stunning Texas State Capitol Building. Dating back to 1888, this historic landmark is a marvel in history and architecture. Next, enjoy an introduction to the “Story of Texas” during a visit to the interactive Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. Complete your tour of Austin with a visit to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum. The afternoon is at leisure to explore this great city. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 3: AUSTIN - STONEWALL FREDERICKSBURG - SAN ANTONIO Travel into Texas hill country for a visit to the iconic LBJ Ranch, birthplace of the 36th President of the United States, Lyndon Baines Johnson. During your tour of the ranch you will visit the “Texas White House.” Then, discover the beauty of Hill Country in the German settlement town of Fredericksburg. Enjoy free time to explore the German-inspired shops and bakeries. En route to San Antonio, experience an introduction to Texas wines during a visit to a local historic winery for a tour and tasting. This evening, experience the flavours of true Mexican cuisine that San Antonio is known for when you dine at a popular local restaurant. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Mission San Jose

34

Level 4

Level 5

DAY 1: Arrive AUSTIN, TEXAS Begin your journey in the city of Austin, the capital city of Texas and the live music capital of the world! Gather with your fellow travellers this evening for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Today dinner will be included.

DAY 4: SAN ANTONIO Your day begins with a fascinating tour of San Antonio. History and culture abound with visits to the Mission San Jose, the second mission established by Fray Antonio Margil de Jesus. This is followed by the Alamo which played a critical role in the Texas Revolution. People worldwide continue to remember the Alamo as a heroic struggle against impossible odds — a place where men made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. This afternoon, cruise along the Paseo del Rio, also known as the

Level 3

River Walk, one of Texas’ most prized attractions. Learn more about the architecture and culture of the city on this relaxing, narrated boat ride. The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore this great city. Today breakfast will be included.

The M Factory, I Collette Vacation The Heart of Tex

1st Proof date: 4

DAY 5: SAN ANTONIO - BANDERA - SAN ANTONIO Enjoy time at leisure this morning to continue exploring San Antonio’s lively River Walk. This afternoon, journey into cowboy country and spend time at a dude ranch in Bandera, “Cowboy Capital of the World.” Upon arrival, enjoy an exciting performance by a trick roper before taking a hayride

Alamo

tour of the ranch to watch as the longhorn cattle are fed. Your visit to this guest ranch is complete with a home-style Texas dinner followed by a campfire and storytelling from one of the acclaimed local cowboys. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 6: SAN ANTONIO - FORT WORTH Today you travel through the heart of the “Lone Star State” en route to Fort Worth, one of Texas’ largest cities. Today breakfast will be included.


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OKLAHOMA

NEW MEXICO

Grapevine Ft. Worth 3

ARK.

Dallas

LA.

U.

XIC

S.

M

O

1

Stonewall Fredericksburg 2 Austin Bandera

3 San Antonio

Gulf of Mexico

Overnight stay* Visit Standard tour

* – number indicates length of stay

£1899

TEXAS E

PRICES FROM:

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on s a er c pp ou ly p

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INCLUDING Door to Door Transfer please see page 4 for details

10 DAYS, 12 MEALS:

8 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners

e M Factory, Inc. lette Vacations e Heart of Texas_10 Proof date: 4/13/09 River Walk, San Antonio DAY 7: FORT WORTH - GRAPEVINE - FORT WORTH Travel this morning to the historic community of Grapevine. Visit a glassblowing studio and witness artists at work creating exquisite glass pieces. Spend time at leisure in this quaint town before boarding the historic Grapevine Vintage Railroad*. Journey along the historic Cotton Belt Route aboard authentic Victorian-style coaches preserved as they were in the days of the expanding West. Your train journey ends in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards where you will enjoy a walking tour of the historic stockyards complete with a visit to Billy Bob’s Texas, “The World’s Largest Honky Tonk,” and one of the iconic establishments of the area. This evening is sure to be unforgettable as you experience bull riding, roping, barrel racing and more at the Stockyards Championship Rodeo! Today breakfast will be included.

‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

DAY 8: FORT WORTH - DALLAS - FORT WORTH This morning you’ll learn how Fort Worth has become known as the “city of cowboys and culture” as you enjoy a locally-guided city tour of the downtown area. This afternoon, travel to Dallas and visit Dealey Plaza, the Kennedy Memorial, and the famous Sixth Floor Museum whose exhibits examine the life, death and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. You will also visit Pioneer Plaza and the arts district of Dallas. This evening, gather for a spectacular farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 9: FORT WORTH - DEPART FOR HOME Today breakfast will be included. DAY 10: ARRIVE U.K. Texas State History Museum

Dallas Arts District

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre nights in Austin from only £50 per person per night and/or post nights in Dallas from only £60 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Option 20 available. Please see pages 123-124.

35


HAWAIIAN ADVENTURE Hanauma Bay, Oahu

PEARL HARBOR • WAIKIKI BEACH • SOCIETY OF SEVEN SHOW • WAIMEA CANYON • KAUAI COFFEE COMPANY • IAO VALLEY MONUMENT • POLYNESIAN LUAU

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Remember Pearl Harbor as you visit the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Missouri, and the Pacific Aviation Museum. • Experience the world-famous Society of Seven show, voted the “Best Show in Waikiki.” • Stand in awe before the breathtaking Waimea Canyon, considered the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” • Experience a traditional Polynesian luau featuring tropical drinks, dinner, music and a hula show.

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1-3 Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort, Oahu, Hawaii Day 4-6 Kauai Marriott Resort, Kauai, Hawaii Day 7-9 Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, Maui, Hawaii Day 10 Overnight flight

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

DAY 2: OAHU This morning, “Remember Pearl Harbor” as you embark on a historic journey from the site of the attack to the USS Missouri where the Japanese signed the surrender in 1945. Begin at the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument to view artifacts from the attack and a short documentary on the “Day of Infamy.” Travel by naval launch to the white marble-clad USS Arizona Memorial. Next, explore the USS Missouri, the last battleship built by the U.S. Navy. The “Mighty Mo” served from World War II through Desert Storm. Your final stop is the Pacific Aviation Museum to see and learn about the aircraft involved in the attack during the war. After this poignant experience, take a city tour of Honolulu highlighting the historic Iolani Palace, the impressive state Capitol building, Kamehameha’s statue, and the moving National Cemetery of the Pacific, known as the Punchbowl. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Waikiki, Oahu

36

DAY 4: OAHU - KAUAI A short flight takes you to the “Garden Isle” of Kauai, the oldest island in the chain. Only here, on the outer islands, can you find the timeless world of ancient Polynesia. Upon arrival, visit Kilohana plantation and ride on an authentic historic railway. Discover local culture and the history of

Level 4

Level 5

DAY 1: ARRIVE HONOLULU, OAHU Aloha! Your holiday in the sun-drenched Hawaiian Islands begins in Honolulu. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed with a traditional Hawaiian floral lei and whisked off by private car to your Waikiki Beach hotel. Relax and “hang loose” - you are in Hawaii!

DAY 3: OAHU Spend a full day at leisure in paradise. Explore Waikiki, relax by the pool or enjoy optional visits to world-famous surf spots and the Dole Plantation. This evening, enjoy a night of spectacular entertainment at the Society of Seven show, voted the “Best Show in Waikiki.” Offering a spirited mixture of dance, show tunes, comedy acts and pop hits, this high-energy extravaganza is sure to put a smile on your face. Today breakfast will be included.

Level 3

this working farm as your guide highlights exotic fruits, vegetables and animals along your journey. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 5: KAUAI After breakfast, travel to breathtaking Waimea Canyon. Carved thousands of years ago by rivers and floods, each of the lines in the canyon walls represent a different volcanic eruption or lava flow. At 10 miles long, 1 mile wide, and more than 3,500-ft deep (16.1 km long, 1.6 km wide and 1,067 metres deep), it is considered the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Later, visit the largest coffee estate in Hawaii and discover the coffee bean’s journey from tree to cup. Learn about sustainability practices and taste several of their coffees. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. Waimea Canyon

DAY 6: KAUAI The day is yours to enjoy this beautiful island at leisure. Stroll along the beach or take advantage of your resort’s activities. If you’re feeling adventurous, you may even choose to take an optional helicopter ride. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 7: KAUAI - MAUI Board an inter-island flight to the “Valley Isle” of Maui, one of the most beautiful and popular outer islands. Visit the stunning Iao Valley and view the 2,000 foot high (610 metres) Iao Needle, one of Maui’s famous natural land forms. Travel through sugar cane fields to the resort area of Kaanapali and arrive at your deluxe beachfront hotel. Today breakfast will be included.

The M Collett Hawai

1st Pro


0

50 miles

0

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PRICES FROM:

H A W A I I Iao Needle

OAHU 3

KAUAI

Pearl Harbor

3

MAUI

Kaanapali Beach Honolulu

3

Hamakua Coast

Waimea

Hilo

Kona 2

Volcanoes National Park

Kealakekua Bay

HAWAII 1

£2999

Kahului

Overnight stay* Visit Standard tour Option Big Island Flight

* – number indicates length of stay

SA BO VE O up K E Te rm to £ ARL s& co 15 nd 0p Y iti

on s a er c pp ou ly p

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INCLUDING Door to Door Transfer please see page 4 for details

11 DAYS, 13 MEALS:

9 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners

DAY 8: MAUI Your day is at leisure to see for yourself why locals say “Maui no ka oi” - Maui is the best.Inc. You have the option to view the sunrise from the summit of Haleakala. The M Factory, You may also visit the old royal capital of Lahaina, once home of the world’s Collette Vacations largest whaling fleets, where you can stroll through historic streets. You may also Hawaiian take Adventure_12 an optional cliffside drive on the legendary Road to Hana. There is no limit to the adventures you can have on the gorgeous island of Maui! Today breakfast 1st Proof will date: 4/20/11 be included. DAY 9: MAUI Enjoy another day in paradise. You may take a stroll along the beach, shop for souvenirs or just relax at your luxurious Maui resort. Tonight, cap off your wonderful holiday with a farewell dinner Hawaiian-style at a traditional Polynesian Luau featuring drinks, dinner, music and a hula show. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 10: MAUI - DEPART FOR HOME Bid “Aloha” to Hawaii as your memorable tour ends in Maui. Now, wherever your home is, you’ll always be part of the Hawaiian “Ohana” - family. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 11: ARRIVE U.K. ‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

OPTIONAL 2-NIGHT BIG ISLAND POST TOUR EXTENSION

EXPERIENCE IT!

SOCIETY OF SEVEN Get set for non-stop fun when the world-famous Hawaiian troupe, Society of Seven, delights you with their trademark spirited cabaret of comedy acts, dancing, celebrity impersonations, pop hits, and Broadway show tunes. Headlining for thirty-two years, this one-of-a-kind performance arts septet remains as fresh and energetic as the day they started. Imagine combining a Broadway show, a Las Vegas extravaganza, a slick Hollywood movie, and the in-your-face spectacle of a circus and you’ll have some idea of what’s in store!

Price From: £810 per person 2 MEALS: 2 Breakfasts DAY 10: MAUI - KONA Board your inter-island flight to Kona on the “Big Island” of Hawaii. Also known as Hawaii Island, the Big Island is famous for its volcanoes and is larger than all the other Hawaiian islands combined. The remainder of your day is at leisure. DAY 11: KONA - HILO - KONA Today you will circumnavigate the Big Island during a full day excursion. Tour the South Coast and see Kealakekua Bay. Next, visit a Kona coffee plantation. See the famed black sand beaches of the Big Island. Journey to the incredible Volcanoes National Park and learn about the world’s most active volcano, Kilauea. Explore steam bluffs, a fern tree jungle, and the Thurston Lava Tube. You will also visit the Jaggar Museum as well as an orchid and anthurium nursery. Then, you will drive past the many waterfalls of the Hamakua Coast and see Parker Ranch in Waimea. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 12: KONA - DEPART FOR HOME You will board your flight home. Today breakfast will be included DAY 13: Arrive U.K.

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre nights in Waikiki from only £110 per person per night and/or post nights in Maui from only £105 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Options 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 & 29 available. Please see pages 123-124.

37


ALASKA DISCOVERY

Denali National Park

FAIRBANKS • STERN WHEELER, DISCOVERY • DENALI NATIONAL PARK • MUSIC OF DENALI DINNER THEATER • DENALI EXPRESS RAIL CAR • HUBBARD GLACIER • GLACIER BAY • SKAGWAY • JUNEAU • KETCHIKAN • INSIDE PASSAGE

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • A park expert guides you on a natural history tour into Denali National Park. • Relax aboard a 7-night cruise and travel through Glacier Bay, where travellers can go back in time to the Ice Age. • An amazing cruise aboard the popular Stern Wheeler, Discovery, is an unforgettable journey showcasing Alaska’s diverse culture and rich history.

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1 Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge, Fairbanks, Alaska Day 2-3 Princess Wilderness Lodge, Denali, Alaska Day 4 Mt. McKinley Wilderness Lodge, McKinley, Alaska Day 5-11 Coral or Diamond Princess Day 12 Holiday Inn Seatac, Seattle, Washington Day 13 Overnight flight

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

38

Level 4

Level 5

DAY 1: Arrive FAIRBANKS, ALASKA Your tour begins in Fairbanks, in the great state of Alaska. What better way to explore such a vast and undisturbed region than with a Collette Holiday that combines the best of both land and sea on an unforgettable 7-night Princess cruise! DAY 2: FAIRBANKS - DENALI NATIONAL PARK Step aboard an amazing cruise on the popular Stern Wheeler, Discovery, an unforgettable journey showcasing Alaska’s diverse culture and rich history. Depart Fairbanks for a scenic motor coach ride to Denali National Park. The remainder of your day is at your leisure. DAY 3: DENALI NATIONAL PARK This morning, join a park expert and embark on a natural history tour into Denali National Park. This tour teaches you about the six million acres that make up this pristine wilderness. The scenery alone is worth the trip, but you may be lucky enough to view some wildlife as well! Tonight, enjoy an entertaining evening at the Music of Denali Dinner Theater which tells the story of the first ascent of Mount McKinley. Today dinner will be included. DAY 4: DENALI - MCKINLEY Your day begins with a scenic motor coach ride to McKinley. From the moment you arrive at Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, you’ll know you’re somewhere special. This comfy Alaskan lodge invites the ultimate experience, overlooking Mt. McKinley and the Alaskan Range, with one of the most inspirational views of the Mountain found anywhere. There will be plenty of time to explore the area, take a shuttle to Talkeetna or enjoy a host of recreational activities.

Ketchikan Totem Pole

Level 3

DAY 5: MCKINLEY EXPRESS RAIL WHITTIER - BOARD CRUISE SHIP Transfer to the rail station and ride the McKinley Express direct to Whittier for an unforgettable journey. As you relax in the domed car, the views are so spectacular that you feel as though you can touch the sky. Be on the lookout for bald eagles, bears, whales, and more! Once in Whittier, embark the ship to begin your 7-night

Creek Street

cruise aboard the Coral or Diamond Princess, a fabulous floating resort designed to make your stay onboard truly memorable. You will be dazzled by the entertainment in the state-of-the-art lounges and a myriad of dining options. While on board, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and nightly entertainment are included. Today dinner will be included. DAY 6: CRUISING - HUBBARD GLACIER Your ship cruises past the mammoth Hubbard Glacier, Alaska’s only advancing glacier. Your day is filled with amazing natural sights as you linger along its shimmering five-mile long face. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 7: CRUSING - GLACIER BAY Cruise through Glacier Bay, a spectacular national park and preserve that is a treasure trove of tidewater glaciers and scenic coastal islands. Its rich world of marine life and large concentration of tidewater glaciers is Alaska at its best. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. Riverboat Discovery


0

200 miles

0

200 kilometers

1 Fairbanks Denali Natl. Park Mount McKinley 1 2

PRICES FROM:

ALASKA

Whittier

U.S.

YUKON TERR. NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

Hubbard Glacier Glacier Bay Skagway Juneau Ketchikan Inside

PACIFIC OCEAN

e Passag

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Overnight stay* Visit Standard tour Train Cruise

* – number indicates length of stay

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Vancouver Seattle

£2799

FR B E OO AV E C K AI A LA EA B BL I E. Te N UP RLY rm s& GR co nd itio AD ns ap E

1

U.S.

WASH.

14 DAYS, 21 MEALS:

7 Breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 Dinners

Glacier Bay

DAY 8: CRUISING - SKAGWAY Relive Alaska’s Gold Rush days in this “Gateway to the Klondike” and home of the famed Chilkoot Trail. In historic Skagway, Alaska’s past lives on in a spectacular natural setting and cries of “gold in the Yukon!” can still be heard. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 9: CRUISING - JUNEAU From massive scenic mountains to historic buildings, explore Juneau, Alaska’s gorgeous capital city with something for everyone. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 10: CRUISING - KETCHIKAN Your port of call today is Ketchikan, known as the “Salmon Capital of the World” and the “City of Totems.” Located on the tranquil Revillagigedo Island, Ketchikan is home to the world’s largest collection of totem poles. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 11: CRUISING - INSIDE PASSAGE A wonderful day of sightseeing is in store for you as your ship sails along the amazing Inside Passage, an extensive stretch of land known for its natural beauty and abundant wildlife. You will be awe-struck with this natural wonder. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 12: VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - DISEMBARK CRUISE - SEATTLE, WASHINGTON AIRPORT AREA Your cruise ends in the vibrant city of Vancouver. Choose an optional city tour featuring Stanley Park, Chinatown and Gastown, home to the world-famous steam-powered clock. Or, explore this lovely city on your own. Next, board your coach for your drive to the Seattle airport area for an overnight stay. Today breakfast will be included.

Welcome to Alaska!

DAY 13: SEATTLE AIRPORT AREA - DEPART FOR HOME Your tour ends, leaving you with many wonderful memories of your holiday to the last of the great frontiers. DAY 14: ARRIVE U.K.

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add post nights in Seattle from only £55 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Options 30, 31, 32, 33 & 34 available. Please see pages 123-124.

39


CANADIAN ROCKIES BY TRAIN Moraine Lake

BRITISH COLUMBIA • VANCOUVER • VIA RAIL • JASPER • COLUMBIA ICEFIELD • LAKE LOUISE • BANFF • CALGARY

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • See the glistening glaciers of the Albreda Icefields and Mt. Robson – the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. • Stand on the amazing 1,000-foot (304.8m) thick Athabasca Glacier during an exciting excursion at the Columbia Icefield. • Spend two nights at the magnificent Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, properly nicknamed the “Castle in the Mountains.” • Enjoy an overnight journey aboard “The Canadian” by VIA Rail viewing coastal forests, roaring river canyons and the snowcapped peaks of the Canadian Rockies.

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1-2 Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, British Columbia Day 3 The Canadian, VIA Rail Day 4-5 Sawridge Inn, Jasper, Alberta Day 6 The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise, Alberta Day 7-8 The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Banff, Alberta Day 9 Westin Hotel Calgary, Calgary, Alberta Day 10 Overnight flight

Vancouver

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

Level 4

Level 5

DAY 1: Arrive VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA Join Collette Worldwide Holidays for a remarkable journey through Alpine vistas. Explore the beautiful Canadian Rockies by train. Your adventure begins in Vancouver. DAY 2: VANCOUVER - VICTORIA - VANCOUVER Early this morning you depart for the ferry ride to Victoria Island where you visit lovely Butchart Gardens, created on the site of an old quarry. The gardens are among the world’s most beautiful and are a veritable explosion of colour and fragrances. Next, take a short sightseeing tour of the “City of Gardens,” Victoria, and have some leisure time to explore this lovely seaside city. This evening you journey back to the mainland via a short ferry ride. DAY 3: VANCOUVER - VIA RAIL A sightseeing tour of Vancouver begins this morning at beautiful Stanley Park, Canada’s renowned urban rainforest, and continues to Chinatown, the city’s waterfront, and Gastown, a turn-of-the-century centre comprised of pubs, art galleries, boutiques, and the world-famous steampowered clock, perhaps the most photographed subject in all of Vancouver. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before boarding VIA Rail’s The Canadian to begin your journey to the majestic Canadian Rockies. Relive train travel in the days of old as you are rocked to sleep tonight in your private accommodations. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 4: VIA RAIL - JASPER, ALBERTA Enjoy a lovely hot breakfast in the dining car as your eastbound train whisks you past the peaks of the Monashee Mountains and the stunning sight of Pyramid Falls cascading down Mt. Cheadle. Relax in the Dome car as you experience 360-degree views of the glistening glaciers of the Albreda Icefields and on a clear day, view Mt. Robson – the highest peak of the Rockies! Moose, mountain goats, bear and caribou call this wonderland home. This afternoon, arrive in Jasper, nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies at the gateway to the incredible Icefields Parkway. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

40

Level 3

DAY 5: JASPER Begin your day with a trip to the dramatic Maligne Canyon, one of Jasper’s most spectacular landmarks. Here, enjoy breakfast† against the backdrop of the picture-perfect sparkling waters of Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. Next you may choose to embark on an optional cruise highlighting the beauty of Spirit Island. Return to Jasper with leisure time to explore this lovely town. Today breakfast will be included.

Icefield Parkway

DAY 6: JASPER - ICEFIELDS PARKWAY - LAKE LOUISE Set off for a wonderful day of sightseeing en route to Lake Louise. Journey along the unforgettable Icefields Parkway! Waterfalls, rushing rivers, glacial peaks, imposing cliffs, and snowcapped peaks paint the breathtaking canvas – so have your camera handy! Enjoy a stop at the Athabasca Falls and marvel at its sheer beauty and power. At the Columbia Icefield, enjoy a fun ride** across a mass of glacial ice over 1,000 feet (304.8m) thick – the largest accumulation of ice south of the Arctic Circle. Continuing down the parkway, be on the lookout for bears, furry marmots and stately elk. Enjoy a stop at Peyto Lake – a turquoise glacier-fed lake that evokes pure serenity – before arriving in Lake Louise. Enjoy a stay at the world-famous The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

The M F Collette Canadia

2nd Proo


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100 miles

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100 kilometers

ALBERTA Jasper 2

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Columbia Icefields

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1

Banff

Lake Louise 2

1 Calgary

Vancouver 2

CANAD A U.S .

PACIFIC OCEAN 1

Overnight stay* Visit Standard tour Train

£2869

on s a er c pp ou ly p

le

INCLUDING Door to Door Transfer please see page 4 for details

WASHINGTON MONTANA

* –number indicates length of stay

PRICES FROM:

SA BO VE O up K E Te rm to £ ARL s& co 30 nd 0p Y iti

IDAHO

11 DAYS, 13 MEALS:

7 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 4 Dinners

CALGARY STAMPEDE - A CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION (1912 - 2012) Originating in 1912, the Calgary Stampede is theInc. world’s largest rodeo. On Day 8, you The M Factory, will travel to the Stampede grounds where Collette Vacations you can visit the Midway, an authentic Native North American village, various Canadian Rockies by Train_10

2nd Proof

exhibits and entertainment. This afternoon enjoy a festive show of Alberta locals at the date: 6/25/09 yearly Rodeo show. After dinner you will have the opportunity to purchase* reserved seating for a great view of the various Stampede performances including the Chuckwagon races and musical entertainment. *Chuckwagon race excursion is a pre-sold option. Valid for tours departing 2-7 July, 2012. The Calgary Stampede includes the Rodeo.

DAY 7: LAKE LOUISE - BANFF En route to Banff, view the spectacular Moraine Lake and the awe-inspiring Valley of the Ten Peaks. The jagged Ten Peaks are distinctively saw-toothed, standing out amidst stunning Alpine scenery. Arrive at the grand The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, known as the “Castle in the Mountains,” for a luxurious two night stay. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 8: BANFF Set off for a scenic drive through Banff featuring the powerful Bow Falls and impressive Hoodoos – known as the “Land of the Sleeping Giants.” Next, visit a local ammonite specialist to learn about this rare gemstone found only in Alberta. During an afternoon at leisure, perhaps you will take a stroll through Banff’s delightful downtown. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 9: BANFF - CALGARY Leave the wonders of the Rockies for the prairies of Alberta en route to the Kananaskis Valley. Enjoy a visit to a local ranch where you can play a game of horseshoes, take a line dance lesson and enjoy a wagon ride* in search of buffalo. Then, enjoy a traditional Albertan barbeque with beautiful views of the mountains in the background. Later, enjoy the views of the prairies before you reach the vibrant city of Calgary. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. DAY 10: CALGARY - DEPART FOR HOME DAY 11: ARRIVE U.K.

OPTIONAL HOTEL UPGRADE AVAILABLE – THE FAIRMONT CHATEAU LAKE LOUISE Experience some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. During your stay at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, you can choose to upgrade your room to a “lake view” room for truly breathtaking views. Please inquire at time of booking for prices.

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre nights in Vancouver from only £85 per person per night and/or post nights in Calgary from only £65 per person per night.

EXPERIENCE IT!

EXPERIENCE CANADA - VIA RAIL Listen to the peaceful sounds of a bygone era while natural beauty dances to life before your eyes in a scenic wonderland; it’s a veritable journey back in time as you travel from Vancouver to Jasper. Relax and discover the delight of overnight training aboard VIA Rail’s The Canadian. Heralded in 1955 as “the first and only all-stainless steel ‘dome’ streamliner in Canada,” The Canadian has been exceeding passenger expectations ever since. Enjoy first-class meals and awe-inspiring Canadian Rockies vistas during the day. Spend the night in the comfort of your own bed inside a private sleeping room that includes a private washroom. From the moment you board VIA Rail’s The Canadian, you’ll embrace the nostalgia of a golden era; rail lines trace history while whisking travellers through scenery far removed from the highway.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Options 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43 & 44 available. Please see pages 123-124.

41


ROCKIES TRAIN HIGHLIGHTS

Canadian Rockies

VANCOUVER • VIA RAIL’S THE CANADIAN • ICEFIELDS PARKWAY • JASPER • BANFF • YOHO NATIONAL PARK

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Venture down the road less travelled, experiencing the beauty of western Canada in comfort about VIA Rail’s The Canadian • Stand on glacial ice over 1,000 feet (304.8 m) thick at Columbia Icefield. • Spend three nights at the “Castle in the Mountains,” Fairmont’s Banff Springs Hotel. • Enjoy a day trip to Yoho National Park and view Emerald Lake. • Take in the beauty and serenity at Peyto Lake.

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1 Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, or Listel, Vancouver, British Columbia Day 2 VIA Rail’s The Canadian, Train/VIA Day 3-4 Sawridge Hotel, Jasper, Alberta Day 5-7 The Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff, Alberta Day 8 Westin Calgary, Calgary, Alberta Day 9 Overnight flight

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

42

Level 4

Level 5

DAY 1: Arrive VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA DAY 2: VANCOUVER - VIA RAIL A sightseeing tour of beautiful Vancouver begins at Stanley Park, Canada’s renowned urban rainforest that meets the sea. Visit Chinatown – one of the largest in North America – and explore its waterfront. Next, enjoy a visit to Gastown, a turnof-the-century town comprised of pubs, art galleries, boutiques, and its world-famous steam-powered clock, which is perhaps the most photographed subject in all of Vancouver. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before boarding VIA Rail’s The Canadian to begin your journey to the majestic Canadian Rockies. Relive train travel in the days of old as you are rocked to sleep in your private accommodations. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 3: VIA RAIL - JASPER, ALBERTA Enjoy a lovely hot breakfast in the dining car as your eastbound train whisks you past the peaks of the Monashee Mountains and the stunning sight of Pyramid Falls cascading down Mt. Cheadle. Relax in the Dome car as you experience 360-degree views of the glistening glaciers of the Albreda Icefields and on a clear day, view Mt. Robson – the highest peak of the Rockies! Moose, mountain goats, bear and caribou call this wonderland home. This afternoon, arrive in Jasper at the gateway to the incredible Icefields Parkway. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 4: JASPER Begin your day with a trip to the dramatic Maligne Canyon, one of Jasper’s most spectacular landmarks. Later, behold the picture-perfect sparkling waters of Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies, where you can embark on an optional cruise highlighting the beauty of Spirit Island. Return to Jasper with leisure time for personal exploration. Today breakfast will be included.

Maligne Lake

Level 3

DAY 5: JASPER - ICEFIELDS PARKWAY - BANFF Today you’ll journey along the unforgettable Icefields Parkway. Waterfalls, rushing rivers, glacial

peaks, imposing cliffs and snowcapped peaks paint the breathtaking canvas! Enjoy a stop at the Athabasca Falls and marvel at its sheer beauty and power. At the Columbia Icefield, enjoy a fun ride* across a mass of glacial ice over 1,000 feet (304.8m) thick – the largest accumulation of ice south of the Arctic Circle. Continuing down the parkway, be on the lookout for bears, furry marmots and stately elk. Enjoy a stop at Peyto Lake, a turquoise glacier-fed lake. Settle in at the world-famous “Castle in the Rockies,” Fairmont’s Banff Springs Hotel, for a relaxing three night stay. Tastings … a Collette Exclusive. Sample Banff’s best dining experiences – all in a single evening! Think of it as a grand epicurean tour with each course in a different, unforgettable restaurant. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. Lee from Collette in Banff

DAY 6: BANFF - YOHO NATIONAL PARK - BANFF Enjoy a day trip to Yoho National Park, named by the Cree (using their expression for “awe”). See the Spiral Tunnels cut through the mountains during the railroads development and learn about the train system in Canada. Next, enjoy a visit to Fields, a cozy town known for its charm, nestled in the grand Canadian Rockies. Later, travel along Kicking Horse River and enjoy a visit to the Natural Bridge to learn how this amazing limestone rock formation was created. Continue your journey along the river and enjoy some time to explore spectacular Emerald Lake, named for the vibrant green colour of its water. Today breakfast will be included.

The M Collett Rockie

2nd Pr


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100 miles

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ALBERTA BRITISH COLUMBIA

Jasper 2

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Overnight stay* Visit Standard tour Train

Ra

Yoho National Park

PACIFIC OCEAN 1

Columbia Icefields

3

Banff 1

Calgary

CANAD A U. S.

£2549

on s a er c pp ou ly p

le

INCLUDING Door to Door Transfer please see page 4 for details

WASHINGTON

* – number indicates length of stay

PRICES FROM:

SA BO VE O up K E Te rm to £ ARL s& co 10 nd 0p Y iti

MONTANA

10 DAYS, 12 MEALS:

7 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners

IDAHO

The M Factory, Inc. Collette Vacations Rockies Highlights by Trains_10 2nd Proof date: 6/10/09

Peyto Lake

DAY 7: BANFF Start your day with breathtaking views of Banff’s Sulphur Mountain. Enjoy a gondola ride to the summit where you will enjoy breakfast as you overlook the town and the valley. Later, enjoy a visit to a local ammonite specialist to learn about this rare gemstone found only in Alberta. Next, set off for a scenic drive through Banff featuring the powerful Bow Falls and impressive Hoodoos – known as the “Land of the Sleeping Giants.” During an afternoon at leisure, perhaps you’ll take a stroll through Banff’s delightful downtown, stopping in some of its chic boutiques or cafes. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 8: BANFF - CALGARY Leave the wonders of the Rockies for the prairies of Alberta en route to the Kananaskis Valley. Enjoy a visit to a local ranch where you will have some leisure time to play a game of horseshoes, take a line dancing lesson and enjoy a wagon ride** to view some buffalo. Then, enjoy a traditional Albertan barbeque with beautiful views of the mountains in the background. Later, enjoy the landscape of the prairies before you reach the vibrant city of Calgary. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. DAY 9: CALGARY - DEPART FOR HOME Today you will depart for home with a lifetime of memories. DAY 10: ARRIVE U.K.

CALGARY STAMPEDE - A CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION (1912 - 2012) Originating in 1912, the Calgary Stampede is the world’s largest rodeo. On Day 8, you will travel to the Stampede grounds where you can visit the Midway, an authentic Native North American village, various exhibits and entertainment. This afternoon enjoy a festive show of Alberta locals at the yearly Rodeo show. After dinner you will have the opportunity to purchase* reserved seating for a great view of the various Stampede performances including the Chuckwagon races and musical entertainment. *Chuckwagon race excursion is a pre-sold option. Valid for tours departing 2-7 July, 2012. The Calgary Stampede includes the Rodeo.

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre nights in Vancouver from only £85 per person per night and/or post nights in Calgary from only £65 per person per night.

EXPERIENCE IT!

EXPERIENCE CANADA – VIA RAIL Listen to the peaceful sounds of a bygone era while natural beauty dances to life before your eyes in a scenic wonderland; it’s a veritable journey back in time as you travel from Vancouver to Jasper. Relax and discover the delight of overnight training aboard VIA Rail’s The Canadian. Heralded in 1955 as “the first and only all-stainless steel ‘dome’ streamliner in Canada,” The Canadian has been exceeding passenger expectations ever since. Enjoy firstclass meals and awe-inspiring Canadian Rockies vistas during the day. Spend the night in the comfort of your own bed inside a private sleeping room that includes a private washroom. From the moment you board VIA Rail’s The Canadian, you’ll embrace the nostalgia of a golden era as rail lines trace history while whisking you through scenery far removed from the highway.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Options 36, 37, 38, 39, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 & 46 available. Please see pages 123-124.

43


RESORTS OF THE ROCKIES

Hoodoos, near Banff

VANCOUVER • VICTORIA • KELOWNA • LAKE LOUISE • JASPER • COLUMBIA ICEFIELD • BANFF • CALGARY

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Overnight in some of the finest resorts in the Canadian Rockies - including The Fairmont Empress in Victoria, The Fairmont Banff Springs and The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. • View Victoria Glacier and the emerald waters of Lake Louise. • Stop at the Columbia Icefield and participate in a Glacier Experience (weather permitting) across this mass of glacial ice which is over 1,000 feet thick (304.8m).

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1 Listel Hotel, Vancouver, or Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, British Columbia Day 2-3 The Fairmont Empress, Victoria, British Columbia Day 4-5 The Grand Okanagan Lakefront Resort, Kelowna, British Columbia Day 6 The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise, Alberta Day 7-8 Sawridge Inn, Jasper, Alberta Day 9 The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Banff, Alberta Day 10 Westin Calgary, Calgary, Alberta Day 11 Overnight flight

Stanley Park, Vancouver

44

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

DAY 1: Arrive VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA Join Collette Worldwide Holidays as you explore the beautiful resorts and spectacular scenery of the Canadian Rockies. DAY 2: VANCOUVER - VICTORIA This morning experience the city of Vancouver with a sightseeing tour. Visit Chinatown, one of North America’s largest, the vibrant waterfront area, and Gastown, Vancouver’s turn-of-the-century pedestrian mall and home of the world-famous steam-powered clock. Next, visit Stanley Park before boarding a ferry to Vancouver Island. Upon arrival enjoy a visit to Chemanius, a little town nestled between the mountains and the ocean, to see first-hand its world-famous giant wall murals. Later, arrive in the “City of Gardens,” Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, where you’ll enjoy a two night stay in the breathtaking Fairmont Empress Hotel on the Inner Harbor. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 3: VICTORIA Experience breakfast at Butchart Gardens, in the former original residence of the Butchart family. Afterwards, stroll through their 55-acre display of colourful gardens. Returning to Victoria, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Old English-styled Victoria. The remainder of your day is at leisure to relax, shop or explore independently. Today breakfast will be included.

and enjoy a tasting of a variety of their delicious products. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 6: KELOWNA - LAKE LOUISE, ALBERTA Depart the Okanagan Valley along the shores of Lake Okanagan as you travel along the Thompson River. Journey through Yoho National Park, named by the Cree (using their expression for “awe”). Then, travel to spectacular Lake Louise, showcasing incredible views of its emerald waters and the imposing Victoria Glacier, and overnight at the incomparable The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. Athabasca Falls

DAY 4: VICTORIA - KELOWNA This morning board BC Ferry for a spectacular cruise through the Gulf Islands with their dramatic coastlines. Once back on the mainland, travel through the lush landscape of British Columbia to the city of Kelowna in the rich and fertile Okanagan Valley. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

DAY 7: LAKE LOUISE - ICEFIELDS PARKWAY - JASPER Enjoy a journey along the unforgettable Icefields Parkway: behold lovely waterfalls, rushing rivers, glacial peaks, imposing cliffs and snowcapped mountain ranges. Stop at powerful Athabasca Falls, whose waters have carved interesting features into stone. Then, at the Columbia Icefield, ride (weather permitting) across this mass of glacial ice which is over 1,000 feet thick (304.8 m) and represents the largest accumulation of ice south of the Arctic Circle. Today breakfast will be included.

DAY 5: KELOWNA Discover the wealth and bounty of the Okanagan Valley. Embark on a morning tour of Summerhill Winery to learn their unique techniques and enjoy a tasting of a few of their more popular wines. Learn more about the bounty of the Okanagan Valley during a visit to a family-owned goat cheese farm. Take a tour of the farm, including the aging cellar,

DAY 8: JASPER Discover one of the treasures of the Rockies today – Maligne Lake. Enjoy breakfast* along the shore of one of the prettiest bodies of water in the Canadian Rockies. The remainder of your day is at leisure to relax and enjoy the amenities of your hotel or explore the quaint town of Jasper. Today breakfast will be included.

The M Collett Resort

1st Pro


BRITISH COLUMBIA

2

Jasper

ALBERTA

Columbia Icefields 1

Banff

PACIFIC OCEAN 1

1 Vancouver 2

Victoria

Overnight stay* Visit Standard tour Ferry

Lake Louise 1

1

Calgary

2 Kelowna

* –number indicates length of stay

MONTANA IDAHO

£2899

on s a er c pp ou ly p

le

INCLUDING

CANAD A U.S .

WASHINGTON

PRICES FROM:

SA BO VE O up K E Te rm to £ ARL s& co 10 nd 0p Y iti

0

100 miles

0

100 kilometers

Maximum Elevation: 7,500 ft.

Door to Door Transfer please see page 4 for details

12 DAYS, 14 MEALS:

9 Breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 Dinners

The M Factory, Inc. Collette Vacations Resorts of the Rockies_12 1st Proof date: 5/24/11

Fairmont Banff Springs DAY 9: JASPER - BANFF This morning depart for Banff and Bow Falls. Later, enjoy a visit to a local ammonite specialist where you will learn about this rare gemstone that is found only in Alberta. Your home this evening is the magnificent Fairmont Banff Springs, known as the “Castle in the Mountains.” Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 10: BANFF - CALGARY Enjoy a scenic drive to view the impressive Hoodoos – known as the land of the sleeping giants – and the incredible Valley of the Ten Peaks from which you will view the unusual “saw-toothed” Ten Peaks. Later, leave the wonders of the Rockies for the prairies of Alberta en route to the Kananaskis Valley. Experience life in the west during a visit to a local ranch. Play a game of horseshoes, take a line dance lesson and enjoy a wagon ride** in search of buffalo. Then, enjoy a traditional Albertan barbeque with beautiful views of the mountains in the background. Later, travel through the expansive prairies to the vibrant city of Calgary. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. DAY 11: CALGARY - DEPART FOR HOME DAY 12: ARRIVE U.K.

OPTIONAL HOTEL UPGRADE AVAILABLE – THE FAIRMONT CHATEAU LAKE LOUISE Experience some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. During your stay at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, you can choose to upgrade your room to a “lake view” room for truly breathtaking views. Please inquire at time of booking for prices.

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre nights in Vancouver from only £85 per person per night and/or post nights in Calgary from only £65 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Options 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 & 43 available. Please see pages 123-124.

‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

EXPERIENCE IT!

BUTCHART GARDENS In the late 1800’s, a concrete merchant named Robert Pim Butchart ventured out to western Canada in search of limestone, an essential ingredient for his cement producing business. He moved his family to Vancouver Island, where he opened a processing facility adjacent to his home. After many successful years in business, his limestone quarry became barren, and Mr. Butchart was left with a gigantic hole in his backyard. He and his wife Jenny had a plan to fill the floor of the quarry with soil and create a gigantic sunken garden. As she began planting flowers, he began adding a collection of birds, and a colourful display began to take shape. Soon, word began to spread about this magnificent piece of landscape. Since the 1920’s, more than 1 million nature lovers have made a pilgrimage to see this spectacle. When you tour British Columbia with Collette Worldwide Holidays, you will have an opportunity to visit this palatial park. Stroll through 50 acres of beautiful plants and colourful flowers and admire the Butcharts’ hard work and creativity.

45


THE BEST OF EASTERN CANADA Ottawa

MONTREAL • QUEBEC CITY • OTTAWA • VIA RAIL • TORONTO • NIAGARA FALLS

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Soak in the scenery as you travel from Ottawa to Toronto aboard VIA Rail!

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

• Witness the incredible power of Mother Nature at breathtaking Niagara Falls. • Enjoy a “progressive dinner” in Quebec City and sample first-hand three local restaurants!

Jacques Cartier Square, Montreal

• Enjoy a “Dine Around” dinner in Ottawa.

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1-2 Hotel Omni Mont-Royal, Montreal, Quebec Day 3-4 Quebec Hilton, Quebec City, Quebec Day 5-6 Sheraton Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario Day 7-8 Sheraton Toronto Centre, Toronto, Ontario Day 9 Overnight flight

DAY 1: ARRIVE MONTREAL, QUEBEC Your tour begins in the second largest Frenchspeaking city in the world, Montreal. DAY 2: MONTREAL Today enjoy a fantastic sightseeing tour of Montreal highlighting Jacques Cartier Square and McGill University plus enjoy views of Notre Dame Cathedral and St. Joseph’s Oratory. Your city tour concludes with a stop high atop Mount Royal from which the surrounding view is spectacular. Ascended by Jacques Cartier in 1535, Mount Royal is the jewel of Mount Royal Park. The afternoon is yours to explore the city’s famous underground shopping. This evening you will be treated to dinner in one of the restaurants for which this renowned city is famous, capping off a wonderfully memorable day. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Notre Dame Cathedral, Montreal

46

DAY 3: MONTREAL - QUEBEC CITY This morning depart for Quebec City. Later today, experience the beauty and history of both Old and New Quebec with a fascinating sightseeing tour of the city. See the stately Chateau Frontenac, the Parliament, the St. Louis Arch, and Place Royale, the site of the original settlement of the city of Quebec. Tastings … a Collette Exclusive. Sample Quebec City’s best dining experiences – all in a single evening! Think of it as a grand epicurean tour with each course in a different, unforgettable restaurant. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

DAY 4: QUEBEC CITY This morning enjoy breakfast at a local sugar shack nestled in the Quebec countryside. Learn about the traditions of maple syrup production and enjoy sampling many delicious traditional foods made with local maple syrup. Before leaving, try a favourite regional treat - maple taffy in the snow! The remainder of your day is at leisure to wander the streets of this quaint setting which is designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 5: QUEBEC CITY - OTTAWA This morning, depart for Ottawa - the beautiful and cosmopolitan capital city of Canada. Diner’s Choice … a Collette Exclusive. Tonight your dinner is included – and you’ll choose the perfect spot from a “menu” of Ottawa’s great restaurants. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 6: OTTAWA This morning see Ottawa from a different perspective during a breakfast cruise on the Ottawa River, offering lovely views of the Parliament buildings. Then, embark on a city tour showcasing the Rideau Canal (in winter the world’s largest skating rink), picturesque Rideau Falls, the Supreme Court and Byward Market. Next, see Parliament up-close during a guided tour that explains the history of these breathtaking buildings. Later, you can savour the flavour of a local speciality - a beavertail - while you enjoy a stroll through the Byward Market, known for its fruits, vegetables, flowers and arts & crafts. Enjoy some leisure time to discover the city independently. You may wish to explore one of Ottawa’s famous museums or spend some additional time exploring the Byward Market. Today breakfast will be included. St. Louis Arch, Quebec City

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10 DAYS, 12 MEALS:

8 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners

CN Tower, Toronto

The M Factory, Inc. Collette Vacations The Best of Eastern Canada_10 final Proof date: 11/26/08

DAY 7: OTTAWA - VIA RAIL - TORONTO This morning board the VIA Rail train and sit back, relax and enjoy the local scenery as you travel from Ottawa to Toronto. This afternoon you will discover the exciting city of Toronto with a sightseeing tour including the harbour front and Queens Park before enjoying some leisure time to explore the city on your own. Today breakfast will be included.

Chateau Frontenac, Quebec City

DAY 8: TORONTO - NIAGARA FALLS - TORONTO This morning visit Niagara on the Lake to enjoy the local shops and the charming atmosphere. Next, travel to the thundering and awe-inspiring Niagara Falls where breathtaking views remind you of the power of Mother Nature. Of course, a visit to Niagara Falls would not be complete without experiencing the incredible Maid of the Mist cruise. Board the boat to see and feel the falls up-close. Don’t forget to bring a camera! Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 9: TORONTO - DEPART FOR HOME Your tour ends today in Toronto. Today breakfast will be included DAY 10: ARRIVE U.K.

Maid of the Mist at Niagara Falls

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre nights in Montreal from only £80 per person per night or post nights in Toronto from only £60 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Options 47, 48, 49 & 50 available. Please see pages 123-124.

47


CANADA’S ATLANTIC COAST

Peggy’s Cove, near Halifax

HALIFAX • PEGGY’S COVE • HOPEWELL ROCKS • PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND • CAVENDISH NATIONAL PARK • CAPE BRETON ISLAND • CABOT TRAIL

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Visit the amazing four story high flowerpotshaped rocks known as Hopewell Rocks. • On Prince Edward Island, Rustico’s celebrated wharf is dotted with fishing boats and lobster traps.

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

Halifax

Day 1-2 Atlantica Hotel, Halifax, Nova Scotia Day 3-4 Crowne Plaza, Moncton, New Brunswick Day 5-6 Resort at Cavendish Corner, Cavendish, Prince Edward Island Day 7-8 Inverary Inn, Baddeck, Nova Scotia

Hopewell Rocks, Moncton

Rustico, Prince Edward Island

48

Level 5

own Acadian dish. Arrive in Moncton and enjoy an evening at leisure to independently discover its quintessential Maritime charm. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 4: MONCTON Today, travel the sea-sprayed shoreline to the amazing Hopewell Rocks. A New Brunswick icon, these flowerpot-shaped rocks carved by the Fundy tides rise four stories high at low tide and disappear into tiny islands when the tide is high. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

Day 10 Overnight flight

Level 4

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• Discover the amazing accomplishments of Alexander Graham Bell during a visit to his museum in Nova Scotia.

