Newmarket Holidays - Escorted Tours Collection 2023 - 2024

This year is one of celebration for us here at Newmarket Holidays. We’re not only celebrating our 40th anniversary, but we’re also reflecting on our successes of the past and present.

We enter a new chapter in 2023 spurred on by a fresh new look, new adventures that showcase the highlights of destinations like Mexico, Italy, and Africa, and so many opportunities for new stories in the making. However, despite these advances and additions, our company’s mission remains completely unchanged.

Looking towards the future, we can’t wait to continue offering the same high levels of service and excellent value for money with so much included.

Our team of dedicated specialists provide the starting point for your travel story to begin, ensuring that you enjoy the perfect escorted tour, a once-in-a-lifetime journey curated with you in mind. How each chapter of your wish-list trip unfolds is in your hands, but your safety, wellbeing, and peace of mind are entirely in ours.

We think of you as the storyteller, the driver of inspiration, and the keen explorer fuelled by wanderlust. Our role in turning your travel plans into a reality is one of support, guidance, and unrivalled expertise.

Let’s get started?

Niel Alobaidi, CEO Newmarket

AFRICA COLLECTION

On Safari in South Africa – Mabula Lodge

On Safari in South Africa – Kruger National Park

Kruger Safari & South Mozambique Beach

On Safari in Victoria Falls – NEW

Cape Town, the Garden Route & Big Five Safari

Classic South Africa

Under African Skies – Victoria Falls to the Cape

Madagascar –Red Island Wonders

Kenya Grand Safari

Kenya – Beach & Safari

Cairo, Luxor & Nile Cruise

ASIA COLLECTION

India – Tigers & the Taj Mahal

India’s Golden Triangle, Shimla & Amritsar’s Golden Temple

India’s Rajasthan – Grand Palace & Historic Fort Stays

Kerala & India’s Beautiful South

India & Nepal – Tigers, Taj & Temples

Treasures of Cambodia & Thailand

Where stories begin

Discover award-winning wish-list travel

You’re the teller of your own travel story, we’re just here to help you write it. From cover to cover, we’ll escort you along the way, weaving in unforgettable highlights, presenting opportunities to explore with like-minded travellers, embellishing it with incredible excursions, and offering exciting twists at every turn.

Whether you’re seeking a story of cultural and culinary delights through Italy, a page-turning epic across the Mayan ruins of Mexico or an action-packed, family-friendly journey under the African sun, we’ve got an award-winning bestseller just for you.

You may be after a short, sweet, and closerto-home focused tale, or a lengthy, far-flung trip of a lifetime. Perhaps you’re yearning for something familiar and comfortable or even a new, unexpected cliff-hanger that will take you by complete surprise.

Whatever you choose and wherever you decide on, our team is ready and waiting... so let’s begin.

Our Story40 years of experience

A tale of escorted touring

It was in early 1983 that the story of Newmarket Holidays began when founders Jeremy Griffin and Toni Frei arranged a four-day May Bank Holiday weekend to Paris, which saw some 35 happy customers journey by coach to the ‘City of Light’ for the remarkable price of just £49.50 per person.

Other tours quickly followed, and over the next few years, with Simon Hibbs now installed as Managing Director, the fledgling company grew rapidly, adding air-inclusive tours, ocean and river cruises to its portfolio of coach-inclusive breaks. As the 20th century merged into the 21st, the three owners, together with a team of dedicated travel professionals, steered Newmarket Holidays to all four corners of the world, providing extraordinary value, high-quality, award-winning tours for an ever-growing number of loyal, appreciative customers eager to create their own travel stories.

After 36 years at the helm, Simon, Jeremy and Toni were delighted to hand over the full-time reins to new CEO Niel Alobaidi in late 2019, only to see the company face its greatest-ever challenge, as

the global pandemic ravaged the travel industry and temporarily dashed the wish-list hopes of our customers. Two years of uncertainty, from which the company emerged thanks to its hugely dedicated staff, the support of its ownership and above all its customers, ended with a successful 2022, during which we were honoured with yet more awards…which brings us to this latest chapter in the Newmarket Holidays story.

As we head toward our 40th anniversary in spring, we would like to thank our millions of customers past and present, our hundreds of colleagues and our partners across the globe who have journeyed with us along the way, and as we reflect upon four decades of adventures, we look forward to many more. Though the future remains unwritten, we can’t wait to create and share many more stories together for many years to come.

what it means to us...

When you consider that we’re now sending people to more than 60 countries every year, including far-reaching places like South Africa, the Far East and South America, the type of holidays and tours we offer has evolved hugely and it’s been wonderful to be part of this industry for so long. We’ve seen so many changes over the years, but the loyalty from our customers and our team has been the biggest success story for us.

Jeremy Griffin, Co-founder

A new chapter, a new look

We’ve adopted a new look in celebration of our 40th anniversary. We thought this step towards a different style was perfectly timed, and our updated design still retains and pays homage to our past while reflecting a more modern and future-focused feel.

One of our enduring strengths as a company has been the ability to adapt throughout the years, and this rebrand is yet another reflection of our dedication to bringing you the very latest in excellent value, high-quality escorted tours and holidays.

Owners Simon, Toni and Jeremy celebrating 30 years in 2013

Customers on tour in Jerusalem

Our first escorted tour from 1983

You’re in theSafest of Hands

Explore with the experts

With 40 years of experience under our belts, you can trust us when it comes to handling your holiday arangements, from beginning to end. From the planning process of you trip, through to the moment you touchdown at your destination and beyond, we’ll ensure your safety, wellbeing and, most importantly, your holiday enjoyment, are our top priorities.

don't just take our word for it...

Our holiday was perfect from the time we booked with Newmarket Holidays to the minute it was time to leave. From the people behind the scenes to our wonderful tour guide and driver, our holiday was more than we could ever have imagined! We felt incredibly safe and in good hands during our road trip around America.

Sharon, Customer, Elvis Presley’s Memphis, New Orleans & Nashville

For me, being a tour manager is about the passion and personal responsibility I have while taking customers on safaris – I don’t wake up to work, I wake up to do what I love. From receiving guests at the airport before we start the safari to informing guests about what they can expect from their itineraries, I truly enjoy every moment. I don’t believe that a safari is just about coming to Africa and seeing the wild animals, it’s also about interacting with the local people, understanding their culture, and seeing their way of life.

Bonface Muriithi, Tour Manager, Kenya

Why choose Newmarket Holidays?

The smallest details are what matter the most when it comes to your holiday, and our aim is to better every experience you have on each one of our award-winning tours. From the hand-picked accommodation, equipped with all the essentials, to the meticulously organised itineraries, with

inclusions to capture the essence of each destination and the unwavering guidance and support of an expert tour manager, eager to illuminate and inform you at every turn, your trip with us will truly be unforgettable.

We offer full financial protection through our membership of ABTA and our ATOL licence, giving you complete peace of mind when it comes to your money.

Every one of our holidays is escorted by friendly, dedicated tour managers and local guides, so you have an expert on hand throughout your trip. Their local expertise will turn your wish-list holiday plans into life-long memories.

We’ve won more than 70 awards during our 40-year history, and best of all you’ve voted us winners at the British Travel Awards for 10 years in a row.

Wherever you are in the world, you’ll be able to contact us. There are many different ways to get in touch, and we promise you’ll always be speaking to a human, not a computer.

The price you pay includes all your travel, accommodation, touring itinerary, tour manager and much more! We know there is nothing more annoying than having to pay for extras that you weren’t expecting.

Wherever you choose to go next, our team of experts are on hand to assist you before, during and after your holiday, so you can relax and enjoy your experience.

Award-winning

Customer photo by Wayne Brittle, Kenya Grand Safari

Positano, Italy

Holidaysdesigned for you

Curating the perfect escorted tour

In the following pages, you’ll find a wide range of escorted tours, from classic tours crammed with ‘wishlist’ highlights, to fast-paced adventures and leisurely escapes, with more flexibility and choice than ever in 2023/24.

There is a host of hugely popular tours that have stood the test of time, others that offer just a little extra experience or an outstanding hotel, and some that are shared with a smaller, more intimate group of like-minded travellers. Look out for these icons, as you browse our collection in search of the escorted tour that’s just right for you.

Newmarket Plus ESCORTED TOUR

Whether it’s unique included holiday experiences or extra-special hotels, these tours fulfil the ultimate wish-list dreams.

Best SellingESCORTED TOUR

These hugely popular tours, enjoyed by countless happy customers over the years, have truly stood the test of time.

Small-Group ESCORTED TOUR

You’ll be part of a group no more than 24, enabling you to dig deeper and explore off the beaten track.

what it means to us...

Over the last 40 years, we’ve curated a vast range of tours tailored to a wide variety of experiences. Our new categories will help showcase the breadth on offer and provide a handy ‘at a glance’ guide to each itinerary to help you easily find the tours that will suit you best. We have something that will help fulfil everyone’s wish-list plans, so look out for the icons, which indicate the categories on each tour page in this brochure and on our website.

Verity Rice, Product Director

Your holiday at glance

To ensure that we’re providing you with the most suitable holiday, we’ve created these themes, which will feature across our touring collection. From city adventures and coastal escapes to itineraries that capture cultural wonders or local

wildlife, we hope that these key points of interest are helpful in showcasing that we do truly offer something for everyone. Other icons will also indicate if the tour is especially appropriate for solo, multi-generational or family travellers.

Fly Local Scenery & Nature

These tours offer our widest choice of convenient regional airports for the smoothest travel experience.

Take in ‘must-visit’ landmarks, from Peru’s Machu Picchu to India’s Taj Mahal.

Feast your eyes upon beautiful landscapes and natural scenery with these escapes.

Wildlife & Safari

Get up close and personal with animals of all shapes and sizes on these adventures.

History & Culture

Immerse yourself in a place, whether that’s delving into ancient ruins or learning about local customs.

City/Central

Tours with accommodation in the heart of the action and a wider choice of things to do.

Holidays featuring a few days staying at or very near the beach or coastline.

Itineraries and accommodation, which are ideal for multigenerational families.

Tours more suited to making new friends or those simply after some ‘me time’.

More active adventures, involving a slightly faster pace and longer days with walking.

Iconic Landmarks

Beach & Coast

Family-friendly

Solo Travellers Active

Vencie, Italy

Timbavati, Kruger National Park

Personalise your holiday

Itineraries inspired by you

Leave the planning of your wish-list holiday to the professionals at Newmarket Holidays, and complete it by adding a personalised, tailored twist! Augment the included excursions and activities by exploring destinations under your own steam, opting for additional excursions or even extending your trip, giving you time for rest and relaxation at the end of your tour. The choice – and the pleasures – are all yours.

Hand-picked hotels

Dependent upon your chosen tour, you may be able select from a range of hotels. Many of our Italian holidays, for example, are resort-based, with the chance to choose accommodation and board basis to suit you.

Choice of optional excursions –rest, relax or explore

Fully escorted by an experienced tour manager or local guide, the excursions play a major part in making our holidays so special. Enjoy the included tours, then chose from a selection of optional excursions.

Extend your stay

Look out for opportunities to extend your stay, perhaps to take a post-adventure pause at a beach location or explore another area of interest. Many of our African tours offer this opportunity to personalise your trip.

Tour only – without flights

On selected tours, you can begin your holiday at the destination airport or, in some cases, at the first hotel, giving you the chance to choose to travel earlier, or return later, but enabling you to enjoy all the excitement of the holiday.

Airlines, upgrades & options

Add even more comfort to your wish-list holiday by choosing to upgrade to Premium Economy, Business Class or even First Class. Select from award-winning airlines that we’ve partnered with, like Virgin Atlantic, with extra space and enhanced dining, Air Canada, one of the most efficient and environmentally friendly fleets in the world, with a choice of three cabins or Singapore Airlines, which provides excellent service in long-haul travel.

On a wide selection of holidays, we offer the opportunity to upgrade your flight. Perhaps you’d like to kick off your trip with a celebratory glass of Champagne, enjoy extra legroom or have the chance to stretch out on a flatbed during an overnight flight. Just speak to one of our friendly Holiday Planners to enquire about prices and availability.

Fly from an airport near you

Throughout our collection, you’ll come across a host of holidays that offer the convenience of flying from your local airport, in addition to the major international getaways. You can fly directly to your destination on a variety of reputable scheduled airlines, or from your local airport, avoiding the queues and crowds, to connect with your onward flight from the international gateway.

Paired with the comfort and convenience of starting your hassle-free holiday closer to home, other benefits include:

• Easier car parking arrangements or public transport links

• Smoother check-in procedures

• The option to check through your luggage to your ultimate destination (certain restrictions apply)

Holiday insurance

Our recommended and trusted insurance partner, Holiday Extras, provides comprehensive travel insurance for our customers. For full terms and conditions, please see: newmarketholidays.co.uk/travel-insurance

SilverLeaf Service on board

© Rocky Mountaineer

© Rocky Mountaineer

Introducing Travel for Good

Exploring the world with care and consideration

To travel responsibly and for good is to travel with care and consideration for not only the local people of the places that we visit, but also the planet.

We would like to introduce our new Travel for Good hub – an online space dedicated to sharing our journey and the steps that we’re taking to offset our global impact.

At Newmarket Holidays, our mission is to enrich lives and improve wellbeing through travel, and while there’s still a long way to go, we believe that we have a responsibility to be transparent about what we’re already doing and the areas where we could improve.

We’re excited to take you along with us as we expand our partnerships, showcase our positive impacts tours, highlight our projects and programmes, share our inhouse sustainability and wellbeing efforts, and provide you with tips on how to be a responsible traveller.

what it means to us...

I’m really pleased with our first steps on this journey. We all know that there are areas where the travel industry has work to do to become truly sustainable, but I think it sometimes gets a bit lost that the industry does do a lot of good, whether that be through the hundreds of millions of people it employs all around the world to the redistribution of global wealth, and the benefits it offers our customers.

Niel Alobaidi, CEO

Rainforest, Borneo

what it means to us...

My personal favourite positive impacts tour would be Costa Rica – Wildlife, Rainforest & Caribbean Beach.

I have a lot of respect for Costa Rica – it’s a country that has consistently shown great care and devotion to preserving its land, flora, fauna, and culture. There’s no doubt that it’s one of the most predominant leaders in the world for sustainable tourism.

Kathy Vigolo, Head of Long Haul Product

Our community, environmental and social impacts

Our Travel for Good initiatives ensure that we only work with hotels and on-the-ground suppliers that adhere to our standards and comply with applicable, international and local laws and regulations.

Our positive impacts tours

From visiting the sites of wildlife conservation projects in South Africa to supporting community projects in the villages of Cambodia, our curated collection of positive impacts tours will benefit you as a traveller as well as the people and places that you see.

Our partnership with Just a Drop

We’re incredibly excited to have partnered with Just a Drop to have a real, tangible, and sustainable impact through the construction of a latrine block at a local school in Nicaragua, Central America.

Our carbon-offsetting efforts

To understand and offset our carbon footprint with regard to our printed assets, we’ve partnered with an environmental consultant to help us identify where and how best to reduce our carbon footprint, as well as the communication provider Media Group, which allows us to support the World Land Trust conservation charity.

Our in-house sustainability and wellbeing efforts

Beyond the doors at Newmarket Holidays HQ, we’re constantly striving to improve and take positive steps towards bettering our sustainability and wellbeing efforts within the company. We have trained in-house mental health First Aiders, as well as a gardening team, who meet at lunchtimes.

Our top 10 responsible travel tips

We’ve gathered some helpful tips for you to protect, empower and positively impact the people you meet and the destinations you meander around on your adventures. Take a look on our Travel for Good hub to find out more!

Scan the QR code with the camera on your device then click the link to access more information.

Scottish Highland Railways 18

The Best of the Scottish Highlands 20 Loch Lomond & the Edinburgh Tattoo 22

Scottish Lochs & the Isles of Skye & Mull 23 Hebridean Island Adventure 24

Historic Railways of the Isle of Man 26 Belfast & the Titanic Experience 28 Donegal & the Giants Causeway 30

The Ring of Kerry & South West Ireland 32 Galway, Connemara & Ireland’s Stunning West 34 Jersey – The Sun-Kissed Channel Isle 35

This was the best experience ever – the Titanic Hotel is mesmerising, and there is an incredible amount of history in one place. The exhibition centre is amazing – so much work has gone into it. Our guide and driver were great, and nothing was too much trouble for either of them. Thank you, Newmarket Holidays, for helping me tick this off my bucket list.

– The Titanic Experience in Belfast

Experience a dose of familiarity enhanced with the unexplored flourishes, perhaps in the form of new experiences or never-seen sights.

Rosemary

Scottish Highland Railways

Experience some of the world’s most spectacular scenery as you enjoy unforgettable journeys on three of Scotland’s most celebrated railways.

Day One – Travel to Scotland Fly to Edinburgh or Inverness, where you‘ll meet your tour manager and board the coach for the scenic transfer to your hotel. Whichever hotel you’re staying in, the rest of the day is at leisure after checking in.

Day Two – Included Inverness to Kyle by rail Join your tour manager this morning as you board the coach for the transfer to Inverness, where you’ll embark on the train for the spectacular 80-mile, two-and-a-half hour journey west to Kyle of Lochalsh, in its idyllic setting opposite the Isle of Skye.

From Inverness, the line travels along the south side of Beauly Firth, with views back across to the “Black Isle” before turning north to the market town of Dingwall.

There it heads west once again, climbing slowly through the remote northern Highlands, with glimpses on clear days of towering Liathach and its Torridon mountain neighbours.

Probably the most spectacular part of the journey is when the line descends to the magnificent scenery of Loch Carron, and runs alongside the Loch past Attadale Estate and Plockton, both featured in many a TV series, and onto Kyle.

Your return coach journey back to the hotel starts with a brief visit to Kyleakin on the renowned Isle of Skye before stopping en route at one of Scotland’s most iconic castles, Eilean Donan.

Have your cameras and phones ready here for that picture-postcard image. Your final highlight of the day will be a picture stop on the banks of Loch Ness.

Day Three – Included Strathspey Steam Railway ride and visit to Aviemore and the Cairngorm Mountain Today sees you head to Aviemore for a somewhat shorter, but noless-special rail journey.

Scotrail 156 Sprinter Mallaig Line © www.scotphoto.com

Glenfinnan Monument

Highlights & Inclusions

• Travel by train from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh

• Journey on the steam-hauled Strathspey Railway through unspoilt Highland scenery

• Cross the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct on the 42-mile journey

• Visit the Highland resort of Aviemore

• Explore Mallaig, a charming fishing village

• View the magnificent Eilean Donan Castle

• Photo stop at legendary Loch Ness

• Visit to Isle of Skye town of Kyleakin

• Marvel at the views from the Cairngorm Mountain and learn about the lives of reindeer

• Four nights’ carefully chosen threestar dinner, bed and Scottish breakfast accommodation

• Return flights to Edinburgh or Inverness, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

what our customers say...

I can’t praise this holiday enough. The itinerary was really good, and our guides and coach driver went above and beyond looking after everyone.

Larraine

fun fact...

Join your tour manager and fellow guests as you board the Strathspey Steam Railway, a wonderful reminder of the golden days of steam. This run takes you through some delightful unspoilt Highland scenery, and past great sweeps of the River Spey, through moorland and forest. Return to Aviemore, where this is an opportunity to explore the famous resort town, which is one of Britain’s most famous outward-bound centres. Continue to visit the Cairngorm Reindeer centre, to experience close up, the lives of reindeer with their handlers.

After your visit, drive through twisting mountain roads to the Cairngorm Mountain visitor centre,

your hotel choices

The Carrbridge Hotel, Carrbridge HHH Half-Board

Situated in Cairngorm National Park on the edge of Carrbridge village, the family owned and managed Carrbridge Hotel dates back to 1803. It has been sympathetically extended and refurbished over the years.

The Highlander Hotel, Newtonmore HHH Half-Board

Set on the edge of the delightful village of Newtonmore amidst the splendour of the Spey Valley, this hotel has been offering a warm welcome to guests for over 20 years. Located just a short walk from the highly acclaimed Highland Folk Museum, there are two or three shops and bars at the far end of this delightful quiet village.

which offers glorious unspoilt views of the surrounding region.

Take time to soak up the views from this vantage point.

Day Four – Included West Highland Line rail journey Fort William beckons today, as you transfer by coach to enjoy the final highlight of your unforgettable holiday – a rail journey on the last stretch of the famous West Highland Line to the tiny fishing village of Mallaig.

Voted by readers of Wanderlust Magazine as the world’s best train journey, this truly spectacular route has to be experience to be believed.

As the train pulls out of Fort William, look back to your left where you’ll see Ben Nevis towering above the town, before minutes later, the train crosses the Caledonian Canal – look out for ‘Neptune’s staircase’, a succession of eight locks to your right.

The train then runs alongside Loch Eil before crossing the spectacular 21-arched Glenfinnan

Viaduct, famously featured in the Harry Potter movies.

Other highlights of today’s wonderful journey include views of the island-studded Loch Eilt, considered by many to be the prettiest along the route, Arisaig, Britain’s most-westerly railway station, and the white sands of Morar, washed by the Atlantic.

Mallaig, a delightful little working port, is well worth exploring in its own right.

You might choose to explore the Heritage Centre or visit the Smokery where you can arrange for kippers to be sent anywhere in the world.

After a wonderful day touring, you’ll return to the hotel on another scenic coach journey through the Scottish countryside.

Day Five – Return to the airport and head home Bid farewell to the Highlands today and your newfound friends as you check out and transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Combine the beauty of the renowned Scottish Highlands with the Strathspey Steam Train, and you have the ingredients for a perfect day.

© Strathspey Steam Railway

Kyle of Lochalsh Red Stag

Did you know that the Strathspey Steam Railway was brought back to life in 1978 by a dedicated group of volunteers?

The Carrbridge Hotel

The Highlander Hotel

our product manager loves...

Scottish Highlands

from £929

The Best of the Scottish Highlands

Escape to the Highlands and enjoy a land of big skies, rugged mountains, sparkling lochs, romantic castles, culture and history.

Available Apr to Oct 2023

Fly direct from these airports. Prices from

The Carrbridge Hotel is situated on the edge of the village and lovely local walks abound (the hotel staff will be happy to point you in the right direction). The famous 1717 packhorse bridge is opposite the hotel and the rest of the day is at leisure.

Day Two – Included visit to Brodie Castle and Moray Coast tour This morning it’s off to the rose-coloured, turreted Brodie Castle (entrance payable locally but free to National Trust members), the ancestral home of the Brodie clan for over 400 years and a treasure trove of priceless antiques and artefacts. The castle building reflects the changing needs over the centuries – from the impenetrable 16th century guard chamber to a sprawling Victorian extension with some magnificent rooms. The guided tour will help you make the very most of your visit.

The beautiful grounds, which boast a dazzling display of daffodils in the spring, are also well worth exploring.

Later in the day, you’ll have the chance to see some of the renowned Moray Coast and to explore the fine, historic town of Elgin with its warren of alleys and closes and awe-inspiring cathedral ruins.

Day Three – Included visit to Inverness and the Black Isle, and wildlife cruise This morning it’s off to Inverness - the thriving capital of the Highlands, with its Victorian Market, Museum, Art Gallery and riverside walks. Then enjoy a short tour of the Black Isle, which is neither black, nor an island, but rather a delightful isthmus full of scenic variety. We’ll stop at Fortrose and the charming old town of Cromarty with its nautical connections.

The day ends as you board the Spirit Cruiser to enjoy a cruise round the inner Moray Firth to spot a variety of marine wildlife and birds, hopefully including seals, otters or porpoises.

• Belfast £1,055 • Birmingham £1,125 • Bristol £929 • Gatwick £969 • Heathrow £969

• Luton £935 • Manchester £1,079

Tour Only without flights from £780

Make your own way to Inverness airport or your hotel.

Room for Sole Use from £175

Please note: Brodie Castle has limited access for those with mobility impairment. The ground floor is accessible (with ramps) for wheelchair users – and there is a stairclimber (prebookable) to the 1st floor. There is no wheelchair access to the third or fourth floors. All the pathways in the grounds are suitable for wheelchairs (though some can become muddy). In the unlikely event of a steam locomotive breaking down on the Strathspey Railway, we reserve the right to substitute the engine with a diesel locomotive.

The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately one hour from Inverness airport.

Glenfinnan Monument © VisitBritain/Joe Cornish

7-day escorted tour

Day One – Fly to Inverness Following your flight to Inverness Airport, you’ll be met by your tour manager for the transfer to Carrbridge.

Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness

Scotland

Carrbridge Loch Ness

Elgin

Inverness Aviemore Edinburgh

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• A journey on the nostalgic Strathspey Steam Railway

• Wildlife-spotting cruise on the Moray Firth

• Entrance and tour of Brodie Castle (entrance payable locally, free for National Trust members)

• An unforgettable journey on the ‘Road to the Isles’ from Fort William to Mallaig

• A tour of the Black Isle

• Time to discover famous Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal

• Visits to Inverness, Aviemore and Elgin

• A tour and tasting at a whisky distillery (entrance payable locally)

• Six nights’ carefully chosen three-star dinner, bed and Scottish breakfast accommodation

• Return flights to Inverness, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

fun fact...

Did you know that the Harry Potter train crosses over Glenfinnan Viaduct every day at approximately 10:45 am and returns at 3:00 pm?

A specialist guide will give a full commentary so that you don’t miss anything.

Day Four – Included visit to Loch Ness No holiday to the Highlands would be complete without visiting beautiful mysterious Loch Ness. Your tour will take you to Fort Augus at the southern tip of the loch, where a series of locks join it to the Caledonian Canal. Here the Caledonian Canal Heritage Centre gives a fascinating insight into the history and operation of the waterway.

From here we head past the dramatic ruins of Urquhart Castle to Drumnadrochit, where you may like to visit the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre, which is packed with information about the loch, or perhaps enjoy a boat trip and go monster-hunting (payable locally)!

The wooded shores of the loch are home to an abundance of wildlife, including black grouse, red deer, otters and golden eagles.

Day Five – Included Strathspey Steam Railway ride A ride on the nostalgic Strathspey Steam Railway through the Cairngorm National Park,

your hotel

The Carrbridge Hotel, Carrbridge HHH Half-Board

Situated in the North West corner of the Cairngorm National Park on the edge of Carrbridge village, the family owned and managed Carrbridge Hotel in Carrbridge dates back to 1803. It has been sympathetically extended and refurbished over the years and now offers over 100 bedrooms of varying shapes and sizes with TV, tea/coffeemaking facilities, hairdryer and Wi-Fi. The hotel has a bar and restaurant.

home to five of Scotland’s six highest mountains, is this morning’s highlight. Sit back and relax as the vintage train steams its way through the lovely Spey Valley, passing by enchanting scenery.

The day also includes a visit to the highland village of Dalwhinnie, where you may like to explore the town or join the visit to the Dalwhinnie Distillery, for a guided tour and the chance to taste three different single malts (entrance and tour payable locally).

Day Six – Take in the scenery on the ‘Road to the Isles’, from Fort William to Mallaig Head west today, following the evocatively named ‘Road to the Isles’ from Fort William to Mallaig, a route full of history, spectacular scenery and magnificent views.

You’ll stop at the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre, from where you can see the eponymous monument built overlooking Loch Shiel. A short uphill walk from the Centre will enable you to see the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. This famous viaduct, dating back to 1897, was featured in several Harry Potter movies.

The road ends at the fishing port of Mallaig. Don’t miss the Heritage Centre, and if you’re fond of kippers, you’ll go a long way to find any that taste better than those found here!

This is a long but incredibly scenic day that you’ll not want to miss.

Day Seven – Fly back to your local airport Transfer to the airport at the end of a truly wonderful break in the Highlands.

Those not flying until the afternoon may enjoy a short visit to the Victorian seaside town of Nairn, with its riverside walks and promenade overlooking the Moray Firth.

We had a wonderful time –all the hotels were comfortable, and the staff were very nice. A special thanks to our driver and tour guide. We were a group of 10, and we spent the whole week laughing – it was just what I needed.

Brodie Castle Glenfinnan Viaduct

Moray Firth

Barbara

The Carrbridge Hotel

The Carrbridge Hotel

Loch Lomond & the Edinburgh Tattoo

Visit vibrant Edinburgh, watch the spectacular Tattoo and see beautiful Loch Lomond.

Witness the drama, colour and spine-tingling excitement of the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Combine time spent exploring the Scottish capital’s elegant heart and Royal Mile with a tour of the Trossachs National Park. Then crown an unforgettable four days with a cruise on the waters of fabled Loch Lomond.

Your trip will begin with a flight to Glasgow, and depending on your flight time you may have some free time to explore.

The following day, you’ll be taken to the historic city of Edinburgh for some free time before being transferred to Edinburgh Castle for the performance of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Massed pipes and drums, dancers and display teams from all over the world combine in a magical blend of music and colour, dance and military pageantry. A highlight includes the sight of the Military Bands as they emerge from the castle gates and fill the air with stirring music, and the lone piper silhouetted against the backdrop of the sky as he patrols the battlements above. The next day, you’ll have some free time before travelling to the Trossachs, an outstandingly beautiful area of mountains, lochs, rivers and woodlands.

fun fact...

at a glance...

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Take your seat on the Castle Esplanade to see the famous Edinburgh Tattoo (upgrade tickets available)

• Enjoy a boat trip on shimmering Loch Lomond, Queen of the Scottish Lakes

• A tour of the Trossachs National Park

• Free time in Edinburgh, ‘Athens of the North’

• Three nights’ carefully chosen three- or four-star bed and Scottish breakfast accommodation

• Two three-course evening meals at the hotel

• Return flights to Glasgow, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

The term ‘tattoo’ derives from a 17th-century Dutch phrase ‘doe den tap toe’ (turn off the tap), a signal to tavern owners each night, played by a regiment’s Corps of Drums, to turn off the taps of their ale kegs, so that the soldiers would retire to their lodgings.

your hotels

Depending on your departure date you will be staying at one of the hotels described below. Your hotel will be confirmed at the time of booking.

Riverside Lodge Hotel, Irvine HHHH Bed & Breakfast and two dinners

The Park Hotel, Kilmarnock HHHH Bed & Breakfast and two dinners

The Tontine Hotel, Greenock HHH Bed & Breakfast and two dinners

can be sited at ground level under the North stand at all performances and disabled toilets are available on the Esplanade.

Scan the QR code with the camera on your device then click the link to access more information on this tour.

© The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Trossachs National Park

Selling These hugely popular tours, enjoyed by countless happy customers over the years, have truly stood the test of time.

Traverse through inspiring Scottish landscapes, passing by landmarks so spectacular that they’ve been captured on screen. From the famed, mythical Loch Ness to the internationally recognised Eilean Donan Castle linked to the James Bond movies, and the Glenfinnan Viaduct featured in Harry Potter, this tour has no shortage of stand-out sights. Set off on foot into the epic Trossachs National Park, cross to the Isles of Skye and Mull and spot some of the region’s rare wildlife along the way.

The tour will start by travelling along the west shore of the beautiful Loch Ness, where you’ll have a chance to stop and take in the spectacular scenery from the banks. You’ll then cross Skye Bridge to the Isle of Skye, known for its dramatic scenery, peppered with craggy outcrops, ancient castles, and fishing villages.

Another day sees you passing the Cuillin Hills and journeying towards Dunvegan Castle and Gardens. This is the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland and has been the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for 800 years.

The tour will also make its way to Armadale, where you’ll catch a ferry (weather permitting) to the fishing town of Mallaig. From the ferry, you’ll continue driving through the Highlands and pass by the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Following this, you’ll take a ferry to the Isle of Mull, stroll around Tobermory, explore the sprawling landscapes of the Trossachs National Park and cruise across Loch Lomond.

Scottish Lochs & the Isles of Skye & Mull

A showcase of Scotland’s captivating western coastline, calling at enchanting lochs, isles, and fishing villages.

at a glance...

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct and Fort William

• Explore the Isle of Mull

• Discover the Trossachs National Park

• Take a boat cruise across Loch Lomond

• Cross from Armadale to Mallaig in a ferry

• Six nights carefully chosen three-star bed and Scottish breakfast accommodation

• Five dinners

• Flights to Inverness and from Glasgow

• Comfortable coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

your hotels

Ben Wyvis Hotel, Strathpeffer HHH

Half-Board night 1

Kings Arms Hotel, Isle of Skye HHH

Half-Board nights 2-3

Ballachulish Hotel, Glencoe HHH

Half-Board nights 4-5

Holidfay Inn Glasgow Airport, Glasgow HHH Bed & Breakfast night 6 Scan the QR

Tobermory, Isle of Mull

from £989

Hebridean Island Adventure

Explore a variety of different islandsalmost the entire length and breadth of the Western Isles - on this wonderful holiday to Scotland.

Day One – Fly to Scotland Fly to Inverness to meet your tour manager. Once onboard the coach, you’ll head towards the Isle of Skye. You’ll then check into your hotel, which dates back to the 1600s, and has wonderful panoramic views across Kyle of Lochalsh, to unpack and get settled in.

Day Two – Included Isle of Skye Tour After breakfast, today, you’ll head past the Cuillin Mountains to Dunvegan Castle - the stronghold of the chiefs of MacLeod for nearly 800 years, and said to be the oldest continuously occupied ‘family home’ in Scotland.

During this excursion, you can discover its fascinating history, and wander the beautiful formal gardens that lie hidden amid the surrounding moorland and mountains.

This afternoon, you’ll have time to explore delightful Portree. Here, you can admire the dramatic scenery and delightful white and colour-washed buildings around the harbour, browse the shops, and find out about the local environment at the town’s exhibition before returning back to your hotel for the evening.

Day Three – Included cruise to North Uist and Benbecula Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before you head to Uig for the crossing to Lochmaddy on North Uist.

On arrival, you’ll head over a series of causeways - look out for otters - to the hotel on Benbecula, where the scenery is studded with glittering freshwater and seawater lochs. After checking into your hotel, you may like a stroll down to the beach, about 350 metres away, before dinner is served.

Available Aug to Dec 2022, Jan to Jun, Sep to Dec 2023, Jan to Jun & Sep to Dec 2024

Fly direct (flight upgrades available). Prices from

• Heathrow £1,699 • Manchester £1,749* (UK connecting flights available – call us for details)

Personalise your holiday

• New Orleans City Tour (half day) – from £21 • Bayou & Alligators Tour (half day) – from £25

• Memphis: Graceland & Sounds of the South (full day) – from £89

• Studio B & the Country Music Hall of Fame (half day) – from £45 Room for Sole Use from £592

Please note: *Some departures from Manchester into the USA are via Houston instead of Atlanta and will follow a slightly different itinerary which can be seen on our website. All of the main tour highlights remain included. The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately three hours.

Portree, Isle of Skye

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• A tour of the Isle of Skye, including visits to picturesque Portree and historic Dunvegan Castle* (entrance payable locally)

• Visits to the remarkable standing stones of Callanish, a Blackhouse and the Broch of Carloway (all entrances payable locally) on the Isle of Lewis

• A tour of the Isle of Harris

• A wonderful day spent exploring the remote islands of North and South Uist

• Seven nights’ carefully chosen three-star dinner, bed and Scottish breakfast accommodation

• All ferry crossings included

• Return flights to Inverness, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

Our coach driver Christine was fantastic. She was an excellent driver, navigating some of the island’s difficult roads and gave us extra information during meals.

Margaret

Day Four – Included tour of South Uist and Eriskay This morning, you’ll join our tour manager and cross the causeway to South Uist, the Western Isles’ second largest island. Stunningly beautiful, the island is a stronghold of the Gaelic language.

Here, the crofting industries of peat-cutting and seaweed-gathering are still an important part of everyday life.

You’ll visit the Kildonan Museum, which introduces the island’s archaeology and history, and includes a collection of South Uist artefacts.

You’ll also cross the 1650m-long causeway to the idyllic island of Eriskay (just three miles by two), immortalised in Compton Mackenzie’s bestselling novel ‘Whisky Galore’.

Day Five – Included cruise to the Isle of Harris An hour-long ferry crossing takes us from the Island of Beneray to Leverburgh on the Isle of Harris.

From here, you’ll drive to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis where you can check into your next hotel,

your hotels

Kings Arms Hotel, Isle of Skye HHH Half-Board nights 1-2

Located in Kyleakin village, the Kings Arms has wonderful panoramic views across Kyle of Lochalsh to the mainland. While it has a range of modern comforts, it still retains many traditional features, such as a big open fire, bar and dining room.

The Dark Island Hotel HHH Half-Board nights 3-4

Situated on the tiny island of Benbecula, between North and South Uist, the Dark Island Hotel was built in the early 1980s. It offers comfortable accommodation, as well as a restaurant and bar that are popular with residents and locals alike.

overlooking the grounds of historic Lews Castle and the town’s 18-hole golf course. Stornoway is the main port on the island, and home to a handful of charming artisan shops and restaurants.

Day Six – Included excursion to the Callanish Stones Though a single landmass, Lewis and Harris have their own distinct identities and landscapes. Harris is an island split in two - high mountains and rocky coastline to the east; unspoilt Atlantic beaches to the west.

You’ll start the tour with a visit to see Rodel Church, which is possibly the grandest medieval building in the Western Isles.

You’ll also get to explore the little fishing port of Tarbert, with its 15-century keep.

Back amid the rolling moorland and freshwater lochs of Lewis, you’ll visit the standing stones of Callanish - 50 ancient stones arranged in rays around a central ring and easily the most mysterious sight in the islands, stop at Carloway Broch, a 2000-year-old fortified dry-stone tower, and visit a reconstructed Blackhouse Village with

typical crofting buildings - for a fascinating insight into the lives of the islands’ past inhabitants.

Day Seven – Included visit to the Butt of Lewis On your final morning, you’ll head to the Butt of Lewis, at the island’s northern tip, to take in the vast views of the remote landscape and the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse, before you say your farewells.

In the early afternoon, you’ll begin the two-hour ,45-minute crossing to Ullapool before transferring to the last hotel in Gairloch, set on the shores of Lake Gairloch.

This mansion-like hotel serves as the perfect place to reflect on your adventures, boasts beautiful views of Gairloch Bay and is within walking distance of the Gairloch Heritage Museum.

Day Eight – Fly back to the UK Journey back to the airport, this morning, to catch your flight home after your special Hebridean Island holiday.

Please note that we also offer a six-day breakplease see our website for further information.

Cabarfeidh Hotel, Stornoway HHH Half-Board night 5-6

This welcoming three-star hotel offers spacious, comfortable accommodation, and prides itself on the warmth of its welcome and its high standards of service. It’s set on the outskirts of the town, overlooking the grounds of historic Lews Castle and the town’s 18-hole golf course.

Gairloch Hotel, Gairloch HHH Half-Board night 7

With beautiful views of Gairloch Bay, this castle-like mansion is within walking distance of the Gairloch Heritage Museum. 70 classically decorated rooms feature TVs, hairdryers, and tea/ coffee-making facilities. Guests also have access to Wi-Fi, a restaurant and lounge bar.

Isle of Harris

Dunvegan Castle

Otter

Gairloch Hotel

Cabarfeidh Hotel

What our customers say...

5-day escorted tour from £665

Historic Railways of the Isle of Man

Savour life in the slow lane as you step back in time and discover the ‘Jewel of the Irish Sea’, set against a background of rolling hills and wonderful beaches.

Day One – Fly to the Isle of Man Upon arrival at Ronaldsway airport, you’ll meet your tour manager and then transfer to Douglas and to your hotel.

Depending on the time of your arrival, you may wish to get to acquainted with your surroundings and the delightful island capital of Douglas, which is part traditional seaside resort, part working port and part thriving financial centre. Perhaps you’ll choose to take a stroll along the lively promenades that fringe the bay and sandy beach, or maybe you’ll take a more leisurely horse-drawn tram when they are operating.

There are cafés and pubs in which to rest and relax, together with the fascinating Manx Museum (free entry) chronicling the island’s history, and the Victorian curiosity of the Great Union Camera Obscura to discover during your stay, and traditional entertainment and engaging tours to enjoy at the beautifully restored Gaiety Theatre, which is also home to a resident ghost!

Available Aug to Dec 2022, Jan to Jun, Sep to Dec 2023, Jan to Jun & Sep to Dec 2024

Fly direct (flight upgrades available). Prices from

• Heathrow £1,699 • Manchester £1,749* (UK connecting flights available – call us for details)

Personalise your holiday

• New Orleans City Tour (half day) – from £21 • Bayou & Alligators Tour (half day) – from £25

• Memphis: Graceland & Sounds of the South (full day) – from £89

• Studio B & the Country Music Hall of Fame (half day) – from £45 Room for Sole Use from £592

Please note: *Some departures from Manchester into the USA are via Houston instead of Atlanta and will follow a slightly different itinerary which can be seen on our website. All of the main tour highlights remain included. The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately three hours.

This evening, enjoy a first dinner in the hotel and a relaxing evening at leisure.

Day Two – Included journey on the Isle of Man Steam Railway to Castletown and Port Erin Your first heritage rail journey sees you travel south from Douglas’ authentic and well-preserved Victorian station on the famous Steam Railway, formerly part of an extensive network that once connected most of the island, but which is now a 15.5-mile narrow-gauge run, via former island capital Castletown, and on to beautiful Port Erin.

You’ll alight at the former to discover impregnable Castle Rushen, one-time home to the Kings and Lords of Mann. The energetic can climb to the battlements for the spectacular view of the island’s south, and there’s a fascinating guided tour to enjoy.

You’ll also visit the Old House of Keys, the restored 19th-century parliament building, with its debating chamber and interactive displays. Re-board the train to travel on to the seaside resort of Port Erin, with its glorious beaches,

Castletown Station © www.visitisleofman.com

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Journey on the narrow-gauge Steam Railway

• Board the Manx Electric Railway – the longest in the UK – and travel to historic Derby Castle Station

• Explore historic Laxey, home of Laxey Wheel (also known as Lady Isabella) – the world’s largest working waterwheel

• On a clear day, you can see ‘Seven Kingdoms’ from the summit station

• Discover the island’s attractions with your included Go Explore Heritage card

• Take a ride on the famous Snaefell Mountain Railway

• Enjoy a day at the classic resort Port Erin

• Four nights’ carefully chosen three-star dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation (upgrade hotels available for a supplement)

• Return flights to Douglas, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

views out to the offshore ‘Calf of Man’ and its engaging Railway Museum – a ‘must-see’ for rail enthusiasts. Enjoy some free time in these wonderful surroundings, before returning to Douglas by train at your leisure – your included Go Explore Heritage card offers you freedom to travel as you wish.

After a fascinating and absorbing day of touring, enjoy a second evening in Douglas and your hotel.

Day Three – Included visit to Peel and journey on the Manx Electric Railway Today’s wonderful journey sees you head west to ancient fishing port Peel, with its colourful marina, ruined island fortress Peel Castle, its sweeping, sandy beach, fascinating House of Manannan Celtic Heritage museum and tiny Manx Heritage Transport Museum (entrance payable locally), with its model trains, tiny P50 – the world’s smallest legal road car – and unique electric motorbike. After the chance to explore this delightful corner of the island, from where you might also send a gift of Manx kippers to friends across the globe, you’ll

board a bus to Ramsey, the island’s second largest town and home to a bustling working harbour.

At Ramsey you’ll board the celebrated Manx Electric Railway, which, stretching for 17 miles, is the longest electric railway in the British Isles. Impressively, the railway still uses the original Victorian and Edwardian rolling stock.

You’ll journey on the Manx Electric Railway to historic Derby Castle Station in Douglas, passing through some stunning countryside and coastal scenery on your way.

Day Four – Included journey on the Snaefell Mountain Railway to the summit A last day’s exploration sees you climb back aboard the Manx Electric Railway for the journey to historic Laxey, where Lady Isabella is the world’s largest working waterwheel and the island’s most photographed attraction.

Here you can take in the sights, or perhaps visit the nearby Laxey Woollen Mills, which is the island’s last remaining working weaver, before climbing aboard the Snaefell Mountain Railway, a Victorian

treasure that is the British Isles’ only electric mountain railway.

Sit back, relax and take in the stunning scenery as you travel nearly five miles to the 2,000-ft-high summit of Mount Snaefell, from where the views on clear days have been known to stretch to the ‘Seven Kingdoms’ – of England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, the Isle of Man… and the kingdoms of heaven and sea!

Return to Laxey and to Douglas, where the rest of the day is free.

Enjoy a last opportunity to stroll in the town and enjoy dinner in the hotel, perhaps reliving the excitement of the last few days.

Day Five – Fly back to your local airport Transfer back to Ronaldsway for the return flight to the mainland, at the end of a hugely enjoyable few days of ‘Manx Magic’.

your hotels upgrade your hotel

Depending on your departure date you will be staying at one of the hotels described below. Your hotel will be confirmed at the time of booking

Chesterhouse Hotel, Douglas HHH Half-Board

Set on Douglas’ seafront, this traditional hotel offers comfortable rooms with a flat-screen TV, tea/coffee-making facilities, hairdryer and telephone. There is free Wi-Fi and a carvery restaurant.

Rutland Hotel, Douglas HHH Half-Board

A short walk from the town centre with a view of the bay from its carvery restaurant, rooms at this hotel offer complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee-making facilities.

Ascot Hotel, Douglas HHH Half-Board

Just 100 metres from the seafront. The hotel has a restaurant and inviting lobby bar with complimentary tea and coffee. Rooms at the Ascot feature a TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, a hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and iron.

Ellan Vannin Hotel, Douglas HHH Half-Board

A traditional Victorian townhouse with a cosy guest lounge and lovely bar that overlooks the seafront. Comfortable rooms come with amenities, including a TV, complimentrary Wi-Fi and an iron and ironing board.

Mannin Hotel, Douglas HHHH Half-Board from £824

Offering well-appointed, modern bedrooms featuring free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee-making facilities, a hairdryer, a TV, air conditioning, room service, pillow menu, fridge, iron and safe. There is a stylish bar and restaurant on the ground floor.

Snaefell Mountain Railway © www.visitisleofman.com

Isle of Man Steam Railway © www.visitisleofman.com

Featuring original rolling stock, the narrow gauge railway system is a nostalgic nod

to the forgotten age of steam-powered travel.

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Horse-drawn tram, Douglas © www.visitisleofman.com

4- or 5-day escorted tour from £395

Belfast & the Titanic Experience

Experience the story of the world’s most famous liner told in one of Europe’s fastest-changing, fascination-packed cities.

Day One – Fly to Belfast Following your flight to Belfast, meet your tour manager at the airport and board the coach for the short transfer into the city and your hotel.

Depending on the time of your arrival, the rest of the day is free for you to get your bearings and to begin to soak up the atmosphere of what is truly a city fast shaking off its past reputation and embracing a new bright future, which is reflected in its youthful outlook and vibrant redevelopments. Your friendly tour manager will be on hand to point you in the right direction throughout your stay, should you wish to head out and explore the city centre, or find a restaurant to dine in this evening.

Day Two – Included Titanic Belfast visit and guided city tour After breakfast at your hotel, join your tour manager for a visit to the Titanic Belfast, a wonderful visitor centre set on the site where RMS Titanic was constructed a century ago. Developed as much as a tribute to the days of shipbuilding in the city as well as in commemoration of the ill-fated liner that

Available Aug to Dec 2022, Jan to Jun, Sep to Dec 2023, Jan to Jun & Sep to Dec 2024

Fly direct (flight upgrades available). Prices from

• Heathrow £1,699 • Manchester £1,749* (UK connecting flights available – call us for details)

Personalise your holiday

• New Orleans City Tour (half day) – from £21 • Bayou & Alligators Tour (half day) – from £25

• Memphis: Graceland & Sounds of the South (full day) – from £89

• Studio B & the Country Music Hall of Fame (half day) – from £45 Room for Sole Use from £592

Please note: *Some departures from Manchester into the USA are via Houston instead of Atlanta and will follow a slightly different itinerary which can be seen on our website. All of the main tour highlights remain included. The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately three hours.

met her untimely end on her maiden voyage in 1912, the Titanic Belfast is a dramatic, innovative and exciting presentation of the real story of the famous ship. It’s housed in nine fascinating galleries in one of the most eye-catching buildings to have been built in the UK for years. Through the use of audiovisual presentation, life-size reconstructions, interactive features and even a ‘Shipyard Ride’, the ship’s conception, construction, tragic sinking and its aftermath, as well as its rediscovery in 1985, are brought vividly to life, and you’ll leave the exhibition with a real sense of the enormity as well as the human cost of one of the 20th century’s most fateful episodes.

After a fascinating morning and the opportunity for lunch (payable locally) enjoy this afternoon’s tour of the city of Belfast, with its turbulent past, thriving present and hopes for the future, all brought to life by your guide. Highlights will include the major landmarks such as City Hall, Queen’s and Stormont

© Titanic Belfast

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Visit the spectacular Titanic Belfast, a glittering, futuristic development built on the site the ship was constructed more than a century ago

• Take the opportunity to join an optional tour of the beautiful Antrim Coast and to visit the extraordinary Giant’s Causeway, returning along the stunning Causeway Coastal Road, one of the UK’s most scenic roads

• Enjoy a fascinating half-day guided tour of Belfast and its major landmarks

• Free time to explore Belfast, with its vibrant culture, trendy shops and cafes, and traditional pubs

• Three or four nights’ carefully chosen three-star bed and buffet breakfast accommodation at the Ibis, Belfast City Centre (upgrade hotels available for a supplement)

• Return flights to Belfast, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

We had a lovely time! Our tour guide was very informative, and our driver was brilliant. Newmarket Holidays helped arrange everything and ensured it ran smoothly.

John

Castle, seat of the Northern Ireland Assembly, and a stunning sight gradually revealed from the rising approach road. During the tour you’ll also see West Belfast’s celebrated Peace Wall, the political murals of the Shankhill and Falls roads, and the ultra-modern developments of the regenerated docks area, crowned by the glittering, breathtaking Titanic Quarter

Enjoy the remainder of the day and evening at leisure, perhaps spent soaking up the atmosphere in one of the many traditional pubs in the city centre.

Day Three – At leisure, or visit the Giant’s Causeway on an optional excursion Today is free for you to enjoy the delights of Belfast under your own steam, although many will take the opportunity to join the optional excursion to the breathtakingly scenic Antrim Coast, with its fabled Nine Glens leading to the sea, and to the extraordinary Giant’s Causeway, which is Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This astonishing collection of more than 40,000 basalt columns, packed closely together, and acting as stepping-stones into the Atlantic from

beneath the wild, windswept cliffs is a remarkable sight. Though in fact formed 60 million years ago by a volcanic explosion, the stories of the giant Finn McCool – said variously to have built the causeway as a means to woo a female giant living on a Scottish island, or to have used it as a way of escape from a pursuing enemy – are much more interesting to non-geologists, regardless of truth.

Your journey back to Belfast and your hotel takes you along the Causeway Coastal Road, past yet more spectacular views. Highlights of the wonderfully scenic drive will include bustling Ballycastle at the entrance to the two northernmost glens – Glentaisie and Glenshesk – followed by Carnlough, with its picturesque harbour and then finally a drive through the colour-washed village of Glenarm and past stunning Glenariff – aptly known as the Queen of the Glens.

The evening is once again free to enjoy Belfast’s lively nightlife and wide range of restaurants which will appeal to every taste and pocket, as you reflect on a wonderful break.

Day Four – Fly back to your local airport

Depending upon the time of your return flight, you may well have the chance to spend a final few hours in the city, before transferring to the airport, bringing a truly wonderful few days to an end.

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your hotel choices extend your holiday

Ibis, Belfast City Centre HHH Bed & Breakfast from £395

Located close to the heart of the city and its shops, bars and restaurants and City Hall. Guest rooms are simple and modern, offering free Wi-Fi, tea/coffeemaking facilities and satellite TV. Hotel amenities include a 24-hour restaurant serving hot and cold snacks and light meals, and a small bar.

Ramada by Wyndham Belfast, HHH Belfast City Centre Bed & Breakfast

from £434

A few minutes’ walk from many of Belfast’s cultural attractions and welcoming bars. Hotel amenities include the SQ Bar and Grill, a lounge with free Wi- Fi, 24-hour reception and lifts. Guest rooms are contemporary in style and boast a flat-screen TV, tea/ coffee-making facilities and a telephone.

One-night extension from £90 Stay an extra night in Belfast and visit the infamous Crumlin Road Gaol on Day Four, accompanied by a Matron’s High Tea. Your final afternoon is at leisure to explore more of the city under your own steam.

from £500

Titanic Hotel, Belfast HHHH Bed & Breakfast

From the stunning Drawing Bar with its threestorey high barrel-vaulted ceiling, to the Art Deco maritime inspired décor featured throughout and memorabilia dating back to the Golden Age of ocean travel, the hotel offers a unique and truly unforgettable experience.

© National Museums Northern Ireland

City Hall, Belfast

what our customers say...

Giant’s Causeway

Titanic Hotel

Crumlin Road Gaol

6-day escorted tour from £769

Donegal & the Giant’s Causeway

Make your own footsteps on one of nature’s most iconic sites, and explore a wonderful corner of Ireland.

Depending on your arrival time, you’ll be able to spend the rest of the day exploring the town. Visit imposing St Eunan’s Cathedral, which dominates the skyline, wander through the charming Market Square or take a stroll along the picturesque Swilly River walkway. Alternatively, simply relax in one of the town’s colourful pubs. You’ll find several within walking distance of your hotel.

Day Two – Included Donegal excursion Today, you’ll head to Donegal town. Centred on its ancient marketplace, the Diamond, Donegal has a rich history reflected its imposing Jacobean castle, which sits above the River Eske. The 70-minute waterbus trip (payable locally) around Donegal Bay offers another scenic perspective on this attractive town – especially on fine days. See the seal colony on Seal Island, the Bluestack

Available Aug to Dec 2022, Jan to Jun, Sep to Dec 2023, Jan to Jun & Sep to Dec 2024

Fly direct (flight upgrades available). Prices from

• Heathrow £1,699 • Manchester £1,749* (UK connecting flights available – call us for details)

Personalise your holiday

• New Orleans City Tour (half day) – from £21 • Bayou & Alligators Tour (half day) – from £25

• Memphis: Graceland & Sounds of the South (full day) – from £89

• Studio B & the Country Music Hall of Fame (half day) – from £45 Room for Sole Use from £592

Please note: *Some departures from Manchester into the USA are via Houston instead of Atlanta and will follow a slightly different itinerary which can be seen on our website. All of the main tour highlights remain included. The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately three hours.

Day Three – Included Inishowen Peninsula excursion Today’s fascinating excursion takes you to the remote Inishowen Peninsula, a typically northern Irish landscape that includes Ireland’s most northerly point, Malin Head (familiar to listeners to the Shipping Forecast everywhere). Bordered by the waters of Lough Foyle and Lough Swilly, and the pristine beaches of the Atlantic coast, its towering mountains rising from a landscape dotted with ancient Celtic crosses and crumbling churches, Inishowen is a scenic delight.

Your day includes a visit to the Doagh Isle Famine Village, an outdoor museum where the sights, sounds and stories of Irish life, from the famine of the 1840s to the present day, are recreated. The attraction is built around original thatched houses that were inhabited until 1983.

Giants Causeway

Day One – Fly to Ireland and explore Letterkenny Following your flight to Belfast, meet your tour manager, and board the coach for the transfer to Letterkenny.

Mountains and the many islands dotted around the bay. Back on shore you’ll find no shortage of pubs and restaurants where you can grab a spot of lunch.

Dunluce Castle

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• A visit to the awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway with entrance to the Visitor Centre

• Time to explore bustling Donegal town under your own steam

• Visit beautiful, Glenveagh National Park

• A fascinating guided tour of historic Glenveagh Castle

• A scenic coastal drive alongside the Wild Atlantic Way, one of Ireland’s most picturesque roads

• A tour of the rugged Inishowen Peninsula, including a thought-provoking visit to the fascinating Doagh Isle Famine Village

• Five nights’ carefully chosen three-star dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation

• Return flights to Belfast, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

what

Our excellent guide was very knowledgeable. It was a great trip all round. Looking forward to the next one! Val

From here, you’ll travel through the beautiful, timeless landscape, and on through the remote peninsula town of Carndonagh, to wild, windswept Malin, to enjoy the stupendous views, which stretch to the distant west of Scotland on clear days.

fun fact...

Did you know that the Giant’s Causeway is an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption?

Day Four – Included Giant’s Causeway

windswept cliffs above, was formed after a volcanic eruption 60-million years ago.

Your visit will include entry to the Visitor Centre, where you’ll receive a free audio-guide to take to the stones, and have the chance to explore the exhibits in the active interpretation area. Take the short minibus trip from the visitor centre to the Causeway (small charge, typically payable locally), or walk the mile or so along the cliff path to take in the breathtaking views and sea air.

natural beauty is home to herds of wild deer, and a sanctuary for the endangered golden eagle and many other species of wildlife. By contrast to most of the rugged landscape, Glenveagh Castle, which overlooks the peaceful waters of Lough Veagh, comes as something of a surprise. A guided tour of the castle’s keep and mismatched towers offers a real glimpse into a lifestyle of an earlier age, and you’ll also have time to explore the spectacular gardens.

excursion

The highlight of the whole tour for many will be today’s excursion to the breathtaking Giant’s Causeway. Long associated with legendary Irish hero Finn McCool, this astonishing collection of closely packed basalt columns, which rise like stepping stones from the Atlantic to the wild,

your hotel

Photo opportunities abound at your next stop, Dunluce Castle. One of the most extensive medieval castle ruins in Northern Ireland, Dunluce rises dramatically from a sheer rocky precipice that looms 100ft above the waves. Separated from the mainland by a deep chasm crossed only by a narrow bridge, this precarious fortification occupied a position of great strategic importance, and remains a wild, beautiful and astonishingly atmospheric place.

Day Five – Included Glenveagh National Park excursion Today, you’ll head to Glenveagh National Park. This remote area of outstanding

Your route back to Letterkenny takes you back to the coast, via Mount Errigal and through Dunlewy village to Bunbeg. Here (weather permitting) you may like a stretch your legs with a stroll along the sandy beach before continuing up and around the Bloody Foreland (named for the red hue of the rocks at sunset), for a final stop in one of the area’s quaint villages, such as Dunfanaghy.

Day Six – Fly home Bid farewell to Donegal, today, and return to Belfast airport to catch your flight home.

fun fact...

HHH Half-Board

Station House Hotel, Letterkenny

The welcoming Station House Hotel is conveniently situated by the banks of the tranquil River Swilly overlooking Old Town Bridge close to the centre of this lively town, and has its own Depot Café/Bar, serving food and drinks from dawn until dusk. Guest rooms are comfortable and equipped with TV, tea/coffee-making facilities, a safe, free Wi-Fi, telephone and private facilities with a shower. Room service is available for a charge.

Malin Head, the most northerly point of mainland Ireland, is an iconic location, which is rich in history, culture, flora, fauna and marine heritage. It also features in the movie

Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017).

our customers say...

Glenveagh Lake, County Donegal

Malin Head, County Donegal

Malin Head, County Donegal

Station House Hotel

Station House Hotel

Glenveagh Castle, County Donegal

The Ring of Kerry & South West Ireland

Take this opportunity to discover one of the most beautiful corners of the Emerald Isle as you explore the lakes and mountains of the Ring of Kerry.

Day One – Fly to Ireland Fly to Ireland, meet your tour manager and transfer by coach to your hotel.

Day Two – Included visits to Bantry House, Glengarriff and Garnish Island This morning, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Bantry House, the ancestral home of the Earls of Bantry, and still lived in by the family.

Wonderfully situated overlooking the eponymous bay and set in magnificent Italian gardens inspired by the travels of the 2nd Earl, this house showcases eclectic antiques and artefacts from around the world.

You’ll then head off to see Glengarriff. This delightful village, overlooking the waters of Bantry Bay and set against the backdrop of the rugged Caha Mountains, is a green oasis enjoying a balmy microclimate in which subtropical plants and even bamboos flourish.

You can explore its array of bars, cafés, and gift shops before taking a short boat trip across the bay to the renowned island gardens of Garnish.

As the tour crosses the bay, you’ll also visit Seal Island, with its resident colony of seals who love to pose for photographs, so get your camera ready!

Day Three – Included Killarney National Park tour and cruise on Lough Leane Life slows right down this morning as you’ll head to Killarney National Park. Here, you’ll enjoy an hour-long ride in a horse-drawn jaunting car

what our customers say...

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip! Our hotel, Westlodge, was excellent. The staff were all very friendly and helpful, and we found the food to be delicious.

Tom

Ring of Kerry

The gardens here are laid out in beautiful walks and offer floral colour from May right through until October.

Ross Castle

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Stroll around the historic Bantry House with time to view its delightful Italianinspired gardens

• Explore the pretty village of Glengarriff overlooking Bantry Bay

• Spot seals on a scenic boat trip to Garnish Island and its famous gardens

• Ramble on a horse-drawn jaunting car through Killarney National Park

• Take to the waters of Lough Leane on a leisurely boat ride

• Visit the fascinating Cobh Heritage Centre (entry payable locally)

• Traverse the enchanting landscapes surrounding the Ring of Kerry

• Five nights’ dinner, bed and Irish breakfast accommodation at the four-star Westlodge Hotel, Bantry

• Return flights to Cork, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

our product manager loves...

The Ring of Kerry is a 179km circular route, which offers magnificent scenery, fantastic attractions, and a warm Irish welcome.

(Ireland’s most traditional mode of transport, and the only kind allowed in the National Park).

As you ramble along, you’ll learn about the history,  legends, and folklore of the region from your local guide.

The ride ends at the edge of Lough Leane, close to Ross Castle, where you’ll board the Pride of the Lakes for a scenic cruise on the lough.

As you glide along the calm waters, you’ll discover the lough’s scattered islands and lovely views.

Throughout the trip, your experienced skipper will regale you with facts about the flora, fauna, and historical heritage of the area.

There really is no better way to enjoy the hidden delights of the park and the famous Killarney Lakes. You’ll then have a couple of hours free to enjoy the delightful town of Killarney at your leisure.

Watch the world go by in one of the many pubs and cafés, take a look around the shops and pick up a memento, or perhaps visit the magnificent St Mary’s cathedral.

your hotel

Westlodge Hotel, Bantry HHHH Half-Board

In vast, landscaped gardens on the outskirts of lively Bantry, the Westlodge offers a lounge, bar and restaurant as well as a wide range of amenities, including a well-equipped leisure centre with sauna, Jacuzzi, steam room, indoor pool and gym, tennis court and pitch and putt.

Comfortable rooms have TV, tea/coffee-making facilities, a hairdryer and there is free Wi-Fi in public areas.

Day Four – Included visits to Cork and Cobh

Today, you’ll head to lively, cosmopolitan Cork. The waterways, narrow alleys, Georgian avenues, and myriad of bridges make this historic maritime city a delight to explore.

Highlights include triple-spired St Finn Barre’s cathedral and the English Market, where you’ll discover an astonishing array of fresh produce.

Afterwards, you’ll head to the historic and delightful seaside town of Cobh (pronounced Cove), the departure point for over three million Irish emigrants and the final port of call, in April 1912, for the ill-fated RMS Titanic

After time to enjoy lunch, you may choose to visit the excellent Heritage Centre (entrance fee payable locally), where a multi-media exhibition tells the emotive story of Irish emigration through to the 1950s and traces the town’s history back to the 1600s.

Day Five – Tour the Ring of Kerry A long but memorable day awaits, today, as you head to the celebrated Ring of Kerry.

Stretching west from the picturesque town of Kenmare, this 110-mile circular route around the sublimely beautiful Iveragh Peninsula takes in a beguiling mix of stunning views and charming towns, rugged forest landscapes, tumbling waterfalls and the raging waters of the Atlantic.

It’s a rollercoaster of scenic wonder, and a feast of breathtaking land- and seascapes.

During the day, you’ll cross the magnificent Coomakista Pass, with its views of the Kenmare River, and see Macgillycuddy’s Reeks from Molls Gap. Here, you can also catch sight of the monastic marvel of Skellig Michael out in the Atlantic.

You’ll have the chance to explore pretty Waterville and rugged Cahersiveen before returning to your hotel for the final evening.

Day 6 – Fly back to the UK Head back to the airport at the end of a wonderful few days in this beautiful and unspoiled part of Ireland.

fun fact...

Westlodge Hotel

Westlodge Hotel

Skellig Michael provided the location shots for the refuge of Luke Skywalker in The Force Awakens (2015) and The Last Jedi (2017) movies.

Seals at Glengarriff

Bantry House Glengarriff Harbour

The Ring of Kerry

Galway, Connemara & Ireland’s Stunning West

Discover one of the most beautiful and unspoilt corners of Ireland, renowned for its ancient Gaelic heritage and traditional Irish hospitality.

From your delightful base in the four-star McWilliam Park Hotel, enjoy a full and varied itinerary and make the very most of your time in this lovely part of the Emerald Isle. Highlights include an exploration of historic Galway city, a visit to a sheep farm, a scenic tour of Connemara and the Wild Atlantic Way, a Fjord cruise, exploration of the famed Cliffs of Moher, and an opportunity to learn about the unique landscape of the Burren.

You’ll also visit stunning Kylemore Abbey, a Benedictine Monastery founded in 1920. Learn about its history and the tales of romance and tragedy, explore the six-acre Victorian Walled Gardens and visit the Gothic Chapel. During the day you’ll also discover the remote beauty of Connemara, taking in some of the Wild Atlantic Way, one of the world’s longest defined coastal routes. A guided tour of lively, picturesque Galway will help you get your bearings before you enjoy the chance to explore this colourful town at leisure. The old centre surrounds ancient Lynch’s Castle and a pedestrianised thoroughfare leads down to the thriving waterfront, from which pleasure cruisers ply their trade. Immerse yourself in the beautiful, natural surroundings of the Killary Fjord on a leisurely cruise and learn about sheep farming during a fascinating visit to Glen Keen Farm on another wonderful day.

The vast lunar-like expanse of the Burren and the majestic Cliffs of Moher – towering some 200 metres above sea level, complete a wonderful few days in this very special corner of the Emerald Isle.

at a glance...

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• A visit to vibrant, colourful Galway

• A drive along part of the Wild Atlantic Way, one of Ireland’s most scenic roads, and a tour of Connemara

• Admission to beautiful Kylemore Abbey

• Visits to the towering Cliffs of Moher and the unforgettable lunar-like landscape of the Burren

• A leisurely cruise on the Killary Fjord

• Sheep dog experience at Glen Keen Farm

• Time to explore the celebrated town of Westport

• Five nights’ carefully chosen four-star dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation

• Return flights to Knock, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

your hotels

McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris HHHH Half-Board

The four-star McWilliam Park Hotel offers spacious accommodation, a beauty studio and a leisure centre with an 18-metre swimming pool, steam-room, sauna, Jacuzzi and gym. All bedrooms are en-suite and have a TV, telephone, iron, safe, hairdryer and tea/coffee-making facilities. There is free Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel and evening entertainment typically includes social dancing and live music.

Scan the QR code with the camera on your device then click the link to access more information on this tour.

Kylemore Abbey

Killary ©Clive Jennings 2013

La Corbiere Lighthouse

See the sweeping vast tracts of sand of St Aubin’s Bay – Jersey has one of the highest tidal reaches in the world and at low tide you have to walk miles to dip your toes in the water – and La Corbière and its lighthouse. The west coast is fringed by the sands of St Ouen’s Bay, which in turn gives way to the rugged cliffs of the north coast. On the eastern side of the island the coastline reverts to sandy beaches. Here, spectacular, 600-year-old Mont Orgueil, one of Britain’s best-preserved castles, towers over Gorey Harbour and the curve of the Royal Bay of Grouville.

The bustling island capital, St Helier, with its colourful port and maritime feel, offers everything you could wish for, with cafés, bars and restaurants – where fresh fish is the order of the day – and shopping is a pleasure, thanks in part to Jersey’s ‘tax-free’ status. The included excursions will bring to life Britain’s sunny southern outpost, and there’s the chance, on an optional tour, to visit the world-renowned Jersey Zoo and Jersey’s only Wine Estate, La Mare.

6-day escorted

tour from

Jersey –The Sun-Kissed Channel Isle

Available Apr to Oct 2023 Fly direct from these airports. Prices from • Birmingham £755 • Bristol £739 • East Midlands £729 • Exeter £729 • Gatwick £659 • Glasgow £715 • Leeds/Bradford £1,005 • Liverpool £669 • Luton £659 • Southampton £739 Personalise your holiday • Jersey Zoo & La Mare Wine Estate – (full day) from £65 Tour Only without flights from £570 Make your own way to the airport or your hotel. Room for Sole Use from £45 Please note: The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 15 minutes.

at a glance...

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• A guided tour introduces delightful Jersey, Britain’s sunny southernmost outpost

• Explore Jersey’s southern coast on-board the Jersey Duchess

• Learn about the German occupation during WWII at the fascinating War Tunnels

• Enjoy free time to explore under your own steam or take a relaxing stroll along one of the island’s many sandy beaches

• Five nights’ carefully chosen three-star bed and breakfast accommodation at the Merton Hotel, St Helier (upgrade hotels available)

Merton Hotel, St Helier HHH Bed & Breakfast from £659

Monterey Hotel, St Helier HHH Bed & Breakfast from £684

Norfolk Lodge, St Helier HHH Bed & Breakfast from £664

Pomme D’Or Hotel, St Helier HHHH Bed & Breakfast from £749

ESCORTED TOUR Best Selling These hugely popular tours, enjoyed by countless happy customers over the years, have truly stood the test of time. 35 Call us on: 0330 341 1924 Join our Community @NewmarketHolidays @NewmarketHols @NewmarketHolidays_

Mont Orgueil Castle

your hotel choices

I have recently returned from a trip to Puglia in Italy – my friend and I had a wonderful holiday. The hotel, food, facilities, and excursions were all excellent. I would like to add a special mention for Luca, our marvellous guide. He was charming, and full of fascinating knowledge about the area – I can’t praise his attention to us all highly enough. I would most certainly recommend this tour.

Liz – Puglia & the South – Undiscovered Italy

Roman Forum, Rome, Italy

8-day escorted tour from £789

Venice, Verona & the Wonders of Lake Garda

Discover and explore an idyllic corner of the world and two of Europe’s most fascinating, enthralling and historic cities.

Day One – Fly to Italy Upon arrival, meet your tour manager and board the coach

You can stay on the lake’s eastern shore, close to delightful Malcesine, with its quaint alleyways and narrow streets, or in sunblessed Torbole, with its vibrant café life, trendy shops and stunning views across the lake. Alternatively choose Riva at the top of the lake, or Limone on the northwest shoreline. Settle into your surroundings, and enjoy a first evening in the hotel, perhaps popping out for a gentle walk after dinner, depending on your arrival time.

Day Two – Day at leisure Today is free for you to rest and relax at leisure, either enjoying the facilities of the hotel, or perhaps venturing into the centre of your chosen resort. Favourites with our clients for many years, all the resorts offer plenty of opportunities to rest and relax, to stroll the lakeside promenade, watch the world go by from a seat in a pavement café, shop, or perhaps even take to the water –

Available Aug to Dec 2022, Jan to Jun, Sep to Dec 2023, Jan to Jun & Sep to Dec 2024

Fly direct (flight upgrades available). Prices from

• Heathrow £1,699 • Manchester £1,749* (UK connecting flights available – call us for details)

Personalise your holiday

• New Orleans City Tour (half day) – from £21 • Bayou & Alligators Tour (half day) – from £25

• Memphis: Graceland & Sounds of the South (full day) – from £89

• Studio B & the Country Music Hall of Fame (half day) – from £45 Room for Sole Use from £592

Please note: *Some departures from Manchester into the USA are via Houston instead of Atlanta and will follow a slightly different itinerary which can be seen on our website. All of the main tour highlights remain included. The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately three hours.

Day Three – Included Grand Circular Lake Garda tour After breakfast today, board the coach for a Grand Circular tour of the beautiful lake, in the company of your tour manager. The fjord-like eastern shores and the northern, mountain backed resorts of sun-blessed Torbole and pastel-painted Riva del Garda give way to the western shoreline of citrus and olive groves. On the southern shore a promontory leads to the spa resort of Sirmione, its healing waters and fairy-tale Rocca Scaligera castle, with its turrets and towers. The tour returns to the hotel via the wine-growing town of Bardolino,and the busy resort of Garda itself.

Day Four – Included Dolomites scenic tour Today is spent amongst the crags and passes of the majestic Dolomites, which are set to the north of Garda, and provide some of Europe’s most dramatic mountain scenery. There’ll be plenty of stops during the tour at traditional

for the journey to Lake Garda and your chosen hotel.

Garda is a mecca for sailors and windsurfers who revel in the breezy conditions offshore.

Rialto Bridge, Venice

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Spend a week on the sun-kissed shores of glorious Lake Garda, taking in the charming settlements and enjoying the Mediterraneanlike culture

• Enjoy a full-day visit to incomparable Venice, La Serenissima, with an included tour lifting the veil on this extraordinary city’s finest sights

• Discover the glories of Roman Verona, setting of Shakespeare’s timeless Romeo and Juliet

• Journey through the majestic Dolomite mountains, nestled between the sun-kissed Italian plain of Emiglia-Romagna and the Alps of the Austrian Tyrol

• Enjoy a Grand Circular Tour of Lake Garda, taking in sun-blessed Torbole and pastelpainted Riva del Garda

• Seven nights’ carefully chosen accommodation at the hotel or resort of your choosing

• Return flights to Italy, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager, with specialist local guides where applicable

towns and villages, enabling you to soak up the atmosphere and stunning views of this delightful region, which sits between the sun-kissed Italian plain of Emiglia-Romagna, and the Alps of the Austrian Tyrol, above the wine-growing valley of the Alto-Adige.

Day Five – Day at leisure Enjoy a day of rest and relaxation today, bringing plenty of chances to enjoy the facilities of your chosen hotel and resort, and perhaps also to explore the local town under your own steam and enjoying some time observing traditional life on the shores of the lake.

Day Six – Included Verona excursion Today you’ll visit the thoroughly charming city of Verona, perched on the banks of the River Adige, with its historic centre and monuments fashioned in pink marble.

Amongst the outstanding sights is the bestpreserved Roman amphitheatre in Italy, famed the world over for its summertime opera festival. The sweeping Piazza Bra is crowded with folk watching the world go by from one of the numerous pavement cafés. The ancient Piazza delle Erbe

your hotels

Drago Hotel, Malcesine/Brenzone HHH Half-Board from £789

This popular, stylish hotel is adjacent to the lake, about three miles south of Malcesine. There is a restaurant and bar, beautiful gardens and outdoor pool. Bedrooms offer satellite TV and a balcony.

Hotel Cristina, Limone HHH Bed & Breakfast from £789

Hotel Cristina is spread amongst five villa-style buildings on a hillside overlooking Lake Garda. Two outdoor pools, ringed with palm trees, can be enjoyed, and a restaurant and two bars boast magnificent views of the surrounding area.

Alexander Hotel, Limone HHHH Bed & Breakfast from £908

Boasting a wellness centre with a sauna, Turkish bath, whirlpool, and indoor pool, this hotel

bustles with its colourful market. Nearby the maze of 13th-century streets is redolent with a sense of troubled history, chronicled in Shakespeare’s tale of star-crossed lovers. After another marvellous day, you’ll return to Garda’s shores.

Day Seven – Included Venice excursion This day will etch itself into the memory like few others, as you board the coach to travel to incomparable Venice, probably the world’s most romantic city.

On arrival, in the company of a local guide, you will enjoy a walking tour of this simply breathtakingly beautiful place, where some hundred or so islands are linked by innumerable bridges, and where gondolas and water taxis ply their trades on the beautiful Grand Canal, past the stunning Accademia museum and the iconic Rialto Bridge. The vast expanse of St Mark’s Square, with its sumptuous cathedral, clock tower and the Doge’s Palace – the Palazzo Ducale – is quite simply one of the world’s most iconic sights and one that will stay with you forever.

Close by, joining the palace to the prisons, the famous Bridge of Sighs afforded condemned men

a last view of the beauty of Venice en route to the gallows. Away from St Marks and the Grand Canal, a labyrinth of narrow streets awaits more exploration, each corner turned revealing another memorable sight of this truly wonderful city.

After an unforgettable day in incomparable Venice, you’ll return to Garda in time for a last dinner, no doubt reflecting on a wonderful week spent in Italy.

Day Eight – Fly back to the UK Bid farewell to your Italian hosts today, as you board the coach for the transfer back to the airport and the return flight, as your relaxing holiday comes to an end.

fun fact...

Did you know that the city of Venice is actually made up of 118 different islands, each with unique landmarks, and separated by 150 canals?

promises plenty of opportunities for relaxation. There is an outdoor pool, fitness room, restaurant and bar. Rooms have a TV and fridge. A balcony/ terrace is available at a supplement.

Hotel Continental, Torbole HHHH Half-Board from £1,069

In a quiet elevated position close to the village of Nago, with easy access into Torbole, just two miles away. A regular public bus and twice daily free hotel shuttle service operate to the lake.

Hotel Garda, Riva del Garda HHHH Half-Board from £1,160

Boasting an outdoor pool, sun terrace, cocktail bar and lounge, restaurant, and a sky-terrace. Complimentary tea/coffee and cakes are served

each day. The rooms have air-conditioning, a safe, hairdryer, balcony, satellite TV and Wi-Fi.

For more details about the wider range of resorts & hotels featured, please see pages 39-42, or check our website.

Hotel Cristina

Rocca Scaligera, Lake Garda

Basilica Santa Maria della Salute, Venice

Juliet’s Balcony, Verona

Lake Garda

Offering a taste of the Mediterranean along its sunny shores, idyllic Garda is the perfect ‘lakes and mountains’ holiday choice.

Choose from a wide range of carefully selected hotels in four hand-picked, highly favoured locations, and enjoy a relaxed stay on the sun-blessed shores of this, Italy’s largest, most spectacular and most popular lake. With clear blue waters fringed by stylish, elegant, colourful resorts, flanked by groves of citrus trees or olives, or backed by the wooded slopes of craggy mountains, this is a perfect picture-postcard scene which has drawn visitors over the years.

Lake Garda There is a Mediterranean-like feel to holidays spent on Garda’s beautiful shores, with warm days cooled by the famous breezes, and balmy evenings spent under the stars. Throughout the day, the resorts bustle with life, with the shops and cafés, bars and restaurants all vying for business. By early evening, the streets are thronged with locals and visitors alike enjoying the passeggiata, or traditional stroll.

Active pursuits Lake Garda’s breezy waters are a mecca for sailors and windsurfers alike, and there are sailing schools offering lessons and craft for hire

in each of our chosen resorts. Ashore too, there are plenty of opportunities to leave the sunlounger behind and enjoy some exercise. Walkers, for example, are especially at home on the lake’s eastern shore, with the footpaths and easy trails of Monte Baldo offering stunning views of the lake.

Cycling too, is a hugely popular pursuit, whether on a leisurely potter in and around the resort, or more seriously for Lycra-clad titans.

Rest and Relax Café life, delicious ice cream from a host of gelaterie, plentiful shopping for handicrafts or other souvenirs, or just a seat in the sun on a lakeside promenade, or in a shoreside restaurant enjoying a long lunch, are all happy pre-occupations for those for whom rest and relaxation are the order of the day, while the facilities and amenities at some hotels will mean some won’t venture very far at all.

Discovery and exploration Should you wish to explore beyond your chosen resort, some of Italy’s – and indeed Europe’s – finest cities await you, on excursions to incomparable Venice or Romeo and Juliet’s exquisite Verona.

at a glance...

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Enjoy the choice of four optional excursions to glorious Venice, medieval Verona, a tour of the lake or the Dolomite mountains

• The chance to take a Grand Circular Tour of the lake, taking in bustling Malcesine, sun-blessed Torbole, delightful Limone and pastel-painted Riva del Garda

• Seven nights’ carefully chosen accommodation at the hotel or resort of your choosing

• Return flights to Italy, with airport transfers

• A friendly, experienced holiday manager in resort

For details about the full range of hotels featuered, please see our website.

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Scan the QR code with the camera on your device then click the link to get more information on this tour.

Limone, Lake Garda

your resort choices

Malcesine, Torbole, Limone & Riva del Garda

Malcesine

Bustling Malcesine (Mal-ches-in-ay), on the lake’s eastern shore, its colourful little port overlooked by a turreted castle, and brimming with small craft and windsurfers has been a long-time favourite of Newmarket Holidays’ clients over many years.

The resort centre

The tiny harbour, where several restaurants – perfect for slow, leisurely lunches – look out over the water, is backed by a promenade that in turn gives way to narrow cobbled streets of craft shops and yet more, tucked away, cafés and bars. Visit the Castello Scaligero for splendid views of the town.

Venturing beyond

If you feel the need to escape the town’s clutches, perhaps you’ll head out on the lake – several boats sail between the various settlements – or perhaps board a cable car to the heights of Monte Baldo, which towers 6,000 feet above the town.

Balmy evenings

West facing, Malcesine serves up some wonderful sunsets, which give way to balmy evenings perfect for the nightly passeggiata

Torbole

Sun-blessed Torbole, also on Garda’s picturesque mountain-backed north-east shore, offers a vibrant café life, a lakeside promenade and of course splendid views of the activities on the water.

The resort centre

With its waterfront houses, restaurants and cafés fringing the lake in a perfect semi-circle, Torbole’s setting has long made it a favourite with our guests, for whom an added attraction is the chance to take in the sight of the serious windsurfers skimming across the lake each afternoon.

Venturing beyond

A gentle 3km stroll along the shore to neighbouring Riva will be enough for many, although the more strenuous walk to Nago, above the resort, with its historic Penede castle and stupendous views, or the well-signed Tempesta Trail on the slopes of Baldo will attract more energetic walkers.

Saddle up

Several beautiful cycle routes lead from the town, and there are places to rent bikes or even join guided tours.

Limone

with a lively nightlife complementing the relaxed, sun-blessed days.

The resort centre

Impossibly quaint, cobbled streets lead down to a lakeside promenade lined with cafés and tavernas, and to the old port, the Porto Vecchio, which is thronged with visitors for most of the day, and perhaps best visited in the early morning or evening. A museum chronicling the town’s lemon-growing history, and several churches acknowledge the town’s very own saint.

Venturing beyond

Just outside the town, north and south, several small ‘beaches’ cater to sunbathers, and in addition to the regular boat service to the other resorts, there are organised walks for the energetic to enjoy.

Free, open-air concerts

Look out for these during your stay in Limone. You may be lucky enough to catch an organised evening of opera or an outdoor concert under the stars.

Riva del Garda

The most northerly, and the largest of our selected resorts, Riva is a stylish, elegant town, which served as important port and link between north and south for centuries.

The resort centre

In addition to its fair share of delightful restaurants, bars and cafés, clustered around the harbour, Riva boasts a fascinating civic museum within a shoreside moated castle. Board a ‘tourist train’ here for a relaxed tour, or perhaps climb the town’s 13th-century clock tower for a much more energetic view of things.

Venturing beyond

The lakeside promenade winds its way around the shore to Torbole, three kilometres away, with the sight of the windsurfers providing a colourful backdrop on the water.

Take to the water

Riva’s busy port is the place to board several boats, not only to visit nearby Limone, Torbole and Malcesine, but, perhaps aboard a fast hydrofoil to the distant southern reaches of the lake.

Scan the QR code with the camera on your device then click the link to get more information on this tour.

Delightful Limone, on the lake’s northwestern shore, is named for the terraced citrus groves that dot the surrounding hillsides. Limone is every inch the perfect holiday resort,

Malcesine, Lake Garda

Limone, Lake Garda

Torbole, Lake Garda

Riva del Garda, Lake Garda

your hotel choices

Limone, Torbole, Riva del Garda & Malcesine

There is an indoor heated pool with a Jacuzzi, and an outdoor pool by a terrace, dotted with sunbeds.

A wellness centre offers a Turkish bath, a floating pool and sauna, and a selection of treatments.

An indoor restaurant serves regional dishes and cocktails can be enjoyed at the poolside bar.

Rooms

130 comfortable, modern rooms feature complimentary Wi-Fi, as well as a TV, hairdryer, mini-bar, safe, telephone and balcony. Rooms with a partial lake view are available for a supplement.

Outdoor pools and a wellness centre with indoor pool, sauna, Turkish bath, two Jacuzzis and gym add to the pleasure of your stay.

The All Inclusive package includes buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, non-branded alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks and entertainment dependent on the season.

Rooms

With tile or carpeted floors, seasonally air-conditioned rooms encompass TVs and minifridges, tea/ coffee-making facilities, safes and a partial lake view.

Two outdoor pools within a garden, a panoramic relaxation area, an indoor pool with a whirlpool, and a fitness room are some of the many amenities. There are two restaurants, a poolside grill, and a piano bar.

The town’s shops, bars and restaurants are all within walking

distance downhill, or use the hotel shuttle bus to the centre if you prefer.

Rooms

Rooms have a balcony or terrace and partial lake view.

A

&

A state-of-the-art wellness centre with a sauna, a Turkish bath, whirlpool, and indoor pool promises plenty of opportunities for relaxation.

There is an outdoor pool, fitness room, restaurant serving a range of cuisines, and a bar.

Rooms

Seasonally air-conditioned rooms have a hairdryer, telephone, satellite TV, safe, fridge and free Wi-Fi.

Scan the QR code with the camera on your device then click the link to get more information on

Rooms with balcony/terrace and lake views are available for a supplement.

this tour.

Hotel Garda Bellevue, Limone HHHH Half-Board from £767

A relaxed hotel serving as a welcoming escape, enclosed by mountains, and with beach access and views of Lake Garda.

Hotel San Pietro, Limone

HHHH Bed & Breakfast from £718

A welcoming hotel elevated above the shores of Lake Garda and within reach of the centre of Limone.

Leonardo da Vinci Hotel, Limone HHHH

All Inclusive from £980

Built into the hillside and a short walk to the centre of Limone, this perfectly-located hotel presents a private beach.

Alexander Hotel, Limone HHHH Bed

Breakfast from £718

delightful hotel with 50 rooms, resting close to the lakefront of Limone, with an array of facilities.

Hotel Cristina, Limone HHH Bed & Breakfast from £599

Backed by mountains and facing Lake Garda, this property is set within beautiful gardens and expansive terraces.

Club Hotel La Vela, Torbole HHH Bed & Breakfast from £760

A five-minute walk from the shores of Lake Garda, this resort-like hotel, with a family-friendly feel, is centred around an expansive outdoor pool.

Spread amongst five villa-style buildings overlooking Lake Garda. Two outdoor pools, ringed with palm trees, can be enjoyed, and a restaurant and two bars boast magnificent views.

A shuttle bus goes to and from the centre of Limone and guests can access the beach at sister hotel Leonardo da Vinci.

Rooms

Airy, simple rooms, with colourful décor, come with seasonal airconditioning, a telephone, TV, mini-bars, and tea/coffee-making facilities. Rooms have a balcony/ terrace and partial lake view, or a front lake view for a supplement.

The on-site restaurant specialises in local dishes, and a piano bar and lounge host evening entertainment. Nearby activities include sailing, horse-riding, and windsurfing.

Rooms

Air-conditioned simple, comfortable guestrooms feature TVs, mini-bars, hairdryers, safes, and free Wi-Fi.

Hotel Continental, Torbole HHHH Half-Board from £879

Enjoying an elevated position, close to the village of Nago, this hotel offers spectacular countryside views.

Aurora Hotel & Apartments, Torbole

Bed & Breakfast from £765

A modern hotel complex just 100m from Torbole Beach, ideal for dabbling in an array of water sports, mountain biking and free climbing.

Less than two miles from Torbole and the lake, yet with very easy access to the resort. There is an outdoor pool and garden terrace, a heated indoor pool and fitness room.

There is a reception, piano bar and lounge area, two lifts and two weekly Gala dinners.

A public bus service operates to the lake and the hotel offers a free twice-daily shuttle.

Rooms

All bedrooms have a satellite TV, telephone, tea/coffee-making facilities, safe, hairdryer and mini-bar. Rooms with balcony are available for a supplement.

Following a day of adventuring or relaxing, guests can unwind in the lounge or cocktail bar, which hosts regular live events and there is a breakfast room.

Rooms

Relaxed guestrooms are airconditioned and offer TVs and free Wi-Fi.

Scan the QR code with the camera on your device then click the link to get more information on this tour.

HHHH

your hotel choices Lake

Garda continued...

Part

This hotel boasts an attractive outdoor pool and sun terrace, a modern, colourful cocktail bar and lounge, and a sky-terrace with sunbeds.

The restaurant serves regional and international cuisine. For the energetic, there are bicycles available free of charge. Breakfast is hot and cold buffet-style and evening

meals are waiter-served. There is live music two times per week.

Rooms

The stylish rooms are airconditioned, and offer a safe, hairdryer, balcony, satellite TV and free Wi-Fi.

This very popular hotel boasts two pools (one heated indoor), terrace, garden, bar, lounge, reception, three lifts and a piano bar. Breakfast is hot and cold buffet-style and evening meals are waiter-served. There is live music four times per week and two Gala evenings.

Rooms

All 190 air-conditioned (typically mid Jun to mid Sep) rooms offer satellite TV, a telephone, safe, mini-bar, hairdryer and a balcony.

Bed & Breakfast

The top floor terrace, lined with loungers, is the highlight of this stylish hotel. Views across the rooftops to the lake are extremely rewarding.

A sleek bar, airy restaurant, and fitness corner with outdoor showers are additional facilities. Free Wi-Fi is available for all guests in public areas.

Rooms

60 modern and minimalist airconditioned rooms, with neural interiors, each have a telephone, TV, hairdryer and safe.

Hotel

Half-Board from £781

A charming hotel with a wonderful lakeside position, right in the heart of this fine resort.

With shops, bars and a very good selection of restaurants all within the immediate area, the Malcesine is perfect for enjoying all the amenities of the resort.

The comfortably furnished lounge/ bar area leads outside onto a large sun terrace where the views over the lake are simply spectacular. The hotel

also offers its guests a reception area, lift, TV room and a restaurant, where a buffet breakfast and threecourse evening meals are served.

Rooms

All rooms offer a telephone, hairdryer and satellite TV. Rooms with a side lake view are available for a supplement.

Hotel Garda, Riva del Garda HHHH Half-Board from £970

of the family-owned Tonelli group of hotels, this bright, stylish hotel is set just 220 yards from the lake-shore of Riva.

Savoy Palace Hotel, Riva del Garda HHHH Half-Board from £1,082

This popular hotel is set in a quiet area of modern Riva, some 330 yards from the lake, and close to shops, bars and restaurants.

Malcesine, Malcesine HHH

Hotel Antico Borgo, Riva del Garda HHHH

from £662

Positioned in the heart of Riva del Garda on a cobbled street and offering impressive views of Riva and Lake Garda.

Celebrated for the healing properties of its thermal waters, which have long drawn visitors from across the globe, Montecatini, a ‘twintown’ of ancient hill-top settlement and modern spa below, is a perfect choice for a truly relaxing stay in the heart of Tuscany, with a host of activities in which to pass the time, both within the resort and further afield.

As well as the famous spa baths and its many health and beauty practitioners, Montecatini

boasts beautiful parks and gardens, stylish shops, countless restaurants, cafés, trattorie and gelaterie. A sightseer’s delight, highlights of the lower town include ornate fountains and grand Viale Verdi, named after the opera composer who was a frequent guest. For the energetic, there are tennis courts, bicycle hire and a fine golf course, and of course you should visit upper Montecatini Alto, reached by one of the world’s oldest funiculars.

Doing absolutely nothing other than taking in the Tuscan sunshine is perfectly acceptable, although no stay in Montecatini is complete without a visit to one of the lower town’s spas.

8-day resort-based stay from £879

Tuscany

at a glance...

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Experience Tuscany’s famous undulating hills, carpeted with vineyards and lined with cypress trees

• Cherish time spent in Montecatini, one of Tuscany’s most exquisite spa towns

• Enjoy several optional excursions, including to Renaissance Florence, home to Michelangelo’s David, and to Pisa and its world-famous Leaning Tower

• The chance to visit Renaissance gem Lucca, beautiful Portofino and journey through the stunning Tuscan countryside on optional tours

• Seven nights’ carefully chosen four-star dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation at the Hotel Biondi, Montecatini Terme (upgrade hotels available for a supplement)

• Return flights to Italy, with airport transfers

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager, with specialist local guides where applicable

Hotel Biondi, Montecatini Terme HHHH Half-Board from £879

Comfortable rooms feature classical décor.

Hotel Manzoni, Montecatini HHHH Half-Board from £988

Air-conditioned rooms boast TVs and Wi-Fi.

Hotel Adua, Montecatini HHHH Half-Board from £994

Stylish rooms offer TVs and mini-bars.

Grand Hotel Nizza et Suisse, Montecatini HHHH Half-Board from £949

A charming, well-equipped hotel with a spa.

Enjoy all the pleasures of rest and relaxation in one of the most famous of all the Tuscan spa towns.

Tuscan Landscape

Day One – Fly to Pisa & transfer to Arezzo

Upon arrival in Italy, meet your tour manager and board the coach for the two-hour transfer into the heart of Tuscany, to spend four nights in charming Arezzo. Check into your hotel, rest and relax after the journey, and enjoy a first dinner.

Day Two – Morning at leisure and included tour of Arezzo Join your tour manager this afternoon for a leisurely guided walking tour introducing beautiful, unspoilt Arezzo, with its medieval, sloping Piazza Grande, surrounded by timeless buildings with their wooden balconies and ornate Gothic façades. Visit San Francesco church, with its famed Renaissance frescoes, and perhaps take in the imposing cathedral. The rest of the day is free to enjoy Arezzo’s charms, before dinner this evening.

Day Three – Included full day tour to Florence Journey to what for many is Italy’s most beautiful city. Take in the magnificent skyline, dominated by Santa Maria del Fiore, and explore the splendour of Santa Croce

and timelessly beautiful Ponte Vecchio bridge. Florence is home to world-class galleries, including the Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s fabled David and the Uffizi, (entrances payable locally), to countless shops, designer outlets, restaurants and trattorie, where you can sit and watch the Florentine world go by. Return to the hotel for dinner.

Day Four – Day at leisure or optional excursion to Siena and San Gimignano

On today’s optional excursion, head firstly to medieval gem Siena, its centrepiece the shell-shaped piazza il Campo, home to the annual Palio horse race. After time to explore, you’ll complete a fascinating day with a visit to the exquisite hilltop fortress city of San Gimignano, with its beautiful towers, medieval walls and cathedral.

Day Five – Journey from Arezzo to Rome, via Montalcino wine-tasting Head south toward the Eternal City, via hilltop Montalcino, where Enoteca la Fortezza is famed for its

Colosseum, Rome

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Embark on a city tour of Arezzo with entrance to Basilica di San Francesco

• Delve into the historical and architectural delights of Florence

• Enjoy in an optional day trip to the charming cities of Siena and San Gimignano

• Sample local labels from an atmospheric winery housed in a medieval fort in Montalcino

• An optional evening tour of Italy’s ancient capital, Rome

• Marvel at Rome’s medley of historic monuments

• An fascinating visit to the Roman ruins of Pompeii

• An optional boat tour to the stylish shores of Capri

• Meander along the Amalfi Coast on an optional boat tour, calling at Positano

• 10 nights’ half-board accommodation at hotels in Arezzo (4 nights) and Sorrento Peninsula (3), and three nights’ bed and

breakfast accommodation at the Romoli Hotel Roma in Rome

• 10 breakfasts and four dinners

• Return flights from the UK to Italy, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager, with specialist local guides where applicable

regional wines. Enjoy a tasting with cheeses and cold meats.

On arrival, check into the hotel for three nights, then perhaps catch your first glimpse of breathtaking Rome by night, as you see the Colosseum, the Forum, Circus Maximus, the dome of St Peter’s and countless other treasures in their floodlit glory, on a dinner-inclusive optional tour.