Day 9 Atlantica Hotel, Halifax, Nova Scotia

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DAY 1: Arrive HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA Welcome to Canada’s Atlantic Coast – an area of rugged, pristine beauty. DAY 2: HALIFAX - PEGGY’S COVE - HALIFAX Explore Halifax’s charming downtown on a scenic tour of the city highlighting the waterfront, Public Gardens, Spring Garden Road and the famous Citadel. Later, enjoy a visit to one of the most picturesque spots in all of Canada – the beautiful Peggy’s Cove. Its historic lighthouse overlooking the Atlantic Ocean provides one of the most memorable views of your journey. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 3: HALIFAX - MONCTON, NEW BRUNSWICK Leave Nova Scotia behind and venture to New Brunswick. En route, enjoy a visit to the Glooscap Heritage Centre to learn about the Mi’kmaq heritage and Glooscap legends; see artifacts including stunning quill and bead work; and learn some Mi’kmaq words! Next, a truly unique experience awaits at Olivier Soapery where you learn about the traditional craft of organic soapmaking. Then, visit La Pays de la Sagouine, a true celebration of Acadian culture. Experience historical re-enactments and participate in the fun first-hand when you play the spoons or bake your

DAY 5: MONCTON - CAVENDISH, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND Leave New Brunswick behind and cross the stately Confederation Bridge to the “island cradled in the waves.” Enjoy the rolling landscapes of Prince Edward Island, the backdrop of the acclaimed novel, “Anne of Green Gables.” Visit Rustico’s celebrated wharf, dotted with fishing boats and lobster traps. Arrive in charming Cavendish and visit Cavendish National Park’s picturesque beaches. This evening you’ll journey to the village of Avonlea and the local “fishing Shanty” to experience a true island feast. Watch as steamed mussels and lobsters are prepared before sitting down to taste the best local food the island has to offer. Next enjoy another island event…a traditional Kitchen Party! Enjoy the sounds of fiddles, guitars and accordions as well as the opportunity to dance! Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 6: CAVENDISH CHARLOTTETOWN - CAVENDISH Visit the Anne of Green Gables Museum, the house in which Lucy Maud Montgomery lived and upon which she based her book. Then meet a local potato farmer and learn about the potato industry on Prince Edward Island first-hand as you help him with his crop. At Prince Edward Island Preserves, see local berries blended with a “secret” ingredient to create a unique island taste. Next, venture to charming seaside Charlottetown, for a walking tour along the narrow streets lined with quaint homes and hidden treasures. Today breakfast will be included.


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Cabot Trail

The M Factory, Inc. Collette Vacations Canada’s Atlantic Coast_12 1st Proof date: 2/12/11

DAY 7: CAVENDISH - CAPE BRETON ISLAND, NOVA SCOTIA - BADDECK This morning you return to beautiful Nova Scotia by ferry across the Northumberland straight. Next, cross the Canso Causeway to stunning Cape Breton Island. Enjoy a scenic drive along the pristine shores of Bras d’Or Lakes, Canada’s only inland sea. Later, explore the amazing variety of inventions on display at the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, where the brilliant inventor made his home. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 8: CABOT TRAIL Spend the day exploring the Cabot Trail and fall in love with its rugged terrain and spectacular Atlantic Ocean views. Stop at the famed St. Peter’s Church in Cheticamp, then take time to stroll the streets of this traditional village steeped in the vibrant culture of the “Old World” French. Visit the Acadian Museum where you will learn how to make a hooked rug. Other highlights include stops at fishing communities along the coast, including lovely Neil’s Harbour. Today breakfast will be included.

‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

EXPERIENCE IT!

ISLAND KITCHEN PARTY Travel back in time to the village of Avonlea and enter a world of red dirt roads and wooden sidewalks. In the heart of the village, step into a “fishing shanty.” Here, the talented staff will prepare a traditional island feast. Fresh steamed mussels and boiled lobsters are on the menu. Watch as they are prepared and then take your seat to enjoy the best food on the island. Once the meal has ended the fun really begins. The exuberant staff and entertainers of Avonlea kick off an old-time Island Kitchen Party! Enjoy the sounds of fiddles, guitars and accordions as you lose yourself in the lively rhythms of traditional songs. You can even learn to play the spoons or take a square dancing lesson!

DAY 9: BADDECK - HALIFAX Depart Cape Breton for Sugar Moon Farm. Meet the family that runs the farm and learn about the unique organic methods they employ to produce maple syrup. Then sit back and relax in their “Sugar Shack” – a charming log cabin where you have a tasting, then enjoy a light lunch enhanced with maple. Later, return to Halifax for time at leisure to explore the city. Walk along the waterfront, indulge in some delicious fresh seafood, or simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this charming Canadian seaport. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. DAY 10: HALIFAX - DEPART FOR HOME Return home today with warm memories of Canada’s Atlantic Coast.

Traditional Island Meal

DAY 11: ARRIVE U.K.

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre or post nights in Halifax from only £55 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Options 51, 52 & 53 available. Please see pages 123-124.

Halifax

49


COSTA RICA: A WORLD OF NATURE Arenal Volcano

TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK • SARAPIQUI RAIN FOREST • PINEAPPLE PLANTATION • BAT TOUR • CHOCOLATEMAKING DEMONSTRATION • COOKING DEMONSTRATION • RIVER RAFTING • FARM TOUR • CHEESE-MAKING DEMONSTRATION • ARENAL VOLCANO • MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK • COFFEE PLANTATION

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Enjoy a two night stay in Tortuguero National Park surrounded by the tropical forest and wildlife. • Choose a horseback ride to Arenal Volcano, a Hot Springs visit or a canopy zip line adventure high above the Arenal Volcano Rain Forest. • Spend three nights in Arenal with breathtaking views of the lava producing volcano. • Explore the pristine beauty and wildlife of famous Manuel Antonio National Park.

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1 Herradura Hotel, San Jose Day 2-3 Evergreen Lodge, Tortuguero or Pachira Lodge, Tortuguero Day 4-5 La Quinta Country Inn, Sarapiqui Day 6-8 Arenal Springs Resort, Arenal Day 9-10 Hotel Punta Leona, Tarcoles Day 11 Herradura Hotel, San Jose Day 12 Overnight flight

SMALL GROUP TOUR NO MORE THAN 28 PEOPLE PER GROUP – SEE PAGE 7

Manuel Antonio National Park

50

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

DAY 1: Arrive SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA Journey to Costa Rica and discover the outstanding variety of flora and fauna of Tortuguero National Park, Sarapiqui Rain Forest and Manuel Antonio National Park. DAY 2: SAN JOSE - TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK Begin the day travelling through the Braulio Carrillo National Park to the Caribbean low lands. En route, experience mountain scenery, changes in eco-systems, and Caribbean-style villages. Later, your guide explains the rain forest eco-system as you cruise the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park. Afterwards learn more about your surroundings with a visit to the world’s first Green Turtle Research Station. Join your fellow travellers this evening for a welcome reception followed by dinner. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

DAY 5: SARAPIQUI See firsthand the process of producing chocolate from the cacao bean and learn the history and continuing importance of cacao to Central America’s economy. Later embark on an exhilarating Sarapiqui River rafting adventure. Before tonight’s dinner, a Costa Rican chef offers a cooking demonstration including the palmito (Hearts of Palm) picadillo, tortillas, plantains and refried beans. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 6: SARAPIQUI - ARENAL Begin the day with an early morning bird watching tour along the natural forest trails and nearby stream. Later visit a local school** and learn

DAY 3: TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK Set out on an early morning bird watching excursion* that explores the variety of local species and migratory birds that flock to this area. Later on a boat cruise, keep an eye out for wildlife that includes howler monkeys, sloths, toucans and caimans, as well as exotic flora. Seek out green macaws; 57 species of amphibians; 111 species of reptiles; and 60 mammal species, including 13 of Costa Rica’s endangered animals, including jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, cougars, river otters and manatees. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

about Costa Rica’s educational system and the children’s way of life in a small farming community. Later, in Arenal, behold the spectacular views of Arenal Volcano. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

DAY 4: TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK - SARAPIQUI Embark on a leisurely boat ride to the mainland as you travel to the fascinating Sarapiqui region. Visit an organic pineapple plantation and learn about the various types of this exotic fruit and why Costa Rican pineapples are among the world’s best. Later, join a local expert at La Tirimbina Biological Reserve for a fascinating bat tour explaining the biological importance of these flying mammals. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

DAY 7: ARENAL Share in the experience of a real “Costarican lechero” (Costa Rican milkman). Learn about local fruits and organic farming during a tour of the family-owned Finca Don Carlos with fields of orchards, grasslands, medicinal plants, rivers, and a private forest reserve. Follow a cheese-making demonstration with a traditional farm-style lunch. Spend the afternoon at leisure and enjoy the lodge’s amenities, relax in a hot spring, explore nature trails or go horseback riding. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.

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DAY 8: ARENAL HORSEBACK RIDE, ARENAL CANOPY ZIP LINE OR HOT SPRINGS Today you get to choose from 3 amazing experiences! Explore Arenal Volcano Rain Forest by horseback, see it from above on a zip-line, or soak in the soothing waters of one of the region’s famous hot springs. You may explore the Arenal Volcano Rain Forest on horseback, crossing rivers and following the trails, enjoying views of the San Carlos plains and the amazing lava paths of the majestic Arenal Volcano. Or, choose to go to Arenal Volcano Rain Forest for an amazing zip-line canopy tour. Gain a bird’s-eye-view of the endless primary forest, Lake Arenal and the majestic Arenal Volcano. Or, soak away your worries in the luxurious soothing waters of one of the region’s famous hot springs. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 9: ARENAL - TARCOLES Travel the beautiful chequered landscape surrounding Lake Arenal while en route to the Pacific coast. After arriving at your destination, the remainder of your day is at leisure. Explore the natural surroundings and exotic wildlife. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 10: TARCOLES - MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK - TARCOLES Explore spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its pristine beaches and primary forest. Spend the morning leisurely walking the forest trails in search of native inhabitants like the three-toed sloth, agoutis, squirrel monkeys and iguanas. Take a swim in the inviting blue waters of its beaches. Relax for the rest of the day by the pool and absorb the natural beauty of your surroundings. This evening, enjoy dinner by the beach, overlooking the Pacific Ocean (weather permitting). Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 11: TARCOLES - SARCHI - SAN JOSE After breakfast, travel to Sarchi, an important crafts centre. Learn about the traditional crafts of this region and witness local artisans as they produce colourful oxcarts. Tour the Espiritu Santo Coffee Plantation which highlights the history and cultivation of coffee and its importance to the Costa Rican economy. Journey back to San Jose for your farewell dinner and overnight stay. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 12: SAN JOSE - DEPART FOR HOME Your tour ends today. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 13: ARRIVE HOME

Toucan

Caiman

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre nights in San Jose from only ÂŁ40 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Options 54, 55 & 56 available. Please see pages 123-124.

51


TROPICAL COSTA RICA

Cano Negro

SAN JOSE • COFFEE PLANTATION • GUANACASTE • MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST • HANGING BRIDGES • ARENAL VOLCANO • LAKE ARENAL CRUISE • COOKING DEMONSTRATION • CANO NEGRO REFUGE • ZARCERO • NATIONAL THEATRE

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Learn about Costa Rica’s unique vegetation on a guided nature walk through the cloud forest. • Spot indigenous wildlife on a Cano Negro river boat cruise. • Enjoy the tropical landscapes and breathtaking scenery surrounding Arenal Volcano.

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

Day 1 Hotel Doubletree Cariari by Hilton, San Jose Day 2-3 Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort, Tamarindo Beach, Guanacaste Day 4-5 El Establo Hotel, Monteverde Cloud Forest Day 6-7 Arenal Springs Resort, Arenal or Montana de Fuego Lodge, Arenal Day 8 Hotel Doubletree Cariari by Hilton, San Jose Day 9 Overnight flight

DAY 1: ARRIVE SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA Lush forests and stunning waterfalls… exotic wildlife and endless coastlines… Costa Rica is truly a slice of paradise. Your tour begins in the colourful capital city of San Jose. Upon arrival, relax and soak up the sights of your new surroundings. DAY 2: SAN JOSE - DOKA COFFEE ESTATE - TAMARINDO BEACH (GUANACASTE) Travel through the verdant countryside of the Central Valley to the fertile region world-renowned for coffee. A tour of the Doka Coffee Estate highlights the history and cultivation of coffee and its importance to the Costa Rican economy. This afternoon, arrive in the Guanacaste region, known for its breathtaking beauty and fine sandy

52

Level 4

Level 5

1st P beaches. Here, rest and relaxation go hand-in-hand with mesmerising ocean views and lush tropical greenery. Settle in for a relaxing two night stay. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 3: TAMARINDO BEACH Fun in the sun is in store for you as you enjoy this tropical paradise. Explore the nearby town and beaches, take an optional cruise or simply relax by the pool or beach and take advantage of the amenities offered at your lovely resort. Today breakfast will be included.

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

Level 3

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DAY 4: TAMARINDO BEACH MONTEVERDE You won’t believe your eyes as you travel into the Monteverde Cloud Forest, where trees grow to heights of 100 feet! In this spectacular ecosystem, you will encounter many incredible species of flora and fauna. Upon arrival in Monteverde, a nature walk allows you to discover the natural beauty of the cloud forest first hand. This forest is the home of the world’s largest population of the endangered quetzal, celebrated for its gorgeous jewel-toned plumage. Keep your eyes peeled and you may be lucky enough to spot this elusive bird! Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 5: MONTEVERDE Begin your day at Selvatura Park, a cloud forest reserve in the heart of Monteverde. Venture into a different world, exploring one of the world’s largest butterfly gardens with more than 30 species of tropical butterflies. Next, in a nearby gallery containing more than 100 beautiful hummingbirds, you will be dazzled by the 14 different species. Enjoy a guided, leisurely-paced “Hanging Bridges” walking tour and learn about the cloud forest’s unique ecosystem, its mammals, birds, plants and flora. This evening, enjoy an informative lecture on the migratory birds that flock to Costa Rica every year. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 6: MONTEVERDE - LAKE ARENAL CRUISE - ARENAL Begin the day with a visit to a tree nursery and learn about Monteverde’s reforestation efforts of

indigenous trees. Travel through the beautiful mountainous landscapes of Monteverde to Tierras Morenas. Visit a local school sponsored by the Collette Foundation*, meet the children and learn about the educational system and lifestyle of this small farming community. Continue on to Arenal, where breathtaking views of the volcano await you during a delightful cruise on Lake Arenal, the largest and most important lake in Costa Rica. Later, check in for a two night stay at a typical lodge overlooking the majestic Arenal Volcano which has been generation lava for the past 30 years. Before dinner, enjoy a cooking demonstration and learn how native, exotic vegetables and plants contribute to the unique flavours of Costa Rican cuisine. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 7: ARENAL - CANO NEGRO - ARENAL Of all Costa Rica’s nature preserves, the remote 20,000 acres of Cano Negro are home to the largest viewable selection of indigenous wildlife. Embark on a Cano Negro guided river boat trip making frequent stops to watch and photograph the wildlife around you which may include crocodiles, river otters, sloths, river turtles, exotic birds and rare butterflies, all known to live in the area. The Arenal Volcano area is also known as the land of spas and hot springs. Later in the day you will have an opportunity to attain a state of complete relaxation with an optional visit to one of the finest spas in the region. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 8: ARENAL - ZARCERO - GRECIA NATIONAL THEATRE - SAN JOSE Travel to the charming town of Zarcero to visit its well-known whimsical topiary garden. Continue to the small picturesque town of Grecia to see the unusual metal church constructed of brickred metal panes, walk the beautifully landscaped central park, or shop at the traditional local market. Later, visit San Jose’s colourful Plaza de Cultura and the National Theatre, a magnificent building of post-Baroque splendour. This evening, enjoy a wonderful farewell dinner. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.


NICARAGUA 0

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Cano Negro Monteverde Tamarindo Beach 2

2

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Arenal

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PRICES FROM:

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* –number indicates length of stay ** With option length of stay is 3

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10 DAYS, 14 MEALS:

8 breakfasts, 6 Dinners

DAY 9: SAN JOSE - DEPART FOR HOME Today you depart for home with fabulous memories of your adventure in Costa Rica. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 10: ARRIVE U.K.

The M Factory, Inc. Collette Vacations OPTIONAL 3-NIGHT JUNGLE ADVENTURE Tropical Costa Rica_12 POST TOUR EXTENSION From: £290 per person 1st Proof Prices date: 3/11/10

8 MEALS: 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners DAY 9: SAN JOSE - TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK Enjoy an exciting soft-adventure jungle extension to Tortuguero, the Amazon of Costa Rica. Explore the region’s wildlife by boat, viewing macaws, sloths, monkeys, falcons and other native species. Tonight, enjoy a memorable two night stay at your eco-lodge surrounded by the beauty of a tropical forest and amazing wildlife. Learn more about your surroundings with a visit to the world’s first Green Turtle Research Station and discover how to protect the turtle’s nesting habitat and eggs. Today lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 10: TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK An early morning bird watching excursion is offered so you may learn about the variety of local species and migratory birds that flock to this area. Later, experience a spectacular boat cruise through the various canals and be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife including howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, aquatic birds, bats and caimans, as well as exotic flora. Tortuguero National Park is a study in rainforest, freshwater, and marine biology. It protects over 350 species of birds and mammals including green macaws; 57 species of amphibians; 111 species of reptiles; and 60 mammal species, including 13 of Costa Rica’s 16 endangered species including jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, cougars, river otters, and manatees. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 11: TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK - SAN JOSE Return to San Jose today for your last night in Costa Rica before your return home. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. DAY 12: SAN JOSE - DEPART FOR HOME Today breakfast will be included. DAY 13: ARRIVE U.K.

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre nights in San Jose from only £40 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Options 55, 57 & 58 available. Please see pages 123-124.

‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

EXPERIENCE IT!

MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST There are only four places in the world with an ecosystem so unique that it produces a cloud forest. The Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica is one. Situated high on a mountain, the cloud forest is created when the arid air from the forest below the mountain combines with the moist, hot air of the rainforest. The result is a blanket of misty, wispy clouds that linger low in the forest, making it feel as if it were raining. This rare environment breeds a diverse world of exotic flora and fauna. One of the cloud forest’s most famous residents is the endangered resplendent quetzal. A remarkably colourful bird, this creature sports a golden beak that protrudes from a green-hooded head. The breast is a vibrant scarlet and the tail feathers are grey, black and white. A highly-elusive bird, quetzal sightings are rare but absolutely unforgettable.

53


DISCOVER PANAMA

Panama Canal

PANAMA CITY • CULINARY DEMONSTRATION • MIRAFLORES LOCKS • SMITHSONIAN GALETA MARINE LABORATORY • PANAMA CANAL RAILWAY • GAMBOA • PACIFIC QUEEN PANAMA CANAL CRUISE • EMBERÁ INDIGENOUS VILLAGE • SALSA DANCE LESSON • MONKEY ISLAND CRUISE OR AERIAL TRAM • PLAYA BONITA

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Board the Pacific Queen for a brief journey along the Panama Canal

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

2nd

• Discover the abundance of wildlife in the tropical jungles of Panama • Relive Panama’s colonial past with a tour of Panama City

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1-2 Holiday Inn Panama Canal, Panama City Day 3-6 Gamboa Rainforest Resort, Gamboa Day 7-8 Intercontinental Playa Bonita Resort & Spa, Playa Bonita

DAY 1: Arrive PANAMA CITY, PANAMA Welcome to Panama, a country of lush rainforests, rich history, diverse wildlife and spectacular coastlines. Your tour begins in cosmopolitan Panama City. DAY 2: PANAMA CITY Meet your fellow travellers for a welcome breakfast before embarking on a city tour. Visit Panama Viejo Visitors’ Center and Cathedral Tower, exploring the ruins of the oldest Spanish settlement on the Pacific. Next, stop at two local markets specialising in fresh produce and seafood for an introduction to the speciality foods of Panama. Continue to Casco Antiguo, the Old Quarter - a UNESCO World Heritage site. A short walking tour down its cobblestoned streets showcases the Plaza de la Independencia, the Presidential Palace, the National Theater, and restored colonial churches and monuments. After lunch, ascend to Cerro Ancon’s peak for a captivating view of Panama City. Tonight, experience a private culinary demonstration with a local chef and learn how typical Panamanian dishes are prepared. Then, enjoy a traditional Panamanian dinner. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

54

DAY 3: MIRAFLORES LOCKS - GALETA MARINE LABORATORY - PANAMA CANAL RAILWAY - GAMBOA Head to Miraflores Locks Visitor Center to view the Panama Canal and learn about its rich past, present and future. Follow the canal north into the rainforest and enjoy lunch overlooking the Gamboa marina. Learn more about Panama’s delicate ecosystems at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s Galeta Marine Laboratory as a staff biologist brings this breathtaking setting to life. Stroll mangrove boardwalks, spot species of indigenous birds, and learn about the Collette Foundation’s support of Galeta’s outreach programmes for local children. At the train station in Colon, climb aboard the historic Panama Canal Railway and relax in elegance as you are whisked past stunning scenery in perfectly restored cars. Continue to the Gamboa Rainforest Resort - your home for the next four nights. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. DAY 4: PANAMA CANAL CRUISE This morning, follow your guide on a nature walk through the resort’s forest and gardens. The Audubon Society rates Soberanía National Park as one of the world’s top bird watching locations. Next, board the Pacific Queen for a partial transit through the Panama Canal. Enjoy lunch on board and pass through two locks as you revel in a once-in-alifetime chance to see this incredible engineering feat first hand and learn all about its construction and operation. Disembark at Flamenco Marina. Visit a local handicraft market and peruse artisan souvenirs made by indigenous peoples, including the “mola” embroidery of the Kuna Yala. Then, soak up the ambiance at the oceanfront Amador Causeway and relish a seafood dinner. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 5: GAMBOA With a day at leisure, perhaps enjoy the resort’s pool and spa; soak in the sights and sounds from the hammock on your balcony; go fishing in Gatun Lake; kayak in the Panama Canal or embark on an optional day trip to Smithsonian’s Tropical Research Institute at Barro Colorado Island Nature

The Coll Disc

Monument for a guided trail walk. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 6: EMBERA INDIGENOUS VILLAGE Set off for an excursion to an Emberá indigenous village. Board dugout canoes for a scenic ride up the Chagres River to a settlement of Emberá, the “Keepers of the Rainforest.” The Emberá strive to preserve their heritage and love to share their traditional techniques of homebuilding and handicrafts with visitors. Join in their dances and partake in a simple lunch cooked traditionally before returning to the mainland. This evening, enjoy a private salsa lesson where you move to the rhythm of Panama and learn about its rich folkloric tradition. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 7: GAMBOA - MONKEY ISLAND OR RAINFOREST TRAM - PLAYA BONITA Choose how to spend your morning! Get an upclose glimpse of Panama’s wildlife during a cruise to Monkey Island or ride the Aerial Tram for canopy level views of the rainforest. Spot iguanas, toucans, sloths, and more. Relax for the remainder of the morning…perhaps take a nature walk, visiting the resort’s butterfly house and orchid nursery; or embark on an optional tour to Gatún Locks and the Portobelo Fort. Depart Gamboa this afternoon for Playa Bonita and your five-star beachfront resort. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 8: PLAYA BONITA Today, enjoy free time for relaxing on the beach, enjoying the spa or amenities at your hotel, kayaking, or taking a nature walk in the adjacent Punta Bruja Reserve. You may opt to take a tour to a pineapple farm or an excursion to the enchanting Anton Valley, nestled inside the second largest volcanic crater in the world. This evening, celebrate your journey to Panama at a farewell dinner overlooking the Pacific. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 9: PLAYA BONITA DEPART FOR HOME Today breakfast will be included. DAY 10: ARRIVE U.K.


1

Overnight stay* Caribbean Sea Visit Standard Tour Option Bocas del Toro Islands (pre-tour) Cruise Galeta Marine P A N A M Train Flight Colon Laboratory Alajuala * –number indicates length of stay ** With option length of stay is 3

Lake

Gatun Lake

Emberá Indigenous Village 4

Chagres

Panama Canal 1 Panama City**

Gamboa

To Bocas del Toro Islands (see inset map below)

2

Playa Bonita

Bocas del Toro Islands 2

0 0

100 miles

A

Panama City 1 Area of main map

100 kilometers

Flamenco Marina Gulf of Panam a

PA C I F I C OCEAN 0

20 miles

0

20 kilometers

PRICES FROM:

£2099

SA BO VE O up K E Te rm to £ ARL s& co 10 nd 0p Y iti

on s a er c pp ou ly p

le

INCLUDING Door to Door Transfer please see page 4 for details

10 DAYS, 15 MEALS:

8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 Dinners

OPTIONAL 4 DAYS 3-NIGHT BOCAS DEL TORO ISLANDS PRE TOUR EXTENSION Prices From: £645

per person The M Factory, Inc. 5 MEALS: 3 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners Collette Vacations DiscoverDAY Panama_12 1: Arrive PANAMA CITY, PANAMA Panama. After 2nd ProofWelcome date: to3/17/11 an overnight in cosmopolitan Panama City, beautiful Bocas del Toro awaits.

DAY 2: PANAMA CITY BOCAS DEL TORO ISLANDS Fly to the tropical archipelago known as Bocas del Toro, near the Costa Rican border. Discovered by Columbus in 1502, the islands enclose the calm, green Caribbean waters of Chiriqui Lagoon and boast exotic beaches, lush greenery, banana plantations and a relaxed calypso lifestyle. It’s the kind of Caribbean hideaway one expects to find only in an old Bogart film and it’s a hard place to leave. Enjoy your stay at the Playa Tortuga Hotel and Beach Resort, on the island of Colon. Settle into island life with dinner featuring Caribbean cuisine at your resort as you experience the best of Bocas hospitality. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 3: BOCAS DEL TORO ISLANDS After breakfast, start your exploration of the natural wonders of Isla Bastimentos Marine National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Featuring spectacular coral reefs and warm crystal-clear waters, it is a paradise for swimmers and divers. Explore Dolphin Bay by boat for a chance to see these beautiful animals in their natural environment. The adventure continues with a visit to Coral Cay, a lovely reef with plentiful sea creatures. Enjoy lunch at leisure at a laid-back restaurant built over the water. Delight in Bocas del Toro seafood specialties in between snorkelling and swimming opportunities from the dock. Next, continue by boat to Red Frog Beach, named for the otherwise rare species of dart frog that is abundant on this island. After a nature walk to spot the tiny frogs, take in the Caribbean atmosphere at one of Bocas’ largest and most beautiful beaches. Return to your resort for dinner overlooking the tropical seas and soak up more island vibes. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 4: BOCAS DEL TORO ISLANDS - PANAMA CITY Start your day with a visit to Bocas del Drago and Starfish Beach, a peaceful stretch of coast where you can wade in the clear waters with hundreds of giant starfish. Afterwards, explore eclectic Bocas Town, a charming Caribbean outpost village of rustic wooden houses, shops and bars filled with colourful characters. Bocas Town exudes a funky charm and is the reason why so many international expatriates choose to retire here. Browse for souvenirs and find a café for lunch before flying back to Panama City where you join your fellow travellers to begin the tour. Today breakfast will be included.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Options 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66 & 67 available. Please see pages 123-124.

‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

Panama Canal

EXPERIENCE IT!

PANAMA CANAL: CONNECTING THE ATLANTIC & PACIFIC Panama is steeped in history - from early Inca traders and Spanish conquistadors, to the Panama Canal, a modern-day engineering marvel. Completed in 1914, almost 50 miles long and one of the most complex engineering projects ever undertaken, your journey across the Isthmus of Panama takes you through the Gaillard Cut, carved through the Continental Divide. Take a partial transit cruise on the Pacific Queen for a once-in-a lifetime chance to view this marvel up close and learn all about its construction and importance in world trade. Pass through the Pedro Miguel and Miraflores locks, and learn about the canal expansion project. It’s an unforgettable journey between the seas.

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre nights in Panama City from only £60 per person per night and/or post nights in Playa Bonita from only £120 per person per night.

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PERU: ANCIENT LAND OF MYSTERIES

Machu Picchu, Peru

LIMA • SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS • MACHU PICCHU • CUZCO • UROS FLOATING ISLANDS • LAKE TITICACA • PARACAS RESERVE & THE BALLESTAS ISLANDS

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Discover Machu Picchu, one of the most spectacular sites in South America

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

• Enjoy a cruise to the floating islands on Lake Titicaca • Descend through the Andes to the majestic Sacred Valley of the Incas

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1 Overnight flight Day 2-3 Doubletree El Pardo, Lima Day 4-5 Sonesta Posada del Inca, Yucay, Sacred Valley or Casa Andina Private Collection, Sacred Valley Day 6 Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, Aguas Calientes Day 7-8 Novotel, Cuzco or Casa Andina Private Collection, Cuzco or Sonesta Hotel, Cuzco Day 9-10 Sonesta Posada del Inca, Puno or Jose Antonio Hotel, Puno Day 11-12 Doubletree by Hilton Resort, Paracas Day 13 Novotel, Lima Day 14 Overnight flight

Alpacas

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The M Fa Collette V Peru: An (Main M

1st Proof DAY 1: OVERNIGHT FLIGHT Journey to Peru, one of the treasures of South America. Vast in landscapes and diversity, you will experience the unchanged culture and breathtaking beauty of the Andes. Travel through this intriguing land visiting some of the world’s greatest mysteries including Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas.” DAY 2: ARRIVE LIMA, PERU Arrive early this morning in the “City of Kings,” Lima, Peru. A room has been reserved for your use on arrival. Spend the remainder of your day at leisure. DAY 3: LIMA Today enjoy a fascinating city tour through the historical centre of Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire the artwork at San Francisco Monastery and enter the catacombs. View the Government Center, the Plaza de Armas’s elegant Cathedral, an abundance of colonial architecture and the fashionable suburbs of San Isidro and Miraflores for insight into the daily life of the Limeños. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner showcasing Peru’s delicious cuisine and festive entertainment. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 4: LIMA - CUZCO - SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS Fly to Cuzco, in the heart of the Inca civilization. Board your coach to descend through the Andes to the majestic Sacred Valley of the Incas, the agricultural centre for the Incas. Learn the centuries-old methods of spinning, dyeing and weaving Andean traditional textiles during a visit to Awana Kancha, a living museum of the Peruvian Andes. After a short lesson on the local language, stop in Pisac village to browse the colourful handicraft market. A visit to Pablo Seminario Ceramic Studio teaches you about this internationally renowned artist’s techniques and designs, inspired by ancient Peruvian cultures. Settle in this evening at your hotel nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

DAY 5: SACRED VALLEy OF THE INCAS - OLLANTAYTAMBO - SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS Experience the lifestyle of the modern Andean people and delve into their culture when you travel to a nearby community and interact with the locals. This afternoon, visit the spectacular Ollantaytambo ruins, the only Inca settlement that has been continually inhabited since its inception. A unique terraced complex topped with carved stone panels, these ruins reflect ancient Incan architecture and heritage. Do as the locals do and enjoy a tasting of “chicha,” a unique regional drink made from maize, at a local pub. Today breakfast will be included.

DAY 6: SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS - MACHU PICCHU Climb aboard the Machu Picchu train for breathtaking views through domed windows as you ride through the Andes to the “Lost City of the Incas.” Hidden by mountains and semitropical jungle, Machu Picchu is considered the most spectacular sight in South America. Spend the afternoon with your guide uncovering the mysteries of these majestic ruins. Tonight, stay at the base of Machu Picchu for a chance to further soak up its atmosphere. Enjoy an exclusive culinary demonstration before dinner. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.


ali

Amaz on

Sipan

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0

Chiclayo

PERU

Chan Chan

2 Trujillo

Urubamba

Lima**

Ollantaytambo

3 Overnight stay* Visit Standard tour Option Northern Kingdoms Train Cruise Flight

100 miles 100 kilometers

BRA ZIL

PACIFIC OCEAN 1

0

ir de Ma

Ballestas Islands 2

Cuzco

Paracas National Reserve Puno 2

a

BOL IVIA Lake Titicaca

DAY 7: MACHU PICCHU - CUZCO With leisure time this morning, you may return to Machu Picchu on your own or explore the local markets. Return by train and continue to Cuzco, a city that blends Inca culture and Spanish colonial influence. Enjoy a visit to a local orphanage sponsored by the Collette Foundation* and learn about their efforts to help the children of the region. Relax and become acclimatised to the altitude this evening. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 8: CUZCO Explore this former capital of the Inca Empire during a colonial city tour, experiencing the architectural legacy visible in the Cathedral, Santo Domingo and the Plaza de Armas. Discover the important sacred Incan ruins of Sacsayhuaman Fortress. This afternoon perhaps join an optional excursion to explore the enigmatic Inca terraces at Maras and the salt mines of Moray. This evening, enjoy a dinner and performance of traditional Andean folkloric music and dance. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 9: CUZCO - PUNO Join your tour guide this morning for a visit to the Centro Artesanal Cuzco market, where you can browse colourful displays of textiles, pottery and jewellery. Or enjoy leisure time to explore the San Blas artisans quarter or visit one of the many impressive museums. Then fly to Puno, hugging the shores of Lake Titicaca. Known as the birthplace of the Inca Empire, ancient legends say that life began here. Relax this evening at your lakeside hotel. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

le

INCLUDING Door to Door Transfer please see page 4 for details

12 breakfasts, 8 Dinners

Highest Elevation is approximately 12,421 feet (Puno).

1st Proof date: 4/16/11

on s a er c pp ou ly p

15 DAYS, 20 MEALS:

* –number indicates length of stay ** –with Northern Kingdoms length of stay is 4 nights

The M Factory, Inc. Collette Vacations Peru: Ancient Land of Mysteries_12 (Main Map with Northern Kingdoms option)

£3399

Machu Picchu 1

Sacred Valley 2 2

PRICES FROM:

SA BO VE O up K E Te rm to £ ARL s& co 20 nd 0p Y iti

OPTIONAL 4 DAYS 3-NIGHT NORTHERN KINGDOMS OF PERU PRE TOUR EXTENSION Prices From: £884.00 per person 5 MEALS: 3 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner DAY 1: DEPART U.K. DAY 2: ARRIVE LIMA, PERU - TOUR BEGINS Arrive in “City of Kings,” Lima, Peru. Your day is at leisure before your overnight stay. DAY 3: LIMA - CHICLAYO - ROYAL TOMBS OF SIPAN - TRUJILLO Fly this morning to the city of Chiclayo and visit the 4th Century complex of Huaca Rajada. These impressive pyramids and royal mausoleums were dedicated to The Lord of Sipan, a powerful warlord of the Moche people. Explore the Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum, celebrated as one of the most outstanding archaeological museums in South America. See a reconstruction of the tomb of Sipan, dubbed the “Tutankhamen of the Americas” because of the treasure trove of exquisite gold jewellery and splendid pottery discovered at his burial site. Today the most exciting and significant archaeological discoveries of modern times, not only in Peru but in all of South America, are taking place in this region. This will be a day brimming with the thrill of your own discoveries - a day you will not soon forget. This evening journey to Trujillo, “City of Eternal Spring,” and your historic hotel, the Libertador Trujillo, located on the Plaza de Armas.Today breakfast and lunch will be included. DAY 4: CHAN CHAN - TEMPLE OF THE SUN & MOON Today enjoy charming Trujillo, known for its beautiful colonial architecture and home to significant archaeological discoveries from remarkable pre-Inca cultures. Tour the monumental Chan Chan, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the former capital of the Chimu Empire, the largest in preColumbian America. Then explore the charming beach resort of Huanchaco, known for its totora seahorses - a unique, small reed boat used for fishing. A panoramic city tour of Trujillo highlights the Colonial centre including the Plaza de Armas, La Merced Church and El Recreo Square. Later, discover the culture and heritage of the ancient Moche, a pre-Inca civilization that once dominated the valleys of the northern coast of Peru. Admire the amazing adobe engineering of the Temple of the Sun, the tallest pyramid in the Americas at a height of 140 feet, constructed of more than 140 million adobe bricks by 200,000 workers. A journey of a few steps leads you to the Temple of the Moon and its colorful, enigmatic murals, the seat of Moche political power. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 5: TRUJILLO - LIMA - standard TOUR BEGINS Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Lima to start your tour. The remainder of the day is at leisure to shop or visit one of Lima’s many fine museums. (Day 2 of standard tour.) Today breakfast will be included. Airport departure taxes that must be paid when travelling on this extension are approx. $5.

Weaving, Cuzco

Cathedral, Lima

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PERU: ANCIENT LAND OF MYSTERIES

Lake Titicaca

DAY 10: UROS FLOATING ISLANDS - LAS CHULLPAS DE SILLUSTANI - LAKE TITICACA The Titicaca area, steeped in tradition and folklore, is the centre of Incan legends. Enjoy a morning cruise to the floating islands of the Uros people of Lake Titicaca. Experience walking on the spongy surface, made from compacted beds of tortora reeds and meet the locals, learning about their history and lifestyle. In the afternoon, visit mystical Chullpas de Sillustani - an archeological area boasting 13th Century funerary monuments. Participate in a local home visit to gain insight into daily life. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 11: PUNO - LIMA - PARACAS NATIONAL RESERVE This morning fly to Lima; continue south to the Paracas National Reserve - Peru’s only coastal wildlife sanctuary. En route, travel through the region of Pisco, known for wine and “pisco” (Peru’s national drink) production. Visit a local bodega for a tour and tasting of pisco. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 12: PARACAS NATIONAL RESERVE Today is yours to spend at leisure at your ecologically-designed seaside resort. Try spotting the dolphins in the bay! Or, join an optional day tour to Nazca to see the enigmatic Nazca Lines. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 13: PARACAS NATIONAL RESERVE - LIMA This morning, cruise out to the Ballestas Islands - the “Galapagos of Peru.” These islands are home to thousands of sea birds including Humboldt penguins, boobies and pelicans, who share their home with hundreds of playful sea lions. Watch for them swimming around your boat and for a glimpse of the elusive condor. Next you’ll visit an artisan workshop to learn about locally made textiles, famous in the Nazca region. Travel north and return to Lima, taking in views of the Peruvian Pacific coast. Enjoy a farewell dinner at one of Lima’s finest restaurants. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 14: LIMA - DEPART FOR HOME Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Today breakfast will be included. ‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

DAY 15: ARRIVE U.K.

EXPERIENCE IT! UROS FLOATING ISLANDS

Pelicans, Paracas National Reserve

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EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre nights in Lima from £55 per person per night and/or post nights in Lima from £50 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Options 68, 69, 70 & 71 available. Please see pages 123-124.

High in the Peruvian Andes on Lake Titicaca, discover one of the most unique and fascinating cultures in the world - the Uros. Step inside their world; see their way of life; visit an Uros home - it’s a cultural experience you won’t forget. When the Inca Empire expanded into their territory, the Uros moved into Lake Titicaca, where they began constructing the islands for their new homes. These fabled floating islands are built from layers upon layers of intertwined tortora reeds, a plant which grows naturally in the lake. The Uros homes, furniture and boats are also made out of this distinctive plant. The Uros are proud fishermen and make their living from the lake as well as from their beautiful embroidery and handicrafts. There are about 600 Uros living in communities on over 40 islands today and they welcome visitors into their homes to showcase their unique lifestyle. Walk on floating islands and meet these warm people for an unrivaled cultural experience.


ECUADOR: AVENUE OF THE VOLCANOES with the Galapagos Islands

Andes Mountain Train

QUITO • MIDDLE OF THE WORLD • ROSE PLANTATION • CULINARY DEMONSTRATION • CUICOCHA CRATER LAKE • ANDES MOUNTAIN TRAIN • FOLKLORE SHOWS • LA MAGDALENA • OTAVALO INDIGENOUS MARKET • COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK • BAÑOS • RIOBAMBA • INGAPIRCA ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE • CUENCA • PANAMA HAT FACTORY • BANANA & CACAO PLANTATION • GUAYAQUIL • 4-NIGHT GALAPAGOS ISLANDS CRUISE

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Journey down the famed “Avenue of the Volcanoes,” exploring the culture and beauty of Ecuador’s most fabled towns including Cuenca, Riobamba and Baños. • Stay in centuries-old Andean haciendas boasting rich Spanish colonial history - these estate accommodations are unique to Ecuador. • Marvel at Cotopaxi Volcano’s perfectly shaped cone during a tour of the national park and lunch at a hacienda. • Tour a Panama hat factory in Cuenca to witness local artisans transform toquilla palm straw into famous finely woven hats. • Ride the Andes Mountain Train and enjoy a folklore show in the local community. • Tour rose, banana and cacao plantations, and learn how chocolate is made.

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1 Heathrow Airport Hotel Day 2-3 Mercure Grand Hotel, Quito Day 4 Hacienda Pinsaquí, Otavalo Day 5 Homestay*, Otavalo or Hacienda Pinsaquí, Otavalo Day 6-7 Hosteria La Cienega, Cotopaxi Day 8 Hacienda Abraspungo, Riobamba Day 9-10 Hotel Crespo, Cuenca Day 11 Hotel Oro Verde, Guayaquil Day 12-15 mv Galapagos Island Day 16 Hotel Oro Verde, Guayaquil Day 17 Overnight flight

Quito

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

DAY 1: TRAVEL TO HEATHROW AIRPORT Travel to Heathrow Airport for an included overnight stay prior to your early morning flight to Ecuador via Madrid. DAY 2: Arrive QUITO, ECUADOR This morning you fly to Ecuador. On arrival you are welcomed to majestic Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Ecuador’s stunning capital city. DAY 3: QUITO Tour Quito’s charming colonial centre, including the Presidential Palace. Visit the Equatorial Line Monument at the “Middle of the World,” cross from one hemisphere to another and experience the forces of nature at the “Pathway of the Sun.” Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 4: QUITO - IMBABURA - OTAVALO Travel to the enchanting region of Imbabura, known for lakes, towering volcanoes and rich farmlands. Tour a rose plantation hacienda and learn about its production. In Peguche village visit the Andean Instruments Museum, then meet local residents at lunch and enjoy indigenous music and dance. Admire weaving skills of local artisans. See the legendary birds of the Andes at Condor Park. This evening, arrive at a 300-year-old Andean hacienda for an overnight in Old World elegance and enjoy a culinary demonstration. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 5: OTAVALO-CUICOCHA CRATER LAKE-ANDES MOUNTAIN TRAINOPTIONAL HOMESTAY At the foot of the Cotocachi Volcano, cruise spectacular Cuicocha Crater Lake. Take an unforgettable train ride through the Andes. Visit Salinas, where lunch features regional specialties. Sample “helado de paila,” a local fruit ice cream, before returning to historic Hacienda Pinsaqui. Or, choose a homestay* with the Karanki community of La Magdalena on the slopes of Cubilche Volcano. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

DAY 6: LA MAGDALENA - OTAVALO - COTOPAXI Witness the extraordinary community tourism project at La Magdalena. Share in the shepherding and harvesting activities and admire the beauty of their embroidery. Experience the sights and sounds of the Otavalo Market. Later enjoy lunch at Hacienda Guachalá, the oldest hacienda in Ecuador, dating from 1580. Continue south past Quito and capture impressive vistas of legendary volcanoes. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. Equator Monument, Quito

DAY 7: COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK Journey into Cotopaxi National Park and the high Andean páramo. Marvel at one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. Stop at serene Limpiopungo Lagoon, home to rare high altitude birds, wild horses and llamas. At Tambopaxi Hosteria you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch with stunning views. Later visit an indigenous highlands market in the village of Latacunga. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. DAY 8: COTOPAXI - BANOS - RIOBAMBA Enjoy a brief stop at San Antonio de Salcedo. Continue down the Avenue of the Volcanoes towards the charming town of Baños surrounded by waterfalls and lush greenery, Baños offers

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ECUADOR: AVENUE OF THE VOLCANOES with the Galapagos Islands Baby Seal, Galapagos Islands

incomparable views and is a gateway to the Amazon. Enjoy leisure time to explore, see the hot springs the town is named for, and visit the Church of the Virgin of the Holy Water. Catch views of the famed Bride’s Mantle and Devil’s Cauldron cascades on the “Avenue of the Waterfalls.” Continue on to Riobamba, a town shadowed by five snowcapped Andean peaks. Stay at Hacienda Abraspungo, decorated in colonial style, and enjoy a traditional Ecuadorian meal and folkloric music. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 9: RIOBAMBA - INGAPIRCA - CUENCA Tour Riobamba, the Ecuadorian capital under Spanish rule, boasting 18th Century architecture, parks and plazas. In nearby Colta, admire the transparent Colta lagoon and Balbanera Church, the first Catholic church in the country. En route to the southern Sierra, wind through Andean valleys shrouded in clouds and patchwork fields of grains. Visit Ingapirca, the largest pre-Columbian archaeological site in Ecuador, and admire the Incan masonry at the Temple of the Sun. Further take in the mystical ambience during lunch at a converted 200-year-old hacienda. Tonight arrive in elegant Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage city. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. DAY 10: CUENCA Cuenca exudes the charm of the Old World. The Spanish used the foundations of Inca palaces for religious and government buildings. Learn about this unique architectural legacy during a tour highlighting the churches and palaces of Calderon Park, the heart of the city, and the blue-domed Old Cathedral built in 1557. Enjoy fresh flowers at the Mercado de la Flores and visit the renowned Central Bank Museum and botanical gardens. Tour a Panama hat factory to witness local artisans transforming local toquilla palm straw into these famous finely woven hats, which actually originated in Ecuador! The remainder of your day is at leisure to browse the shops or stroll the scenic river walk. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 11: CUENCA - GUAYAQUIL Finish your journey down the Avenue of the Volcanoes and descend through glacial valleys to the Pacific coast. Perhaps glimpse the majestic Andean condor as you travel through high cloud forests and Cajas National Park. The Inca Trail runs through this very area, connecting the centres of the ancient empire. Near the coast the landscape opens to coffee, banana and cacao fields. At Hacienda Cañas, tour a banana plantation, see a cacao nursery and learn how chocolate is made, then enjoy a lunch of regional cuisine. Arrive in Guayaquil, the gateway

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to the Galapagos. Visit the Malecón 2000 waterfront area and the 19th Century neighbourhood of Las Peñas. Gather tonight for a special dinner toasting the wonders of Ecuador. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 12: GUAYAQUIL - SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND, GALAPAGOS - EMBARK SHIP Fly to beautiful San Cristóbal Island, gateway to your Galapagos adventure. Enjoy lunch aboard the m/v Galapagos Legend. At Port Baquerizo Moreno, visit the San Cristóbal Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve to learn about the national park’s conservation programmes and admire these gentle giants. After exploring the island, stargaze from the deck of your ship and contemplate the wonders of the Galapagos. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 13: ESPANOLA ISLAND (GARDNER BAY & SUAREZ POINT) Board your panga to visit Gardner Bay. Guarded by a colony of sea lions, the beach is home to Galapagos hawks and endemic finches. Swim and snorkel with the marine life, including manta rays and whitetipped sharks. Continue to the volcanic terrain of Suarez Point and during a nature walk watch for hooded mocking birds, lava lizards, Sally Lightfoot crabs and Blue-footed Boobies. Discover Waved Albatross at the world’s largest colony. Finally, visit the Soplador blowhole where water shoots 75 feet into the air. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 14: FLOREANA ISLAND (POST OFFICE BAY & CORMORANT POINT) Land at storied Post Office Bay, named for a barrel left in 1793 by Captain James Colnett as a “post office” for passing sailors. Continue the tradition and leave a letter. Snorkel with green sea turtles or search for Darwin’s finches. Then sail to Cormorant Point and spot sting rays and reef sharks. Learn about the ecosystem’s unusual plants and perhaps observe a small colony of penguins. Enjoy another chance to snorkel and swim near the playful sea lions! Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 15: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND (CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION & HIGHLANDS) Today visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. See the giant tortoises from the station’s breeding programme, including Lonesome George, the last of his species. Trek through the Santa Cruz highlands to Cerro Chato, find more giant tortoises and savour some organically grown Galapagos coffee. Walk inside dormant lava tubes to gain insight on how these islands formed. Enjoy time to explore Port Ayora town. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

DAY 16: DAPHNE ISLAND DISEMBARK SHIP - BALTRA ISLAND - GUAYAQUIL Enjoy panoramic views as you circumnavigate Daphne Island. Look for marine iguanas, fur seals and crabs teetering along the rocky shore. Bid farewell to the Galapagos and return to Guayaquil. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 17: GUAYAQUIL - DEPART FOR HOME Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 18: ARRIVE U.K. Santa Cruz Island, Tortoise

EXPERIENCE IT! LA MAGDALENA

On the slopes of a breathing mountain, you will live a dream. Perched high on the Cubilche Volcano is the small community known as La Magdalena. Its people, the Karanki, will welcome you into their lifestyle of harmony with the environment. Time stands still…shepherding and harvesting, traditionally homemade cheese and bread, embroidery in tune with natural rhythms. Share in time-honoured customs during a visit to this extraordinary village.