Day Six – Included tour of Rome and afternoon at leisure Join your tour manager to discover and explore a place where over two thousand years of history come alive, and modern life carries on in colourful, relaxed style alongside. As well as the relics of ancient Roman empire, the basilicas of the early Christian Church and the Baroque fountains into which many a coin has been thrown, you’ll take in the Vatican City, with vast St Peter’s Square and the nearby Sistine Chapel housing Michelangelo’s fabled frescoes. After the tour, sit back and watch the Roman world go by, as you enjoy a taste of what Romans call la dolce vita. This evening, dine at your leisure, perhaps in bustling Trastevere, across the Tiber.

your hotels

Etrusco Arezzo Hotel, Arezzo nights 1-4

Positioned just steps from the gates of the city, this hotel is perfectly placed for exploring the medieval town. A relaxed restaurant serves international and local dishes, and a welcoming bar with a gazebo area encompasses couches and tables. Well-equipped guestrooms, with marble bathrooms, feature TVs, mini-bars, safes, hairdryers, air conditioning and Wi-Fi.

Romoli Hotel Roma, Rome nights 5-7

A pleasant hotel set in a leafy location with views over Appia Antica Regional Park and just 15 minutes from the centre of Rome. The roof offers an expansive terrace and there is a breakfast room and 24-hour bar. Air-conditioned guestrooms with balconies, have mini-bars, safes, TVs, and free Wi-Fi.

Day Seven - At leisure Explore the city at your own pace – be it shopping, sightseeing or simply wandering, gelato in hand, before sitting down to an evening traditional aperitivo before a relaxed dinner, one of the world’s greatest cities is sure to capture and delight at every step.

Day Eight – Drive from Rome via Pompeii to the Sorrentine peninsula Bid “Arrivederci, Roma” and board the coach for the journey to one of Italy’s most beautiful corners. Pause at extraordinary Pompeii, preserved forever as it was in 79AD, when towering Vesuvius, still a smouldering presence above, erupted with such devastating consequences.

After the fascinating opportunity to step back in time, journey on to your welcoming hotel, nestled in the hills above the blue bay of Naples. Rest and relax after the day and enjoy dinner.

Day Nine – At leisure or optional day trip to Capri Enjoy the surroundings of the hotel, with its sun-kissed terrace, or journey to Sorrento’s bustling harbour to cross by boat to the beautiful Isle of Capri, Mediterranean treasure and

hideaway haunt of poets and artists down the years. On arrival, a minibus will take you to the picturesque village of Anacapri on the slopes of Mount Solaro. There will also be time for those who wish to take a chair lift to the summit of Solaro (payable locally). You’ll explore the island’s main town, with its chic, designer stores, before returning to the mainland and the hotel.

Day Ten – At leisure or optional Positano and Amalfi Coast cruise Enjoy a last full day, perhaps heading down into bustling Sorrento by local bus or relaxing on the hotel’s terrace. A last, very special optional tour offers the chance to board a small boat for the breath-taking cruise on blue waters beneath the towering crags of the Bay of Salerno. Call in to pretty Positano for an included lunch, and perhaps take a dip in the warm water, before returning to the hotel for a last dinner.

Day 11 – Return to the UK Make the short transfer to Naples Airport, to fly home at the end of a wonderful Italian escape.

Royal

Hills

Sorrento,

Sorrento Peninsula nights 8-10

With a hilltop setting and views of the Gulf of Naples, this family-run hotel promises a delightful stay. A casual restaurant is where breakfast is served, and there is a bar and rooftop terrace, which both look out over the garden and are dotted with sun lounges. Relaxed guestrooms include bright furnishings, TVs, safes, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.

Etrusco Arezzo Hotel

Romoli Hotel Roma

Piazza Navona Tuscan Hills

Dining out in Rome

Portofino, Florence & Tuscany

Experience one of the Mediterranean’s most exclusive corners, the beautiful Tuscan countryside and the stunning Cradle of the Renaissance.

Day One – Fly to Italy Upon arrival, meet your tour manager then board the coach for the scenic transfer through the Tuscan countryside to Montecatini.

Sit back and soak in the views as you pass through the region’s undulating hills, carpeted with vineyards and lined with picturesque cypress trees.

Day Two – At leisure in Montecatini Today is free for you to get to know the hotel and surroundings of this historic spa resort, perhaps paying a first visit to Montecatini Alto for its stunning views, and perhaps enjoying a leisurely lunch and exploring under your own steam.

Day Three – Included excursion to the Ligurian coast and Portofino Join the first of your tour’s included excursions today as you head to the beautiful Ligurian coast, where some of Italy’s most famous resorts are dotted along the shoreline, backed by wooded hills. A mecca for visitors from the four corners of the globe, elegant Santa Margherita Ligure

overlooks a stunning bay, and lies at the eastern end of the Portofino headland.

Enjoy some time spent exploring the resort, then board a boat for a trip along the coast to discover its ultra-chic neighbour, the world-renowned jet-set watering-hole of Portofino itself, which despite the crowds, the glitz and the glamour, remains one of the Mediterranean’s most idyllic settings.

Day Four – Included visits to Pisa and Lucca Your second day of touring takes you to two true Italian gems. Firstly, you’ll visit the wonderful city of Pisa, where, in the company of your expert guide, there will be an opportunity to explore this mesmerising medieval treasure trove, built on the banks of the River Arno, and where the broad green swathe of the Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles) is home not only to the startling, eponymous Leaning Tower but also the huge circular Baptistery, the great marbled Duomo and the colonnaded Campo Santo cemetery.

Portofino, Italy

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Enjoy a week’s stay in one of Tuscany’s most celebrated spa town resorts, Montecatini

• Discover elegant Santa Margherita Ligure on the Ligurian Coast, home to a stunning bay

• Pay a visit to chic and trendy Portofino, one of the Mediterranean’s most exclusive corners

• A scenic boat trip from Santa Margherita to Portofino

• Enjoy Pisa and Lucca, two of Tuscany’s most impressive gems

• Spend a day in breathtaking, Renaissance Florence

• Seven nights’ carefully chosen four-star dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation at the Hotel Biondi, Montecatini Terme (upgrade hotels available for a supplement)

• Return flights to Italy, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager, with specialist local guides where applicable

travel tips...

Experience the views from Michelangelo Square, better known in Italian as Piazzale Michelangelo, one of the highest points in the city of Florence.

Following a fascinating visit, you’ll reboard the coach for the journey to the elegant walled city of Lucca, a simply delightful Renaissance jewel that was the birthplace of the composer Puccini. The city’s most famous son is celebrated with a museum at his home.

Elsewhere, the ancient cathedral, the Torre della Ore, and the exquisite Piazza Anfiteatro, built around the Roman amphitheatre, are amongst the ‘must-sees’ in this charming city.

Return to Montecatini at the end of a wonderful day of touring to enjoy the night at leisure.

Day Five – At leisure in Montecatini Today, you’re free to enjoy another day of gentle exploration in Montecatini under your own steam, savouring the unique atmosphere and scenery of this celebrated spa town, perhaps enjoy lunch in the town square.

Day Six – Included visit to Florence Today will be one of the undoubted highlights of the holiday, as you enjoy our included tour of truly stunning Florence, known as the Cradle of the

your hotel choices

Hotel Biondi, Montecatini Terme HHHH Half-Board from £1,069

Set in the centre of Montecatini Terme, just a few minutes’ walk from the Parco delle Terme, this charming hotel offers a garden with a terrace, an indoor swimming pool, and a Tuscan restaurant. Comfortable rooms feature classical décor, free Wi-Fi, a TV, and mini-bars.

Renaissance, which is for many the country’s most beautiful city.

Today there’s a chance to see for yourself the magnificent Florentine skyline, dominated by the dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, and to explore the splendour of Santa Croce and the medieval Ponte Vecchio bridge, spared by the retreating Nazis because of its timeless beauty.

Of course, Florence is the city of both the Accademia, which houses Michelangelo’s fabled statue of David, and the Uffizi, where Botticelli’s famous Birth of Venus can be admired, should you choose to visit the galleries (payable locally), and you will no doubt want to rest awhile in one of the city’s countless eateries.

Day Seven – At leisure, or optional excursion to Siena and San Gimignano Relax in the resort, or join today’s optional excursion, which heads into the Tuscan countryside to explore the exquisite hill towns of Siena, Certaldo and UNESCO -listed medieval gem San Gimignano. Set high above the Cecina and Dell’Era valleys, Etruscan Siena is beautifully preserved, with its ancient walls

surrounding a medieval core, at the heart of which is a stunning Romanesque cathedral and the ornate Piazza del Priori, lined with beautiful palazzi. The tour also takes in the stunning Roman amphitheatre, which was uncovered as recently as 1951.

Saving the best until last, San Gimignano, with its fairy-tale towers rising from the medieval hill-top village, is one of the finest sights in all of Italy. Circled by towering 13th-century walls, the old town is clustered around Piazza della Cisterna, a triangular square lined with medieval houses.

San Gimignano has a skyline of medieval towers, including the famous stone Torre Grossa. A guided tour of this wonderful town provides a fitting crowning glory to a wonderful holiday.

Day Eight – Fly back to the UK Bid farewell to your Tuscan hosts this morning as you journey back to the airport via coach to catch your return flight, bringing a marvellous holiday in Tuscany to an end.

Hotel Nizza et Suisse, Monecatini HHHH Half-Board from £1,069

Situated just a short walk away from the Montecatini Terme funicular in the centre of Tuscany, this wellequipped hotel is in front of the Excelsior Thermal Spa and the city’s park. The on-site restaurant offers a Tuscan-inspired menu complemented by local wines. An outdoor swimming pool is surrounded by a terrace, and there is a spa, which provides treatments that draw on ancient traditions.

Hotel Adua, Montecatini Terme HHHH Half-Board from £1,181

This family-owned, centrally located hotel, a short walk from the resort’s amenities boasts a bar, lounge, outdoor pool, dining room and lift. A wellness centre offers a full programme of beauty treatments (payable locally). Stylish rooms have a hairdryer, telephone, satellite TV, air conditioning, mini-bar and safe. Balcony rooms are available for a supplement.

Hotel Manzoni, Montecatini Terme HHHH Half-Board from £1,181

Offering an outdoor pool, superb wellness centre pools, whirlpool and sauna (some facilities payable locally) and gym. Elegant public rooms, free Wi-Fi, a beautiful restaurant and classically decorated rooms, with air conditioning, a TV and safe complete the offering. Balcony rooms are available for a supplement.

Lucca, Italy

Vespa Moped Pisa, Italy

Hotel Biondi

Hotel Adua

8-day resort based stay from £915

Lake Como

Rest and relax on the elegant shores of Italy’s most picturesque body of water, with the perfect mix of optional excursions and free time.

Discover one of Europe’s most idyllic, charming and stylish corners, as you soak up the atmosphere of the most picturesque of the Italian lakes, in its mountain-backed setting to the north of Milan. Combine leisurely days in your chosen hotel with an exploration of the lake’s towns and villages, elegant villas and glorious gardens.

Situated on Como’s western shore, Tremezzo and Mezzegra-Tremezzina are delightful lakeside spots.

Around the lakeshore, friendly cafés, bars and restaurants dot lakefront promenades and picturebook streets, while on the water, steamers ply their trade to the lake’s elegant towns and villages.

Enjoy the amenities of your hotel, join an excursion or have a leisurely lunch. Visit idyllic Bellagio, Varenna, lively Lecco or Como Town, most interconnected by a lake steamer or regular bus service. The energetic might stroll along the promenade, hike into the hills, rent bikes or swim in the lake.

what our customers say...

Our holiday was lovely, and nothing was too much trouble. Our tour manager was amazing and went out of her way to help people.

Mary

at a glance...

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Savour a glorious week spent on the elegant shores of Lake Como, Italy’s most romantic lake

• Enjoy a mixture of free time to relax and explore under your own steam, together with a wonderful choice of optional tours to destinations near and far

• Choose from several optional excursions, including fashion capital Milan and idyllic lake Lugano on the border with Switzerland

• Additional excursions to walled Bergamo or a once-in-a-lifetime train journey to Switzerland’s iconic resort, St Moritz, on the famous Bernina Express railway

• Seven nights’ carefully chosen three-star dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation at the Hotel Lario, Mezzegra-Tremezzina (alternative hotel available for a supplement)

• Return flights to Milan, with airport transfers

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager, with specialist local guides where applicable

Available May, Jun, Aug to Oct 2023

Fly direct from these airports. Prices from

• Bristol £979 • Gatwick £915 • Manchester £985 • Stansted £955

Personalise your holiday

• Bellagio (half day) – from £28

• Lake Como Cruise & Villa Balbianello Gardens (half day) – from £55

• Milan (full day) – from £55

• Bernina Express (full day) – Pre book only from £95

• Lake Lugano & Lugano Town (full day) – from £38

• Bergamo (full day) – from £44

Room for Sole Use from £245

Please note: The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately one hour 30 minutes from Milan Malpensa and two hours from Bergamo.

your hotel choices

Hotel Lario, Mezzegra-Tremezzina HHH

Half-Board from £915

Featuring a restaurant, seasonal pool. Airconditioned rooms offer free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, a hairdryer and a small balcony or garden area.

Hotel Bazzoni, Tremezzo HHH

Half-Board from £985

Boasting a stylish bar and lounge area, and a dining room. There’s a seasonal outdoor pool, sun terrace and rooms have a hairdryer, fridge, TV and telephone.

Scan the QR code with the camera on your device then click the link to access more information on this tour.

Lake Como

Lake Como

Enjoy a week on the shores of the most picturesque of the Italian lakes, with its elegant villas and glorious gardens – a scene which has inspired artists and writers for generations –and combine rest and relaxation with wonderful excursions, including a journey on the scenic Bernina Express railway to chic St Moritz, and the chance to discover stylish Milan and idyllic Lugano.

On the included tours, you’ll first discover stunning Bellagio, celebrated as the prettiest town in Italy, in its setting on the tip of the lake’s central promontory. Wander the streets of the ‘Pearl of the Lake’, and take a seat in a pavement café to watch the world go by. You’ll also take to the lake’s tranquil waters aboard a cruiser, to visit the stunning gardens of Villa Balbianello. Saving perhaps the best till last, you’ll board the Bernina Express to journey through deep tunnels to sparkling St Moritz.

You’ll have opportunities to join optional excursions, to the great city of Milan, with its soaring Gothic cathedral and La Scala opera house, to Lugano, one of Switzerland’s most stylish lakeside resorts, and to achingly beautiful, walled Bergamo.

Lake Como, St Moritz & the Bernina Express

Savour some wonderful lakes and mountains and take one of the world’s great railway journeys to Switzerland’s most celebrated hideaway.

at a glance...

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• A week on the shores of Italy’s most romantic lake, the unforgettable Lake Como

• Discover idyllic Bellagio, rightfully regarded one of Italy’s most beautiful towns

• Enjoy a cruise on Lake Como and entrance to the gardens of a lakeside villa*

• Board the iconic Bernina Express railway and journey to the fabled resort of St Moritz, on one of the most scenic train journeys in Europe

• Choose some delightful optional excursions and time spent at leisure

• Seven nights’ carefully chosen three-star dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation at the Hotel Lario, Mezzegra-Tremezzina (alternative hotel available)

• Return flights to Milan, with coach travel and transfers throughout Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager, with specialist local guides where applicable

your hotel choices

Hotel Lario, Mezzegra-Tremezzina HHH

Half-Board from £1,075

Featuring a restaurant, seasonal pool. Airconditioned rooms offer free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, a hairdryer and a small balcony or garden area.

•

Hotel Bazzoni, Tremezzo HHH

Half-Board from £1,145

Boasting a stylish bar and lounge area, and a dining room. There’s a seasonal outdoor pool, sun terrace and rooms have a hairdryer, fridge, TV and telephone.

Bernina Express © swiss-image.ch

St Moritz

8-day escorted tour from £1,599

Sardinia & Corsica

Two of the Mediterranean’s most captivating islands, one Italian, one French, both blessed with blue skies, warm waters and natural beauty.

Day One – Fly to Olbia Upon arrival in Sardinia’s northeast corner, meet your tour manager and make the short transfer by coach to your hotel.

Positioned in the centre of Olbia, just a few minutes away from the Costa Smeralda beaches, this hotel looks out across the waters of the harbour and features a restaurant, lounge and sun terrace.

Day Two – Included excursion to the Costa Smeralda After a relaxed breakfast, board the coach for a leisurely introduction to the sun-kissed playground of the Costa Smeralda, a 12-mile stretch of reclaimed and tastefully developed coastline that over the last 50 years has grown to become one of the world’s most celebrated holiday playgrounds and a haven to the Mediterranean’s sailing and private motor yacht community.

Idyllic hidden coves, beaches fringed by azure waters and backed by fragrant, herb-filled scrubland, tiny offshore islets and the ultrachic ‘capital’ Porto Cervo, whose church and

Available Aug to Dec 2022, Jan to Jun, Sep to Dec 2023, Jan to Jun & Sep to Dec 2024

Fly direct (flight upgrades available). Prices from

• Heathrow £1,699 • Manchester £1,749* (UK connecting flights available – call us for details)

Personalise your holiday

• New Orleans City Tour (half day) – from £21 • Bayou & Alligators Tour (half day) – from £25

• Memphis: Graceland & Sounds of the South (full day) – from £89

• Studio B & the Country Music Hall of Fame (half day) – from £45 Room for Sole Use from £592

Please note: *Some departures from Manchester into the USA are via Houston instead of Atlanta and will follow a slightly different itinerary which can be seen on our website. All of the main tour highlights remain included.

The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately three hours.

shopping arcade were both designed by the same architect, all contribute to the allure of this unique location.

Porto Cervo offers a collection of restaurants, spas and boutiques, which you can seek out at your leisure.

Return to your hotel to unwind and have dinner.

Day Three – Included visit to Alghero

Today’s excursion sees you travel to historic Alghero, the principal town of Sardinia’s north and a thriving fishing port since its earliest times.

The Old Quarter with its 16th-century cathedral and narrow, cobbled streets, is surrounded by stout battlements linking seven defensive towers.

Delicious ice cream can be sampled at any number of gelatarie, so make sure to seek one out. You can also wander along the sweeping promenade, which stretches past magnificent beaches and faces out across the blue waters

Costa Smeralda

Bonifacio Port

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Spend four nights in Sardinian Olbia

• Tour the glitzy ‘playground paradise’ of the sparkling Costa Smeralda

• Discover ancient Alghero and its offshore ‘sleeping giant’ Capo Caccia

• Cross by ferry from Sardinia to Corsica

• Discover Corsica’s exquisite Bonifacio

• Three nights in Napoleon’s birthplace Ajaccio

• A guided tour brings Ajaccio to life

• Visit idyllic sea-side Porto

fun fact...

Did you know that Sardinia is the only region of Italy to not have a motorway? This is a perfect indication of the island’s relaxed pace of life.

• See the amazing rock formations of the Calanches de Piana

• Seven nights’ carefully chosen three- and four-star bed and breakfast accommodation

• Return ferry crossings

• Return flights to Olbia, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager, with specialist local guides where applicable

to distant Capo Caccia, a rocky promontory that in silhouette looks for all the world like a sleeping giant. After a marvellous day, you’ll return to Olbia for the last evening in the hotel.

Day Four – Ferry to Bonifacio and onward travel to Ajaccio Today sees you bid farewell to your Sardinian hosts as you journey to the port at Santa Teresa di Gallura. Corsican landfall is made at this exquisite natural harbour and fortified town of Bonifacio, set high upon the wind and waveweathered cliffs - one of the Mediterranean’s most spectacular locations.

The tourist train will take you up to the famous haute ville to take in the incredible views.

Perhaps nurse a drink in one of the cafés that line the quayside, then re-board the coach for the onward journey north through some beautiful scenery to your hotel in Ajaccio for the next four nights.

Day Five – Included guided tour of Ajaccio A half-day guided excursion introduces island

your hotels

Hotel Martini, Olbia, Sardinia HHHH Half Board nights 1-3 & 7

Overlooking the waters of the harbour and the shore-side park, this comfortable hotel offers bright, comfortable rooms with a TV, balcony or patio and free Wi-Fi. Just minutes away from the stunning Costa Smeralda beaches, it also has a restaurant, a bar/lounge and a sun terrace.

Castel Vecchio, Ajaccio, Corsica HHH Half Board nights 4-6

Within walking distance of its shops and attractions, the Castel Vecchio, a comfortable base for your stay, features an outdoor pool, terrace, bar and dining room. The majority of the air-conditioned rooms present balcony and harbour views, as well as a bath or shower, and TV. There’s free Wi-Fi in all public areas, and in addition to the hotel’s own, there are many bars in the local area.

capital Ajaccio, the birthplace in 1769 of Napoléon Bonaparte.

Set on a sweeping bay, Ajaccio would be a fascinating place even without its associations with the Little Emperor, with its ancient old town, countless restaurants and cafés, and the towering citadelle, which surveys the colourful vista.

After the tour, spend more time in exploration and discovery or return to the hotel to enjoy rest and relaxation by the pool.

Day Six – Included west coast tour and optional cruise A last enjoyable included excursion sees you head to the nature reserve, facing the blue Gulf of Porto, where the fantastical, UNESCOlisted Calanches are a collection of oddly shaped and eroded, pink granite rock formations, carved by nature over millennia into the shapes of animals and other figures.

The road winds through the reserve from sleepy Piana with its pink houses and spectacular views, then on down to exquisite Porto, a famous resort town with its tiny harbour and pebbly beach overlooked by an ancient watchtower.

Spend some time enjoying the surroundings, then re-board the coach for the return journey to Ajaccio or more likely join the optional 90-minute return boat cruise to Calanques, a beautiful journey that will afford the best views of the towering Calanches from the water.

Day Seven – Relax in Ajaccio before returning to Bonifacio and taking the ferry back to Sardinia Today you can enjoy your last day in Corsica before travelling mid afternoon to Bonifacio to catch the ferry to Sardinia where you will spend the last night of your holiday enjoying the Hotel Martini in Olbia.

Day Eight – Flight back to the UK Bid farewell to your hosts as you make the early scenic transfer back to Bonifacio and take the ferry to Santa Teresa di Gallura.

You’ll then head to Olbia for the return flight at the end of your exceptionally memorable twoisland holiday.

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Visiting two of the Mediterranean’s most diverse islands, this tour will delve into scenic northern Sardinia and the muchloved Corsican coastal resort of Ajaccio.

Hotel Martini

Port in Ajaccio

Statue of Napoléon Bonaparte in Ajaccio Porto Cervo

Dining, Old Town

Castel Vecchio

8-day escorted tour from £1,139

Capri, Pompeii & the Amalfi Coast

Discover the charm and warm hospitality of the Neapolitan Riviera, one of the Mediterranean’s most highly favoured and elegant corners.

Day One – Fly to Italy Upon arrival, meet your tour manager and board the coach for the scenic journey to the Bay of Naples, and on to your chosen hotel, in or close to Sorrento. Day Two – Explore Sorrento and surroundings at your leisure Today is free for you to rest and relax, either enjoying the facilities of the hotel, or perhaps venturing into the centre of delightful Sorrento. The town, perched upon its cliff-top, seems built between the sky and the sea, and offers everything required for an enjoyable stay. Its colourful, beating heart is the Piazza Tasso, pedestrianised in the evenings, when the bars and cafés that surround it become a perfect place to watch the locals, dressed in their ‘Sunday best’, enjoying the nightly passeggiata

On the shore, two tiny ports are backed by even tinier beaches and several boardwalks dotted with beach-huts and sun-loungers, while on the water, pleasure-craft of all shapes and sizes, as well as the occasional cruise ship, add to the colourful scene.

Three –

begins with the truly awe-inspiring ruins of Roman Pompeii, destroyed – yet miraculously preserved – by the eruption of nearby Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Buried and forgotten for hundreds of years, Pompeii was rediscovered in the 18th century, since when excavations have continued to reveal more and more of this ancient, once magnificent city, with its villas, temples and frescoed houses giving a very vivid insight into Roman life.

You’ll then journey around the bay, passing the brooding hulk of the famous volcano to one of Italy’s most colourful cities, the great southern Italian capital Naples. Highlights of a guided tour will include Garibaldi and Plebiscito squares, in the UNESCO -listed heart of the city, with their fine statues, San Carlo Opera House – second only in importance to Milan’s famed La Scala – and the Royal Palace.

You’ll also take in the medieval, turreted Castel Nuovo, the legendary ‘Egg Castle’ and the

Available Aug to Dec 2022, Jan to Jun, Sep to Dec 2023, Jan to Jun & Sep to Dec 2024

Fly direct (flight upgrades available). Prices from

• Heathrow £1,699 • Manchester £1,749* (UK connecting flights available – call us for details)

Personalise your holiday

• New Orleans City Tour (half day) – from £21 • Bayou & Alligators Tour (half day) – from £25

• Memphis: Graceland & Sounds of the South (full day) – from £89

• Studio B & the Country Music Hall of Fame (half day) – from £45 Room for Sole Use from £592

Please note: *Some departures from Manchester into the USA are via Houston instead of Atlanta and will follow a slightly different itinerary which can be seen on our website. All of the main tour highlights remain included. The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately three hours.

Day

Included visits to Pompeii and Naples Today’s included excursion

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Spend a week in the blissful surroundings of the Neapolitan Riviera

• Visit the extraordinary ruins of Roman city Pompeii, famously preserved by the catastrophic eruption of Vesuvius in AD79

• Discover and explore colourful, historic Naples, one of Italy’s most iconic cities

• Journey along the Amalfi Drive, one of Europe’s most scenic coastal roads

• Enjoy a full day on the enchanting Isle of Capri, famed for its upmarket restaurants and designer shops

• Free time to enjoy your hotel’s facilities and make the most of its stunning location, overlooking the Bay of Naples

• Seven nights’ carefully chosen three-star dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation at the Hotel Girasole Sant’ Agnello (upgrade hotels available for a supplement)

what our customers say...

The included excursions were brilliant, and we spent a fantastic day in Capri. The guides were knowledgeable and fun, and the driver was excellent too.

Pam

• Return flights to Naples, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager, with specialist local guides where applicable

spectacular view from Posillipo Hill, which rises up above the city, before you return to Sorrento at the end of a wonderful day.

Day Four – Included journey along the Amalfi Drive One of the most scenic coastal roads in Europe forms the backdrop for today’s included excursion, as fantastically shaped rocks plunge vertically into the sea and dizzy bridges span deep gorges, while in contrast, the gentlycontoured hillsides are covered in vines, fruit and olive trees. Make sure you pack your camera, as we’ll be making plenty of stops at scenic lookouts along the way!

Take in the view above the town of Positano, with its Moorish-style pink and white houses, and enjoy a visit to beautiful Amalfi, a thriving holiday resort with houses rising up the hillsides and a main square dominated by the beautiful cathedral.

Your final visit will be a trip by boat to Maiori, allowing you to take in the spectacular views of the coastline. Maiori is a colourful town with an expansive beach and charming waterfront promenade.

your hotel choices

Hotel Girasole, Sant’ Agnello HHH Half-Board from £1,139

This delightful hotel with a stunning garden and pool, a bar, lounge and restaurant, is situated one mile from the centre of Sorrento. Tastefully furnished airconditioned rooms have a hairdryer, TV, telephone and a balcony. Rooms with a garden view are available for a supplement.

Hotel Eliseo Park, Sant’ Agnello HHHH Half-Board from £1,154

This hotel is situated very close to the centre of Sant’ Agnello and only five minutes away from the sea. There are shops and restaurants close by and the centre of Sorrento is a 10-minute walk away. Wellappointed rooms have a hairdryer, air conditioning, Wi-Fi and satellite TV and a balcony. There is an outdoor pool, restaurant, lounge and bar.

Day Five – At leisure or optional countryside tour through Campania Rest and relax in Sorrento, or join today’s optional excursion, which will journey into the countryside of Campania, and will include a fascinating insight into some of the traditions and origins of the cuisine of the region.

Begin with a walking tour of Sorrento’s oldest quarters, and visit a local wine cellar, an ancient olive press and a working mozzarella farm, where the famed buffalo ‘cheese’ is still hand-made.

Of course, there will be plenty of opportunities to taste and purchase the regional produce, and your day will also include a scenic drive through some of the Sorrentine peninsula’s smaller towns, where spectacular views of the Due Golfi – Naples and Salerno – add to the enjoyment of the day.

Day Six – Included excursion to Capri Today will prove one of the undoubted highlights of your holiday, as you embark on the 20-minute jet foil crossing from Sorrento across the Bay of Naples to the wonderful Isle of Capri, one of the Mediterranean’s treasures and a famous hideaway of poets and artists. The island is known for its

craggy coastline and high-end designers shops, bars and restaurants.

On arrival, a mini-bus will take you to the picturesque village of Anacapri on the slopes of Mount Solaro. There will also be time for those who wish to take a chair lift ride to the summit of Solaro (payable locally).

You’ll continue to the island’s main town to visit the Augustus Gardens, overlooking the Canzone del Mare, former home to the legendary Gracie Fields.

Day Seven – Day at leisure Spend a last day enjoying the surroundings of the hotel, Sorrento and all its charms.

Day Eight – Fly back to the UK This morning, bid farewell to your wonderful hosts today as you board the coach for the transfer to the airport for the return flight, at the end of a marvellous holiday in one of Italy’s most beautiful regions.

Hotel Caravel, Sant’ Agnello HHHH Half-Board from £1,328

Set in a charming district of Sorrento, this hotel is approximately half a mile from the resort centre and close to the lift to Marinella Beach. Amenities include an outdoor pool and sun terrace, piano bar and roof-top terrace. All rooms have air conditioning, satellite TV, a mini-bar and a safe. Rooms with a balcony are available for a supplement.

Hotel Michelangelo, Sorrento HHHH Half-Board from £1,448

The four-star Hotel Michelangelo is set in the centre of Sorrento and looks out over the Gulf of Naples and the nearby Sorrento Harbour. Rooms are stylish, with wooden furniture and tiled floors, together with air conditioning, a TV and mini-bar. Amenities at the hotel include a lovely outdoor swimming pool and a traditional Neapolitan restaurant.

Hotel delle Palme, Sant’ Agata HHHH Half-Board

from £1,139

Originally a holiday villa during the 19th century, this charming hotel is ringed by beautiful gardens and set on the Sorrento Peninsula. An outdoor swimming pool is encircled by sun lounges and positioned near a snack bar. The hotel’s on-site restaurant specialises in Mediterranean cuisine and sources local products.

Naples

Amphitheatre, Pompeii

Puglia & the South – Undiscovered Italy

Enjoy rest and relaxation on the Adriatic shore and take in the oftenoverlooked delights of Italy’s sunkissed southern ‘high heel’.

Day One – Fly to Italy Fly to Bari, meet your tour manager and transfer to the beachside hotel in Torre Canne, and settle into your comfortable surroundings.

Depending on your arrival time, you might have time to enjoy a refreshing drink on the terrace before dinner this evening.

Day Two – Day at leisure Today is free to rest and relax in the hotel and its surroundings. Make the most of the water’s edge location, perhaps take a dip in the pool, pay a visit to the hotel’s fitness centre or simply curl up with a book on a terrace or in a lounge.

The energetic might choose to rent a bicycle from the hotel, or stroll into the nearby fishing port and small resort of Torre Canne, with its tiny harbour, working lighthouse and ample selections of cafés, bars and restaurants.

Day Three – Included Apulia tour The first of the included excursions is a perfect introduction to the unique region of Apulia, or Puglia, beginning with a visit to the stunning hill-town of Ostuni, one of southern Italy’s most

sparkling jewels, with its whitewashed houses and cobbled streets set on three hills.

Perfect for wandering, the town’s maze of alleyways opens out over some spectacular views, while the old town’s beautiful squares offer several bars and cafés, from which to watch the world go by.

Leaving Ostuni, travel back across a vine and olive-covered landscape, dotted with conical trulli houses, to Alberobello. Here, hundreds of these whitewashed, tapered, grey-roofed buildings cluster together to create one of Italy’s most arresting sights.

Return to your hotel in Torre Canne for dinner, at the end of a fascinating day.

Day Four – Included Lecce city tour The Baroque treasure-chest of Lecce, with its Roman remains, is one of Southern Italy’s most appealing cities. Today’s included tour will include the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of this historic trading centre, where elegant buildings, ornate churches and marbled courtyards reflect the town’s past importance.

Italy

Matera

Ostuni Lecce

Alberobello

Bari

Torre Canne

Trulli Houses, Alberobello

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Spend seven nights beside the brilliant blue Adriatic Sea

• Enjoy a mix of some relaxed days at leisure at the comfortable hotel and several fascinating, included excursions

• Witness hilltop Ostuni’s white walls gleaming in the Italian sun

• Take in Alberobello’s traditional, conical trulli houses

• Explore Baroque treasure-chest Lecce

• Discover the UNESCO -listed wonders of Matera’s sassi cave dwellings, inhabited from the Paleolithic Period right the way up to the 1950s

• The chance to visit the fascinating Castellana Caves and historic Locorontodo, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, on an optional excursion

• Seven nights’ carefully chosen four-star dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation

• Return flights to Bari, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager, with specialist local guides where applicable

In the central Piazza del Duomo, the Cattedrale di Lecce boasts a stunning double facade and a bell tower, while the nearby Basilica di Santa Croce features sculptures and a rose window. You’ll also visit the Sant’Oronzo Column, a Roman column crowned with a bronze statue of the city’s patron saint, and the sunken Roman amphitheatre.

You’ll return to Torre Canne in time for dinner.  Day Five – Day at leisure Today is another in which to rest and relax at the hotel, perhaps enjoying a dip in the pool or the sea, catching some sun in the hotel’s gardens, or possibly enjoying the short stroll to Torre Canne for some lunch or a spot of shopping.

Day Six – Included Matera cave tour Perhaps saving the best of the included excursions till last, today sees you head into the neighbouring province of Basilicata, to the enthralling town of Matera, a cultured oasis in the sparsely populated landscape, and famed for its extraordinary sassi. This maze of ancient troglodyte cave-dwellings was inhabited as recently as 70 years ago and

your hotel

Hotel del Levante, Torre Canne HHHH Half-Board

Just steps from the blue Adriatic, and with its own beach in addition to pools and ample sun terraces, this hotel is a perfect base to which to return at the end of a day’s touring, with a full range of comforts and amenities. Comfortable, air-conditioned rooms offer free Wi-Fi, a TV, telephone and hairdryer, and in addition to the outdoor facilities, there is a restaurant, bar and comfortable lounge. Rooms with a balcony and rooms with balcony plus sea view are available for a supplement.

is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Arriving in time for lunch (payable locally), you’ll have the opportunity to discover the history of this fascinating place, with its chiese rupestri –churches hewn from the rocks – and wander through Matera’s ancient streets and colourful piazze. After a fascinating day you’ll head back into Puglia and return to the shores of the blue Adriatic. Day Seven – At leisure, or optional tour of Castellana, Locorotondo and Martina Franca A final day brings the opportunity to rest and relax at the hotel or in Torre Canne, or to join an optional excursion, which will head back into the Apulian countryside, to first pay a visit to the extraordinary caves at Castellana, an underground network of towering stalagmites and stalactites and vast, cool caverns formed over the centuries.

Wrap up warm in the cool temperatures before emerging to enjoy a visit to the majestic, whitewashed, circular hill-town of Locorotondo, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, with its surrounding vineyards famed for their crisp white wines.

A visit is made to a local cellar for the opportunity to taste the local production, as well as some regional specialities, before an enjoyable day is completed with a short call in the historic town of Martina Franca, where an enthralling Baroque heart is hidden behind the modern buildings of the new town. Return to Torre Canne for a last evening at the hotel, no doubt reflecting on a relaxing and fascinating holiday in the south of Italy.

Day Eight – Fly back to the UK Say goodbye to your Apulian hosts this morning, as you re-board the coach for the transfer back to Bari Airport and the return flight to the UK, at the end of a holiday in a truly magical and wonderful corner of Italy.

The hotel was truly amazing - on the beach with all the facilities you could wish for. All the trips, including the optional, just take your breath away.

Anne

With an ideal base in the rural town of Torre Canne, you’ll experience the best of Puglia. From the rock churches of Matera to the ‘Florence of the South’ Lecce, this tour will explore some of Italy’s hidden gems.

Ostuni

Locorotondo

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Rock Churches of Matera

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8-day escorted tour from £1,329

Classic Sicily, Etna & Taormina

Lift the veil on Italy’s fascinating southern island outpost, its ancient treasures, natural wonders, sun-kissed beaches and elegant resorts.

Day One – Fly from the UK to Italy Fly to Catania on Sicily’s east coast, meet your tour manager and transfer to your first hotel in the quiet seaside resort of Mazzaforno. Rest and relax after the journey and have dinner in the hotel.

Day Two – Included Palermo guided tour Embark on this morning’s included tour, first calling at the Benedictine monastery at Monreale. Acknowledged as one of Sicily’s greatest architectural glories, this abbey cathedral is a mix of Romanesque, Byzantine and Arab design.

Enjoy a guided walking tour of Palermo, the island capital that has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Founded by the Phoenicians, and later home to Carthaginian, Greek and Norman conquerors, Palermo, once Europe’s richest city, offers a glimpse of the entire history of Southern Italy in one place.

Wander the streets of its four quarters, the Quattro Canti, watching the world go by from a seat in one of the city’s countless bars and

Available Aug to Dec 2022, Jan to Jun, Sep to Dec 2023, Jan to Jun & Sep to Dec 2024 Fly direct (flight upgrades available). Prices from

• Heathrow £1,699 • Manchester £1,749* (UK connecting flights available – call us for details) Personalise your holiday

• New Orleans City Tour (half day) – from £21 • Bayou & Alligators Tour (half day) – from £25

• Memphis: Graceland & Sounds of the South (full day) – from £89

• Studio B & the Country Music Hall of Fame (half day) – from £45 Room for Sole Use from £592

Please note: *Some departures from Manchester into the USA are via Houston instead of Atlanta and will follow a slightly different itinerary which can be seen on our website. All of the main tour highlights remain included. The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately three hours.

Day Three – Visit to Cefalù The morning sees you in the nearby coastal city of Cefalù. Dominated by a mighty cathedral, which we visit, and the craggy outcrop of ‘La Rocca’, Cefalù is part fishing port, part holiday resort. The 12th-century cathedral is home to one of the world’s finest Byzantine mosaics, and the surrounding maze of medieval cobbled streets is a delight to wander through.

The more energetic might even consider a climb to the Temple of Diana on the slopes of La Rocca.

The town boasts a superb beach of fine sand, and there’s a good selection of shops, restaurants and pavement cafés for you to explore and soak up the local atmosphere before you return to the hotel this afternoon.

Day Four – Explore Piazza Armerina Bidding farewell to Mazzaforno, travel deep into the

cafés. Return to the hotel later this afternoon, where you can spend some time before dinner by the pool or on the hotel’s private beach.

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Three nights close to historic Cefalù

• Visit Monreale’s Benedictine monastery

• Walking tour of Sicily’s capital Palermo

• Explore the Roman mosaics at Piazza Armerina

• Spend four nights in a charming hotel beneath fabled Taormina

• Etna cable-car ascent – one of the highest volcanoes in Europe

• Enjoy Taormina, a beautiful hilltop town

• A day exploring the Aeolian Islands

• Visit Syracuse, rich in Greek and Roman history

• Seven nights’ carefully chosen four-star dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation

• Return flights to Sicily, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager, with specialist local guides where applicable

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Each of the previous rulers of Sicily has left their legacies on this island with their customs, architecture, and cuisine.

Sicilian interior, to the medieval town of Piazza Armerina, set high in wooded hills, and close to the Roman villa at Casale, with its well-preserved mosaics, giving an insight into Imperial life.

Continue to your second hotel, positioned above the resort of Giardini-Naxos, beneath fabled hilltown of Taormina. Rest and relax, perhaps in the pool or spa, and enjoy dinner in the hotel.

Day Five – Included Etna and Taormina tour

Today’s included tour first heads to the southern slopes of towering Mount Etna. Ascend by cable car to a height of 2,300 metres, to take in impressive views on clear days, and you can walk to the base of the volcano’s crater.

Taormina is no less stunning, with its marbled squares and flower-decked streets lined with restaurants – perfect spots for lunch. The famous Greco-Roman theatre is cut into the mountainside.

Once used for gladiatorial contests, it is now a setting for modern performances that compete for audiences’ attention with the vistas of Etna and the sea.

your hotels

Hotel Baia del Capitano, Mazzaforno HHHH

Half-Board nights 1-3

Overlooking a sandy beach and enclosed by palm trees and olive groves, and located within the Bay of Mazzaforno, just a short drive from Cefalù. An elevated position allows for beautiful views over the sea, and facilities include two restaurants, three bars, an expansive sun terrace, an outdoor pool and a tennis court. Light, air-conditioned rooms, with a Sicilian style, feature Wi-Fi, TVs and mini-bars.

After a special day, return to the hotel for dinner. Day Six – Included Aeolian Island cruise On yet another memorable day, journey to the north coast port of Milazzo, where you’ll step aboard a ferry for the one-hour crossing to the glorious, volcanic Aeolian Isles, which rise out of the blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Arrive on the largest island Lípari, passing Vulcano with its brooding crater, and after docking in Marina Lunga, it is a short transfer to Lípari Town to spend a couple of hours, before returning to the mainland and back to the hotel for dinner.

Day Seven – Included Syracuse city tour Unearth the treasures of one of Sicily’s most important cities today, as you make the short journey to discover Syracuse. The former centre of the Greek empire, the ancient heart of the city is on Ortigia island, upon which great temples of Apollo and Athena were built.

Visit the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, which contains one of the finest Greek theatres on the island, the Ear of Dionysus and the Cave of Cordari. Return to the hotel for a farewell dinner.

Day Eight – Fly back to the UK It’s “Arrivederci, Sicilia”, as you leave the hotel and transfer back to the airport for your return flight to the UK, at the end of an incredible exploration of a truly intriguing island.

fun fact...

Did you know that Mount Etna has been erupting for hundreds of thousands of years, on and off?

Half-Board nights 4-7 Centred around an expansive outdoor swimming pool, this casual hotel also has private access to a nearby beach. Air-conditioned guestrooms feature tea/coffee-making facilities, TVs, mini-bars, and free Wi-Fi. Two on-site restaurants serve Italian, Sicilian, and international food in a buffet style. refreshments throughout the day, and a bar lounge hosts live entertainment every evening.

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Among the many bars of Palermo, you should try Antico Caffe’ Spinnato, where you can sit outdoors with a Granita al Caffe con Panna (shaved coffee ice with whipped cream) and watch people go by.

Caesar Palace Hotel, Naxos Taormina HHHH

Belvedere of Taormina and San Giuseppe church

Taormina & Mount Etna

Cathedral of Monreale

Caesar Palace Hotel

Granita al Caffe con Panna

Hotel Baia del Capitano

Seek out cultural, historical, and natural splendours, from coastal highlights to alpine wonders and enrapturing cities in between.

Amsterdam & the Dutch Bulbfields 62

Icelandic Summer 64

Iceland – Reykjavík & the Northern Lights 66

Norway – Northern Lights & Arctic Adventure 67

The Beautiful Fjords of Western Norway 68

Hidden Portugal 70

Lisbon, Seville & the Glorious Algarve 72

Pousadas of Portugal 74

Seville, Granada & Classic Spain 76

Historic Paradors of Hidden Spain 78

Little Trains of the Pyrenees 80

Carcassonne, Avignon & Beautiful Provence 82

Swiss Alpine Glories & the GoldenPass Train 84 Salzburg & the Austria Tyrol 86

The Spirit of Kraków 88

Prague, Vienna & Budapest 90

Dubrovnik, Montenegro & the Dalmatian Coast 92

Croatia’s Istrian Riviera & Lake Bled 94

Classical Greece & the Ancient World 96

Greek Island-Hopping Adventure 98

Cyprus Discovered – Paphos 99

Valletta, Mdina & the Wonders of Malta 100

Hidden Secrets of Northern Cyprus 102

Jordan – Petra & the Dead Sea 103

Istanbul, Ephesus & Troy 104

Jerusalem, Galilee & The Holy Land 106

We’ve just returned from exploring beautiful Dubrovnik and the Dalmatian Coast. It was very well organised from start to finish – everything ran like clockwork. The courier and the driver were helpful and knowledgeable. We saw some great places – thank you, Newmarket Holidays!

David – Dubrovnik, Montenegro & the Dalmatian Coast

Széchenyi Chain Bridge Budapest

Amsterdam & the Dutch Bulbfields

Enjoy the best of springtime Holland’s colours and scents on this tremendous value break, taking in vibrant Dutch capital Amsterdam and medieval Utrecht.

Day One – Fly to Holland Fly to Amsterdam, meet your tour manager and transfer into the heart of the colourful Dutch capital.

Spend the afternoon in this exciting city of canals and cobblestones, bars, coffee shops, cafés and world-class museums.

Enjoy an included canal cruise – arguably the best way to see the sights of the city –and take the opportunity to grab a bite to eat in one of Amsterdam’s many cafés and restaurants before returning to the coach as you begin the journey to your hotel for the next three nights.

Day Two – Explore the gardens at Keukenhof A wonderful day awaits you today. After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll board the coach to begin the scenic journey to the gardens at Keukenhof - also known as the ‘Garden of Europe’, one of the world’s largest flower gardens.

Here some seven million flowers carpet the ground in a breath-taking horticultural display that attracts visitors from around the world each

year. There is a variety of 800 different tulips, and each year a specific theme.

You can wander the pathways that meander through this floral paradise, perhaps stopping in one of the gardens’ restaurants and cafés for lunch.

You can even take an optional canal boat ride (payable locally) along the waterways that thread their way through the stunning gardens before returning to your hotel for dinner and to relax this evening.

Day Three – Visit the villages of the Zuider Zee After breakfast, you’ll set off to the delightful villages of Holland’s windmill-dotted landscape and the reclaimed Zuider Zee, which form the background to this morning’s touring.

You can stroll the pretty streets of the historic fishing village of Volendam – once trodden by the likes of Picasso and Renoir – and catch a glimpse of Dutch life through the ages in its preserved traditional houses.

Keukenhof

Keukenhof

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Explore colourful Amsterdam on a canal cruise

• Spend a day at Keukenhof, perhaps the world’s most famous flower garden

• Explore the picturesque Zuiderzee fishing villages of Volendam and Zaanse Schans

• Taste original Edam cheese

• Enjoy an early evening visit to Amsterdam

• Free time to explore Amsterdam under your own steam

• Visit medieval gem Utrecht, with its stunning Gothic cathedral

• Three nights’ carefully chosen bed and breakfast accommodation at the threestar Ibis Hotel, Tilburg or four-star Inntel Rotterdam Centre

• A three-course dinner on the evening of Day Two

• Return flights to Amsterdam, with coach travel and transfers throughout

You’ll also enjoy behind-the-scenes insights into two of Holland’s most traditional crafts as the tour heads to Zaandam and its famous windmills to watch a wooden shoemaking demonstration at Zaanse Schans in Zaandam, and visit the famous cheese-producing town of Edam.

This charming village looks out over IJsselmeer Lake and encompasses lovely shopping lanes and a beautiful old inner city.

Later this afternoon you’ll return to Amsterdam for another chance to explore the fascinating Dutch capital.

Why not visit one of the city’s museums and galleries? The Van Gogh Museum and the vast Rijksmuseum, which houses the works of Old Masters, including Rembrandt’s astonishing ‘The Night Watch’, are well worth a visit.

Alternatively, you can wander around the colourful stalls of the flower market.

Other activities you might like to enhance your itinerary with include a visit to the NEMO Science Museum housed in a striking boat-like building or

your hotels

Ibis Hotel, Tilburg HHH Bed & Breakfast & one dinner from £599

The modern, friendly Ibis offers comfortable accommodation close to Tilburg’s centre and its attractions. As well as comfortable, simply furnished rooms with a TV and complimentary WiFi, there is a restaurant on site, together with a bar and a garden terrace.

Inntel Hotels Rotterdam Centre HHHH Bed & Breakfast & one dinner from £694

Located at the foot of the Erasmus bridge, this modern hotel has well-equipped rooms with TV and free Wi-Fi. There is also a spa, swimming pool and Bar & Brasserie Water restaurant.

the ornate Royal Palace of Amsterdam that dates back to the 17th century.

After exploring, you may want a refreshment, and Heineken’s oldest brewery, in the centre of the city or the illuminated and unique Icebar, are just some of the places to go.

As the sun sets across the canals, you can spend your last evening enjoying dinner in one of the many inviting restaurants this wonderful city has to offer.