La Compania


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Santa Cruz Island Floreana Island Española Island

50 miles

PRICES FROM:

50 kilometers

From Guayaquil

To Guayaquil

San Cristóbal I.

La Magdalena

Gardner Bay

100 miles

0

100 kilometers

1

PACIFIC OCEAN

2 2

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS 0

COLOMBIA

Salinas Otavalo Puerto Francisco de Orellana

Imbabura Cuicocha Crater Lake

Quito** Cotopaxi Guayaquil

Overnight stay* Visit Standard Tour Option Ecuador Amazon Galapagos Islands Train Flight

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Door to Door Transfer

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£4549

SA BO VE O up K E Te rm to £ ARL s& co 10 nd 0p Y iti

please see page 4 for details PERU

* – number indicates length of stay **– with Ecuador Amazon extension length of stay is 3 nights

18 DAYS, 34 MEALS:

15 Breakfasts, 10 lunches, 9 Dinners

OPTIONAL 5-DAY/4-NIGHT ECUADOR AMAZON PRE TOUR EXTENSION Prices From: £645 per person 10 MEALS: 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners DAY 1: TRAVEL TO LONDON HEATHROW DAY 2: QUITO, ECUADOR - TOUR BEGINS Arrive in Quito and enjoy your evening at leisure. DAY 3: QUITO - PUERTO FRANCISCO DE ORELLANA (COCA) - AMAZON RAINFOREST Fly over the snowcapped peaks of the Andes to the Amazon Basin. Arrive at Puerto Francisco de Orellana, locally known as Coca, where you will be greeted by a naturalist guide. Embark on a two-hour journey by motorised canoe down the Rio Napo, one of the Amazon’s many tributaries, and arrive at your lodge’s private reserve. Take a 30-minute walk along a raised boardwalk to Lake Pilchicota, where native paddlers await with dugout canoes to carry you across the lake to your eco-lodge. Relax and take in the beauty of your surroundings before joining a “birds and butterflies observation walk.” After dinner, observe nocturnal wildlife during a short walk in the rainforest. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 4: AMAZON RAINFOREST Begin your day at sunrise, taking advantage of the cool morning hours when the animals are most active. Observe the lush flora and keep a sharp eye out for spotting incredible birds, insects and monkeys that call the Amazon home. Join a hike to bird watch or explore “terra firma” and “igapo” (flooded land), where giant kapok trees can be observed. Sample a picnic lunch alfresco, then take a leisurely-paced hike along the Napo River or embark on a more demanding drive/journey to observe the “titi” monkey. Afternoon excursions offer another chance to view local wildlife. Retire to the lodge for a relaxing dinner. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 5: AMAZON RAINFOREST Start the day with a scenic hike along the Lagartococha path. Hop aboard a riverboat and navigate through murky waters teeming with anacondas and caimans, and spot Amazon squirrels and capuchin monkeys if you are lucky. Try piranha fishing by canoe on the Igapo and be on the lookout for lounging sloths and playful otters along the shoreline. Climb the nearby observation tower, Sumaco Mount, for views of local birds and possibly the volcanoes of the Andes. Return to the lodge and look for caimans, bats and nocturnal birds. After a day filled with adventure, recount the magic of your trip over dinner with your fellow travellers. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 6: PUERTO FRANCISCO DE ORELLANA (COCA) - QUITO Head back through Coca and on to Quito to start your standard tour. Today breakfast will be included. Please Note: This extension is hosted by a local representative who will provide all included services. Taxes or fees to be paid upon exiting domestic airports are approx £6. During your stay in the Amazon rainforest at the eco lodge, all meals are included and all excursions are led by a naturalist guide with expert knowledge of the region. Extensions not purchased at time of deposit are subject to availability and applicable charges at time of request.

‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre nights in Quito from only £50 per person per night and/or post nights in Guyaquil from only £60 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Option 72 available. Please see pages 123-124.

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THE WONDERS OF SOUTH AMERICA: Brazil & Argentina

Iguaza Falls

RIO DE JANEIRO • SUGARLOAF • CHRIST THE REDEEMER • CHURRASCARIA • IGUAZU FALLS • MENDOZA • BODEGA TOURS • WINE PAIRING LUNCH • BUENOS AIRES • TANGO SHOW • BARILOCHE • LAKE CROSSING OF THE ANDES • PUERTO VARAS • SANTIAGO • FOLKLORE SHOW • CHILEAN WINE COUNTRY

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Take a cable car to Sugarloaf and enjoy a breathtaking view of Rio de Janeiro and the famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. • Enjoy a walk through the Argentine and Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls, marvelling at the powerful Devil’s Throat. • Experience the flavour and history of Chile’s and Argentina’s most famous wines during a gourmet wine pairing lunch and visits to bodegas. • Move to the passionate rhythms of tango and experience the “Paris of South America” when you immerse in the culture, cuisine and traditions of Buenos Aires. • Behold the dramatic beauty of the worldrenowned Lake Crossing of the Andes between Chile and Argentina.

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1-4 Intercontinental Rio, Rio de Janeiro Day 5-6 Bourbon Cataratas Resort & Convention Center, Foz do Iguazu or Panoramic Hotel, Puerto Iguazu Day 7-8 NH Cordillera, Mendoza or Hotel Huentala Boutique, Mendoza Day 9-10 Panamericano Resort, Buenos Aires or NH 9 de Julio Hotel, Buenos Aires or NH Tango Hotel, Buenos Aires Day 11 Overnight flight Days 11-15 Lake Crossing of the Andes & Chilean Wine Country (extension to main tour) Day 11-12 Panamericano Resort, Bariloche or Hotel Edelweiss, Bariloche Day 13 Cabaña del Lago Hotel, Puerto Varas Day 14-15 Atton El Bosque Spa Hotel, Santiago Day 16 Overnight flight

Rio de Janeiro

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

DAY 1: Arrive RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL DAY 2: RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL Welcome to Rio de Janeiro! Magnificent views, beautiful beaches, flamboyant Carnival costumes, great cuisine and friendly people make Rio the cultural capital of Brazil. Tonight, learn how to craft caiprinihas – Brazil’s famous cocktail made with sugar cane liquor and lime. Follow this with a special welcome dinner. Today dinner will be included. DAY 3: RIO DE JANEIRO Rio, the enchanting birthplace of the Bossa Nova, awaits. Stroll down the beach of the “Girl from Ipanema” and see lovely Flamengo Park. Take a cable car ride to the top of Sugarloaf for mesmerising views of the coastline and rolling forest. Tonight, hear for yourself why Rio is hailed as one of the world’s music capitals with an exciting optional night on the town. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 4: RIO DE JANEIRO The morning is yours to enjoy the energy of Rio. This afternoon, ascend Corcovado by train to Christ the Redeemer, one of the largest Art Deco statues in the world. Enjoy panoramic vistas of Tijuca Forest National Park and the city below. View Maracanã Football Stadium – playing host to the 2014 World Cup – and the enchanting Botanical Gardens. This evening, indulge in a “Churrascaria” feast of marinated and barbecued meats. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 5: RIO DE JANEIRO - IGUAZU FALLS Fly to Iguazu Falls, located at the crossroads of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay and heralded as the most beautiful waterfall in the world. Enjoy a walking tour of the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls. This afternoon choose an optional jungle boat ride at the base of the falls or relax at your resort. Unwind at dinner in this tranquil setting. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 6: IGUAZU FALLS Board the Rainforest Ecological Train inside the national park on the Argentine side and walk to the platform overlooking powerful Devil’s Throat. Discover unparalleled views of five waterfalls as

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they plummet into the Iguazu River. The remainder of the day is yours to explore these spectacular surroundings. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 7: IGUAZU FALLS - MENDOZA, ARGENTINA Journey to the land of sol y vino – sun and wine – Argentina’s wine country, where vineyards and olive groves flourish. Mendoza produces 70% of Argentina’s grapes and wines, with a viniculture history dating back to the 16th Century. The Malbec grape has made Argentine wine cherished around the world. A vast network of Incan aqueducts and dykes makes the most of the annual six inches of rain to transform the city into an oasis. Settle into your hotel after dinner. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 8: MENDOZA Tour the serene city of Mendoza and see the vast Parque General San Martín and the lively central Plaza Independencia. Indulge in a sample of the local Italian-inspired ice cream with a Mendocino twist, such as vanilla with Malbec or peach with Syrah! There are said to be over 1,000 wineries (“bodegas”) in the fertile Maipú, Luján de Cuyo and Uco valleys. Revel in visits to three wineries on the wine route and enjoy a gourmet wine pairing lunch and ample opportunities to sample the bounty of the Argentine vineyards. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. DAY 9: MENDOZA - BUENOS AIRES Fly to Buenos Aires, birthplace of the tango. Stretching along the banks of the Rio de la Plata, the “Paris of South America” is a mosaic of Europeanstyled architecture and South American spirit. Enjoy a tour of the capital. See the lavish Teatro Colon opera house, the Avenida 9 de Julio; Recoleta Cemetrey, where Evita Peron rests; the Presidential Palace, the Casa Rosada; the colourful La Boca neighbourhood, and the historic San Telmo barrio. Later, stroll through San Martin Park or Calle de Florida, a shopper’s paradise. Tonight, enjoy an interactive presentation from a local resident where you can ask questions about daily life in Buenos Aires. A reception follows. Today breakfast will be included.


PRICES FROM: 1

Overnight stay* Visit PERU Standard tour Standard tour with Andes crossing & Chile wine country Train Flight * –number indicates length of stay

BRAZIL

Iguazu Falls 2 Mendoza

Santiago 2 2

PACIFIC OCEAN

0

500 miles

0

500 kilometers

Bariloche

Puerto Varas 1 2

CHILE

£3379

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INCLUDING 2

Buenos Aires

Door to Door Transfer

ARGENTINA ATLANTIC OCEAN

please see page 4 for details

12 DAYS, 15 MEALS:

9 BREAKFASTS, 1 LUNCH, 5 DINNERS

DAY 10: BUENOS AIRES Today is yours to explore the cultural delights of Buenos Aires. Visit a local market, art museum or spend the afternoon at an elegant sidewalk café. Or perhaps choose to cross the Argentine Pampas to experience the culture of Argentina’s gauchos at a typical estancia and enjoy a hearty asado lunch – a typical Argentine barbeque. This evening, savour typical Argentine cuisine and wine before embracing the art of the dance that has made Buenos Aires famous – a stunning tango performance. You can even try some of your own steps during an included tango lesson! Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 11: BUENOS AIRES - DEPART FOR HOME Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 12: ARRIVE U.K.

LAKE CROSSING OF THE ANDES & CHILEAN WINE COUNTRY (EXTENSION TO STANDARD TOUR) DAY 11: BUENOS AIRES - BARILOCHE Fly to the beautiful Alpine village of San Carlos de Bariloche, situated in northern Patagonia, “Little Switzerland” borders the shores of stunning Lake Nahuel Huapi. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 12: BARILOCHE Embark on the renowned Circuito Chico tour of Bariloche and take in the panoramic vistas from the top of Cerro Campanario. Indulge in the city’s famously decadent chocolate during a visit to a chocolate factory. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 13: BARILOCHE - PUERTO VARAS (LAKE DISTRICT), CHILE Tavel from Argentina to Chile via a series of lake cruises and a drive through South America’s first national park. End your day in the lakeside village of Puerto Varas, known for its seafood and German cuisine. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 14: PUERTO VARAS - PUERTO MONTT - SANTIAGO In the lively Angelmo fishing village, take a stroll through the fish market to experience the flavours of southern Chile and the daily activities of the locals. View the unique cathedral, built entirely of redwood, and stroll through the local handicraft market. Continue to Puerto Montt where you board your flight to cosmopolitan Santiago. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a dinner and traditional folklore show. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 15: SANTIAGO - MAIPO VALLEY - SANTIAGO Tour Santiago, viewing such sights as the La Moneda Presidential Palace and Paseo Ahumada pedestrian avenue. Ride the cable car up Cerro San Cristobal for sweeping views of Santiago and the Andes and admire the Statue of the Immaculate Conception. Venture into Chile’s famous wine country where you’ll spend the afternoon touring a bodega. Discover the bold taste of carmenère, the “lost” ancient cousin of the cabernet grape that thrives in the climate created by steep Andean valleys. Late this afternoon, enjoy a gourmet meal of Chilean favourites. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. DAY 16: SANTIAGO - DEPART FOR HOME Today breakfast will be included. DAY 17: ARRIVE U.K

‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

Casa Rosada, Buenos Aires

Tango, Buenos Aires

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Pre nights in Rio de Janeiro and/or post nights in Buenos Aires available. Please call for details. Macchu Pichu & Peru extension available. Please call for details.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Options 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82 & 83 available. Please see pages 123-124.

63


ANTARCTICA Almirante Brown Research Station

BUENOS AIRES • USHUAIA • HOME-HOSTED DINNER • TIERRA DEL FUEGO NATIONAL PARK • 9-NIGHT CRUISE ABOARD MS FRAM • THE DRAKE PASSAGE • HALF MOON ISLAND • DECEPTION ISLAND • PARADISE HARBOR • PORT LOCKROY • ANTARCTIC SOUND • TANGO DINNER SHOW

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Discover multitudes of curious Antarctic wildlife, including seals, whales, albatross and penguins • Journey into beautiful Tierra del Fuego National Park, the ‘Land of Fire’ • Explore Whalers Bay on Deception Island with its warm springs and black volcanic sands

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1 Overnight flight Day 2-3 Hotel Panamericano, Buenos Aires Day 4 Hotel Los Yamanas, Ushuaia Day 5-13 MS Fram Day 14 Hotel Panamericano, Buenos Aires Day 15 Overnight flight

DAY 1: OVERNIGHT FLIGHT DAY 2: Arrive BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA Enjoy a Porteños tour, viewing the Teatro Colon opera house; Avenida 9 de Julio honouring Argentinean independence; the Recoleta Cemetery, where “Evita” rests in her tomb; the Presidential Palace, the Casa Rosada; and the San Telmo barrio lined with cobblestone streets. Before dinner, meet your fellow travellers at a special welcome reception. Today dinner will be included.

Tour Pacing

Level 1

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Overall Rating

DAY 5: USHUAIA - EMBARK SHIP Journey into the “Land of Fire” at Tierra del Fuego National Park. Walk the shores of Roca Lake and see evidence of the settlements of the now-extinct Yámana indigenous people, and visit Lapataia Bay where the Panamerican Highway ends. Enjoy free time in this famous port town before boarding the state-of-the-art MS Fram expedition vessel. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 6: THE DRAKE PASSAGE Cruise south through the fabled Drake Passage, named for the legendary Sir Francis Drake. Warmer waters of the north meet the colder, denser waters of the south here in the Antarctic Convergence, making the area rich in marine life. Spot whales and sea birds as you begin this voyage of exploration. Experts provide presentations on history, biology and geology throughout your adventure. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 7: THE DRAKE PASSAGE ANTARCTICA Arrive in Antarctica - the last great wilderness stretching across ice-covered desert and mountains for over five million square miles. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

DAY 3: BUENOS AIRES Today is at leisure to experience this lively city. Browse the boutiques of Calle Florida or visit one of the many renowned art museums. Perhaps choose to discover the Parana River delta and its picturesque islands, elegant mansions and craft market. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 4: BUENOS AIRES - USHUAIA This morning you fly to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city situated on the Patagonian peninsula overlooking the historic Beagle Channel. Experience a home-hosted dinner with a local Fuegon family to learn about life at the “end of the world.” Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Leisurely Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

DAY 8: ANTARCTICA Weather conditions determine each sailing’s final itinerary. Cruise through the astounding, glacierlined Lemaire Channel - “Kodak Gap” - and enter the majestic Neumayer Channel with its imposing cliffs. Humpback, killer and minke whales - and icebergs - are common sights. PolarCirkel (rugged zodiac) boats take you to incredible locations along the Antarctic Peninsula, which could include: Half Moon Island, a small island in the South Shetland chain boasting mountainous views and a nesting place for chinstrap penguins, kelp gulls and the Antarctic tern. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 9: ANTARCTICA Continue your visits by PolarCirkel boats to locations which could include, Whalers Bay, Deception Island - featuring an active volcanic caldera. Zodiac into Whalers Bay where ruins from a 20th Century whaling station rest ashore and Almirante Brown Research Station in Paradise Harbour, where gentoo and chinstrap penguins nest. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 10: ANTARCTICA Continue your visits by PolarCirkel boats to locations which could include, Neko Harbor, part of the Antarctic mainland nestled in the fjord-like Andvord Bay, where penguins plus elephant and weddel seals are often spotted. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 11: ANTARCTICA Continue your visits by PolarCirkel boats to ocations which could include, Port Lockroy, a harbour on Goudier Island and former British base, hosting cormorants and surrounded by glaciers and ice shelves. Here you can mail home a postcard with a rare Antarctic stamp! Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

Lemaire Channel

DAY 12: ANTARCTICA Continue your visits by PolarCirkel boats to locations which could include, Wilhelmina Bay, where mountains and high glaciers create dramatic


Buenos Aires** 3

Iguazu 2 Falls ARGENTINA 0

200 miles

0 200 kilometers

3 Buenos Aires**

PACIFIC OCEAN Overnight stay* Visit Standard tour Option Iguazu Falls Cruise Flight

Ushuaia

0

400 miles

0

400 kilometers

ATLANTIC OCEAN

Drake Passage

Half Moon Island Deception Island Port Lockroy Lemaire Channel

*–number indicates length of stay **–with Iguazu Falls length of stay is 4

£7199

Tierra del Fuego N.P. 1

1

PRICES FROM:

ARGENTINA

BRAZIL

ANTARCTICA

SA BO VE O up K E Te rm to £ ARL s& co 50 nd 0p Y iti

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INCLUDING Door to Door Transfer please see page 4 for details

Brown Bluff Wilhelmina Bay Neko Harbor Paradise Harbor

16 DAYS, 33 MEALS:

13 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 12 Dinners

scenery. View the 1915 wreck of the Norwegian ship, Guvernøren. Antarctic Sound & Brown Bluff - hear the tale of the 1903 Swedish polar expedition which met its fate here at “Iceberg Alley.”At Brown Bluff, you may have the chance to stroll the beach with the cute adélie penguins. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 13: ANTARCTICA - DRAKE PASSAGE Leave Antarctica, crossing the southern waters of the Drake Passage. Participate in engaging lectures on Antarctica’s wonders. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 14: DRAKE PASSAGE - USHUAIA, ARGENTINA DISEMBARK SHIP - BUENOS AIRES Disembark the ship in Ushuaia, transfer to the airport and return to Buenos Aires. This evening, celebrate the end of your journey as you enjoy a dinner featuring Argentine favourites and a tango performance! Admire the passion and artistry of the show, meet the dancers and even try some steps of your own. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 15: BUENOS AIRES - DEPART FOR HOME Board your overnight flight to return home. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 16: ARRIVE U.K.

OPTIONAL 4 DAYS 3-NIGHT IGUAZU FALLS EXPLORATION POST TOUR EXTENSION Prices From: £935 per person 5 MEALS: 3 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners DAY 15: BUENOS AIRES - IGUAZU Fly north to Iguazu Falls, the stunning natural wonder located at the crossroads of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, heralded as the most beautiful waterfall in the world. Marvel at the majesty of these thundering waterfalls which, taller than Niagara Falls, are comprised of 275 distinctive cascades. The Panoramic Hotel Iguazú provides a full offering of amenities, sweeping views of the meeting of the Iguazu and Parana rivers, and is centrally located in the town of Iguazu. Today dinner will be included. DAY 16: IGUAZU This morning venture to the famous Three Frontiers landmark to gaze upon the convergence of the Iguazu and Parana rivers. Return to the park and ride the Rainforest Ecological Train. Enjoy up-close views of Devil’s Throat from new vantage points. Spend the remainder of the day exploring these stunning surroundings, perhaps cross over to the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls and watch as fourteen falls drop 350 feet. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 17: IGUAZU - BUENOS AIRES Return to Buenos Aires and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Your hotel is conveniently located on the 9th of July Boulevard, close to pedestrian shopping avenues, sidewalk cafes and lively restaurants. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 18: BUENOS AIRES - DEPART FOR HOME Your tour ends today in Buenos Aires. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 19: ARRIVE U.K.

‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

EXPERIENCE IT! LEMAIRE CHANNEL

Nicknamed “Kodak Gap,” the Lemaire Channel is nestled between the mainland’s Antarctic Peninsula and Booth Island. Steep cliffs jut from the icy sea. Icebergs float through the seven mile long passage. Spot leopard seals, minke whales and penguins bustling about their rookeries. Have your camera ready; the channel offers photographic perfection!

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre or post nights in Buenos Aires from only £50 per person per night.

65


HIGHLIGHTS OF CHINA Great Wall of China

BEIJING ZOO • TIANANMEN SQUARE • FORBIDDEN CITY • PEKING DUCK DINNER AND OPERA • THE GREAT WALL • OLYMPIC GREEN • TEMPLE OF HEAVEN • RICKSHAW TOUR

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Learn about jade carving and design your own custom-made jade name seal stamp. • Savour traditional Chinese food and drink, including a Peking Duck dinner, dumpling making and tea ceremony. • See the famous pandas at the Beijing Zoo!

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1 Overnight flight Day 2-8 Qianmen Jianguo Hotel, Beijing Day 9 Overnight flight

DAY 1: OVernight flight DAY 2: ARRIVE BEIJING, CHINA Experience one of the most fascinating cities in the world, Beijing. Over the coming days, you will experience the beauty and intrigue of this ancient culture. DAY 3: BEIJING Begin your journey in Beijing, the capital of the People’s Republic of China. After a short lesson on the local language, depart for a morning visit to the Summer Palace, ranked among the most noted classical gardens in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Beijing Zoo, home of the famous pandas. See the new habitat that has been created for those pandas rescued from the

Summer Palace, Beijing

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Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

Level 4

earthquake region who are now happily residing in their new home. Then, learn about jade carving and help design your very own custom-made jade name seal stamp, a perfect way to commemorate your visit to Beijing. Tonight, a traditional dumpling dinner is included. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 4: BEIJING Begin your day with a visit to the famous site of Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world. Next, visit the Forbidden City, a vast network of palaces including five halls, seventeen palaces and numerous other rooms and buildings which have been home to 24 Chinese Emperors over 491 years. This evening you will be treated to a dinner featuring Peking Duck, followed by a colourful performance of the Peking Opera. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 5: BEIJING Today is at leisure to explore this fascinating, constantly changing city independently. Your Tour Manager will be available to offer suggestions on how best to spend your day! Today breakfast will be included. DAY 6: THE GREAT WALL No visit to China would be complete without seeing The Great Wall, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World! Behold this awesome site and have the chance to walk along a portion of this 3,700-mile marvel. Travel through the Valley of the Ming Tombs where you will walk along the Sacred Way, or Divine Road, which means “the road leading to heaven.” Feel the excitement of the 2008 Summer Olympics when you view the Olympic Green where you have the opportunity to take photos of two famous structures - the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube! Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 7: BEIJING Enjoy a full day of leisure to relax or independently explore this wonderful city. You may take an optional tour to Xian*, which includes a visit to the Terra-Cotta Warriors Museum. Today breakfast will be included.

Level 3

Forbidden City, Beijing

The Level 5

M Factory, Inc. Collette Vacations Beijing City Stay_12

1st proof date: 4/26/11

DAY 8: BEIJING This morning you’ll visit the Temple of Heaven where the emperor came twice each year to thank the gods for the good harvest and pray for the new harvest. You will also see the locals doing their morning Tai Chi exercises, playing cards or board games. Afterwards, experience ancient Beijing on a traditional rickshaw tour through its narrow streets and alleys. With help from an interpreter, you will learn about a local family’s history and way of life when you share lunch with them in their Hutong home. They will also teach you the art of traditional dumpling making! Next you’ll visit with a kite master and learn the history of the favourite pastime of many locals, followed by a traditional tea ceremony. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 9: BEIJING - DEPART FOR HOME Your tour ends in Beijing. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 10: ARRIVE U.K.

Panda at Beijing Zoo


1

at Wall Gre Beijing

Overnight stay* Visit Standard Tour Option Hong Kong Option Xian Flight

PRICES FROM:

7

Yellow Sea

Xian

C H I N A

0

le

Door to Door Transfer please see page 4 for details

10 DAYS, 15 MEALS:

300 miles 300 kilometers

on s a er c pp ou ly p

INCLUDING East China Sea

0

£1349

* –number indicates length of stay

SA BO VE O up K E Te rm to £ ARL s& co 10 nd 0p Y iti

2

Hong Kong

7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 Dinners

OPTIONAL XIAN FULL DAY TOUR

ctory, Inc. acations ty Stay_12

date: 4/26/11

Prices from: £340 per person On your full day of leisure in Beijing, you may purchase our option to fly to the former capital of China for a once in a lifetime experience. You will visit the excavation site of the famed Terra-Cotta Warriors. In 1974, the Terra-Cotta Warriors were discovered accidentally by a group of workers who were working on a well. It was determined that the Terra-Cotta Warriors (and their horses) belonged to Emperor Qin Shi Huang who ruled during the Qin Dynasty from 211 - 206 B.C. and were created to protect the mausoleum of the emperor in the afterlife.

‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

EXPERIENCE IT! THE PEKING OPERA

Rickshaw Tour, Beijing

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre or post nights in Beijing from only £35 per person per night. An additonal 2 night post extension to Hong Kong is also available from £260pp**

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Options 84, 85, 86 & 87 available. Please see pages 123-124.

The Peking Opera of China is a national treasure with a history of 200 years. It is a synthesis of stylised action, singing, dialogue and mime, acrobatic fighting and dancing to represent a story or depict different characters and their feelings. In Peking opera there are four main types of roles: male, young female, painted face male, and clown (male or female). The characters may be loyal or treacherous, beautiful or ugly, good or bad, with their images being vividly manifested. The repertoire of Peking opera is mainly engaged in fairy tales of preceding dynasties, important historical events, emperors, ministers and generals. The performance is accompanied by a tune played on wind instruments, percussion instruments and stringed instruments. The costumes are graceful, magnificent, elegant and brilliant, most of which are made in handcrafted embroidery. As the traditional Chinese patterns are adopted, the costumes are of a high aesthetic value. Join your fellow passengers for an incredible performance at the Peking Opera.

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BEST OF CHINA

Forbidden City, Beijing

BEIJING • BEIJING ZOO • THE GREAT WALL • PEKING OPERA • TIANANMEN SQUARE • FORBIDDEN CITY • RICKSHAW TOUR • XIAN • TERRA-COTTA WARRIORS • SHANGHAIS • ACROBATIC SHOW • ZHUJIAJIAO • SHANGHAI MUSEUM

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Your four-night stay in Beijing is highlighted by an evening to remember at the Peking Opera. • Witness the splendour of the incredible Terra-Cotta Warriors…eight thousand individually-crafted figures which guard the tomb of an ancient emperor. • While in Shanghai take in an amazing acrobatics show and visit both the Children’s Palace and the Shanghai Museum.

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1 Overnight flight Day 2-5 Traders Hotel, Beijing Day 6-8 Grand New World Hotel, Xian Day 9-11 Broadway Mansions, Shanghai Day 12 Overnight flight

DAY 1: OVernight flight DAY 2: ARRIVE BEIJING, CHINA Join us on a tour of one of the world’s most fascinating countries. In China, experience the traditional bustle of Beijing, the ancient splendour of Xian and the modern cityscape of Shanghai. Your adventure begins in Beijing, the vibrant capital city. DAY 3: BEIJING After a short lesson on the local language, your sightseeing tour of Beijing begins with a visit to the UNESCO site of the Summer Palace, amongst the most noted classical gardens in the world. Visit the Beijing Zoo, home of the famous pandas. See the new habitat that has been created for those pandas rescued from the earthquake region who are now happily residing in their new home! Then, learn about jade carving and help design your very own custom-made jade name seal stamp, a perfect way to commemorate your visit to Beijing. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 4: THE GREAT WALL China’s legendary landmark, the Great Wall, is yours to discover today. During your visit, walk along a portion of this 3,700 mile marvel! Travel

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Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

The M Factory, I Collette Vacatio Best of China_1

1st proof date: 6 through the Valley of the Ming Tombs where you will walk along the Sacred Way, or Divine Road, which means “the road leading to heaven.” Experience a time-honoured and favourite pastime of the Chinese when you go kite-flying! Feel the excitement of the 2008 Summer Olympics when you view the Olympic Green where you have the opportunity to take photos of two famous structures - the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube. Tonight, enjoy a Peking duck dinner followed by a traditional Peking opera show and delight in the colourful costumes and interesting music. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 5: BEIJING This morning visit the expansive and historic Tiananmen Square. Continue to the Forbidden City, a vast network of palaces, including five halls, seventeen palaces and numerous other buildings. The remainder of your day is at leisure to relax, go shopping or even visit the 798 Dashanzi Art District. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. DAY 6: BEIJING - XIAN Explore the world-famous Temple of Heaven, an ornate sanctuary where Chinese Emperors worshiped their gods. Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime rickshaw tour through the Hutongs, the narrow streets of ancient Beijing. Then visit a local home to share a simple lunch and learn the art of dumpling making. Later, a short flight brings you to China’s interior city of Xian. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. Terracotta Warriors, Xian

DAY 7: XIAN Visit one of the most famous Buddhist temples in the world, the classical Wild Goose Pagoda. The impressive structure was built during the Tang Dynasty to house Buddhist treasures. Here you will also learn Tai Chi, a highly-revered Chinese martial art that is both invigorating and relaxing. During lunch, savour a local speciality, Xian dumplings, before travelling to the excavation site of the TerraCotta Warriors. This army of men and horses was buried with the first Emperor of Qin to protect him in the afterlife. Be amazed by the sheer numbers of them and their detailed features! Today breakfast and lunch will be included. DAY 8: XIAN Begin your day with a visit to the Shaanxi Museum where you can view bronze wares, pottery and ancient murals. Then travel to the countryside to visit a rural village. Meet local residents and gain insight into their daily life during a tour of a local school, a visit to a farm and lunch at a farmer’s home. Afterwards, explore the bustling Muslim Quarter where Chinese Muslims have lived for hundreds of years. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. DAY 9: XIAN - SHANGHAI Depart for Shanghai, a bustling trade port and the economic heart of China, whose futuristic skyline will leave you speechless. Enjoy a locally guided tour of the waterfront district known as the Bund which runs along the western bank of the Huangpu Shanghai


at Wall G re Beijing 4

PRICES FROM:

£2088

Yellow Sea

Xian 3

C H I N A

Zhujiajiao

3

Shanghai East China Sea

1

Overnight stay* Visit Standard tour Option Hong Kong Flight

* –number indicates length of stay

SA BO VE O up K E Te rm to £ ARL s& co 20 nd 0p Y iti

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INCLUDING Door to Door Transfer please see page 4 for details

Hong Kong 2

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300 miles 300 kilometers

13 DAYS, 23 MEALS:

10 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 5 Dinners

River. Famous for its gorgeous colonial buildings, you’ll feel as though you have stepped back into 19th Century Europe as you wander among the impressive Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture. Explore Old Town’s narrow streets and relax in the tranquility of the Yuyuan Garden. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.

e M Factory, Inc. ollette Vacations DAY 10: SHANGHAI - ZHUJIAJIAO - SHANGHAI st of China_11 Enjoy a full day excursion to the water village of Zhujiajiao, an ancient city

t proof date:

located on the banks of Dianshan Lake. After more than one thousand years, Ming and Qing dynasty buildings still stand and 36 ancient stone bridges cross 6/11/10 the canal that runs through the centre of town. Visit the rice museum, enjoy a boat ride on the canal and have time to shop. Tonight, take in the energy and excitement of the Chinese acrobatic show. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 11: SHANGHAI Your morning is highlighted by a visit to the Children’s Palace, an ornate fortress where the local children come to learn various arts including calligraphy, piano and dance. Next, discover the treasures of the Shanghai Museum, home to priceless artifacts that span China’s rich history. The remainder of the day is at leisure - perhaps you will explore the French Concession, snap a few more photographs or shop for last-minute souvenirs. Later, bid farewell to China at a dinner with your fellow travellers. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 12: SHANGHAI - DEPART FOR HOME Your tour ends in Shanghai. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 13: ARRIVE U.K.

OPTIONAL 2-NIGHT HONG KONG POST TOUR EXTENSION* Prices From £260 per person 3 MEALS: 3 Breakfasts DAY 12: SHANGHAI - HONG KONG This afternoon you arrive in Hong Kong, one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan and dynamic cities. You will stay in Kowloon, located in the heart of Hong Kong’s bustling shopping district. The remainder of your day is at leisure. Hong Kong is noted for fabulous savings on jewellery, silk and leather products. DAY 13: HONG KONG - HONG KONG ISLAND Cross the harbour and enjoy a comprehensive tour of Hong Kong Island, home to the city’s most popular sights. Visit Stanley Market and stroll around its famous seaside village bazaar. Learn about the lifestyle of Hong Kong’s fishermen with a visit to Aberdeen Fishing Village where you will have the opportunity to take a traditional sampan ride in the typhoon shelter. Your tour will also take you past Repulse Bay Beach, an important strategic location during World War II and the longest beach on the island. Cap your tour with a panoramic ride up Victoria Peak for spectacular views of the city and harbour below. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 14: HONG KONG - DEPART FOR HOME After a day at leisure, board your flight home. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 15: ARRIVE U.K.

‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

EXPERIENCE IT! ZHUJIAJIAO WATER VILLAGE

Located in a suburb of Shanghai city, Zhujiajiao is an ancient water town well-known throughout the country with a history of more than 1,700 years. Endowed with another elegant name – “Pearl Stream” – the little town is the best preserved among all four ancient towns in Shanghai. Unique with old bridges across bubbling streams, small rivers shaded by willow tress, and houses with courtyard attached all transport people who have been living amidst the hustle and bustle of the modern big city to a new world full of antiquity, leisure and tranquility. There is an ancient street filled with ancient buildings from the Ming & Qing dynasties… you will stroll this ancient thoroughfare and appreciate the historic buildings, long established stores and old bridges as well as the many narrow lanes.

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre nights in Beijing from only £50 per person per night and/or post nights in Shanghai from only £40 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Options 86, 88, 89, 90, 91 & 92 available. Please see pages 123-124.

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ANCIENT CHINA’S WONDERS & YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE Guilin Tea Picking

SHANGHAI • ACROBATIC SHOW • YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE • THREE GORGES DAM • SHENNONG STREAM • REED FLUTE CAVES • TERRA-COTTA WARRIORS • WILD GOOSE PAGODA • TIANANMEN SQUARE • FORBIDDEN CITY • THE GREAT WALL • PEKING OPERA • RICKSHAW TOUR

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Enjoy a 4 night cruise along the River Yangtze

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

• Venture to Xian and discover the TerraCotta Warriors • Walk along the Great Wall Of China and visit the Ming Tombs

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1 Overnight flight Day 2-3 Broadway Mansions, Shanghai Day 4-7 MV President VI Day 8-9 Guilin Bravo Hotel, Guilin Day 10-11 Grand New World Hotel, Xian Day 12-14 Beijing Marriott Hotel City Wall, Beijing Day 15 Overnight flight

DAY 1: OVernight flight DAY 2: Arrive SHANGHAI, CHINA Your tour begins in Shanghai, the economic capital of the People’s Republic of China. Prepare to immerse yourself in this land of stunning scenery and ancient culture. DAY 3: SHANGHAI After a short lesson in the local language, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the booming city of Shanghai. The tour includes visits to Old Town’s narrow streets and traditional buildings; the Yuyuan Gardens, an island of tranquility; the Bund, the waterfront area that was the centre of 19th Century colonialism; and the Children’s Palace, an ornate fortress where the local children come to learn various arts including calligraphy, piano and dance. Tonight you are sure to enjoy the amazing performers at the Acrobatic Show. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 4: SHANGHAI - YICHANG - BOARD CRUISE Enjoy a morning of leisure before flying to Yichang. Following a short drive and dinner, board your ship for a 4-night cruise of the Yangtze River. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

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DAY 5: THREE GORGES DAM – XILING GORGE In the morning, sail into the Xiling Gorge, the longest section of the Three Gorges. Visit the construction site of the Three Gorges Dam project. The dam, at Sandouping Village, inside the first of the three gorges, is planned to be, by far, the largest hydroelectric project in the world. Afterwards, sail through the five-step ship locks. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 6: CRUISING - SHENNONG STREAM - WU GORGE - QUTANG GORGE Enjoy an excursion visiting the Shennong Stream in traditional pea boats. Upon return to your ship, sail through the Wu Gorge which is 25 miles long and well-known for its 12 forest-covered peaks and quiet beauty with ever-changing scenery. This afternoon, sail through Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest and most dramatic. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 7: CRUISING - FENGDU Arrive in the city of Fengdu, depicted as the “City of Ghosts” in ancient works. The origin of the town’s extraordinary reputation can be traced back to the Han Dynasty. It is the home to over 48 temples. Visit some of these temples as well as a relocation village. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 8: CHONGQING – DISEMBARK SHIP - GUILIN You arrive at the scenic mountain city of Chongqing. Disembark your ship and if time permits, visit the Chongqing Zoo to see China’s national treasure, the pandas. Later, fly to the beautiful city of Guilin. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 9: GUILIN Today you have a full day at leisure to relax or explore Guilin on your own. Or, you may choose to take an optional excursion which includes a cruise on the Li River where you’ll admire the landscapes that have inspired artists and poets for centuries, followed by a visit to Yangshuo’s bustling market to bargain with the locals for souvenirs. Today breakfast will be included.

DAY 10: GUILIN - XIAN Experience peace and tranquility as you participate in a private Tai Chi lesson. Many believe that this ancient form of exercise is the secret to Chinese longevity. Next, visit the Reed Flute Caves, with its wonderful underground scenery. After lunch enjoy a stop at Elephant Trunk Hill before boarding your flight to Xian, located in China’s interior. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 11: XIAN Your tour of this former capital of China begins with a visit to the excavation site of the Terra-Cotta Warriors. This vast clay army, 8,000 strong, was created to guard one of China’s emperors in the afterlife. You’ll be amazed by the craftsmanship each soldier has a different face. After lunch, visit one of the most famous Buddhist temples in the world, the Wild Goose Pagoda. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. DAY 12: XIAN - BEIJING This morning you fly to the capital of China, Beijing. A fascinating sightseeing tour of Beijing includes visits to imposing Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, the vast 15th Century complex of palaces, courtyards, and gardens that was once home to the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. A visit is also made to the Temple of Heaven, an impressive shrine where Chinese emperors worshipped their gods. Learn about jade carving and help design your very own custommade jade name seal stamp, a perfect way to commemorate your visit to China. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. DAY 13: THE GREAT WALL No visit to China would be complete without visiting the Great Wall where you can walk along a portion of this 3,700-mile marvel. Later, travel through the valley of the Ming Tombs, burial sites of 13 Ming Dynasty emperors. Your route takes you for a scenic walk along an avenue called the Sacred Way. Next, feel the excitement of the 2008 Summer Olympics when you view the Olympic Green where you have the opportunity to take photos of two


0 0

at Wall G re Beijing

300 miles 300 kilometers

3

PRICES FROM:

Shennong

Yellow Sea

Xian 2 Stream Xiling Gorge Wu Gorge Yichang Fengdu

Overnight stay* Visit Standard tour Option Hong Kong Cruise 3 nights Flight

Ya n

Chongqing 1

e gtz

2

Shanghai Qutang Three Gorges Dam Gorge

Guilin

* –number indicates length of stay

£2749

C H I N A

East China Sea

2

Hong Kong 2

SA BO VE O up K E Te rm to £ ARL s& co 30 nd 0p Y iti

on s a er c pp ou ly p

le

INCLUDING Door to Door Transfer please see page 4 for details

16 DAYS, 33 MEALS:

13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 9 Dinners

famous structures - the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube! This evening a special treat is in store - a Peking duck dinner, followed by a special Peking Opera show. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 14: BEIJING This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of the Summer Palace. Later take a once-in-a-lifetime rickshaw tour through the narrow streets and alleys of the oldest part of Beijing. With help from an interpreter, learn about a local family’s history and way of life when you share lunch with them in their Hutong home. They will also teach you the art of traditional dumpling making! Next, visit with a local Kite Master and learn the art of making kites and the history of this most cherished pastime of the Chinese people. Your final stop is a traditional tea ceremony before returning to your hotel. Later, join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 15: BEIJING - DEPART FOR HOME Your tour ends in Beijing. Enjoy a day at leisure before transferring to the airport for your flight home. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 16: ARRIVE U.K.

Terracotta Warriors, Xian

‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

OPTIONAL 3 DAYS 2-NIGHT HONG KONG POST TOUR EXTENSION** Prices From £260 per person 2 MEALS: 2 Breakfasts

Reed Flute Caves, Guilin

EXPERIENCE IT!

EXPLORING BEIJING’S HUTONGS A hutong is an ancient city alley or lane typically found in Beijing. Surrounding the Forbidden City, many were built during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. In the prime of these dynasties the emperors, in order to establish supreme power for themselves, planned a city and arranged the residential areas according to the etiquette systems of the Zhou Dynasty. The main buildings in the hutong were all quadrangles - a building complete with four houses around a quadrangle. The quadrangle varies in size and according to the social status of the family. You will have the opportunity to roam through Beijing’s old, narrow streets, hutongs, in a fashioned pedicab. You’ll also enjoy a simple lunch in the home of a local family, and with the help of an interpreter, learn about the family’s history and way of life.

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre nights in Shanghai for only £40 per person per nights and/or post nights in Beijing from only £45 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Options 91, 92 & 93 available. Please see pages 123-124.

DAY 15: BEIJING HONG KONG This afternoon you arrive in Hong Kong, one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan and dynamic cities. You will stay in Kowloon, located in the heart of Hong Kong’s bustling shopping district. The remainder of your day is at leisure. Hong Kong is noted for fabulous savings on jewellery, silk and leather products. DAY 16: HONG KONG - HONG KONG ISLAND Begin your day being whisked by the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak for spectacular views of the city and harbour below. Then you descend to Repulse Bay Beach and visit the longest beach on Hong Kong Island and its small temple of the Chinese Sea Goddess. Proceed to Aberdeen fishing village for a sampan ride inside the typhoon shelter. Continue to the Star Ferry and cross the harbour in one of these famous ferries. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 17: HONG KONG - DEPART FOR HOME After a day at leisure, transfer to the airport for your flight home. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 18: ARRIVE U.K.

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CHINA & TIBET

Potala Palace, Tibet

BEIJING • COOKING CLASS • FENGDU • THREE GORGES DAM PROJECT • TERRACOTTA WARRIORS • TRAIN TO TIBET • POTALA PALACE • GIANT PANDA BREEDING SANCTUARY • OLYMPIC GREEN • HOME HOSTED LUNCH • KITE MASTER

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Board the ‘Sky Train’ – an engineering marvel pulled by 3 locomotives

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

• Visit the Polata Palace, the greatest monumental structure in Tibet • Take a tour of the Jokhang temple, this is Tibet’s spiritual centre and holiest shrine

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1 Overnight flight Day 2-3 Beijing Marriott City Wall Hotel, Beijing Day 4-6 President VI Day 7-8 Grand New World Hotel, Xian Day 9 Qinghai Tibet Train, Overnight Train Day 10-13 Sheraton Four Points, Lhasa Day 14 Kempinski Hotel, Chengdu Day 15-17 Beijing Marriott City Wall Hotel, Beijing Day 18 Overnight flight

SMALL GROUP TOUR NO MORE THAN 28 PEOPLE PER GROUP – SEE PAGE 7 DAY 1: OVernight flight DAY 2: ARRIVE BEIJING, CHINA Embark on your journey through China and Tibet – beginning in China’s vibrant capital city – Beijing. DAY 3: BEIJING Learn some key words and phrases in Chinese to better communicate with locals before setting off to tour Beijing. Visit historic Tiananmen Square, the largest square in the world. Continue to the Forbidden City, a vast network of 17 palaces and

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the Chinese Imperial Palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Later, browse a local market to learn about traditional ingredients and afterwards, roll up your sleeves for an interactive cooking lesson before learning about jade carving and help design your very own custom-made jade name seal stamp. This evening, savour a Peking duck dinner! Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 4: BEIJING - CHONGQING - BOARD SHIP Fly to Chongqing, your gateway to the Yangtze River. Visit the General Stillwell Museum, his HQ during World War II and home of the Flying Tigers. Continue to Eling Park before boarding your ship for a three night downstream cruise along the Yangtze. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 5: CRUISING - CHONGQING - FENGDU Cruise the mighty Yangtze River today en route to the city of Fengdu. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 6: CRUISING - THREE GORGES - SHENNONG STREAM Pass through Qutang and Wu Gorge, taking an excursion through the Shennong Stream before finally, cruise through the third gorge, Xiling Gorge. This evening, pass through the dam ship locks. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 7: CRUISING THREE GORGES DAM PROJECT DISEMBARK SHIP - XIAN Enjoy a memorable visit to the £15 billion Three Gorges Dam; when completed, it will be the world’s largest hydroelectric dam. Disembark in Yichang before heading to Wuhan for your flight to Xian. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 8: XIAN Visit the Wild Goose Pagoda, one of the world’s most famous Buddhist temples. Then visit the courtyards of Xian’s Islamic Mosque before enjoying an imperial lunch with twenty courses of dumplings. This afternoon. explore the excavation site of more than 8,000 terracotta warriors and horses guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor. Then, view

the panoramic movie on the discovery of the site. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. DAY 9: XIAN - XINING – OVERNIGHT TRAIN Fly to Xining. Here visit the Ta’er Monastery, one of the famous monasteries of the Gelugpa Sect (Yellow Hat Sect) of Tibetan Buddhism. After dinner, it’s all aboard your overnight train en route to Lhasa. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 10: ON BOARD TRAIN LHASA, TIBET Experience the “Sky Train” today – an engineering marvel. Three locomotives pull the train over the 16,600 foot Tangula Pass en route to Lhasa. Arrive in Tibet – the “roof of the world”. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 11: LHASA Enjoy your free morning before setting off for a tour of the Jokhang Temple – built in 647 A. D. – Tibet’s spiritual centre and holiest shrine for Tibetan pilgrims. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 12: LHASA Visit the Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, considered the greatest monumental structure in Tibet; it was the chief residence of the Dalai Lama until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to India. Enjoy a leisurely tour of the Tibetan Museum and this afternoon, visit the Jatson Chumig School. Meet the local children as you learn about the organisation and Collette Foundation’s active involvement*. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. DAY 13: LHASA Tour the Norbilinka Palace – the Dalai Lama’s “summer palace”. It was from here that the present Dalai Lama (XIV) escaped from Chinese troops to India in 1959. Spend time with a local Tibetan family, gaining insight into their lifestyle. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 14: LHASA - CHENGDU This morning, fly to Chengdu, the capital of the Sichuan Province. After lunch, stroll through a local market and enjoy an evening at leisure. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.

The Colle Chin (CV

1st p


0

300 miles

0

5

300 kilometers

Beijing

PRICES FROM:

Xining

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Sk

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Xian

C H I N A Chengdu

1

Lhasa Overnight stay* Visit Standard tour Option Hong Kong Train Cruise Flight

Wu Gorge

1

Xiling Gorge Wuhan

Chongqing Yichang Three Gorges Dam Project tze Fengdu East Qutang China Gorge Sea Yangt Yan g

4

2 Shennong Stream

Yellow Sea

Hong Kong 2 Maximum Elevation: 16,640 ft.

* –number indicates length of stay

£3968

SA BO VE O up K E Te rm to £ ARL s& co 30 nd 0p Y iti

on s a er c pp ou ly p

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INCLUDING Door to Door Transfer please see page 4 for details

19 DAYS, 41 MEALS:

16 breakfasts, 15 lunches, 10 Dinners

DAY 15: CHENGDU - BEIJING Visit the Giant Panda Breeding Sanctuary to learn how China’s national treasure is being protected from extinction. Your guided tour of the sanctuary – a simulated habitat – allows you the rare opportunity to see the Giant Panda in its natural environment. Later, return to Beijing. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.

The M Factory, Inc. 16: BEIJING ColletteDAY Vacations WalkTibet_12 along a portion of the Great Wall of China – a 3,700-mile marvel – at its China and Juyongguan section. Travel through the valley of the Ming Tombs, burial sites (CV of Explorations tour) of 13 Ming Dynasty emperors. Your route takes you for a scenic walk along an avenue called the Sacred Way. Feel the excitement of the 2008 Summer

1st proof date:when 5/9/11 Olympics you view the Olympic Green where you have the opportunity to take photos of two famous structures - the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube! Today breakfast and lunch will be included. DAY 17: BEIJING Explore the world-famous Temple of Heaven and see locals enjoying morning exercises. Tour old Beijing by rickshaw, exploring its narrow streets. Stop to have lunch with a local family and learn the art of dumpling making. Afterwards, a kite master teaches you about the art of this ancient Chinese pastime and then learn about the importance of tea to the local people during a traditional ceremony. Tonight, enjoy a special farewell dinner. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 18: BEIJING - DEPART FOR HOME Your tour ends in Beijing. After a day at leisure transfer to the airport for your flight home. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 19: ARRIVE U.K.

OPTIONAL 3 DAYS 2-NIGHT HONG KONG POST TOUR EXTENSION** Prices From: £260 per person 2 MEALS: 2 Breakfasts DAY 18: BEIJING - HONG KONG This afternoon you arrive in Hong Kong – you will stay in Kowloon. The remainder of your day is at leisure. DAY 19: HONG KONG - HONG KONG ISLAND Begin your day being whisked by cable-car to Victoria Peak for spectacular views of the city and harbour below. Then you descend to Repulse Bay Beach and visit the longest beach on Hong Kong Island and its small temple of the Chinese Sea Goddess. Proceed to Aberdeen fishing village for a sampan ride inside the typhoon shelter. Continue to the Star Ferry and cross the harbour in one of these famous ferries. Today breakfast will be included.

Tibet

Panda

DAY 20: HONG KONG - DEPART FOR HOME After a day at leisure, transfer to the airport for your flight home. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 20: ARRIVE U.K.

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre or post nights in Beijing from only £45 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Options 87 & 92 available. Please see pages 123-124.

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MYSTERIES OF INDIA

Taj Mahal, Agra

OLD DELHI • LAKE PICHOLA CRUISE • YOGA CLASS • HAWA MAHAL • AMBER FORT • HOME-HOSTED DINNER • GAME DRIVES • FATEHPUR SIKRI • TAJ MAHAL • MOTHER TERESA’S CHARITY HOME • CHANDEL TEMPLE COMPLEX • GANGA AARTI CEREMONY • SARNATH

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Embark on games drives, in search of the elusive Tigers, crocodiles and sloth bears

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

• Discover the breathtaking Taj Mahal • Journey to Samath, where Siddarth Gautama, later known as Buddha, gave his first sermon

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1 Overnight flight Day 2-3 Hilton Janakpuri, Delhi Day 4-5 Fateh Garh Palace, Udaipur Day 6-7 Trident Hotel, Jaipur Day 8-9 Dev Vilas, Ranthambore Day 10-11 Radisson Hotel, Agra Day 12 Radisson Hotel, Khajuraho Day 13-14 Radisson Hotel, Varanasi Day 15 Overnight flight

SMALL GROUP TOUR NO MORE THAN 28 PEOPLE PER GROUP – SEE PAGE 7 DAY 1: OVernight flight DAY 2: Arrive DELHI, INDIA Welcome to Delhi, India’s capital city that sports a rich history spanning over 2,000 years. DAY 3: NEW DELHI Ease your way into the local culture as your tour manager teaches you a few key phrases of the native language. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi then visit Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque and explore Old Delhi’s narrow streets by rickshaw. Later tour New Delhi, visiting Qutub Minar, the

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tallest brick minaret in the world and then visit Humayun’s tomb – it was built by the widow of a great Mughal Emperor. Behold the India Gate war memorial, the Parliament and the palatial Rastrapathi Bhawan – the President’s residence. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 4: DELHI - UDAIPUR Fly to Udaipur this morning, your gateway to Rajasthan and then check into your hotel, a restored palace overlooking the lake. This evening, cruise by boat along Lake Pichola taking in views of the Jag Mandir Palace and the City Palace. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 5: UDAIPUR Participate in a relaxing yoga class, learning basic exercises and breathing techniques from a local expert. Visit the exquisite City Palace, its main entrance, Tripolia, was built in 1725. See the largest temple in Udaipur – Jagdish Temple – dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the 16th Century. Stop at Sahelion-ki-Bari, the Garden of the Maids of Honour and learn about the lifestyle of the royal ladies who once strolled through these gardens. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 6: UDAIPUR - JAIPUR Fly to the “Pink City,” Jaipur and stop briefly at Hawa Mahal, home to a former Maharaja, beholding its façade of 953 windows. Visit the City Palace and then marvel at Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built in 1726 by Sawai Jai Singh. Today breakfast will be included. Raj from Collette at Humayuns Tomb

DAY 7: JAIPUR Ride an elephant* to the top of Amber Fort, India’s former seat of power and tap into local customs during lunch as you learn about turban and sari tying. After, stroll through a flower market for a glimpse into the art of making garlands used in traditional Indian welcome ceremonies. Later enjoy a henna tattoo and bindi demonstration then sit down tonight for a home-hosted dinner. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 8: JAIPUR - RANTHAMBORE Travel to Ranthambore National Park, learning of Project Tiger’s efforts at conservation in the country. A naturalist discusses the wildlife of the country with a slideshow and discussion. Embark on a game viewing drive by canter, an open air vehicle and be on the lookout for marsh crocodiles, hyenas, sloth bears, and even tigers. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 9: RANTHAMBORE Rise and shine early for a game viewing drive. Afterwards, enjoy breakfast at your hotel before visiting the Ranthambore School of Art. Next, visit Dastkar Ranthambore Project, founded in 1981 by six women united to protect India’s traditional artisans. Dive into the local cuisine with an interactive cooking demonstration followed by dinner. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 10: RANTHAMBORE - BHARATPUR - AGRA An early morning train brings you to Bharatpur. Enjoy brunch here before setting off for Fatehpur Sikri, a red sandstone city built by the Mughal Emperor Akbarin in the 16th Century. Your day ends in Agra. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. DAY 11: AGRA Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise aboard a tonga or horse carriage – that takes you to its gates. The Taj Mahal took 22 years and 20,000 men to build. Built in the 17th Century by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world. Later visit Agra Fort, the seat


UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Dubai

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C H I N A OMAN

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PAKISTAN 1

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Khajuraho Occhra

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16 DAYS, 25 MEALS:

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of the Mughal Empire before continuing to Mother Teresa’s Charity Home**, a residence for orphans that is supported by the efforts of the Collette Foundation. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 12: AGRA - JHANSI - OCCHRA - KHAJURAHO Board your train for Jhansi, then continue to Occhra and visit Jahangir Mahal. Continue to Khajuraho, your home for the evening. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. DAY 13: KHAJURAHO - VARANASI Visit the Chandel Temple complex and behold some of the finest examples of temple architecture in northern India. Fly to Varanasi. Tonight, visit the Ghats – the banks of the river – witnessing the illuminated Ganga Aarti ceremony and a Hindu scholar discusses the philosophy of Hinduism with you. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 14: VARANASI Cruise along the River Ganges past various Ghats where you’ll see people ritually cleansing themselves of their sins, hoping for salvation. A tour of Varanasi includes Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva; Benaras Hindu University; and Bharat Mata Temple. Continue to Sarnath where Siddarth Gautama, later known as Buddha, gave his first sermon on a quiet grove in the 6th Century BC. Join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner this evening. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 15: VARANASI - DELHI - DEPART FOR HOME Enjoy a morning at leisure before flying back to Delhi. Later, depart for the international airport for your flight home. Today breakfast will be included. ‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

DAY 16: ARRIVE U.K. Bharatpur Mosque

OPTIONAL 4 DAYS 3-NIGHT DUBAI PRE TOUR EXTENSION Prices From £325 per person 4 MEALS: 3 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner DAY 1: OVernight flight Your tour begins with an overnight flight to Dubai. DAY 2: DUBAI - EXTENSION BEGINS Your day is at leisure to relax or explore this dynamic and cosmopolitan city. DAY 3: DUBAI Enjoy magnificent views of the world-famous Burj Al Arab Hotel. Continue to the Jumeirah Mosque and the Palaces of the Sheikhs and then head towards Dubai Creek. Stop at Al Fahidi Fort which has been converted into the Dubai Museum. Take an Abra water ferry then navigate the bustling alleys towards the spice and gold souk markets. Your afternoon is at leisure. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 4: DUBAI Your morning is at leisure. In the afternoon, embark on an exciting desert safari and ride aboard luxury 4x4 vehicles over rolling sand dunes before arriving at a desert campsite where a feast awaits you. Here you will enjoy a belly dancing performance and have the opportunity to enjoy shisha water pipes or even a camel ride. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 5: DUBAI - DELHI You will board your flight to Delhi. Today breakfast will be included.

Chandel Temple, Khajuraho

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre or post nights in Delhi from only £100 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Options 87 & 92 available. Please see pages 123-124.

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THREE KINGDOMS OF INDOCHINA: Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

REUNIFICATION PALACE • WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM • MEKONG DELTA • HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN • IMPERIAL CITADEL • HANOI HILTON • HO CHI MINH MAUSOLEUM • WATER PUPPET THEATER • HALONG BAY • ELEPHANT VILLAGE • BACI CEREMONY • ANGKOR WAT • TA PROHM TEMPLE • TONLE SAP

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Gain an understanding of the ancient Khmer Empire during your full day visit to Angkor Wat • Travel to the fertile Mekong Delta and embark on a cruise along the bustling river • In Hue, cruise on the Perfume River and visit the Forbidden Purple City

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1 Overnight flight Day 2-4 New World Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City Day 5-6 Life Resort, Hoi An Day 7 Imperial Hotel, Hue Day 8-10 Movenpick Hotel, Hanoi Day 11 Bhaya Classic, Halong Bay Day 12-14 Sala Prabang, Luang Prabang Day 15-17 Angkor Century Resort, Siem Reap Day 18 Landscape Hotel, Phnom Penh Day 19 Overnight flight

SMALL GROUP TOUR NO MORE THAN 28 PEOPLE PER GROUP – SEE PAGE 7 DAY 1: OVernight flight Begin with an overnight flight to Vietnam. DAY 2: Arrive HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM Arrive in historic Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. DAY 3: HO CHI MINH CITY Tour the city’s colonial landmarks including the

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Tour Pacing

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Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral and Opera House. Visit the Reunification Palace where the Vietnam War ended with the fall of Saigon and learn more about the lasting effects of this struggle at the War Remnants Museum. Later join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner at a rooftop garden that was a popular hangout for American military officials and war correspondents. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 4: HO CHI MINH CITY Travel to the fertile Mekong Delta and embark on a cruise along the bustling river. See floating markets, fruit orchards and the Mekong River islands. Enjoy a leisurely lunch in a lush tropical garden and explore local villages. Later, visit Cao Dai Temple and its unique architectural style. Here you can choose to experience the region’s multifaceted culinary heritage with an optional dinner at a French restaurant. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. DAY 5: HO CHI MINH CITY - HOI AN Fly to Da Nang and stop at China Beach where American troops landed during the Vietnam war. Then venture to Hoi An, an ancient merchant trading port and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a cyclo tour of the preserved town. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 6: HOI AN Today’s cooking class begins at a local market. Interact with vendors and learn about traditional ingredients. After, follow the Thu Bon river to the cooking school and observe local life along the way. Later, discover the art of plate decorating and prepare five traditional Vietnamese dishes. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. DAY 7: HOI AN - HUE Take an optional sunrise photography class and observe fishermen bringing in their catch in the dawn light, then travel to Hue, the Imperial capital city, via the panoramic Hai Van Pass. En route, savour a seafood lunch at Lang Co fishing village before arrival in Hue, home of the Nguyen dynasty and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the tomb of emperor Tu Duc and tonight, enjoy a lavish

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royal feast. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 8: HUE - HANOI Cruise on the Perfume River to the Thien Mu Pagoda. Visit the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City. After, enjoy a vegetarian lunch at a local monastery. Later, fly to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam and enjoy a dinner that showcases authentic flavours. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 9: HANOI Explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. Continue to Hoa Lo Prison (aka the Hanoi Hilton), where American POWs were detained. After, stroll along Hoan Kiem Lake and through the craft guild streets in the nearby old quarter. Enjoy a traditional Water Puppet performance. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. DAY 10: HANOI Visit the mausoleum that holds the preserved body of Ho Chi Minh. Discover Minh’s simple house on stilts and admire the lotus-shaped One Pillar Pagoda. For lunch, you have the option of a street food tour of Hanoi. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 11: HANOI - HALONG BAY Drive to Halong Bay for your overnight cruise on a luxury junk boat. Marvel at the thousands of limestone islands that dot these waters. Transfer to a Sampan and visit a floating fishing village. Watch the sunset before sharing a seafood feast. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 12: HALONG BAY - LUANG PRABANG, LAOS Join a sunrise tai chi class on deck then explore an ancient cave on a nearby island. Transfer to a sampan and visit a floating fishing village. Enjoy brunch on board and cruise back to the harbour. From Hanoi, fly to Luang Prabang and tonight, enjoy a tasting menu sampling local Laotian delicacies. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 13: LUANG PRABANG Visit an elephant village and learn how mahouts


CHINA Hanoi

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17 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 9 Dinners

train their elephants where you can opt to take an elephant ride! Proceed to the three-tiered Kuang Si waterfall and have a picnic lunch. Attend a traditional Baci ceremony, a “calling of the soul”. This evening, share a communal dinner with your fellow well-wishers. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 14: LUANG PRABANG Wake before dawn and participate in the offering of alms to hundreds of saffron-robed monks. After cruise the Mekong River to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of Buddha statues left by pilgrims. Stop at Ban Xang Hai, famous for its rice wine, and Ban Xang Khong, known for silk weaving. Return to Luang Prabang and take a guided tour of the National Museum, the former Royal Palace. Then, visit the sacred temples of Wat Aham, Wat Visoun and Wat Xieng Thong , then journey to the top of Mount Phousi to watch the sunset. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. DAY 15: LUANG PRABANG - SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA Fly to Siem Reap and visit Angkor Wat. Marvel at the stone carvings and bas-reliefs that decorate this 12th Century complex, a prime example of classical Khmer architecture. You can choose to remain at Angkor Wat. Later enjoy a traditional Apsara show with dinner. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 16: SIEM REAP Explore the ancient ruins of Angkor Thom, famous for the Bayon temple and its colossal stone-carved faces. Continue to the Ta Prohm temple, overgrown by creeping jungle. Then enjoy a Khmer lunch set in a traditional wooden house. Visit Artisans d’Angkor which teaches young Cambodians to revive ancient traditions like stone carving. Then meet local school children at the JWOC Community Center. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. DAY 17: SIEM REAP Sail on Tonle Sap – the Great Lake of Cambodia before exploring Kompong Phluk, a floating village. Take an ox cart ride to the Roluos Pagoda where monks celebrate a private blessing ceremony. Enjoy lunch at a local home. Afterwards, you may choose to visit the Landmine Museum and the Banteay Srei complex. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. DAY 18: SIEM REAP - PHNOM PENH Travel to Phnom Penh and enjoy lunch at a non-profit restaurant that trains and employs former Cambodian street children. Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, housed in a notorious Khmer Rouge prison. Continue to the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a highlyacclaimed restaurant. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

One Pillar Pagoda, Hanoi

DAY 19: PHNOM PENH - DEPART FOR HOME Fly home with memories of an unforgettable journey. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 20: ARRIVE U.K.

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre nights in Ho Chi Minh City from only £50 per person per night and/or post nights in Phnom Penh from only £30 per person per night. Or a 3 day / 2 night optional Hong Kong pre tour extension is also available from £260pp

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Options 96, 97, 98, 99, 100 & 101 available. Please see pages 123-124.

Bayon Temple, Cambodia

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FLAVOURS OF THAILAND

Bangkok

RECLINING BUDDHA • GRAND PALACE • KLONG TOUR • JIM THOMPSON HOUSE • DAMNOEN SADUAK FLOATING MARKET • DEATH RAILWAY • BRIDGE OVER THE RIVER KWAI • DOI TUNG DEVELOPMENT PROJECT • GOLDEN TRIANGLE • HALL OF OPIUM • KHANTOKE DINNER AND SHOW • HILL TRIBES • NIGHT MARKET • MAESA ELEPHANT CAMP • ALMS GIVING

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Stop at Wat Phra Kaew, home of the Emerald Buddha and Thailand’s most sacred temple

Tour Pacing

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• Visit the Damnoen Saduak floating market • Visit the remote villages of the Akha and Lisu hill tribes

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1 Overnight flight Day 2-6 Rembrandt Hotel, Bangkok Day 7-8 Imperial Golden Triangle, Chiang Rai Day 9-12 Movenpick Suriwongse Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Day 13 Rembrandt Hotel, Bangkok Day 14 Overnight flight

DAY 1: OVernight flight Depart for Thailand on your overnight flight. DAY 2: Arrive ANGKOK, THAILAND Arrive in Bangkok, Thailand’s capital. This bustling city blends the cosmopolitan with timeless tradition. DAY 3: BANGKOK Begin your journey by visiting the Golden Buddha, one of the world’s largest solid gold statues. Learn why it was originally covered in plaster. Proceed to Wat Po, temple of the Reclining Buddha. Marvel at the scale of this gold-leaf covered monument and its mother-of-pearl inlaid feet. Explore the spectacular grounds of the Grand Palace. Stop at Wat Phra Kaew, home of the Emerald Buddha and Thailand’s most sacred temple. Enjoy lunch overlooking the Chao Phraya River. This afternoon, perhaps go shopping at Chatuchak Weekend Market or have a garment made at one of the town’s best tailors. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner at a traditional Thai house. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 4: BANGKOK Board a long-tail boat and explore Bangkok’s network of canals called klongs. Drift along and discover daily life on the waterways. Stop at the

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iconic Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn. Visit the Jim Thompson House, home of the American entrepreneur who revitalised the Thai silk industry before mysteriously disappearing. Later, you have the option of embarking on a street food tour of Bangkok. Tonight you may opt to join a candlelight dinner river cruise aboard a luxury rice barge. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 5: BANGKOK Travel south to the amazing Mae Klong Market along the railroad tracks. Visit the Damnoen Saduak floating market where countless vendors sell fruits and vegetables from their boats. Examine World War II in Thailand at Kanchanburi’s JEATH War Museum. Ride the notorious Death Railway and visit the Hellfire Pass Museum before walking through the nearby canyon. Reflect during a stroll along the historic Bridge over the River Kwai. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 6: BANGKOK Today is at leisure. Perhaps you’ll explore independently or choose to participate in an optional cooking class and learn the secrets of Thai ingredients while preparing lunch. Or, simply relax and perhaps enjoy a traditional Thai massage. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 7: BANGKOK - CHIANG RAI Take a short flight to Chiang Rai. At the Doi Tung Development Project, learn about the Princess Mother’s efforts to eradicate opium and teach villagers sustainable practices. Stroll through the beautiful Mae Fah Luang Garden. Visit the Cottage

Mekong sunset

Children from the hill tribes

Industries Center and discover local arts like mulberry paper making. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 8: CHIANG RAI Drive to the famous Golden Triangle. Enjoy magnificent views of the place where Thailand, Laos and Burma meet. Embark on a long-tail boat cruise on the Mekong and picnic by the river banks. Visit the Hall of Opium, an interactive museum that traces opium’s worldwide impact. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. DAY 9: CHIANG RAI - CHIANG MAI Visit the contemporary Wat Rong Khun temple. Its striking white facade is the masterwork of one of Thailand’s most renowned artists. En route to Chiang Mai, stop for lunch at a popular restaurant that promotes community development. Visit the Sankampaeng Handicraft Village and learn about umbrella making, teak carving and lacquer ware. Tonight, enjoy a Khantoke dinner and show that highlights dances from the region’s hill tribes. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 10: CHIANG MAI Visit the remote villages of the Akha and Lisu hill tribes. Learn about another way of life as you interact with local children and share a simple lunch. This evening, stroll, bargain and shop at Chiang Mai’s famous night market. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.


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DAY 11: CHIANG MAI Travel through the lush jungle to Maesa Elephant Camp, home to one of the largest collections of elephants in northern Thailand. Watch these majestic creatures take their morning bath in the river. Enjoy a lively show and observe how they work in the jungle, paint pictures and play games. You may even choose to ride an elephant or feed them their favourite treats. Later, stop at an orchid farm that displays some of Thailand’s most exquisite blooms. Enjoy lunch and northern Thailand’s signature dish at a speciality restaurant. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. DAY 12: CHIANG MAI Wake before dawn to visit the local market and participate in the offering of alms to hundreds of saffron-robed monks. Proceed to Wat Chedi Luang and chat with monks about practicing Buddhism in Thailand. Visit the sacred Wat Prathat Doi Suthep temple and delve into the legend of the white elephant. Soak in panoramic views of the city from the mountain top. Finally, savour a farewell dinner at an art gallery and restaurant overlooking the river. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 13: CHIANG MAI - BANGKOK Fly back to Bangkok for a day at leisure. Relax, explore more of the city or shop for souvenirs. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 14: BANGKOK - DEPART FOR HOME Enjoy a day at leisure before transferring to the airport for your flight home. Today breakfast will be included.

‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

Optional Elephant ride, Chiang Mai

Thai Monks

DAY 15: ARRIVE U.K.

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre or post nights in Bangkok from only £30 per person per night. A 3 day pre tour in Hong Kong is also available.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Options 102, 103, 104 & 105 available. Please see pages 123-124.

OPTIONAL 4-NIGHT ANGKOR WAT AND SIEM REAP POST-TOUR EXTENSION Prices From: £765 Per person 7 MEALS: 4 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinner DAY 14: BANGKOK - SIEM REAP Board a flight from Bangkok to Siem Reap. Visit Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious building and the symbol of Cambodia. Marvel at the stone carvings and bas-reliefs that decorate this 12th century complex, a prime example of classical Khmer architecture. Perhaps choose to remain at Angkor Wat until sunset when the golden light creates an awe-inspiring sight. Enjoy a traditional Apsara show with dinner. Today breakfast (from base tour) and dinner will be included. DAY 15: SIEM REAP Explore the ancient ruins of Angkor Thom, famous for the Bayon temple and its colossal stone-carved faces. Continue to the haunting Ta Prohm temple,

overgrown by creeping jungle. Enjoy a Khmer lunch set in a traditional wooden house. Visit Artisans d’Angkor which trains young Cambodians to revive ancient traditions like stone carving. Meet local school children at the JWOC Community Center. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. DAY 16: SIEM REAP Sail on Tonle Sap – the Great Lake of Cambodia. Explore Kompong Phluk, a floating village where you can see houses on stilts and flooded forests. Visit the Roluos Group and take an oxcart ride to the Roluos Pagoda where monks celebrate a private blessing ceremony. Enjoy lunch at a local home. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. DAY 17: SIEM REAP - BANGKOK A short flight brings you back to Bangkok. Enjoy two whole days at leisure to relax, explore more of

the city or shop for souvenirs. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 18: BANGKOK - DEPART FOR HOME Another full day of independent exploration awaits. Later, transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 19: ARRIVE U.K.

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EXPLORING NEW ZEALAND Milford Sound

AUCKLAND • BAY OF ISLANDS • ROTORUA • WELLINGTON • TRANZ ALPINE TRAIN • FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER REGION • QUEENSTOWN MILFORD SOUND • TE ANAU • MT. COOK

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Enjoy a panoramic tour of Auckland the ‘City Of Sails’

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On the Go Level 2

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• Visit the Franz Josef, where rainforest meets glacier • Discover the geothermal landscape of Rotorua

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1-2 Overnight flight Day 3-4 Rendezvous Hotel, Auckland Day 5-6 Scenic Hotels Bay of Islands, Bay of Islands Day 7 New Zealand Family Home*, Rotorua or Rydges Hotel, Rotorua Day 8 Rydges Hotel, Rotorua Day 9-10 Novotel Capital, Wellington or Amora Hotel, Wellington Day 11 Christchurch area hotel Day 12 Franz Josef Glacier Hotel, Franz Josef Day 13-15 Mercure Resort Queenstown, Queenstown Day 16 Distinction Hotel & Villas, Te Anau Day 17 The Hermitage Hotel, Mount Cook Day 18-19 Christchurch area hotel Day 20 Overnight flight

Maori Art

DAY 1 - DAY 2: DEPART FROM UK Today, your New Zealand adventure begins when you board your international flight. Day 2 is spent in flight. DAY 3: Arrive AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND Your tour begins in Auckland, the “City of Sails,” consistently rated one of the best places in the world to live. Auckland has the highest Polynesian population in the world, imbuing the vibrant cultures from many Pacific islands into its chic atmosphere. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner. Today dinner will be included. DAY 4: AUCKLAND Get to know the best of Auckland during a panoramic city tour featuring America’s Cup Village, the War Memorial, vibrant Queen Street, the Auckland Harbour Bridge, and spectacular views from the top of Mt. Eden, one of 53 dormant volcanoes throughout the area. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to enjoy the city. Perhaps visit one of the city’s amazing museums or galleries, or just enjoy some of the wonderful shopping that is available in the city. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 5: AUCKLAND - BAY OF ISLANDS Leave the city and travel north to the Bay of Islands, your home for the next two nights. This Maritime region boasts more than 144 islands, warm bays, a colourful history and abundant marine life. Visit the Waitangi National Trust & Treaty House. It was on these lush grounds that Maori and British leaders signed the 1844 treaty establishing New Zealand’s nationhood. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 6: BAY OF ISLANDS Begin your day with a cruise through the bay’s famous Hole in the Rock and view the Cape Brett Lighthouse which stands nearly 500 feet above sea level at the edge of the Cape Brett Peninsula. The rest of the day is yours to explore Paihia – the quaint town known as “the jewel of the Bay of Islands” – at leisure. Today breakfast will be included.

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Te Papa Museum, Wellington

DAY 7: BAY OF ISLANDS - ROTORUA Today you’ll head to the dramatic geothermal landscape of Rotorua. One-third of Rotorua’s population has Maori roots dating back to their arrival in New Zealand over 1,000 years ago, making this city a thriving cultural centre. Make yourself right at home this evening when a New Zealand family welcomes you into their home for dinner and a home stay*! This is sure to be an unforgettable experience as you make new friends, learn about the customs of the “Kiwi’s” and enjoy a home-cooked meal. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 8: ROTORUA This morning visit Te Puia, New Zealand’s premier Maori cultural and geothermal experience. You’ll be truly amazed by the landscape of erupting geysers, bubbling mud pools and other geothermal wonders! The National Carving School and National Weaving School are also located here, where age old customs are passed on by teaching the tribal youth the skills of traditional carving, weaving and dancing. Take part in an interactive demonstration on the art of traditional weaving methods. You will also view the Kiwi bird and learn what New Zealanders are doing to try to remove the Kiwi from the endangered species list. Then, meet the skilled carvers who work with pounamu, a New Zealand jade, at a local jade factory. Next, visit the Agrodome where you will see a fun and interactive sheep-shearing demonstration and learn about the different sheep and wool that come from New Zealand. Tonight visit a recreated


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traditional Maori village to learn about Maori life before Aotearoa (the Maori name for New Zealand) was colonised. Immerse yourself in Maori culture before a Hangi meal and authentic Maori entertainment, such as the famous Haka dance. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 9: ROTORUA - WELLINGTON Journey south through the rolling countryside of the North Island, dotted with white sheep grazing, making your way to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 10: WELLINGTON During your panoramic sightseeing tour of Wellington, view the Beehive, New Zealand’s Parliament, historic St. Paul’s Church, and the government building - the largest wooden building in the Southern Hemisphere. Following the tour you will visit the Te Papa Tongawera Museum, a fascinating centre dedicated to art, history and the Maori culture. Today breakfast will be included.

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of wildlife native Wel W eel lin to the region. Arrive for your 2 Wellington overnight in the breathtaking Franz Josef Glacier Picton Picton Region, where glaciers live in close proximity to 3 temperate climates. Today breakfast and dinner will Christchurch C Chr hristtch churc be included. DAY 13: FRANZ JOSEF - QUEENSTOWN Enjoy a picture stop of the famous Franz Josef Glacier before leaving the South Island’s lush west coast. Take in the stunning scenery as you pass through rainforest surrounded by the Southern Alps. You’ll enjoy beautiful ocean vistas as you travel the twisting coastline. This picturesque route is comprised of one lane bridges, green glacial lakes, thundering waterfalls and dramatic landscape changes. After crossing the Haast Pass, arrive in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, and one of New Zealand’s most gorgeous spots. Enjoy a memorable dinner at the Skyline Restaurant overlooking Queenstown, the Remarkable Mountains and Lake Wakatipu. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 14: QUEENSTOWN This morning travel to historic Arrowtown, a gold rush town set on the picturesque Arrow River. More than 60 restored buildings date back to the 19th Century in this town lined with boutiques and cafés. Stroll along Main Street where you’ll discover a wealth of New Zealand handcrafts. This afternoon, venture into New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave for a tasting at an award-

winning wine producer in the Central Otago region. This charming boutique winery houses a stunning selection of fine wines to quench your palate. This unforgettable experience is followed by lunch at the winery’s fabulous restaurant. Later, return to Queenstown and enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. DAY 15: QUEENSTOWN Today is yours to discover Queenstown at your leisure. Set amidst spectacular scenery, Queenstown is not only an adventure centre, but offers excellent shopping and dining. Perhaps you’ll opt to take “A Journey Through Middle Earth” and experience the South Island’s Tolkienesque landscape as you explore the cinematic backdrop that brought The Lord of the Rings to life on the big screen. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 16: QUEENTOWN - MILFORD SOUND - TE ANAU Your ride to Milford Sound is lined with unforgettable beauty, taking you through beech forest into Hollyford Valley’s rugged grandeur and through the Homer Tunnel. Arriving at mesmerising Milford Sound, sail away on a leisurely cruise that brings you through the deep fjord, surrounded by sheer mountains rising almost six thousand feet from the water’s surface. Enjoy an overnight on the southern shores of Lake Te Anau, the largest lake on the South Island. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. Te Puia, Rotorua

DAY 11: WELLINGTON - PICTON - CHRISTCHURCH Climb aboard a ferry and sail across Cook Strait to experience what Wine Spectator called “the most beautiful ferry ride in the world.” Arrive in Picton, on the South Island. Discover why the Marlborough region is one of the world’s best wine regions when you tour a local winery. Later, arrive in Christchurch, situated on the Avon River and considered “the most English city outside of England.” Today breakfast will be included. DAY 12: CHRISTCHURCH - FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER REGION All aboard! The Tranz Alpine train whisks you away on a journey past farmlands, through the deep gorges of the Waimakariri River valley and into the rugged snowcapped mountains of the Southern Alps, as you wind your way into the subtropical rainforest region of New Zealand’s spectacular west coast. Before arrival in Franz Josef, visit the new West Coast Wildlife Centre where you will see a kiwi bird up close and learn about other types

81


EXPLORING NEW ZEALAND Mount Cook

New Zealand Lamb

DAY 17: TE ANAU - MT. COOK REGION The Maori word for Mt. Cook is Aoraki, which means “cloud piercer.” Journey through New Zealand’s unspoiled wilderness and arrive at Mt. Cook National Park, where permanent ice fields and glaciers blanket the ragged peaks. This is where New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary honed his mountaineering skills before attempting Everest. Explore the park up-close during a nature walk. Maybe you’ll choose to partake in an optional flightseeing tour (weather permitting) to witness breathtaking aerial views of Mt. Cook and the glaciers. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 18: MT. COOK - CHRISTCHURCH Travel back to Christchurch this morning and visit a family farm in Canterbury. See the workings of the farm and learn firsthand how this New Zealand family farm operates. A sightseeing tour of the city features the Neo-Gothic Cathedral, the downtown park district and stunning Victorian-style buildings. The remainder of the day is yours to explore this quaint city, named for the college at Oxford University, and exuding a decidedly English feel. Stroll through the gardens, wander through the shops or simply relax. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 19: CHRISTCHURCH Spend your morning at leisure. This afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the famous Christchurch botanical gardens and learn why Christchurch is known as the Garden City of the South Pacific. Tonight, celebrate the amazing sights you have seen and the new friendships forged as you dine at a local restaurant with your fellow travellers. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 20: CHRISTCHURCH - DEPART FOR HOME Your tour ends today in Christchurch. Depart for home with countless fond memories to share with friends and family. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 21: ARRIVE U.K.

Mount Cook Boardwalk

82

‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

EXPERIENCE IT! BAY OF ISLANDS

Just 150 miles north of Auckland is the beautiful Bay of Islands, located in New Zealand’s balmy subtropical north. Over 144 islands dot these warm waters. The bay is abundant with thrilling marine life, like marlin, whales, dolphins, seals, and penguins. Once the refuge of ship deserters, sailors, whalers, ex-convicts and other rogues, the Bay of Islands is now a tranquil holiday destination. Enjoy a cruise on its pristine turquoise waters - the only way to truly appreciate the spectacular seascapes. A highlight of the cruise will be the journey through the famous “Hole in the Rock.” Resembling the eye of a needle, the “hole” has been etched over time by wind and waves, allowing boats to travel through it when the tide is just right. Following your cruise, enjoy free time to explore this idyllic region on your own.

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre nights in Auckland from only £55 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Options 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 116 &117 available. Please see pages 123-124.


FROM THE OUTBACK TO THE GLACIERS

The Olgas, Australia

MELBOURNE • ALICE SPRINGS • AYERS ROCK • CAIRNS • GREAT BARRIER REEF • SYDNEY • SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE • FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER REGION • QUEENSTOWN • MILFORD SOUND • MT. COOK NATIONAL PARK

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • The origins of the Aboriginal people are conveyed through enchanting stories as you walk through the bush on a ‘Dreamtime Tour.’ • Discover the underwater rainbow of coral and fish when you explore the Great Barrier Reef from aboard a glass bottom boat. • Experience the refined English flavour of the Canterbury region when you dine in a restored mansion.

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1-2 Overnight flight Day 3-4 Rendezvous Hotel, Melbourne Day 5-6 Crowne Plaza, Alice Springs Day 7 Desert Gardens, Ayers Rock Day 8-9 Novotel Rockford Palm Cove, Palm Cove Day 10-12 Menzies Hotel, Sydney Day 13 Homestay* or Christchurch area hotel Day 14 Franz Josef Hotel, Franz Josef Day 15-17 Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, Queenstown Day 18 Hermitage Lodge, Mount Cook Day 19 Christchurch area hotel Day 20 Overnight flight

Cairns

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

DAY 1 - DAY 2: DEPART U.K. - OVernight flight Today you will board your overnight flight for your trip to Australia and New Zealand. Day 2 is spent in flight.

Koala

DAY 3: ARRIVE MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA Your tour begins in the beautiful Victorian city of Melbourne, set around the shores of Port Phillip Bay and boasting a lively and cosmopolitan pulse. Today dinner will be included. DAY 4: MELBOURNE Today’s tour of Melbourne features Fitzroy Gardens, valued for their historic, architectural, and horticultural significance. Later, you may like to participate in an optional tour that travels to Phillip Island, arriving at the fascinating home of the world’s largest colony of Little Penguins. See hundreds of these lovable birds waddling out from the sea as they cross the beach to their burrows in the dunes during the Little Penguin Parade. On this option you will also visit the interpretation centre where you will learn about the life of the Little Penguins and their significance to the area. Dinner is included on Phillip Island when you purchase this option. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 5: MELBOURNE - ALICE SPRINGS You fly to Alice Springs, located in the heart of Central Australia and the Outback. A sightseeing tour includes the Old Telegraph Station and Anzac Hill, with its excellent view of Alice Springs and the surrounding area. Gain insight into the educational system in the Outback with a visit to the School of the Air - you may even see a class in session! A special experience is in store for you this afternoon as you will have the opportunity to meet the young Aboriginal group, Drum Atweme. Supported by the Collette Foundation†, Drum Atweme is a musical group comprised of at-risk youth from the local community. Tonight, enjoy a memorable dinner in the bush complete with entertainment under the stars. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 6: ALICE SPRINGS Discover the culture of the Aboriginal people

this morning during the ‘Dreamtime Tour.’ Your specialist guide, along with members of the Walpiri tribe, will tell you their stories of creation and show you the every day activities of the Aboriginals. You will meet these people at their camp and watch as various dreamtime stories are depicted in paintings. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 7: ALICE SPRINGS – ULURU (AYERS ROCK) Today you drive to Uluru (Ayers Rock) in the heart of the Australian Outback. This huge monolith and the sandstone domes of the Olgas were created through the process of upheaval and erosion. As the sun sets, enjoy a champagne toast and watch as Ayers Rock magically changes color. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 8: ULURU (AYERS ROCK) - CAIRNS Today, tour the Olgas and the base of “the Rock,” learning about their significance to the Aboriginal culture before leaving behind Australia’s Outback. Then you are off to Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. One of the world’s most spectacular natural attractions, the reef was established as a marine park in 1975 and is a collective haven for thousands of species of sea life, as well as turtles and birds. In 1981 the United Nations designated the Great Barrier Reef a World Heritage site. Today dinner will be included.

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FROM THE OUTBACK TO THE GLACIERS

Sydney Bridge & Opera House

DAY 9: GREAT BARRIER REEF Board a high-speed catamaran for an exciting excursion on the Great Barrier Reef. From your base on Green Island, you are able to explore the reef in many ways. Enjoy a trip on a glass bottom boat* where beautifully coloured fish swim beneath in their natural habitat. Choose a stroll on the walking trail to take in the rain forest and the beaches, snorkel or watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. You may also visit the underwater observatory. For a more adventurous encounter with the reef, optional scuba diving and an outer reef tour are also available. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. DAY 10: CAIRNS - SYDNEY Explore the rain forest canopy this morning on an optional skyrail tour; make a few stops on the ascent to experience the beauty of this World Heritage Site. Depart for the exciting city of Sydney this afternoon. The evening is yours to independently explore one of the world’s friendliest cities. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 11: SYDNEY Today is a full day exploring the fun-loving city of Sydney. Begin with a tour that includes sights such as Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens and the fashionable suburb of Paddington. Discover one of the world’s most fascinating architectural sites as you take a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House, poised majestically on Sydney Harbour. Your discovery of Sydney continues with time to explore on your own. Stroll through the city streets, visit the historic Rocks District, or simply relax. Your Tour Manager will be on hand to offer suggestions. Today breakfast will be included.

exploration of New Zealand. You arrive in Christchurch, considered “the most English city outside of England.” A sightseeing tour highlights the city’s magnificent gardens, elegant park district and the historic Neo-Gothic Cathedral. A special treat is in store for you tonight as you dine with a New Zealand family in their home**. Meet and talk firsthand with a friendly Kiwi family who are delighted to share their culture, traditions and home with you. Today dinner will be included.

Great Barrier Reef

DAY 12: SYDNEY This morning visit Koala Park which will give you a close-up chance to learn about the different types of wildlife native to the land down under. You’ll walk amongst wallabies, indigenous birds, kangaroos, dingoes and koalas. Experience the koala habitat where you can even take your picture with a koala! Next, journey to the National Opal Collection where you will enjoy a fascinating opal presentation and learn how raw opals are transformed from the dark mine shafts to beautiful artistic creations. This evening, say farewell to Australia with an unforgettable experience as you dine while cruising the Sydney harbour, enjoying views of the city’s great icons - the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 13: SYDNEY - CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND Today you board your flight to begin your

Mount Cook

84

DAY 14: CHRISTCHURCH - FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER REGION Travelling across New Zealand’s spectacular Southern Alps, you will marvel at the snowcapped peaks and beautiful river gorges as you wind your way past waterfalls and rugged mountain scenery. You may take a train ride (optional) aboard the Tranz-Alpine Express for a scenic trip through the Southern Alps. You’ll end your day in the Franz Josef Glacier Region which offers travellers a rare opportunity to experience a dynamic glacial landscape, in a temperate environment. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 15: FRANZ JOSEF - QUEENSTOWN This morning you may choose to view the jagged snow-covered mountaintops by taking an optional flightseeing tour (weather permitting) over New Zealand’s beautiful glacier region. Before departing Franz Josef, visit the new West Coast Wildlife Centre to learn about the endangered Kiwi bird and other types of wildlife indigenous to New Zealand’s west coast. Board your coach and journey to Queenstown. An amazing landscape unfolds before your eyes as you pass through the rain forest, surrounded by the Southern Alps and twisting coastline, revealing New Zealand’s most stunning scenery. Cross green glacial lakes, view thundering waterfalls and enjoy dramatic changes in scenery. After crossing the Haast Pass you arrive in Queenstown, one of New Zealand’s prettiest towns, nestled beside the mysterious Lake Wakatipu in the Southern Lakes district. This evening enjoy dinner at the Skyline Restaurant where you will enjoy spectacular views overlooking Queenstown, the Remarkable Mountains, and Lake Wakatipu. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 16: QUEENSTOWN - MILFORD SOUND - QUEENSTOWN Travel through beech forest into the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley via the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound, where you will enjoy a fascinating cruise. You may choose to return to Queenstown via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.

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DAY 17: QUEENSTOWN Enjoy your day at leisure. Queenstown offers limitless diversions set amidst breathtaking Alpine scenery. Shop in the charming village of Queenstown or enjoy an optional and exhilarating jet boat ride on the Shotover River. You may also choose to take a journey around the Queenstown area to witness its rugged grandeur and see some of the locations where the Lord of the Rings movies were filmed. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 18: QUEENSTOWN - MT. COOK Enjoy a visit to Arrowtown, a boomtown during the 1800’s gold rush. Next, enjoy a tasting and tour at one of New Zealand’s famous wineries. Stop at a local fruit stand to experience some of the delicious produce that grows in the Central Otago region. Crossing the Kawarau River, you see Lindis Pass before arriving in New Zealand’s most famous national park, Mt. Cook. There will be time to enjoy the Alpine paradise of Mt. Cook – a larger than life experience. You may choose to take a nature walk, enjoy an optional glacier flightseeing tour (weather permitting), or simply meditate on the beauty of the Southern Alps. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 19: MT. COOK - CHRISTCHURCH This morning, drive through magnificent landscapes as you return to Christchurch. Visit a working farm where you will view a demonstration by a skilled New Zealand “strong eye” sheep herding dog, followed by a sheep shearing demonstration. Learn how this New Zealand farm family has survived the changing times. Tonight, step back in time and experience the true elegance of Canterbury as you dine at a local restaurant with your fellow travellers. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Kangaroos

DAY 20: CHRISTCHURCH - DEPART FOR HOME Your tour ends today in Christchurch. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 21: ARRIVE U.K. Beehive, Wellington Milford Sound

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre nights in Melbourne from only £70 per person per night and/or post nights in Christchurch from £70 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Options 106, 107, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130 & 131 available. Please see pages 123-124.