You’ll then return to the hotel late in the evening.

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While you’re in Utrecht, the local smoked eel and herring are really worth trying.

Day Four – A final morning in Medieval Utrecht It’s your last day and you’ll start by bidding farewell to your hotel, and returning to the airport

via Utrecht, one of Holland’s most lovely medieval cities and famed for its Gothic cathedral.

Enjoy far-reaching views from Holland’s highest tower, the Dom Tower. Then perhaps stop for a coffee, beer or light lunch in one of the many cafés, restaurants and bars that line Utrecht’s canals and cobbled streets.

This will be the final highlight of your delightful Dutch break.

You’ll then be driven to the airport to catch your flight back home.

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The hidden gem of Utrecht is one of our favourite towns in The Netherlands. This centuries-old university town is connected by canals and has a lively café scene and the Dom Tower at its heart.

Ibis Hotel

Inntel Hotels

Amsterdam

Volendam Utrecht

Flower

Icelandic Summer

Make the most of the long, light days of the Icelandic summer as you enjoy an unforgettable break in the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’.

Day One – Fly to Iceland Upon arrival, meet your tour manager at Keflavík International Airport. Transfer to your hotel in Reykjavík.

Spend the rest of the day relaxing and acclimatising to your new surroundings, perhaps opting to explore the cafés and shops of Laugavegur, a short walk from your hotel. Enjoy dinner by your own arrangement as you look forward to a wonderful few days ahead.

Day Two – Included Reykjavík and Golden Circle Tour This morning’s included tour will acquaint you with delightful Reykjavík, taking in the shoreside Pearl Centre, fashioned from disused water tanks, the towering Hallgrim’s Church and the Lutheran Cathedral. This afternoon enjoy an included Golden Circle tour, which includes visits to the extraordinary sight of Thingvellir, a great lava arena where the world’s oldest national parliament, the Althing, was established in 930AD, and to Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest freshwater lake. You’ll also take in the Great Geysir, now all but extinct, but where

its neighbour Strokkur spouts impressively every 10 minutes or so. The fascinating tour is completed with visits to the stunning Gulfoss Waterfall and the fascinating Friðheimar greenhouse cultivation centre, where organically grown vegetables are produced with the aid of geothermal heat. Return to your hotel in Reykjavík for the evening, perhaps heading out for dinner at a local restaurant.

Day Three – Scenic Transfer to Akureyri This morning you’ll depart Reykjavík and travel to your new hotel in Akureyri, Iceland’s secondlargest city. Akureyri is located on the country’s northern coast, and you’ll make several interesting stops along the way. Call first at Borgarfjörður, a picturesque area between Reykjavík and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, home to a delightful fjord, fed by trickles of water from the rolling hills and mountains that frame this wonderful scene. Your last stop will be the charming coastal town of Blönduós, before arriving at your new hotel in the late

Goðafoss Waterfalls

Humpback whale Haugunes

Iceland Reykjavík

Borgarfjörður 64 Book online: newmarketholidays.co.uk

Blönduós Lake Mývatn

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Spend seven fascinating days in the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’

• Explore Reykjavík, the world’s most northerly capital, and the dramati0c Golden Circle

• Experience Iceland’s unique landscape, with its pristine glaciers, smouldering volcanoes and sprouting geysirs

• Enjoy a tour of Mývatn Lake, including the Goðafoss Waterfalls and nature baths

• Discover Víðimýri Church, one of Iceland’s few remaining turfed churches

• Learn about the famed Icelandic horse during a fascinating stable visit

• The chance to join an optional whale-watching tour at Hauganes and a brewery tour

• Six nights’ carefully chosen three-and fourstar bed and breakfast accommodation

• A three-course evening meal

• Return flights to Reykjavík (Keflavik), with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

Iceland is an island of waterfalls, geysers, and volcanoes. This enjoyable trip was enhanced with excursions by our guide Christopher who had great knowledge and a sense of humour. Joe

afternoon, where you’ll enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Day Four – Tour of Mývatn Join your tour manager this morning for an included excursion to the Mývatn region. Your tour begins at the Goðafoss Waterfalls (Waterfall of the Gods).

According to myth, the waterfall was named in 100AD, when Icelanders accepted Christianity as their faith, symbolically throwing statues of the pagan Norse gods into the water at Goðafoss.

Continue to Lake Mývatn, which is something of an ornithologist’s heaven, attracting many interesting bird species, including one of the world’s largest ducks, the common eider. You’ll also visit the nearby Mývatn Nature Baths, where you’ll have the chance to bathe in the famous natural hot springs.

The tour continues to the boiling fumaroles of Námskarðar and the chain of craters at Skútustaðir, before you return to your hotel in the early evening, for an included three-course meal.

Day Five – Optional Whale-Watching and Brewery Tour Today, you can choose between joining an

your hotels

Skuggi Hotel, Reykjavík HHH Bed & Breakfast nights 1-2 & 6

Boasting a favourable location at the northern end of one of Reykjavík’s oldest streets, close to the cafés and shops of Laugavegur. Inside, rooms at the Skuggo feature volcanic colour schemes, with prominent use of blacks and grey, together with a TV, mini-bar and complimentary Wi-Fi. Facilities at the hotel include a bar, and for the energetic, a bike hire service (payable locally).

Hotel Kea, Akureyri HHHH Bed & Breakfast nights 3-5

This four-star hotel is located on a lively pedestrian street, close to the Eyjafjördur Fjord and a five-minute walk from Akureyri Church and the botanical gardens. Rooms are bright and airy, with wooden floors and feature a TV, together with tea/ coffemaking facilities.

optional whale-watching tour at Hauganes, followed by a brewery visit, or spending the day at leisure, perhaps exploring Akuryeri. Haugunes is a small coastal village, just outside of Akureyri, on the Eyjafjördur Bay. Guests who choose the optional excursion will board a small boat to make the 15-minute journey to the centre of the bay, where whales often congregate. In the afternoon, continue to a local brewery where they brew Kaldi, a popular Icelandic beer, for a tour and, of course, a tasting session.

However you chose to spend your day, enjoy your final evening in Akuryeri at leisure.

Day Six – Transfer to Reykjavík, via Víðimýri Church Today you will transfer back to Reykjavík, calling en route at the picturesque Víðimýri Church, one of Iceland’s few remaining turfed churches.

This well-preserved example dates to the mid-19th century, when many churches and other buildings were roofed with turf to protect them from the country’s harsh climate.

Continue your journey to Reykjavík, stopping at a local stable on the way. The Icelandic horse, a distinct breed native to the country, has developed thicker hair to deal with the extreme temperatures, and often only grows to be the size of a pony. Enjoy a tour of the stable and learn more about the Icelandic horse, as you see some in the flesh. Upon arrival at Reykjavík, check-in and enjoy a final night in the welcoming Icelandic capital, dining at your leisure, no doubt reflecting on a wonderful few days.

Day Seven – Return to the UK Transfer back to the airport for your return flight, after a delightful break in Iceland.

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Mývatn Nature Baths Icelandic horses

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Hallgrimskirkja Church Reykjavik

Skuggi Hotel Hotel

With an abundance of wildlife, awe-inspiring waterfalls, and active volcanoes, this seven-day tour of Iceland in the summer will let you experience a side of Iceland, which is often overlooked.

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Thingvellir Waterfall

Did you know that Iceland was the last place on Earth to be settled by humans?

Iceland –Reykjavík & the Northern Lights

Discover Europe’s most surprising capital, explore the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’ and search for a celestial phenomenon.

Enjoy a break with a difference, as you fly to the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’ to explore one of Europe’s most surprising and welcoming cities, together with its surrounding glaciated landscape of smouldering volcanoes, plunging waterfalls, bubbling thermal pools and spouting geysers. With the chance perhaps to witness the extraordinary Aurora Borealis, a sight that has captivated and bewildered generations, this is a simply irresistible few days away.

An included, guided city tour introduces fascinating Reykjavík and its surroundings on your first morning. See landmarks such as the Presidential Residence and the towering Hallgrim’s Church. An optional excursion then offers the chance to take a dip in the mineral-laden waters of the Blue Lagoon. You can also join the optional Golden Circle tour to see Þingvellir - the green expanse where Iceland’s ancient parliament (the Alþingi) used to meet. Here, you can stop beside the (near-extinct) original Geysir and time the gap between the eruptions from the nearby, and far more frequent, Strokkur waterspout. The highlight of the tour comes this evening, when you’ll head out of the city to search for the Aurora Borealis - the enchanting Northern Lights - flickering in the Icelandic night sky. Should you be lucky enough to see it, the phenomenon is a sight to behold.

at a glance...

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• A guided tour of the fascinating city of Reykjavík, Europe’s most northerly capital and one of its most welcoming

• Experience the lunar-like landscapes of Iceland, strewn with geysers, thermal pools, waterfalls and volcanoes

• Go in search of the celestial occurrence of Aurora Borealis – the fabled Northern Lights Join an optional excursion, taking in volcanoes and puffins

• Four nights’ carefully chosen bed and breakfast accommodation at the Hotel Cabin, Reykjavik (Hotel Klettur available for a supplement)

• Return flights to Reykjavík (Keflavik), with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

your hotels

Hotel Cabin, Reykjavík HH Bed & Breakfast from £735

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The Cabin is a modern, well-equipped hotel offering comfortable rooms with satellite TV, and public amenities which include a restaurant serving buffet breakfast and a lobby bar.

Hotel Klettur, Reykjavík HHH Bed & Breakfast from £845

The hotel offers a bar and lounge area, breakfast room and reception. The bedrooms have satellite TV, a telephone, mini-fridge and tea/coffee-making facilities.

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Northern Lights, Reykjavík

Explore the delights of Tromsø, where the quayside market, famous Polar Museum, paying tribute to Arctic pioneers, stunning Arctic Cathedral, Nordnorsk art museum, waterside Polaria exhibition and the Ludwig Mack Brewery are amongst the highlights. Join the included excursion to an Aurora Base Station, for the best chance of glimpsing the extraordinary celestial phenomenon that flickers in the northern skies, and perhaps take the cable car to the summit of Mount Storsteinen for unsurpassed views.

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Mar 2023, Feb & Mar 2024 Fly direct from this airport. Prices from

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– £189

– £189

• Sami Reindeer Experience (approx 4 hours) – £145

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This four-day tour offers a picturepostcard of Norway. You have an opportunity to choose the activity which best suits you. From snowmobiling to meeting the indigenous Sami tribes, you’ll be inspired and informed.

4-day

escorted

Norway –Northern Lights & Arctic Adventure

The above timings include travel to and from the excursion.

Please note: The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 30 minutes.

The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and therefore we can not guarantee that you will be able to view them during your visit. The order of the itinerary may change in order to give you the best chance of experiencing the Northern Lights.

*This excursion requires a moderate level of physical fitness as you must be able to push a sleigh uphill with no assistance.

at a glance...

Tour

Highlights & Inclusions

• Experience the wonders of the Arctic winter

• Go in search of the Northern Lights on an included excursion to an Aurora Base Station

• Visit Tromsø’s Polar Museum, and waterside Polaria complex

• Visit futuristic Arctic Cathedral, cutting-edge Kunstforening gallery and the Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum of modern art

• Visit ‘the world’s northernmost brewery’

• Enjoy Tromsø’s bars, restaurants and cafés

• Choose from exciting range of optional excursions, including dog-sledding, snowmobiling, a Fjord and Wildlife Cruise, and the chance to meet the indigenous, Sami people

• Three nights’ carefully chosen three-star bed and breakfast accommodation

• Return flights to Tromsø, with coach travel and transfers throughout

Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

your hotels

Thon Hotel, Tromsø HHH Bed & Breakfast

Located in central Tromsø, near the main shopping street, this modern, comfortable hotel offers accommodation in bright and stylish rooms, with lively decor, a TV and mini-bar. Complimentary Wi-Fi is included throughout the hotel and the Polar Museum is 800 yards away. The hotel also features a contemporary breakfast room.

Scan the QR code with the camera on your device then click the link to access more information on this tour.

Join our Community @NewmarketHolidays @NewmarketHols @NewmarketHolidays_ 67 Call us on: 0330 341 1924

Tromsø

8-day escorted tour from £1,299

The Beautiful Fjords of Western Norway

This journey to one of the world’s most delightful destinations is less a holiday and more a souvenir to be treasured for life.

Day One – Fly to Norway Upon arrival in Bergen, meet your tour manager and make the memorably scenic transfer by coach to the idyllic village of Balestrand, on the shores of mighty Sognefjord, and to the warm and welcoming Kviknes Hotel.

Relax, unwind and settle in to your room as you acquaint yourself with your beautiful surroundings, before enjoying your first evening in the hotel.

Day Two – At leisure in Balestrand Today is free to get to know Balestrand and its welcoming inhabitants, all of whom are keen to act as hosts for your visit, sharing their love of their beautiful location with you. Sognefjord – at 110 miles long, one of the world’s largest and, at 4,265 feet, one of the deepest – has been welcoming guests since the late 19th century, since the first British travellers came in search of clear mountain air and stunning scenery.

The village, with its few shops, café, bank, historic wooden English church and neat,

Available Aug to Dec 2022, Jan to Jun, Sep to Dec 2023, Jan to Jun & Sep to Dec 2024

Fly direct (flight upgrades available). Prices from

• Heathrow £1,699 • Manchester £1,749* (UK connecting flights available – call us for details)

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• New Orleans City Tour (half day) – from £21 • Bayou & Alligators Tour (half day) – from £25

• Memphis: Graceland & Sounds of the South (full day) – from £89

• Studio B & the Country Music Hall of Fame (half day) – from £45 Room for Sole Use from £592

Please note: *Some departures from Manchester into the USA are via Houston instead of Atlanta and will follow a slightly different itinerary which can be seen on our website. All of the main tour highlights remain included. The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately three hours.

white-painted cottages and stylish artists’ villas, is surrounded by orchards. In springtime the valleys are be-decked with blossom, while winter still reigns in the mountains. In the autumn, new snow adorns the peaks, while summer lingers by the fjord, and the forests beyond the fjord-side are ablaze with vibrant colour.

Whichever season you visit Balestrand the beauty of the natural setting will live long in the memory, as will the warmth of the welcome you receive virtually everywhere you go.

Day Three – Included Bergen cruise excursion The first of the included excursions is an unforgettable day trip, by express boat through the stunning scenery of Western Norway, to historic Bergen, the former Hanseatic trading port that is known as the ‘Gateway to the Fjords’.

Join us to explore this city of narrow cobbled streets and medieval houses, with its vibrant harbour area with an open-air fish market.

Kviknes Hotel

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Enjoy a stunning stay in a wonderful fjord-side Swiss-style hotel, where you’ll be treated as honoured guests by the welcoming villagers

• Enjoy buffet-style meals served in the hotel’s fine restaurant, overlooking the majestic fjord

• Journey by express boat from your hotel through breathtaking scenery to ‘fjordland capital’ Bergen, home to a colourful old town

• Discover the region on a fascinating Fjord Life tour

• Tour Norway’s pristine interior on the unforgettable ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ optional excursion, which will take you to breathtaking locations, the Jostedal Glacier, and then to Myrdal, Flåm and Gudvangen

• Seven nights’ carefully chosen four-star dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation

• Return flights to Bergen, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

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The fjords of Norway are said to be some of the most scenic landscapes in the world, and this tour does not disappoint.

Former residence of medieval kings and queens and seat of a university, Bergen was also the birthplace of composer Edvard Grieg, one of Norway’s most famous sons. Don’t miss the chance to stroll through the ancient Bryggen area with its beautifully preserved wooden warehouses, nor the opportunity to view the city from above, by taking the quaint Fløibanen funicular railway to the summit of ‘Mount’ Fløyen. You’ll return to Balestrand in time for dinner.

Day Four – At leisure or optional Jostedal Glacier excursion Today you are free to rest and relax in your idyllic surroundings, perhaps making use of the hotel facilities or exploring the village once again.

Our trip was excellent - fabulous scenery, and interesting and spectacular excursions as expected.

William

your hotels

Kviknes Hotel, Balestrand HHHH Half-Board

The Kviknes Hotel is a magnificent, fjord-side, Swiss-style, wooden building, with a modern addition, both set against a breathtaking backdrop of snow-capped peaks. The hotel has fine public areas, including a spacious restaurant overlooking the fjord, large and comfortable lounges and a stylish bar – echoes of a bygone era!

We offer a choice of three room types at Kviknes. Choose the ‘Standard’ Room and you’ll be allocated a room by the hotelier on the ground floor in the modern building. For a supplement, stay in a room on a ‘Higher Floor’ with a balcony, or in a room with a balcony and truly spectacular ‘fjord view’, both in the modern bedroom addition, which is connected to the reception area of the main building via a lift. All rooms have satellite TV and a telephone.

Alternatively, you might choose to join the optional tour to the breathtaking Jostedal Glacier. This formerly impenetrable east-west barrier – mainland Europe’s largest ice-flow – is a mesmerising natural wonder dominating the northern hinterland of the fjords. A visit to Jostedal Glacier is highly recommended, as much for the awe-inspiring sight of the glacier itself as for spending some time looking around the informative Norwegian Glacier Museum with its fascinating exhibits and displays, housed in a contemporary building with a picturesque mountain backdrop.

Day Five – At leisure or optional ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ excursion Enjoy another day in your beautiful surroundings, or take the famous tour, that is one of the world’s most scenic journeys, by coach, boat and train, across the most stunning parts of the region.

The day includes the unforgettable experience of the world famous Flåmsbana branch line train ride from Myrdal to Flåm – a truly remarkable 50-minute, 12-mile descent of 2,952 feet down the steep-sided valley – and a two-hour cruise through the pristine

waters of spectacular Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord to the tiny port of Gudvangen.

Day Six – Included Fjord-Life excursion Join your guide for a day spent exploring beautiful Sognefjord, including the fascinating Heiburgske Samlinger Sogn Folk Museum and the 12thcentury Kaupanger Stave Church.

Day Seven – At leisure in Balestrand A final day spent in Balestrand is free to savour and make the very most of this special village and its surroundings, and no doubt to bid farewell to your friendly hosts.

This evening, enjoy a final dinner in the hotel, no doubt reflecting on a truly unforgettable week in one of the world’s most beautiful, unspoilt corners.

Day Eight – Fly back to the UK Bid goodbye to Balestrand, as you make the scenic way back to Bergen for your return flight to the UK, no doubt armed with a treasure trove of wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.

Experience the scenic Bergen Railway, the breathtaking Flåm Railway, the Aurlandsfjord, the narrow and dramatic UNESCO-protected Nærøyfjord, and a bus trip through the beautiful scenery of Western Norway.

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‘Norway in a Nutshell’

Kviknes Hotel

Kviknes Hotel

Sognefjord

Øyvind Heen - © Visitnorway.com

Bergen

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Hidden Portugal

Discover a delightful corner of Portugal brimming with fascination, exuding the warmest of welcomes and home to famous port wines.

Day One – Fly to Portugal Upon arrival in Porto, meet your tour manager at the airport and board the coach for the short transfer to your chosen hotel.

Rest, relax and unwind, then enjoy a first evening in Portugal at leisure, perhaps making use of the hotel facilities.

Day Two – Included Porto tour Our first included excursion, taken in the company of your tour manager, is a full-day visit to Portugal’s second city, Porto. The city that gave its name to the country is ancient, time weathered, and clings haphazardly to the hillsides above the beautiful River Douro.

During the day there will also be a visit to one of the city’s many famous port wine lodges, the chance perhaps to enjoy lunch in a riverside restaurant and an optional boat trip on the Douro will also be available (payable locally). After a wonderful day, you’ll return to your hotel in Póvoa in time for dinner.

Day Three – Optional Douro River Valley excursion Rest and relax in Póvoa and its

surroundings, or join the first of the optional excursions, a guided introduction to the beautiful, wine-producing Douro Valley.

Those who join the optional excursion will take in the romantic Amarante area and the wonderfully scenic Mesao Frio en route to the small port of Régua, the home of port-wine. There will be a visit to a working quinta, and the opportunity to stroll through the estate’s vineyards as the history of port-wine making is explained.

Often overlooked by visitors to Portugal, the region to the north of Porto has an incredible amount of attractions and sites, plus the iconic vineyards of the Douro Valley.

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Porto

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Explore the city’s splendid setting, with its narrow streets clustered above the River Douro

• Pay a visit to a port wine lodge

• Enjoy a wonderful journey along the scenic Costa Verde

• A leisurely walking tour of Póvoa

• Explore the Vinho Verde vineyards

• Discover historic Ponte de Lima’s ancient Roman bridge

• Explore the historic fishing towns of Póvoa de Varzim and Vila do Conde

• Guided visits to Viana do Castelo and Ponte de Lima in the northern Minho region

• Seven nights’ carefully chosen three-star dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation at the Axir Ofir Beach Hotel, Esposende (upgrade hotel available for a supplement)

• Return flights to Porto, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

Day Four – Optional walking tour of Póvoa

Spend another relaxed day in the hotel and its surroundings, with the chance to join your tour manager for a leisurely guided stroll along the seafront promenade and delightful Póvoa de Varzim.

Take in the beautiful beach and the sweeping Atlantic views, and discover the tiny port, where the local fishermen land their catch in a traditional fashion. A selection of shops, bars, cafés and restaurants – most serving freshly caught seafood – as well as the well-known Monumental Casino ensure Póvoa’s reputation as a pleasant holiday resort.

Day Five – Optional Barcelos and Braga excursion Today’s full-day optional tour first takes in Barcelos, home to Europe’s largest open-air market, which is a colourful, bustling hive of activity offering a huge range of locally produced goods. From here the tour will continue to Braga, former catholic capital of Portugal, with its great cathedral, and where the fabled Bom Jesus do Monte complex, which consists of a shrine and Neoclassical church standing at over 1,310 feet above sea level, affords

your hotel choices

Axis Ofir Beach Hotel, Esposende HHHH Half-Board from £925

Positioned on a beach facing the Atlantic Ocean, this sleek resort is enclosed by pine groves and offers a range of facilities. With contemporary designs, guestrooms feature private balconies and TVs.

Axis Vermar Beach Hotel, Póvoa de Varzim

marvellous views. Set in the heart of the verdant Minho region in Portugal’s northwest, ancient university seat Braga is one of the country’s oldest settlements and its spiritual capital.

Day Six – At leisure or optional Santiago de Compostela excursion The last of the optional excursions journeys across the border, to fabled Santiago de Compostela, one of Spain’s most historic and beautiful cities. Marvellously preserved, the Romanesque cathedral lies at the city’s heart, perhaps the first-ever tourist destination for the thousands of pilgrims who, in medieval times, followed the route along the Camino to Santiago.

Day Seven – Included tour of the Minho region The included tour today takes in the beautiful coastal region of the Minho region, which stretches for 60 scenic miles and includes the typical seaside town of Viana do Castelo, with its colourful buildings and seafront promenade, lined with restaurants and bars, situated on the estuary of the River Lima, and further inland the market town of Ponte de Lima.

One of the highlights in Viana do Castelo is the ornate Basilica de Santa Lucia, which boasts sweeping views over the surrounding area from its domed top, and also has a museum.

The tour continues through the Vinho Verde vineyards, and to the historic market town of Ponte de Lima, famous for its 18th-century fountain and ancient Roman bridge.

Day Eight – Fly home to the UK Bid farewell to this delightful region of Portugal and your welcoming hosts, as you prepare for the transfer back to the airport and the return flight home, at the end of a hugely enjoyable stay in a beguiling corner of the continent.

travel tips...

Try the famous Porto sandwich, Francesinha, which is filled with layers of beef steak, cured meat, and fresh sausages, topped with cheese and covered with a beer sauce.

HHHH

Half-Board from £974

Located next to the beach in the centre of Póvoa de Varzim, and offers an indoor spa (payable locally) and outdoor pool, tennis courts, a comfortable bar and lounge areas, a reception and restaurant with glorious sea views. There is also a wellness centre. Air-conditioned rooms offer a hairdryer, a mini-bar and a satellite TV.

Lisbon Sardines na Brasa

Bom Jesus shrine

Porto

Porto Sandwich

Ponte de Lima

Axis Ofir Beach Hotel

Axis Vermar Beach Hotel

Lisbon, Seville & the Glorious Algarve

Explore

Day One – Fly to Portugal Fly to Faro, meet your tour manager and transfer to Albufeira and your hotel. Settle in and enjoy your first evening, perhaps heading into town before dinner.

Day Two – Day at leisure Today you’re free to enjoy the facilities of the hotel and its surroundings, perhaps venturing the short distance into Albufeira, to enjoy the atmosphere of the celebrated ‘Gateway to the Algarve’. Albufeira started life as a fishing village, and the daily catch is still landed in the harbour and brought straight to the colourful market most mornings.

Wander through the narrow streets of the Moorish Old Town, take a seat in a café in the main square, or hunt out bargains in the great selection of shops. Close by, several wonderful beaches vie with the hotel pool as places to spend leisurely hours in the sun.

Day Three – Included Lisbon city tour Today you’ll take the motorway north to explore the

wonderful Portuguese capital, Lisbon, on an included guided excursion.

Standing on the River Tagus, from whose estuary explorers set sail for the New World on their Journeys of Discovery, the city is a joy to behold.

Don’t miss the extraordinary ornate Manueline architecture of the Belem quarter, or the Baixa, a grid of wide tree-lined avenues fringed with cafés and restaurants as well as strikingly modern new buildings.

Bustling Rossio Square is filled with streetsellers and pavement artists.

For a hint of the past, stroll the narrow streets of the Alfama district, with its steep stairways leading up to the Castelo de Sao Jorge or St George’s Castle.

After a wonderful day, you’ll return to Albufeira this evening.

Day Four – Optional Algarve tour Today’s full-day optional excursion will take you inland, through the Algarve woodlands to Monchique.

Seville

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Enjoy a warming stay in Portugal’s sun-kissed holiday haven

• Explore the historic Portuguese capital, Lisbon, on a included tour

• Visit the stunning city of Flamenco, breathtaking Seville

• Rest and relax in your choosen hotel, and join a selection of fascinating optional excursions that will bring to life the colour and charm of the Algarve

• Seven nights’ carefully chosen three-star dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation at the Auramar Beach Resort, Albufeira (upgrade hotel available for a supplement)

• Return flights to Faro, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

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Spend eight days at the sunsoaked resort of Albufeira. This tour has a great balance of leisure time and visits to Seville and the capital, Lisbon.

You’ll stop in Silves – the old Moorish capital of the Algarve.

The tour will then continue east, through the stunning mountain scenery of Monchique, to Foia, the region’s highest point. The varied countryside and stunning views make for a thoroughly enjoyable day out.

Day Five – Included Seville city tour On today’s hugely enjoyable included excursion, you’ll cross into Spain and head to the historic Andalusian city of Seville, the great City of Flamenco.

Explore this city, where almost every street seems to be lined with orange trees and filled with echoes of its rich and colourful history.

See the 300ft Giralda Tower and the ‘tomb’ of Christopher Columbus at the magnificent cathedral. Visit Plaza de Toros, Spain’s oldest bullring. Stroll through the courtyards of the Moorish Alcazar to the Jewish Quarter (Juderia), and stop in Plaza de Espana to soak up the atmosphere of this gorgeous city of great buildings, grand boulevards and maze-like Old

your hotel choices

Auramar Beach Resort, Albufeira HHH Half-Board from £769

A welcoming resort hotel boasting superb sea views from its pools, terraces and gardens, two tennis courts (small charge) and a host of activities and diversions for the energetic. Bright, air-conditioned rooms have a balcony, satellite TV and mini-bar, and the hotel boasts the Panorama restaurant and lobby bar, and there is free Wi-Fi in public areas.

Vila Gale Cerro Alagoa, Albufeira* HHHH Half-Board from £923

The well appointed Vila Gale Cerro offers a health club, an indoor swimming pool, two outdoor swimming pools, a restaurant, café bar, and Britishstyle pub. All of the bedrooms are air conditioned with a hairdryer, telephone, satellite TV, safe, minibar, and Wi-Fi.

Quarters where narrow streets open on to treelined squares.

You’ll return to the hotel this evening.

Day Six – Optional Lagos and Sagres day trip Enjoy a day of rest and relaxation at your hotel or in Albufeira, or join our optional excursion to the beautiful Western Algarve.

Highlights of this thoroughly absorbing day will include the splendid maritime town of Lagos –with its walled fortifications, famous golden church and stunning coastal views – historic Sagres –former home of Prince Henry the Navigator – and the wild promontory of Cape St Vincent, which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean at Europe’s most south-westerly point.

You’ll then return home in the evening to unwind.

Day Seven – Optional Olhao, Tavira and Faro excursion Our final optional tour heads east along the coast to the colourful fishing port-town of Olhao.

Here, you can stroll through the pleasant historic central quarter, past its Moorish houses, and

around the seafront promenade and bustling fish market.

Perhaps then sit and sip on a coffee in one of the many pavement café while soaking up the atmosphere.

You’ll also visit the elegant and historic town of Tavira, and see its castle and Roman bridge, before heading back to the Algarve capital, Faro. Spend a couple of hours exploring the cobbled streets and hidden squares of Faro’s fascinating Cidade Velha (Old Town), and its colourful marina, before returning to Albufeira for a last evening at your hotel.

Day Eight – Fly back to the UK Your tour of the Algarve ends today, as you return to the airport, and check in for your flight home at the end of a thoroughly enjoyable stay.

travel tips...

For some of the best pastéis de nata in Lisbon, visit Pastéis de Belém, which started baking these local delicacies way back in 1837.

Vila Gale Cerro Alagoa

Pastéis de Belém

Albufeira

Giralda Tower

Monchique, Algarve, Portugal

Auramar Beach Resort

Pousadas of Portugal

Savour the very best of Portugal with stays in three historic, charming and unique pousada hotels along the way.

Day One – Fly to Portugal Fly into Lisbon, meet your tour manager and transfer the short distance to the sumptuous Pousada de Queluz opposite the Royal Palace. Settle in to your surroundings and, if you have the time, perhaps wander through the beautiful Palace gardens, before dinner is served in the Pousada’s Old Kitchen dining room.

Day Two – Included tour of Lisbon Join your tour manager for a guided introduction to the historic Portuguese capital. Stand on the banks of the River Tagus and imagine the great explorers setting off for the New World, wander through the ornate Belem quarter, or explore the Baixa’s wide, tree-lined avenues fringed with cafes and restaurants. Check out the street-sellers and artists of bustling Rossio Square, and stroll the narrow streets of the Alfama district. In the afternoon, why not enjoy a ride on a historic yellow tram? And, this evening, stay in the city or return to the hotel to dine.

Day Three – Included tour of Cascais, Estoril and Sintra On today’s included tour you’ll explore the elegant Atlantic resorts of Cascais and Estoril, and journey to UNESCO-listed Sintra. Estoril’s elegant seafront, lined with bistros and old-fashioned cafes, has long been a favourite destination, while Cascais, on its sweeping bay, is no less alluring. The jewel in the crown, today, is Sintra, a former royal retreat with two remarkable Palacios set in a National Park full of exotic, tropical trees and plants. After a marvellous day, which will also include a visit to windswept Cabo da Roca, at Europe’s westernmost point, you’ll return to the Pousada for dinner.

Day Four – Travel to Viseu Head north, calling at walled, hill-top Obidos to see its cobbled lanes, walls and ancient aqueduct, and former capital and university seat, Coimbra, the “Oxford of Portugal”, with its stunning Romanesque cathedral.

In the late afternoon, you’ll arrive at your second luxurious Pousada, in Viseu, set on

Porto

Regua

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Stay in three of Portugal’s famed pousadas

• Discover the historic capital Lisbon on an included city tour

• Visit UNESCO -listed Royal Sintra

• Enjoy chic Cascais and elegant Estoril

• Admire Cabo da Roca, Europe’s westernmost point

• Journey to medieval Óbidos and Coimbra –the ‘Oxford of Portugal’

• Taste regional wines, bread and cheeses

• See Aveiro’s Venetian-like canals

• Visit Porto – the historic second city

• Discover ‘Golden Rivers’ Douro Valley

• Seven nights’ carefully chosen four-star bed and breakfast pousada accommodation

• Four evening meals

• Outbound flight to Lisbon, returning from Porto, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

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The Pousada Palacio de Queluz is one of my favourite hotels in Europe. Situated close to the Royal Palace, you’ll feel like royalty with its landscaped gardens and impeccable service.

a high plateau in heart of the beautiful Beira Alta region. Make yourself at home, perhaps enjoying a sauna or swim, and join friends in the bar before dinner. Why not accompany your meal with a locally produced Dao wine, and wander the historic streets of the beautiful town before retiring for the night?

Day Five – Included wine tasting at a local quinta Today is spent enjoying the hotel and its surroundings, and making a short trip through the scenic hills to enjoy a tasting at a local quinta. The regions Dao reds are famed for their Burgundylike qualities, and its whites are fast gaining a fine reputation. You’ll also enjoy a visit to an artisanal bakery and a local cheese-maker. This evening, you’re free to explore Viseu, and to enjoy dinner at your leisure in the city.

Day Six – Included tour of Porto Journey west down the beautiful Vouga Valley to colourful Aveiro, known as the Venice of Portugal because of its canals, lagoons and gondola-like fishing boats. Here you might like to try a delicious Ovos Moles de Aveiro cake with a morning coffee,

your hotels

Pousada Palacio de Queluz, Lisbon HHHH B&B plus two dinners nights 1-3

This former headquarters of the Royal Guard is set across from the Royal Palace – ‘Portugal’s Versailles’. It boasts a restaurant housed in the former kitchen, a bar and beautiful public rooms furnished in wood and marble.

before you continue north to Portugal’s glorious second city, Oporto, above the ‘golden’ River Douro.

Enjoy an introductory tour of the city that gave its name to the country. it clings to the hillside above the river, and is connected to its neighbour, the port-wine centre, Vila Nova de Gaia, by several vertigo-inducing bridges. Highlights of Oporto include its ancient cathedral and UNESCO-listed Ribeira district – a beguiling maze of cobbled passageways lined with restaurants, bars and shops. On the quayside, flat-bottomed barcos rabelos, used to carry the port barrels on the river, add to the charm of the setting.

After a marvellous few hours, re-board the coach to head to your final, luxurious, unique Pousada, housed in an ancient monastery in the beautiful northern Minho region.

Settle into your sublime surroundings and opt for a drink in the bar, then perhaps wander to the local restaurant, Cruzeiro, which you’ll find just a short walk away.

Day Seven – Included tour of Regua and Guimaraes After breakfast, re-board the coach to begin a last memorable day’s scenic touring. You’ll head first to Regua, the bustling Douro town that’s one of the most long-standing centres of the region’s wine production. Take in the meandering river, and perhaps enjoy a tasting at a working quinta, before heading north once more, to enthralling, UNESCO -listed Guimaraes.

Generally regarded as the birthplace of Portugal, Guimaraes boasts an ancient Norman castle, exquisite cobbled squares and cafe-lined plazas. It’s a perfect place to enjoy lunch in some splendid surroundings, before you return to the Pousada Mosteiro de Amares to spend a last evening and enjoy a farewell dinner.

Day Eight – Fly back to the UK Bid “adeus” to your hosts and transfer to Oporto to check in or your flight home, at the end of a marvellous holiday.

Pousada de Viseu, Viseu HHHH B&B plus one dinner nights 4-5 Housed in an old hospital, adapted by a renowned architect, this landmark building, just five minutes from a beautiful park, has a superb wellness centre and outdoor pools, the latter with views over the town.

Pousada Mosteiro de Amares, Amares HHHH B&B plus one dinner nights 6-7

This luxurious pousada is a converted monastery. Superb amenities include an outdoor pool and tennis court. There’s a welcoming bar and a restaurant housed in the former kitchen.

Pousada Palacio de Queluz

Pousada Mosteiro de Amares

Pousada de Viseu

Pousada Mosteiro de Amares Guinmaraes Main Square

Viseu

Seville, Granada & Classic Spain

Join this exciting exploration of Andalucía, birthplace of Picasso, home to the City of Flamenco and cradle of the gypsy life.

Day One – Fly to Spain Fly into Málaga, and board the coach for the approximately hourlong transfer into the sun-baked Andalusian hills and your hotel base in Antequera. Depending on the your arrival time, rest and relax in the hotel, and enjoy a first dinner in a wide choice of restaurants, traditional tapas bars and cafés.

Day Two – Included Seville excursion The first of the included excursions heads to historic Seville, the great City of Flamenco, setting for Bizet’s Carmen and Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, both of which draw heavily on the city’s heady atmosphere. Seville, where every street is lined with orange trees, has a rich and colourful history, which is reflected in great buildings, beautiful parks, grand boulevards and several atmospheric Old Quarters of narrow streets, which open on to tree-lined squares. Don’t miss the magnificent Cathedral, one of the largest Gothic churches in Christendom, with its 300-ft-high Giralda Tower and muchdebated ‘tomb’ of Christopher Columbus,

and perhaps pay a visit to the immense Plaza de Toros, Spain’s oldest bullring, where the traditions of the corrida are revered despite the controversy they engender in many. Close by, the cool courtyards of the Moorish Alcazar lead through to the Juderia, or Jewish Quarter. Wander towards sweeping Plaza de Espana which is the city’s ornate, fountainfronted centrepiece. The River Guadalquivir, tidal some fifty miles inland, and up which Columbus once sailed in triumph following his discovery of the New World, still brings great ships to the city’s port, and divides Seville from Triana, the pleasant district on the opposite shore.

Day Three – At leisure Today is free for your to relax and enjoy the facilities of your hotel, or perhaps take in sights of Antequera.

Day Four – Included Ronda excursion

Today’s included excursion is a scenic wonder, as you travel across the plain, through a countryside dotted with villages of whitewashed houses, to the truly stunning

La Alhambra , Granada

Ronda Malaga

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Stay in the heart of the ‘real’ Andalucía, in the hills behind the sun-kissed Costa

• Discover Seville, the City of Flamenco and setting for Bizet’s Carmen

• Journey towards the Sierra Nevada, beneath which the great Moorish city of Granada stands

• Visit Granada and enjoy a visit to the worldrenowned Alhambra, its exquisite gardens and stunning palaces

• Visit the Andalucían ‘white city’ of Ronda, with its old and new towns separated by a stone bridge spanning a dramatic gorge

• Explore the town’s sights, including the legendary 18th-century bullring and 13thcentury Roman-style baths

• Seven nights’ carefully chosen bed and breakfast three-star accommodation at the Hotel Coso Viejo, Antequera (upgrade hotel available for a supplement)

• Return flights to Málaga, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

town of Ronda, in the heart of the Andalusian hills. Set above the dramatic El Tajo gorge, which cuts a swathe through the sierra, this once Moorish citadel is a delight, with a maze of narrow streets, featuring some fine Renaissance houses, its legendary 18th-century bullring and – across the Puente Nuevo bridge which spans the gorge, connecting the old and new towns – the fascinating Roman-style baths, thought to date back to the 13th century.

Day Five – Included Granada excursion Board the coach this morning for the day’s unforgettable excursion, journeying north through the foothills of the Alpujarras to the great city of Granada. Set majestically atop three hills, which rise steeply from the Andalusian Plain, this former Moorish capital, with its views to the snow-capped Sierra Nevada, is definitely one of Spain’s greatest treasures. Upon arrival, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, culminating with a visit to the aweinspiring Alhambra, the beautiful park and walled settlement crowned by some of the world’s finest Moorish palaces. Discover the ancient Alcazaba citadel and the Generalife, royal retreat in the

your hotel choices

Hotel Coso Viejo, Antequera HHH Bed & Breakfast from £979

Located in the heart of Antequera, with a fine selection of bars, restaurants and shops. The hotel has its own restaurant, bar-café, and interior courtyard. All of the bedrooms have private facilities, Wi- Fi, air conditioning, satellite TV, a safe, mini-bar, hairdryer and telephone.

Hotel Antequera Hills, Antequera HHHH Bed & Breakfast from £1,078

The hotel has an outdoor pool, gym, gardens and terraces, a piano bar, cafeteria, restaurant, hair salon and souvenir shop. There is also a spa, indoor swimming pool and golf-course (treatments and green fees payable locally). Bedrooms have private facilities, air conditioning, satellite TV, a mini-bar, safety deposit box and a hairdryer. Half-Board upgrade is available for a supplement.

heart of the complex, as well as what are some of the world’s most beautiful formal gardens, reflecting the glories of a great empire.This evening you’ll return to Antequera with plenty of time for dinner after a thoroughly absorbing day.

Day Six – Optional Cordoba excursion Today can be spent at leisure, perhaps exploring Antequera, a settlement since prehistoric times, and with its great Moorish fortress known as the ‘heart of Andalucía’, overlooked by the limestone crag of La Peña de Los Enamorados – or ‘Lovers’ Leap’, which is shrouded in local legend. Many however will join today’s optional excursion across the plain to the great city of Cordoba. This fabled, elegant former Moorish and Roman capital of Spain is full of fascination. At its heart is the breathtaking treasure of the Mezquita, the huge Mosque into which the Christian cathedral has been incorporated, but which retains much of its austere grandeur that reflected Cordoba’s position as the greatest Moorish city in Europe. Surrounding the Mezquita, the narrow lanes and corridors of the ancient Juderia evoke a sense that nothing has changed for a thousand years.

You’ll have the chance to explore the city under your own steam, following our guided tour of the Mezquita, before returning to Antequera in time for dinner later this evening.

Day Seven – At leisure Enjoy today, your final day in Spain, at leisure.

Day Eight – Fly back to the UK Say goodbye to beautiful Andalucía today, transferring back to Málaga airport for the flight home, after a memorable few days in a wonderful part of the world.

We had a very good holiday, and our tour manager kept us informed throughout. The hotel was in an ideal location - near shops and restaurants.

Seville, Granada and Cordoba are some of the finest cities in Europe. You’ll enjoy time exploring cathedrals, royal palaces, and the renowned Spanish gardens.

Plaza de Espana, Seville Ronda

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Cathedral of Granada

La Alhambra, Courtyard

Hotel Coso Veijo

Hotel Antequera Hills

Historic Paradors of Hidden Spain

Stay in three delightful paradors and discover a spectacular backdrop of ocean and mountains in one of Spain’s most fascinating corners.

Day One – Fly to Spain Arrive in Bilbao, where our coach will transfer to your first Parador - the 20th-century palace of Limpias, in its riverside, parkland setting. Settle in to your splendid surroundings, perhaps taking a stroll along the river to enjoy the views or making use of the Parador’s amenities, which include indoor and outdoor heated swimming pool. Dinner will be served in the Parador’s dining room, this evening.

Day Two – Included tour to Santander and Santillana del Mar Today your first included tour takes you to the regional capital, Santander. Take in the views from the Magdalena Peninsula, head to the fishing port or watch the ebb and flow of daily life in this elegant and sophisticated city-resort from a seat in a pavement café or tapas bar.

You’ll also make the short journey to nearby Santillana del Mar, a picture-postcard-perfect medieval village. After a wonderful day, return to Limpias for a second evening, choosing perhaps to dine in the hotel or in the village.

Day Three – Included excursions to Asturias and Galicia Re-board the coach, today, and journey along the stunning Asturian coast, where views of the Bay of Biscay shoreline compete with those of the towering Picos de Europa mountains. Break up your scenic journey with visits to beautiful coastal Gijón, and to the nearby Asturian capital, Oviedo. Late this afternoon, you’ll reach the heart of green Galicia and your second Parador. Partly housed in a restored 15th-century tower, and an ideal base for discovering Galicia’s cities and stunning coast, the Parador de Vilalba is built on the site of a former castle, in a quiet village on the route of the Camino de Santiago.

Enjoy dinner this evening, and perhaps take a stroll through the old town.

Day Four – Included visit to Santiago de Compostela Today you’ll travel the short distance into ancient Santiago de Compostela, the destination at the end of the Camino, and one of Spain’s most beautiful cities. A

Santiago de Compostela

de Compostela

Bilbao Santander Spain

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Stays in historic parador hotels, all with echoes of royalty and nobility

• Enjoy fashionable Santander

• Visit Sanrillana del Mar - One of Spain’s prettiest villages

• Catch a glimpse pf the towering Picos de Europa mountains

• Visit relaxed Gijon and historic Asturian capital Oviedo

• Walk in pilgrims’ footsteps in ancient Santiago de Compostela and riverside Leon

• Discover the fine historic port of A Coruna

• Spend a day at leisure in the ducal surroundings of exquisite Lerma

• Seven nights’ carefully chosen four-star bed and breakfast Parador accommodation

• Four dinners

• Return flights to Bilbao, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

Our guide was brilliant – fluent in Spanish, knowledgeable, extremely pleasant and went the extra mile to meet our needs.

Ben

marvellously preserved Romanesque cathedral lies at the city’s heart, perhaps the earliest-ever tourist destination for those who, in medieval times, first followed the route to Santiago.

After a marvellous day, you’ll return to Vilalba for the evening.

Day Five – Included visit to A Coruña On this delightfully contrasting day, you’ll head to beautiful, rugged Galicia.

Dotted with hidden coves and fjord-like rias reminiscent of Devon or Ireland, complete with tiny beaches and sleepy fishing ports, the Galician coast is a delight, epitomised by the historic port of A Coruña, or La Coruña as it’s sometimes known.

Set on a peninsula fringed on one side by glorious Atlantic beaches, and on the other by a sheltered bay and deep water harbour, A Coruña is a wonderful place to wander and enjoy delicious Galician tapas and seafood, perhaps washed down with a glass of chilled white wine.

Day Six – Travel via Lugo and León to Lerma Bidding farewell to Vilalba, today you’ll re-board

your hotels

Parador de Limpias, Limpias HHHH B&B plus one dinner nights 1-2

Set in beautiful parkland, with gardens, a tennis court, indoor and outdoor seasonal pools, a gym and sauna, this Parador offers comfortable rooms and garden-view dining.

the coach and head back along the route of the Camino into the sun-baked province of Castilla y León. Highlights today will include visits to Galician Lugo, still enclosed by its intact Roman wall, and to the historic university city of León.

See León’s majestic cathedral and fine old town, and perhaps take lunch in one of its many tapas bars and cafés.

This afternoon, you’ll continue on to your final Parador, housed in a splendid, 17th-century ducal palace, and offering accommodation fit for a king.

Boasting an atmospheric restaurant and a secluded inner courtyard, the Parador de Lerma dominates the small town of Lerma from its position overlooking the Plaza Mayor. Dinner is served on both nights of your stay.

Day Seven – Optional visit to Burgos Today you’re free to enjoy the delights of Lerma, but you may wish to join our optional excursion and explore one of Spain’s most enthralling cities.

For centuries Burgos was the capital of Old Castille, and it was also once home (nearly a

thousand years ago now) to the legendary warrior leader El Cid.

This beguiling place has no shortage of tapas bars and restaurants in which to enjoy lunch, as you’ll discover after your introductory tour.

Day Eight – Fly back to the UK Bid farewell to your hosts, and transfer back to Bilbao airport to catch your flight home, at the end of a fascinating week in Northern Spain.

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Housed in historical properties and offering unique and unrivalled accommodation, this eight-day tour encompasses three of the finest Paradors in Northern Spain.

Parador de Vilalba, Vilalba HHHH B&B plus one dinner nights 3-5

Tucked away in an old quarter, this Parador boasts a tapas bar, café and a more formal restaurant, a quiet garden area and terrace, as well as traditional, comfortable rooms.

Parador

de Lerma, Lerma HHHH Half-board nights 6-7

This 17th-century palace, with furnishings and atmosphere to match, has a secluded inner courtyard, two restaurants, one serving delicious tapas, and rooms offering comfort and traditional style.

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Parador de Vilalba

Parador de Lerma

A Coruña

Magdalena Palace, Santander

Parador de Lerma

Parador de Limpias

Little Trains of the Pyrenees

Day One – Fly to Spain Fly to Barcelona or Girona and transfer to the delightful Costa Brava resort of Roses, set beneath ancient fortifications on the sweeping Golf de Roses. Day Two – Morning at leisure and included train journey into the Cap de Creus Nature Park on the Roses Express This morning, you’re free to explore the pleasant surroundings of your holiday base. Roses has been settled since the days of the Ancient Greeks, but is now a colourful, typically Catalan resort, with a host of bars, restaurants, cafes, and other diversions to enjoy. Don’t miss the included ride on the tractor-hauled, tourist road train, the Roses Express, which winds its way at an anything but express pace – into the wooded hills of the Cap de Creus Natural Park above the resort. Expect some wonderful views along the coastline. Other sites to see in and around the resort include the ruins of the 16th-century citadel walls and Trinitat Castle, and some fascinating ancient dolmen burial sites.

Roses still functions as a working fishing port, and so seafood is the most popular fare here, and those preferring food to sightseeing will enjoy tasting the local speciality, suquet de peix – a fish and potato stew served with a flourish in most of the town’s many restaurants.

travel tips...

Remember to keep an eye out for the endangered Pyrenees brown bear. With conservation efforts in place, the population has gone up over the years.

Day Three – Included journey aboard the Yellow Train to the commune of Mont-Louis Today’s train journey aboard the historic Yellow Train, or Petit Train Jaune, takes us on a meandering trail through the sun-kissed French Pyrenees. We’ll begin our journey in

airport,

of booking.

B e l e a r i c S e a

Roses Barcelona

Nuria

Villefranche-de-Conflent

Cap de Creus Natural Park

Spain

France Girona

Little Yellow Train

Villefranche-de-Conflent

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Unspoiled Roses, your holiday base, sits on a picturesque sweeping bay

• Enjoy views of the wooded Cap de Creus National Park on the tourist road ‘train’

• Discover the stunning Upper Aude Valley on France’s Red Train

• The historic Little Yellow Train climbs into the French Pyrenees from UNESCO -listed Villefranche-de-Conflent

• Join an optional boat tour to Cadaqués

• The Núria Rack Railway offers the only access to the year-round Spanish mountain resort, with tastings of local produce

• Three heritage train journeys and a ticket for the Roses ‘road-train’

• Five nights’ carefully chosen three-star dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation

• Return flights to Spain, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

the beautiful, UNESCO -listed town of Villefranchede-Conflent and travel through some stunning scenery and across soaring bridges and viaducts – each one an engineering marvel – towards France’s highest station, at Bolquere-Eyne. Continuing through a spectacular mountainous landscape, you’ll reach the Pyrenean commune of Mont-Louis, with its great citadel and city walls. On fine days, don’t miss the sunset from the beach –Roses is the only Costa Brava resort to face west, which means that some evenings can be truly spectacular.

Day Four – Day at leisure or optional halfday tour to Cadaqués You can spend today pottering around at your own pace or opt to join a half-day scenic boat tour to Cadaqués – a small coastal town set on the bay of the Cap de Creus Peninsula. You’ll have an hour to seek out its seaside splendours and discover why it was a source of inspiration for famous painters and artists, like Salvador Dalí who holidayed here as a child. Wander around its old town and museums, visit Dalí’s house-museum, or relax on one of the beaches before travelling back to Roses.

your hotel

Hotel Prestige Victoria, Roses HHH Half-Board

Beside Santa Margarita Beach, approximately two kilometres from the centre of Roses. It has an outdoor pool, a spa with steam room, sauna, massages and a small indoor pool, Wi-Fi, a bar and a buffet restaurant. Rooms have a balcony, air-conditioning, a TV, hairdryer, safe deposit box (extra charge), telephone, and mini-fridge. Most rooms have partial sea views.

Day Five – Included train journey to Nuria

Head into the beautiful Catalan Pyrenees on today’s included excursion. The highlight of the day will be the 45-minute journey aboard the privately owned, two-car Nuria Rack Railway, or Cremallera, from the hamlet of Ribes de Freser up through a steep, forested gorge to Nuria. This remote ski station and pilgrimage shrine draws pilgrims from across the globe to its imposing lakeside sanctuary. Stroll on the paths that cross the alpine meadows and learn about the history of this extraordinary place, before re-boarding the train for the return journey down the valley and then back to Roses.After a thoroughly enchanting day, enjoy dinner at the hotel and, as on each evening, rest and relax in the lounge or perhaps stroll into town.

Day Six – Cross the border into France and travel on the Red Train The final included excursion takes you back into France, today. The highlight will be your journey aboard the 100-yearold Train du pays Cathare et du Fenouilledes more often simply called the Red Train. Travel through the spectacular scenery of castle dotted

Cathar Country from Rivesaltes, near historic Perpignan, to the Pyrenean village of Axat. On fine days, you’ll ride in open-air summer wagons across viaducts and through tunnels, and past the vineyard-clad lower slopes of the Eastern Pyrenees.

Day Seven – Day at leisure Embrace a day of leisure before you head home tomorrow, perhaps taking to the beachfront promenade or enjoying the hotel’s amenities. Those looking for something more active can venture to the Aiguamolls Nature Reserve and explore the walking trails or partake in a round of golf at one of the top-class courses. Day Eight – Fly back to the UK Bid farewell to your Catalan hosts, and transfer back to the airport to check in for your flight home, at the end of a wonderful few days of train journeys.

Travelling around the picturesque Spanish and French countryside by train is a great way to really explore this fabulous region.

Fortress of Mont-Louis, France

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Roses, Costa Brava

Núria Rack Railway

Eastern Pyrenees

Hotel Prestige Victoria

Hotel Prestige Victoria

Carcassonne, Avignon & beautiful Provence

Journey through the rolling countryside of Provence, as its historic UNESCOlisted crowning glories are thrillingly brought to life.

Day One – Fly to France Upon arrival meet your friendly tour manager and make the scenic transfer to Carcassonne and your hotel.

Accommodation is reserved on a bed and breakfast basis, giving you the opportunity to dine out and discover some exceptional local cuisine during your stay.

Day Two – Included walking tour of Carcassone Join our guide for a fascinating included walking tour of the mesmerising city of Carcassonne, one of the most striking walled settlements in the whole of Europe, with its remarkably preserved, double-walled Cité the jewel in a sparkling crown.

Restored in the mid-19th-century, the fairy-tale bastion includes the inner Château Comtal and the beautiful church of St-Nazaire, from the tower of which the views over the fortress are spectacular.

Wander the narrow, sometimes steep, streets of this medieval enclave, with its colourful cafés, restaurants and craft shops squeezed into its

tiny buildings, or perhaps take in the views from the city walls.

After the tour, the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure.

Beneath the turrets of the Cité and across the languid River Aude, the equally charming Ville Basse, the second of Carcassonne’s two ‘towns’, offers a wider variety of places in which to enjoy lunch or dinner in charming surroundings.

Day Three – Optional tour of Collioure, Narbonne and wine tasting Continue your exploration of historic Carcassonne under your own steam or join today’s optional fullday escorted excursion to France’s southwest corner, beginning with a visit to the exquisite port-town of Collioure.

Once the home of Henri Matisse, and with its palm-fringed promenade curving around the bay, this is an especially attractive coastal settlement, overlooked by the monumental Château-Royal.

Castle of Carcassonne

Avignon

Narbonne

Toulouse Carcassonne

Spain

France

Pont d’Avignon

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• A guided tour of historic, walled Carcassonne, one of France’s great medieval cities

• Free time to wander the ramparts of Carcassonne under your own steam

• A full-day visit to the majestic papal city of Avignon, including a visit to the stunning Roman Pont du Gard

• An unforgettable cruise along the tree-lined Canal du Midi

• The chance to visit the port-town of Collioure and the Roman city of Narbonne on an optional excursion

• Five nights’ carefully chosen three-star bed and continental breakfast accommodation at the Ibis Carcassonne Est, Carcassonne (upgrade hotels available for a supplement)

• Return flights to France, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

fun fact...

Continue to Narbonne – once the Roman capital of all of southern Gaul - with its imposing 13th-century cathedral, its central canal and its section of the famed Roman road, the Via Domitia beneath the main square.

After free time in Narbonne, continue to historic Domaine de l’Hospitalet, high up on the protected limestone massif of La Clape, overlooking the Mediterranean, for a tasting of various regional wines, before returning to Carcassonne for the evening.

Day Four – Included Pont du Gard and Avignon tour Another unforgettable, full day awaits you, as you board the coach to journey to two of southern France’s most sparkling jewels.

Take in first the breath-taking, three-tiered Roman aqueduct, the stunning Pont du Gard, the towering stone watercourse straddling the River Gard granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1985 and regarded as a masterpiece of Roman engineering.

Continue to historic Avignon, encircled by its ancient low walls, and dominated by its

your hotel choices

Ibis Carcassonne Est La Cite, Carcassonne HHH Bed & Breakfast from £775

Located on the outskirts of Carcassonne, a daytime bus connects the hotel to the citadel or alternatively take a 30-minute walk. The hotel has a restaurant and bar. Rooms have satellite TV, private facilities and air conditioning.

monumental centrepiece, the fortified Palais des Papes, 14th-century home to popes, cardinals and a court of assorted princes, barons and other nobility who helped the city build a dubious reputation as one of medieval Europe’s most decadent and ‘colourful’ enclaves.

Don’t miss the curious half-bridge of St-Bénézet – the ‘Pont d’Avignon’ of the famous French folk song – that juts out into the fast-flowing waters of the River Rhône, as it winds its way towards the Mediterranean.

Avignon’s bustling main square, the place de l’Horloge, is lined with cafés and restaurants, perfect places in which to rest and relax awhile. In the evening, you’ll return to the hotel after a day of exploring.

Day Five – Included Canal du Midi cruise Today brings the delight of an included cruise on the tree-lined Canal du Midi, part of the 150-milelong waterway constructed in the 17th-century to connect the Atlantic with the Mediterranean, and now a hugely popular choice for boating holidays. The cruise may take place in the morning, or

afternoon, or in some cases earlier during your holiday, depending on local conditions.

Cruising along the river is the perfect way to take in the sights scattered along the shores of this 330-year-old canal, which is also a UNESCO Heritage Site.

Day Six – Return to the UK Bid au revoir to Carcassonne, transferring to the airport for the return flight to the UK, at the end of a wonderful holiday in a truly beautiful corner of the world.

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If there was one picture which encapsulates the beauty of Provence, it would be the engineering marvel of the Pont du Gard aqueduct. Built by the Romans, this is one of many highlights of this six-day tour.

Cerise Carcassone Sud, Carcassonne HHH Bed & Breakfast from £830

Set in lovely gardens, Cerise Residence is a 10-minute walk from the historical centre, encompasses a lift and indoor swimming pool, and offers a more independent experience than a conventional hotel. Each studio apartment features a kitchenette and air conditioning, and breakfast is served in Mansion House.

Mercure Carcassonne, Porte de la Cité HHHH Bed & Breakfast from £1,099

Located at the foot of the city, this hotel has a restaurant, bar, terrace, gardens and an outdoor swimming pool. Rooms have private facilities, air conditioning, a safety deposit box, satellite TV and tea/coffee-making facilities.

Avignon

Narbonne France

Did you know that Pont d’Avignon bridge dates back to 1234 and now only features four of its original 22 arches?

Canal du Midi

Mercure Carcassonne

Cerise Residence

Ibis Carcassonne Est

Swiss Alpine Glories & the GoldenPass Train

Day One – Fly to Geneva Upon arrival, meet your tour manager and make the scenic transfer by coach to Chateau d’Oex and your hotel. Settle in and get to know your surroundings, and depending upon your time of arrival, take a stroll through the village before dinner is served.

Day Two – Included visit to cheese-making Gruyères This wonderful week-long tour commences with an included full-day excursion to nearby Gruyères, the famous cheeseproducing village that is also a medieval gem with an exquisite flower-decked, cobbled main square. Enjoy a demonstration of the cheesemaking process (entrance to the factory and museum payable locally), which combines ultra-modern technology with centuries’-old traditions, and soak up the atmosphere of this most typically Swiss of villages, before returning to Chateau d’Oex.

Day Three – Optional excursion to Bern Today you can discover and explore Switzerland’s historic capital city, Bern, on an optional tour.

With its medieval houses, great churches and wonderful covered shopping arcades all huddled together above a sweeping meander in the River Aare, Bern is one of the world’s most picturesque capitals. One of its most unusual features is the fascinating mechanical clock. Be sure to hear – and see – it strike the hour. We return to Chateau d’Oex in the late afternoon, time-permitting making a call in the charming town of Fribourg, an ancient university seat boasting an especially attractive Old Town, with haphazardly arranged houses on cobbled streets sloping steeply away from the River Sarine.

Day Four – Included mountain scenery tour Join your tour manager this morning for an included panoramic tour of your stunning Alpine surrounds. Call at the picturesque timber-lined village of Gstaad in the Bernese Oberland, an upscale ski resort previously graced by the likes of George Clooney and Madonna. Enjoy a stroll around this charming village and its designer boutiques, which is framed by a scenic mountain backdrop, before

Chateau d’Oex

Geneva

Bern Interlaken Gruyères Montreux Gstaad

Switzerland

France

Italy

Gruyères

GoldenPass Train

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Rest and relax in the idyllic surroundings of the Pays d’Enhaut (High Country), at your base in exquisite Chateau d’Oex

• Visit the fascinating Hot Air Balloon and Cheese museums

• Visit medieval gem and cheese-making village Gruyères

• Panoramic tour of the surrounding mountains and villages, including Gstaad and Les Diablerets

• Enjoy a breathtaking ride on the GoldenPass train to/from Montreux, with some free time in Montreux

• Seven nights’ carefully chosen three-star bed and breakfast accommodation

• Return flights to Geneva, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

fun fact...

continuing to Les Diablerets in neighbouring Ormont-Dessus. Sitting in the shadow of the eponymous mountain peak, which rises to 3,210m above sea level, the village of Les Diablerets is a popular resort, occupying three of the area’s main ski areas. Savour the dramatic scenery as you explore this lively mountain resort, perhaps pausing for a spot of lunch (payable locally) before the tour continues through more picturesque scenery and back to Chateau d’Oex.

Day Five – At leisure and optional riverside walk Today is free for you to explore Chateau d’Oex and its surroundings a little further. In the heart of the Pays d’Enhaut (Upper Country) region, the village has been a favourite of Newmarket guests for over 30 years and offers everything to ensure a memorable stay. For the energetic, there’s a fine outdoor pool (open mid-May until early Sept), a super sports complex, riding stables, mini-golf, ten pin bowling, tennis courts and miles of walking trails. A trio of fascinating museums chronicle life in this corner of Switzerland, the history of cheese-making, and, thanks to the village’s world renown as a hot-air-

balloon centre, the magnificent men (and women) and their flying baskets!

During the day, there’s the option to join a delightful guided walk along the bank of the babbling River Sarine, which winds its way through the forests and green pastures of the beautiful valley. This gentle, maximum four-mile easy hike, which will cross the historic Pont de Turrain suspension bridge en route to the beautiful Ramaclé Waterfall, will be the perfect way to enjoy the idyllic countryside surrounding the village and its neighbours.

Day Six – Included GoldenPass train journey to Montreux Today’s included excursion heads to the sun-kissed shores of Lake Geneva, travelling on the spectacular GoldenPass Train through the heart of the Swiss wine-producing Valais region to the fashionable resort of Montreux. You’ll enjoy a fantastic panoramic view as the train rolls gently down the mountains and through a picturesque patchwork of vineyards, framed by a dramatic mountain backdrop and the shores of Lake Geneva. Basking in a microclimate, sheltered from the north wind by the Alps, Montreux is home to the famous

Jazz Festival, has a delightful lakefront promenade and a host of shops and stores. Close by, brooding Chateau Chillon, Switzerland’s most famous landmark, guards the dark secrets of the past, and makes for a fascinating visit. Enjoy some free time to explore before your return train later.

Day Seven – Optional Interlaken and Grindelwald excursion Today’s final optional excursion heads into the beautiful Bernese Oberland. Travelling through stunning countryside, you’ll take in scenic Lake Thun and the famous resort town of Interlaken, overlooked by the snow-capped peaks of the Jungfrau range, and one of Switzerland’s most popular places to shop. From here, journey to the truly spectacular resort of Grindelwald, famously set at the foot of the mighty Eiger, before making the scenic journey back to Chateau d’Oex at the end of a memorable day.

Day Eight – Fly back to the UK Bid farewell to your Alpine idyll, returning to Geneva Airport for the return flight, after a memorable few days.

The Roc et Neige, Chateau d’Oex HHH Bed & Breakfast & five dinners

In the heart of the mountain village, the traditional and welcoming Roc et Neige hotel is close to all the local amenities. There is a comfortable bar and lounge area, and a restaurant serving food made from local produce. There is also a garden and terrace with stunning views of the surrounding mountains, plus a sauna and laundry room. Cosy bedrooms all have a TV and hairdryer, and complimentary Wi-Fi is available. There is a safe deposit box at reception.

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This really is the perfect allencompassing trip to Switzerland, as it includes cheese and chocolatemaking coupled with an iconic train journey. Our eight-day trip also features a visit to the playground. of the rich and famous, Gstaad.

Did you know that the region of Gruyère has been famed for its cheese production since the 12th century?

Lake Oeschinen

Gstaad

Bern

Gruyére Cheese

Salzburg & the Austrian Tyrol

Take to the Austrian peaks for an arresting adventure filled with fresh mountain air, ample exploration, and panoramic viewpoints.

Day One – Fly to Munich and transfer to Alpbach Upon arrival in the Bavarian capital, meet your tour manager and board the coach to make the scenic journey south into the Austrian Tyrol and on to beautiful Alpbach, in its glorious alpine setting. Check into your welcoming hotel, settle into your beautiful surroundings and enjoy a complimentary welcome drink before dinner.

Day Two – Day at leisure in Alpbach or included excursion into the Alpbach mountains Following a hearty Tyrolean breakfast, get to know beautiful Alpbach, a picture-postcard-perfect alpine idyll set in a broad, sunny valley beneath the Gratlspitz mountain. Join your tour manager for a gentle introduction to the village and its stunning surroundings. Flower-decked, wooden buildings are backed by green pastures, crisscrossed by a network of hiking trails that lead to the heights above. A haven for walkers, mountain-bikers and lovers of the outdoor life, Alpbach and her neighbours, which boast several tennis courts and nearby golf courses,

also provide plenty for the less energetic, with museums and ancient farmhouses to explore, and cable cars to lift you above the valley. An Alpbachtal card offers discounted fares and admissions to local attractions, and your tour manager and the hotel hosts will always be on hand to point you in the right direction.

After a first wonderfully relaxed day, enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening.

Day Three – Included full-day tour of Innsbruck After breakfast, board the coach for the scenic journey to Imperial Innsbruck, the Tyrolean capital, with its historic old town, or Altstadt, and famous Maria-Theresien-Strasse, the elegant main street. Don’t miss the famous ‘Golden Roof’, the copper-tiled covering above the window from which the Kaiser would look down on the royal tournaments in the square below. Be sure to stop for ‘coffee and cake’ at one of the countless cafés in the Old Town, before returning to Alpbach in time for dinner.

Salzburg, Austria

Innsbruck

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• View historic Innsbruck on a guided tour

• Cruise across the beautiful Achensee Lake, the largest lake in Tyrol

• Join an optional excursion to the Alpine town of Mayrhofen and the Hintertux Glacier

• Explore the birthplace of famed composer Mozart in the city of Salzburg

• Spend a day discovering the traditional Austrian village, Alpbach at your own pace

• An optional excursion up the Alpbach mountains

• Journey to the lakeside town of Zell am See

• An included tour of Zell am See and Kitzbuhel and an optional trip to the Salzburg Glacier

• Seven nights’ half-board accommodation at the three-star Hotel Andreas in Alpbach

• Seven dinners and breakfasts and a drink on arrival

• Return flights to Munich, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

fun facts...

Did you know that the name Salzburg means ‘Salt Castle’. This name derives from the barges carrying salt on the River Salzach in the 8th century.

Day Four – Included excursion to Achensee

Today’s hugely enjoyable included tour is to Achensee, the largest of the Tyrolean lakes. Take in picture-book Rattenburg, Austria’s smallest city, on the banks of the Inn River and perhaps sample yet more coffee and cake. Enjoy a memorable cruise across the still waters on a lake cruiser and complete a memorable day with a visit to Achenkirch, a charming, traditional village of wooden chalets, fringed by towering pines. Return to Alpbach this afternoon, to enjoy time in the village before dinner.

Day Five – Optional excursion to Mayrhofen and the Hintertux Glacier Following a relaxed breakfast, you can choose to spend another wonderful day enjoying Alpbach and its surroundings, or to join your tour manger for a memorable day, first making the scenic journey to Mayrhofen, one of Austria’s premier year-round resorts. After a chance to explore the town, journey on to the frozen heights of the great Hintertux Glacier, an exhilarating day that includes a journey on the Tuxer Fernerhaus gondola, which transports you to the dizzy heights above and the mountain restaurant, from the sun terrace of which you can enjoy wonderful views

of the Zillertal Alps and the snow-capped peaks beyond. You’ll then head make your scenic way back to Alpbach in time for dinner.

Day Six – Included tour of Salzburg Today’s included excursion is to beautiful Salzburg, birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, forever associated with the movie ‘The Sound of Music’ and lying huddled beneath the imposing Hohensalzburg Castle. Enjoy a walking tour of this treasure trove of Baroque architecture in the company of a local guide, after which you can explore the city at your own pace. Don’t miss the Castle, which towers 400 feet above the city, and offers predictably wonderful views, nor the exquisite Dom cathedral with its frescoes. Connections with Mozart are everywhere – from the Mozartplatz with its famous Glockenspiel clock, to the composer’s birthplace and his family home, both of which can be visited during the day (entrances payable locally).

Day Seven – Included tour to Zell am See, optional Salzburg Glacier tour and visit to Kitzbuhel On your last full day, once again after

breakfast board the coach to join your tour manager for a journey to yet another scenic Austrian corner, where the picturesque town of Zell am See is a delight. Explore the town, with its shops, cafés and onion-domed churches, or take the opportunity to make an optional trip to the nearby Salzburg Glacier. Some 20 minutes’ drive from Zell am See, the glacier is over three thousand metres above sea level and is reached via the Glacier Aerial Tramway. After you’ve reached the summit and taken in the spectacular view, you’ll return to collect the other guests in Zell and continue to fashionable Kitzbuhel, another alpine resort, set beneath the famous Hahnenkahm mountain, and boasting chic boutiques, cafés, and a grand medieval square. Enjoy a last chance to shop, before returning to Alpbach for your final evening and dinner.

Day Eight – Return to the UK Check out of your hotel and make the two-hour transfer back to Munich and your flight back to the UK, at the end of a truly delightful Tyrolean interlude.

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Hotel Andreas, Alpbach HHH Bed & Breakfast from £989

A traditional wooden chalet backed by alpine peaks and surrounded by sprawling meadows. A traditional restaurant and bar with panoramic views of the mountains open onto a sun terrace. Breakfast is served in a dining room/lounge on the ground floor, and there is a pretty garden. Guestrooms with views looking out over the mountains, feature wooden décor and are simple and comfortable. Amenities include TVs, a hairdryer and free Wi-Fi.

You don’t have to have watched the Sound of Music to fall in love with this magicial part of Austria. With rolling hills, snowcapped mountains and deep valleys, this tour will thrill and captivate.

Austrian Alps

Tyrol

Zell am See

Salzburg

Hotel Andreas

Hotel Andreas

5-day escorted tour from £525

The Spirit of Kraków

Savour the preserved medieval glories of Poland’s former Royal capital, and pay a moving visit to poignant Auschwitz.

Day One – Fly to Poland from the UK Fly to Kraków, meet your tour manager and transfer to your hotel. After check-in, head out to take your first look at the city, or head for a café or local beer cellar. Our tour manager will be on hand to point you in the right direction, and to make dinner suggestions.

A vibrant, bustling city, Kraków is no museum piece, but a lived-in space crammed full of cafés, restaurants and bars, and is especially lively in the evening when it offers an everwidening choice of eateries, from traditional Polish, Russian, German, Lithuanian and Jewish cuisine to some of the latest foodie fads and fashions.

Day Two – Included Kraków city tour Exploring mostly on foot in the company of a friendly guide, on our included guided tour of the city you’ll see the highlights of this seat of Polish kings and former home to much-loved Cardinal Karol Wojtyla (better known around the world as Pope John Paul II). The focal point of Stare Miasto, Kraków’s mesmerising

medieval heart, is the Grand Square, Rynek Główny One of Europe’s largest medieval squares, it is surrounded by buildings of breath-taking beauty, and churches with towers and intricate spires. At its centre stands the vast Sukiennice (Cloth Hall), which now serves as a covered market. Here, the upper floor is a fascinating art gallery, while the ground floor cafés are perfect places to stop and rest. Close by, the Mariacki Church is one of Poland’s finest buildings and contains a fantastically intricate wooden altarpiece. And to both the north and west the medieval and Renaissance splendour continues – the University District is especially appealing. After the tour, you’re free to continue exploring. Head away from the stunning views of the River Vistula to visit the opulent State Rooms of Wawel Castle, and don’t miss the art treasures of the Czartoryski Palace, close to Florianska Gate and the three-metre-thick defensive

Wawel Castle

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Enjoy a guided tour of Poland’s stunning former Royal Capital

• Discover the great square of Rynek Glówny, medieval Europe’s largest old town square

• Wander the market stalls and galleries of the vast Sukkennice Cloth Hall

• Don’t miss the stunning Mariacki church

• Take in Wawel Castle and its views

• Visit the Kazimierz district, the former centre of Jewish culture

• Enjoy Kraków’s vibrant café culture

• Visit sobering Auschwitz-Birkenau

• Four nights’ carefully chosen three-star bed and breakfast accommodation at the Hotel Wyspiański, Kraków* (upgrade hotel available for a supplement)

• Return flights to Kraków, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

walls of the Barbakan, at the northernmost point of the Old Town.

South of Wawel Hill lies the Kazimierz district, the historic centre of Jewish culture in the city until the events of 1941 forced the residents into a temporary home in the ghetto across the river before their eventual, tragic, final journey to Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Day Three – Included day trip to AuschwitzBirkenau Today includes an unforgettable excursion to the remains of the most infamous of all the Nazi concentration camps, which lie some 70km southwest of the city. This harrowing and thought-provoking pilgrimage will provide a very real insight into the horrors of the Final Solution as you tour the buildings of the camp, many left as they were discovered in 1945.

Returning to the city, you’ll be free to explore. Visit the Kazimierz quarter or the poignant Pharmacy Under The Eagle Museum, across the river in the Podgórze district that became Kraków’s cramped wartime ghetto.

your hotel choices

Hotel Wyspiański, Kraków HHH Bed & Breakfast from £529

This modern, comfortable hotel features a sleek restaurant, a bar, and a terrace, overlooking a garden, contemporary rooms have TVs, desks, and free Wi-Fi.

INX Design Hotel, Kraków HHHH Bed & Breakfast from £584

Rooms are colourful with bold patterns and include mini-bars, TVs, and free Wi-Fi. There’s a laid-back bar, a chic restaurant, a lobby lounge, and a gym with a Finnish sauna.

Day Four – Optional excursion to Wieliczka salt mines Today you’re free to discover more of the city’s sights, perhaps returning to a place of interest or looking for souvenirs of your visit. Alternatively, join our optional excursion to the astonishing salt mine at Wieliczka, just a short journey from the city.

This UNESCO -listed monument was first excavated a thousand years ago. And, while its vast underground chambers no longer function as a mine, it remains one of Poland’s most fascinating attractions. Subterranean walkways lead past some remarkable natural and man-made wonders, including a full-sized chapel carved out of the salt and, on the very lowest level, a stupendous concert hall. A museum of mining gives an in-depth impression of what life was like for the miners, and your visit will end in the subterranean gift shop and café before you return to the surface by lift. Later, make the most of your final evening in Kraków, reliving the excitement of the last few days.

Day Five – Fly back to the UK Depending on your flight time, you may have time to catch a final glimpse of this majestic city before we transfer you to the airport to check in for your flight home.

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Centred on the renowned Rynek Glowny or market square, the town of Krakow is one of the most beautiful in Eastern Europe.

Every aspect of the tour was firstclass. Kraków is a beautiful city that needs to be seen – we’ll be back for a second trip for sure.

Linda

Wieliczka Salt Mines

Barbakan

Krakow

Czartoryski Palace

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Kraków

Hotel Wyspiański

Day One – Fly to Prague Upon arrival, meet your tour manager and transfer to the hotel. Dependent upon your arrival time, there may be the opportunity of a first exploration of the Czech capital.

Day Two – Included Walking Tour of Prague

Get to know one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals, which has miraculously survived the turbulent centuries unscathed. Join our guide for a walking tour which will introduce you to the exquisite Old Town, or Staré Mesto, the city’s heart since the 13th-century.

As you walk from the Old Town across Charles Bridge, you’ll arrive in Malá Strana, with its narrow, cobbled-stone streets, pretty churches and 18th-century Baroque palaces. Continue through Malá Strana and you’ll come to the steeply sloping Hradcany district, dominated by the imposing Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral, burial place of the ‘Good King’ Wenceslas and the Czech Republic’s largest church. The energetic who wish to climb the 200 plus stairs up to imposing Prague

Castle will be rewarded with magnificent vistas of the city.

Following the tour, the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure. This evening, why not join our optional river cruise with buffet dinner?

Day Three – Optional Tour of Dresden Explore the fascinating city of Prague under your own steam today, or join the optional excursion to the former Eastern Germany’s Baroque gem Dresden, with its restored glories, including the stupendous Frauenkirche, which lay in ruins from 1945 until its rebuilding following Reunification.

After a fascinating day, return to spend a final evening in Prague.

Day Four – Travel through Bohemia to Vienna Take your leave of Prague to head south into a rolling, romantic region of dense forests, medieval towns and hill-top castles. By early afternoon you will have crossed into Austria and will arrive in the great Imperial city of Vienna. Enjoy a guided introduction to the magnificent seat of the Hapsburg Empire, with its imposing Baroque palaces and cathedral.

Tyn Cathedral & Clock Tower, Prague

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Enjoy an included tour of historic Prague

• See Charles’ Bridge’s blackened statues and Old Town Square’s astronomical clock

• Journey through beautiful, forested Bohemia

• A guided tour brings to life Imperial Vienna

• See the Ringstrasse buildings and the Hofburg Palace – home to the Spanish Riding School of Vienna

• Pay a visit to cosmopolitan Bratislava, en route to Hungary

• Explore twin city Budapest, with its style and traditional thermal baths, on a guided tour

• Enjoy a Danube river cruise in Budapest, with views of the vast Gothic Parliament

• Seven nights’ carefully chosen four-star bed and breakfast accommodation

• Outbound flight to Prague, returning from Budapest, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

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The Imperial cities of the forgotten Empire of the Hapsburg contain a wealth of attractions. Easy to walk around, the cities of Prague, Vienna and Budapest will showcase some of the best that central Europe has to offer.

The world-famous Hofburg Palace is home to the Spanish Riding School, the Vienna Boys’ Choir, several museums and the Austrian President. Vienna is famous as the home of the kaffeehaus, and no doubt during your visit there’ll be time to sit and enjoy coffee and cake in one of several celebrated Viennese meeting places.

Day Five – Optional Visit to the Schönbrunn Palace This morning, explore the city once again, or join the optional excursion to the Schönbrunn Palace, one of Austria’s greatest treasures and a magnificent building that once echoed with the music of the young Mozart.

Enjoy a second evening in Vienna.

Day Six – Continue to Budapest via Bratislava Bid farewell to the Austrian capital and cross into picturesque Slovakia and its wonderful capital, Bratislava, delightfully set on the River Danube close to the point where Austria and Hungary converge. A cosmopolitan mix of Central European influences, Bratislava boasts glorious Baroque palaces and some stunning churches. After a fascinating few hours in the city, re-board the coach to make the onward journey

your hotels

Aureli Hotel Gloria, Prague* HHHH Bed & Breakfast nights 1-3

Just over half a mile from the city centre, with good public transport links, including a tram stop just 350 yards away, this traditional hotel offers a warm welcome, reception and lobby lounge, buffet breakfast room and simply furnished, clean rooms with a TV, mini-bar and safe.

into Hungary and its glorious, Danube-side capital Budapest, for a last two-night stay.

Day Seven – Included Budapest Tour and Danube Cruise Enjoy this morning’s introductory tour of the ‘twin’ city, set astride the river. On one side sits Buda, an elegant hillside of opulent buildings, while opposite Pest is a bustling hive of museums, galleries, thermal baths, restaurants and bars. Discover the former’s castle district, with its delightful medieval houses and the fascinating Matyas Church with its medieval frescoes. In Pest, the vast riverside Gothic Parliament and the grandiose Heroes’ Square, with its imposing columns and statues, are just two of the highlights.

This morning’s included tour will bring to life the major sights, including Buda’s Castle Hill, home to the former Royal Palace, the Castle District’s maze of winding streets, Mátyás Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion, with its views across to Pest on the opposite shore.

Bustling, stylish Pest, with its sweeping boulevards, elegant stores, and the Belváros Old Town, is a hive of designer stores, coffee houses, patisseries

and restaurants, many found along Váci utca, the pedestrianised main shopping street.

Later this afternoon, enjoy an included river cruise, while this evening, you’ll have the chance to join an optional folklore evening of traditional Hungarian music and food, no doubt reflecting on a wonderful break.

Day Eight – Return to the UK Transfer to Budapest airport for your return flight.

fun fact...

Did you know that eight bridges connect Buda and Pest?

Novum Hotel Prinz Eugen, Vienna* HHHH Bed & Breakfast nights 4-5

Within easy reach of the city centre, this traditionally furnished hotel, housed in a building formally owned by a prince, offers a lobby bar, free Wi-Fi and comfortable rooms with a TV and hairdryer. As well as good public transport links, there are shops and restaurants within the immediate vicinity.

Hotel Hungaria City Center, Budapest* HHHH Bed & Breakfast nights 6-7

Within walking distance of the Old Town and the cathedral, this, Hungary’s largest hotel, offers a restaurant, bar, sumptuously appointed lounges, a terrace, wellness centre with whirlpool and sauna, as well as well-appointed, air-conditioned rooms with a TV, mini-bar and sound proofing. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the entire hotel.

Aureli Hotel

Prague Dresden, Zwinger museum

Belvedere Palace, Vienna

Hotel Hungaria City Center

Novum Hotel Prinx Eugen

Dubrovnik, Montenegro & the Dalmatian Coast

On this marvellous two-centre holiday you’ll discover one of Europe’s most idyllic regions, on the shores of the Blue Adriatic.

Day One –

make the scenic journey

and your hotel.

to

The transfer time from the airport is approximately three hours, so sit back and relax as you enjoy the scenic journey. On arrival, get to know your surroundings and spend a first evening on the shores of the Adriatic, perhaps enjoying a nightcap under the stars.

Day Two – Included Split and Trogir excursion On today’s included tour, you’ll journey first to Croatia’s historic, vibrant second city Split, where highlights include a wondrous, colourful, bustling Old Town and the crumbling ruins of the palace of Roman Emperor Diocletian.

You’ll then discover the walled, islandtown of Trogir, which, with its Romanesque cathedral, narrow streets and its own seafront promenade, is one of the most enticing settlements on the whole Croatian coast. Cross

to the island via a bridge and enter a timewarped jumble of palaces, ancient churches and hidden courtyards, today lined with dozens of restaurants, cafés and a variety of shops, but where the sense of times past is never quite overcome.

Day Three – Included Krka National Park excursion Today’s tour takes in the tumbling waterfalls, deep gorges and picturesque lakes of the beautiful Krka National Park, which stretches some 12 miles through a valley from the delightful harbour town of Skradin, with its stone-built houses and colourful waterfront.

There’ll be the opportunity to see the park’s cascades and perhaps to take a stroll through the verdant surrounding forest on prepared wooden walkways. A last dinner will be served at the hotel this evening.

Day Four – Travel to Mlini via Mostar Leaving Drvenik after breakfast this morning, you’ll journey south past the River Neretva delta – a wildlife paradise home to several endangered bird species – and on into Bosnia-Herzegovina

Dubrovnik

Fly to Dubrovnik and travel to Drvenik Upon arrival, meet your tour manager and

north

Drvenik

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Three nights on the beautiful Makarska Riviera

• Discover and explore Roman Split, Croatia’s stunning second city, with its exquisite 4thcentury Diocletian’s Palace at its centre

• Visit walled island-city Trogir, with its Romanesque cathedral

• Spend a day in the beautiful Krka National Park

• Journey south via historic Mostar, with its famous bridge

• Four nights on the Dubrovnik Riviera

• Explore Dubrovnik, the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’

• Spend a full day discovering idyllic Montenegro, one of ‘new Europe’s’ most sparkling jewels

• See the spectacular Bay of Kotor, southern Europe’s largest ‘fjord’

• Seven nights’ carefully chosen three- and fourstar dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation

• Return flights to Dubrovnik, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

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and historic Mostar, with its lovingly restored bridge across the river its most famous landmark. The original bridge stood for 427 years and was destroyed in the Croat–Bosniak War in 1993, before being restored in the early 21st century.

After the opportunity to explore the colourful town, a UNESCO -listed area boasting one of Europe’s oldest continuously trading markets, you’ll then travel on to your beautifully located second hotel, where dinner will be served.

Day Five – Included Dubrovnik guided tour As a memorable day unfolds, you’ll get to know stunning Dubrovnik, the incomparable ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, with its captivating medieval Old Town and ancient city walls, the views from which stretch out over the red-roofed buildings towards the sea beyond. Join the guided tour, which will include the medieval Old Town, its pedestrianised central street Stradun running from the Pile Gate to busy Luza Square, overlooked by the carved stone façade of the impressive Sponza Palace and the graceful Baroque St Blaise’s Church. Other highlights of the walking tour will include the Franciscan Monastery,

your hotels

Hotel Ivando, Drvenik HHHH

Half-Board nights 1-3

Looking out over a lovely vista the hotel comprises three buildings and has two restaurants, a bar area, reception and lift as well as comfortable, air-conditioned rooms offering Wi-Fi, satellite TV, a hairdryer, mini-bar, balcony and a side sea view.

Hotel Astarea, Mlini HHH

Half-Board nights 4-7

Set looking out across the Adriatic Sea in a quiet bay, this sleek hotel has direct access to a pebbled beach. Light and airy guestrooms have either a view of the Mediterranean garden or sea and feature TVs, safes, air conditioning, hairdryers, and free Wi-Fi. There are two expansive swimming pools, four bars and restaurants, a wellness centre, and a spa.

and the Rector’s Palace, seat of the government in the former Dubrovnik Republic.

The energetic can walk the entirety of the walls, while others might enjoy a seat in one of the city’s many pavement cafés, before returning to the hotel.

Day Six – Included tour of Montenegro, the Bay of Kotor and Budva A last included excursion sees you drive south to the breathtakingly beautiful country of Montenegro, home to some of the Mediterranean’s most stunning beaches, luxuriant pine forests and some enchanting, preserved medieval settlements, all nestled against a backdrop of high mountains crossed by crystal-clear glacial streams.

Today you’ll see the spectacular Bay of Kotor, Southern Europe’s largest fjord, and stop to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kotor itself, with its ancient Old Town. Visit Budva, one of the oldest settlements in the Adriatic, and now a picturesque and thriving holiday resort with beautiful beaches, and picture-perfect surroundings, before returning to your hotel in time for dinner.

Day Seven – Day at leisure Enjoy a final day’s rest and relaxation, perhaps returning to Dubrovnik’s enthralling streets once more, or even taking to the blue waters of the Adriatic that lap the shore. Secluded rocky coves and several tiny beaches provide opportunities for swimming, while more energetic pursuits can be enjoyed on wonderful week.

This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel and a last balmy Croatian evening, no doubt reflecting on a fantastic break.

Day Eight – Fly back to the UK Bid farewell to Croatia and your hosts this morning, as you prepare to make the short transfer to the airport for the return flight, at the end of a marvellous holiday.

We had a wonderful holiday! Our guide and driver were first-class, and the itinerary was excellent, as we visited three countries in one week. Both the hotels were lovely with delicious meals, and staff were friendly.

Helen

George Bernard Shaw said it best, “for those looking for paradise on Earth, come to Dubrovnik”.

Hotel Ivando

Hotel Astarea

Old Town Budva

Krka National Park Dubrovnik

Croatia’s Istrian Riviera & Lake Bled

Enjoy elegance and grandeur on the blue Adriatic, Roman glories, stunning scenery and one of Europe’s most beautiful lakes.

Day One – Fly to Croatia or Italy Upon arrival in Venice or Pula, transfer to your hotel, travelling briefly into Slovenia then on into Croatia if transferring from Italy and arriving in Lovran, set on the Kvarner Gulf, in a sun - kissed corner of the Adriatic Sea.

Day Two – At leisure in Lovran Today is free to enjoy the facilities and explore the delights of Lovran. A popular destination for the nobility of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Lovran has a rich history dating back to the Roman era and is the perfect destination for peace and tranquillity. Sit and relax with a drink in St George’s square and people-watch. Day Three – Included Istrian Peninsula excursion The first of the included tours, taken in the company of our friendly tour manager, takes in some of the beauty of the adjacent Istrian peninsular. Highlights will include bustling Pula, the provincial capital famed for its vast Roman amphitheatre, the immense arches of which tower over the city’s port and ancient centre. You’ll also discover

the remarkable Lim Fjord, a wooded natural gash in the coastline and legendary one -time hideaway of the pirate Captain Morgan. You’ll visit stunning Rovinj, which rises Venice-like out of the water and is topped by a beautiful Baroque church. Climb through the narrow streets, which lead ever upwards, to enjoy the tremendous view, before returning to the harbour front below, perhaps to enjoy a welldeserved ice - cream!

Day Four – Included Slovenia and Lake Bled excursion Today’s long but memorable excursion journeys north through scenic countryside into Slovenia, past the country’s capital Ljubljana, to beautiful Lake Bled. Ringed by forested hills and looking out across the usually still waters to an off-shore island crowned by its Gothic church, Bled is a wonderfully appointed resort town surrounded by the delights of nature. You’ll have views of Bled Castle, which overlooks the town from a lofty perch on the opposite shore, before spending time enjoying the lakeside resort. Enjoy a pleasant lunch (payable locally), or

Volosko

Amphitheatre, Pula Volonsko

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Enjoy a weeks stay in elegant Lovran, former Hapsburg dynasty retreat

• Explore the beautiful Istrian Peninsula on an unforgettable included tour

• Discover Roman Pula’s stunning amphitheatre

• Visit picture-perfect Rovinj, with its old town perched on a picturesque headland

• Visit exquisite Lake Bled, Slovenia’s most charming attraction

• See the stunning waterfalls and breathtaking scenery in the Plitvice National Park

• The chance to visit the beautiful islands of Krk and Cres on an optional tour

• Seven nights’ carefully chosen four-star dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation

• Return flights to Venice or Pula, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

travel tips...

Climb the 99 steps of the pilgrimage church on the island in the middle of Lake Bled for a beautiful view of the surrounding area.

perhaps take a gondola across to the island with its Baroque church (payable locally). The energetic can row themselves! You’ll return to Lovran this evening in time for dinner.

Day Five – At leisure, or optional Krk and Cres islands excursion Rest and relax in the hotel and its surroundings, or join today’s optional tour by boat to two contrasting islands lying off the beautiful Croatian coast.

Board your vessel for the day in Opatija and head across the blue waters first to Krk, the largest of the Kvarner Gulf island group, where main Krk Town was once a Roman bastion. Across a narrow strait, slightly smaller Cres is less inhabited than its neighbour, with the fishing port and historic town Beli charmingly set on a hilltop overlooking its picturesque harbour. An enjoyable day is added to by the provision by the vessel’s crew of a traditional fish-picnic.

Day Six – Included Tour of Plitvice National Park The last of the included excursions heads inland to what is justifiably Croatia’s most celebrated and most visited natural attraction.

Sixteen separate bodies of water are backed by breathtaking scenery, and linked by a series of rushing waterfalls and rapids, which tumble down the ancient, time-weathered terraces. Journeying through the beautiful scenery of Croatia’s interior, you’ll spend time exploring the park on foot before returning to Lovran this evening.

Day Seven – At leisure, or optional Postojna Caves and Predjama Castle excursion Spend a final day in the hotel or Lovran, or join a final tour, crossing the border once again into Slovenia and the rolling Karst region, which has lent its name to anywhere in the world where underground streams and caves are found. Today you’ll visit the giant chasm at Postojna, travelling by train some two miles underground, then walking with a personal ‘audio-guide’ through a wonderfully illuminated nether world of stalactites and stalagmites, where the strange ‘human fish’ – a tiny amphibian – lives out its sightless life.

After a fascinating visit you’ll journey on to historic Predjama Castle, magically built into a sheer cliff face, with its upper floor stairwells carved from

the bedrock. You’ll return to enjoy dinner and your last evening in Lovran, no doubt reflecting on a wonderful and relaxing break in one of Europe’s most scenic corners.

Day Eight – Fly back to the UK Bid farewell to your warm and welcoming hosts this morning as you transfer to the airport for the return flight to the UK, after a wonderful stay in a delightful corner of the world.

Hotel Excelsior, Lovran HHHH Half-Board

Ringed by trees and facing the Adriatic Sea, this sleek hotel encompasses an expansive outdoor saltwater swimming pool and offers access to the sea. There is an outdoor and indoor swimming pool, an on-site spa and tennis courts. Guests can enjoy cocktails on the bar’s outdoor terrace, which looks out over the Opatija Riviera. Air-conditioned, modern guestrooms, with views of the surrounding parklands or Lovran village, feature mini-bars, TVs, telephone, hairdryers, and free Wi-Fi.

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The Plitvice Lakes are Croatria’s most-visited attraction, and it’s easy to see why. With a host of waterfalls and rapids coupled with stunning scenery, you’ll marvel at the biodiversity at the heart of the country.

Plitvice Lakes

Hotel Excelsior

Hotel Excelsior

Rovinj

Lake Bled

Gondolas on Lake Bled

Classical Greece & the Ancient World

A fascinating journey that brings to life the wonders of the Classical Greek civilisation and the histories of the Byzantine and Roman periods.

Day One – Fly to Thessaloniki Upon arrival, meet your tour manager for the short 30-minute transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and acclimatising to your new surroundings.

Depending on your time of arrival, you might choose to take a stroll into Thessaloniki, which was once the wealthiest city in the Byzantine Empire. Walk along the seafront promenade, perhaps pausing for a souvlaki and a beer at one of the numerous cafés and restaurants, no doubt looking forward to the week ahead.

Day Two – Included tour of Thessaloniki and Mount Athos Join your tour manager for a tour of Thessaloniki, which, despite being Greece’s second-largest city, has a compact centre that is perfect for exploring on foot.

Founded in 315 BC, Thessaloniki was an important city during the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods and is home to several well-preserved sites from these eras. Visit the stunning Byzantine Church of Saint Demetrios, honouring Thessaloniki’s patron

saint, a

killed on the site of

306 AD

infamous persecutor of Christians. Continue to the Arch of Galerius, a magnificent symbol of the emperor’s power, with intricate panel carvings commemorating a decisive victory over the Persians, and the waterfront White Tower, an Ottoman fortress and perhaps Thessaloniki’s most famous landmark. Enjoy lunch at your leisure in Thessaloniki, which has a well-earned reputation as a powerhouse of Greek gastronomy, before the tour continues to Halkidiki for a boat tour around the UNESCO -listed Mount Athos. Sit back and relax as your guide explains the legend of Mount Athos, and gain a unique perspective from the sea.

Day Three – Optional Mount Olympus tour Enjoy a morning at leisure before this afternoon brings the choice of exploring Mount Olympus on an optional tour or continuing your exploration of Thessaloniki under your own steam.

Roman soldier

the church in

by Emperor Galerius,

Meteora

Greece Athens

Thessaloniki

Delphi

Mount Athos Mount Olympus Meterora Aegina

Athens, Greece and the Parthenon

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Spend eight days exploring some of Greece’s best-preserved sites

• Explore Athens, ‘The Glorious City’

• Discover historic Delphi, home to the Temple of Apollo

• Enjoy a boat ride around the UNESCO -listed Mount Athos

• Learn about the fascinating history of Thessaloniki on a city tour

• Enjoy a visit to Mount Olympus, where Homer lived

• Discover the UNESCO -listed Meteora monastery, filming location of James Bond film For Your Eyes Only

• Seven nights’ carefully chosen four-star bed and breakfast accommodation

• One evening meal

• Flights to Thessaloniki returning from Athens, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

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This tour will transport you back to a time when Greece was the cradle of civilisation. Journey from the birthplace of Alexander the Great to the fabled oracle of Delphi and finish in cosmopolitan Athens.