85


THE BEST OF AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND Uluru (Ayers Rock)

CAIRNS • GREAT BARRIER REEF • AYERS ROCK • ALICE SPRINGS • DARWIN • KAKADU NATIONAL PARK • MELBOURNE • TASMANIA • SYDNEY • QUEENSTOWN • MILFORD SOUND • MT. COOK • WELLINGTON • ROTORUA

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Learn about the education of the children in the Outback during a visit to the School of the Air. • Visit Kakadu National Park, one of the only places you can search for crocs and other exotic wildlife in their natural habitats. • Visit Tasmania where you’ll experience Port Arthur Historic site and learn about Australia’s historic penal colonies. • Board the Skyrail Rain Forest Cableway for an unforgettable ride above the rain forest canopy

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1-2 Overnight flight Day 3-5 Novotel Oasis, Cairns Day 6 Desert Gardens, Ayers Rock Day 7 Crowne Plaza Alice Springs, Alice Springs Day 8-9 Gagudju Crocodile, Kakadu Day 10-11 Novotel on Collins, Melbourne

Tour Pacing

Level 1

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

Day 1-DAY 2: Depart U.K. Overnight flight DAY 3: Arrive Cairns, Australia Your tour begins in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef in tropical north Queensland. Tonight, enjoy a special welcome dinner. Today dinner will be included. DAY 4: Cairns This morning you board the Skyrail Rain Forest Cableway for an unforgettable ride above and through the rain forest canopy. The amazing diversity of waterfalls, plants, animals and birds will astound you. Your evening is at leisure to enjoy your tropical surroundings. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 5: Great Barrier Reef Board a high speed catamaran for an exciting tour of the Great Barrier Reef, the most biologically diverse ecosystem in the world. From your base on Green Island, you are able to explore the reef in many ways. Enjoy a glass bottom boat ride*, take a stroll in the rain forest, relax on the beaches, snorkel or just watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. For a more adventurous encounter with the reef, optional scuba diving and an outer reef tour are also available. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.

Skyrail Rain Forest

DAY 6: Cairns - Uluru (Ayers Rock) Fly to the heart of the Outback, arriving at Uluru, the Aboriginal name for Ayers Rock. Tour the sandstone domes of the Olgas and the area around the base of “The Rock.” Later, witness a stunning sunset as the Rock’s hues change dramatically with the setting sun. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 7: Uluru - Alice Springs This morning you depart for Alice Springs to experience life in the heart of the Aussie Outback. After a sight seeing tour, gain insight into the educational system in the Outback with a visit to the School of the Air; you may even see a class in session**! Tonight, enjoy dining and entertainment during a traditional dinner in the bush. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 8: Alice Springs - Darwin Kakadu National Park Begin your day with a Dreamtime Tour. Experience the culture of the Australian Aborigines and learn about their ancient culture and food. Later, fly to Darwin then drive into the heart of Kakadu National Park. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 14-16 Novotel Rockford Darling Harbour, Sydney Day 17-19 Novotel Lakeside, Queenstown Day 20 Hermitage Lodge, Mt. Cook Region Day 21-22 Christchurch Area Hotel, Christchurch Day 23-24 Amora Hotel Wellington, Wellington Day 25 Home Stay Hotel†, Rotorua or Novotel Lakeside, Rotorua Day 26 Novotel Lakeside, Rotorua

86

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Overall Rating

Day 12-13 Grand Mercure Hadleys Hotel, Hobart

Day 27 Overnight flight

Leisurely

The Great Barrier Reef

DAY 9: Kakadu National Park Kakadu National Park is home to a treasure trove of native wildlife. See ancient Aboriginal rock art at Nourlangie Rock, some dating back over 10,000 years. During your afternoon Yellow Waters cruise be on the lookout for crocodiles as they bask in the sun. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.


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DAY 10: Kakadu National Park Darwin - Melbourne Today you fly to the beautiful Victorian city of Melbourne. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 11: Melbourne This morning enjoy a city tour which includes Fitzroy Gardens, the Shrine of Remembrance and Parliament House. Enjoy some time at leisure to explore Melbourne independently. This afternoon visit Phillip Island, a renowned nature reserve and home of the world’s largest colony of Little Penguins. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 12: Melbourne - Hobart A flight to Hobart, Tasmania brings you to Australia’s second oldest city. The rugged and pristine beauty of Tasmania provides the backdrop to your 2-night stay. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 13: Hobart, Tasmania This morning you will meet the Tasmanian Devil! Later, take a guided tour of the Port Arthur Historic Site, the best-preserved example of Australia’s penal colonies. Dating back to 1833, the site features a large number of stabilised ruins and restored buildings. While at Port Arthur, you’ll get a glimpse into the lives of the convicts. Later, witness the spectacular coastal rock formations known as Tasman Arch, Devil’s Kitchen and the Blow Hole. Today breakfast will be included.

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the fashionable suburb of Paddington. Later, take a guided tour through the Sydney Opera House. Dinner is included at the 360 Restaurant, a fantastic revolving restaurant atop the famous Sydney Tower, offering stunning views of the city below. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

You may choose an option of a thrilling jet boat ride on the scenic Shotover River, or “a Journey through Middle Earth,” where you traverse the Tolkienesque countryside and see where portions of the Lord of the Rings trilogy were filmed. Today breakfast will be included.

DAY 16: Sydney This morning, visit Koala Park which showcases Australia’s wide array of indigenous wildlife. Next, enjoy a unique opportunity to learn first-hand about opals during a special presentation at the National Opal Collection. An amazing evening begins with a sail on Sydney Harbour’s glistening waters during a dinner cruise offering spectacular views of Harbour Bridge and world-famous Opera House. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

DAY 20: Queenstown - Mt. Cook National Park Travelling through New Zealand’s picturesque countryside, you will learn about the 19th Century gold rush when you stop in Arrowtown. Later today you will arrive at Mt. Cook National Park where you may take nature walks or, if weather permits, enjoy an optional flightseeing tour to the top of the rugged mountain range. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

DAY 17: Sydney - Queenstown, New Zealand Travel to New Zealand, arriving in the gorgeous town of Queenstown. Dinner is included at the Skyline Restaurant overlooking Queenstown, the Remarkable Mountains and Lake Wakatipu. Today dinner will be included.

DAY 21: Mt. Cook - Christchurch A drive through the Southern Alps, which line the western side of New Zealand’s South Island, brings you to the beautiful English city of Christchurch. Located on the Avon River, Christchurch is considered to be “the most English city outside England.” Upon arrival, enjoy a sightseeing tour along the Avon River and view magnificent gardens and the downtown park district. Today breakfast will be included.

DAY 18: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown Journey through beech forest into the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley via the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise of Milford Sound fjord. Following your cruise, you return to Queenstown. You may choose to return via a short optional flight, weather permitting, for spectacular views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. DAY 19: Queenstown Enjoy a day at leisure in this charming village.

DAY 22: Christchurch Today is yours to explore the historic city of Christchurch at your leisure. This afternoon you may choose to take an optional tour to Christchurch’s Botanical Gardens and then head to the International Antarctic Centre, the gateway for expeditions to Antarctica. Tonight, experience the elegance of Canterbury as you dine at a local restaurant with your fellow travellers. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Sydney Opera House

DAY 14: Hobart - Sydney Return to mainland Australia today and arrive in the bustling city of Sydney. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 15: Sydney Start the day with a city tour of Sydney, where modern-day Australia was born. Highlights include Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens, and

87


THE BEST OF AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND Mount Cook

DAY 23: Christchurch - Wellington Travelling north along the coast you’ll pass scenic river valleys and vineyards. Arriving in Picton, you travel by ferry to the North Island on one of the most scenic trips the world has to offer. Before arriving in Wellington. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 24: Wellington A tour of this city showcases the Beehive Parliamentary buildings and views from atop Mt. Victoria. Later, experience Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, New Zealand’s national museum. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 25: Wellington - Rotorua Depart for the centre of Maori culture - the city of Rotorua. Here you’ll see a unique landscape of bubbling and steaming geothermal springs. Tonight you will enjoy a home stay† and dinner with a New Zealand family. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 26: Rotorua This morning visit Te Puia, New Zealand’s premier Maori cultural and geothermal experience. Before leaving you will see the national bird—the Kiwi. A visit to the Agrodome will give you insight into how New Zealand wool is processed. You will also view a special sheep shearing demonstration. Later this afternoon, meet jade carvers. This evening visit a traditional Maori village and learn about ancient Maori life. Then, experience a taste of Maori entertainment. After the performance, a spectacular farewell Hangi feast awaits you. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 27: Rotorua - Auckland - Depart for Home Travel through the majestic countryside of the North Island, arriving in New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland, “The City of Sails”. Your tour ends in Auckland. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 28: Arrive U.K.

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre nights in Cairns from only £70 per person per night and/or post nights in Auckland from only £55 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Options 106, 108, 109, 110, 112, 113, 117, 118, 119, 120, 122, 123, 124, 126, 127, 128 & 130 available. Please see pages 123-124.

Allan from Collette in New Zealand

Maori Art

88

‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

EXPERIENCE IT!

THE LITTLE PENGUIN PARADE There are no fancy costumes or ornate floats...no festive music or marching bands. But still the audience gathers, waiting patiently for the performers to arrive. As the sun sets over the Pacific, the show harmoniously begins. Just off the coast of Melbourne lies breathtaking Phillip Island. Over the years, travellers have flocked to this happy haven for one tiny reason: the Little Penguin. Measuring a mere one-foot high and weighing a meager two pounds, the justly named bird has captured the attention and imagination of millions. At dusk, hundreds of Little Penguins return from their day-long feeding in the sea and parade up the beaches into their nests located in the sand dunes - seemingly unaffected by the many onlookers. This is a performance you will never forget.


EXTENSIONS TO AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND TOURS Fiji

OPTIONAL 2-NIGHT FIJI POST TOUR EXTENSION ALL 3 AUSTRALASIAN TOURS:

OPTIONAL 3 DAY/2-NIGHT HONG KONG PRE TOUR EXTENSION EXPLORING NEW ZEALAND ONLY;

Prices From: £319 per person 2 MEALS: 2 Breakfasts DAY 1: OVernight flight Today you depart the U.K. for Hong Kong. You leave the U.K. two days earlier than the usual departure date. Prices From: £391 per person 4 MEALS: 3 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner DAY 20: CHRISTCHURCH - NADI, FIJI Today you will arrive in the beautiful paradise island of Fiji. Fiji retains all the primitive cultural fascination of the South Pacific and boasts expansive sandy beaches and clear ocean waters. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 21: FIJI Today, your day is free to explore what the resort has to offer on this tropical paradise. There are a number of relaxing and fun, adventurous activities you can engage in. Tonight, enjoy a lovely dinner. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 22: FIJI - TOUR ENDS - DEPART FOR HOME Before your tour ends today in Fiji, an optional island tour is offered. Today breakfast will be included.

DAY 2: ARRIVE HONG KONG Arrive in Hong Kong, one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan and dynamic cities. You will stay in Kowloon, located in the heart of Hong Kong’s bustling shopping district. Hong Kong is noted for fabulous savings on jewellery, silk and leather products. Your evening is at leisure. DAY 3: HONG KONG - HONG KONG ISLAND Begin your day being whisked by the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak for spectacular views of the city and harbour below. Then you descend to Repulse Bay Beach and visit the longest beach on Hong Kong Island and its small temple of the Chinese Sea Goddess. Proceed to Aberdeen fishing village for a sampan ride inside the typhoon shelter. Continue to the Star Ferry and cross the harbour in one of these famous ferries. The remainder of your day is at leisure. Today breakfast will be included.

DAY 23: Overnight Flight

DAY 4: HONG KONG - OVernight flight After a day at leisure transfer to the airport and board your overnight flight to New Zealand. Today breakfast will be included.

Please Note: Extensions not purchased at time of deposit are subject to availability and applicable charges at time of request. This extension is hosted by a local representative who will provide all included services

DAY 5: ARRIVE AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND (Day 3 of standard tour.)

LOS ANGELES POST TOUR NIGHTS ADD los Angeles POST NIGHTS FROM: £45 PER PERSON PER NIGHT - Please call for details.

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SPECTACULAR SOUTH AFRICA Lions Head, Cape Town

JOHANNESBURG • SOWETO • PANORAMIC ROUTE • KRUGER NATIONAL PARK • SAFARI GAME DRIVE • GARDEN ROUTE • KNYSNA • FEATHERBED NATURE RESERVE • OSTRICH FARM VISIT • WINERY TOUR • CAPE TOWN • TABLE MOUNTAIN

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Search for the Big 5 during your included open-air safari game drives! • Visit the oldest working ostrich farm in South Africa and learn about these fascinating animals! • See the breathtaking Drakensburg Mountains, the highest mountains in Southern Africa, as you travel along the Panoramic Route.

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

Experience the regional lifestyle when joining locals for lunch at a nearby Shebeen or house tavern. This afternoon, visit the Apartheid Museum for a look into the dynamic history of racial segregation in South Africa. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. DAY 4: PANORAMIC ROUTE - KRUGER NATIONAL PARK Travel through the spectacular Drakensburg Mountain Range en route to Kruger National Park, the largest game reserve in South Africa. Scenic wonders surround you as you pass through the

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

The Three Rondovals

Day 1 Overnight flight Day 2-3 Southern Sun Katherine Street, Sandton Day 4-5 Sabi River Sun Resort, Kruger National Park Day 6 Southern Sun Garden Court King’s Beach, Port Elizabeth Day 7-8 Graywood Hotel, Knysna Day 9 Spier Hotel, Stellenbosch Day 10-12 Southern Sun Waterfront, Cape Town Day 13 Overnight flight

DAY 1: OVernight flight DAY 2: ARRIVE JOHANNESBURG - SANDTON, SOUTH AFRICA Your journey begins in Sandton, a city established in 1969. Famous for its rich veins of gold and other valuable minerals. Gather this evening with your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner. Today dinner will be included. DAY 3: SANDTON - SOWETO - SANDTON Today your Tour Manager helps you discover the history of the languages you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases. A guided tour of Soweto - South West Township - showcases luxurious mansions and informal settlements.

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Blyde River Canyon, made mostly of red sandstone and known as one of Africa’s greatest natural wonders. Set against the mountain formation of the Three Rondovals, resembling traditional round houses of the indigenous people, the canyon is the third largest in the world. Along this magnificent route you will also see Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the dramatic natural cylinders shaped by millions of years of natural erosion caused by fast flowing sand-filled waters. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 5: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK SAFARI GAME DRIVE Have your cameras ready for an unforgettable day of adventure and excitement! Enjoy a full day open air vehicle safari game drive. A local expert leads you in search of the Big 5 - elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino - and provides insight into these fascinating animals along the way. Watch carefully

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

- you may also see a graceful impala, dazzling zebra or gorgeous giraffe. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 6: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK JOHANNESBURG - PORT ELIZABETH Travel back to Johannesburg to board your flight to Port Elizabeth, today one of South Africa’s major ports. Founded in 1820 as a place to house British settlers. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 7: PORT ELIZABETH - KNYSNA Journey through the Tsitsikamma Forest, a natural gem along the Garden Route. Known for its gorges and steep cliffs, the indigenous forest is home to hundreds of species of birdlife. Continue along the southern coast. Arrive in the picturesque resort town of Knysna. This afternoon, your township tour will highlight the diversity of this community followed by a touching experience as you visit a school*. Enjoy a relaxing dinner at one of Knysna’s waterfront restaurants. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 8: KNYSNA Today you visit nearby Featherbed Nature Reserve. Begin with a lagoon cruise out to the famous Knysna Heads which mark the entrance to the lagoon. Next, board a 4x4 vehicle and travel deep into the forest. Discover the local flora and fauna during a leisurelypaced nature walk. Enjoy lunch amongst the ancient milkwood trees - so called because of their white latex sap - before your return cruise. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to independently explore Knysna’s charming waterfront. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. DAY 9: KNYSNA - OUDTSHOORN - STELLENBOSCH Travel to Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of South Africa. Enjoy a guided tour of one of the oldest working ostrich farms in the area and, if you wish, go for a ride on one of these great birds! An outdoor barbecue lunch caps off an amazing day. Next, journey to your hotel located in the heart of the beautiful winelands region. Upon arrival enjoy a late afternoon wine tasting. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.

The Col Spe 1st


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200 miles

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ZAMBIA Victoria Falls

ANGOLA

3

200 kilometers

NAMIBIA

ZIMBABWE

BOTSWANA

Kruger

2 National

Park

Sandton 2 Soweto Johannesburg

ATLANTIC OCEAN

1

PRICES FROM:

£2899

SA BO VE O up K E Te rm to £ ARL s& co 20 nd 0p Y iti

SOUTH AFRICA

INCLUDING

Oudtshoorn

Door to Door Transfer

1 2 Overnight stay* Cape Town 3 1 Knysna Port Elizabeth Visit Stellenbosch Standard tour INDIAN Option Victoria Falls Flight OCEAN * –number indicates length of stay

on s a er c pp ou ly p

le

please see page 4 for details

14 DAYS, 20 MEALS:

11 Breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 Dinners

DAY 10: STELLENBOSCH - CAPe TOWN Discover the enchanting beauty of the famous Cape Winelands region with its colourful mountainous landscape and endless vineyards as you explore today. a local wine farm and learn about the history of winemaking in this region The MVisit Factory, Inc. and sample a variety of blends. Then, enjoy a delicious lunch at the winery’s Collette ownVacations-Smith restaurant located among the vines. Travel to Cape Town this afternoon. Spectacular South Today breakfast andAfrica_11 lunch will be included. DAY 11: CAPE TOWN

1st Proof date: tour 6/29/10 A panoramic of the beautiful harbourside city of Cape Town celebrates its noted architecture which fuses the traditions of French, German and Dutch influences. Enjoy a thrilling ride on a cable car as it whisks you to an altitude of more than 3,000 feet, landing atop the aptly named and flat-topped Table Mountain. The views below of Cape Town, Robben Island and Lion’s Head will leave you breathless. Return to the city via Table Bay, passing through the Malay Quarter with its mosques and minarets, and stopping at the Milnerton Lighthouse. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to discover charming Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, known for its shopping and entertainment venues. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 12: CAPE TOWN Explore the coastal scenery and charming towns that populate the Cape Peninsula. Travel out to Cape Point, stopping for a visit with the penguins at Boulder Beach. On your return, explore the fascinating and famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, home to over 5,000 species of plants native to South Africa. This evening, experience a unique farewell to Africa as you enjoy an after-hours guided tour of the fascinating African Gold Museum, followed by a traditional African dining experience! Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 13: CAPE TOWN - DEPART FOR HOME Your tour ends today in Cape Town. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 14: ARRIVE U.K.

EXTEND YOUR STAY

‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

Add pre nights in Sandton from only £65 per person per night and/or post nights in Cape Town from only £105 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Option 132 available. Please see pages 123-124.

OPTIONAL 3-NIGHT VICTORIA FALLS POST TOUR EXTENSION Day 16: Victoria Falls Johannesburg - DEPART FOR HOME Later this afternoon, board your international flight home. Today breakfast will be included.

Prices From: £1,196 per person HOTEL: Victoria Falls Hotel. 5 MEALS: 3 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner Day 13: Cape Town Johannesburg - Zimbabwe Fly this morning to one of the world’s natural wonders, Victoria Falls, and transfer to the Victoria Falls Hotel, known as the “grand old lady of the falls.” This evening, enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Zambezi River, taking in the majestic African sunset. Day 14: Victoria Falls Early this morning you will enjoy an elephant back safari. After breakfast, you have an opportunity to interact with the residents of a local village. Following lunch with a local family, take a walking

Day 17: Arrive U.K.

tour of Victoria Falls. Shop at a local curio market before returning to your hotel. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. Day 15: Victoria Falls Enjoy the day at leisure or choose an optional full day excursion* to Chobe National Park in Botswana. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Please Note: Price is based on two adults sharing a double room and includes flights. Protection against malaria is recommended for Zimbabwe. Please consult your doctor or travel clinic at least 3-4 weeks prior to departure. A valid Visa is required for Zimbabwe at an approximate cost of £75 including handling fees. A multiple entry visa is required for Zimbabwe if you wish to purchase the optional Chobe day tour at an approximate cost of £85 including handling fees. The Visa may be purchased upon arrival but processing times may delay entry. *The Chobe day tour must be purchased a minimum of 7 days prior to arrival in Zimbabwe to ensure availability. A single entry visa for Botswana is required for the Chobe day trip which is obtained on entry. This extension is fully escorted by a local representative who provides all included services. A minimum of 4 passengers is required for this extension to operate.

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THE PLAINS OF AFRICA

UGA

Leopard

NAIROBI • SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE • MT. KENYA SAFARI CLUB • KIGIO CONSERVANCY • MASAI MARA • KAREN BLIXEN HOME • MT. KILIMANJARO • 8 WILDLIFE SAFARIS

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Embark on 8 wild game safari drives across Kenya

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

• Discover the majesty of Mt. Kilimanjaro • Seek out the ‘Big 5’ on the infamous Masai Mara

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1 Intercontinental Hotel, Nairobi Day 2-3 Samburu Intrepids, Samburu National Reserve Day 4-5 Mt. Kenya Safari Club, Nanyuki Day 6-7 Kigio Wildlife Camp, Gilgil Day 8-9 Siana Intrepids Camp, Masai Mara Day 10 Intercontinental Hotel, Nairobi Day 11-12 Sentrim Amboseli Lodge, Amboseli Day 13 Day Room, Intercontinental Hotel, Nairobi/Overnight flight

SMALL GROUP TOUR NO MORE THAN 28 PEOPLE PER GROUP – SEE PAGE 7

DAY 1: Arrive NAIROBI, KENYA Explore Kenya’s wildlife and stunning natural vistas which include numerous game drives that take you in search of the “Big 5” (lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhinos) on your safari adventure. Today fly to Nairobi, Kenya for your overnight stay. DAY 2: NAIROBI - SAMBURU RESERVE Set off for Samburu Reserve, home to some of Africa’s most exotic wildlife – the “Big 5,” Reticulated Giraffe and Grevy’s Zebra. Enjoy a game drive en route to your riverside lodge. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.

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DAY 3: SAMBURU RESERVE Bring your camera as you continue searching for the elusive “Big 5” on a journey through the rugged Samburu region. The striking contrast of sand, sky and bush will leave you breathless and be on the lookout for the spectacular local bird life; over 365 species of birds are known to inhabit Samburu. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 4: SAMBURU - NANYUKI - MT. KENYA SAFARI CLUB Arrive at the sprawling, world-famous Mt. Kenya Safari Club in the shadow of Mt. Kenya. The resort shares its delightful history and beautiful grounds with you; it was once the private hunting lodge and retreat of actor William Holden. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 5: MT. KENYA SAFARI CLUB A full day at leisure gives you time to independently explore the Mt. Kenya Safari Club. Stroll through 100 acres of landscaped gardens; visit the animal orphanage; or unwind by the pool. You will also have the option to embark on an optional excursion to the Sweetwater Private Sanctuary. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 6: NANYUKI - KIGIO WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY This morning, drive past the mountains via Nyahururu waterfalls and arrive at the floor of the Great Rift Valley at Kigio, a private all-suite eco lodge and conservancy teeming with bio-diversity. Take an afternoon nature walk for close viewing of several species of birds and indigenous plants. Later this evening, a local expert discusses conservation and community. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 7: KIGIO - LAKE ELEMENTEITA - KIGIO After a morning walk, savour a traditional breakfast in the bush. After,see many of the local projects that are supported by the conservancy including basket making by widows, jewellery making from recycled paper, rug weaving and the local school. Continue to Lake Elementeita. Enjoy a picnic lunch before setting off on a game drive where you may

Masai Mara

see thousands of flamingos then return to Kigio. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 8: KIGIO - MASAI MARA GAME RESERVE This morning, travel to the Masai Mara Game Reserve. The Masai Mara – an extension of the great Serengeti Plain – is considered the most stunning game viewing spot in all of Kenya; lions, giraffes, zebras, elephants and other wildlife reside here. Your tent provides all the deluxe amenities of a lodge, complete with the adventure of the wild. Visit a Masai village prior to your game drive and this evening, enjoy a traditional bush dinner featuring a Masai dance performance. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 9: MASAI MARA An optional hot air balloon ride over the plains is available this morning and your full-day game drive includes a picnic lunch. After, return to your hotel in the Masai Mara for sunset. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 10: MASAI MARA - NAIROBI After breakfast, return to Nairobi then travel to Karen, on the outskirts of Nairobi, and visit the farmhouse of Karen Blixen, author of the book “Out of Africa”. Experience the local wildlife firsthand as you have the opportunity to feed the endangered Rothschild giraffes from a raised platform at the Giraffe Sanctuary. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.


1

UGANDA

Overnight stay* Visit Standard Tour Option Tanzania Flight

K E N YA

PRICES FROM: Samburu National

2 Reserve

* –number indicates length of stay

Mt. Kenya Safari Club

Equator

2

Mt. Kenya Lake Elementeita 2 Kigio Wildlife Conservancy Nairobi

L. Victoria

Masai Mara Game Reserve

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2

Ngorongoro 1 Conservation Area 0 0

100 miles 100 kilometers

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Serengeti National Park 2

£3269

SA BO VE O up K E Te rm to £ ARL s& co 30 nd 0p Y iti

Amboseli National Park

Door to Door Transfer please see page 4 for details

1

Arusha Lake Manyara

TA N Z A N I A

INDIAN OCEAN

14 DAYS, 33 MEALS:

12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 10 Dinners

DAY 11: NAIROBI - AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK This morning depart Nairobi for Amboseli National Park, famous for its open plains where lions and elephants roam and the breathtaking snow-capped Mt. Kilimanjaro dominates the landscape. Enjoy a game drive en route to your lodge. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 12: AMBOSELI Further explore Amboseli with two game drives – your final chance to see the “Big 5.” Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 13: AMBOSELI - NAIROBI - DEPART FOR HOME Return to Nairobi and visit the students at Tenderfeet Education Center, supported by the Collette Foundation*. This school helps orphans and high risk children in Riruta, a suburb of Nairobi. A day room has been reserved for you to freshen up and enjoy some leisure time. Your tour ends this evening in Nairobi. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 14: ARRIVE U.K.

OPTIONAL 5 DAYS 4-NIGHT TANZANIA POST TOUR EXTENSION Prices From: £1,745 per person 12 MEALS: 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners DAY 13: AMBOSELI - ARUSHA - NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA Depart Amboseli for the border town of Arusha. After clearing border crossing formalities, continue to Ngorongoro Crater arriving in time for a late lunch. Enjoy a forest walk with your naturalist and Masai warrior where you will learn about the indigenous plants, birds and wildlife of the area. Today lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 14: NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA - SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK After an early breakfast, begin your safari in the Ngorongoro Crater, the largest intact caldera in the world. Its enduring charm stems from its overwhelming beauty and the abundance of wildlife permanently residing on the crater floor. After a picnic lunch, continue to Serengeti National Park, undoubtedly the most famous wildlife sanctuary in the world and known to have the greatest concentration of plains game anywhere. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 15: SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK Today you will enjoy a morning and an afternoon game drive in the park. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 16: SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK - LAKE MANYARA After breakfast, depart for Lake Manyara. Enjoy a picnic lunch and game drive en route. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 17: LAKE MANYARA OR TARANGIRE - ARUSHA NAIROBI - Depart for Home After an early morning game drive, drive to the Arusha airport for a short flight to Nairobi. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 18: ARRIVE U.K.

‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

EXPLORE. CONNECT. LIVE.

KIGIO WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY Kigio Wildlife Conservancy spreads across 3,500 acres between Nakuru and Naivasha in Kenya. Find wide ranging habitats holding 3,500 head of protected wildlife. The Conservancy is at the forefront of eco-tourism in the Rift Valley lakes area. Spend two nights at the Kigio Wildlife Camp, an all-suite camp overlooking the Malewa River, built from sustainable pinewood, local soil from the conservancy, traditional thatch provided by a surrounding community, and minimal cement and steel.

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre or post nights in Nairobi from only £100 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Options 133, 134, 135 & 136 available. Please see pages 123-124.

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ISRAEL: A JOURNEY TO THE HOLY LAND

Jerusalem

TEL AVIV • JAFFA • CAESAREA • TIBERIAS • SEA OF GALILEE • NAZARETH • JERICHO • DEAD SEA • MASADA • QUMRAN • JERUSALEM • WAILING WALL • BETHLEHEM • CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY • MOUNT OF OLIVES • MT. ZION

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Visit the ancient cities of Bethlehem & Nazareth.

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

• Explore the oldest city in the world - the ancient ruins of Jericho. • Enjoy the wonder of the Dead Sea and “float” in its tranquil, healing waters. • Ascend the ancient walls of Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage site, by cable car.

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1 Overnight flight Day 2 Leonardo City Tower Hotel, Tel Aviv Day 3-4 Leonardo Plaza Hotel, Tiberias Day 5 Le Meridien, Dead Sea Day 6 -9 Leonardo Jerusalem Hotel, Jerusalem

DAY 1: OVernight flight Journey with Collette Worldwide Holidays on an inspirational trip to the Holy Land and visit some of the most ancient sites in the world. DAY 2: ARRIVE TEL AVIV, ISRAEL Your tour begins in Tel Aviv. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner. Today dinner will be included. DAY 3: TEL AVIV - JAFFA - CAESAREA - HAIFA - ACRE - TIBERIAS Begin the day with a stroll through the ancient port city of Jaffa. Continue along the Mediterranean coast to the ruins of the ancient Roman capital, Caesarea, built by Herod the Great in 22 B.C. Visit the Roman Theatre, Aqueduct and Fortress. Next, enjoy a panoramic view of Haifa and the Baha’i Shrine

Sea of Galilee

94

and Gardens on Mount Carmel (UNESCO World Heritage site). Travel the Valley of Armageddon to the excavation site of Tel Megiddo. Then, visit the ancient Crusader city of Acre, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your day comes to an end in Tiberias. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 4: TIBERIAS This morning visit the Mt. of Beatitudes, site of the Sermon on the Mount, and Tabgha, site of the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes. Proceed to Capernaum and cross the River Jordan to visit the Golan Heights. Next, enjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee and have lunch at a communal settlement known as a Kibbutz, where you may interact with some of its residents. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 5: TIBERIAS - NAZARETH - JERICHO - DEAD SEA Visit Cana, considered to be the site of the First Miracle, where Jesus turned water into wine. Next, travel to Nazareth to visit the Church of the Annunciation and Mary’s Well. Then, it is on to Beit Shean to see the ancient theatre. Continue along the Jordan River Valley to Jericho which, at over 2,000 years old, is considered to be the oldest city on earth. Afterwards, proceed to the lowest place on earth, the Dead Sea. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 6: DEAD SEA - MASADA - QUMRAN - JERUSALEM Today’s route leads to another UNESCO World Heritage site, the former palatial fortress of Masada. Ascending the ancient walls of Masada by cable car, a visit to Herod’s Palaces, the Roman Camp and the Synagogue await. Later, a drive along the Dead Sea shoreline to Qumran where the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Tonight you arrive in one of the holiest cities in the world, Jerusalem. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 7: OLD CITY - BETHLEHEM - JERUSALEM A magnificent tour of the Holy City of Jerusalem begins with a drive to the old walled city. While walking through the four quarters that make up

Tel Migiddo

the Old City (UNESCO World Heritage site), you will visit the Western (Wailing) Wall, the Temple area, the Dome of the Rock, the Pool of Bethesda, and the Church of St. Anne. Next, walk the path of the Stations of the Cross as you traverse the Via Dolorosa, beginning at Pilate’s Judgment Hall and ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. A stop in the biblical city of Bethlehem, spread along the Judean Hills, allows for a visit to the Church of the Nativity, the birthplace of Jesus and the first church ever built. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 8: JERUSALEM Drive to Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the city of Jerusalem and the surrounding area. Proceed to the Church of Ascension and the Garden of Gethsemane where you will view the Kidron Valley and the tombs of Mary, Absalom, Zachariah, and James. Visit St. Peter in Galicantu and Mt. Zion where you will see the room of The Last Supper and the tomb of King David. You then view a scale model of Jerusalem and visit the Shrine of the Book at the Israel Museum to view the display of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Your sightseeing tour ends with a visit to the Garden Tomb. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 9: JERUSALEM The day is at leisure. This evening, join your fellow travellers for dinner celebrating the end of this memorable trip. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 10: JERUSALEM - DEPART FOR HOME / ARRIVE U.K. Today breakfast will be included.


Acre Haifa

2

Caesarea

Mediterranean Sea

Tiberias

Jerash 1

Tel Aviv ** Jericho Jerusalem 4

1

JORDAN

1

Dead Sea

ISRAEL

40 miles

0

40 kilometers

1

Overnight stay* Visit Standard tour Option Jordan

Amman

Mt. Nebo Madaba Qumran Masada

Bethlehem

0

SYRIA

Nazareth

EGYPT

* – number indicates length of stay * * – with option length of stay is 2

PRICES FROM:

£1799

SA BO VE O up K E Te rm to £ ARL s& co 10 nd 0p Y iti

on s a er c pp ou ly p

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INCLUDING Door to Door Transfer

2

Petra

please see page 4 for details

10 DAYS, 15 MEALS: Wadi Rum

8 Breakfasts, 1 lunch, 6 Dinners

OPTIONAL JORDAN POST TOUR EXTENSION Prices From: £905 per person 7 MEALS: 4 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners DAY 10: JERUSALEM JORDAN VALLEY BORDER CROSSING - PETRA, JORDAN Jordan Valley, crossing the border* into Jordan. Travel the Desert Highway to the ancient city of Petra. DAY 11: PETRA - WADI RUM Enjoy a morning tour of the remarkable stone-carved city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the new Wonders of the World. A treasure of the ancient world, Petra was “hidden” behind rugged mountains prior to its discovery in 1812 after being lost for over 300 years. Explore this breathtaking city, carved from sandstone by the Nabataeans, with an expert guide and learn about the importance of Petra to the ancient trade routes. This afternoon, depart for the immense desert of Wadi Rum, stunning in its natural beauty and home of the famous film Lawrence of Arabia. Experience desert life and learn about the fascinating history of the Bedouin people who have lived for generations in the Wadi Rum’s stark, fragile and unspoiled desert. This evening, experience the flavours of the region with a delightful dinner at a popular local restaurant. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 12: PETRA - MADABA - MT. NEBO - AMMAN Travel along the Kings Highway, an ancient route from biblical times, to the city of Madaba, the “City of Mosaics.” Visit the church of St. George to see the famous 6th Century Byzantine mosaic map of the region, one of the oldest in existence, and the museum where many other spectacular mosaic examples are on display. Visit a local mosaic school to learn the history of this ancient art and how to create your very own mosaic piece. You will also visit Mt. Nebo, where Moses saw the Promised Land – present day Israel – and is believed to be laid to rest. Later, arrive in Amman, known as the “White City” because of white limestone used to construct the majority of the buildings. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 13: AMMAN - JERASH - JORDAN VALLEY BORDER CROSSING - TEL AVIV, ISRAEL Travel the quiet valley among the mountains of Gilead to the city of Jerash – the “Pompeii of the East.” Step back in time as you tour the ruins with a local guide. Walk through columned streets, hilltop temples, public squares, and plazas. Archeologists uncovered evidence inside the city walls indicating Amman was occupied as far back as the Neolithic age over 6,500 years ago. Later, travel to the Jordan Valley Border Crossing*, returning to Israel. Continue to Tel Aviv for your overnight stay. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 14: TEL AVIV - DEPART FOR HOME / ARRIVE U.K. Today breakfast will be included. Please Note: This extension is hosted by local representatives who will provide all included services. *Israel exit fee is approximately £19 per person, paid in local currency when crossing the border into Jordan. Jordan departure tax for land border crossings is approximately £7.50 per person, paid in local currency, subject to change without advance notice. When returning to Israel, the Jordan exit fee is approximately £5 per person, paid in local currency. When using the shuttle buses at the border crossings, a £1.50 fee per person, paid in local currency, is collected on the bus by each driver.

‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

EXPERIENCE IT!

JERUSALEM’S OLD CITY: A CONFLUENCE OF FAITHS Enter its sacred gates and meander a labyrinth of winding cobblestone streets densely packed in an area covering less than one square mile. In spite of its diminutive size, the walled Old City is of great symbolic importance for Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Your journey with Collette includes venerable locations which have existed for thirty centuries. Walk along the Via Dolorosa or Way of Sorrows to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the site of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, burial and resurrection. Observe the solemnity of the Western Wall, the only surviving remnant of Judaism’s most sacred shrine, the Temple Mount; and gaze in awe at one of the world’s great architectural masterpieces, the Dome of the Rock. To the Muslims it is where the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven.

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre nights in Tel Aviv from only £120 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Options 137, 138 & 139 available. Please see pages 123-124.

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0 0

R

THE WONDERS OF ICELAND

1 Gullfoss Waterfall

REYKJAVIK • BLUE LAGOON • GOLDEN CIRCLE • THINGVELLIR NATIONAL PARK • SKOGAR FOLK MUSEUM • SKAFTAFELL NATIONAL PARK • ICELANDIC HORSE FARM • SNAEFELLSNES PENINSULA • PUFFIN CRUISE

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Relax in the warm, mineral-rich water of the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal pool in a large, dramatic lava field.

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

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Level 3

Level 4

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• Visit the amazing hot springs of Geysir. • Travel to the “Golden Circle” which encompasses many of Iceland’s most renowned natural scenic wonders.

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1-3 Centerhotel Plaza Hotel, Reykjavik Day 4-5 Hofdabrekka Hotel, Vik Day 6 Hotel Framnes, Grundarfjordu Day 7-8 Centerhotel Plaza Hotel, Reykjavik

DAY 1: ARRIVE REYKJAVIK, ICELAND Arrive in Iceland, an island of dramatic contrasts and a landscape forged by fire and ice. Steaming lava fields and hot pools reflect its volcanic nature, while massive glaciers continue to sculpt the mountains and valleys, leaving thundering waterfalls and plunging fjords. The Icelandic people combine a reverence for their Viking heritage and ancient language with an industrialised, progressive society. Discover the spectacular landscapes and proud people of this small island nation during this fascinating journey.

Geysir

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DAY 2: REYKJAVIK Your tour begins in Reykjavik where you embark on a fascinating city tour that highlights such important sites as the 19th Century Parliament House, Austurvollur Square, the Hofoi House and Tjornin Lake. Visit the National Museum of Iceland where new and dynamic exhibitions increase your knowledge of Icelandic cultural heritage, from the nation’s earliest settlement through modern day. Gather this evening for a welcome dinner. Following dinner enjoy a show about the history of Iceland before you retire for the evening. Today dinner will be included. DAY 3: REYKJAVIK - REYKJANES PENINSULA - REYKJAVIK During a full-day excursion, explore the scenic landscape of the Reykjanes Peninsula, stopping at Bessastadir, an ancient Viking site that is now the official residence of the current president. Continue to Lake Kleifarvatn to see an amazing display of geothermal activity, including steaming fumaroles, hot springs and mud pots. Conclude your day at the famous Blue Lagoon, a geothermal pool in the middle of a large, dramatic lava field. Enjoy time to relax or perhaps take a swim in the pleasantly warm, mineral-rich water. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 4: REYKJAVIK - GOLDEN CIRCLE - VIK* Travel to the “Golden Circle” which encompasses many of Iceland’s most renowned natural scenic wonders. Thingvellir National Park is Iceland’s most historic site and one of its most beautiful places. The oldest existing parliament in the world first met here in AD 930. The park also features the geologically significant Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the American and European tectonic plates meet. Continue to the amazing hot springs of Geysir, then marvel at one of the island’s greatest natural wonders, the two-tiered Gullfoss Waterfall. Travel across fertile pastures, sand flats and glacial rivers en route to Skogar, a small settlement located next to a magnificent waterfall. Visit the Skogar Folk Museum which houses an interesting collection of Icelandic artefacts. Continue south to the town

of Vik, a small town set along Iceland’s dramatic southern coast, where black sand beaches, crashing waves and towering figures of black rock form an unforgettable sight. Before dinner enjoy a tasting of specialties of Iceland, shark meat and Brennivin (Iceland’s national drink). Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 5: VIK - SKAFTAFELL NATIONAL PARK - VIK Begin the day at Skaftafell National Park, a beautiful green oasis located near the highest peak in Iceland. Later, an unforgettable boat trip** amid graceful, floating icebergs serves as an introduction to Iceland’s dramatic glaciers and is the perfect opportunity to see many species of birds. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. Vik

DAY 6: VIK - GRUNDARFJORDUR This morning enjoy a stop at a traditional Icelandic horse farm. Learn how Iceland’s horses are directly descended from those brought by the Vikings and how Iceland is preserving this heritage. Next, enjoy a journey to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Upon arrival to the fishing village of Grundarfjordur, board an old fishing vessel and enjoy a cruise in the harbour. The cruise will take you out to Melrakkaey Island, a Puffin sanctuary†. Sit back and relax as you watch the Puffins on the island. On the return to shore, take some time to learn how to fish from a local fisherman. Overnight in the quaint fishing village of Grundarfjordur. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.


0 0

100 miles 100 kilometers

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Arnarstapi

1

Reykjavik Reykjanes Peninsula

Hallmundarhraun Geysir Gullfoss Waterfall

5

ICELAND

Thingvellir National Park Skogar Vik 1

Overnight stay* Visit Standard tour

£1749

Grundarfjordur

Skaftafell National Park 2

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9 DAYS, 12 MEALS:

7 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners

* –number indicates length of stay

Langjokull Glacier

DAY 7: GRUNDARFJORDUR - SNAEFELLSNES PENINSULA REYKJAVIK This morning enjoy the journey along the shore of the peninsula viewing charming fishing villages, pebble beaches and breathtaking cliffs. Stop in the village of Arnarstapi to view the full beauty of the region with massive cliffs overlooking the ocean. Here you may choose to take a short walk to the caves to view the waves rushing in to witness the true power of Mother Nature. Continue on your journey around the peninsula to view a seal colony. Next, stop at Hallmundarhraun, the largest lava field in this region. The lava came from a few craters in the northwestern slopes of the Langjokull glacier. See the beginning of vegetation which has started to grow close to where the eruption began. Enjoy the journey to the city of Reykjavik. Today breakfast will be included.

‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

DAY 8: REYKJAVIK Today it’s your choice of included activity. You may opt to embark on an adventure on the water - a whale watching cruise†† - or explore on a volcanic cave hike. The remainder of your day is at leisure. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 9: REYKJAVIK - DEPART FOR HOME/ARRIVE U.K. Your tour ends, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful holiday. Today breakfast will be included.

Thingvellir National Park

Blue Lagoon

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre or post nights in Reykjavik from only £80 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Option 140 available. Please see pages 123-124.

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SW

RUSSIAN RIVER CRUISE

The Kremlin, Moscow

MOSCOW • RED SQUARE • ST. BASIL’S CATHEDRAL • KREMLIN • VOLGA RIVER • KIZHI ISLAND • ST. PETERSBURG • HERMITAGE MUSEUM • CATHERINE PALACE

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Enjoy a guided tour through the worldfamous Hermitage Museum, the crown jewel of St. Petersburg, located in the Winter Palace. • Visit the magnificent baroque style Catherine Palace, former home of Catherine the Great. • Explore the incredible Kremlin and view the priceless collection of imperial treasures in the Armory Museum. • Moscow sightseeing includes the worldfamous Red Square with spectacular views of the rainbow-coloured domes of St. Basil’s cathedral. • Cruising between Moscow and St. Petersburg, discover the unknown Russia, where daily life has remained unchanged for centuries.

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1-9 m/s Furmanov, Moscow

DAY 1: ARRIVE MOSCOW - SHIP EMBARKATION Today you arrive in Moscow, the grand capital of Russia and its most dynamic city. Transfer to the ship, your home for the next nine nights, where you will enjoy nightly entertainment and delicious local cuisine. This evening, spend time getting acquainted with your fellow passengers and the ship. Today dinner will be included.

Kremlin Gardens

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

98

Level 4

Level 5

DAY 2: MOSCOW, RUSSIA Moscow is one of the largest cities in the world and home to more than nine million people. Enjoy a tour highlighting historic and famous landmarks including Red Square (UNESCO), St. Basil’s Cathedral and Tverskaya Street, Moscow’s grand boulevard, lined with shops and restaurants. The remainder of your day is at leisure. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 3: MOSCOW - CRUISING Take the Moscow Metro to visit the 15th Century Kremlin. Known as the “Underground Palace,” each Metro station was designed by a Russian architect, sculptor or artist. At the incredible Kremlin (UNESCO), view the priceless collection of Imperial treasures in the Armory Museum, including the crown jewels. Set sail from Moscow through the countryside of Russia and enjoy nightly on-board entertainment such as a romance concert, a classical music concert, and even Russian dancing lessons! Tonight, enjoy a welcome cocktail reception, followed by the Captain’s welcome dinner. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 4: UGLICH Approach the picturesque Golden Ring city of Uglich and enjoy the view of the magnificent architectural monuments from the deck. A walking tour features historic Transfiguration Cathedral, where a local choir brings the church’s acoustics to life during a short demonstration. Also see the bluedomed Church of Prince Dimitry on the Blood. Visit a local handicraft market to view regional crafts and learn about the Chaika watches. Continue along the mighty Volga River through unspoiled forests and rural villages. While sailing, enjoy a unique sampling of local cuisine such as blini and caviar. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 5: GORITSY Enjoy breathtaking scenery as you sail south to Goritsy, a peaceful farming community. Later, sail in the vast White Lake, once known as the Tsar’s fishing grounds. As you continue cruising, enjoy one of the many daily on-board discussions. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

Level 3

Transfiguration Cathedral, Uglich

DAY 6: LAKE ONEGA - KIZHI ISLAND Cruise through picturesque Lake Onega, the second largest lake in Europe and one of the world’s purest. This morning arrive at Kizhi Island, at the northern end of Lake Onega. Kizhi is renowned for its open-air museum. Visit these fascinating buildings of northern wood architecture including the remarkable Church of the Intercession. This spectacular church has 9 domes in three tiers and is one of the ultimate examples of Russian fairytale architecture. Continue on your cruise, enjoying an authentic Piroshki tea party and learning about local tea traditions. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 7: SVIR RIVER - GREEN STOP ON MANDROGHI OR SVIRSTROY Cruise through the 119-mile Svir River which connects Lake Onega with Lake Ladoga. Pause for a few hours in a quaint riverside settlement where you may explore various buildings which represent country life in Russia. This evening, enjoy a festive Captain’s dinner. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

The M Factory, Collette Vacatio

Russian River C final Proof date


SWEDEN

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Kizhi Island Svir

Lake Onega

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Uglich Moscow

please see page 4 for details

10 DAYS, 26 MEALS:

9 Breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 Dinners

Catherine Palace, St. Petersburg

he M Factory, Inc. ollette Vacations

ussian River Cruise_09 nal Proof date: 11/08/25

DAY 8: ST. PETERSBURG Sail along the Neva River to St. Petersburg, Peter the Great’s magnificent creation and one of the loveliest of European cities. Your morning tour of this fabled city of canals will take you to Palace Square, the historic heart of St. Petersburg (UNESCO), and along Nevsky Prospect, the city’s main boulevard. See the monumental St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Admiralty Tower and other great buildings that stand as monuments to the extravagant splendours of Imperial Russia. This afternoon, enjoy a guided tour through the world-famous Hermitage Museum, the crown jewel of St. Petersburg. No museum rivals the Hermitage in size, grandeur and holdings, including masterpieces by Da Vinci, Rembrandt, Rubens, and Picasso. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 9: ST. PETERSBURG Today, take an excursion to Tsarskoye Selo (formerly known as Pushkin) and tour the magnificent Catherine Palace. Marvel at the blazing robin’s egg blue of the exterior and tour its distinctive rooms. After your visit, enjoy lunch at a nearby folk restaurant featuring delicious local cuisine. The remainder of your afternoon is free to enjoy the best of St. Petersburg. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

DAY 10: ST. PETERSBURG - DISEMBARK SHIP - DEPART FOR HOME/ARRIVE U.K. Your tour ends, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful holiday. Today breakfast will be included.

St. Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow

Transfiguration Cathedral

Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg

99


ITALIAN VISTAS

Colosseum, Rome

ROME • COLOSSEUM • RUINS OF POMPEII • AMALFI COAST • ISLE OF CAPRI • FLORENCE • STATUE OF DAVID • LEANING TOWER OF PISA • TUSCAN WINERY • VENICE • MURANO ISLAND • VERONA • STRESA • LOCARNO, SWITZERLAND

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Experience the benefits of Whisper Headsets, designed for better communication between you and your guides throughout your tour. • A guided walking tour of Venice illustrates how this city gained its wealth and power. • Enjoy the magic of the Italian lakes in the captivating resort of Stresa. • Make a special stop at a winery and farm in the heart of Tuscany to sample local wines and specialities for an included lunch. • Sail to the enchanting Isle of Capri and explore this island paradise. • Visit the Academy Museum in Florence to see Michelangelo’s magnificent sculpture of David. • Enjoy regional Italian wines with every dinner.

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1-3 Grand Hotel Palatino, Rome or Hotel Mediterraneo, Rome Day 4-5 Lloyds’ Baia Hotel, Amalfi Coast or Hotel Cetus, Amalfi Coast Day 6-7 Grand Hotel Baglioni, Florence or Hotel Brunelleschi, Florence Day 8-9 Hotel Carlton and Grand Canal, Venice or Hotel Papadopoli, Venice Day 10-11 Regina Palace Hotel, Stresa or Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees, Stresa

Island of Capri

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

Level 4

Level 5

DAY 1: ARRIVE ROME, ITALY Arrive in Rome and join your fellow travellers for a special welcome dinner featuring regional delicacies and Italian wines. Today dinner will be included. DAY 2: ROME - CLASSICAL ROME CITY TOUR A locally guided tour of Classical Rome features such sights as the Piazza Venezia, the Roman Forum, the Circus Maximus, and the Arch of Constantine. During an in-depth visit to the Colosseum, your guide recounts its rich history. The catacombs, burial place of early Christians, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona are also featured. Today breakfast will be included.

vegetation and outdoor cafes before returning to Vietri-sul-Mare. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 6: VIETRI-SUL-MARE - FLORENCE Today Tuscany unfolds with its vista of vineyards and olive groves. Florence, the “Cradle of the Italian Renaissance” awaits, offering Italy’s best art and architecture. Visit the Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo’s magnificent sculpture of David. Diner’s Choice, a Collette Exclusive: tonight your dinner is included - and you’ll choose the perfect spot from a “menu” of Florence’s great restaurants. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. Florence

DAY 3: ROME Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Rome’s cultural treasures independently. Your Tour Manager will be on hand to offer suggestions. Perhaps a trip to Vatican City, with an optional tour to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, will be on your personal sightseeing list. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 4: ROME - POMPEII - SORRENTO VIETRI-SUL-MARE After a short lesson on the local language, journey south towards the brilliant Bay of Naples where charming villages are built into hillsides above a sparkling blue sea. Soak in 2,000 years of history during your discovery of the excavated ruins of Pompeii. A local guide provides an in-depth view of this remarkably preserved archeological site. Continue to the scenic resort town of Sorrento for a demonstration of the art of inlaid wood making by a local artisan. Take some time to explore Sorrento independently. End your day on the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 5: VIETRI-SUL-MARE - ISLE OF CAPRI - VIETRI-SUL-MARE A scenic boat ride* brings you to the enchanting Isle of Capri. Upon arrival, take a panoramic ride to the island’s highest town, Anacapri. Spend time in Capri town with its world-famous piazzetta, and explore this island paradise of chic boutiques, lush

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DAY 7: FLORENCE Learn the traditional Italian techniques of leather making at a family-owned leather shop. A locally guided tour highlights the Piazza Del Duomo, with its Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, and the famous Gates of Paradise on the Baptistery of St. John. You also view the magnificent Piazza della Signoria with its imposing Palazzo Vecchio. End your day with an informative explanation of Florentine gold and its fascinating techniques at a local gold shop. Today breakfast will be included.


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Verona

Pisa 1

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* – number indicates length of stay

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Pompeii Sorrento

2 Vietri Sul Mare

Isle of Capri

12 DAYS, 18 MEALS:

11 Breakfasts, 1 lunch, 6 Dinners

St. Marks Square, Venice

DAY 8: FLORENCE - PISA - VENICE Visit the ancient maritime Republic of Pisa to discover the Piazza Dei Miracoli, the Duomo (Cathedral) and the famous Leaning Tower. A special stop is made at a Tuscan winery and farm to enjoy lunch and sample local wines and specialties. Next, cross the Apennine Mountains en route to Venice where 117 islands are connected by a latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. DAY 9: VENICE - MURANO ISLAND - VENICE Embark on a boat trip* to Murano Island for a glass-blowing demonstration. Return to St. Mark’s Square where a local expert takes you on a walking tour of the Basilica, Doge’s Palace and the legendary Bridge of Sighs. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore independently. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 10: VENICE - VERONA - STRESA Depart Venice for Verona to stroll the streets that were the backdrop for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Arrive in the resort town of Stresa in the breathtaking Italian Lakes District, your home for the next two nights, and admire the beautiful views of Lago Maggiore. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 11: STRESA - LOCARNO, SWITZERLAND - ISOLA DEI PESCATORI, ITALY - STRESA Cross into Switzerland and the picturesque lakeside resort of Locarno for magnificent views, excellent shopping and charming cafes. Tonight, travel by boat to Isola dei Pescatori for a farewell dinner while surrounded by beautiful scenery. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 12: STRESA - MILAN - DEPART FOR HOME/ARRIVE U.K. Today breakfast will be included.

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre nights in Rome from only £120 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Options 141, 142, 143, 144 & 145 available. Please see pages 123-124.

‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

Pompeii

EXPERIENCE IT!

POMPEII: FROZEN IN TIME It’s the summer of A.D. 79, and the city of Pompeii, Italy is thriving. Soon, things will change. On the fateful day of 24 August, the once dormant Mt. Vesuvius volcano erupted, unleashing its fury and spewing volcanic matter down on the city for three straight days. The town was completely buried in ash and mud in some cases it was more than 20 feet deep. It was forgotten until 1594 when workmen discovered the buried city that was literally frozen in time. Peer into the daily life of an ancient Roman city with a fascinating tour of Pompeii.

101


REFLECTIONS OF ITALY Rialto Bridge, Venice

ROME • COLOSSEUM • ASSISI • PERUGIA • SIENA • FLORENCE • CHIANTI WINERY • VENICE • MURANO ISLAND • LUGANO, SWITZERLAND • COMO

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Experience the benefits of Whisper Headsets, designed for better communication between you and your guides throughout your tour. • Visit the beautiful resort town of Como in the Italian Lake District. • Discover Siena’s narrow Gothic streets, magnificent palaces and historic Piazza del Campo. • A tour of Florence showcases the cultural treasures of the “Cradle of the Italian Renaissance.” • Enjoy a visit to one of Chianti’s treasured wineries complete with a visit to its medieval castle and a special lunch. • Spend a day in the breathtaking region of Umbria as you visit two of its most important cities: Assisi and Perugia. • Spend some time in Switzerland visiting the beautiful resort town of Lugano. • Regional wines included with every dinner.

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1-2 Hotel Diana Roma, Rome Day 3 Sangallo Palace Hotel, Perugia or Hotel Villa Perusia, Perugia Day 4-5 Starhotel Michelangelo, Florence or Hotel Ambasciatori, Florence Day 6-7 Hotel Ai Mori D’Oriente, Venice or Hotel Papadopoli, Venice Day 8 Crowne Plaza Malpensa, Malpensa

The Colosseum, Rome

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

DAY 2: ROME This morning, enjoy a locally guided panoramic tour of Rome featuring the impressive Piazza Venezia, the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine, and the famous Piazza Navona. This afternoon it’s your choice! Perhaps a trip to Vatican City, with an optional tour to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica* will be on your personal sightseeing list. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 3: ROME - ASSISI - PERUGIA Today enjoy a full day of sightseeing complete with a short lesson on the local language. Travel to Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. Take a guided walking tour of the old city, including the Basilica of St. Francis. Then you are off to medieval Perugia, the historic capital of Umbria. Behold one of the grandest squares in Italy, the Piazza IV Novembre, and delight in the medieval palaces and ornate cathedrals. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

DAY 5: FLORENCE In Florence, the “Cradle of Italian Renaissance”, visit the world-famous Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo’s incredible Statue of David. During

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Level 4

Level 5

DAY 1: Arrive ROME Welcome to Italy, a land rich in history, culture, art, and romance. Today you arrive in Rome, the “Eternal City.” This evening, join your fellow travellers for a special welcome dinner at a popular local restaurant featuring regional delicacies and fine Italian wines. Today dinner will be included.

DAY 4: PERUGIA - SIENA - FLORENCE A scenic journey through Tuscany’s graceful lowlying hills brings you to the mystical city of Siena. You will be delighted by its narrow Gothic streets, magnificent palaces and historic Piazza del Campo. After a walking tour with a local expert, take some time to explore the medieval corners of Siena with its great shops and outdoor cafes. En route to Florence, visit a family-owned leather shop and learn the traditional Italian techniques of leather making. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Level 3

St. Francis Basilica, Assisi

your cultural tour of Florence, you’ll also view the Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore, the Palazzo Vecchio and the Church of Santa Croce, burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. End your morning with an informative explanation of Florentine gold and its fascinating techniques at a local gold shop. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy this fascinating city on your own. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 6: FLORENCE - VENICE Start your day with a trip to a historic winery in the heart of the Chianti region with its very own 12th Century castle. Learn about Tuscany’s famous wines and enjoy a lunch filled with local specialties. This afternoon, journey through central Italy, crossing over the wooded Apennine Mountains towards the Valley of the River Po. Enchanting Venice awaits, with 117 tiny islands and its latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. Venice


AUSTRIA 0

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SLOV.

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Rome

9 DAYS, 14 MEALS:

* –number indicates length of stay

8 Breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 Dinners

Siena

The M Factory, Inc. Collette Vacations Reflections of Italy_09 final Proof date: 11/25/08

DAY 7: VENICE - MURANO ISLAND - VENICE Your day begins with a boat trip** (weather permitting) to Murano Island for a glass making demonstration. Next, return to Venice and visit charming St. Mark’s Square, the lively hub of the city’s activity and events. A local expert will guide you on a walking tour of the area featuring St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Clock Tower with its famous Moors. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 8: VENICE - LUGANO, SWITZERLAND - COMO, ITALY MILAN MALPENSA Today you travel to the picturesque Italian Lake district. Cross into Switzerland and the lakeside resort of Lugano to enjoy beautiful views of Lake Lugano with excellent shopping opportunities. Returning to Italy, spend time in the elegant town of Como. Lake Como’s charm is tied to its beautiful villas, lush gardens and spectacular views. Continue to Milan Malpensa for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of an unforgettable trip. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 9: MILAN MALPENSA - DEPART FOR HOME/ARRIVE U.K. Your tour ends in Milan Malpensa this morning. Today breakfast will be included. Perugia

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre nights in Rome from only £105 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Options 141, 143, 144, 145 & 146 available. Please see pages 123-124.

Ponte Vecchio, Florence

103


ITALIAN LAKES & GREEK ISLANDS featuring a 7-night Eastern Mediterranean Cruise

Lake Como, Italy

LAGO MAGGIORE • COMO • STRESA • GREEK ISLANDS • CORFU • SANTORINI • MYKONOS • KATAKOLON • OLYMPIA • VENICE • LAKE GARDA

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of the Italian lakes region. • Unpack once for a memorable 7-night Eastern Mediterranean cruise aboard the NCL Jade. • Explore the histories and cultures of two distinctive countries: Italy and Greece. • Visit the most popular of the Greek islands: Corfu, Santorini and Mykonos.

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1-2 Zacchera Hotels, Lago Maggiore Day 3-9 NCL Jade, Norwegian Cruise Lines Day 10 Crowne Plaza Quarto d’Altino, Venice Day 11 Grand Hotel Milano Malpensa, Malpensa

DAY 1: Arrive LAGO MAGGIORE, ITALY Join Collette Worldwide Holidays and explore the magnificent historical sights and cultures of northern Italy and the stunning Greek Islands. Experience the breathtaking scenery of the Italian lakes region followed by a splendid 7-night Eastern Mediterranean cruise aboard the NCL Jade. Fly to Milan where your tour begins on picturesque Lago Maggiore. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner. Today dinner will be included. Dining in Mykonos

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

Level 4

Level 5

DAY 2: LAGO MAGGIORE - COMO STRESA - LAGO MAGGIORE After a short lesson on the local language, enjoy time in the beautiful resort town of Como, charming with its beautiful villas, colourful gardens and spectacular views. Return to Lake Maggiore to soak up the lakeside atmosphere of this delightful town. Visit one of Stresa’s speciality wine shops to enjoy a fun wine tasting while learning about Italy’s famous products such as olive oil, balsamic vinegar and fine wines. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 3: LAGO MAGGIORE - VENICE BOARD CRUISE SHIP Depart for Venice this morning. Your exciting 7-night Eastern Mediterranean cruise begins today on the NCL Jade. This lovely ship offers award-winning restaurants, a relaxing spa, grand casino, and an energetic nightlife. While on board, breakfast, lunch and dinner are included daily. Early this evening you will set sail for Corfu, Greece. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 4: AT SEA Enjoy a full day at sea. Savour the magic of the Mediterranean as you sit back, relax by the pool and explore all of the amenities available on board your cruise ship. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 5: CORFU, GREECE Today, visit the sea-swept island of Corfu. Surrounded by turquoise waters and mountainous terrain, Corfu is considered the most verdant of the Ionian Islands. Visit one of its many golden sand beaches or explore the elegant town, rich in history and the arts. Sail this evening to breathtaking Santorini. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 6: SANTORINI Welcome to the beautiful island of Santorini. In 1500 BC, a powerful volcano erupted and caused the central part of the island to sink into the sea. Enjoy an entire day at leisure to soak in the breathtaking views and delve into the mysteries of ancient Santorini. Depart this evening and sail overnight to Mykonos. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

104

Level 3

Mykonos Windmills

DAY 7: MYKONOS Dock this morning on the famed island of Mykonos. Enjoy a relaxing day to independently explore the charms of the most popular island in the Cyclades. Don’t miss Mykonos Town, where mazes of narrow streets link the whitewashed buildings and traditional life continues amidst the bustling activity. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 8: OLYMPIA (KATAKOLON) This morning, dock in Olympia. You may wish to visit the legendary sanctuary of Zeus and the Olympic Stadium, where the first Olympic Games were held in 776 BC. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. Lago Maggiore


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INCLUDING Door to Door Transfer please see page 4 for details

12 DAYS, 26 MEALS:

11 Breakfasts, 6 lunches, 9 Dinners

The Grand Canal, Venice

DAY 9: AT SEA Enjoy another day at sea. Cast your eyes towards the horizon and reflect on your amazing journey. Take some time to once again enjoy all of the amenities available aboard your ship. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

Santorini, Greece

DAY 10: VENICE, ITALY - DISEMBARK CRUISE SHIP - VENETO Disembark your cruise ship this morning in the port of Venice. Visit Venice’s St. Mark’s Square, a bustling hub of quintessentially Italian activity and events. A local expert provides a walking tour featuring the Clock Tower, St. Mark’s Basilica, the Grand Canal, and the famous Bridge of Sighs. Enjoy a free afternoon in Venice before arriving at your hotel. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 11: VENETO - LAKE GARDA - MILAN/MALPENSA Depart the Veneto region this morning and head towards Lake Garda. Stop in Sirmione, once described as “the gem of all the peninsulas.” Stroll through its marvellous medieval centre and admire the beautiful villas, historic churches, lush gardens, and magnificent castle. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a fun-filled, memorable trip. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 12: MILAN/MALPENSA - DEPART FOR HOME/ARRIVE U.K. Your tour ends today. Today breakfast will be included.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Options 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173 available. Please see pages 123-124.

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EXPLORING THE ALPINE COUNTRIES

Chapel Bridge, Lucerne

VIENNA • DANUBE CRUISE • SALZBURG • DINNER AT ST PETER’S STIFTSKELLER • MUNICH • OBERAMMERGAU • INNSBRUCK • BAVARIAN CASTLES • BLACK FOREST • BERN • CHATEAU DE CHILLON • ZERMATT • LUCERNE

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Begin your holiday with a special dinner in the quaint wine-making village of Grinzing. • Shop for world-famous hand-carved cuckoo clocks when you overnight in Germany’s beautiful Black Forest region. • Spend two nights in the Alpine village of Zermatt, Switzerland at the foot of the majestic Matterhorn.

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1-2 Hotel De France, Vienna Day 3-4 Castellani Parkhotel, Salzburg Day 5-6 Alte Post Hotel, Oberammergau Region Day 7 Hofgut Sternen, Black Forest Day 8-9 Hotel Alex, Zermatt or Ambassador Hotel, Zermatt Day 10-11 Ameron Hotel Flora, Lucerne

Vienna Cathedral

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

DAY 1: ARRIVE VIENNA, AUSTRIA Half-timbered houses, vineyards, beautiful scenery and some of the world’s most picturesque villages await you as you explore Europe’s most picturesque countries: Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Your tour begins in Vienna where, tonight, you meet your fellow travellers at a special welcome dinner, complete with local entertainers, in the quaint wine making village of Grinzing. Today dinner will be included. DAY 2: VIENNA Get to know Vienna this morning during a locally guided tour that showcases its architectural marvels. You will visit the incredible Schoenbrunn Palace and see impressive St. Stephan’s Cathedral. This afternoon enjoy free time to explore the avenues of Vienna or visit one of its many museums. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 3: VIENNA - SALZBURG After a short drive through the countryside, enjoy a lovely cruise along the Danube, one of the most important waterways in Europe. Later, make a stop at the Benedictine Melk Abbey before continuing to the “City of Music,” Salzburg. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the centuries-old St. Peter’s Restaurant. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 4: SALZBURG Discover the splendour of Salzburg up close on a leisurely-paced walking tour of the Old Town. Some of the amazing sights you will see include the Cathedral, Mozart’s birthplace and Mirabell Gardens. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 5: SALZBURG - MUNICH OBERAMMERGAU Today you travel to Germany. In Munich, you’ll feel the energy of this lively and fascinating city during a tour that highlights the Olympic Park, the worldfamous Glockenspiel, and Marienplatz, a beautiful square surrounded by shops, restaurants and cafes. Later in the day you arrive at your home for the next two nights - the quaint village of Oberammergau, renowned for wood carvings and the Passion Play. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

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DAY 6: OBERAMMERGAU - INNSBRUCK, AUSTRIA OBERAMMERGAU Enjoy the scenery of the spectacular Bavarian Alps en route to enchanting Innsbruck, located in Tyrolean Austria. Walk through the charming pedestrian streets and see such landmarks as The Golden Roof on a locally guided tour. You’ll find it easy to understand why this city, during the 14th Century, was the centre of European culture and politics as you wind through the narrow cobblestone streets. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 7: OBERAMMERGAU - BLACK FOREST Today fairy tales come to life with a picture stop at Bavaria’s most famous castle, King Ludwig’s Neuschwanstein. Next, you are off to the heart of the stunning Black Forest, a region famous for its artisans who create authentic cuckoo clocks, Hummels and wood carvings. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Berne

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The M Factory, Inc. Collette Vacations Exploring the Alpine Countries_09 final Proof date: 11/25/08

Chateau de Chillon, Lake Geneva

DAY 8: BLACK FOREST - BERN, SWITZERLAND - ZERMATT Welcome to Switzerland! During your first stop, enjoy a panoramic tour of Bern where Albert Einstein calculated the details of his theory of relativity. Later, visit one of the most photographed castles in the world, the Chateau de Chillon, located on serene Lake Geneva. Your day ends in the relaxing pedestrian village of Zermatt in the Swiss Alps. Take a stroll and breathe in the fresh Alpine air. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 9: ZERMATT After an orientation tour of this mountain resort village, the remainder of your day is at leisure. Get a close-up look at the famed Matterhorn, enjoy lunch at a local café, or just relax and explore at your own pace. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 10: ZERMATT - GRIMSEL PASS - LUCERNE Views of glaciers, crystal clear rivers and snow-capped mountains will invigorate you as you travel through the spectacular scenery of the Grimsel Pass. Your final destination is the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake,” the city of Lucerne. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 11: LUCERNE This morning, embark on a scenic walking tour of this picturesque town, including a stroll through the romantic old town. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to explore the best Lucerne has to offer. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner toasting the end of an incredible tour. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

EXPERIENCE IT!

DANUBE RIVER CRUISE The River Danube is the second largest river in Europe. At 1,770 miles in length, this mighty waterway carves its way through a total of ten European countries. Like any extensive body of water, the Danube offers travellers a plethora of splendid vistas. Join Collette Worldwide Holidays as we take you on a lovely cruise along the Wachau Valley region, the most breathtaking area of the Danube. Beginning in the charming medieval town of Durnstein, you’ll see a dramatic shoreline complete with lofty hills, hilltop castles and charming villages nestled between flourishing vineyards. Schonbuhel Castle, built to protect the entrance to the Wachau Valley, is as impressive today as it was when it was constructed several hundred years ago. Experience the vineyard region of the Wachau from the water and see some of Austria’s most breathtaking landscapes. Oberammergau

DAY 12: LUCERNE - Zurich- DEPART FOR HOME/ARRIVE U.K. Your tour ends today in Lucerne. Today breakfast will be included.

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre nights in Vienna from only £80 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Options 174, 175,176, 177 & 178 available. Please see pages 123-124.

Matterhorn

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ALPINE LAKES & SCENIC TRAINS

Lake Lucerne, Switzerland

GOLDEN PASS TRAIN • ZERMATT • MATTERHORN • GLACIER EXPRESS TRAIN • BERNINA PASS TRAIN • ST. MORITZ • LAKE COMO, ITALY • WILLIAM TELL TRAIN • LAKE LUCERNE CRUISE

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Enjoy panoramic Alpine views with rides on the Golden Pass, Glacier Express, Bernina Pass Route and William Tell trains. • Cruise on a paddlewheel steamer on Lake Lucerne and cross Lake Como on a traditional open-air commuter ferry.

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

St. Moritz

• Stroll the lakeside boulevards of Lucerne and Como, the Italian home of several famous Hollywood stars. • Enjoy traditional regional cuisine such as cheese fondue and schnitzel along with other culinary delights. • Walk along the ancient streets of Montreaux, located on the shores of Lake Geneva.

Day 1 Renaissance Hotel, Zurich Day 2-3 Hotel Alex, Zermatt Day 4 Hotel Laudinella, St. Moritz Day 5-6 Grand Hotel Imperiale, Lake Como Day 7-8 Hotel Ameron Flora, Lucerne

Matterhorn

DAY 1: Arrive ZURICH Captivating Alpine scenery awaits as you discover the dramatic railways and scenic lakes of Switzerland and Italy. Enjoy distinctive cultural experiences in charming villages in the very heart of Europe. Arrive in Zurich and take some free time to explore this lakeside city on your own. This evening, attend a special welcome dinner featuring the traditional Swiss culinary invention....cheese fondue. Today dinner will be included. DAY 2: ZURICH - GOLDEN PASS TRAIN - ZERMATT This morning, travel to Gstaad where you climb aboard the Golden Pass panoramic train to enjoy breathtaking Alpine views along the route to Montreux. Upon arrival you have free time in this legendary town on the shores of Lake Geneva. Then, continue on to the pedestrian village of Zermatt. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 3: ZERMATT After a short tour of this village at the base of the Matterhorn, spend the remainder of your day at leisure. Sit back in a café and soak up the rejuvenating mountain air while enjoying views of the Alps, or join an optional train journey into the mountains aboard the Gornergrat Railway. Today breakfast will be included.

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Level 4

Level 5

• Soak up the mountain air with two nights in the Alpine village of Zermatt and a night in the resort town of St. Moritz.

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

Level 3

DAY 4: ZERMATT - GLACIER EXPRESS TRAIN - ST. MORITZ Traverse bridges and tunnels while aboard the world-renowned narrow gauge Glacier Express, the most charming express train in the world. Enjoy the natural beauty of the route through the heart of the Swiss Alps. Filled with forests, fragrant meadows, gurgling streams and deep valleys, it’s a mountain dream come to life. Tonight, explore the many splendours of famous St. Moritz during an overnight stay. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 5: ST. MORITZ - BERNINA PASS ROUTE - LAKE COMO, ITALY Embark on a journey through the Bernina Pass while travelling along one of the most scenic railway lines in the world en route to Tirano, Italy. Enjoy striking views of the Italian Alps throughout your adventure, including the famed Morteratsch Glacier. Next, a ferry ride across the waters of Lake Como introduces you to its stunning beauty before arriving at your lakeside hotel. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 6: LAKE COMO The day is yours to independently explore the region along the shores of Lake Como. Keep an eye out for some of Como’s famous residents whose chateaus dot the hills around the lake. Perhaps spend some time strolling along the lakefront boulevards. Today breakfast will be included. Lake Geneva

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Jesuit Church, Lucerne

The M Factory, Inc. Collette Vacations Alpine Lakes and Scenic Trains_12 1st Proof date: 5/11/11

‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

EXPERIENCE IT!

SCENIC RAILWAYS OF SWITZERLAND

DAY 7: LAKE COMO - WILLIAM TELL TRAIN - LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND This morning, complete your journey over the Alps by boarding the William Tell train for a winding ride through the impressive Reuss Valley. This timeless trip brings you over the St. Gotthard range into the Gotthard railway tunnel - a civil engineering marvel. A leisurely ride awaits aboard a paddlewheel steamboat as you cruise Lake Lucerne. Enjoy a gourmet lunch and stunning views from the ship’s decks. Disembark in the lakeside city of Lucerne. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.

Like the legendary William Tell, this journey is a bull’s-eye for people searching for stunning scenery and an unforgettable day spent traversing the Alps by train and aboard a paddlewheel boat. The journey begins in Lugano where travellers board the William Tell panoramic train for a climb through the Gotthard range, passing through the Gotthard railway tunnel—a civil engineering marvel! Your trip continues along a winding route through the Reuss Valley, past quaint villages towards the shores of Lake Lucerne. After boarding your boat, enjoy a leisurely lunch and a three-hour boat cruise on the lake. There is nothing quite like cruising the blue waters, surrounded by majestic peaks, and docking in the heart of Lucerne where you can walk to your hotel. Lake Lucerne

DAY 8: LUCERNE Today explore the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake.” Enjoy an Alstadt (Old Town) walking tour that follows the ancient pathways of the city. Over 800 years of history lives on with such treasures as the covered Chapel Bridge (1833), the famous Water Tower that once served as a prison, the watchtower and treasury, the Renaissance-style Town Hall, the baroque Jesuit Church, and the Lion Monument, carved from natural rock to commemorate the heroic Swiss Guard. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 9: LUCERNE - Zurich- DEPART FOR HOME/ARRIVE U.K Your thrilling Alpine journey ends today in the city of Lucerne. Today breakfast will be included.

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre nights in Zurich from only £75 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Options 175, 176 & 179 available. Please see pages 123-124.

Lake Como

109


MAGNIFICENT CITIES OF CENTRAL & EASTERN EUROPE Vienna

GERMANY • POTSDAM • SANS SOUCI PALACE • CZECH REPUBLIC • HRADCANY CASTLE • AUSTRIA • SCHOENBRUNN PALACE • HUNGARY • MATHIAS CHURCH • POLAND • WAWEL CASTLE • AUSCHWITZ • BLACK MADONNA • WARSAW

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Experience the cultures of Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary and Poland. • Visit the Jasna Gora monastery to witness the world-famous Black Madonna.

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

Wachau Valley

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1-2 Arcotel John F, Berlin Day 3-4 Diplomat Hotel, Prague Day 7-8 Art Hotel, Budapest Day 9-10 Andels Hotel, Krakow Day 11-12 Westin, Warsaw

Heroes Square, Budapest

Tyn Church, Prague

DAY 1: ARRIVE BERLIN, GERMANY Your tour begins today in Berlin. Tonight, join your fellow passengers for a welcome dinner. Today dinner will be included. DAY 2: BERLIN - POTSDAM - BERLIN Begin the day with a trip to Potsdam to see the impressive Sans Souci Palace*. Return to Berlin for a comprehensive tour featuring Brandenburg Gate, Charlottenburg Palace, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, Schoenberg City Hall, Kurfuerstendam and the Reichstag Building. Then pass through the area which was once “Check Point Charlie,” and see what remains of the Berlin Wall. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 3: BERLIN - PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC After a brief introduction to key words and phrases of the local language, depart Berlin for the “Golden City” of Prague. Along the way, stop in Dresden, capital of the state of Saxony and an architectural gem on the banks of the Elbe River. Upon arrival in Prague, your afternoon is at leisure to explore this wonderful city. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 4: PRAGUE Your introduction to this fairy tale city begins with a visit to the amazing Hradcany Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral. Continue with a leisurely walking tour through the old town, showcasing the unique astronomical clock and the statue-lined Charles Bridge. The afternoon is at leisure to independently explore the city. Today breakfast will be included.

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Level 5

• Local experts provide informative guided tours of Berlin, Potsdam, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Krakow and Warsaw.

Day 5-6 Arcotel Kaiserwasser, Vienna

Level 3

DAY 5: PRAGUE - VIENNA, AUSTRIA Leaving the Czech Republic, arrive in colourful and vibrant Vienna, Austria, the “musical city.” Tonight’s dinner is in one of Vienna’s great local restaurants. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 6: VIENNA A tour of the city showcases some of its architectural marvels, including the magnificent St. Stephan’s Cathedral and the lavish Schoenbrunn Palace, the summer retreat of the Habsburg dynasty. The remainder of the day is yours to experience all that Vienna has to offer. Today breakfast will be included.

Vienna Cathedral

DAY 7: VIENNA - BUDAPEST, HUNGARY Sit back, relax and enjoy the picturesque Hungarian countryside en route to historic Budapest. Here, you’ll discover Budapest, divided by the Danube with historic Buda on one side and cosmopolitan Pest on the opposite side. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 8: BUDAPEST The beautiful city of Budapest is often referred to as “the Queen of the Danube.” Today, a local expert provides an informative city tour featuring Fishermen’s Bastion, Mathias Church, Old Buda, the New Parliament and Gellert Hill. A special stop is made at Heroes Square, a unique monument to the many diverse leaders of Hungary. Later, enjoy free time to explore Budapest on your own. Today breakfast will be included.

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ROMANIA

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13 DAYS, 18 MEALS:

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St. Mathias Church, Budapest

The M Factory, Inc. Collette Vacations Magnificent Cities of Central & Eastern Europe_12 1st Proof date: 3/24/11

DAY 9: BUDAPEST - SLOVAKIA - KRAKOW, POLAND Enjoy a scenic drive along the Low Tatra mountain range of Slovakia en route to Poland. Your home for the next two nights is the lively city of Krakow, which still offers an old world charm. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 10: KRAKOW A city tour of Krakow’s historic Old Town features Market Square, St. Mary’s Church, the University, and Wawel Castle, a former residence of Polish kings. The afternoon is at leisure for you to enjoy the city on your own. Today breakfast will be included. ‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

DAY 11: KRAKOW - AUSCHWITZ - CZESTOCHOWA - WARSAW A local expert guides you through the former concentration camp of Auschwitz. See first hand the various prison cells and learn the history of the prison and many of the hardships that occurred within its walls. Next, travel north to the spiritual centre of Poland and the hallowed shrine of the Jasna Gora Monastery in Czestochowa. Make your way through the monastery where you will see the famous Black Madonna, a sacred icon. The Black Madonna is world-renowned with more than 5 million pilgrims flocking to Czestochowa yearly to pay their respects. Later this afternoon you will arrive in the capital city of Warsaw. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 12: WARSAW The moving history of Warsaw, both joyous and tragic, is yours to embrace as you embark on a locally-guided tour of this capital city. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a memorable trip. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 13: WARSAW - DEPART FOR HOME/ARRIVE U.K. Today breakfast will be included.

Schoenbrunn Palace, Vienna

Imperial Gardens, Vienna

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre nights in Zurich from only £75 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Options 180, 181, 182, 183 & 184 available. Please see pages 123-124.

111


CLASSICAL TURKEY

Blue Mosque, Istanbul

GALLIPOLI • TROY • PERGAMON • KUSADASI • EPHESUS • PAMUKKALE • ANTALYA • PERGE • MEVLANA MUSEUM • CAPPADOCIA • KAYMAKLI • GOREME OPEN AIR MUSEUM • ANKARA • MUSEUM OF ANATOLIAN CIVILIZATIONS • ATATÜRK MAUSOLEUM • ISTANBUL • HAGIA SOPHIA • TOPKAPI PALACE • BLUE MOSQUE

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Visit legendary Troy, the city destroyed by the beauty of “the face which launched a thousand ships” during the Trojan War. • Spend 2 relaxing nights in Antalya on the Turkish Riviera.

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

St. John’s Basilica

• Explore Istanbul’s famous sites, including the Blue Mosque, Church of Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1 Holiday Inn Istanbul Airport, Istanbul Day 2 Tusan Hotel , Cannakale Day 3-4 Korumar Hotel de Luxe, Kusadasi Day 7-8 Lykia Lodge, Cappadocia Day 9 Doubletree by Hilton, Ankara Day 10-11 Crowne Plaza-Old City, Istanbul

Ephesus

Level 4

Level 5

• Visit the ruins of Ephesus, once one of the grandest cities in the Roman world.

Day 5-6 Crowne Plaza, Antalya

Level 3

DAY 1: Arrive ISTANBUL Depart for Turkey, a country that boasts a vibrant mix of ancient and new; Asian and European. This thriving, modern society welcomes visitors with genuine warmth and hospitality. Welcome to Istanbul, one of civilization’s great cities. Minarets and domes fill the skyline of this city that straddles many worlds. Spend the evening at leisure.

DAY 4: KUSADASI - EPHESUS KUSADASI An awe-inspiring day awaits. Explore the ruins at Ephesus, the Roman capital of Asia, where both St. John and St. Paul came to preach. Walk the marble avenue and see the Library of Celsus, the great theatre, and the Temple of Hadrian. Continue to St. John’s Basilica, a magnificent church built on what is believed to be the burial site of St. John. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 5: KUSADASI - PAMUKKALE ANTALYA Today, wind along the mountain roads to Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis - a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Hierapolis Museum, located in several restored chambers of Roman Baths, which exhibits amazing archaeological finds. Then, depart for some relaxing fun in the sun in Antalya on the Turkish Riviera. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

DAY 2: ISTANBUL - GALLIPOLI CANNAKALE Travel across the Dardenelles, a narrow strait that brings you to Asia. Visit the WWI battlefields of the Gallipoli peninsula, where one of Turkey’s greatest modern military victories took place. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 3: CANNAKALE - TROY PERGAMON - KUSADASI Delve into the past as you discover two of the most important ancient sites in Turkey. Visit legendary Troy, the UNESCO World Heritage site; destroyed by “the face which launched a thousand ships” during the Trojan War. Travel to Pergamon, once one of the most powerful and progressive kingdoms in the Middle East, dating back to Alexander the Great. Explore the Asclepion, an ancient “holistic” healing centre. Finish your day’s journey in the sparkling seaside resort town of Kusadasi. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

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Hierapolis Museum

DAY 6: ANTALYA - PERGE - ASPENDOS - ANTALYA Explore the ruins of Perge, a Hittite city which dates back to 1,500 B.C. Visit the nearby ruins of Aspendos, including its Roman amphitheatre. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.


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Topkapi Palace, Istanbul

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The underground city of Kaymakli

DAY 7: ANTALYA - KONYA - CAPPADOCIA Continue to Konya and its intriguing mix of old and new. Visit the Mevlana Museum with its impressive collection of ancient books and historical artefacts belonging to Mevlana Jelaleddin Rumi, the 13th Century founder of the Whirling Dervishes. Arrive in Cappadocia, known for its fantastic clusters of multicoloured spires and pinnacles. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 8: CAPPADOCIA Visit the underground city of Kaymakli before exploring the landscapes of Cappadocia with its “fairy chimneys,” hillside villages, and rock hewn churches. In the Goreme Valley you visit the Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where the famed rock chapels are decorated with beautiful frescoes dating back to the 6th Century. Later, watch local artisans demonstrate the art of silk and wool carpet weaving at a family-owned carpet making facility. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 9: CAPPADOCIA - ANKARA Travel to the Turkish capital of Ankara. Visit the fascinating Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, housed in a 15th Century caravansary and covered bazaar. The museum owns the finest archaeological collection in all of Turkey and contains a remarkable record of every civilization that passed through Anatolia. See priceless items from as far back as 7,500 years, including the most extensive collection of Hittite artefacts in the world. Next, see the magnificent Mausoleum of Kemal Atatürk, founder of the modern Turkish Republic. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

Aspendos Amphitheare

DAY 10: ANKARA - ISTANBUL Throughout its rich history, Istanbul has stood as a symbol of power. Become a part of its confluence of peoples, languages and religions. Upon arrival, visit one of the world’s most spectacular landmarks, Hagia Sophia. Lose yourself in the Byzantine architecture of what was once the largest church in Christendom. See spectacular mosaics depicting saints, emperors and empresses. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 11: ISTANBUL Return to Istanbul’s Old City for a guided visit of Topkapi Palace, the official and primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for 400 years. Next, visit the Blue Mosque, renowned for its splendid architecture and six minarets. Later, explore the bustling Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, known for its jewellery, hand-painted ceramics, carpets, embroideries, spices and antique shops for you to haggle a real bargain. Spend the remainder of the day discovering Istanbul. Wander the spice markets, cruise the Bosphorus, or simply stroll the vibrant bustling streets. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner and celebrate the end of an unforgettable journey. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 12: ISTANBUL - DEPART FOR HOME/ARRIVE U.K. Today breakfast will be included.

Hierapolis

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add post nights in Istanbul from only £85 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Options 185, 186 & 187 available. Please see pages 123-124.

113


DISCOVER CROATIA Pletna Boat Ride

VENICE • BLED • PLETNA BOAT RIDE • WINE TASTING • PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK • DUBROVNIK • SPLIT • DIOCLETIAN’S PALACE • OPATIJA

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Visit three of Europe’s most beautiful countries: Italy, Slovenia and Croatia.

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

Overall Rating

On the Go Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

• Enjoy a cruise around the islands of Venice while staying near the city for two nights. • Spend three nights in Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” • Breathe in the mountain air around the lakeside retreat of Bled. • Travel out to the island church of St. Mary’s aboard a “pletna” boat. • Walk the seaside promenade in the Hapsburg resort town of Opatija, Croatia’s “Riviera.” • Discover the magnificence of the ancient Roman Palace of Diocletian in the centre of ancient Split. • Experience the wonder of 16 cascading lakes at Croatia’s Plitvice National Park.

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1-2 Crowne Plaza Quarto d’Altino, Venice Day 3-4 Golf Hotel, Bled Day 5 Jezero Hotel, Plitvice Day 6-8 Valamar Lacroma Resort, Dubrovnik or Dubrovnik President, Dubrovnik Day 9-10 President Hotel, Split Day 11 Hotel Bristol, Opatija Day 12 Crowne Plaza Quarto d’Altino, Venice

DAY 1: Arrive VENICE, ITALY Join Collette Worldwide Holidays and explore Croatia and the countries of the Adriatic. This is a “must see” region filled with ancient cities, medieval architecture, unique cultures, rolling hills, and stunning coastal scenery. Upon arrival into Venice you will transfer to your hotel near the city. Before dinner you are free to take the train into Venice to explore this island city on your own. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a special welcome dinner. Today dinner will be included. DAY 2: VENICE Travel by train into the city where your day begins with a boat trip (weather permitting) to Murano Island for an intimate and informative glass making demonstration. Next, return to Venice and visit charming St. Mark’s Square, the lively hub of the city’s activity and events. A local expert will guide you on a walking tour of the area featuring St. Mark’s Basilica, a stop outside the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Clock Tower with its famous Moors. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 3: VENICE - BLED, SLOVENIA After breakfast, board your coach for a drive through the Mediterranean countryside crossing the border into neighbouring Slovenia. Along the way, you will stop at a charming winery where you have the opportunity to sample some locally produced varieties. Upon arrival into Bled, you will have time to relax before enjoying a fine dinner. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 4: BLED Today you’ll explore Bled from the water. Enjoy the old-world charm of taking a “pletna” boat to the island on the lake to visit the 17th Century cathedral, St. Mary’s Church and the “wishing bell.” The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and explore charming Bled on your own. Today breakfast will be included.

Bled Castle

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DAY 5: BLED - PLITVICE LAKES, CROATIA After breakfast, travel into Croatia and visit its most beautiful national park, Plitvice Lakes, a stunning example of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy awe-inspiring scenery as you travel through

this natural phenomenon of sixteen terraced lakes surrounded by forests and thick vegetation. A series of waterfalls and free flowing cascades connects each lake to the other. A short cruise on the lake takes you into the heart of this natural wonder. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 6: PLITVICE LAKES - DUBROVNIK This morning, continue south through the heart of Croatia, towards the medieval city of Dubrovnik. Along the way, enjoy some breathtaking views of the beautiful blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Plitvice Lakes

DAY 7: DUBROVNIK Join an expert local guide on a tour of “Old Dubrovnik,” a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Franciscan Monastery, where Europe’s oldest pharmacy lies; Rector’s Palace, the City Walls, and many more historical sites. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this fascinating city on your own or join us for an optional excursion outside the city. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 8: DUBROVNIK The day is at leisure to explore Dubrovnik, enjoy the rocky coastline and crystal blue waters, or to join your fellow companions on an optional trip to Montenegro. This evening, travel to the culturally rich Konavle region for a countryside dinner. While visiting with your host family, you will learn about life in the Croatian heartland, while the servers, dressed in traditional costumes, serve you a culinary feast prepared in the customary way of their ancestors. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.


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Dubrovnik

13 DAYS, 18 MEALS:

12 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners

Dubrovnik

DAY 9: DUBROVNIK - SPLIT Today, enjoy stunning sea views as you travel up the winding coastal road, hugging the sheer cliffs that drop into the aquamarine Adriatic Sea. Enjoy a stop in a quaint village in the Croatian countryside. You will have time to taste the local specialties and perhaps walk through the village square. Later, continue on to your hotel located in the centre of Split. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 10: SPLIT Today you experience Split’s impressive Roman Palace of Diocletian, one of the most significant late-Roman historical monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage site. In addition, see the peristyle of the palace and the Temple of Jupiter. The remainder of your day is free for you to explore the winding streets of the old city. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 11: SPLIT - OPATIJA Travel up the coast to the seaside community of Opatija, summer retreat for Roman Caesars and Hapsburg monarchs. Upon arrival, enjoy a brief orientation tour of the town centre before proceeding to your hotel in the heart of Opatija. The remainder of your day is at leisure to enjoy Croatia’s “Riviera.” Your Tour Manager will be on hand to offer suggestions on how to spend your day. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 12: OPATIJA - VENICE, ITALY Enjoy a relaxing morning in Opatija before boarding your coach for a return trip to Italy. This afternoon you can travel into Venice on your own or relax at your hotel before joining your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner to celebrate the end of a marvellous journey around the Adriatic. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 13: VENICE –DEPART FOR HOME / ARRIVE U.K. Your tour ends in Venice this morning. Today breakfast will be included. Split

Cathedral of Assumption, Zagreb

‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

EXPERIENCE IT! DUBROVNIK

A group of refugees from Epidaurum (today’s Cavtat) founded Dubrovnik in the first half of the 7th Century. The city was under the protection of the Byzantine Empire through the 12th Century. From 1205 to 1358 Dubrovnik fell under the sovereignty of Venice. Dubrovnik ruled itself as a free state between the 14th Century and 1808 as the Republic of Dubrovnik. It flourished in the 15th and 16th Centuries and became the chief shipping rival to Venice. A devastating earthquake in 1667 killed over 5,000 citizens and marked the beginning of the decline for the Republic. The Republic officially met its final demise in 1808 after Napoleon’s armies conquered it and Marshal Marmont abolished the Republic and integrated it into the Illyrian provinces. Since 1808, Dubrovnik has fallen under attack, been occupied and annexed several times, most recently as part of the second Yugoslavia (1945-1991); however, it continues to be one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities on the entire Adriatic. With its medieval walls that surround the old city, and the ancient buildings contained within, Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage site unlike any other.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Options 188, 189, 190, 191 & 192 available. Please see pages 123-124.

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DISCOVER PORTUGAL’S TREASURES

Sintra

PALMELA • EVORA • ROYAL PALACE DUCAL • CASTLE OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR • PORTO • STOCK EXCHANGE PALACE • PORT WINE CELLAR • GUIMARÃES • PALACE OF THE DUKES • VISTA ALEGRE PORCELAIN • COOKING CLASS & WINE PAIRING • CASCAIS • SINTRA • LISBON • FOLKLORIC FADO DINNER SHOW • JERONIMO’S MONASTERY • BELEM TOWER • 4 WINE CELLAR VISITS • 9 UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Enjoy 10 nights in Portugal’s famous pousadas (historic lodgings). • Spend three nights on the “Portuguese Riviera” with deluxe accommodation in a 15th Century fortress. • Learn the history of the Knights Templar when you visit the Convent of the Order of Christ. • In a historic setting, discover the secrets of Portuguese cuisine during a cooking class complete with wine pairings. • Enjoy 4 wine cellar visits with tastings including Muscatel, Port, sparkling Raposeira and Alentejo wines. • Visit the famous Baroque Mateus Palace and gardens for a glimpse into the aristocratic lifestyle. • Wine is included with every dinner. • Whisper Headsets are included each day for your convenience.