In Greek mythology, Mount Olympus was the home of the 12 Greek gods. Your tour guide will bring these fascinating myths to life as you explore the mountain, which is Greece’s highest peak, reaching 9,573ft above sea level. Homer, legendary author of the Odyssey and Iliad is also believed to have lived here.

Day Four – Included Meteora tour Join your tour manager after breakfast today for an included tour of the rock formations at Meteora. The stunning landscape is littered with enormous rock columns, some as tall as 1,800ft. There are six working monasteries precipitously perched on top of these gigantic columns, which are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monasteries date back to the 14th-century, and one of them, the Monastery of the Holy Trinity, was featured in the 1981 James Bond film For Your Eyes Only Spend a wonderful day exploring this truly unique landscape before returning to your hotel this evening.

Day Five – Transfer to Delphi This morning, after breakfast, board the coach and transfer to Delphi.

your hotels

Holiday Inn Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki

Stop en route for lunch (payable locally), before arriving at your new hotel in the late afternoon.

Relax and take the time to settle in, perhaps heading to explore the town or enjoying an apéritif at your hotel before an included dinner is served.

Day Six – Included tour of Delphi and transfer to Athens After breakfast, join your tour manager for an included tour of sacred Delphi. Site of the Oracle, consulted for a thousand years for her wise utterances, Delphi’s remains include the Sacred Precinct with its fabled Temple of Apollo and its reconstructed Treasury of the Athenians.

Marvel at the 5th-century BC bronze charioteer, one of Greece’s most priceless remains and visit the fabled Castalian spring, into which Byron once plunged.

After a day spent exploring Delphi, transfer to Athens, and your new hotel in Glyfada. Depending upon your arrival time, enjoy a first taste of the bustling Greek capital. Choose to dine in the hotel, or perhaps in one of the innumerable restaurants or tavernas close to your hotel.

Day Seven – Included tour of Athens This morning our included guided sightseeing tour will introduce you to this extraordinary, beguiling city. Explore the fabled Acropolis, the massive rock buttress topped with the familiar ruins of the Parthenon. Entrance is included to the Acropolis Museum, which houses items rescued from the monuments, and don’t miss the great Roman Herodes Atticus Theatre, the nearby ruins of the 17-000-seat Theatre of Dionysos, which once witnessed the masterworks of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides, and the stupendous remains of the Temple of Zeus, once the largest temple on the Greek mainland. Modern Athens surrounds the relics of the past – and your tour will leave you keen to explore under your own steam.

This evening, you can enjoy some traditional Greek hospitality in your choice of restaurant, reflecting on a wonderful week.

Day Eight – Return to the UK Depending on the time of your flight, you may have some free time today to explore Athens before you transfer to the airport to begin your journey home.

extend your holiday

HHHH

Bed & Breakfast nights 1-4

Located in the heart of Thessaloniki, less than a mile from the bustling port, this well-equipped hotel features comfortable, air-conditioned rooms, together with a gym, bar and restaurant.

Hotel Amalia, Delphi HHHH Half-Board night 5

Boasting wonderful views over a green valley and out toward the sea, this hotel has an outdoor pool, well-manicured gardens and an inviting lounge. Rooms are light and airy, with air conditioning and complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel offers a restaurant and bar.

Hotel Bomo Palace, Glyfada HHHH Bed & Breakfast nights

6-7

This comfortable hotel is located right on Glyfada’s waterfront, and boasts spacious, airy rooms, together with an outdoor pool, restaurant and bar. Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided throughout, and Piraeus port is close by.

Seven-night

Greek Island Extension from £765 Time to unwind! Choose from lazing by the pool, exploring Aegina Island, home to the Temple of Apollo, swimming in the sea and enjoying some classic Greek food. Staying at the three-star Hotel Danae on bed & breakfast basis. However you decide to spend your week, you’re sure to leave relaxed.

Saint Paul cathedral, Thessaloniki

Ruins of the Temple of Athena Pronaia, Delphi

Mount Olympus

Hotel Bomo Palace

Hotel Danae, Aegina

8-day escorted tour from £1,589

Greek IslandHopping Adventure

Spend hazy days floating aboard a traditional motor sailing vessel and cruising between a cluster of captivating Ionian Isles.

Step aboard the gulet-style MS Hemera and sail (under motor engine) for a sublime, sunsoaked week of adventuring around a Greek archipelago rich in legend and natural beauty.

Swim in secreted coves, snorkel in turquoisetinted waters and emerge swathed in a layer of sea salt to feast on freshly prepared lunches.

Slow-paced afternoons call for siestas on deck as you sway to the gentle rocking of the waves or embrace the company of your fellow passengers, soon to be friends.

As dusk falls, you’ll dock at pretty ports and venture ashore to candle-lit quayside tavernas, whitewashed and waiting for you to dine on local delicacies under the stars.

Sail towards the first island of your itinerary, beautiful Ithaca, famed as the homeland of Odysseus (Ulysses), the hero of the Homeric poem Odyssey. Next up is Meganisi, known for its sea caves, which were used to hide submarines during World War II, the island of Lefkada, which means ‘white’, referring to its famous white cliffs, Fiskardo, a historic harbour village on the northern tip of Kefalonia, surrounded by verdant hills and rows of olive trees, and Agia Effimia, a coastal village on the east coast of Kefalonia.

at a glance...

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Experience a week aboard the traditional gulet, MS Hemera

• Cruise to five of Greece’s most paradisical islands, both remote and popular

• Embrace free time to seek out the delights of Zante

• Anchor in hidden coves and sheltered bays, picked specifically for swimming and snorkelling

• Discover pristine pebbled and sandy beaches, completely unspoiled

• Journey to Ithaca, the famed homeland of Odysseus (Ulysses)

• Dine on authentic Greek dishes in quayside, bougainvillaea-clad tavernas

• Seven nights’ accommodation in a compact, airconditioned double cabin

• Return flights to Zante with return transfers

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

your vessel

MS Hemera

A traditional wooden-gulet motor vessel, encompassing eight compact cabins, which can accommodate up to 16 guests. Cabins are simple in design, cosy, and comfortable. Each cabin features a small double bed, hairdryer, fan, very limited storage, and a compact private bathroom with a shower unit. The expansive sundeck is a highlight, and communal areas include a lounge, a dining area and a bar.

Please note: On certain dates it may be necessary to use an alternative vessel of a similar standard offering a different cabin type.

Scan the QR code with the camera on your device then click the link to access more information on this tour.

Kefalonia

Ms Hemera

From your base in the coastal resort of Paphos, with its UNESCO- listed old town, enjoy three wonderful excursions in the company of your tour manager. Discover Paphos’ fascinating history, explore the snow-capped Troödos Mountains, journey to Aphrodite’s birthplace and take in bustling Limassol. With plenty of time for relaxation, and the chance to join two other optional excursions, this is a perfect way to get to know delightful Cyprus and its charms.

Blessed with an equable climate, the warmest of welcomes for British visitors, and a laid-back atmosphere in its homely tavernas, bars, cafés and restaurants, Cyprus is the perfect holiday choice. In addition to enjoying the delights of Paphos, journey inland into the island’s spiritual heart, and contrast the colourful modern bustle of the towns and cities with legends of gods and goddesses. Visit the spectacular Troodos Mountains, which rise above the plains and the coast, the glorious beach, home to Petra tou Romiou, Aphrodite’s Rock, and Cyprus’ bustling second city Limassol. A final optional experience involves learning how to bake halloumi pies, feasting on a traditional lunch and sampling tea made from locally-grown herbs.

8-day escorted tour from £845

Cyprus Discovered – Paphos

Discover and explore the delights of Aphrodite’s Isle on this escorted holiday to one of the Mediterranean’s most favoured corners.

at a glance...

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Spend a week soaking up the year-round sunshine of Cyprus, a land where the British enjoy a particularly warm welcome

• Discover coastal resort Paphos, with its UNESCOlisted old town

• A tour of the scenic Troödos Mountains

• Visit Petra tou Romiou – Aphrodite’s Rock –birthplace, legend has it, of the goddess

• Discover Limassol’s old port and castle

• Free time to spend exploring under your own steam or relaxing

• Seven nights’ carefully chosen three-star dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation at the Hotel Veronica, Paphos (upgrade hotels available for a supplement)

The hotel was excellent and the staff were really friendly. Our tour manager also made the coach trips very interesting. Anne

• Return flights to Paphos, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

your hotel choices

Hotel Veronica, Paphos HHH Half-Board from £845

Hotel Dionysos, Paphos HHH Half-Board from £1,050

•

Leonardo Plaza Cypria Maris, Paphos HHHH Half-Board from £1,170

Scan the QR code with the camera on your device then click the link to access more information on this tour.

Paphos

Aphrodite’s Rock

Valletta, Mdina & the Wonders of Malta

Discover one of the Mediterranean’s most historic and welcoming islands, together with its exquisite greener sister-isle Gozo.

St Paul’s Bay.

Depending on the time you arrive, you may have time to enjoy a stroll along the seafront promenade before dinner. Look out over the clear, blue waters to St Paul’s Island, on which – legend has it – the Apostle was once shipwrecked.

Day Two – Day at leisure Rest and relax in your hotel and its surroundings, today, getting to know the area.

Set on the quieter side of St Paul’s Bay, but with easy access to lively and colourful Bugibba, Qawra has plenty to offer, with seafront bars and cafes as well as a sandy beach fringing the bay.

Stroll along the promenade to Qawra Point for far-reaching views, or perhaps enjoy a long lunch in the sunshine.

You’ll begin with a visit to the Malta Experience, an award-winning audio-visual presentation that places the city and the island in its historical context, and sets the scene not only for today’s visit but for the remainder of your stay.

Your tour will also include all the major sights: the Auberge de Castille (magnificent former home to the Knights of St John) and the Upper Barrakka Gardens, from which vantage point the strategic value of the city’s Grand Harbour becomes clear.

Laid out in a perfect grid above the harbour and behind the imposing battlements, the streets of the compact old city are a delight to wander. See the city’s stunning St John’s Co-cathedral, which houses treasures that include two works by the artist Caravaggio. With time for lunch (payable locally) and the

Day One – Fly to Malta Upon arrival, meet your tour manager and transfer to your chosen hotel in the delightful Qawra area of the popular town of

Day Three – Included Valletta guided tour Join your tour manager for the first of your included excursions, and explore the island’s fascinating capital, historic Valletta.

Malta

Gozo

Mdina

Victoria

Qawra

Valletta

Valletta

Main Square, Mdina

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Enjoy a week of rest, relaxation, exploration and traditional Maltese hospitality

• Get to know Malta’s historic capital, Valletta, one of the world’s greatest natural anchorages

• Spend a day on fascinating sister island Gozo

• Explore the island’s interior, including historic Mosta and ‘silent city’ Mdina

• Tour Valletta’s three medieval ‘Cities’, once home to the Knights of St John

• Enjoy an evening in a traditional Maltese restaurant

• Seven nights’ carefully chosen four-star dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation at the Hotel Santana, Qawra (upgrade hotel available for a supplement)

• Return flights to Malta, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

fun fact...

Did you know that this small island is an attractive destination for big-budget movies? Scenes in movies like Gladiator, World War Z and Captain Philips as well as the TV series Game of Thrones were all filmed here.

opportunity for personal sightseeing, today’s visit is the perfect introduction to the island.

Day Four – Included cruise to Gozo Today’s included excursion will be one of the highlights of your holiday, as you make the short ferry crossing from Cirkewwa to the quaint port of Mgarr on Gozo. In sharp contrast to its bustling neighbour, Gozo, which is dotted with prehistoric Neolithic temples and burial mounds, presents a sleepy, timeless face to the modern world.

The highlights of your day will include the fascinating Inland Sea at Dwerja, Calypso’s Cave overlooking sandy Ramla Bay, the delightful coastal resort of Xlendi and the island capital, Victoria. Here, the town is watched over by the fortified bastion of the Citadel, from atop the walls of which there are panoramic views over the island.

After the fascinating history of the smaller island has been brought to life by your tour manager, your thoroughly enjoyable day will end with the return crossing to Malta, passing tiny islet of Comino.

your hotel choices

Hotel Santana, Qawra HHHH Half-Board from £909

150 metres from Qawra’s seafront and offering panoramic views, the Santana is a comfortable base with an indoor pool and spa. Guestrooms have a balcony. A drinks package with dinner and superior rooms are available for a  supplement.

Dolmen Resort Hotel, Qawra HHHH Half-Board* from £994

This recently renovated hotel has a spa/leisure centre (treatments payable locally), pools, restaurants, a bar, lift, coffee shop and casino. Airconditioned rooms have a TV, safe, hairdryer, minibar and balcony. Sea view rooms are available for a supplement.

Day Five – Included Maltese culture evening

Today is another left free so that you can make the most of the hotel and its surroundings. This evening, join fellow guests for an evening of traditional Maltese hospitality in the historic town of Mosta.

Enjoy a menu of Maltese cuisine served by waiters dressed in authentic island costume, and watch a demonstration of traditional Maltese dancing and folk music.

Day Six – Included tour of Mdina, Rabat and Mosta On today’s included full-day excursion you’ll travel inland to Mdina. Malta’s ancient, fortified former capital stands atop a rocky bluff, its beautiful “silent city” of narrow streets lined with stone-built houses.

The tour will also include the town of Rabat, famous for its subterranean catacombs and where Bellini’s statue of St Paul depicts the Apostle’s shipwreck on the island.

You’ll also visit Mosta’s famous church, the vast unsupported dome of which survived a direct hit during WWII, and the spectacular Dingli Cliffs.

Day Seven – Included tour of Vittoriosa, Cospicua, Senglea and Marsaxlokk Your final included excursion takes you ‘back in time’, as you explore the area across Valletta’s Grand Harbour, where three medieval ‘cities’ reflect the island’s rich history. In Vittoriosa, the façade of the Parish Church of St Lawrence displays an early Maltese Cross. Cospicua is one of the Mediterranean’s oldest dockyards and still in use today.

Lastly, Senglea, with its houses built on the waterline and steps down to the sea, is known as Little Venice.

During the day, you’ll also visit the colourful fishing village of Marsaxlokk, with its busy market, and Tarxien, where ancient temples contain carved symbols not dissimilar to the Celtic engravings found in Ireland.

Day Eight – Fly back to the UK Return to the airport and check in for your flight home at the end of a thoroughly enjoyable stay.

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Small in size but colossal in stature, the island of Malta is a melting pot of different cultures, cuisines and people. A bastion in WWII, modernday Malta has much to attract visitors with a thriving food scene, excellent museums and ruins 2,000 years older than the Great Pyramids of Egypt.

Mdina

Luzzu Boats, Marsaxlokk

Senglea

Malta

Dolmen Resort Hotel

Hotel Santana

Hidden Secrets of  Northern Cyprus

Savour rest and relaxation, and step back in time, as you unveil the beautiful, unspoiled north of Aphrodite’s Isle.

Delightful Kyrenia, one of the Mediterranean’s most alluring locations, is set against a backdrop of rugged hills and fringed by deep blue waters. Lift the veil on a historic region, dotted with the relics of the various civilisations that have graced this idyllic island in the sun.

With accommodation in a choice of hotels close to the pretty port of Kyrenia, this holiday takes in the town’s natural, horseshoe-shaped harbour, flanked by shops and cafés, all watched over by an imposing medieval castle, with its fascinating shipwreck museum.

You’ll also discover nearby mountain-top St Hilarion Castle and idyllic Bellapais, former home to writer Lawrence Durrell, and divided island capital Nicosia. An included tour of the island’s east coast explores ancient St Barnabas Monastery, Salamis’ Roman ruins and Famagusta’s ruined churches.

Enjoy optional excursions to Guzelyurt, Soli, the Green Line border town Lefkel, and the Karpaz peninsula.

at a glance...

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Enjoy seven nights in exquisite Kyrenia

• Explore Kyrenia’s harbour and castle

• Visit Bellapais, beneath its Gothic abbey, and home to writer Lawrence Durrell

• See St Hilarion’s ‘fairy-tale’ fortress, said to inspire Walt Disney’s Snow White’s castle

• Visit fascinating Nicosia and walled Famagusta

• Tour the Roman ruins at Salamis

• See Varosha, a poignant reminder of the past

• Optional excursion to discover Güzelyurt – literally ‘beautiful place’ – and ancient Soli

• Seven nights’ carefully chosen three-star dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation at the Altinkaya Hotel, Kyrenia (upgrade hotels available for a supplement)

Richard the Lionheart was meant to have spent his honeymoon at St Hilarion Castle, and it was also an inspiration to Walt Disney for Snow White’s castle.

• Return flights to Cyprus, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

your hotel choices

Altinkaya Hotel, Kyrenia HHH

Half-Board from £889

Pia Bella Hotel, Kyrenia HHHH Half-Board from £916

Ship Inn HHH Half-Board from £968

Some hotel facilities operate on a seasonal basis.

Scan the QR code with the camera on your device then click the link to access more information on this tour.

Kyrenia

Bellapais Abbey

Fly to Amman, built amongst desert hills and mixing every modern amenity with the occasional remnant of the past. Settle into your hotel and enjoy some time in this friendly city before a fascinating excursion to the remarkably well-preserved Roman city of Jerash, its great Hippodrome, theatres, plazas, streets and baths recovered from the sand over the last 80 years. Known as the ‘Pompeii of the East’, the former Decapolis was once one of the Middle East’s most important Roman strongholds. You’ll take the fabled King’s Highway to Wadi Rum and then breathtaking Petra, where an unforgettable day awaits, before you crown an unforgettable holiday with a stay on the shores of the mysterious Dead Sea, where warm, health-giving waters add to the enjoyment of a spectacular trip.

7-day escorted

tour from

Jordan – Petra & the Dead Sea

Available Feb to Jun 2023 Fly direct from these airports. Prices from • Heathrow £2,149 Room for Sole Use from £498 Please note: The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 45 minutes upon arrival, and one hour 30 minutes on departure.

at a glance...

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Explore a mix of ancient and ultra-modern in Amman, where, highlights include the hill-top citadel and preserved Roman theatre

• Taste delicious food on a guided tour

• Visit Jerash is a window on the Roman past

• Drive the Desert Highway to Wadi Rum

• Enjoy a 4x4 adventure through Wadi Rum’s dunes

• Walk into the past as you explore incredible Petra

• Visit ‘Little Petra’

• View the Byzantine mosaics in Madaba

• Take in astonishing views from Mt Nebo, supposed resting place of Moses

Due to a layer of hard crystals covering the shoreline and the bottom of the Dead Sea, it’s a good idea to wear water shoes or flip-flops. top tips... Scan the QR code with the

• Stay beside the shores of the Dead Sea and float in the health-giving, mineral-laden waters

• Six nights’ carefully chosen four- and five- star dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation

• Return flights to Amman, with coach travel and transfers throughout

Amman International Hotel HHHH Half-Board nights 1-2

Mövenpick Nabatean Castle Hotel, Wadi Musa HHHH Half-Board nights 3-4

Mövenpick Hotel Dead Sea HHHHH Half-Board nights 5-6

camera

Istanbul, Ephesus & Troy

Explore one of the world’s most exciting cities, and uncover the treasures of ancient Turkey on a truly fascinating tour.

Day One – Fly to Turkey Fly to Istanbul, meet your tour manager and transfer to your hotel for a three-night stay. Depending on your time of arrival, acquaint yourself with your surroundings. Enjoy your first evening in an extraordinary city that bridges the divide between Europe and Asia, marked by the narrow strait of the Bosphorus, and that brims with reminders of its illustrious past.

Day Two – Included tour of Istanbul Enjoy today’s first fascinating included tour, introducing the city that was once Byzantium, then Constantinople. Explore the sights of the historic Sultanhamet Peninsula. Your tour includes entry to the extraordinary Topkapi Palace with its priceless treasures. With its outer courtyard and gateways into its labyrinthine inner quarters, you’ll also visit the renowned Harem quarter. You’ll also take in the colourful Spice Bazaar, with its heaped displays of aromatic powders and trays of Turkish delight. This evening, there’s the chance to enjoy a traditional fish dinner in the popular

Kumkapi

Day Three – Included tour of Istanbul

Another unforgettable day sees you return to the historic peninsula to explore the contrasting wonders of the remarkable Blue Mosque, with its minarets and cobalt tiles, and the great Byzantine church of the Hagia Sophia, once the world’s largest enclosed space. Your day will include a guided stroll through the ancient Roman Hippodrome and a visit to the world’s largest covered bazaar, the Grand Bazaar. The rest of the afternoon is free. Why not take an optional cruise along the Bosphorus River? Later, make the most of your last evening in this fascinating, glorious city, perhaps dining al fresco.

Day Four – Travel to Canakkale Leaving Istanbul, this morning, you’ll travel by coach around the Sea of Marmara, then inland and south onto the stunningly beautiful, Gallipoli Peninsula. Here, in 1915, the Allied forces suffered catastrophic losses, including some

district, its colourful restaurants teeming with visitors and locals alike.

Pamukkale

Hagia Sophia, Istanbul

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Discover Istanbul, the only city in the entire world that straddles two continents

• See the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the famed Topkapi Palace

• Journey south via poignant ANZAC Cove

• Step back in time in ancient Troy and Pergamon

• Enjoy three nights in shore-side Kuşadasi

• Be amazed at the ruins of Ephesus

• Discover amazing Pamukkale on an optional excursion

• Extend your holiday with a three-night stay at a five-star resort on the Aegean Coast

• Seven nights’ carefully chosen four-star bed and breakfast accommodation

• Four dinners

• Flights to Istanbul, returning from Izmir, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

Our tour was fantastic, and our tour manager was so helpful, knowledgeable, and put us all at ease while giving us a wonderful overview of the history of the places that we visited.

Gillian

10,000 members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps – the famous ANZACs – at the hands of the defenders of the Ottoman Empire led by legendary Turkish leader and founder of modern Turkey, Atatürk.

The beauty of ANZAC Cove and its surroundings is a marked contrast to the sobering memorials and cemeteries. Later this afternoon, you’ll cross the narrow strait of the Dardanelles and head to sea-front Canakkale.

Day Five – Included tour of Troy Enjoy a first day amid the wonders of classical Greece, as you explore the nearby ruins of Troy, guarded by a replica giant wooden horse recalling the tale of the first Trojan War. You’ll also visit the ruins of Pergamon, which include an acropolis, temples, a two-storey Library and a spectacular, 10,000seat theatre.

After a fascinating day, you’ll arrive in Kusadasi, this evening. Begin your stay with dinner on the shores of the Aegean Sea.

Day Six – Optional tour of Pamukkale Spend today at leisure enjoying the many facilities of the

your hotels

Grand Yavuz Hotel, Istanbul HHHH Bed & Breakfast nights 1-3

With views across Istanbul from the restaurant, the hotel is ideally located only 15 minutes walk from the Grand Bazaar. The hotel is well presented and offers a health club (payable locally), a bar, lounge and free Wi-Fi throughout. All rooms are airconditioned with a TV, safe and mini-bar.

resort, strolling along the harbour promenade, discovering the medieval Kale district or visiting tiny Pigeon Island.

Alternatively, join our optional excursion to Pamukkale. Here white calcium deposits, some 100 metres high, shape a slow-moving, everchanging cascade, with hundreds of terraces and pools filled by an ancient mineral-laden spring. Ruins of a once great city surround the thermal baths, including a Temple of Apollo and restored Roman theatre.

En route to Pammukale, you’ll stop at the “red water” springs of Karahayit, famed for their curative powers. And afterwards, there’s a chance to enjoy the pleasures of a spa and an included lunch on afternoon visit to the luxurious Pam Thermal Hotel, a five-star establishment that takes its 35°C waters from the spring below.

Day Seven – Included tour of Ephesus Your final included excursion takes in ruined Ephesus, one of the most important Roman and Byzantine cities, and witness – in the 1st Century AD – to the preaching of Saint Paul. The ruins - which include churches,

bath-houses, fountains and temples, gymnasia, the great Roman Amphitheatre, the facade of the fabled Library of Celsus and the colonnade of the Arcadian Way - serve to reflect this greatness in breath-taking fashion. Continue to the House of the Virgin Mary. You’ll return to Kusadasi this evening to enjoy a last dinner at the hotel.

Day Eight – Fly back to the UK Today you’ll transfer to the airport to begin your journey home.

fun fact...

Did you know that Ephesus was so prosperous that its centrepiece, the marble Temple of Artemis, was once the biggest temple on Earth?

Akol Hotel, Çanakkale

HHHH

Half-Board night

On the seafront overlooking a tiny harbour and the straits of the Dardanelles, this hotel boasts three restaurants, roof-top and lobby bars and an outdoor pool and sun terrace. Bright, modern, airconditioned rooms offer a TV, safe, mini-bar, hairdryer and free Wi-Fi.

Paloma Marina Suites, Kuşadasi HHHH Half-Board nights 5-7

In the heart of Kuşadasi and only a short walk from the beach and the harbour, this stylish hotel offers many amenities including an outdoor pool, fitness centre, restaurant and bar. All rooms are modern and have air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, TV and mini-bar.

4

what our customers say...

Grand Yavuz Hotel

Paloma Marina Suites

Akol Hotel

Ancient Troy City Walls Acropolis, Pergomon

Library of Celsus, Ephesus

Jerusalem, Galilee & The Holy Land

Discover one of the World’s most extraordinary, timeless – and time -weathered – corners, a sacred land forged over centuries.

Day One – Fly to Tel Aviv Fly to Tel Aviv, on Israel’s Mediterranean coast, meet your Tour Manager and transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Rest and relax after your journey, stroll along the seafront promenade or perhaps visit nearby bustling Jaffa.

Day Two – Included tour of Tel Aviv and Caesarea Board the coach this morning for your first fascinating day exploring. See the old port of Jaffa and take in some of the sites of Tel Aviv, modern Israel’s hub of commercial and cultural activity.

You’ll then head north to the ruins of the great Roman port of Caesarea, which flourished during the time of Jesus. You’ll also pay a short visit to the modern port-city of Haifa before driving to the summit of Mount Carmel for a stunning panoramic view of Northern Israel and beyond.

Your explorations finish with a visit to the remarkably preserved remains of the Crusader city of Acre (or Akko) one-time fortress of

Day Three – Included tour from Galilee to Nazareth Today we’ll head through a land familiar to Bible readers everywhere, beginning with a 45-minute boat journey across the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum, where Jesus recruited his first disciples.

Our next stop will be Tabgha, site of the Feeding of the 5000, beneath the Mount of the Beatitudes, from which the Sermon on the Mount was preached.

Journey inland via Cana, where Jesus is said to have performed his first miracle (turning water into wine), to bustling Nazareth. Here the monumental Church of the Annunciation dominates the skyline while St Joseph’s Grotto offers a humble contrast.

After a fascinating day, you’ll return to your beachfront hotel for dinner.

Richard the Lionheart, before you drive to Tiberias, on Galilee’s peaceful shore, for a twonight stay.

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Discover modern Tel Aviv and nearby Jaffa

• Explore Roman Caesarea, King Herod’s most important port- city

• Visit Haifa and take in Mount Carmel’s spectacular view

• Take in Crusader fortress-city Acre

• Discover the places once trodden by Jesus

• Journey past ancient Jericho

• Take the cable car to legendary Masada

• Enjoy the unique sensation of floating in the Dead Sea

• Walk the Way of the Cross and visit poignant Gethsemane

• View the city from the Mount of Olives

• See the Western Wall and sacred Dome of the Rock, two of the holiest sites in Judaism and Islam respectively

• Visit Bethlehem and Church of the Nativity

• Spend time at Jerusalem’s Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial and see the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Shrine of the Book

• Enjoy a free day for personal sightseeing in Jerusalem

• Seven nights’ carefully chosen four-star dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation

• Return flights to Tel Aviv, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

Day Four – Included visit to the Dead Sea

Another extraordinary day begins with a journey south, past the site where John the Baptist anointed Jesus and the ancient town of Jericho, to the Dead Sea, the lowest place on Earth.

En route you’ll visit the UNESCO -listed fortresscitadel of Masada, where Jewish zealots held out against the Romans for three years following the fall of Jerusalem.

There’s an extraordinary view of the rift valley and the waters of the Dead Sea from this mountaintop site. This afternoon, why not take the opportunity to enjoy the unique sensation of ‘floating’ in the Dead Sea before you continue your tour, climbing up to Jerusalem for the first of four nights in this iconic, historic city?

Day Five – Included tour of Jerusalem A guided introductory tour reveals some of the many secrets of one of the world’s most fascinating cities, today. You’ll begin with a drive to the Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the city skyline, much changed since Jesus stood atop the Mount but still a mesmerising, stirring sight.

your hotels

Hotel Metropolitan, Tel Aviv HHHH* Half-Board night 1

Located in the heart of the city, the Metropolitan will provide a comfortable night’s first stay. Rooms offer a telephone, complimentary Wi-Fi, tea/ coffee-making facilities, a TV and safe, and the hotel also boasts a lobby bar, and café restaurant.

Entering the city through the ancient Lion’s Gate, you’ll walk the Via Dolorosa, past the Stations of the Cross, to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, site of the Crucifixion. Visits to the Western Wall (or Wailing Wall) beneath the Dome of the Rock, and to the Garden Tomb that was found empty on the first Easter morning, complete your fascinating day.

Day Six – Included tour of Bethlehem Board the coach this morning for a short drive out of the city to Bethlehem to visit Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity.

One of the Holy Land’s oldest churches, the church and its underground grotto boast several relics and centuries-old fragments of mosaics.

Returning to Jerusalem via the Shepherds’ Fields where the angels are said to have announced Christ’s birth, you’ll pay visits to the moving Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial and the Shrine of the Book, housing the historically priceless Dead Sea Scrolls recovered from a cave near Masada.

Day Seven – Rest and relax Today you’re free to relax in Jerusalem. Take the opportunity to wander the colourful souks of the Arab market,

to explore the Old City once again, or perhaps to visit the excellent Tower of David Museum, all at your own pace. Later, a last dinner at the hotel offers the chance to look back on a thoroughly absorbing and enthralling week.

Day Eight – Fly back to the UK Drive back down through the scenic Judean Hills to the Mediterranean, making your way to Tel Aviv where you’ll board the flight back to the UK, at the end of a marvellous holiday.

travel tips...

In Jerusalem, don’t pass on trying knafeh – an Arabic dessert of melted cheese covered with a pastry or shredded wheat topping, and soaked in sweet syrup.

Sea of Galilee Hotel, Migdal

HHHH*

Half-Board nights 2-3 Overlooking the Sea of Galilee, this beachfront hotel is a relaxing touring base. Boasting a pool, terrace, as well as views over the waters of the ‘Syrian Sea’, the hotel, some five miles from Tiberias, offers a restaurant and bar and airconditioned rooms with a TV and free Wi-Fi.

Grand Court Hotel, Jerusalem HHHH*

Half-Board nights 4-7

The four-star Grand Court, a ten-minute stroll from the Old City, boasts a roof-top pool overlooking the city. Air-conditioned rooms offer free Wi-Fi, a TV, hairdryer, and safe. Other hotel facilities include restaurants, a lobby lounge, dining room and a more informal Garden Court.

Hotel Metropolitan

Grand Court Hotel

Sea of Galilee Hotel

Tel Aviv

Bethlehem

Caesarea Roman Viaduct

Venture

Washington, New York & Niagara Falls 110

Washington, New York & Boston in the Fall 112 New England in the Fall 114

Fall Colours of New England & Canada 116

Elvis Presley’s Memphis, New Orleans  & Nashville 118

Texas, Presley’s Memphis & New Orleans 120

Deep South Rhythms, New Orleans & Caribbean Cruise 121

Hollywood, Vegas & the Grand Canyon 122

America’s Golden West 124 National Parks of the American West & San Francisco 126

Canada’s Maple Leaf Trail 127 Canada – Niagara Falls to the Rockies 128 Add the Rocky Mountaineer 129 The Canadian Rockies 130

Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer® 131

Five-Star Alaska Cruise &  the Canadian Rockies 132 Add the Rocky Mountaineer 133

Mexico, Mayan Adventures & Caribbean Island  134

Costa Rica – Wildlife, Rainforest & Caribbean Beach 136

Peru, Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands 138 Peru – Land of the Inacas 140

South American Explorer –Brazil, Argentina & Peru 142 Brazil & Argentina 144

into epic wilderness, navigate remote landscapes, and witness some of the world’s mustsee urban and natural sights.

I’ve just returned from the Newmarket Holidays’ Elvis Presley’s Memphis, New Orleans & Nashville tour and can highly recommend it! The tour was very well organised, the hotels were amazing, especially the Guesthouse at Graceland, which was within walking distance from Graceland itself. Julie, our tour guide was knowledgeable and Josh the driver was too, and very polite. Overall, it was a fabulous holiday, and I can’t wait for my next one.

Dawn – Elvis Presley’s Memphis, New Orleans & Nashville

Washington,

Day One – Fly to Canada Fly into Toronto, meet your tour manager and travel around Lake Ontario’s shore to your overnight hotel in Niagara Falls. Catch a brief glimpse of this extraordinary work of nature before making the most of a chance to rest and relax after your journey.

Day Two – Travel south to Gettysburg Board the coach, this morning, for the journey across the border into the US, heading across scenic New York State and into the ‘Keystone State’, Pennsylvania. Continue south to stay overnight in Gettysburg, close to the site of the 1863 battle.

Day Three – Included visit to the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum Step back in time today as you pay a visit to, and your respects at, the Gettysburg National Military Park, which preserves the land upon which Unionist forces overcame the Confederates during one of the bloodiest battles of the American Civil War.

In addition to the battlefield site itself, with its monuments and memorials, including that at Gettysburg National Cemetery dedicated to Abraham Lincoln’s famous Address, the site has a Museum and Visitor Center that houses a collection of over 40,000 Civil War artefacts.

After a fascinating day, you’ll continue to Tysons Corner, close to Washington DC, where you’ll spend the next two nights.

Day Four – Included visit to Washington DC Spend a day in the “most powerful city on Earth”, America’s capital – Washington DC. An optional guided city tour will introduce the giant, domed Capitol building on Capitol Hill – home to the US Senate and the House of Representatives – the vast Library of Congress and the Supreme Court.

Available Aug to Dec 2022, Jan to Jun, Sep to Dec 2023, Jan to Jun & Sep to Dec 2024

Stretching two miles from the Capitol to the Potomac, the manicured acres of the Mall boast the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, the Smithsonian museums and – across the green swathe of the Ellipse, at May,

• Heathrow £1,699 • Manchester £1,749* (UK connecting flights available – call us for details)

Personalise your holiday

• New Orleans City Tour (half day) – from £21 • Bayou & Alligators Tour (half day) – from £25

Washington City Tour (half day) – from £30

• Memphis: Graceland & Sounds of the South (full day) – from £89

Manhattan City Tour & Top of the Rock (half day) – from £61

Niagara Falls Lunch – from £33

• Helicopter over Niagara Falls – from £105

• Studio B & the Country Music Hall of Fame (half day) – from £45 Room for Sole Use from £592

Room for Sole Use from £599

Please note: *Some departures from Manchester into the USA are via Houston instead of Atlanta and will follow a slightly different itinerary which can be seen on our website. All of the main tour highlights remain included. The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately three hours.

Please note: The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately one hour and 30 minutes. There is a $6 US charge to cross the border from Canada to the USA. This is payable in cash at the border crossing and is not included in the tour price.

Washington Monument

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Bookend the tour with stays close to extraordinary Niagara Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world

• Travel from Canada to historic Gettysburg

• Visit the Gettysburg National Military Park

• Explore all-powerful Washington DC, home to the White House and Capitol Hill

• Visit Philadelphia, ‘Freedom City’ where American Independence was declared

• Explore New York, one of Earth’s most exciting cities, with its famous skyline

• Journey through beautiful, forested, up-state New York

• Enjoy a visit to glittering waterfront Toronto

• Eight nights’ carefully chosen three- and four-star room-only accommodation, plus one night on the aircraft

• Return scheduled flights to Toronto, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

fun fact...

Did you know that more than 800 languages are spoken in New York? This makes it the most linguistically diverse city in the world.

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue – the White House itself. Across the Potomac lie Arlington National Cemetery and the hulking Pentagon.

After the tour, you’ll have the rest of the day free to explore before you return to Tysons Corner.

Day Five – Included Philadelphia tour Travel to the original US capital, historic Philadelphia. Here, Independence Hall National Park is home to the place where the Declaration of Independence was prepared and – after the tolling of the Liberty Bell – first read to the nation in July 1776.

Enjoy an orientation tour, which will bring to life the colourful story of America’s birth and the characters of the men, like Benjamin Franklin and George Washington, who wrought it.

After a fascinating day, you’ll travel north to Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, for a two-night stay.

Day Six – Included Manhattan day-trip Make the most of a full day in the incomparable Big Apple, the “city that never sleeps”, perhaps the world’s most famous metropolis. Discover its landmark skyscrapers, the green acres of Central Park, the famous Fifth Avenue stores, glittering Broadway,

your hotels

Sheraton-on-the-Falls, Niagara Falls nights 1, 7 & 8

Ideally located in the heart of the Niagara Falls resort, this hotel boasts spectacular views of the falls and offers a huge array of on-site amenities including two restaurants, a bar, a spa and indoor and outdoor swimming pools. There are further restaurants located on the hotel’s shopping concourse.

Wyndham Hotel, Gettysburg night 2

A modern hotel with a traditional feel, this hotel offers two restaurants and a bar, as well as a gift shop, gym and indoor swimming pool. The rooms have TV and tea- and coffee-making facilities.

bustling Times Square, world-class museums and the irrepressible buzz that extends from Harlem in the north to Wall Street’s Financial District overlooking the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Choose to join our optional guided city tour and you’ll also have the chance to ride to the top of the Rockefeller Centre for spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline. At the end of your day in this wonderful place, we’ll travel back across the Hudson River to spend a second night in Hasbrouck Heights.

Day Seven – Travel north to Canada Today you’ll board the coach for the scenic journey through beautiful Upstate New York, its forested landscape dotted with typical, idyllic New England style towns and villages, and back towards Niagara Falls for your final two nights.

Day Eight – Discover Niagara Falls Spend a day in awestruck wonder as you visit the Falls, which plunge over their famous precipices and are without question one of nature’s greatest sights. The trememdous noise and permanent misty spray can be heard and seen for miles

around. While you’re here, why not enjoy lunch in a restaurant overlooking the Falls, and stroll the green acres of the park that runs above the rushing waters of the Niagara River, before spending a last evening in the resort town?

Day Nine – Included visit to Toronto and flight home Treat yourself to an optional helicopter flight over the Falls today – the perfect way to bid them farewell – before you board the coach for the journey to Toronto. After a brief visit to the city - home to the sky-piercing CN Tower and some bustling waterfront developments - you’ll return to the airport to check in for your evening flight home.

Day 10 – Arrive home Arrive back in the UK early this morning, after an overnight flight.

Washington is a great city as all the museums and attractions are within walking distance.

Doubletree by Hilton, Tysons Corner nights

3-4

Adjacent to Tysons Corner shopping mall and its vast selection of shops and restaurants, this hotel has a fitness centre, a bar and two restaurants including a pub. The guest rooms are very comfortable and come with tea- and coffee-making facilities. Please note: On selected dates you will stay at the Courtyard by Marriott, Tysons Corner.

Holiday Inn, Hasbrouck Heights nights 5-6 Located in New Jersey, across the Hudson River from Manhattan, this hotel has an indoor swimming pool and a fitness centre. There’s also a choice of restaurants, including a steak house, as well as an atrium bar. Rooms are spacious and comfortably furnished. Please note: On selected dates you will stay at the Courtyard Secaucus Meadowlands.

our product manager loves...

New York

Niagara Falls

The White House

Sheraton-on-the-Falls Holiday

9-day escorted tour from £2,025

Washington, New York & Boston

in the Fall

Against the striking background of fall’s russet red and golden hues, discover and explore a trio of great cities and some stunning countryside.

Day One – Fly to Washington Upon arrival, meet your tour manager and take a scenic journey through Virginia to your hotel in Williamsburg. Check in, then rest and relax, and enjoy your first evening.

Day Two – Optional Jamestowne and Williamsburg excursion Step back in time on today’s optional full-day tour. Your first stop will be the popular attraction of Historic Jamestowne, the first permanent English settlement in America. Your visit will allow time to visit the Glasshouse, home to artefacts discovered by the archaeologists at the original Jamestowne Fort. Your next stop will be colonial Williamsburg, where you will be transported back to the pioneering days of the 18th Century as you stroll the living museum’s cobbled streets and historic buildings, and hear locals in period costume discuss the day’s events in the dialect of the time.

Day Three – Included visits to Charlottesville and the Blue Ridge Mountains Today will be

one to savour, as you enjoy our included tour to exquisite Charlottesville. The historic home of Thomas Jefferson, Founding Father and the third US President, Charlottesville’s magnolialined streets hold some of the country’s oldest dwellings, and lovingly preserve the spirit of earliest America.

Continue from here into Virginia’s famous Blue Ridge Mountains, where breath-taking natural wonders can be explored in beautiful Shenandoah National Park, a refuge for deer and other wildlife.

This evening we’ll stay the night in Tysons Corner, close to Washington DC.

Day Four – Explore Washington DC Todays’ full-day visit to the enthralling US capital offers you the chance to join an optional guided tour of the world’s most powerful square mile and see Capitol Hill, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and (of course) 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue - The White House.

Available

•

• Jamestowne & Williamsburg (full day) – from £85

• Washington City Tour (half day) – from £29

• Manhattan Tour & Top of the Rock (half day) – from £59

• Cape Cod & Plimoth Plantation (full day) – from £36

• Boston City Tour (half day) – from £19 Room

Please

Since the tour covers a large distance, south to north, from Virginia to Massachusetts, fall foliage colours will, of course, vary dependent upon your date of travel. On early departures, leaves are more likely to have turned in the northern areas covered, whereas on later dates, it is the more southern areas that will be most notable for their colourful foliage.

Central Park, New York

The Capitol Building, Washington DC

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Visit all-powerful Washington DC, home to the White House and Capitol Hill

• Drive through Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park to the historic, magnolia-lined streets of Charlottesville

• Explore glittering New York – the world’s most exciting city, with its famous skyline

• Visit Newport, Rhode Island, with its beautiful seafront mansions

• Discover elegant Boston, where the Freedom Trail takes in places associated with the American Revolution

• Seven nights’ carefully chosen three-star room-only accommodation, plus one night on the aircraft

• Flights to Washington, returning from Boston, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

After the chance to discover this “little town” on the bank of the Potomac River, you’ll head north east into New Jersey for a two-night stay.

Day Five – See the sights of New York City Today you’ll head easy, and cross the Hudson River into Manhattan, the beating heart of New York – the incomparable Big Apple. Spend your time here shopping in some of the world’s most iconic stores, taking in the world-famous sights, visiting one of the city’s renowned museums, or strolling through leafy Central Park. Alternatively, join our optional guided city tour, on which the likes of Central Park, Fifth Avenue and the Rockefeller Center will be brought to life. After a mesmerising day, you’ll return to New Jersey. Day Six – Visit Newport, Rhode Island Today’s scenic journey takes us further up America’s East coast to Newport, Rhode Island. This famous maritime resort town is home to the opulent ‘summer cottages’ of some of America’s wealthiest families. Take in the atmosphere of this quintessential playground of the rich, with its racing yachts and other sleek craft in its famous

your hotels

Comfort Inn, Williamsburg Gateway nights 1-2

This hotel offers a warm welcome, and boasts an outdoor swimming pool, and a sport’s restaurant and bar. The rooms are excellent, and are equipped with TV and coffee-makers.

Courtyard by Marriott, Tysons Corner night 3

This modern hotel is located across the road from Tysons Corner shopping mall, where you’ll find a vast selection of restaurants and shops. The hotel itself has two restaurants and a fitness centre, and the guest rooms have contemporary-style furnishings, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.

harbour, before you re-board the coach to begin your onward journey through some colourful Fall scenery into Massachusetts for a two-night stay in Hull, south of Boston.

Day Seven – At leisure or optional Cape Cod excursion Join our full-day optional tour to Cape Cod and Hyannisport, where you will see the JFK Memorial, before heading to Plymouth, where the first settlers landed in the New World. You’ll have time to find lunch and have a chance to view Mayflower II, a replica of the early settlers’ ship that celebrates its 400th anniversary in 2020, before visiting Plimoth Plantation, a fascinating living museum where costumed actors and realistic reconstructions depict a day’s life in 1627.

Day Eight – Explore Boston Today you’ll head into elegant Boston, America’s most European city. Join our optional city tour and discover the city’s rich and colourful history, as you take in sights including the gold-domed State House overlooking Boston Common, the cobbled streets of Beacon Hill, and the places associated with the

events leading up to 1776 and Independence from the British.

This afternoon you’re free to explore, perhaps taking in historic Faneuil Hall and nearby colourful Quincy Market with its bars, restaurants and speciality stalls. Alternatively, why not stroll around the harbour, visit the city’s world class aquarium, pay a visit to the replica Tea Party ships - Eleanor and Beaver - or explore the delightful streets of Midtown?

Later, transfer to Boston airport to check in for your flight home.

Day Nine – Arrive Home Arrive back in the UK after an overnight flight, and at the end of a marvellous holiday full of autumn colour and unforgettable experiences.

Holiday Inn Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey nights 4-5

Located across the Hudson River from the glitz and buzz of Manhattan, this hotel offers a choice of restaurants including a steak house, and also has a fitness centre. All the guest rooms are spacious, and have TV and coffee-makers.

Nantasket Beach Resort Hotel and Spa, Hull nights 6-7

Just a short drive from downtown Boston, this hotel is located on a seafront promenade with many restaurants and bars, and a handful of local shops. It has its own restaurant and bar as well as an indoor swimming pool.

A journey through a trio of amazing cities at a time when the trees are adorned with beautiful colours.

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Blue Ridge Mountains

Boston New York

Sheraton-on-the-Falls

New England in the Fall

Catch your breath at one of nature’s greatest sights, journey through some stunning countryside, and visit two wonderful cities.

Day One – Fly to New York Upon arrival, meet your tour manager and transfer to your ideally located hotel in New Jersey to relax, make use of the amenities and enjoy dinner.

Day Two – Discover Manhattan Make the short transfer across the Hudson River into the heart of New York – Midtown Manhattan – for a marvellous, memorable day in the incomparable ‘Big Apple’. Explore this breathtaking city under your own steam, or join the optional guided city tour. Marvel at the famous sights – the Empire State building and bustling Times Square, the green acres of Central Park, the southern tip of Wall Street and the waterfront district, before ending your tour with a ride to the top of the Rockefeller Center, an iconic attraction. This afternoon, indulge in some retail therapy, taking in Macy’s or Saks, two of the world’s most celebrated stores. Return to New Jersey at the end of the day to unwind and have dinner.

Three –

of Upstate New York. Break the trip up at the large Yankee Candle flagship store in Deerfield, where a vast range of candles, Christmas and Halloween novelties make for a fascinating diversion and stopover. You’ll then set off into the Berkshire Hills for an overnight stay in Mount Snow in Vermont, sitting on the side of a mountain, with enchanting vistas of the surrounding landscape.

Day Four – Fall Colours and North Conway Embark on a full-day tour through the stunning scenery of New England at its very finest, as you soak up the beauty of this region of rolling, forested hills and picture-book villages and towns.

Travel through the spectacular Quechee Gorge and along the Kancamagus Highway, soaking in the startling fall foliage displays.

Pay a short visit to resort-town North Conway, in the heart of New Hampshire, where several renowned outlet malls vie for your custom,

Day

Journey through New England Board the coach for the journey north onto the scenic highways

New England

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Explore glittering New York – the world’s most exciting city, with its famous skyline

• Visit the Yankee Candle Flagship Store, where it’s Christmas every day

• A spectacular Fall foliage tour includes idyllic Woodstock, Quechee Gorge and a drive along the glorious Kancamagus Highway

• Visit North Conway, in the heart of the scenic White Mountains

• Discover the delights of coastal Maine, including maritime Portland and Kennebunkport

• Visit elegant Boston, America’s most European city, with its Freedom Trail and gold - domed State House

• Discover historic Plymouth and fashionable Newport, Rhode Island

• Seven nights’ carefully chosen room-only accommodation, plus one night on the aircraft

• Return flights to New York, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

before heading into Maine for a two-night stay in the beautiful mountain village of Bethel. Popular for hiking, skiing, cycling and kayaking, this picturesque place allows you to escape the buzz of city life.

Day Five –Optional Mount Washington tour

Today brings opportunities to discover what Bethel has to offer while embracing the natural delights. You can opt to meander around the downtown shops and museums.

However, many will wish to join the optional excursion to famed Mount Washington, journeying aboard the historic Cog Railway – the only one east of the Rockies – to the summit of New England’s highest peak, at the heart of the White Mountains region. The summit station can be one of the world’s windiest places, so hang onto your hat!

Later, return to Bethel and enjoy an evening guided drive in search of moose in the nearby forest area.

Day Six – Coastal Maine to Nantasket Beach Go south this morning to the seafaring city of

Portland, with its waterfront wharves and fine seafood restaurants.

Continue via the exclusive Bush Family retreat of Kennebunkport towards Boston, America’s most European city, and the resort of Nantasket Beach, south of Boston across Quincy Bay for the last two nights of your tour.

Day Seven – A day in Boston Experience a memorable day in delightful Boston. Upon arrival, there is the opportunity to venture on a fascinating optional guided tour along the famous Freedom Trail through the heart of the compact city.

Take in the green acres of Boston Common, the gold-domed State House, then perhaps visit colourful Quincy Market with its speciality stalls. The rejuvenated harbourfront area is also home to the New England Aquarium, which is worth checking out. Stroll around the Harborside parks and gardens, check out Newbury Street’s stylish boutiques or visit one of the city’s many breweries – Boston is one of North America’s craft beer capitals – and take time for a leisurely lunch in a vast choice of eateries.

You can also cross the Charles River to famous Cambridge, home to Harvard University, before returning to Nantasket at the end of the day, perhaps to dine on traditional clam chowder or New England lobster – a special holiday treat.

Day Eight – Included Plymouth and Rhode Island tour A final day sees you travel via the pilgrim city of Plymouth, where the historic streets were once trodden by the first settlers. Then head on towards the fashionable Newport, Rhode Island, with its ‘weekenders’ cottages. Finally, you’ll be dropped at New York’s JFK Airport for your return overnight flight back to the UK.

Day Nine – Land back in the UK Arrive back on UK soil at the end of a truly exceptional holiday.

fun fact...

Did you know that Rhode Island is the smallest US state and was the last of the original 13 colonies to become a state?

Holiday Inn, Hasbrouck Heights nights 1-2

Across the Hudson River from New York’s Manhattan, this popular hotel features a bar and restaurant. There’s an outdoor pool, open seasonally, and comfortable rooms boast excellent facilities.

Please note: On selected dates, you’ll stay at the Courtyard Secaucus Meadowlands.

Grand Summit, Mount Snow night 3

A lovely mountain-side hotel surrounded by lush foliage. There’s a restaurant and pub as well as a deli with a well-stocked gift shop. The hotel has an outdoor pool, whirlpool and gym.

Jordan Grand Hotel, Bethel nights 4-5

With an unequalled mountainside location near the Maine village of Bethel. In addition to wellequipped guest rooms, this comfortable hotel also has restaurant, mini-market and pool area.

Nantasket Beach Resort, Hull nights 6-7

Located just under an hour’s drive from downtown Boston, on the seafront promenade with many restaurants, bars and a handful of local shops, this hotel has a restaurant and bar as well as an indoor pool.

As you drive north, the beautiful colours of the cedars, aspens, and maples will take your breath away!

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Grand Summit

Nantasket Beach Resort

Jordan Grand Hotel

Boston

John Harvard, Cambridge

Portland, Maine

Fall Colours of New England & Canada

Marvel at Mother Nature’s dazzling display, one of her greatest wonders and enjoy some of North America’s most exciting, enthralling cities.

Day One – Fly to the USA Fly to New York and transfer to New Jersey and your hotel for the next two nights.

Day Two – Included Manhattan day trip Head into the heart of downtown Manhattan. Enjoy free time, or, more likely, join our optional guided tour of the “city that never sleeps”. Marvel at the famous sights – the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings, bustling Times Square, Central Park, Wall Street and the waterfront district, looking out towards the Statue of Liberty. The tour also includes a visit to the Top of the Rock at the towering Rockefeller Center, the 70th Floor viewing platform from which the whole of Manhattan can be seen.

Day Three – Travel through Upstate New York to Niagara Falls Today head north to spend two nights by Niagara Falls, a scenic journey travelling through beautiful Upstate New York, its forested landscape dotted with pretty towns. Enjoy your first evening in Niagara Falls.

Day Four – See Niagara Falls Enjoy a full day in Niagara Falls, perhaps boarding the

lunch from the viewpoint of an overlooking restaurant?

Day Five – Visit Niagara-on-the-Lake en route to Toronto Visit delightful Niagara-onthe-Lake, a town of pretty houses and the world-famous Shaw Theatre, one of America’s most celebrated playhouses. Then, continue to the cosmopolitan city of Toronto and discover its lively, trendy waterfront, sky-piercing CN Tower and colourful historic neighbourhoods on an optional guided city tour.

Day Six – Follow the Maple Leaf Trail to Ottawa Travel east to romantic Ottawa, Canada’s delightful capital. Take in the Victorian houses and grand Parliament Buildings, and perhaps a stroll beside the Rideau Canal, set against the leafy background of the Gatineau Hills.

Hornblower Niagara Cruise (bookable locally) for a spray-soaked passage close to the foot of the torrent. For a bird’s eye view, why not take an optional helicopter ride above the Falls or enjoy

Central Park, New York

Château Frontenac, Québec City

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Spend time in mesmerising New York

• Spend two nights at Niagara Falls

• Enjoy a stay in waterfront Toronto

• Visit historic Niagara-on-the-Lake

• Visit capital Ottawa and stylish Montréal

• Discover historic Québec City, overlooking the mighty St Lawrence River

• A breathtaking fall foilage drive through the stunning New England countryside

• Discover Portland and Kennebunkport

• Explore historic, elegant Boston

• Three nights in the seafront resort of Hull

• Follow the Pilgrim’s footsteps at Plimoth Plantation and visit Cape Cod

• Complete the tour with a visit to Newport

• 13 nights’ carefully chosen room-only accommodation, plus one night on the aircraft

• Return flights to New York, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

travel tips...

A travel mug for your coffee or tea will help considerably reduce the use of single-use cups during your holiday.

Later, continue into Québec, the great French Canadian province and to Montréal, the world’s second-largest French speaking metropolis, where you’ll spend the next two nights. Perhaps dine in the trendy Vieux Port District tonight.

Day Seven – Included day in Québec City Today’s included excursion takes you to charming, historic Québec City, Canada’s only walled settlement. Join an optional guided city tour and explore the narrow, cobbled alleyways, the monumental Citadelle and the Château Frontenac hotel. Québec City is sure to prove one of the highlights of your entire holiday.

Day Eight – Explore Montréal’s Vieux Port and travel to Jay Peak After a relaxing morning, perhaps spent exploring Montréal’s historic Vieux Port area, travel back towards the US border. Crossing into leafy Vermont, you’ll spend the night in the exquisite mountain resort surroundings of Jay Peak.

Day Nine – Travel through the White Mountains to Bethel A memorable day awaits, today, as you travel through stunning scenery, via Franconia Notch

your hotels

Holiday Inn Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey nights 1-2

This popular hotel has a choice of restaurants including, a steak house, and also has a fitness centre. All rooms are spacious, and have a TV and coffee-makers.

DoubleTree Fallsview Resort & Spa by Hilton, Niagara Falls nights 3-4

This friendly hotel offers a whole host of leisure amenities including, an indoor pool, a spa and a sauna, as well as restaurant and a coffee shop.

and the spectacular Fall foliage of the Kancamagus Highway, through the White Mountains and on to the beautiful mountain village of Bethel, Maine.

Day 10 – Optional ride on the Mount Washington Cog Railway Today, many will wish to join our optional excursion to Mount Washington. Travel along the leafy lanes of northern Maine, then climb aboard the historic Cog Railway for the ride to the summit of the highest peak in New England.

This evening, join a guided drive in search of moose.

Day 11 – Visit Portland, Ogunquit and Kennebunkport Journey further into the great state of Maine, calling at the coastal city of Portland, with its waterfront wharves and fine seafood restaurants. Visit delightful beachfront Ogunquit before crossing into Massachusetts to spend three nights in seafront Hull, close to elegant Boston.

Day 12 – Included Boston day trip Enjoy a full day in America’s most European city, joining our optional guided tour to explore the famous Freedom Trail through its compact heart, taking in the gold-domed State House, leafy Boston Common and the cobbled streets of historic

Beacon Hill. Perhaps find lunch from the stalls in Quincy Market - clam chowder or delicious New England lobster - before strolling around the harbourside, or crossing the Charles River to famous Cambridge, home to Harvard University.

Day 13 – Visit to Plimoth Plantation and Hyannis Journey towards the South Shore for the chance to follow in the footsteps of the Pilgrim Fathers at Plymouth, ‘America’s Hometown’, and visit fascinating Plimoth Plantation, where the early days of the European settlers are re-enacted. You’ll then continue to Cape Cod and visit Hyannis, hometown of the Kennedys.

Day 14 – Visit Newport, Rhode Island Return to New York, via elegant Newport, Rhode Island. The East Coast’s premier resort town is home to the opulent weekend ‘cottages’ of America’s wealthiest families. You’ll then transfer to the airport for your overnight flight to the UK.

Day 15 – Arrive home Arrive home at the end of a wonderful holiday.

Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto night 5

This excellent downtown hotel has a restaurant, a bar, a coffee shop, an indoor swimming pool and lifts to all floors. Each guestroom has private facilities, a TV, tea/coffee-making facilities, a hairdryer and a telephone.

Sheraton Centre, Montréal nights 6-7

The hotel has a restaurant and a large, airy cafe/bar, as well as an indoor pool, a whirlpool and a gym. All rooms are comfortable and very well-equipped.

Stateside Hotel, Jay Peak night 8

Located in the mountains, with spectacular views, this hotel has an American-style diner and a bar. All rooms have TV and coffee-making facilities.

Grand Summit Resort, Bethel* nights 9-10

In an unequalled mountainside location near the Maine village of Bethel. In addition to its guestrooms, this comfortable hotel has a restaurant, a mini-market and a pool area.

Nantasket Beach Resort, Hull nights 11-13 Located just under an hour’s drive from downtown Boston, on the seafront promenade with many restaurants, bars and a handful of local shops, this hotel has a restaurant and bar as well as an indoor pool.

Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto

DoubleTree Fallsview

Niagara Falls

Boston Common, Boston

New England

Elvis Presley’s Memphis, New Orleans & Nashville

Journey through America’s musical heartland, from the birthplace of jazz and the cradle of rock ‘n’ roll, to the undisputed capital of country music.

Day One – Fly to the USA Upon arrival, meet your tour manager to transfer to your overnight hotel in the Alabama state capital, Montgomery, the resting place of troubled country superstar Hank Williams.

Rest and relax after the journey, and enjoy your first evening.

Day Two – Travel to New Orleans Today, you’ll head south across Alabama, into Louisiana and along the Gulf Coast to the great city of New Orleans, the fabled ‘Big Easy’, for a two-night stay.

Waste no time in soaking up the atmosphere of one of the most exuberant places on the face of the planet.

Day Three – At leisure or optional New Orleans tour and Manchac Swamp excursion This morning’s optional guided tour is the perfect introduction to New Orleans and will include the fabled French Quarter of time-warped, iron-balconied buildings centred on Jackson Square, and the neighbouring colourful Tremé district.

This

Head back to the French Quarter tonight to grab some dinner and immerse yourself in the incomparable atmosphere of the place that gave the world jazz music a century ago and where the legacies of Louis Armstrong and ‘King’ Oliver live on in innumerable bars and clubs.

Day Four – From New Orleans to Tupelo and Memphis Bidding farewell to New Orleans, you’ll travel north into Mississippi, the cradle of the Delta blues and home to the likes of Robert Johnson and Sonny Boy Williamson, journeying to Tupelo, home of the tiny house in which Elvis Aaron Presley was born in January 1935 (entrance payable).

You’ll then continue to Elvis’ beloved hometown Memphis, the bustling city on the bank of the ‘Big Muddy’, which, as well

afternoon, take the optional Louisiana Swampland excursion for a glimpse of the surrounding countryside and a taste of Creole life.

Elvis Presley’s Graceland

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Stay in Montgomery, the resting place of country legend Hank Williams

• Journey through the sleepy countryside of Alabama

• Two nights in New Orleans, the irrepressible, colourfully exuberant and laid-back Big Easy and birthplace of jazz

• Take in the atmosphere of the French Quarter

• Visit Tupelo, Mississippi – birthplace of Elvis

• Spend two nights in Memphis at the Guest House at Graceland, right next to Elvis’ famous mansion

• Discover Nashville, capital of Country Music

• Seven nights’ carefully chosen three- and four-star room-only accommodation, plus one night on the aircraft

• Return flights to Atlanta, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

fun fact...

Did you know that Graceland is covered in a scattering of Christmas lights from mid-November? This includes a life-sized stable scene on the lawn, plus some of Elvis’ original holiday decorations inside the mansion.

as being forever linked with ‘The King’, boasts a musical heritage to match any city in the world.

This evening, soak up the atmosphere of colourful Beale Street with its endless choice of restaurants and bars, many of which offer live music.

Your ideally located hotel is just a stone’s throw away from the gates of Graceland and features a restaurant, sports bar and theatre, which you can make the most of during your stay.

Day Five – At leisure, or optional Sun Studio and Graceland excursion Don’t miss the optional fullday Memphis Sounds excursion, which will include the legendary Sun Studio, where in 1951 rock ‘n’ roll was born with the recording of Rocket 88, and history changed forever three years later with Elvis’ rendition and ‘live’ recording of Arthur Crudup’s That’s Alright, Mama

You’ll then make your way to Elvis Presley Boulevard to pay a visit to Graceland, the King’s home, last recording studio and final resting place. This mansion on an expansive estate is the most-visited privately owned home in America.

your hotels

Drury Inn & Suites, Montgomery night 1

This modern hotel has spacious, well-appointed rooms with a coffee-maker, microwave and fridge. Other facilities include an indoor/outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre.

Wyndham New Orleans, New Orleans nights 2-3

Set in a beautifully converted warehouse, within a 15-minute walk from the French Quarter and a large shopping mall, this hotel offers a breakfast room and a small outdoor pool.

Please note: On selected dates, you’ll stay at the Hampton Inn.

Clarion Hotel Stadium, Nashville nights 6-7 This hotel boasts a bar, restaurant and indoor pool. Rooms have a fridge and microwave.

After a fascinating day, enjoy another evening in Memphis, perhaps sampling a plate of pork ribs – the city is known as the ‘Barbecue Capital of America’.

travel tip...

When you visit Graceland, don’t forget to bring a marker pen to sign the famous wall.

Day Six – From Memphis, Tennessee to Nashville Enjoy today’s change of musical genres, as you journey east to Nashville – the capital of country music, for a two-night stay.

Home to the legendary Ryman Auditorium and Grand Ole Opry and to scores of hugely accomplished guitar-pickers and songwriters, Nashville is every inch one of America’s foremost music cities.

Tonight, perhaps catch some local live music after dinner.

Day Seven – At leisure, or optional Country Music Hall of Fame and Studio B excursion

An optional excursion will introduce you to the legendary Studio B – home to countless country hits and a galaxy of Elvis’ RCA recordings, and to the Country Music Hall of Fame. This music recording studio is now a historic landmark.

Spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring the musical delights of Nashville before returning to your hotel for your final night.

Day Eight – From Nashville to Chattanooga and Atlanta for return flight Journey south on a scenic drive to Chattanooga of ‘Choo-Choo’ fame, a quintessential southern trading town. You’ll then head to Atlanta airport for your return overnight flight back to the UK.

Day Nine – Arrive back in the UK Arrive home this morning, after an amazing and enlightening journey through America’s musical heritage.

The Guest HouseTM at Graceland, Memphis nights 4-5

When Elvis Aaron Presley first set eyes on Graceland, he didn’t just see a house, he saw the beginnings of a dream. That dream has become a destination – The Guest HouseTM at Graceland welcomes you.

We’re very happy to be working with this hotel which is a few steps from the gates of Graceland. From the southern colonial exterior to the guest rooms, every

aspect of The Guest HouseTM reflects Elvis’ personal style and the unique character of Graceland.

This full-service hotel has a restaurant, sports bar, theatre, gift shop and a grocery store plus a seasonal outdoor pool and bar. The comfortable, rooms are all well equipped with a TV, fridge and tea/coffee-making facilities. The hotel also offers a shuttle service to Beale Street.

The Guest House

Beale Street, Memphis

French Quarter, New Orleans

Elvis Presley, © EPE, inc.

Texas, Presley’s Memphis & New Orleans

Take an extraordinary journey through the southern states, crammed with fascinating musical highlights and interest.

Combine the magic and musical wonders of the ‘Southland’ with the ‘Big Country’ sights and sounds of Lone Star State Texas, on this wonderful escorted tour, where each day brings a host of new delights. Take in jazz city New Orleans, Space City Houston and Tex-Mex capital San Antonio, visit colourful, Bohemian Austin, ‘cattle-town’ Fort Worth and oil-rich Dallas, and experience two of America’s greatest music cities, Elvis’ beloved Memphis and country music capital Nashville.

Begin with an overnight stay in ultra-modern Houston, home to thrilling modern history at the fascinating NASA Johnson Space Center, before heading to New Orleans, the fabled Big Easy. Time at leisure to fully immerse in the vibrancy of this iconic city or opt for a guided tour of the French Quarter.

Journey north through Mississippi to stay in Muscle Shoals, and visit Rick Hall’s Fame Studio, before moving on to Nashville – country music cradle and home to Studio B and the Country Music Hall of Fame. The musical journey continues in Memphis, home to legendary Sun Studio and Elvis’ beloved Graceland.

at a glance...

Tour

Highlights & Inclusions

Visit New Orleans, the laid-back Big Easy and take in the atmosphere of the fabled French Quarter

• Visit Muscle Shoals and its famous recording studios

• Discover Nashville, country music capital

• Two nights in Memphis, Tennessee, home to Elvis Presley with entrance to Sun Studios and Graceland

• Enjoy the atmosphere on famous Beale Street

Two nights in ‘cowboy town’ Fort Worth

• Catch a ‘cattle drive’ at the Stockyards

• Discover Dallas and visit the Sixth Floor Museum

• Explore Tex-Mex culture capital, San Antonio

• Relive the heroics of Davy Crockett at ‘The Alamo’ Visit Houston, home to NASA

• 12 nights’ carefully chosen three- and four-star roomonly accommodation, plus one night on the aircraft

• Return flights to Houston, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

your hotels

Your accommodation includes carefully selected three- and four-star hote.

Hyatt Place, Houston Galleria

Wyndham French Quarter, New Orleans

Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa, Florence

•

Clarion Hotel Stadium, Nashville

The Guest HouseTM at Graceland, Memphis

Holiday Inn Conference Centre, Little Rock

Springhill Suites, Fort Worth

Crockett Hotel or Menger Hotel, San Antonio

Stockyards ‘Cattle Drive’

Bourbon

Enjoy a hugely popular journey through America’s musical South, and follow a wonderful tour with rest and relaxation aboard a well-appointed ship as she sails to the blue skies and blue waters of the sun-kissed Caribbean. Savour the musical delights of Country capital Nashville, Rock ‘n’ Roll cradle Memphis and ‘Big Easy’ New Orleans, birthplace of Jazz – with a visit to Elvis’ Tupelo birthplace along the way – then step aboard your Carnival ship to cruise towards the sun - kissed resorts of Mexico!

Crammed with unforgettable highlights, the holiday begins in ‘guitar-pickers’ Mecca’ Nashville, home to the legendary Ryman Auditorium of Grand Ole Opry fame, to the Country Music Hall of Fame and to the legendary Studio B, which you can discover on an optional excursion. A twonight stay at The Guest HouseTM at Graceland, steps from Elvis’ beloved Memphis home, follows, with the chance to visit the mansion and Sun Studios during your stay.

fun fact...

Did you know that jazz icon Louis Armstrong was born in New Orleans? There are two statues in the city honouring him.

16-day escorted tour from £2,979

Deep South Rhythms, New Orleans & Caribbean Cruise

Combine a journey through America’s musical heartland with a sun-kissed voyage through blue waters.

at a glance...

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

Discover Chattanooga and the famous ‘Choo-Choo’

• Explore Nashville, Country Music capital

• Visit Memphis, Tennessee, home to the ‘King’

• Visit Tupelo, Mississippi – Elvis’ birthplace

• Two nights in New Orleans, the Big Easy Take in the fabled French Quarter

• Spend the night in Montgomery, Alabama

• Cruise includes three port calls with full days in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel in Mexico

• Seven nights’ carefully chosen three- and four-star roomonly accommodation, plus one night on the aircraft and seven-nights’ full-board aboard Carnival Glory, sharing a twin inside stateroom. Gratuities included (upgrades available)

• Return flights to Atlanta, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

your hotels

The holiday includes carefully selected three and four star hotels and a seven-night cruise.

•

• Studio

•

• New Orleans City Tour (half day) – from £22

• Bayou & Alligators Tour (half day) – from £25

Upgrade your cabin

Ocean view cabin from £90 and Balcony cabin from £325 Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a cabin.

Please note: The transfer time from the airport to your first hotel is approximately three hours.

Holiday Inn & Suites Downtown, Chattanooga

Clarion Hotel Stadium, Nashville

The Guest HouseTM at Graceland, Memphis

Hampton Inn & Suites Convention Center, New Orleans

Carnival Glory

Hampton Inn & Suites, Montgomery

Scan the QR code with the camera on your device then click the link to access more information on this tour.

Beale Street, Memphis

MS Carnival Glory

10-day

Hollywood, Vegas & the Grand Canyon

Discover two of America’s most famous cities and experience the awe-inspiring chasm that is perhaps nature’s greatest wonder.

Day One – Fly to Los Angeles Fly to California’s largest city, meet your tour manager and make the short transfer to your hotel in Southern LA by coach.

Rest and relax after the journey, and enjoy the first of three evenings in the City of Angels, seeking out the lively bars and restaurants.

Day Two – Included visit to San Diego Join today’s excursion to the laid-back Pacific city of San Diego, the epitome of Southern California living.

Here, the highlights of your guided tour will include the restored Downtown area, the historic Santa Fe Railroad Depot, and the Gaslamp District’s wonderful collection of arts and crafts stores, specialist boutiques and restaurants.

You’ll return to LA to spend a second evening enjoying the warmth and excitement of the city.

Day Three – Included Santa Monica and Hollywood tour Today you’ll have the opportunity to discover Santa Monica’s

ocean-front

Take a seat in a beachfront café to watch LA life as it jogs, cycles or skates its healthobsessed way down towards Venice Beach.

From here, you’ll head to Hollywood, the heart of the modern movie industry, to look for your favourite star’s star on Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame.

Return to your hotel in the evening where you’ll have time to take it easy.

Day Four – Travel to the Grand Canyon An exciting day awaits as you’ll journey east into the depths of the sprawling Nevada Desert, heading for the spectacular Grand Canyon, close to which you’ll spend the night. This scenic drive allows you to sit back and take it all in.

Check into your hotel this evening and enjoy dinner.

boardwalk, the pier and Ferris wheel, and take advantage of the exceptional shopping on Third Street Promenade.

Grand Canyon

Las Vegas

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Spend three nights close to glittering Los Angeles, California’s star-spangled Pacific Coast city

• Visit Hollywood – film capital of the world

• The awesome Grand Canyon is one of the most breathtaking sights on Earth – we stay for the night to catch sunrise

• A four-night stay in extraordinary Las Vegas – the most spectacular desert ‘oasis’ on Earth – brings opportunities to make the most of this entertainment mecca, to relax in

the hotel, and to enjoy some unforgettable optional excursions

• Eight nights’ carefully chosen three- and fourstar room-only accommodation, plus one night on the aircraft

• Return flights to Los Angeles, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour managerFully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

our product manager

A stay at the Golden Nugget puts you in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas - and just a short walk from the famous Mob Museum.

Day Five – Watch the sun rise over the Grand Canyon Wake early, this morning, to witness the breathtaking sight as the sun rises over the Grand Canyon – a steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River and one of nature’s most unforgettable sights.

Later, perhaps take an optional helicopter flight over the chasm to marvel at the almost incomprehensible vastness of it all.

You’ll then continue through the awe-inspiring desert landscape, to dazzling Las Vegas, your base for the next four nights.

Once you’re here, waste no time familiarising yourself with your glittering, neon-lit surroundings – every bit as surreal as the Canyon’s glories. You’ll return to your hotel in the evening to relax after a day of exploring.

Days Six to Eight – At leisure in Las Vegas Spend three days discovering glittering, glorious Las Vegas and some of the extraordinary places that lie on its Nevada Desert doorstep.

your hotels

Holiday Inn, Buena Park nights 1-3 This hotel is well-located for sightseeing in the Los Angeles area and is close to the Knott’s Berry Farm theme park. It has a restaurant, a bar and an outdoor swimming pool. Rooms are well-equipped and have coffee-making facilities.

Nothing prepares you for the glitz, glamour and sheer scale of this monument to man’s capacity for fun that seems to rise out of the desert floor.

Get ready to be blown away by its towering hotels and gargantuan casinos reaching skywards, its streets – including the famous Strip – lined with colourful entertainment centres, stores, themed bars, and show lounges that have played host to generations of the entertainment industry’s most famous names.

Spend your days relaxing, checking out the city’s shopping malls or even heading for one of the resort’s many golf courses for a round.

Come sundown, you can try your luck – or watch others trying theirs – in a sparkling, state-of-theart casino where you’ll find no end to the ways you can try your hand against Lady Luck.

In the evening, you can wander up and down the Strip to see this unique place in all its colourful glory.

Make sure you see the amazing displays of the Bellagio Hotel’s iconic dancing fountains and

enjoy the special-effects-laden spectacle of a swashbuckling pirate adventure at Treasure Island.

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you can also take to the skies on an optional night-time helicopter ride over the Strip and view the city from above.

Day Nine – Return to LA to fly home Bid farewell to Vegas, heading back to LA and the airport to check in for your overnight flight home.

Day 10 – Arrive home Arrive back in the UK this morning at the end of an exciting West Coast USA adventure.

fun fact...

Did you know that the ‘Hollywood’ sign was originally composed of 13 letters that spelt ‘Hollywoodland’? The last four letters of the sign were dropped in 1949.

Canyon Plaza Resort, Grand Canyon night 4 Conveniently located for the Grand Canyon National Park, this hotel offers deluxe guest rooms, beautifully decorated in traditional Southwestern style. The hotel has an on-site restaurant.

Golden

Nugget

Hotel and

Casino, Las Vegas nights 5-8 Stay in a downtown Las Vegas landmark, with an award-winning casino, a host of restaurants and bars (including a buffet), a show room, a spa and a stunning outdoor swimming pool complex.

Hollywood, Los Angeles

Los Angeles

Grand Canyon

Canyon Plaza Resort

Holiday Inn

Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino

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America’s Golden West

Enjoy a classic introduction to the USA, taking in California, Las Vegas and the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon.

Day One – Fly to the USA Transfer to your San Francisco hotel for the next three nights, and relax and rest on your first night.

Day Two – At leisure or optional San Francisco City Tour Take this morning’s optional guided tour of the city’s major landmarks, including Union Square and stylish Nob Hill, before crossing the famously photogenic Golden Gate Bridge to beautiful bayside artists’ town Sausalito.

Then take the Bay Ferry back to the city, with wonderful views of the infamous prison island, Alcatraz, en route.

Enjoy an evening at leisure, possibly exploring the nearby shopping area or finding a spot for dinner.

Day Three – Day at leisure Perhaps head for colourful Chinatown or take the cable car down to the bustle of Union Square.

Day Four – Travel down the Californian Coast Journey south today, towards the fishing town of Monterey and exquisite Carmel-by-theSea, linked by the stunning 17-Mile Drive.

Enjoy

and a spa.

Day Five – Travel via Santa Barbara to Los Angeles Continue through breathtaking coastal scenery, making a stop in well-heeled Santa Barbara, before heading towards glittering Los Angeles via coastal Santa Monica for a three-night stay in Los Angeles’ suburb, Buena Park.

In an ideal location for seeking out the surrounding sights, your hotel also offers an outdoor pool and restaurant.

Day Six – At leisure, or optional Palm Springs tour Rest and relax, or join a tour to the millionaires’ playground Palm Springs, home to a host of Hollywood stars.

Journey to the heights above on the world’s longest revolving cable car and enjoy shopping in the unique desert city’s shops and boutiques.

Day Seven – Included San Diego tour Enjoy today’s full-day excursion to sun-kissed

more of the Pacific coast, as you overnight in Pismo Beach, a classic central Californian coastal resort, with views of the ocean, a swimming pool

Golden Gate Bridge

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Discover and explore San Francisco, the ‘City by the Bay’

• Call at Steinbeck’s Monterey and exquisite Carmel-by-the-Sea

• Journey south along the Pacific Coast Highway

• Spend three nights in glittering LA

• Full day tour to sun-kissed San Diego

• Enjoy three nights in non-stop, 24-hour Las Vegas, the world’s most extraordinary desert ‘oasis’

• A full-day visit to the Grand Canyon, one of the most breathtaking sights on earth

• Visit Hollywood – film capital of the world

• 12 nights’ carefully chosen room-only accommodation, plus one night on the aircraft

• Outbound flight to San Francisco, returning from Los Angeles, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

our product manager loves...

This is a fabulous combination of both man-made and natural icons in a stunning part of the world!

San Diego, a laid-back Californian gem. Highlights include the historic Santa Fe Railroad Depot and the Gaslamp District.

Across the Bay Bridge, Coronado Island is home to the Hotel del Coronado, where Edward first met Mrs Simpson, and Marilyn Monroe filmed Some Like it Hot

Return back to Los Angeles for a final night.

Day Eight – From Los Angeles to Laughlin Cross the desert and travel to Laughlin for a two-night stay in the resort-town, set on the banks of the Colorado River boardwalk.

Make the most of the hotel’s outdoor pool, selection of dining options and bars, as well as the casino floor.

Day Nine – Included Grand Canyon day trip and optional helicopter ride Travel into the desert to the edge of the abyss that is the Grand Canyon, perhaps nature’s most startling wonder. Visit the South Rim, the most scenic point from which to view the chasm, formed over millennia by the Colorado River, which still flows a mile below.

your hotels

Hotel Caza Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco nights 1-3

Positioned in the historic Fisherman’s Wharf area along San Francisco Bay, this sleek, modern hotel features a heated outdoor swimming pool ringed with bright umbrellas. Contemporary guestrooms, encompassing a blue and white colour scheme, offer TVs and Wi-Fi. There is a games room, a fitness room, a café, and a bar.

Take an optional helicopter flight for even more stupendous views, before returning for a second night in Laughlin.

Day 10 – Travel to Las Vegas Today’s journey takes you to Las Vegas for a three-night stay in the ‘World’s Capital of Entertainment’. Enjoy your first experience of this extraordinary man-made mecca, where night and day are treated as one.

Your hotel, ideally located in the Downtown area, allows you to experience the electric atmosphere with ease.

Day 11 – At leisure, with optional Las Vegas dinner show Today is free to explore to your heart’s content. Make sure to check out the famously gargantuan ‘mega-resorts’ of the Strip and Downtown, with their gaming rooms, vast shopping malls, diverse entertainment and endless dining opportunities.

Tonight, enjoy an optional dinner and entertainment from the stars of the nostalgic ‘The Rat Pack is Back’ show.

Day 12 – At leisure, with optional nighttime helicopter ride Relax by the pool, perhaps with a cocktail in hand, arrange to be pampered with a treatment in a spa, or simply shop ‘till you drop during this day of leisure.

In the evening, don’t miss the optional Vegas Nights helicopter flight over the illuminated Strip.

Day 13 – Included Hollywood tour before return flight Head back to LA and the star-studded streets of Hollywood for an included tour.

Afterwards, continue to the Los Angeles Airport for your return overnight flight.

Day 14 – Land in the UK Arrive back on UK soil after a highly memorable trip.

fun fact...

With a spectacular oceanfront setting overlooking the waters of the Pacific, this attractive hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool, a spa and a restaurant that boasts ocean views. All rooms come equipped with air conditioning and a coffee-maker.

Doubletree by Hilton, Buena Park nights 5-7 Well-located for sightseeing in the LA area and close to Knott’s Berry Farm theme park, this hotel has a restaurant, bar and outdoor pool. Rooms are well-equipped with tea/coffee-making facilities.

Golden Nugget, Laughlin nights 8-9

On the Colorado River boardwalk, with an outdoor pool, several restaurants and bars and a casino floor, this hotel also boasts spacious, wellappointed rooms.

Golden Nugget, Las Vegas nights 10-12 Stay in a Downtown Las Vegas landmark, with an award-winning casino, a host of restaurants and bars, as well as a buffet, a showroom, a spa and a stunning outdoor pool complex.

Spyglass Inn, Pismo Beach night 4

Hotel Caza Fisherman’s Wharf

Golden Nugget, Las Vegas

Spyglass Inn

Did you know that Las Vegas hosts about 10,000 marriage ceremonies every month?

Pebble Beach on 17-Mile Drive

Las Vegas strip © 2014 scottfrances.com

Grand Canyon National Park

National Parks of the American West & San Francisco

Some of the world’s most extraordinary landscapes, forged by nature’s forces, and a collection of America’s colourful cities, discovered and explored.

Bookended by stays in beautiful San Francisco and glittering Las Vegas, and including accommodation in special, hand-picked hotels, this unforgettable holiday takes in several of the world’s most awe-inspiring works of nature and truly stunning scenery, as the vast sweep and majesty of the West unfolds. With visits to breath-taking Yosemite, the jaw-dropping Grand Canyon and a quintet of national parks, this is an exceptionally wonderful, escorted tour. The tour will kick off in San Francisco, where you’ll get to see the city’s assortment of highlights.

You’ll then venture east across California’s Central Valley into the Sierra Nevada to Yosemite National Park. Next up is the magnificent Death Valley, with its ancient mudflats and unique, coloured hills, followed by Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon. Your itinerary also includes visits to the legendary Capitol Reef National Park and Arches National Park, a drive through Monument Valley, and the chance to watch the sunrise from the edge of the Grand Canyon. This holiday of a lifetime will then stay over in glittering Las Vegas before making a brief visit to star-studded Hollywood.

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Fly west for two nights in the ‘City by the Bay’

• Included tour of colourful San Francisco

• Visit fabled Yosemite National Park

• Stay overnight in Death Valley National Park

• Journey into Utah and discover its astonishing national parks, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches and Canyonlands

• Spend two nights in bustling Moab

• Watch the sun rise over iconic Monument Valley Journey to the edge of the Grand Canyon, nature’s greatest wonder

• Marvel at the glitter and glamour of Las Vegas

• Pay a visit to Hollywood’s star-studded streets

• 13 nights carefully chosen accommodation with six breakfasts included, plus one night on the aircraft

• Return flights to San Francisco from Los Angeles, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

Your accommodation includes carefully selected three and four-star hotels that will add to the enjoyment of your holiday.

Hotel Caza Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco

Mammoth Mountain Inn, Mammoth

The Oasis at Ranch Valley, Death Valley

SpringHill Suites by Marriott, St Georges

Ruby’s Inn, Bryce Canyon

Hyatt Place, Moab

Goulding’s Lodge, Monument Valley Canyon Plaza Resort, Grand Canyon Golden Nugget, Las Vegas

Bryce Canyon National Park

Canadian Parliament

This wonderful, hugely popular scenic journey takes in the very best of Eastern Canada, with its stunning cities, breathtaking scenery, wide open spaces and ‘big skies’, and has as its most memorable highlight one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, the plunging Falls at Niagara.

Your journey will begin with the spectacle of Niagara, before a journey around Lake Ontario to warm and welcoming waterfront Toronto, with its inter-connected shopping malls, its elegant, historic buildings and sky-piercing CN Tower. You’ll then take to the ‘Maple Leaf Trail’ proper, heading north to Canada’s historic capital Ottawa, then further east into French Canada, to glorious Montréal, Olympic city, and finally to picturesque Québec City, where the New World still resembles the Old. With excellent accommodation throughout, comfortable coach travel and our friendly, experienced tour manager to bring to life this extraordinary part of the world, the ‘Maple Leaf Trail’ is a journey you’ll never forget.

what our customers say...

This was excellent. Great locations, hotels, and travelling companions. A special thanks to our tour guide and driver. I would recommend this tour.

Tony

10-day escorted tour from £2,239

Canada’s Maple Leaf Trail

Catch your breath on a visit to Niagara Falls, and marvel at some of Canada’s eastern cities and surrounding countryside.

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at a glance...

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

Leisurely stays in Niagara Falls, Toronto, Québec City and Montréal, in excellent hotels with plenty of time to explore

Gaze in awe at tumultuous Niagara Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world

• Discover waterfront Toronto with its sky-piercing CN Tower

• Travel the ‘Maple Leaf Trail’

• Journey into Victorian Ottawa

• Explore French Canadian Québec Stay in stylish, sophisticated Montréal

• Visit charming, UNESCO -listed Québec City overlooks the mighty St Lawrence River

• Eight nights’ carefully chosen three- and four-star roomonly accommodation, plus one night on the aircraft

• Return flights to Toronto, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

your hotels

Your accommodation includes carefully selected three and four-star hotels that will add to the enjoyment of your holiday.

Sheraton-on-the-Falls, Niagara Falls Nights 1-2

Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto Nights 3-4

Sheraton Ottawa, Ottawa Night 5

Quebec City Marriott Downtown Nights 6-7

Sheraton Centre, Montréal Night 8

Scan the QR code with the camera on your device then click the link to access more information on this tour.

Niagara Falls

in Ottawa

Canada – Niagara Falls to the Rockies

Journey from Niagara’s tumult and the eastern cities to the majestic Rockies and sparkling Vancouver – this is glorious Canada in a nutshell!

Experience the very best of this vast, beautiful country, on an escorted tour that takes in historic cities, exquisite mountain scenery, and one of Mother Nature’s greatest wonders. You’ll begin in lakeshore Toronto, from where you’ll take in the plunging Falls at Niagara, then head through picture-book Ontario via grand capital Ottawa to the contrasting French Canadian jewels of Montréal and historic, walled Québec City. You’ll then fly west, to Calgary and journey through the awe-inspiring Rockies to discover and explore delightful British Columbia and Vancouver, at the edge of the Pacific Ocean.

A first three-night stay in cosmopolitan Toronto brings chances to discover the city’s glittering waterfront and sky-piercing CN Tower, explore colourful, contrasting historic neighbourhoods, wander the ultra-modern shopping malls, enjoy a vast choice of dining opportunities, and perhaps take in a show, before an unforgettable day at wondrous Niagara, where you’ll have the once-

in-a-lifetime chance to take a helicopter ride over the tumult.

Journey on the ‘Maple Leaf Trail’ along Lake Ontario’s northern shoreline, past handsome Kingston, and north to romantic capital Ottawa, then on to stylish Montréal, before a day in historic Québec City, North America’s only walled settlement, overlooking the mighty St Lawrence River. Here you’ll have the chance to discover endlessly enthralling Vieux-Québec, before flying from Montréal to Calgary.

From Calgary, the onward scenic journey takes you into the heart of the Rockies and to exquisite capital Banff, for a two-night stay. Take the opportunity to join exciting optional excursions that include a cable-car ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, a trip to scenic Surprise Corner, a viewpoint overlooking the famous Banff Springs Hotel, and a helicopter flight across the Rockies for a close-up view of the towering peaks.

Continue to beautiful Lake Louise, where turquoise waters are set against the backdrop

Lake Louise

Château Frontenac,

City

• Free time to enjoy waterfront Toronto

• A visit to tumultuous Niagara Falls

• Enjoy an en-route visit to Ottawa, Canada’s elegant capital

• Discover Québec City, North America’s only walled city

• Spend two nights in Montréal, the French Canadian centre of style

• Explore Rockies’ capital Banff

• Journey via sparkling Lake Louise on the Icefields Parkway to Jasper

• Stay at Rockies resort Sun Peaks

• Stay in glittering Vancouver, often voted ‘best place in the world to live’

• 12 nights’ carefully chosen three- and fourstar room-only accommodation, plus one night on the aircraft

• Outbound flight to Toronto, returning from Vancouver, an internal flight, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

our product manager loves...

If you’ve never been to Canada and really want to tick all the boxes, this is the holiday for you. Truly embrace the very best of Canada; even add the stunning Rocky Mountaineer train experience.

of Victoria Glacier, then along the renowned Icefields Parkway to the historic railroad town of Jasper, for an overnight stay. The next day your scenic adventure continues, with a drive past majestic Mount Robson – the Rockies’ highest point – to the mountain resort of Sun Peaks, where you’ll enjoy an overnight stay in yet more delightful surroundings.

The last leg of your journey takes you west, into British Columbia and to glittering Vancouver, where you’ll have a chance to explore the city on an optional sightseeing tour. Highlights will include restored Gastown, hectic, colourful Chinatown, and the glass and steel wonders of the Burrard Inlet waterfront.

Spend your last day exploring Vancouver, or join our final optional excursion and head across the Georgia Strait to beautiful Vancouver Island and charming Victoria. See the vast Parliament Buildings and the grand Empress Hotel in the unashamedly ‘British’ capital of British Columbia.

tour addition Add the Rocky Mountaineer ™ Rail Tour

Leave

your hotels

Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto nights 1-3

This excellent hotel has a restaurant, a bar, a coffee shop, an indoor pool and lifts to all floors. Each guestroom has private facilities, TV, tea- and coffeemaking facilities, a hairdryer and a telephone.

Sheraton Centre, Montreal nights 4-5 Centrally located just a few minutes’ walk from Rue St Catherine, Montreal’s main shopping and dining street, this hotel has a restaurant and a large bar, as well as an indoor swimming pool and a gym.

Elk and Avenue Hotel, Banff nights 6-7

This hotel stands on Banff Avenue, very close to shops, restaurants and bars, and is surrounded by fabulous mountain scenery. It has a restaurant, a bar and a sauna, and all the rooms have private facilities, telephones, coffee-making facilities and TV Most also have fridges. (On selected departures you will stay at either the Rundlestone Lodge or the High Country Inn, instead.)

Whistler’s Inn, Jasper night 8

Located on the main street of this very small township in the mountains, this hotel has two restaurants, a pub and an outdoor hot tub. (On selected departures you will stay at the Tonquin Inn, instead.)

Sun Peaks Lodge, Sun Peaks night 9

Stay in a cosy mountain retreat in the heart of the resort, close to many bars and restaurants. On selected 2019 departures you will stay at the Hearthstone Lodge.

Sheraton Wall Centre, Vancouver nights 10-12 This hotel boasts a central location, just a 2-minute walk from Robson Street and 10 minutes from Canada Place. It has an indoor swimming pool and gym, restaurant and bar.

Ride the Rocky Mountaineer train from Jasper to Vancouver Board the famous Rocky Mountaineer train on Day Nine for a wonderful two-day journey through the scenic mountain wonderland of the Rockies and the Monashee and Caribou ranges, with an overnight stay in historic Kamloops. You will arrive into glittering Vancouver at the end of Day 10 – a truly fitting addition to a wonderful tour.

SilverLeaf Service Included in price

The holiday price includes a two-day journey travelling in SilverLeaf Service which includes assigned seating in a single level dome coach with oversized windows. Hot gourmet breakfast and lunch are served seat-side, along with complimentary snacks and beverages including beer and wine.

Upgrade to GoldLeaf Service from £600 For that extra special treat upgrade your holiday. GoldLeaf Service includes travel in bi-level coaches with unparalleled panoramic views, à la carte breakfast and lunch served in the lowerlevel private dining room. You will also benefit from an exclusive outdoor viewing platform, where you can inhale the fresh mountain air and take the perfect photo.

Montreal Niagara Falls

Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park, Alberta GoldLeaf

The Canadian Rockies

Make one of the world’s famous journeys through breathtaking scenery to Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia’s glittering jewels.

Enjoy the glories of Western Canada as you journey from ‘Stampede Town’ Calgary, via majestic Banff and its scenic heights, past sparkling Lake Louise to historic Jasper and its National Park. A stay in the beautiful resort Sun Peaks – and perhaps a scenic river cruise – is followed by the trip down to Vancouver before the holiday is completed with a stay in ‘British’ Victoria, British Columbia’s capital, on delightful Vancouver Island.

After flying directly to Calgary, you’ll meet your tour manager and journey up into the mountains to spend two nights in bustling Rockies’ capital Banff, perhaps joining a choice of memorable excursions to explore the majestic surroundings before you head along the renowned Icefields Parkway, past Lake Louise’s turquoise waters and the awesome Victoria Glacier to Jasper. The scenic feast continues with majestic Mount Robson and a drive along the Yellowhead Highway to alpine village Sun Peaks. Head through the Trans-Canada Highway to waterfront Vancouver. Discover and explore before you cross the Georgia Strait to Vancouver Island, and spend two final nights in delightful Victoria — the final highlight of a wonderful holiday.

at a glance...

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

Two nights in Banff, the majestic Rockies’ capital

• Journey to ‘Gem of the Rockies’ Jasper, via Lake Louise, on the Icefields Parkway

• Discover Jasper National Park and Maligne Lake on an optional excursion

• Overnight in mountain resort Sun Peaks

• June and September departures include a ‘Grizzly Bear Valley’ river cruise

• Two nights in glittering Vancouver – often voted ‘best place in the world to live’

Cross to pretty Vancouver Island to spend two last nights in provincial capital Victoria

• Nine nights’ carefully chosen three- and four-star roomonly accommodation, plus one night on the aircraft

• Outbound flight to Calgary, returning from Vancouver, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

your hotels

Your accommodation includes carefully selected three and four-star hotels.

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• Vancouver

Capilano

Bridge (full day) – from £90

• Butchart Gardens (half day) – from £38

• Victoria Whale Watching (half day) – from £94 Room for Sole Use from £869

Elk and Avenue Hotel, Banff nights 1-2

Whistler’s Inn, Jasper nights 3-4

Sun Peaks Lodge, Sun Peaks night 5

Sheraton Wall Centre, Vancouver nights 6-7

The Embassy Inn, Victoria nights 8-9

Scan the QR code with the camera on your device then click the link to access more information on this tour.

Grizzly Bear

Jasper National Park

This journey through Western Canada begins with the wild beauty of Banff, with opportunities to explore before you head, via Lake Louise’s turquoise waters and on the renowned Icefields Parkway, to historic railroad town Jasper, at the gateway to its National Park.

After the chance to join an optional excursion to Canada’s longest cable car and spectacular Maligne Lake, board the famous Rocky Mountaineer for the unforgettable two-day scenic journey west on the Yellowhead Route, past towering Mount Robson, plunging Pyramid Falls, and through the Monashee and Caribou mountains to sparkling Vancouver. A chance to discover a city often voted ‘best place in the world to live’ is followed by a final two days on Vancouver Island, exploring unashamedly ‘British’ provincial capital Victoria, and perhaps crowning your wonderful tour with a visit to worldfamous Butchart Gardens.

Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer™

Experience some of the world’s most spectacular scenery, by road and famous rail, and discover the best of glorious British Columbia and Alberta.

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• Banff Helicopter

• Jasper

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at a glance...

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

Two nights in Banff, the capital of The Rockies

• Journey to ‘Gem of the Rockies’ Jasper, via Lake Louise, on the Icefields Parkway

• Discover Jasper National Park and Maligne Lake on an optional excursion

• Board the Rocky Mountaineer for a scenic journey from Jasper to Vancouver

• Spend two nights in glittering Vancouver

• Two nights in provincial capital Victoria

SilverLeaf Service travel on board Rocky Mountaineer from Jasper to Vancouver (upgrade to GoldLeaf for a supplement)

• Meals on board Rocky Mountaineer

• Nine nights’ carefully chosen three- and four-star roomonly accommodation, plus one night on the aircraft

• Flights to Calgary, returning from Vancouver, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

Your accommodation includes carefully selected three and four-star hotels.