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1 Pousada de Palmela, Palmela Day 2-3 Pousada de Vila Viçosa, Vila Vicosa Day 4 Pousada de Viseu, Viseu Day 5-7 Pousada de Porto, Porto Day 8-10 Pousada de Cascais, Cascais

SMALL GROUP TOUR NO MORE THAN 28 PEOPLE PER GROUP – SEE PAGE 7 DAY 1: Arrive LISBON - PALMELA, PORTUGAL Discover Portugal’s ancient castles, Roman ruins, whitewashed villages, wineries, fine dining and kind

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people. Fly to Lisbon and then transfer to Palmela, a small hill town with a 12th Century castle, situated in the heart of a rich wine growing region. Take in panoramic views of the countryside and this afternoon join your fellow travellers this evening for a welcome dinner. Today dinner will be included. DAY 2: PALMELA - AZEITAO - EVORA VILA VICOSA On to Azeitao, an agricultural village known for its muscatel, red wines, olive trees and country estates. Visit a family-run shop for a demonstration on how azulejos, the famous hand-painted tiles, are crafted. Taste the region’s famous pastry “Tortas de Azeitão” & afterwards savour local wines (including muscatel) when you visit a wine maker. Later, travel across Alentejo’s limitless plains and vineyards to historic Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Experience a true open-air museum inside Evora’s medieval walls. A 2nd Century Roman temple to Diana and well-preserved monuments set the scene. End your day in Vila Viçosa, known for its medieval castle, royal palace and marble. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 3: VILA VICOSA - ROYAL PALACE DUCAL - MARBLE MUSEUM - BORBA WINE CELLARS Visit the Royal Palace Ducal with its marble facade and vibrant mixture of tapestries, porcelain and Brazilian ebony. Enjoy Vila Viçosa’s peaceful tree-lined streets before stopping at the intimate and interesting Marble Museum. Later visit a local wine producer and indulge in a tour, then a tasting of the full-bodied character of Alentejo’s red wines. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 4: VILA VICOSA - TOMAR (CASTLE OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR) - VISEU Visit Tomar’s Convent of the Order of Christ (Castle of the Knights Templar), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Established in 1160 to defend against the Moors, this stronghold incorporates nearly five centuries of architectural styles. The rotunda is modelled after Jerusalem’s Church of the

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

Batalha Monastery, Leiria

Holy Sepulchre and the Dome of the Rock and the intricately sculpted Window of the Chapter House reveals a wealth of details illustrating Portugal’s status as a sea power. Continue to Viseu, whose centre has changed little since medieval times. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 5: VISEU - DOURO VINEYARDS - LAMEGO - VILA REAL - MATEUS PALACE - PORTO Follow the contours of the Douro River. View the terraced vineyards and hilltop castles of the world’s oldest wine region, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Later stop in Lamego for a tasting of Raposeira sparkling wine. In Vila Real visit the famous Baroque Mateus Palace and gardens for a glimpse into the aristocratic lifestyle. Continue to charismatic Porto. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 6: PORTO Welcome to Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage site and birthplace of the legendary Prince Henry the Navigator. This ancient port is known for its striking contemporary monuments and Baroque carvings. Discover Porto’s riverfront, San Francisco Church’s golden interior, and the exuberant interior of the Stock Exchange Palace with a local expert. See the 18th Century fortress-like Clerigos Tower, the impressive Dona Maria Pia Bridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel, and the medieval quarter with

The M Collette Discove

1st Pro


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Vista Alegre Porcelain

AT LANTIC OCEAN

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Sintra Estoril Lisbon Evora 1 Palmela Azeitao

Door to Door Transfer please see page 4 for details

2 Vila

Viçosa

PORTUGAL

11 DAYS, 17 MEALS:

10 Breakfasts, 7 Dinners

traditional boats floating by the riverbanks. Conclude your day with a view of Porto’s stunning skyline, a cellar tour, and a tasting of its famous port wine. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 7: PORTO - GUIMARAES - COOKING CLASS - PORTO

The M Factory, Travel toInc. medieval Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage site, first capital of Portugal, and birthplace of the nation’s first king. A guided tour features Collette Vacations the imposing 10th Century castle, the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, with Discover Portugal_12

39 unusual brick chimneys, and the town’s superbly restored buildings. Later, explore a 12th Century monastery. Learn the secrets of Portuguese cuisine 1st Proof date: 3/16/11 during an interactive cooking class followed by dinner featuring local food and wines. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 8: PORTO - VISTA ALEGRE PORCELAIN - COIMBRA BATALHA MONASTERY - CASCAIS Tour the Vista Alegre Museum, factory and 19th Century social quarter. Learn the art of hand-made Portuguese porcelain and join a local expert in exploring Coimbra, home to one of the world’s first universities. See the Baroque library, lined with 300,000 books, the 12th Century Old Cathedral and the 16th Century aqueduct. Complete your tour with a view of the ruins of the gothic Convent of Santa Clara-a-Velha. Later view magnificent Batalha Monastery, a monument to Portugal’s history and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Prince Henry the Navigator rests here. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 9: CASCAIS - SINTRA - CABO DA ROCA - ESTORIL COAST - CASCAIS Explore picturesque Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site and favourite summer residence of Portuguese kings for six centuries. Travel to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point on the European continent. The great poet Camões called it “where the land ends and the sea begins”. Later follow the Estoril Coast back to Cascais. Tonight, savour Portuguese cuisine and wine while local artists perform traditional folkloric dances and songs, including the Fado. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 10: CASCAIS - LISBON - NATIONAL MUSEUM OF COACHES - CASCAIS Embark on a Lisbon city tour highlighting the Moorish Alfama Quarter. View Jeronimo’s Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the Monument to the Discoveries. See the Belem Tower, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Its balconies watch over the spot from where great expeditions set forth. Afterwards visit the National Museum of Coaches, the largest and most valuable collection of its kind. Later, taste Portugal’s famous hand-crafted pastry, “pastel de belem” and enjoy leisure time in Cascais. Stroll its cobblestone streets or walk the ocean-side promenade, shop for ceramics, lace, filigree and tapestries. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 11: CASCAIS - LISBON - DEPART FOR HOME/ARRIVE U.K. Today breakfast will be included. Belem Tower, Lisbon

Cascais

‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

Porto Riverfront

EXPLORE. CONNECT. LIVE.

THE POUSADAS OF PORTUGAL The state-owned Portugal Pousadas Group began in the 1940’s when the first regional Pousada was created. In addition to regional hospitality and cuisine, these beautiful hotels, in idyllic locations, offer visitors a sense of history, culture and tradition. The group focuses on the restoration of the national architectural heritage in order to guarantee its preservation and to increase the supply of first class accommodations. The Pousadas are uniquely Portuguese and are synonymous with luxury. The great attention to detail, exceptional service and warm welcomes stand out. They reflect the best traditions of the regions in which they reside and provide a rich variety of choice. From historic castles and former monasteries to palaces and convents, they embody the Explorations concept of accommodations that capture the spirit of your destination.

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add post nights in Cascais from only £95 per person per night.

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SPAIN’S CLASSICS

Cordoba

MADRID • ROYAL PALACE • TOLEDO • CORDOBA • SEVILLE • FLAMENCO SHOW • GRANADA • ALHAMBRA • VALENCIA • LLADRO-CITY OF PORCELAIN • MUSEUM OF LAS FALLAS • BARCELONA

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Tour Toledo, the former capital of the Spanish Empire.

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

• Enjoy reserved seating at a flamenco performance in Seville. • Visit 9 UNESCO World Heritage sites. • Enjoy two nights in captivating Madrid, Seville, Valencia, and Barcelona. • Visit the monumental Royal Palace, official residence of the royal family. • Regional wine is included with every dinner.

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1-2 Melia Galgos Hotel, Madrid Day 3-4 Melia Sevilla, Seville or Melia Lebreros, Seville Day 5 Hotel Tryp Albayzin, Granada Day 6-7 Hotel Tryp Oceanic , Valencia Day 8-9 Hotel Colon, Barcelona

DAY 1: Arrive MADRID, SPAIN Welcome to Madrid, Spain’s capital and largest city. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner. Today dinner will be included. DAY 2: MADRID - ROYAL PALACE TOLEDO - MADRID During a locally guided tour of Madrid’s historic centre, see the Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, where events have been held since the 17th Century. A guided tour of the monumental, 18th Century

Toledo

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The Coll Spa

1st P Royal Palace reveals lavish halls, banquet rooms, the throne room, royal armory and the impressive courtyard. This afternoon travel to Toledo, a UNESCO site and the capital of medieval Spain until 1560. A comprehensive tour highlights the magnificent Gothic cathedral and the 13th Century synagogue, a testament to Toledo’s Jewish heritage. Also stop in the Church of Santo Tome to view El Greco’s masterpiece painting, The Burial of Count Orgaz. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 3: MADRID - CORDOBA - SEVILLE Today, your Tour Manager provides a brief lesson on the origin and history of the Spanish language. Then, travel to the extraordinary Moorish city of Cordoba. Embark on a walking tour of the Mezquita. This UNESCO site, an architectural marvel, built by the Moors in the 8th Century as a magnificent mosque, was converted into the city’s cathedral in the 16th Century. Continue your exploration of Cordoba in the city’s well-preserved and historical old Jewish Quarter. Later, transfer to Seville, considered Spain’s “cultural capital.” Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 4: SEVILLE Today you will see Columbus’ tomb, the ornate cathedral, a UNESCO site, and Giralda Bell Tower. Enjoy a walking tour of the quaint old Santa Cruz Quarter with its bright flowers, white-washed buildings and winding streets; then continue to Plaza D’Espana and the beautiful Maria Luisa Park, one of the loveliest in all of Europe. A local flamenco dancer joins you for a typical “tapas lunch” featuring small portions of hot and cold specialties; here you learn about the history, culture and artistry of flamenco. This evening, take your reserved seats for an authentic flamenco show featuring Seville’s top performers. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. DAY 5: SEVILLE - GRANADA Travel along the peaceful Sierra Nevada to Granada, the last great capital of the Moors in Spain before it fell to the Catholic monarchs in 1492. Join a local expert for a tour of the world-famous Alhambra, the immense hilltop palace that is a

Plaza D’Espana, Seville

UNESCO site. Also tour the Generalife, meaning “garden of the architect,” where the grounds are beautifully designed with waterfalls, courtyards and smaller secret gardens. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 6: GRANADA - VALENCIA Today you travel through Spain’s amazing landscape viewing rolling hills dotted with picturesque olive groves while en route to the Mediterranean coast. Arrive in the city of Valencia, a treasure trove of Roman and Arabic architecture, surrounded by citrus groves. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 7: VALENCIA - LLADRO VALENCIA A city tour of historic Valencia features the ornate 14th Century Serranos Tower and imposing 15th Century Quart Tower. You’ll also see the bustling central market, one of the largest in Europe, and view the Gothic Cathedral, where construction began in 1262 on the site of an ancient mosque. Your trip to Valencia would not be complete without a stop at Lonja, the old Silk Exchange, recognised by UNESCO as one of the most beautiful buildings of European civil Gothic architecture. Later, visit Lladro-City of Porcelain and learn about the history and creative process of the world-famous, handmade Lladro figurines. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to explore Valencia’s amazing buildings and museums independently and stroll the walkways of the impressive City of Arts & Sciences. Today breakfast will be included.


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£1429

PORTUGAL Nazare

SPAIN

Fatima

Madrid 2

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Toledo

Lisbon

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Mediterranean Sea

10 DAYS, 15 MEALS:

9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 Dinners

DAY 8: VALENCIA - MUSEUM OF LAS FALLAS - BARCELONA Begin your day with a visit to the Museum of Las Fallas where you will see figurines from the last 80 years of the Las Fallas festival. Learn about this unique, spectacular festival from assembly and costumes to fireworks and the of burning. M night Factory, Inc.Later, travel to Barcelona, one of Europe’s most beautiful and exciting cities. Today breakfast will be included.

The Collette Vacations 9: BARCELONA Spain’sDAY Classics with Lisbon_12 1st

Today, get an in-depth look at vibrant and lively Barcelona. Your locally guided tour showcases Las Ramblas Boulevard, the most famous in Barcelona, dotted Proof withdate: bird and2/18/11 flower stalls. Also see Columbus Monument; Parc Montjuic; Antonio Gaudi’s UNESCO World Heritage sites including “La Sagrada Familia,” Parc Guell, Bartlo House and the unconventional Casa Mila building. This afternoon continue to explore colourful Barcelona on your own. Gather this evening for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a lovely trip to Spain! Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 10: BARCELONA - DEPART FOR HOME/ARRIVE U.K. You return home with vivid memories of a spectacularly beautiful land with an old, rich and diverse cultural heritage. Today breakfast will be included.

SPAIN’S CLASSICS WITH LISBON EXTENSION OF STANDARD TOUR DAY 1: ARRIVE LISBON, PORTUGAL Welcome to Portugal, where quaint farming villages, cork and olive tree plantations dot the landscape. Enjoy Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital city. Tonight, begin your journey with a welcome dinner. Today dinner will be included.

‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

DAY 2: LISBON A tour of Lisbon features the Moorish Alfama Quartre, Jeronimo’s Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage site), Monument to the Discoveries, and the Tower of Belem (UNESCO World Heritage site). Tonight, enjoy a dinner complete with local cuisine, wines, folkloric dances and Fado music. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. DAY 3: LISBON - FATIMA - NAZARE - OBIDOS - LISBON Your day on Portugal’s “Silver Coast” begins in the pilgrimage town of Fatima. View the Batalha Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage site), an example of Manueline architecture, and travel to the quaint towns of Nazare and Obidos. Today breakfast will be included. DAY 4: LISBON - MADRID, SPAIN (Day 1 of standard tour) Depart Lisbon and cross the border into Spain. Enjoy your day viewing the countryside of Portugal and Spain before arriving into the capital city of Spain - Madrid. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

Columbus Tomb, Barcelona

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Add pre nights in Madrid from only £65 per person per night and/or post nights in Barcelona from only £65 per person per night.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Options 193, 194, 195 & 196 available. Please see pages 123-124.

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LEGENDARY WATERWAYS OF EUROPE Bamberg

AMSTERDAM • COLOGNE • KOBLENZ • RÜDESHEIM • WÜRZBURG • BAMBERG • NUREMBERG • REGENSBURG • PASSAU • LINZ • WACHAU VALLEY • MELK • VIENNA • BRATISLAVA • BUDAPEST

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES • Experience the benefits of personal audio devices, designed for better communication between you and your guides throughout your tour. • Unpack once for a relaxing 14-night cruise. • Visit five countries and experience the cultures and traditions of each. • Explore the famous Franconian wine region. • Discover the beautiful Wachau Valley including a visit to Melk Abbey and an exclusive wine tasting. • Cruise four of Europe’s waterways: the Rhine, Moselle, Main, and Danube.

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1-14 MS Amadeus Elegant or MS Amadeus Brilliant, Cruise DAY 1: Arrive AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - BOARD SHIP Your tour begins in Amsterdam where you board your ship for a relaxing 14-night river cruise across Europe. Your ship offers the newest technology, panoramic deck, panorama salon and bar, excellent cuisine, and outstanding service. Meet your fellow travellers at a welcome cocktail reception. Today dinner will be included.

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

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Level 4

Level 5

DAY 2: AMSTERDAM A local expert leads a leisurely-paced walking tour of Amsterdam highlighting its 500 bridges, intricate canal system, charming churches, and 16th Century homes. Later, enjoy a canal cruise through the city centre before you set sail from Amsterdam this evening. Aboard the ship you will enjoy a Dutch folklore show on board. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

1st Cologne

DAY 3: COLOGNE - KOBLENZ, GERMANY Cruise the scenic Rhine River to Cologne, one of Germany’s oldest cities. A guided tour through the old part of the city highlights the twin-steepled, 13th Century gothic cathedral. Continue to Koblenz, at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 4: KOBLENZ - RUDESHEIM Enjoy exploring Koblenz before cruising along a beautiful stretch of the Rhine. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, dotted with hilltop castles. See the legendary Lorelei Rock before arriving in Rüdesheim, a charming Rhine Valley wine town. The “Winzerexpress” mini-train takes you to Siegfried´s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum for a guided tour. Explore the pedestrian street, Drosselgasee, and sample local wines before you enter the Main River. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 5: MILTENBERG Arrive in Miltenberg. You have the day to explore independently or perhaps you will choose to join an optional excursion that includes a walking tour along Miltenberg’s cobblestone streets followed by a visit to the city of Wertheim. Your cruise continues through the valleys of the Main River. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

Amsterdam

Level 3

DAY 6: WURZBURG Arrive in Würzburg, “The Pearl of the Romantic Road.” Nearly destroyed during WW II, Würzburg has been rebuilt into a beautiful Franconian town. See sights including the Bishops’ Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue cruising through the Franconian wine region. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

The Col Leg

DAY 7: BAMBERG Enter the Main-Danube Canal at Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Disembark for a guided tour of this medieval gem, founded in 902. Later, cruise to medieval Nuremberg. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 8: NUREMBERG - KELHEIM Depart on a guided tour of Nuremberg, Bavaria’s second largest city. View the 900-year-old ramparts, the Imperial Castle and the Justice Palace. Later, arrive at the highest point of your cruise before descending through stair-step locks. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. Würzburg


HOLLAND

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Rhine Cologne

Würzburg Koblenz Main Bamberg Rüdesheim Nuremberg CZECH REP. Miltenberg Regensburg SLOVAKIA e b Dürnstein u n Passau FRANCE Da Bratislava Linz Melk 1 Overnight stay* Vienna Budapest Visit Cruise

AUSTRIA

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HUNGARY

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15 DAYS, 41 MEALS:

14 Breakfasts, 13 lunches, 14 Dinners

The M Factory, Inc. Collette Vacations Legendary Waterways of Europe_11 1st Proof date: 6/29/10

Rüdesheim

St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Passau

DAY 9: KELHEIM - REGENSBURG Cruise through the final stretch of the Main-Danube Canal before arriving in magnificent Regensburg. Founded 2,000 years ago, Regensburg stands as Germany’s best-preserved medieval city. A city walk features the Old Town Hall, 12th Century Stone Bridge, St. Peter’s Cathedral, and the Porta Pretoria. Tonight, enjoy a typical Bavarian evening on board the ship. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 10: PASSAU - LINZ, AUSTRIA Arrive in Passau, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Enjoy a walking tour of this beautiful town, home to St. Stephan’s Cathedral and the world’s largest church organ. Sail to Linz, a favourite of Mozart, who dedicated his Linz Symphony to the town. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 11: MELK - VIENNA Cruise through the Strudengau en route to the Wachau Valley and charming Melk. Here you enjoy a guided tour which visits Melk’s magnificent 900-yearold Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest baroque monasteries, followed by a wine tasting during your visit. Later, your cruise continues to Austria’s capital city, Vienna. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

Chain Bridge, Budapest

Hogburg Palace, Vienna

DAY 12: VIENNA Join a local expert exploring Vienna’s Imperial architecture including the Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, the Ringstrasse, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Tonight, cruise to Slovakia. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 13: BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA Tour Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, including the 13th Century castle, the old town, St. Martin’s Cathedral, Michael’s Gate, and the Archbishop’s palace. The afternoon is at leisure. Tonight, you are invited to attend the Captain’s Gala Dinner before departing for Hungary. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 14: BUDAPEST, HUNGARY Your tour of Budapest, Hungary’s lovely capital, features the historic Buda Castlearea, Fisherman’s Bastion and 500-year-old St. Matthias Church. Enjoy splendid views of the twin cities of Buda and Pest, spread over both banks of the river. Tonight, gather on board with your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner. After dinner, enjoy a folklore show. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 15: BUDAPEST - DISEMBARK SHIP - DEPART FOR HOME/ARRIVE U.K. Today breakfast will be included.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS

Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Options 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202 203, 204, 205, 206 & 207 available. Please see pages 123-124.

121


PRICES FROM:

£1249

SA BO VE O up K E Te rm to £ ARL s& co 10 nd 0p Y iti

on s a er c pp ou ly p

le

INCLUDING Door to Door Transfer please see page 4 for details

CHRISTMAS ON THE DANUBE

8 DAYS, 19 MEALS:

7 Breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 Dinners Passau

WÜRZBURG • ROTHENBURG • NUREMBERG • REGENSBURG • PASSAU • WACHAU VALLEY • VIENNA • HOFBURG PALACE • VIENNA OPERA HOUSE • CHRISTMAS MARKETS

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

Tour Pacing

Leisurely Level 1

Day 1 Novotel Würzburg, Würzburg or Mercure Würzburg, Würzburg

On the Go Level 2

Overall Rating

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

Day 2-7 MS Amadeus Royal or Diamond, Cruise

0

Würzburg 1 Rothenburg

100 kilometers

Nuremberg Regensburg

be nu Da

FRANCE

100 miles

0

Main

Passau

Emmersdorf

GERMANY

Vienna

AUSTRIA SWITZ. 1

Overnight stay* Visit Standard tour Cruise

ITALY

SLOVENIA

* – number indicates length of stay

DAY 1: FRANKFURT - WURZBURG TOUR BEGINS Arrive in Frankfurt and continue on to meet your fellow travellers at tonight’s welcome dinner. Today dinner will be included. Day 2: WURZBURG - ROTHENBURG -

e M Factory, Inc. NUREMBERG - BOARD CRUISE SHIP llette Vacations This morning, join a local guide for a walking tour ristmas on the Danube_09 of Würzburg. Proceed to Rothenburg. Enjoy free d Proof date: 1/13/09

time to explore the town. Late afternoon you arrive in Nuremberg to meet your cruise ship. Unpack once for a relaxing 6-night Danube River cruise. This evening, enjoy a special welcome dinner on board. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

DAY 3: NUREMBURG A local expert provides an interesting city tour of historic Nuremberg including Germany’s oldest Christmas Market. Later in the day, your cruise continues. After a delightful dinner, a musical Christmas concert onboard. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

PRE BOOKABLE OPTIONS Pre-book exciting excursions in advance of your tour. Options 205, 208, 209 & 210 available. Please see pages 123-124.

DAY 4: REGENSBURG A guided walking tour of magnificent Regensburg reveals one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. take a stroll through the old town to Regensburg’s charming Christmas Market. This evening your ship departs for Passau. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 5: PASSAU Early morning you cruise past scenic valleys and charming riverside towns to Passau for a walking tour of this 2,000-year-old fairytale city. After dinner, enjoy a delightful music concert in the ship’s panorama lounge. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 6: WACHAU VALLEY, AUSTRIA EMMERSDORF - VIENNA Cruise to the charming town of Emmersdorf. Relax and enjoy the surrounding scenery or join an optional excursion to the town of Durnstein and the 900-year-old Benedictine Melk Abbey. This afternoon you continue cruising through the romantic Wachau Valley. You arrive in Vienna in the early evening. After dinner visit Vienna’s most famous Christmas Market. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. DAY 7: VIENNA Join a local expert exploring Vienna. The afternoon is at leisure. You may join an optional excursion to the opulent Schoenbrunn Palace, the summer retreat of the Habsburg dynasty. A wonderful evening awaits you at the Captain’s Gala Dinner. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

Rothenburg

DAY 8: DISEMBARK SHIP - DEPART FOR HOME Today breakfast will be included. ‡Lead in price includes early booking offer

122


PRE-BOOKABLE ON TOUR OPTIONS AMERICA 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

prices per person

District of Columbia Twilight Tour..................................................... £55 Moose Expedition.................................................................................... £55 Odyssey Jazz Luncheon Cruise............................................................. £55 Lake Champlain Harvest Dinner Cruise............................................ £45 Memphis Music History Tour with Dinner........................................ £45 The Court of Two Sisters Jazz Brunch and the World War II Museum........................................................................... £55 Rafting on the Colorado River with Lunch........................................ £35 Grand Celebration with Champagne Lunch.................................... £265 Rainbow Bridge Airplane Adventure................................................ £175 Sedona Jeep Tour..................................................................................... £40 The Fremont Street Experience with Dinner..................................... £50 West Rim by Small Plane and Lunch................................................. £205 Kennecott Copper Mine and Temple Square Garden Dinner......................................................................................... £45 White Water Rafting & Lunch.............................................................. £55 Wildlife Scenic Float with Lunch......................................................... £50 Wyoming Balloon Ride........................................................................ £225 A Night at the Museum.......................................................................... £35 Muir Woods.............................................................................................. £35 Paula Deen’s Savannah........................................................................... £45 Historic Gruene, Texas........................................................................... £25 An Evening at Kilohana – A Plantation Owner’s Evening............ £105 Atlantis Submarine Tour........................................................................ £75 Grand Circle Island with Dole Plantation........................................... £55 Hana & Haleakala by Helicopter (A-Star)......................................... £175 Hana Adventure...................................................................................... £85 Kauai Helicopter Tour......................................................................... £185 Spectacular Haleakala Sunrise Tour.................................................... £70 West Maui Mountains by Helicopter (A-Star).................................. £115 Whale Watching (Dec - Apr)................................................................ £25 City Tour of Vancouver.......................................................................... £30 Helicopter and Glacier Walk............................................................... £205 Juneau’s Best............................................................................................. £35 Misty Fjords Flightseeing..................................................................... £180 Whale Watching.................................................................................... £105

Canada

prices per person

35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51

Calgary Stampede - A Centennial Celebration (1912 - 2012)........... £75 Chuck Wagon Races and Grand Stand Show Stampede Departures only..................................................................... £85 Granville Island and Lunch................................................................... £40 Jasper Rafting Tours............................................................................... £45 Maligne Lake Cruise............................................................................... £45 Optional Hotel Upgrade to a ‘Lake View’ room at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise............................................... £195 Soar Over Spray Valley......................................................................... £100 Soar through the Mountain Ranges of Goat and Sundance........... £165 Soar to Mt. Assiniboine......................................................................... £195 Victoria Day Trip................................................................................... £110 Cruising Lake Minnewanka.................................................................. £40 The Lake Louise Experience................................................................. £45 Cruising the Harbourfront and Dinner............................................... £60 Flavors and Aromas of Old Montreal.................................................. £75 Lunch and Afternoon of Sightseeing................................................... £45 Museum of Civilization and Dinner.................................................... £55 100 Years Later - The Titanic................................................................ £40

52

Founder’s Hall and Dinner.................................................................... £45

53

Lobster Capital of the World Dinner................................................... £55

Latin America

prices per person

54

Jungle Crocodile Safari & Bird Watching Tour.................................. £25

55

Natri Spa Treatment - Arenal Springs Hotel.................................... £110

56

Sky Trek Canopy Tour........................................................................... £55

57

Afternoon Sunset Catamaran Cruise .................................................. £55

58

Canopy Adventure.................................................................................. £45

59

Barro Colorado Island............................................................................ £65

60

El Valle de Anton.................................................................................... £70

61

Fishing Excursion at Gatún Lake......................................................... £65

62

Gatún Locks & Portobelo Fort.............................................................. £85

63

Kayaking at the Panama Canal............................................................. £40

64

Monkey Island.......................................................................................... £30

65

Pineapple Plantation............................................................................... £70

66

Rainforest Canopy Tour Aerial Tram.................................................. £40

67

Sunset Safari............................................................................................. £35

68

Bird Walk................................................................................................. £45

69

Mystical Shaman Ceremony.................................................................. £55

70 Nazca......................................................................................................... £55 71

The Inca Terraces at Moray and the Sacred Valley Salt Mines........ £40

72

Cuenca’s Culinary Delights.................................................................... £40

73

Fiesta Gaucha & Asado Lunch............................................................ £105

74

Historic Santa Teresa and Downtown Rio.......................................... £45

75

Itaipu Dam............................................................................................... £45

76

Jeep Tour Tijuca Forest.......................................................................... £55

77

Macuco Jungle & Boat Ride.................................................................... £70

78

Rio by Night............................................................................................. £65

79

Rio’s Culinary Delights......................................................................... £105

80

Samba City................................................................................................ £65

81

Sights & Sounds of South America: Show with Dinner.................... £65

82

Tigre y Delta Boat Tour......................................................................... £55

83

Viña del Mar & Valparaiso................................................................... £110

Asia

prices per person

84

Evening Acrobatic Show........................................................................ £40

85

Jingshong Cooking School..................................................................... £45

86

Lama Temple and Beihai Park............................................................. £40

87

Xian Day Trip........................................................................................ £340

88

798 Dashanzi Art District...................................................................... £30

89

Evening Cruise on the Huangpu River................................................ £55

90

French Concession Walking Tour........................................................ £30

91

Guilin Minority Show and Dinner....................................................... £40

92

Tang Dynasty Dinner and Show........................................................... £55

92

Tang Dynasty Dinner and Show........................................................... £55

93

Li River Cruise......................................................................................... £60

94

Sound & Light Show at Amber Fort.................................................... £25

95

Sunset at the Taj Mahal and Cultural Show....................................... £35

96

Dinner at La Camargue......................................................................... £50

97

Dinner at La Verticale............................................................................ £45

98

Dinner at Mango Mango........................................................................ £35

99

Hanoi Street Food Tour......................................................................... £25

100 Landmine Museum and Banteay Srei.................................................. £25 101 Sunrise Photography Class..................................................................... £35 102 Bangkok Street Food Tour.................................................................... £25 103 Rice Barge Dinner Cruise...................................................................... £55 104 Thai Cooking Class................................................................................. £55 105 Traditional Thai Massage....................................................................... £45 FOR BOOKING PRE-DEPARTURE

Please refer to the tour pages for a list of the options available on your chosen tour.

123


PRE-BOOKABLE ON TOUR OPTIONS Australasia 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131

Antarctica — the Seventh Continent!.................................................. £40 Botanic Gardens and the 7th Continent............................................... £45 Flight from Milford Sound to Queenstown...................................... £225 Flight of Aoraki..................................................................................... £240 Franz Josef Glacier by Helicopter....................................................... £170 Journey through Middle Earth.............................................................. £95 Lady of the Lake, Dinner, and Entertainment................................... £75 Te Anau Glowworm Cave..................................................................... £45 Vuda Lookout Tour (Island Tour)........................................................ £35 A Camel Ride, the Rock, and a Sunrise............................................... £85 A Taste of Australia................................................................................ £95 Aboriginal Cultural Experience After Sunset..................................... £95 Following in the Footsteps of the Little Penguins............................ £125 Late Check-Out/Day Room - Double Occupancy............................. £55 Late Check-Out/Day Room - Single Occupancy............................. £100 Outback Ballooning and the Desert Sunrise .................................... £225 Over and Through the Rainforest Canopy......................................... £40 Sydney by Bike!....................................................................................... £65 Take To The Air Over Uluru!............................................................ £140 The Harbour Bridge Experience........................................................ £160 The Maori Haka Ceremony.................................................................. £30 The Outer Reef Experience................................................................... £85 Tranz Alpine Express Train Journey................................................... £80

Africa 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139

124

prices per person

African Sunset Cruise and Dinner ....................................................... £70 Amboseli Hot Air Balloon Safari........................................................ £340 Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon Safari.................................................... £340 Night Game Drive.................................................................................. £40 Sweetwaters Chimp Sanctuary............................................................ £125 Genesis Land: Ancient Hebrew Hospitality............................................. and Abraham’s Feast............................................................................... £65 Holocaust Memorial Museum at Yad Vashem......................................... & Ein Karem Village with Lunch......................................................... £65 Jerusalem by Night with Tower of David................................................. “Sound & Light Show” with Dinner ................................................... £80

Europe 140 141 142 143 144 145 145 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 158 159

prices per person

prices per person

Langjökull Glacier Adventure............................................................ £200 Rome By Night........................................................................................ £60 Salerno By Night..................................................................................... £60 The Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica.................................... £60 Tuscan Feast............................................................................................. £70 Venetian Serenaded Gondola Cruise.................................................... £50 Venetian Serenaded Gondola Cruise.................................................... £50 Venetian Serenaded Gondola Cruise.................................................... £50 Lake Como Cruise.................................................................................. £40 Achilleion Palace & Corfu Town........................................................... £50 Ancient Olympia & A Taste of Greece................................................. £75 Ancient Salona & Town of Trogir......................................................... £65 Ancient Treasures.................................................................................. £200 Athens & Its Scenic Coast..................................................................... £135 Athens & the Acropolis........................................................................... £75 Birthplace of the Olympics..................................................................... £60 Charming Croatian Riviera................................................................... £80 Charming Oia Village............................................................................. £50 Charming Split Riviera & River Cruise................................................ £75 Dinner on Fishermen’s Island............................................................... £60 Dubrovnik & Village Life....................................................................... £95

Europe (continued)

(continued) prices per person

160 Easy Ephesus............................................................................................ £45 161 Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary......................................................... £85 162 Greek Style Fiesta.................................................................................. £130 163 Historic Dubrovnik & Panorama.......................................................... £45 164 Historic Split Walking Tour.................................................................. £30 165 History & Traditions................................................................................ £95 166 Magnificent Ephesus............................................................................... £50 167 Mykonos on Foot..................................................................................... £60 168 Pergamon & Asclepion............................................................................ £60 169 Scenic Views of Mykonos....................................................................... £65 170 Split Old Town & Trogir Medieval City.............................................. £65 171 The Acropolis & Leisure......................................................................... £85 172 Timeless Villages..................................................................................... £85 173 Volcano Hiking........................................................................................ £55 174 Eagle’s Nest............................................................................................... £45 175 Gornergrat Mountain and Lunch....................................................... £100 176 Mount Pilatus........................................................................................... £50 177 Sound of Salzburg Dinner Show.......................................................... £60 178 Viennese Evening - Dining Experience & Classical Music Concert ......................................................................... £70 179 Charming Milan...................................................................................... £70 180 Budapest by Night................................................................................... £60 181 Folklore Dinner and Show.................................................................... £45 182 Prague’s Old Jewish Quarter................................................................. £50 183 Viennese Evening - Dining Experience & Classical Music Concert.......................................................................... £70 184 Wieliczka Salt Mines............................................................................... £40 185 Bosphorus Afternoon Cruise................................................................. £45 186 Istanbul By Night.................................................................................... £85 187 Whirling Dervishes Show...................................................................... £45 188 Mali Ston, Orasac Boat Ride, and Tastings.......................................... £50 189 Mysteries of Beekeeping......................................................................... £40 190 Omis Riviera with Dinner at Radman’s Mill Restaurant.................. £55 191 Twilight Dinner & Cruise....................................................................... £70 192 Undiscovered Montenegro and its Mediterranean Fjord................ £100 193 Barcelona By Night with Dinner at the Port...................................... £60 194 Madrid By Night with “Tapas Dinner”............................................... £65 195 Montserrat................................................................................................ £60 196 Portugal’s Riviera: The Estoril Coast................................................... £60 197 Excursion to Rothenburg....................................................................... £30 198 Gödöllö Castle and Horse Show........................................................... £45 199 Imperial Festival Palace - Castle Hof................................................... £40 200 Nuremberg Documentation Center .................................................... £35 201 Salzburg City Tour.................................................................................. £55 202 Schönbrunn Palace.................................................................................. £40 203 Szentendre................................................................................................ £35 204 The Weltenberg Monastery................................................................... £40 205 Vienna by Night...................................................................................... £40 206 Vienna Mozart Orchestra in Concert................................................... £45 207 Wertheim and Miltenberg...................................................................... £35 208 The Schönbrunn Palace and Christmas Markets............................... £40 209 Vienna by Night and Visit to the Christmas Market......................... £40 210 Wachau Valley Including Melk Abbey & Gluehwein Party............. £50

FOR BOOKING PRE-DEPARTURE Please refer to the tour pages for a list of the options available on your chosen tour.


Essential Travel Information PASSPORTS &VISAS

All the visa information provided in this brochure is for guidance and where visas are required, you must check with the relevant embassy or consulate on how to apply. Obtaining the proper proof of citizenship for entry to destination countries is the responsibility of each client. A valid 10 year machine readable passport is required for all individuals travelling outside of the United Kingdom. Passports must be valid for at least eight months beyond the return date from the destination. Some countries require a visa in addition to a valid passport for entry into the country. It will be necessary for you to check with the appropriate embassy or consulate for specific information and entry requirements.

LOST OR STOLEN PASSPORTS

If you do lose your passport abroad, please report the loss immediately to the police and British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). Details of the local FCO representation at your destination can be obtained by telephoning 0845 850 2829 prior to departure, or by visiting www.fco.gov.uk/embassies.

DOOR TO DOOR TRANSFER SERVICE

Collette Worldwide Holidays includes a door to door transfer service on all individual bookings confirmed directly with Collette Worldwide Holidays or via a travel agent. The service is provided complimentary for distances of up to 100 miles from the point of collection to the departure airport. Collette Worldwide Holidays will offer the door to door transfer service with a supplementary cost for the extra mileage for those customers exceeding the 100 mile limit. All mileage is calculated using the AA Route Finder service at www.theaa. com. The service is offered per booking in the mainland UK and Northern Ireland only. Door to door transfers do not apply to tour only bookings or group bookings.

INCLUSIVE TOURING WITH COLLETTE WORLDWIDE HOLIDAYS

Inclusive Touring with Collette Worldwide means that we provide you with the peace of mind of knowing that all of the essential elements of your holiday are carefully looked after by us. We include the following with every escorted tour package booked with us. • transportation via motorcoach • quality accommodation in carefully selected locations • most meals as outlined in your itinerary • sightseeing as outlined in your itinerary • admission charges as outlined in your itinerary • porterage • applicable gratuities for bellmen, doormen and waiting staff. (Customary gratuities for cruise ship personnel, overnight passenger train personnel, local sightseeing guides, hotel housekeepers, drivers and Collette Tour Managers have not been included.) Important Note: Your travel dates may be during religious, state or local holidays. These holidays, with their associated closures, may disrupt museum/attraction visits and personal shopping time. We make every effort to minimize disruptions during the tour, however, we cannot be held responsible for attractions being closed. Please note that all travellers purchasing flights from Collette must ensure that the name as submitted to Collette matches the name on their passport. Please notify Collette, your travel agent or your group leader immediately in the event of any discrepancy. Airline tickets purchased from Collette Worldwide Holidays will be dispatched along with your travel documents.

‘TOUR ONLY’ WITH COLLETTE WORLDWIDE HOLIDAYS

If you purchase a ‘tour only’ holiday, please pay particular attention to flight segments that occur during the tour which are not included in your itinerary. Should you have any questions, please contact your booking agent or the Collette reservations department so we can ensure that travel during your tour goes smoothly. If you purchase a ‘tour only’ holiday, please provide Collette with your flight schedules for the entire tour 8 weeks prior to departure so that we can provide optimal service. Choosing to book a tour only with us excludes Collette Worldwide Holidays from any liability where your privately organised travel arrangements may result in inconvenient or difficult flight connection times/transfer times. We do not include transfers from the arrival and departure airport at the holiday destination with tour only bookings.

HEALTH & SAFETY OVERSEAS

If you are taking prescription medication, please be sure to take an adequate supply for your tour and a few additional days in original prescription containers. Medication should be packed in your carry-on baggage (never in checked luggage).You may want to carry an extra prescription in case medication is lost. We also operate a ‘No Smoking’ policy on all of our coaches in the interests of our customers comfort and well being. During the tour, your motorcoach will make frequent stops for the convenience of both our smoking and non- smoking patrons. The Foreign & Commonwealth office produces up-to-date travel information to help British travellers make informed decisions about travelling abroad. For further information please visit: www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo or call 0845 850 2829. Alternatively you can contact ABTA’s Information Line on 0901 201 5050 (calls are charged at 50 pence per minute and their office is open Monday to Friday between 9am - 5:30pm).We also recommend viewing the health advice from the Department of Health and discussing with your own local GP any specific needs you may have whilst travelling. The Department of Health is a source of information regarding health facilities, vaccinations, and up to date health information for travel including advice on Deep Vein Thrombosis. Please visit their website at www.dh.gov.uk for further details.

HOTEL CHECK IN & CHECK OUT

Most hotels make rooms available for check in at approximately 3pm on the day of arrival. Collette Worldwide Holidays has taken your time of arrival into consideration when arranging flights to accompany our tours. Customers travelling as tour only will have to make their own arrangements if arriving at the hotel before 3pm. On checking in, the hotel will ask each customer to register and will require an imprint of your credit card in order to cover personal items and incidentals. If you do not have a credit card for this purpose, a large cash deposit may be requested. Check out of hotels is usually between 10am and midday on the day of departure. If you have a late evening flight, we will inform you of this and ask if you wish to make provision for your departure by booking a day room on your last day (time permitting).

TRAVELLERS NEEDING SPECIAL ASSISTANCE

Collette Worldwide Holidays will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of tour participants. Persons requiring individual assistance must be accompanied by a companion who is capable of, and totally responsible for, providing the necessary assistance. Neither Collette Worldwide Holidays’ personnel nor its suppliers may physically lift or assist clients onto transportation vehicles. In order that we may better serve you, please ask your booking agent for a Special Needs form if applicable. We ask that this form be filled out and submitted to us at least eight weeks prior to your departure date so that we can make appropriate arrangements and inform your Collette Tour Manager. Please Note: It is a condition of your contract with us that you inform us before booking of any special needs or assistance that may be required from Collette during your tour. You will be responsible for indemnifying us in relation to any costs we incur as a result of any failure on your part to do so. The facilities on tour to assist individuals with disabilities vary from country to country, therefore we prefer to check what arrangements can be put in place well in advance and be in a position to notify you of any limitations.

COACH LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE

Due to limited vehicle capacity, one carry-on 36 inches/95 cms in length, height, and width; not to exceed 11 lbs/5 kg.) and one checked luggage (62 inches/160 cms in length, height and width; not to exceed 50 lbs/23 kgs) are allowed. Please note that these guidelines must be considered with the specific allowance permitted by the airline with whom you are booked to travel. If you exceed the limit of 2 bags, we cannot guarantee that your additional luggage will be able to fit in the vehicle. Storage or shipment of additional luggage will be at your expense. If we are able to accommodate your additional luggage, we will levy a £2.50 per hotel, per bag fee. Please remember to label your luggage and important items with your name and telephone number. We recommend that you do NOT put your home address on the outside of your luggage. It is advisable to give your full details on the inside of the bag. Please attach the BLUE luggage tag to your luggage. This tag will be in your document package. A durable plastic, rectangular tag is also provided compliments of Collette Worldwide Holidays. Please use this in addition to the BLUE luggage tag provided on your checked luggage or you may wish to use the plastic luggage tag on your carry on. Although every effort is made to handle passengers’ luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or normal wear and tear that results from hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is in your best interest to make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. On safari tours, soft duffel bag luggage is required rather than a suitcase as storage space on safari vans is limited.

125


Essential Travel Information The information given in this brochure is correct at the time of printing (August 2011) and is intended as a guideline only. Weather information has been extracted from ‘Weather to Travel - The Traveller’s Guide to the World’s Weather’. For further details please contact Tomorrow’s Guide on 01488 684 321, info@ weathertotravel.net or visit www.weathertotravel. net. We also wish to thank our Tourist Board colleagues for their assistance in the production of these pages.

Health & Vaccinations For information and changes to recommended vaccinations, we strongly recommend that you consult your G.P. before you travel regarding your individual vaccinations requirements.

Vaccinations Key HP...................................................... Hepatitis A D ......................................................... Diphtheria M ............................................................... Malaria ME ...................................................... Meningitis P..................................................................... Polio T.............................................................. Typhoid TB...................... Tuberculosis for children only TN ........................................................... Tetanus YF.................................................... Yellow Fever YF* certificate is required for travellers visiting the country from infected areas h Please consult your GP for advice

Weather All the weather information contained within this brochure is intended to provide you with an indication of the average weather you can expect to experience during the year in order that you may use it as a guide to plan your holiday. Information sourced is given for the majority of destinations featured within our brochure. However, if you wish to know more, please contact our Reservations team. °C Average maximum daily temperature for the given month j Average daily sunshine hours for the given month  Average rainfall in inches (above 0.5”) for the given month Collette Worldwide Holidays does not accept liability for adverse weather conditions which may be experienced during your holiday and for any resultant affects of such conditions.

High Altitude Some of our tour itineraries feature locations which are at high altitude. We have highlighted these in the brochure. Customers who have experienced or currently experience problems associated with high blood pressure, respiratory problems or any heart complaints, please take advice from your G.P. that it is safe for you to travel to these locations.

Visas Key H Required if staying over 30 days † For travel to and from Canada only. Please refer to USA visa requirements if travelling to any USA State u USA visa or online ESTA required n Up to 3 months stay only 9 Up to 90 days stay only t Up to a 180 days only l Between 15-30 days. Issued on arrival in destination and a passport sized photograph is required F Tourists may purchase a Cambodian visa valid for one month at the airport in Phnom Penh (and Siem Reap). A passport sized photograph is required. 1 Issued on arrival for 4 month period

126

January

February

March

April

May

°C

j

°C

j

°C

j

°C

j

°C

j

°

AMERICA New York State

New York

4

5

4

4

6

3

9

7

4

15

8

4

21

8

4

2

Massachusetts

Boston

3

5

4

3

6

3

7

7

4

13

8

4

20

9

3

2

Dist. of Columbia

Washington D.C.

7

5

3

8

5

3

12

7

4

19

8

3

25

8

4

2

Georgia

Atlanta

12

5

4

14

6

4

17

7

5

22

9

4

27

9

3

3

Tennessee

Memphis

10

5

6

11

6

5

16

7

5

22

9

5

27

10

4

3

Colorado

Denver

6

7

1

8

8

1

11

8

1

17

9

1

22

9

2

2

Arizona

Phoenix

19

8

0

22

9

0

24

10

1

29

12

0

34

13

0

4

Nevada

Las Vegas

14

8

0

17

9

0

20

10

0

25

12

0

31

13

0

3

California

Los Angeles

19

7

2

19

7

3

25

12

0

20

10

1

21

9

0

2

California

San Francisco

14

6

4

16

7

3

16

9

3

17

10

1

17

10

0

1

Alaska

Anchorage

-6

3

1

-3

4

1

1

6

1

6

8

1

12

9

1

1

CANADA Nova Scotia

Halifax

0

3

6

1

4

5

4

5

4

9

5

4

14

6

4

1

Québec

Montréal

-5

3

3

-4

4

3

2

5

3

11

6

3

18

7

3

2

Ontario

Toronto

-1

2

3

0

4

2

4

4

3

12

6

3

18

7

3

2

Manitoba

Winnipeg

-13

4

1

-10

5

1

-3

6

1

9

8

1

18

9

2

2

Alberta

Calgary

-4

4

1

-3

5

1

1

6

1

10

7

1

16

8

2

1

British Columbia

Vancouver

6

2

6

8

3

5

10

4

4

13

6

3

16

8

2

1

Chile

Santiago

29

11

0

29

9

0

27

9

0

23

6

1

18

4

2

1

Brazil

Rio de Janeiro

29

6

4

30

7

4

29

6

4

28

5

5

26

6

3

2

Argentina

Buenos Aires

30

9

5

29

8

5

26

7

5

23

7

4

19

6

3

1

Peru

Lima

26

6

0

27

7

4

26

7

3

25

7

2

22

4

1

2

Costa Rica

San Jose

28

9

0

29

9

0

30

9

1

30

8

3

29

6

11

2

Ecuador

Quito

22

5

3

22

5

5

22

4

5

21

5

4

21

5

4

2

Galapagos

San Cristobel

32

6

3

33

7

3

34

7

4

33

8

3

32

8

1

3

Panama

Pamama City

30

7

1

31

8

1

31

8

1

32

7

3

31

6

10

2

India

Delhi

21

7

1

24

8

1

29

8

1

36

9

1

40

8

1

3

Cambodia

Phnom Penh

31

9

0

32

9

0

34

9

2

35

8

3

34

7

5

3

Thailand

Bangkok

32

9

0

33

8

1

34

9

1

35

8

3

34

7

9

3

Thailand

Chiang Mai

29

9

0

32

9

0

35

9

1

36

9

2

34

9

6

3

China

Beijing

2

6

0

4

6

0

11

8

0

20

8

1

26

9

1

3

Tibet

Lhasa

7

8

0

9

8

0

12

8

0

16

8

0

19

9

1

2

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

19

5

1

19

4

2

21

3

3

25

4

6

29

5

12

3

Vietnam

Hanoi

20

1

1

21

1

1

23

1

1

28

2

3

32

4

8

3

Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City

32

5

1

33

6

0

34

5

1

35

6

2

33

4

9

3

LATIN AMERICA

ASIA

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND Australia

Sydney

26

8

5

26

7

4

25

7

6

23

6

5

20

6

3

1

Australia

Cairns

32

7

15

31

6

17

30

6

16

29

6

7

28

6

3

2

Australia

Melbourne

26

9

2

26

8

2

24

7

2

21

6

2

17

4

2

1

Australia

Darwin

32

6

17

31

6

13

32

7

13

33

9

3

32

10

1

3

New Zealand

Auckland

23

7

3

24

7

3

26

6

3

20

5

4

17

4

4

1

New Zealand

Christchurch

23

7

2

22

7

1

20

5

1

18

5

1

14

4

2

1

Fiji

Nadi

32

7

12

32

6

12

31

6

13

31

6

7

30

7

3

2

South Africa

Cape Town

26

11

1

26

10

1

25

9

1

23

8

2

20

7

3

1

Kenya

Nairobi

26

9

2

27

10

2

27

9

4

25

7

10

24

6

7

2

Tanzania

Dar-es-Salaam

31

8

2

32

7

3

32

7

4

31

5

11

30

7

7

2

Jordan

Amman

12

6

2

14

7

2

17

7

2

23

9

1

27

11

0

3

Israel

Jerusalem

13

6

5

13

7

5

18

7

2

23

10

1

27

11

0

2

Hungary

Budapest

1

2

1

4

3

1

10

5

1

17

7

1

22

8

2

2

Czech Republic

Prague

0

2

0

3

3

0

8

4

0

13

6

1

18

7

2

2

Croatia

Dubrovnik

12

4

5

13

5

5

14

5

4

17

6

4

21

8

3

2

Austria

Vienna

1

2

1

3

3

1

8

4

1

15

6

1

19

7

2

2

Russia

Moscow

-9

1

1

-6

3

1

-8

4

1

10

6

1

19

9

2

2

Demark

Copenhagen

2

1

2

2

2

2

5

4

1

10

6

1

15

8

2

1

Norway

Oslo

-2

1

2

-1

3

1

4

4

2

10

6

2

16

7

2

2

Sweden

Stockholm

-1

1

2

-1

3

1

3

4

1

9

6

1

16

9

1

2

Germany

Berlin

2

1

2

4

3

2

8

4

1

13

5

2

19

7

4

2

Italy

Rome

13

4

2

14

4

2

15

6

2

18

7

2

22

8

1

2

Iceland

Reykjavik

2

1

3

3

2

2

3

4

2

6

5

2

9

6

1

1

Switzerland

St. Moritz

-1

4

2

0

5

2

2

5

3

10

6

2

10

6

3

2

Turkey

Istanbul

8

4

5

9

6

3

11

6

3

16

8

2

21

10

1

2

Spain

Madrid

10

4

1

12

5

1

15

6

1

18

7

1

22

9

1

2

AFRICA

EUROPE


1

0

2

June °C

July

j

°C

26

9

3

25

10

4

29

9

31

August

September

October

November

December

GMT + or -

Visas Required for British passport holders

Recommended Vaccinations

j

°C

j

°C

j

°C

j

°C

j

°C

j

28

9

4

27

9

5

24

7

4

18

7

3

12

5

4

6

3

3

-5

Yes u

TN h

28

10

3

27

9

4

23

8

4

17

7

3

11

5

4

5

5

4

-5

Yes u

TN h

3

31

9

4

30

8

5

26

8

4

20

7

3

14

5

3

8

4

3

-5

Yes u

TN h

10

4

31

9

5

31

8

4

28

8

3

23

8

2

17

6

3

12

5

4

-5

Yes u

TN h

31

11

4

32

11

4

32

10

3

29

8

3

23

8

3

16

6

4

11

5

5

-6

Yes u

TN h

27

11

1

31

10

2

30

10

1

25

9

1

19

8

1

11

6

11

7

6

1

-7

Yes u

TN h

40

14

0

41

12

1

40

12

1

37

11

1

31

10

1

24

9

1

19

8

1

-8

Yes u

TN h

38

13

0

41

13

0

40

12

0

35

11

0

28

10

0

20

8

0

14

8

0

-8

Yes u

TN h

22

9

0

24

12

0

25

11

0

25

9

0

24

8

0

21

7

2

19

7

2

-8

Yes u

TN h

18

10

0

18

10

0

19

9

0

20

9

0

20

8

1

17

6

3

14

5

3

-8

Yes u

TN h

16

9

1

18

8

1

17

7

2

13

5

2

5

4

2

-3

3

1

-5

2

1

-9

Yes u

TN h

19

7

4

23

8

4

23

7

4

20

6

5

14

5

5

9

3

6

3

3

5

-4

No †

TN h

23

8

4

26

9

4

25

8

3

20

6

4

13

5

3

5

3

4

-3

3

4

-5

No †

TN h

24

9

2

27

9

3

26

8

2

22

7

3

15

5

2

7

3

2

1

2

2

-5

No †

TN h

22

10

3

26

10

3

25

9

3

19

6

2

12

5

1

-1

3

1

-9

3

1

-6

No †

TN h

19

10

3

24

10

2

22

9

2

17

7

1

12

6

1

3

4

1

-1

3

1

-7

No †

TN h

19

8

2

22

10

1

22

9

1

18

6

3

14

4

5

9

2

7

6

2

7

-8

No †

TN h

14

3

3

15

3

2

17

4

2

19

5

1

22

6

1

26

9

0

28

10

0

-4

Tourist Card 9

T/HP/TN h

25

5

3

25

6

2

26

6

2

25

4

3

26

5

3

27

5

4

29

5

7

-3

No 9

HP/T/TN/P/M/TB/YF* h

16

4

2

15

5

3

17

6

3

19

6

3

22

7

5

25

8

4

28

9

4

-3

Tourist Card 9

HP/TN/T/P/M/TB h

20

1

0

19

1

0

19

1

0

19

1

0

20

3

2

22

4

2

24

5

4

-5

No 9

P/TN/T/YF/HP/M/TB h

28

5

11

28

5

7

28

5

11

27

5

15

27

5

13

27

6

5

28

8

1

-6

No 9

HP/T/TN/P/M/TB h

22

6

2

22

7

1

23

7

1

23

8

3

22

5

4

22

6

3

22

6

3

-5

No 9

TN/T/HP/D/YF h

31

8

1

31

6

1

30

6

0

30

5

0

29

5

0

30

5

0

30

6

1

-5

No 9

YF h

29

6

10

30

6

10

30

5

10

29

5

10

29

5

13

28

5

13

29

6

5

-6

No 9

HP/T/YF

39

7

3

35

5

9

34

6

9

34

7

4

33

9

1

28

8

0

23

7

0

5.5

Yes n

TN/T/HP/D/YF h

33

6

6

32

6

7

32

6

6

31

5

9

30

7

10

30

8

5

30

9

2

7

Yes F

TN/T/HP/D/YF h

33

6

6

33

6

6

33

5

8

32

5

14

32

6

10

32

8

2

31

8

0

7

No H

HP/T/TN/P/M/TB h

32

6

5

32

5

6

31

5

9

31

6

9

31

7

5

30

8

2

28

8

1

7

No H

HP/T/TN/P/M/TB h

30

9

3

31

7

7

30

7

7

26

8

2

19

7

1

10

6

0

3

6

0

8

Yes

HP/T/TN/P/M/TB h

23

9

2

22

7

5

21

7

5

20

8

3

16

9

0

11

9

0

8

8

0

7

Yes

HP/T/P h

30

5

15

32

7

13

31

7

15

30

6

12

28

6

6

24

6

1

21

6

1

8

No t

TN h

33

5

9

33

5

13

32

4

14

31

4

10

29

4

4

26

3

2

22

2

1

7

Yes l

TN/T/HP/D/YF h

32

4

13

31

4

12

31

5

11

31

5

13

31

4

11

31

4

4

31

4

2

7

Yes l

TN/T/HP/D/YF h

17

6

5

17

7

2

18

8

4

20

8

2

22

8

3

24

8

4

26

8

3

10

Yes

TN h

26

8

2

26

7

1

27

8

1

28

8

1

29

9

1

31

8

3

32

8

4

10

Yes

TN h

14

4

2

14

4

1

15

5

2

17

6

2

20

7

2

22

7

2

24

8

2

10

Yes

TN h

31

10

0

31

10

0

31

10

0

33

10

0

33

10

2

33

9

5

33

7

9

9.5

Yes

TN h

15

4

14

4

5

15

5

4

16

5

4

18

5

3

20

7

3

22

7

4

12

No

TN h

12

4

2

11

4

2

13

5

1

15

5

1

18

6

1

19

7

1

21

7

2

12

No

TN h

29

7

2

29

7

2

29

7

2

29

7

3

30

7

4

31

7

5

31

7

6

12

Tourist Visa 1

P/TN/T/HP h

18

6

4

17

6

3

18

7

3

19

7

2

21

9

1

24

10

1

25

11

1

2

No

T/TN/P/M/TB h

23

5

2

22

4

1

23

4

1

25

6

1

26

7

2

24

7

6

24

8

4

3

Yes n

TN/T/HP/D/YF h

29

7

1

29

7

1

29

9

1

30

9

1

31

6

2

31

8

4

31

8

4

3

Yes n

HP/T/TN/P/M/ME/YF h

31

12

0

32

13

0

32

12

0

31

10

0

27

9

0

20

8

1

14

6

2

2

Yes l

HP/T/P/TN/D/YF* h

29

14

0

31

13

0

31

13

0

29

11

0

27

7

0

21

7

2

15

6

3

3

No

None specified h

26

9

2

28

10

2

27

9

1

23

7

1

16

5

2

8

2

2

4

1

1

1

No 9

None specified h

21

7

2

23

7

3

23

7

2

19

5

1

13

4

1

6

2

1

2

2

1

1

No t

None specified h

25

10

2

29

12

1

28

11

1

25

9

4

21

7

6

17

4

8

14

3

7

1

No 9

None specified h

23

7

2

25

8

3

24

7

3

20

6

1

14

4

2

7

2

2

3

2

1

1

No n

None specified h

21

9

2

23

9

3

22

8

2

16

5

2

9

2

1

2

1

1

-5

0

2

3

Yes

HP/T h

19

8

2

21

8

3

20

8

3

17

5

2

12

3

2

7

2

2

4

1

2

1

No

None specified h

20

8

3

22

8

3

21

7

4

16

5

4

9

3

3

3

2

3

0

1

2

1

No n

None specified h

21

10

2

22

8

3

20

7

3

15

5

2

10

3

2

5

2

2

1

1

2

1

No 9

None specified h

22

7

4

23

7

5

23

7

4

19

5

3

13

4

2

7

2

2

3

1

1

1

No

None specified h

26

9

1

29

11

0

29

10

0

26

8

2

22

6

3

17

4

5

14

4

3

1

No

None specified h

12

5

1

13

6

1

13

5

2

10

4

2

7

3

3

3

1

3

2

0

3

0

No n

None specified h

23

7

3

25

8

5

15

6

4

13

6

3

9

5

6

4

3

3

0

3

2

1

No

None specified h

25

11

1

27

12

1

27

10

1

24

9

2

19

6

3

15

5

5

11

4

6

2

Yes

Non specified h

28

10

1

32

11

0

32

11

0

27

8

1

21

6

1

14

5

2

10

4

2

1

No

Non specified h

127


Booking conditions These Booking Conditions, together with our privacy and data protection policy, and any other written information we brought to your attention before we confirmed your booking, form the basis of your contract with Adventures Unlimited Inc. t/a Collette Worldwide Holidays of Unit 11, Brook Business Centre, Cowley Mill Road, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 2FX, United Kingdom (‘we’ or ‘us’). Please read them carefully as they set out your respective rights and obligations. References to ‘you’ and ‘your’ include the first named person on the booking and all persons on whose behalf a booking is made or any other person to whom a booking is transferred. By making a booking, the first named person on the booking agrees on behalf of all persons detailed on the booking that:a. He/she has read these terms and conditions and has the authority to and does agree to be bound by them; b. He/she consents to our use of information in accordance with our Privacy & Data Protection Policy; c. He/she is over 18 years of age and resident in the United Kingdom and where placing an order for services with age restrictions declares that he/she and all members of the party are of the appropriate age to purchase those services.

1. MAKING A BOOKING AND PAYING FOR YOUR HOLIDAY

When you confirm your booking you must pay the applicable deposit or full payment detailed in Table 1a on page 128. If the arrangements you wish to book are available we will issue a Confirmation Invoice and send this to you or your travel agent.A binding contract will come into existence between you and us as soon as we have issued you with this Confirmation Invoice. Upon receipt, if you believe that any details on the confirmation (or any other document) are wrong you must advise us immediately as changes cannot be made later and it may harm your rights if we are not notified of any inaccuracies in any document within ten days of our sending it out (five days for tickets). The balance of the cost of your arrangements is due in accordance with Table 1a on page 128. If we do not receive all payments in full and on time, we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled by you in which case the cancellation charges set out in Table 2a and 2b below will become payable. For flight inclusive bookings, all monies that you pay to one of our authorised travel agents for your arrangements with us will be held by that agent on our behalf until they are paid to us or refunded to you. In the case of international payments you must ensure that the full GBP Sterling amount is received by us after all bank charges have been levied.

2. DEPOSITS & BALANCES

Further to clause 1, in order to confirm your chosen arrangements, you must pay a deposit. The deposit payable and the time that the balance of the cost of your arrangements (including any surcharge where applicable) will become due will vary depending on the holiday you book:Table 1a. Holiday Deposit Payable Balance due not less than All holidays (excluding £175 per person cruise holidays and holidays to Australia & New Zealand)

60 days before departure

Holidays to Australia £300 per person 60 days before & New Zealand departure Ocean and river cruise holidays

£175 per person 120 days before £175 per person departure

Holidays to Antarctica £175 per person 180 days before departure

3. THE PRICE OF YOUR HOLIDAY

The price of your travel arrangements has been calculated using exchange rates quoted in the ‘Financial Times Guide to World Currencies’ on 01/08/2011 of US$1.62 to £1 in relation to the following currencies: US$ and £GBP. We reserve the right to amend the price of unsold holidays at any time and correct errors in the prices of confirmed holidays. The price of your confirmed holiday is subject at all times to changes in transport costs such as fuel, scheduled airfares and any other airline cost changes which are part of our contracts with airlines (and their agents), cruise ship operators and any other transport provider; to cost changes arising from government action such as changes in VAT or any other government imposed changes; and to changes in currency exchange rates and to dues, taxes or fees chargeable for services such as landing taxes or embarkation

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or disembarkation fees at ports and airports any or all of which may result in a variation of your holiday price. We will absorb and you will not be charged for any increase equivalent to 2% of the price of your travel arrangements, which excludes insurance premiums and any amendment charges and/or additional services or travel arrangements. You will be charged for the amount over and above that, plus an administration charge of £1.00 per person together with an amount to cover agents’ commission. If this means that you have to pay an increase of more than 10% of the price of your travel arrangements (excluding any insurance premiums, amendment charges and/or additional services or travel arrangements), you will have the options set out in Clause 8 below. There will be no change made to the price of your holiday within 30 days of your departure nor will refunds be paid during this period. We will consider an appropriate refund of insurance premiums paid if you can show that you are unable to transfer or reuse your policy. Should the price of your holiday go down due to the changes mentioned above, by more than 2% of your holiday cost, then any refund due will be paid to you. However, please note that travel arrangements are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes have no impact on the price of your travel due to contractual and other protection in place.

4. CUTTING YOUR HOLIDAY SHORT

If you are forced to return home early, we cannot refund the cost of any services you have not used. If you cut short your holiday and return home early in circumstances where you have no reasonable cause for complaint about the standard of accommodation and services provided, we will not offer you any refund for that part of your holiday not completed, or be liable for any associated costs you may incur. Depending on the circumstances, your travel insurance may offer cover for curtailment and we suggest that any claim is made directly with them.

5. CHANGES BY YOU

If after your holiday has been confirmed, you wish to alter your booking, we will try to make the necessary arrangements provided we receive written confirmation of the change from the person who signed the booking form, or your travel agent, before the date on which the final balance of the cost of your holiday is due. If you are prevented from travelling it may be possible to transfer your booking to another suitable person provided that written notice is given no later than 28 days before you are due to depart. Whilst we will do our best to assist, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to meet your requested change. Changes and transfers will be subject to an administrative fee as well as any applicable rate changes or extra costs incurred by ourselves and any costs or charges incurred or imposed by any of our suppliers. You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Where we are unable to assist you and you do not wish to proceed with the original booking we will treat this as a cancellation by you. A cancellation fee may be payable. Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

6. IF YOU CANCEL

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel your confirmed booking you must notify us in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by us at our offices. Cancellation charges to compensate us for estimated losses and expenses are calculated from the date we receive your written notification of cancellation and will be payable up to the maximum shown in Tables 2a and 2b below. The cancellation charge detailed below is calculated on the basis of the total cost payable by the person(s) cancelling excluding insurance premiums and amendment charges which are not refundable in the event of the person(s) to whom they apply cancelling:Table 2a: All holidays excluding ocean/river cruises and holidays to Antarctica Period Before Departure

Cancellation Charge

More than 60 days 60 - 29 days 28 - 15 days 14 - 8 days 7 - 4 days 3 days to date of departure or or later

Deposit only 50% of holiday cost 60% of holiday cost 75% of holiday cost 90% of holiday cost 100% of holiday cost

Table 2b: All ocean/river cruises and holidays to Antarctica Period Before Departure

Cancellation Charge

Before balance due date Before balance due date - 90 days 89 - 45 days 44 - 21 days 20 - 8 days 7 - 4 days 3 days to date of departure

Deposit only 50% of holiday cost 60% of holiday cost 75% of holiday cost 80% of holiday cost 90% of holiday cost 100% of holiday cost

Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above. You may be able to reclaim these charges (less any applicable excess) under the terms of your insurance policy. We will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us. If some, but not all party members cancel, additional charges may be payable by the remaining members, e.g. under occupancy charges or single supplements. No allowance or refund can be made for your meals, rooms, excursions etc., included in the price of your tour but not taken, nor can any refund be made for lost, mislaid, or destroyed travel tickets or vouchers. If any member of your party is prevented from travelling, that person(s) may transfer their place to someone else (introduced by you and satisfying all the conditions applicable to the arrangements) providing we are notified not less than 28 days before departure and you pay an amendment fee of £50 per person transferring, meet all costs and charges incurred by us and/or incurred or imposed by any of our suppliers and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. If you are unable to find a replacement, cancellation charges as set out will apply in order to cover our estimated costs. Otherwise, no refunds will be given for passengers not travelling or for unused services.

7. ALTERATIONS AND CANCELLATIONS BY US

Occasionally, we may have to make changes to and cancel your holiday arrangements and we reserve the right to do so at any time. Most of these changes will be minor and we will advise you or your travel agent of them at the earliest possible date. We also reserve the right in any circumstances to cancel your travel arrangements. For example, if the minimum number of clients required for a particular travel arrangement is not reached, we may have to cancel it. However, we will not cancel your travel arrangements less than 60 days before your departure date, except for reasons of force majeure (as defined in Clause 13) or failure by you to pay your final balance. Most changes will be minor and we will advise you or your travel agent of them at the earliest opportunity. Your rights vary depending on whether we make a ‘minor’ or ‘major’ change. Examples of “minor changes” include the following when made before departure. Any change in the identity of the carrier(s), flight timings, and/or aircraft type is deemed to be a minor change. Other examples of minor changes include alteration of your outward/return flights by less than 12 hours, changes to aircraft type, change of accommodation to another of the same standard. Examples of “major changes” include the following when made before departure; a change of accommodation area for the whole or a major part of your holiday, a change of accommodation to that of a lower official classification for the whole or a major part of your holiday, a change of outward departure time or overall length of your holiday of twelve or more hours, the closure of the only or all advertised swimming pool(s) at your accommodation for an extended period and, in the case of tours, a significant change of itinerary missing out one or more major destination substantially or altogether. If we have to make a major change or cancel, we will tell you as soon as possible and if there is time to do so before departure, we will offer you the choice of i) (for major changes) accepting the changed arrangements ii) having a refund of all monies paid or iii) accepting an offer of alternative travel arrangements of comparable standard from us, if available (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). You must notify us of your choice within 7 days of our offer. If you fail to do so we will assume that you have chosen to accept the change or alternative booking arrangements. If we make a major change or cancel, less than 60 days before departure, we will also pay compensation as detailed adjacent:


8. COMPENSATION FOR MAJOR CHANGES & CANCELLATIONS Period before departure a significant change or cancellation is notified to you [or your travel agent]

Compensation per person (excluding infants)

60 days or more 59-45 days 44-30 days under 30 days

NIL £20 £30 £50

The compensation that we offer does not exclude you from claiming more if you are entitled to do so. We will not pay you compensation where we make a major change or cancel more than 60 days before departure or in the event that we are forced to make a change or cancel as a result of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which we could not have avoided even with all due care. All holidays operate subject to a minimum number of bookings. We will not, however, cancel for lack of numbers less than 60 days before departure. The above sets out the maximum extent of our liability for changes and cancellations and we regret we cannot meet any expenses or losses you may incur as a result of change or cancellation. Please note: where accommodation with a higher price than the original accommodation is offered by us and accepted by you, the difference in price will be deducted from any compensation payable. In no case will we pay compensation if accommodation is offered by us and accepted by you with a higher price than that originally booked in the same location where no additional payment is made by you. We will not pay you compensation and the above options will not be available if we make a minor change or cancel as a result of your failure to make full payment on time or where the change(s) or cancellation by us arises out of alterations to the confirmed booking requested by you. Very rarely, we may be forced by “force majeure” (see clause 13) to change or terminate your arrangements after departure. If this situation does occur, we regret we will be unable to make any refunds (unless we obtain any from our suppliers), pay you compensation or meet any costs or expenses you incur as a result. If we become unable to provide a significant proportion of the services that you have booked with us after you have departed, we will make alternative arrangements for you at no extra charge and, if appropriate in all the circumstances, will pay you reasonable compensation.

9. PASSPORTS, VISAS AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Passport and visa requirements vary depending on your destination. The information which we provide is for guidance only, and we cannot accept any liability. We recommend that you contact the relevant consulate to check any restrictions that may apply. Requirements do change and you must check the up to date position in good time before departure. Please contact your doctor for advice on health requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have a proper passport and visa and that no personal circumstances such as a criminal offence or travel to another country will affect your individual visa requirements, and that you have the required vaccinations to gain entry to any country which you are visiting. Most countries now require passports to be valid for at least 6 months after your return date. If your passport is in its final year, you should check with the Embassy of the country you are visiting. For further information contact the Passport Office on 0870 5210410 or visit www.passport.gov.uk Special conditions apply for travel to the USA, and all passengers must have individual machine readable passports. Please check www.usembassy.org.uk For European holidays you should obtain a completed and issued form EHIC prior to departure. Up to date travel advice can be obtained from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, visit www.fco.gov.uk Non British passport holders, including other EU nationals, should obtain up to date advice on passport and visa requirements from the Embassy, High Commission or Consulate of your destination or country(ies) through which you are travelling. If you fail to take the necessary steps, Collette Worldwide Holidays has no liability to you and you will have to pay Collette Worldwide Holidays any costs which Collette Worldwide Holidays incurs through helping you because of such failure on your part. Further, Collette Worldwide Holidays is not liable to you for any illness or discomfort you suffer

through failure to have required vaccinations or to follow medical advice.

10. SINGLE TRAVELLER OCCUPANCY

We levy a single traveller supplement for those travelling on their own because our contract with hotels is based on a price per room, while our holidays are sold per person including flights and other elements. Therefore, the per person price for a single traveller includes the entire room cost. It is not our intention to penalise anyone who is under occupying the accommodation we provide and we certainly do not make additional or excessive profits from these sales: the price we charge merely reflects the real cost to us. If a hotel is able to offer accommodation designed for single occupancy only, we will normally charge a reduced supplement, considerably smaller than the one we apply when a single traveller occupies a double room. Allocation of rooms is at the discretion of each individual hotel and not something that Collette Worldwide Holidays can influence.

11. DEALING WITH COMPLAINTS

Collette Worldwide Holidays will make every effort to make your holiday as enjoyable and trouble free as possible. Most problems can be sorted out straight away if we know about them. If you have a complaint, you must advise our representatives straight away and the supplier of the service(s) in question. Any verbal notification must be confirmed in writing as soon as possible. You may also contact us directly using the emergency telephone number enclosed with your travel documents. That number will put you in touch with one of our employees who will take all reasonable steps to help you. If you feel that a complaint has not been dealt with satisfactorily, you must write within 28 days of your return from holiday to: Customer Services Department, Collette Worldwide Holidays, Unit 11, Cowley Mill Road, Brook Business Centre, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 2FX, quoting your booking reference number. We will need to investigate your complaint. An acknowledgement shall be sent no later than 14 days from the date of receipt of correspondence. A detailed reply, or a reply containing a detailed explanation for any delay, shall be sent no later than 28 days from the date of receipt of correspondence. The final date for dealing in full with such correspondence shall be 56 days from the date of receipt of that correspondence. Failure to follow the procedure set out in this clause may reduce or even extinguish any right which you may have to compensation. Disputes arising out of, or in connection with, this contract which cannot be amicably settled may be referred to arbitration, if the customer so wishes, under a special Scheme arranged by the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), and administered independently by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. The scheme provides for a simple and inexpensive method of arbitration on documents alone with restricted liability on the customer in respect of costs. Full details will be provided on request or can be obtained from the ABTA website (www.abta.com). The Scheme does not apply to claims for an amount greater than £5,000 per person. There is also a limit of £25,000 per booking form. Neither does it apply to claims which are solely in respect of physical injury or illness or their consequences. The Scheme can however deal with compensation claims which include an element of minor injury or illness subject to a limit of £1,000 on the amount the arbitrator can award per person in respect of this element. The application for arbitration and Statement of Claim must be received by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators within nine months of the date of return from the holiday. Outside this time limit arbitration under the Scheme may still be available if the company agrees, but the ABTA Code does not require such agreement. For injury and illness claims, you may like to use the ABTA/Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Mediation Procedure. This is a voluntary scheme and requires your tour operator to agree for mediation to go ahead. The aim is to help you resolve your dispute in a quick and cost effective way. Details on request or from www.abta.com.

12. BEHAVIOUR

You must not behave in a way which may cause distress or annoyance to others. If, in the opinion of ourselves, any airline personnel, accommodations manager or other person in authority, you are behaving in such a way as to cause danger, distress or annoyance to others or damage to property, your holiday arrangements may be terminated by either ourselves or the supplier concerned. In this situation, our liability to you and/or your party will cease and you and/ or your party will be required to leave your accommodation or other service immediately. We will not be responsible for making any refunds, paying any compensation or meeting any costs or expenses you incur as a result. You and/or your party may also be required to pay for loss and/or damage caused

by your actions and we will hold you and each member of your party jointly and individually liable for any damage or losses caused by you or any member of your party. Full payment for any such damage or losses must be paid directly to the hotel manager or other supplier prior to departure from the hotel. If you fail to make payment, you will be responsible for meeting any claims (including legal costs) subsequently made against us as a result of your actions together with all costs we incur in pursuing any claim against you. We cannot be held responsible for the actions or behaviour of other guests or individuals who have no connection with your booking arrangements or with us.

13. FORCE MAJEURE

Except where otherwise expressly stated in these booking conditions we will not be liable or pay you compensation if our contractual obligations to you are affected by any event which we or the supplier(s) of the service(s) in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. These events can include, but are not limited to war, threat of war, civil strife, terrorist activity and its consequences or the threat of such activity, riot, the act of any government or other national or local authority including port or river authorities, industrial dispute, lock closure, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, chemical or biological disaster and adverse weather, sea, ice and river conditions and all similar events outside our or the supplier(s) concerned’s control. Advice from the Foreign Office to avoid or leave a particular country may constitute Force Majeure. We will follow the advice given by the Foreign Office.

14. OUR RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR HOLIDAY

(1) We will accept responsibility for the arrangements we agree to provide or arrange for you as an “organiser” under the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 as set out below. Subject to these booking conditions, if we or our suppliers perform or arrange your contracted holiday arrangements negligently, taking into consideration all relevant factors (for example following the complaints procedure as described in these conditions and the extent to which ours or our employees’ or suppliers’ negligence affected the overall enjoyment of your holiday), we will pay you reasonable compensation. Please note that it is your responsibility to show that we or our supplier(s) have been negligent if you wish to make a claim against us. (2) We will not be responsible or pay you compensation for any injury, illness, death, loss, damage, expense, cost or other claim of any description if it results from: - (a) the act(s) and/ or omission(s) of the person(s) affected; (b) the act(s) and/or omission(s) of a third party unconnected with the provision of the services contracted for and which were unforeseeable or unavoidable; or (c) unusual or unforeseeable circumstances beyond ours or our supplier(s) control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised; or (d) an event which either ourselves, our employees, agents or suppliers and subcontractors could not, even with all due care, have foreseen or forestalled. (3) We limit the amount of compensation we may have to pay you if we are found liable under this clause: (a) loss of and/or damage to any luggage or personal possessions and money, The maximum amount we will have to pay you in respect of these claims is £25 per person in total because you are assumed to have adequate insurance in place to cover any losses of this kind. (b) Claims not falling under (a) above and which don’t involve injury, illness or death The maximum amount we will have to pay you in respect of these claims is twice the price paid by or on behalf of the person(s) affected in total. This maximum amount will only be payable where everything has gone wrong and you or your party has not received any benefit at all from your booking. (c) Claims in respect of international travel by air, sea and rail, or any stay in a hotel i) The extent of our liability will in all cases be limited as if we were carriers under the appropriate Conventions, which include The Warsaw/ Montreal Convention (international travel by air); The Athens Convention (with respect to sea travel); The Berne/ Cotif Convention (with respect to rail travel) and The Paris Convention (with respect to hotel arrangements). You can ask for copies of these Conventions from our offices. Please contact us. In addition, you agree that the operating carrier or transport company’s own ‘Conditions of Carriage’ will apply to you on that journey. When arranging transportation for you, we rely on the terms and conditions contained within these international conventions and those ‘Conditions of Carriage’. You acknowledge that all of the terms and conditions contained in those ‘Conditions of Carriage’ form part of your contract with us, as well as with the transport company and

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Booking conditions (continued) that those ‘Conditions of Carriage’ shall be deemed to be included by reference into this contract. ii) In any circumstances in which a carrier is liable to you by virtue of the Denied Boarding Regulation 2004, any liability we may have to you under our contract with you, arising out of the same facts, is limited to the remedies provided under the Regulation as if (for this purpose only) we were a carrier. iii) When making any payment, we are entitled to deduct any money which you have received or are entitled to receive from the transport provider or hotelier for the complaint or claim in question. (4) It is a condition of our acceptance of liability under this clause that you notify any claim to ourselves and our supplier(s) strictly in accordance with the complaints procedure set out in these conditions. (5) Where any payment is made, the person(s) receiving it (and their parent or guardian if under 18 years) must also assign to ourselves or our insurers any rights they may have to pursue any third party and must provide ourselves and our insurers with all assistance we may reasonably require. (6) Please note, we cannot accept any liability for any damage, loss or expense or other sum(s) of any description which on the basis of the information given to us by you concerning your booking prior to our accepting it, we could not have foreseen you would suffer or incur if we breached our contract with you; or (b) any business losses. (7) We will not accept responsibility for services or facilities which do not form part of our agreement or where they are not advertised in our brochure. For example any excursion you book whilst away, or any service or facility which your hotel or any other supplier agrees to provide for you.

15. PROMPT ASSISTANCE IN RESORT

If the contract we have with you is not performed or is improperly performed as a result of failures attributable to a third party unconnected with the provision of the services, or as a result of failures due to unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised, or an event which we or our suppliers, even with all due care, could not foresee or forestall, and you suffer an injury or other material loss, we will offer you such prompt assistance as is reasonable in the circumstances.

16. CONDITIONS OF SUPPLIERS

Many of the services which make up your holiday are provided by independent suppliers. Those suppliers provide these services in accordance with their own terms and conditions Those suppliers provide these services in accordance with their own terms and conditions which will form part of your contract with us. Some of these terms and conditions may limit or exclude the supplier’s liability to you, usually in accordance with applicable International Conventions. Copies of the relevant parts of these terms and conditions are available on request from ourselves or the supplier concerned.

17. DELAYS AND OTHER TRAVEL INFORMATION

If you or any member of your party miss your flight or other transport arrangement, it is cancelled or you are subject to a delay of over 3 hours for any reason, you must contact us and the airline or other transport supplier concerned immediately. The Package Travel etc Regulations 1992 provide that in the event that you experience difficulty on the occurrence of circumstances described in clauses 14 (3) (a) (b) (c) of these booking conditions, we will provide you with prompt assistance. Where you experience a delay which is not owing to any failure by us, our employees or sub-contractors, this prompt assistance is likely to extend to providing help in locating refreshments, accommodation and communications but not paying for them. Any airline or other transport supplier may however pay for or provide refreshments and/ or appropriate accommodation and you should make a claim directly to them Subject to the other terms of these conditions, we will not be liable for any costs, fees or charges you incur in the above circumstances, if you fail to obtain our prior authorisation before making your own travel arrangements. We cannot accept liability for any delay which is due to any of the reasons set out in clause 10 of these booking conditions (which includes the behaviour of any passenger(s) on any flight who, for example, fails to check in or board on time). The carrier(s), flight timings and types of aircraft shown in this brochure or on our website and detailed on your confirmation invoice are for guidance only and are subject to alteration and confirmation. We shall inform you of the identity of the actual

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carrier(s) as soon as we become aware of it. The latest flight timings will be shown on your tickets which will be despatched to you approximately two weeks before departure. You should check your tickets very carefully immediately on receipt to ensure you have the correct flight times. If flight times change after tickets have been dispatched we will contact you as soon as we can to let you know. Please note the existence of a “Community list” (available for inspection at http://ec.europa.eu/transport/air-ban/list_en.htm) detailing air carriers that are subject to an operating ban with the EU Community. Under EU Law, you have rights in some circumstances to refunds and/or compensation from the airline in cases of denied boarding, cancellation or delay to flights. Full details of these rights will be publicised at EU airports and will also be available from airlines. If the airline does not comply with these rules you should complain to the air transport users council on 02072406061 www.auc.org.uk. Reimbursement in such cases is the responsibility of the airline and will not automatically entitle you to a refund of your holiday price from us. If, for any reason, you do not claim against the airline and make a claim for compensation from us, you must, at the time of payment of any compensation to you, make a complete assignment to us of the rights you have against the airline in relation to the claim that gives rise to that compensation payment. A delay or cancellation to your flight does not automatically entitle you to cancel any other arrangements even where those arrangements have been made in conjunction with your flight.

per person as part of the ATOL Protection Contribution (APC) we pay to the CAA. This charge is included in our advertised prices. Not all holiday or travel services offered and sold by us will be protected by the ATOL Scheme. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. We are also a member of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA Number W050X). If your holiday does not include flights, ABTA will financially protect your holiday in the same way.

21. ADVANCE PASSENGER INFORMATION

A number of Governments have introduced new requirements for air carriers to provide personal information about all travellers on their aircraft to the Authorities before the aircraft leaves the UK. The data will be collected either at the airport when you check in or in some circumstances when, or after you make your booking. Accordingly, you are advised to allow extra time to check in for your flight. Where we collect this data, we will treat it in accordance with our privacy policy.

22. FOREIGN OFFICE ADVICE

You are responsible for making yourself aware of Foreign Office advice and State Department warnings in regard to the safety of the countries and areas in which you will be travelling and to make your decisions accordingly. Advice from the Foreign Office to avoid or leave a particular country may constitute Force Majeure. (See clause 10).

23. LAW AND JURISDICTION

This brochure is our responsibility, as your tour operator. It is not issued on behalf of, and does not commit the airlines mentioned herein or any airline whose services are used in the course of your travel arrangements. Please note that in accordance with Air Navigation Orders in order to qualify for infant status, a child must be under 2 years of age on the date of its return flight.

These Booking Conditions and any agreement to which they apply are governed in all respects by English law. We both agree that any dispute, claim or other matter which arises between us out of or in connection with your contract or booking will be dealt with under the ABTA Arbirtration Scheme or by the Courts of England and Wales only. You may however, choose the law and jurisdiction of Scotland or Northern Ireland if you live in those places and if you wish to do so.

18. SPECIAL REQUESTS

24. ACCURACY OF PRICES AND INFORMATION

Any special requests must be advised to us at the time of booking e.g. diet, room location, a particular facility at a hotel etc. You should then confirm your requests in writing. Whilst every effort will be made by us to try and arrange your reasonable special requests, we cannot guarantee that they will be fulfilled. We will inform the relevant supplier of such request. The fact that a special request has been noted on your confirmation invoice or any other documentation or that it has been passed on to the supplier is not confirmation that the request will be met. Failure to meet any special request will not be a breach of contract on our part unless the request has been specifically confirmed. We do not accept bookings that are conditional upon any special request being met.

19. DISABILITIES AND MEDICAL PROBLEMS

We are not a specialist disabled holiday company, but we will do our utmost to cater for any special requirements you may have. If you or any member of your party has any medical problem or disability which may affect your stay, please provide us with full details before we confirm your booking so that we can try to advise you as to the suitability of your chosen arrangements. We may require you to produce a doctor’s certificate certifying that you are fit to participate in the tour. Acting reasonably, if we are unable to properly accommodate the needs of the person(s) concerned, we will not confirm your booking or if you did not give us full details at the time of booking, we will cancel it and impose applicable cancellation charges when we become aware of these details.

20. CONSUMER PROTECTION

The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 require us to provide security for the monies that you pay for the package holidays booked from this brochure and for your repatriation in the event of our insolvency. We provide this security by way of a bond held by the Civil Aviation Authority under ATOL number 4832. In respect of all arrangements including flights you will receive a Confirmation invoice from us (or via our authorised agent through which you booked) confirming your arrangements and your protection under our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence. This means that in respect of all arrangements including flights, in the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not left stranded abroad or will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking except where your contracted arrangements with us do not include transport to and from the UK. In this case, if already abroad, you will be returned to the point where your contracted arrangements with us commenced. For further information, visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk. The price of our flight inclusive arrangements includes the amount of £2.50

We endeavour to ensure that all the information and prices both on our website and in our brochures are accurate, however occasionally changes and errors occur and we reserve the right to correct prices and other details in such circumstances. You must check the current price and all other details relating to the arrangements that you wish to book before your booking is confirmed.

22. INSURANCE

It is a condition of your contract with us that you have adequate insurance in place. You must be satisfied that your insurance fully covers all your personal requirements including medical expenses, repatriation, helicopter rescue and air ambulance in the event of accident or illness. The insurance cover should extend for the planned duration of the holiday and at least an additional day. Details of a policy suitable to cover the arrangements you book are available by contacting us as detailed below. If you choose to travel without adequate insurance cover, we will not be liable for any losses howsoever arising, in respect of which insurance cover would otherwise have been available. The insurance policy and the receipt of premiums paid there under should be provided to us prior to departure. If you join the holiday without adequate insurance you may not be allowed to continue on the holiday, with no right to refund. If circumstances give rise to a claim the client will forthwith pursue his remedies under such policy(ies). We will also ask you for details of the name, address and telephone numbers of their next of kin or persons to be notified in the event of an emergency. Collette Worldwide Holidays act as an Introducer Appointed Representative for the purposes of your travel insurance, appointed by Global Travel Insurance Services Ltd who are authorized and regulated by the Financial Services Authority whose status can be checked on the FSA Register by visiting www.fsa.gov.uk/register or by contacting the FSA on 0845 606 1234.

Contact Details:

Address for correspondence: Amelia House, Crescent Road, WORTHING, West Sussex, BN11 1RL Telephone: 01903 203933 Fax: 01903 211106 Email: enquiries@globaltravelinsurance.co.uk Website: www.globaltravelinsurance.co.uk


We will send you an application form on request if you call us at 0800 804 8701 enabling you to arrange this insurance. If preferred, you can click here http://www.globaltravelinsurance.co.uk/IAR1533/quote where you can obtain a quotation and arrange the insurance online. Beyond providing this information, we are not allowed to assist you in any way in the arrangement of your travel insurance or give any advice.

DATA PROTECTION & PRIVACY POLICY

In providing our service to you, we must collect personal information from you and make subsequent use of it as detailed below. We will only collect personal information from you by specifically asking for it when you make a booking with us over the telephone or via our internet booking facilities or when you write, fax, telephone or email us to make an enquiry. We may collect all or some of the following information relating to you or other members of your holiday party:•names and contact details • credit/ debit card or other payment details • special requirements such as those relating to any disability or medical condition which may affect the chosen holiday arrangements • dietary restrictions (which may disclose your religious beliefs) • travel preferences Some of the information we collect (such as about health or religion) may be considered “sensitive personal data” under the Data Protection Act 1998. We collect it to cater to your needs or act in your interest, and we are only prepared to accept sensitive personal data from you on the condition that we have your positive consent. We will seek this consent when necessary. For the purpose of providing you with our services, we may disclose the information to the providers of the services making up your holiday arrangements (who could be located outside the UK/EEA). In order for you to travel overseas, it may be mandatory (as requested government authorities at the point(s) of departure and/or destination) to disclose your information for immigration, security and anti-terrorism purposes, or any other purposes which they determine

appropriate. Even if not mandatory, we may exercise our discretion to assist where appropriate. We may need to disclose our customer list including any personal information relating to you to a third party who acquires or attempts to acquire all or substantially all of the asset/ stock in our company or our website. We may from time to time contact you with information about special offers, brochures, new products, forthcoming events or competitions. You will be given the opportunity on every communication we send you to indicate that you do not wish to receive our promotional material. We have taken all reasonable steps to have appropriate security measures in place to protect your information. Outside the European Economic Area, controls on data protection may not be as wide as the legal requirements in this country. If you do not agree to our use of the information as set out above, you should inform us as soon as possible by writing to us at: Marketing Department, Collette Worldwide Holidays, Unit 11 Brook Business Centre, Cowley Mill Road, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 2FX or e-mail us at marketing@colletteworldwide.com. You may ask us in writing for a copy of the information we hold about you (for which we may charge a fee) and to correct any inaccuracies in your information. We aim to respond to you within 21 days from the date of request. As our privacy statement may change due to developments in the law we encourage you to re-read this from time to time so you are aware of any changes in how we gather and use your personal information. Any changes to this Policy will be either posted on our website, brochure and/or made available on request. posted on our website, brochure and/or made available on request. Maps by the m-factory.com

Quality Charter THE ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT TOUR OPERATORS WHY AITO

AITO is the Association for independent and specialist holiday companies. Our member companies, usually owner-managed, strive to create overseas holidays with high levels of professionalism and a shared concern for quality and personal service. The Association encourages the highest standards in all aspects of tour operating. EXCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIP AITO sets criteria regarding ownership, finance and quality which must be satisfied before new companies are admitted to membership. All members are required to adhere to a Code of Business Practice which encourages high operational standards and conduct.

FINANCIAL SECURITY

An AITO member is required to protect money paid by customers to the member for any holiday sold under the AITO logo. This protection applies to customers who are in the UK at the time of booking or to overseas customers who have booked directly with the member. Members have to comply with the UK Government Regulations in this respect. Members submit details of their bonding or guarantee arrangements to the Association on a regular basis.

ACCURATE BROCHURES AND WEB SITES

All members do their utmost to ensure that all their brochures and other publications, print or electronic, clearly and accurately describe the holidays and services offered.

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AND CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENTS

All members are committed to high standards of service and believe in regular and thorough training of employees. Members continually seek to review and improve their holidays. They listen to their customers and always welcome suggestions for improving standards.

MONITORING STANDARDS

AITO endeavours to monitor quality standards regularly. All customers should receive a post-holiday questionnaire, the results of which are scrutinised by the Association.

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

All members acknowledge the importance of AITO’s Responsible Tourism guidelines, which recognise the social, economic and environmental responsibilities of tour operating. Those demonstrating their achievements beyond the pure acceptance of this principle are recognised by the award of 2 to 5 star status.

CUSTOMER RELATIONS

All members endeavour to deal swiftly and fairly with any issues their customers may raise. In the unlikely event that a dispute between an AITO member and a customer cannot be settled amicably, AITO’s low-cost Independent Dispute Settlement Service may be called upon by either side to bring the matter to a speedy and acceptable conclusion. Collette Worldwide Holidays is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. To contact the Association, visit www.aito.co.uk or call 0208 744 9280.

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Door to Door Transfer Service* “Our trip to the Canadian Rocky Mountains by train was an unforgettable experience and represented excellent value for money. One of the nicest features for us was that we did not have to bother about whether to drive down to Heathrow, to stay overnight beforehand, to park in a car park or at a hotel, and whether we would too tired to drive home again after the return flight. The chauffeured car part of the package removed all of that potential anxiety in one fell swoop.” Ken Cockshull, Warwickshire

all holidays include Door to Door Transfer*

BOOK YOUR COLLETTE WORLDWIDE HOLIDAY BEFORE 31ST OCTOBER 2011 AND SAVE UP TO £500 PER COUPLE ON YOUR HOLIDAY PLUS WE WILL GIVE YOU A....

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terms and conditions apply. for more information about cashcasetm please call 0800 7567723, or email help@mycashcase.co.uk or visit www.mycashcase.co.uk/faq. alternatively email us at sales@colletteworldwide.com

ABTA No.W050X

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This brochure is printed on paper which contains materials sourced from responsibly managed and sustainable forests. We are committed to preserving the world around us


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