Elk and Avenue Hotel, Banff nights 1-2

Whistler’s Inn, Jasper nights 3-4

Kamloops night 5

Sheraton Wall Centre, Vancouver nights 6-7

The Embassy Inn, Victoria nights 8-9

© Rocky Mountaineer

16-day

Five-Star Alaska Cruise & the Canadian Rockies

Enjoy an unforgettable tour and cruise showcasing some of North America’s – and indeed the world’s – most breathtaking natural wonders.

The undoubted highlight of this extraordinary holiday will be a seven-night cruise onboard a superbly appointed, five-star cruise ship of Holland America Line. Board the ship in Vancouver after a journey through the Rocky Mountains, sailing through the fabled Inside Passage to wild, remote Alaska, calling at Glacier Bay to one of North America’s last great wildernesses before you complete a thoroughly enthralling tour with a stay in glittering Vancouver.

Fly west to oil and Stampede town Calgary and journey up into the Rocky Mountains to beautiful Banff, enjoying the chance to explore the spectacular Rockies capital and perhaps joining exciting optional excursions that include an unforgettable helicopter ride to view the stunning panorama.

Head on to stunning Lake Louise, where turquoise waters are set against the backdrop of the Victoria Glacier, then along the renowned Icefields Parkway to historic railroad town Jasper, at the gateway to its national park,

for an overnight stay in one of Canada’s most ‘western’ townships.

The scenic journey continues past towering Mount Robson, the Canadian Rockies’ highest point, and along the Yellowhead Highway to mountain resort Sun Peaks, before you arrive in Vancouver to board the Holland America Line ship for the cruise towards wilderness state Alaska. Sail through the scenic Inside Passage, surrounded by a densely forested land of mountains and glaciers and dotted with remote settlements, and call first at Alaskan capital Juneau, a surprisingly chic and modern gateway to the Mendenhall ice-pack, and at Skagway, still a pioneering town of honky-tonk saloons and Klondike memorabilia.

A shore excursion to Klondike Gold Rush National Park will lift the veil on one of American history’s most colourful chapters.

The last of the Alaskan ports of call is historic Ketchikan, with the chance to take an optional float-plane excursion to the remote Misty Fjords National Park.

• Heathrow £3,399 (UK connecting flights available – call us for details)

Personalise your holiday

• Banff & Sulphur Mountain Gondola (half day) – from £52

• Rockies Helicopter Ride – from £190

• Vancouver & Capilano Suspension Bridge (full day) – from £90

• Vancouver Island, Victoria & The Butchart Gardens (full day) – from £147

Available on request

Please note: Cruising on board Holland America: Shore excursions from the cruise are bookable on board the ship. Gratuities on board Holland America ships are not included in your holiday price and are automatically charged at a cost of $12.50 per person per day.

The transfer time from Calgary airport to your hotel is approximately one hour and 30 minutes and from Vancouver airport approximately 45 minutes.

Inside Passage

Banff National Park

Inclusions

• A seven-night cruise with Holland America Line exploring UNESCO -listed Glacier Bay, the scenic Inside Passage, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan

• Explore Banff, the capital of the Rockies

• Scenic touring through the Rockies via sparkling Lake Louise on the Icefields Parkway, stopping overnight in Jasper

• Discover Vancouver, often voted ‘the best place in the world to live’

• Seven nights’ carefully chosen room-only accommodation, plus one night on the aircraft

• Seven nights’ sharing a twin/double inside stateroom onboard the five-star MS Koningsdam on a full-board basis (upgrade staterooms available)

• Outbound flight to Calgary, returning from Vancouver, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

fun fact...

Did you know that the colour of the glacier water found in Glacier Bay National Park is blue? This phenomenon happens when snow falls on top of the water and becomes part of the glacier.

A last day at sea sees you sail back through the Inside Passage to Vancouver, where you bid farewell to the ship and take the opportunity to explore the glittering, waterfront city often voted ‘the best place in the world to live’.

An optional guided tour will include restored Gastown, hectic, colourful Chinatown, and the glass and steel wonders of the Burrard Inlet waterfront, while a second optional day heads to beautiful Vancouver Island and the unashamedly British provincial capital, Victoria, with its vast Parliament Buildings and grand old Fairmont Empress Hotel.

This hugely enjoyable day also includes a visit to the world-famous, 50-acre Butchart Gardens, after which you’ll return to spend the last evening in beautiful Vancouver.

Ample time for some last-minute shopping before a return overnight flight, completes a wonderful discovery of one of the world’s most beautiful corners.

your hotels tour

Elk and Avenue Hotel, Banff nights 1-2

This modern hotel stands on Banff Avenue, in the heart of downtown, surrounded by mountain scenery. It has its own restaurant, a bar and a gift shop. The rooms have private facilities, telephones, TV, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Most rooms also have mini-fridges.

Whistler’s Inn, Jasper night 3

On the main street of this very small township in the mountains, this hotel has two restaurants, a pub, a gift shop and an outdoor hot tub. All rooms have private facilities, TV and telephones.

Sun Peaks Lodge, Sun Peaks night 4

This lovely mountain inn is situated in the heart of the Sun Peaks resort, close to a variety of restaurants and bars. All the rooms have private facilities, TV with movie channels, safes, telephones, coffee-makers, irons and ironingboards and hairdryers.

Five-Star Alaska Cruise HHHHH on board MS Koningsdam nights 5-11 Luxuriously appointed, with spacious teak decks affording panoramic views of the ever- changing scenery, and with crew-to - passenger ratios of nearly one-to-two. In addition to the scenic wonders, you can look forward to fine dining, first-class entertainment and a host of onboard amenities .

Sheraton Wall Centre, Vancouver nights 12-14 This hotel boasts a central location, just a twominute walk from Robson Street and 10 minutes from Canada Place. It has an indoor swimming pool and gym, restaurant and bar.

Ride the Rocky Mountaineer train from Jasper to Vancouver Board the famous Rocky Mountaineer train on Day Nine for a wonderful two-day journey through the scenic mountain wonderland of the Rockies and the Monashee and Caribou ranges, with an overnight stay in historic Kamloops. You will arrive into glittering Vancouver at the end of Day 10 – a truly fitting addition to a wonderful tour.

SilverLeaf Service Included in price

The holiday price includes a two-day journey travelling in SilverLeaf Service which includes assigned seating in a single level dome coach with oversized windows. Hot gourmet breakfast and lunch are served seat-side, along with complimentary snacks and beverages including beer and wine.

Upgrade to GoldLeaf Service from £600 For that extra special treat upgrade your holiday. GoldLeaf Service includes travel in bi-level coaches with unparalleled panoramic views, à la carte breakfast and lunch served in the lowerlevel private dining room. You will also benefit from an exclusive outdoor viewing platform, where you can inhale the fresh mountain air and take the perfect photo.

Totem Poles

Inside Passage

MS Koningsdam

Mexico, Mayan Adventures & Caribbean Island

A land where vine-clad lost cities are shrouded in the mystery of the Mayan people, and behind masses of wild mangroves paradisical beaches beckon.

Day One – Arrival at Cancún International Airport Arrive at Cancún International Airport, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by your friendly tour manager. You’ll then be transferred to the chic In Fashion Hotel & Spa, just a few minutes’ walk from a beach and the tempting waters of the Caribbean Sea. Post-unpacking, perhaps head straight for the swimming pool before meeting with a guide who’ll offer you a quick orientation of the area.

Day Two – Included visit to the Mayan sites of Tulum and boat trip across Bacalar Lagoon Breathe in the sea breeze this morning, tuck into breakfast and travel to one of the best-preserved coastal Mayan sites in Tulum, the pre-Columbian Mayan walled city. Later that day, you’ll travel to Yucatán Peninsula’s Bacalar Lagoon known as the ‘Lagoon of Seven Colours’ given its assortment of azure shades. You’ll board a covered boat and set off across the lagoon, pausing to take photographs or jump overboard and swim before enjoying a picnic

of fresh seasonal fruit. The boat will continue sailing to the famous Canal de Los Piratas, a striking waterway, which served as a route for merchant and pirate ships to transport goods between the Hondo River and the Bacalar Lagoon. Next up will be a visit to three cenotes, natural pits, or sinkholes of water, then a series of stromatolites, living fossils formed mainly of limestone and protruding out of the water, and the ‘Island of Birds’, a coralcovered sandbank. Afterwards, you’ll be taken to the relaxed coastal city of Chetumal, where you’ll check into the Capital Plaza Hotel, ideally situated in the Downtown area.

Day Three – Transfer to Palenque with a stopover in Escárcega Rise for breakfast before being driven during the day to Palenque, an ancient ruined city home to the largest and most famous of the Mayan sites, peppered throughout the jungle. On the way there, the tour will make a stopover for lunch (on your own account) at the small city of Escárcega, before continuing the journey onwards.

Chichén Itzá

Bacalar Lagoon

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Venture to the cliff-topping Mayan ruins of Tulum National Park

• Board a boat to travel across the Bacalar Lagoon, seeking out Canal de Los Piratas and the ‘Island of Birds’

• Set off into the Lacandon Jungle and go by boat to the riverside Yaxchilan ruins

• Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Palenque and bask in the steam of the Roberto Barrios Waterfalls

• Learn about the colonial history of fortified Campeche on a guided tour

• Explore San Ignacio Park, swim in an underground cenote and feast on a typical Yucatan lunch

• Make the most of time in Mérida, taking in its colonial and contemporary structures

• Gaze in awe at the sacred site of Chichén Itzá, one of the Seven Wonders of the World

• Embrace the slow pace of the coastal haven of Holbox, enjoying in aquatic activities

• Join the optional ‘Three Islands’ boat trip, the perfect way to take in the local wildlife

• 11 nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation at a series of carefully chosen hotels

• Return flights to and from Cancún, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

Day Four – Included excursion and boat ride to the Yaxchilan ruins Following breakfast, you’ll be driven deep into the tropical Lacandon Jungle and then board a boat to travel to the ancient Mayan city of Yaxchilan, founded in the 5th century AD. Your guide will explain the meanings behind the carved lintels and the vine-clad statues as howler monkeys and toucans can be spotted through the trees.

Day Five – Included visit to Palenque and Roberto Barrios Waterfalls Have breakfast and then set off to the archaeological zone of Palenque, which was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. You’ll leave this site and then travel to Roberto Barrios, which is made up of five different waterfalls connected to natural swimming pools in the heart of the jungle.

Day Six – Travel to Campeche and included city tour You’ll check out of the hotel this morning and venture to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Campeche. This port city on the Gulf of Mexico is known for its walls, preserved baroque buildings and military architecture. A guided tour will

your hotels

In Fashion Hotel & Spa, Playa del Carmen night 1

Just a few minutes’ walk from a sandy beach. Guestrooms are stylish in design, with contemporary art pieces, vibrant elements of décor and onyx bathrooms. Amenities include mini-bars, safes, TVs, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. There is a 24-hour reception, a spa, an outdoor pool, a poolside bar, and a rooftop terrace looking out over the ocean.

Hotel Capital Plaza, Chetumal night 2

A downtown location makes this hotel perfect for those seeking out Chetumal’s sights. Equipped with TVs, safes, tea/coffee-making facilities, hairdryers and free Wi-Fi, each air-conditioned guestroom encompasses simple décor. A pool and expansive terrace can be found at the heart of the property, as can a restaurant serving Mexican and international cuisine.

introduce the city, revealing intriguing stories, and elaborating on its history and highlights.

Day Seven – Included visit to San Ignacio Park, lunch, and transfer to Mérida This morning after breakfast you’ll say goodbye to Campeche and travel to Mérida, stopping on the way at San Ignacio Park, an expansive nature reserve. After you’ve paddled, you can ride a bike around the grounds, stopping to look at the various flora and fauna. A lunch of typical Yucatan dishes will then be served and later you’ll continue onto the city of Mérida, which is famous for its blend of historic ruins, colonial, and contemporary facades.

Day Eight – Free day at leisure in Mérida Fuel up on breakfast as you have a full day to make the most of Mérida. With museums, markets, and galleries galore, there’s no shortage of sights to take in.

Day Nine – Included Chichén Itzá tour and ferry to Holbox Perhaps saving the best till last, today begins with a journey to the extraordinary Mayan site of Chichén Itzá, one of the Seven New World Wonders, where some 30 buildings have

been recovered from their jungle surroundings, including the monumental El Castillo pyramid, the snail-shell-like El Caracol and the remarkable observatory, used by the Maya to track Venus in orbit. The tour will then continue to the village, Chiquila where you’ll take a ferry to Holbox, a paradise teeming with marine life and enclosed by turquoise waters on the north coast of the Mexican Caribbean for a three-night stay.

Day 10-11 – Day at leisure in Holbox and optional ‘Three Islands’ boat trip Wake up in a calm, coastal haven this morning and after breakfast, you have the day completely at your disposal. Embrace the easy-going atmosphere of this car-free island, hemmed by heavenly sandy stretches and part of Yum Balam, Mexico’s largest ecological reserve. You can also enjoy in an optional boat trip to three islands.

Day 12 – Fly back to UK It’s your last breakfast and the final chance to mosey around Holbox before you’ll take a taxi to the dock, ferry back to Chiquila and transfer to Cancún International Airport for your flight home.

Hotel Chablis Palenque, Palenque nights 3-5

Located near a wildlife sanctuary as well as ancient ruins. The hotel has a thatched roof and is spread around an outdoor pool and hot tub, and a restaurant featuring a terrace. Comfortable, air-conditioned guestrooms each have a balcony, safes, irons, TVs, and Wi-Fi.

Hotel Mision Campeche, Campeche night 6 With a Spanish colonial-style façade, this hotel in the historic centre of San Francisco de Campeche exudes charm and character. Breakfast is served within the leafy, black, and white-checked courtyard, and a relaxed restaurant serves regional dishes. Airy guestrooms include TVs, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi.

Hotel Mision Merida, Merida nights 7-8

A grand, striking exterior, fringed by palm trees and within walking distance to Merida’s must-see

landmarks. In the centre, a delightful courtyard terrace with a trickling fountain is dotted with seating, and an outdoor swimming pool is positioned with a beautiful backdrop. There is a casual restaurant and lobby lounge, and guestrooms have checkerboard tile floors, TVs, and Wi-Fi.

Hotel Holbox Dream, Holbox nights 9-11 Perched on the sandy shores of a private, picturesque beach, along the Gulf of Mexico. Guestrooms are rustic, with thatched rooves, and terraces looking out onto the tropical gardens or Caribbean Sea. Air conditioning, safes, hairdryers, and ceiling fans are additional amenities. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, there is an eclectic beach bar and restaurant, and two outdoor swimming pools, hugged by sunlounges and hammocks.

San Ignacio Park, Underground Cenote Holbox Campeche

Costa Rica –Wildlife, Rainforest & Caribbean Beach

This beguiling journey goes beyond the basic tourist haunts to reveal Costa Rica’s staggering natural beauty.

Day One – Fly to San José Today, you’ll touch down in Costa Rica’s vibrant capital –San José. You’ll be met by your friendly tour manager and transferred to your hotel in the city’s buzzing downtown.

Day Two – Included excursions to Poás Volcano National Park and Doka Estate Leaving San José, your first stop is the spectacular Poás Volcano National Park in the Central Valley region.

This popular park is home to two craters – one of which is active and contains a striking bluegreen lagoon that emits a unique sulphurous gas while the other is filled with cold water.

Next up is Doka Estate, a coffee plantation covering the fertile slopes of the Poás Volcano – an ideal setting for producing high-quality coffee beans.

An expert guide will lead you around the property, pausing to share stories of the family who owns it, as well as the production, harvesting and roasting processes.

the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve - a well-known conservation area in Central America and home to an incredible diversity of birds, including the exotically coloured resplendent quetzal, as well as to some rare species, including jaguars and pumas. Leaving the forest, the tour will travel to a traditional Costa Rican farm, and you’ll be welcomed by a local family.

Your guide will explain the process of farming sugar cane and the history of this important crop, as well as show you the different stages of coffee-farming.

Day Four – Day at leisure Tuck into breakfast before being transferred to your next hotel, which is surrounded by tropical farmland and overlooks the perfect cone of Arenal Volcano. This afternoon, lunch will be on your own account, and you can potter around at your own pace. Perhaps take a soak in the

Day Three – Included guided walk through the Monteverde Cloud Forest and El Trapiche tour Breakfast will be followed by a guided walk into

Volcano National Park

de Talamanca

Red Eye Tree Frogs

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Stare in awe at the Poás and Arenal volcanoes

• Embark on a guided walk through the enchanting Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

• Learn about local plantations during an El Trapiche tour

• Enjoy a boat tour through the Caño Negro Wildlife Sanctuary

• View the jungle from a different angle with a Sky Walk tour

• Be led by a naturalist guide to Ots La Selva Biological Station

• Enjoy free time to unwind at a Caribbean beach resort

• 11 nights’ carefully chosen bed and breakfast accommodation, plus one night on the aircraft

• 11 breakfasts, six lunches and five dinners

• Return scheduled flights to San José, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

our product manager loves...

This country has prioritised and promoted eco-tourism and nature preservations at every level for decades. Its simplicity and natural approach make this destination a very special place on our planet!

property’s thermal volcanic hot springs, with a swim-up bar, book a spa treatment or just lounge on the sun terrace.

Day Five – Included Caño Negro Wildlife Sanctuary boat tour Rise for breakfast and then join the tour as it takes to the waters of the Frio River. Travel upstream under green canopies through the Caño Negro Wildlife Sanctuary – a diverse biological refuge teeming with endangered reptiles, birds, plants, and fish. Expect to see caimans and crocodiles, monkeys, iguanas and a variety of colourful birds, before enjoying an included Hacienda-style lunch at the Caño Negro Dock.

Day Six – Included Arenal Sky Walk tour Today’s exploration allows you to see the jungle from above - make sure you bring your camera!

The Sky Walk excursion first takes you on a gentle, guided walk through the rainforest of the Arenal area before you navigate your way to suspended bridges hanging amongst the treetops. Along this jungle journey, you’ll pass towering waterfalls, as well as Lake Arenal – the

your hotels

Crowne Plaza Hotel, San José night 1

A prime city centre location allows for easy access to Costa Rica’s spirited capital and its signature sights. Sleek guestrooms with pops of colour encompass safes, desks, mini-bars, TVs, and free Wi-Fi.

Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco, Monteverde nights 2-3

This natural haven, with a focus on sustainability, is spread across different levels and features a covered heated swimming pool, and a wellness centre focusing on organic treatments.

Arenal Manoa Resort & Hot Springs, Alajuela San Carlos nights 4-6 Backed by the Arenal Volcano, this hot springs resort has an undeniably relaxing feel. Casually decorated rooms include tea/coffee-makers, TVs, mini-fridges and furnished terraces facing the volcano.

largest lake in Costa Rica, sitting at the base of the Arenal Volcano.

Day Seven – Included tour of a plantation Have some breakfast, check out of your hotel, and then set off on a tour to a nearby palm plantation. Here, you’ll learn about the palm, its history, the process involved to make it edible, and the main dishes it is used in. You’ll take a stroll around the property before sampling different products and sitting down for some lunch.

Day Eight – Included visit to Ots La Selva Biological Station Wake up to the soothing sounds of the river and a profusion of birdlife before breakfast. You’ll then set off on a short, guided walk to the Ots La Selva Biological Station, a local research station that was one of the first in the country.

Day Nine – Included lunch at a local restaurant After breakfast, you’ll check out of your hotel, and be transferred to the next destination. In the afternoon, lunch will be served at a local restaurant. This afternoon, check into your beachside paradise idyll, for a last three-night stay.

Days 10-11 – Days at leisure After a trip of so much exploration and discovery, you can now relax with some well-deserved downtime. Over the next two days, you’re free to embrace your surroundings, doing as little or as much as you like.

Day 12 – Fly back to the UK Check out of the resort before being transferred to Juan Santamaría International Airport for your return flight home.

Day 13 – Arrive in the UK Land back in the UK at the end of an enthralling deep dive into the natural splendours of this special corner of the world.

travel tips...

Purchase meaningful souvenirs, perhaps handmade or in smaller communities rather than in airports or big cities.

Leave the bustle of city life behind and embrace the beauty of nature in this tropical ecolodge, located within a protected rainforest. Connected by elevated wooden walkways, the simple, air-conditioned guestrooms ensure you’re fully immersed in nature, and amenities include Wi-Fi, safes, and hairdryers. A dining hall looks out over the river, there is an openair pizzeria, as well as an outdoor swimming pool encased in tropical gardens.

Cariblue Beach & Jungle Resort, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca nights 9-11

With a jungle background and beach-facing position, this resort provides the perfect recipe for relaxation and adventure. Air-conditioned guestrooms, with tiled flooring, have ceiling fans, safes, hairdryers, and free Wi-Fi. An inviting wellness centre provides treatments with local products, and two outdoor pools sit alongside two hot tubs and a poolside bar. The thatched, on-site restaurant specialises in a mix of Mediterranean and Caribbean dishes.

Selva Verde Ecolodge & Rainforest Reserve, Sarapiqui nights 7-8

Selva Verde Ecolodge & Rainforest Reserve

Cariblue Beach & Jungle Resort

Arenal Volcano

Caribbean Beach

Yellow Throated Tucan

Peru, Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands

An incredible World Wonder, Inca treasures, the world’s highest capital and some of Earth’s most unusual creatures, explored and encountered.

Day One – Fly to Peru Fly overnight, vía Colombian capital Bogotá, to Lima.

Day Two – Arrival in Lima Upon arrival in the Peruvian capital, transfer to your hotel to rest and relax.

Day Three – Tour of Lima Enjoy today’s guided tour of Lima, where Spanish colonial influences abound, especially in the central Plaza Mayor and Plaza de Armas.

Day Four – Cusco and the Sacred Valley Fly to Cusco and transfer into the fabled Sacred Valley of the Incas for two-night stay.

Day Five – The Sacred Valley Continue your discovery of the Sacred Valley, taking in the Inca ruins at Pisac, as well as the fortress at Ollantaytambo. Visit a ‘Potato Park’ where you’ll learn about the importance of the tuber to the valley’s indigenous community.

Day Six – Magical Machu Picchu Journey, today, to the fabled ‘Lost City of the Incas’, travelling by narrow-gauge railway and bus to breathtaking Machu Picchu. On arrival, your

guide will introduce the layout of the original citadel, after which you are free to explore the site – an experience you’ll never forget.

Day Seven – Optional sunrise visit to the citadel and return to Cusco A second day’s optional visit to Machu Picchu begins with the unforgettable sight of sunrise over the citadel and the opportunity to explore the site before the bulk of visitors arrive.

You’ll return to Cusco later today.

Day Eight – Cusco included tour Join your guide for an introduction to one of the Americas’ most compelling and enthralling cities, with its ancient palaces and temples, and its roll call of colonial remnants.

Day Nine – Fly to Quito Bid farewell to Cusco as you fly into the high Andes, and the extraordinary Ecuadorian city of Quito.

Day 10 – Quitzalo Solar Clock, ‘Middle of the World’ and Otavalo market This morning, pay a visit to the ‘Middle of the World’, where the equator is marked with a monument and

Giant Tortoise, Galápagos Islands

Machu Picchu

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Enjoy a fascinating South American adventure in the company of like-minded travellers

• Fly to Lima and Peru’s Sacred Valley

• Gaze in awe at ‘Lost City’ Machu Picchu

• Explore Inca capital Cusco, Peruvian capital Lima, and lofty Quito, the world’s highest capital

• Experience Otavalo’s colourful market –South America’s largest

• Five days in the wondrous Galápagos

• Visit the Charles Darwin Research Centre

• A bay cruise with opportunity to swim

• Close-up encounters with sea lions, marine iguanas, giant tortoises and a host of extraordinary creatures

• Entrances and Galápagos National Park fees included

• 14 nights’ carefully chosen accommodation, plus two nights on the aircraft

• Breakfast each day, four lunches and one dinner

• Outbound flight to Lima, returning from Quito, all internal flights, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

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Be ready to walk on the promenade of San Cristobal Island and share your bench with a friendly local sea lion!

visitor centre, before continuing to the highland town of Otavalo, the most famous of all South America’s colourful, indigenous markets.

Enjoy lunch in Pijal, a small village in the heart of the Andes, where you will visit the sustainable ‘Sacha Warmi Kuna Project’.

You will then return to Quito.

Day 11 – Fly to the Galápagos Islands Bid farewell to Quito and fly to the remote, volcanic Pacific Galápagos archipelago, arriving at the island of Baltra and then transferring by boat to Santa Cruz, home of the giant tortoises for which the Galápagos are famed.

Enjoy lunch at a local ranch before the chance to go in search of the famous giant tortoises on a gentle guided walk around the island’s volcanic interior.

Afterwards, transfer to your hotel for a twonight stay.

Day 12 – Santa Cruz island and Academy Bay tour Enjoy an unforgettable cruise across the pristine waters of Academy Bay, stopping to enjoy

your hotels

Wyndham Costa del Sol, Lima nights 2-3

The hotel offers a magnificent, year-round outdoor pool on the top floor, a restaurant, bar, fitness centre and spa facilities. Rooms all offer a TV with cable channels, air conditioning and a mini-bar.

Hotel Agustos, Urubamba nights 4-5

The Hotel Augustos provides guest accommodation in spacious, comfortable rooms, along with a restaurant, a bar and a garden. Rooms are well equipped, and feature air conditioning and terraces.

Casa Andina Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes* night 6

Located right beside the train station and local markets. It has a restaurant and a bar, and each of the guestrooms has a TV and free Wi-Fi.

opportunities for snorkelling or swimming amongst a colourful array of marine species, including turtles and curious sea lions.

Ashore, there are marine iguanas to encounter, and an astonishing collection of cacti and red volcanic rocks, at which to marvel

Day 13 – Charles Darwin Research Centre This morning you’ll call at the Charles Darwin Research Station, where you’ll enjoy a fascinating visit to the centre and learn about vital conservation work across the Galápagos.

You’ll also have the chance to meet several subspecies of giant tortoise, many of which are at ease with human contact. After the tour, catch the boat to San Cristóbal island for a two-night stay in delightful Puerto Moreno.

Day 14 – Isla Lobos After breakfast, transfer to the dock to board a boat for the short trip, accompanied by your certified Galápagos National Park guide, to tiny Isla Lobos, where you will not only see the resident sea lions, but colonies of frigate birds and blue-footed boobies. A swim in the calm, clear waters, or a stroll along

the white sand beach brings yet more sightings and close-up views of marine life. This evening, enjoy an included farewell dinner.

Day 15 – Fly to Quito Fly back to Quito, then transfer to your hotel for the final night of your tour.

Day 16 – City tour and return flight Join your tour manager for a guided introduction to the Ecuadorian capital, including the historic centre, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After the tour transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight.

Day 17 – Arrival home Early morning arrival at the end of a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

fun fact...

Did you know that the average Galapagos giant tortoise can live for well over a century? Their longevity is the highest of any vertebrate on land.

Costa del Sol Ramada, Cusco nights 7-8

Set in a 17th-century colonial-style mansion, the hotel has a restaurant serving international and Peruvian dishes. There is free Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service.

Swissotel Quito, Quito nights 9-10 & 15

The hotel boasts pools, tennis and squash courts and a spa, free Wi-Fi and air-conditioned rooms with a cable TV, mini-bar and safe.

Hotel Fiesta, Santa Cruz nights 11-12

Close to Tortuga Bay, this hotel offers a restaurant, bar, snack bar, games room, free Wi-Fi and airconditioned rooms with balcony and room service.

Casa Opuntia, San Cristóbal nights 13-14

Close to the seafront promenade and features an outdoor pool, with spacious air-conditioned rooms with garden views, mini-bar and cable TV.

Costa del Sol Ramada

Hotel Agustos

Blue-footed Booby, Galápagos Islands

Equator Line, Ecuador

Peru – Land of the Incas

South America’s most fascinating, colourful and cosmopolitan country, and the treasures of the Incas –discovered and explored.

Day One – Fly overnight to Peru Fly to Lima

Day Two – Arrival and transfer Upon arrival, meet your tour manager and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure

Day Three – Lima guided city tour A guided sightseeing tour brings to life the Peruvian capital, with its UNESCO -listed Spanish gems like the vast Plaza Mayor and Plaza de Armas, its Baroque cathedral and gleaming modern districts. This evening, enjoy the chance to dine in one of South America’s culinary meccas.

Day Four – Fly to Cusco and the Sacred Valley Fly east to Inca stronghold Cusco, heading into the fabled Sacred Valley of the Incas, where highlights will include a visit to tiny Ccaccaccollo, where the ancient Incan arts of weaving and fabric-dyeing techniques live on, and you’ll enjoy a demonstration, before an overnight stay in the valley.

Day Five – Inca treasures of the Sacred Valley Continue your exploration of the Sacred Valley, taking in Pisac, with its

Inca ruins and colourful market, and the monumental fortress at Ollantaytambo. Highlights of the day will be visits to an indigenous community ‘Potato Park’ and a traditional lunch. You’ll stay a second night in the valley, anticipating tomorrow’s extraordinary day.

Day Six – The magic of Machu Picchu Journey to the fabled ‘Lost City of the Incas’, travelling to spa town Aguas Calientes by narrow-gauge railway, then by bus to breathtaking Machu Picchu. On arrival, your guide will introduce the citadel, after which you are free to wander around the extraordinary site, one of the modern ‘Seven Wonders of the World’.

At day’s end, journey back via Aguas Calientes for two nights in South American archaeological capital Cusco.

Day Seven – Cusco city tour Enjoy a guided introduction to the palaces, temples and Spanish colonial remnants of one of the world’s most enthralling settlements, where

Machu Picchu

Handmade Peruvian Textiles

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Uncover the secrets of one of the world’s most colourful countries

• Tour Lima, the ‘City of Kings’

• Visit the remarkable Inca citadel, Cusco and the fabled Sacred Valley

• Narrow- gauge Vistadome train ride to Machu Picchu – the lost city of the Incas

• A Titicaca cruise to the Uros Islands and Taquile

• Journey through the snow-capped altiplano Andean highlands

fun fact...

• Discover awe-inspiring Colca Canyon and search the skies for the fabled Andean Condor

• Visit the extraordinary Monasterio Santa Catalina in Arequipa

• The chance to journey through the Peruvian Andes on the 1920s-style PeruRail Titicaca train to lakeside Puno

• 11 nights’ carefully chosen bed and breakfast accommodation, plus two nights on the aircraft

• Four lunches

• Return scheduled flights to Lima, internal flights, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

highlights include Santo Domingo monastery on the site of the Inca ‘Temple of the Sun’, the Cathedral, the Plaza de Armas and the colourful San Pedro market. Spend a second evening in colourful Cusco.

Day Eight – Travel to Puno Early this morning board the Ruta del Sol bus for the journey to Puno. Alternatively, you can make the journey on the 1920s-style PeruRail Titicaca (must be pre-booked). However you decide to travel, you’ll pass through startling landscapes toward Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable body of water, arriving in lakeside Puno late this afternoon, for a two-night stay.

Day Nine – Lake Titicaca’s floating islands Discover and explore the waters of Titicaca, travelling by boat to the floating-island homes of the Uros people, stepping ‘aboard’ their manmade islands to learn about their traditional way of life. Cruise to Taquile Island, where a fairly strenuous walk inland is rewarded with a visit to local craft shops and a traditional taquile lunch, before cruising back to Puno for the evening.

your hotels

Wyndham Costa Del Sol, Lima City nights 2-3 & 12

Offering a year-round outdoor pool on the top floor, a restaurant, bar, a fitness centre and spa facilities. Rooms are all offer a TV with cable channels, air conditioning and a mini-bar.

Hotel Hacienda del Valle, Sacred Valley nights 4-5

This charming hotel is set in landscaped gardens. All bungalows have a terrace and panoramic views of Valle Sagrado de los Incas hill. The rooms offer satellite TV.

Casa Andina, Cusco Plaza nights 6-7

This rustic hotel has a restaurant and cabin-style guest accommodation. Each room has private facilities and a shower. The nearby town of Chivay is within strolling distance.

Day 10 – Across the Puna Board the coach to journey west towards the scenic Aguada Blanca National Reserve, with its herds of vicuñas and alpacas, farmed for their fine wool, and the ancient Inca terraces, framed by volcanoes and towering peaks. Enjoy lunch and the opportunity to visit a natural hot spring, famed for its curative powers, before spending the night in Chivay, gateway to the stunning Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest.

Day 11 – Condors and the Colca Canyon This morning, drive to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, where high above you may be lucky to catch sight of the world’s largest birds in flight. Take a short, guided hike, and visit the villages of Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque, with its Baroque church. This afternoon, you’ll arrive in the beautiful city of Arequipa, in its dramatic setting.

Day 12 – Arequipa city tour and fly back to Lima Enjoy this morning’s tour of ‘White City’ Arequipa, with its elegant Plaza de Armas, great cathedral, and 19th-century volcanic, white-stone buildings. You’ll also visit the narrow streets, cloisters and

hidden quarters of the Monasterio Santa Catalina and the stunning Jesuit La Compañía church. This afternoon, transfer to the airport for the flight to Lima and a last night in the capital.

Day 13 – Free time and overnight return flight Enjoy a last few hours in Lima, perhaps enjoying lunch, before transferring to the airport and your return overnight flight.

Day 14 – Arrival home Arrive home today after a truly absorbing, thoroughly enjoyable Peruvian adventure.

our product manager loves...

This is the kind of place where you really step back in time. Andean culture and traditions are still so vivid. You can hear locals speaking Quechua, the language of the Incan Empire. This, to me, is priceless.

extend your holiday

Hotel Royal Inn, Puno nights 8-9

Located in downtown Puno, the Royal Inn offers colourful suites with free Wi-Fi, one block from Plaza de Armas central square. Facilities include a restaurant and lively bar.

Casa Andina Standard, Colca night 10 The Casa Andina Standard is located in Chivay, at the edge of the Colca Valley. The hotel restaurant serves a variety of Peruvian dishes.

Hotel el Conquistador, Arequipa night 11 Set in an 18th-century building in a colonial style, offering a café and restaurant, the rooms display canvases and wall paintings signed by local artists. The rooms offer a TV with cable channels and free Wi-Fi.

Amazon and Lima extension, Five nights from £1,325 Choose to extend your time in Peru and stay at the Hacienda Conception in the heart of the Amazon and accessible only via boat, as well as in Lima at a locally rated five-star hotel. The price includes internal flights and all transfers, meals on a fullboard basis and daily guided activities centered around wildlife and flora.

Did you know that second only to Cairo in Egypt, Lima is one of the largest desert cities in the world?

Inkaterra Hacienda Conception

Floating Islands of Uros Peruvian People

South American Explorer – Brazil, Argentina & Peru

Experience a trio of enthralling South American countries on a holiday packed with man-made and natural wonders.

Day One – Fly to Brazil Fly overnight, via São Paulo, to Rio de Janeiro.

Day Two – Arrive in Rio Transfer to your hotel in Rio, then rest and relax with an included welcome drink this evening.

Day Three – Sugarloaf Mountain Begin your South American adventure with a half-day included tour that, as well as introducing downtown Rio, features a walk along Olympic Boulevard, with its colourful murals, then up Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car. This evening, enjoy an included drink at a local carioca bar close to your hotel before the chance to take in an optional Ginga Tropical Show in town.

Day Four – Christ the Redeemer Continue your exploration of Rio with an excursion to a wonder of the world – the Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain. Enjoy your final evening in Rio with an included dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Day Five – Fly to Iguazú Falls Transfer to the airport, for your flight to Iguazú Falls.

Day Six – Included

National

Start your

of Iguazú on the Brazilan side, where a series of pathways leads through the lush foliage, then head to the Argentinian side, a stunning jungle refuge.

Day Seven – Fly to Buenos Aires Transfer to the airport for the short flight to Buenos Aires, where you’ll meet your tour manager and transfer to your hotel.

Day Eight – Included Buenos Aires city tour Today you’ll enjoy a guided introduction to Buenos Aires, including the tango district of San Telmo and the famously colourful La Boca district.

Day Nine – Optional gaucho culture tour Discover more of enthralling Buenos Aires under your own steam, today, or join an exciting optional excursion into the pampas grassland, to a typical estancia ranch, learning about the gaucho culture and enjoying a traditional asado barbecue.

tour of Iguazú Falls

Park

exploration

Iguazú Falls

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Take in the views from Sugarloaf Mountain and discover the Christ the Redeemer statue, one of the Seven Wonders of the New World

• Explore UNESCO -listed Iguazú Falls National Park

• Included Buenos Aires tour and a farewell dinner and Tango show on your last night in Argentina

• A magical day at UNESCO -listed Machu Picchu

• Guided tours of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Lima, Cusco, Arequipa

• A cruise on Lake Titicaca and a day in the awe-inspiring Colca Canyon

• 19 nights’ carefully chosen bed and breakfast accommodation, plus two nights on the aircraft

• Four lunches and three evening meals

• Return flights, outbound to Rio de Janeiro and returning from Lima, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

our product manager loves...

If you want to get a true taste of South American treasures, this is the right tour. It will simply make you want to discover this continent even more.

Day 10 – Fly to Lima Enjoy a day at leisure in Buenos Aires, before transferring to the airport for your evening flight to Lima, which will arrive after 11pm. Meet your guide and transfer to your hotel.

Day 11 – Lima city tour A guided tour brings to life the Peruvian capital, a thriving city that boasts a number of UNESCO -listed historic treasures, legacies of Spanish colonialism.

Day 12 – Fly to Cusco and the Sacred Valley Today you’ll fly east from Lima to the Inca stronghold of Cusco and travel by coach into the fabled Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Day 13 – Inca treasures of the Sacred Valley Continue your exploration of the Sacred Valley, today. Visit Pisac, with its substantial Inca ruins and colourful market, and Ollantaytambo, home to the remains of a monumental Inca fortress.

Day 14 – Magical Machu Picchu Today is sure to be a highlight of your holiday as you zig-zag your way up through the jungle to Machu Picchu, the breath-taking Lost City of the Incas, a truly unforgettable place and one of the world’s mustsee wonders.

your hotels

Hilton Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro nights 2-4

Opposite the golden sands of Copacabana Beach, this five-star hotel is a brilliant choice for guests. Rooms are bright, with air conditioning and mini-bar. Recanto Cataratas, Iguazú Falls night 5-6

This four-star resort boasts a waterpark, thermal pools, games rooms and a bowling alley. Rooms are spacious, with each featuring air conditioning, mini-bar and desk.

Novotel Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires nights 7-9

Located on Corrientes Avenue, the four-star Novotel Buenos Aires offers spacious, well-equipped rooms with air conditioning, mini-bars and TVs.

Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima City, Lima nights 10-11 & 20

Located in the financial and commercial area of the city, this hotel offers a magnificent, year-round

Later, travel to Cusco via Aguas Calientes for a two-night stay.

Day 15 – Cusco city tour The Incas called Cusco the ‘Navel of the World’ and today it remains one of the world’s most enthralling settlements. Today’s guided tour will bring to life the city’s fascinating history and most important landmarks. Day 16 – On to Puno You’ll have a very early start, this morning, as you board your well-appointed coach (PeruRail train upgrade available) for the journey through the high Andean plains to Puno. Day 17 – Included Lake Titicaca cruise Enjoy a cruise on Lake Titicaca today, the highest navigable lake in the world and the birthplace in myth of the Inca civilisation Day 18 – On to Colca Board the coach early this morning and journey towards the startling landscape of the Aguada Blanca National Reserve.

Day 19 – The Colca Canyon You’ll have an early start today as you head to the spectacular viewpoint at Cruz del Condor. With luck, you’ll

catch sight of the majestic condors that make the Colca Canyon their home, gliding on the swirling winds and thermals.

After the tour, transfer to Arequipa for a onenight stay.

Day 20 – Arequipa city tour Today you’ll enjoy a tour of the White City, Arequipa, with its elegant main square Plaza de Armas, surrounded by buildings constructed of white volcanic stone.

Day 21 – Return flight Enjoy a final few hours at leisure in Lima, before transferring to the airport for your overnight return flight.

Day 22 – Arrive back in the UK Early morning arrival.

fun fact...

Did you know that there is a no-fly zone above Machu Picchu and a daily limit of 2,500 visitors?

outdoor pool on the top floor, a restaurant and bar, a fitness centre and spa facilities.

Hotel Hacienda del Valle, Sacred Valley nights 12-13 This charming hotel is set in landscaped gardens, a 10 minutes’ drive from Urubamba city and 15 minutes’ drive from Ollantaytambo.

Casa Andina Cusco Standard Plaza, Cusco nights 14-15

This rustic hotel has a restaurant and cabin-style guest accommodation. Each room has private facilities and a shower. The nearby town of Chivay is within strolling distance.

Hotel Royal Inn Puno, Puno nights 16-17

The hotel offers colourful suites with free Wi-Fi, one block from Plaza de Armas central square. Facilities include a restaurant and lively bar.

Casa Andina Standard Colca, Colca night 18

The Casa Andina Standard Colca is located in Chivay, at the edge of the Colca Valley. This secluded hotel offers guest accommodation in traditional stone houses.

Hotel Conquistador, Arequipa night 19

Set in an 18th-century building, this hotel features colonial architecture. It offers a café and restaurant. The rooms offer TV with cable channels and free Wi-Fi.

Hilton Copacabana

Peruvian Women Weaving Machu Picchu

Cathedral Church, Lima

11-day escorted tour from £2,969

Brazil & Argentina

Experience the man-made and natural wonders of two South American gems, including the iconic Christ the Redeemer and the awe-inspiring Iguazú Falls.

Day One – Fly to Brazil Fly overnight, via São Paulo, to Rio de Janeiro.

Day Two – Arrive in Rio Meet your tour manager when you arrive in Rio and transfer to your hotel. Rest and relax, enjoying an included welcome drink at the hotel this evening.

Dinner is at leisure tonight.

Day Three – Sugarloaf Mountain Begin your South American adventure with a half-day included tour that, as well as introducing downtown Rio, includes a cable-car ride along Olympic Boulevard, with its colourful murals, then up Sugarloaf Mountain. The spectacular 360-degree views from atop the mountain are unforgettable.

This evening, enjoy an included drink at a local carioca bar close to your hotel before the chance to take in an optional Samba show in town.

Dinner is at leisure tonight.

Day Four – Christ the Redeemer Continue your exploration of Rio today with an excursion to

a wonder of the world – Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain.

Drive through lush suburbs to the Cosmo Velho cog-railway station and journey up to the giant figure, then take the lift or escalator – or brave the stairs – up to the viewpoint.

Return to Rio via the famous beach districts of Ipanema and Leblon.

This evening, enjoy your final evening in Rio with an included dinner at the nearby Martinez Restaurant.

Day Five – Fly to Iguazú Falls Early this morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Iguazú Falls, the world-famous cascades at the meeting point of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay.

Travel by coach through the lush foliage, and enjoy a two-night stay at your resort hotel on the Brazilian side of the falls.

Dinner is included tonight.

Day Six – Included tour of Iguazú Falls National Park You’ll start your exploration of

Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro

La Boca, Buenos Aires

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Three nights at a five-star hotel on lively Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro

• Take in the views from the top of Sugarloaf Mountain

• Visit Christ the Redeemer, one of the Seven Wonders of the New World

• Immerse yourself in the local culture with a visit to a traditional carioca bar

• Stay at a four-star resort at Iguazú Falls

• Explore both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides of the UNESCO -listed Iguazú Falls National Park

• Three nights in Buenos Aires, with an included city tour, farewell dinner and tango show

• The chance to join an optional Gaucho excursion into the pampas grassland surrounding Buenos Aires

• Eight nights’ carefully chosen bed and breakfast accommodation, plus two nights on the aircraft

• Three evening meals

• Outbound flight to Rio de Janeiro, returning from Buenos Aires, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

our product manager loves...

This tour is such a great reflection of South America. From its most iconic and vibrant cities to one of the world’s natural wonders - Iguazu Falls.

Iguazú on the Brazilan side of the falls, where a series of pathways lead through the lush foliage of the UNESCO -listed Iguazú National Park, which is nurtured by the constant moisture from the astonishing waterfalls.

Walk out over the footbridge, and ride the panoramic lift to enjoy the sweeping views across Iguazú’s 275 plunging cataracts before transferring to the Argentinian side for a fresh perspective. Still, within the boundaries of the Iguazú National Park, the Argentinian side is a stunning jungle refuge for big cats, monkeys, tapirs and countless colourful bird species. Here you’ll enjoy a choice of fascinating guided walks, accompanied by a park ranger, as well as a 25-minute train ride to see the most spectacular of the torrents – the famous Devil’s Throat – from a series of walkways and footbridges.

Dinner is at leisure tonight.

Day Seven – Fly to Buenos Aires Transfer to the airport for the short flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, meet your Argentinian tour manager and transfer to your hotel.

your hotels

Hilton Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro nights 2-4 Perfectly located opposite the blue waters and golden sand of Copacabana Beach, this comfortable five-star hotel is a brilliant choice for guests staying in Rio. Rooms are bright, with air conditioning and a mini-bar. The hotel also boasts a rooftop pool with sweeping ocean views, together with a spa, restaurant and indoor pool.

Dinner is at leisure tonight.

Day Eight – Included Buenos Aires city tour Today, you’ll enjoy a guided introduction to Buenos Aires. See Plaza de Mayo’s parliament buildings, the tango district of San Telmo, the famously colourful La Boca district, the chic Puerto Madero riverside area and La Recoleta – the Argentinian capital’s most elegant neighbourhood.

Return to the hotel at the end of a wonderful day, perhaps joining in the optional dinner at the nearby Revire Restaurant.

Day Nine – Optional Gaucho culture tour Discover more of enthralling Buenos Aires under your own steam, today, or join an exciting optional excursion into the pampas grassland, to a typical estancia ranch, learning about the gaucho culture of the plains ranchers and enjoying a traditional asado barbecue.

This evening, crown your South American adventure with a farewell dinner and a tango show at Tango Porteño – one of the city’s renowned centres of traditional music and dance.

Day 10 – Departure Transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight, bringing a wonderful break to an end.

Day 11 – Arrive back in the UK Arrive early in the morning to finish off a truly awe-inspiring and memorable holiday.

During the Rio carnival departures, you can join an exciting optional excursion to watch the famous parade at the Sambadrome. Get into the festive spirit as each samba school takes to the street, performing in a flurry of colourful costumes and elaborate floats alongside 5000 performers. This excursion includes roundtrip transfers to the Sambadrome and grandstand tickets.

travel tips...

Don’t leave Brazil without trying its national cocktail – a caipirinha – made with cachaça, sugar, and lime.

special departures

Recanto Cataratas, Iguazú Falls nights 5-6

This four-star resort boasts a waterpark, thermal pools, games rooms and a bowling alley. Rooms are spacious, with each featuring air conditioning, a mini-bar and a desk. Guests can choose to dine at the bar, which serves American snacks and light meals, or at one of the two on-site restaurants, which serve traditional Brazilian dishes.

Novotel Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires nights 7-9

Located on Corrientes Avenue, the four-star Novotel Buenos Aires offers spacious, wellequipped rooms with air conditioning, mini-bars and TVs. Amenities at this comfortable hotel include an outdoor pool, hammam-style Turkish bath, fitness centre and Mediterranean restaurant with a terrace.

Rio Carnival – 17 Feb 2023 & 9 Feb 2024

During the Rio carnival departures, you can join an exciting optional excursion to watch the B League parade at the Sambadrome. Get a taste of the festive spirit as each samba school takes to the street, performing in a flurry of colourful costumes and elaborated floats. This excursion includes round trip transfers to the Sambadrome and grandstand tickets. It is does not feature the A League Parade and transfer back to the hotel is at midnight.

Iguazú Falls

Copacabana Beach,Rio de Janeiro

Recanto Cataratas

Rio Carnival

Encounter remarkable wildlife under boundless skies, soak up extraordinary scenery and take an enlightening cultural dive.

On Safari in South Africa –Sebatana Reserve 148

On Safari in South Africa –Mabula Lodge 150

On Safari in South Africa –Kruger National Park 152

Kruger Safari & South Mozambique Beach 154

On Safari in Victoria Falls 156

Cape Town, the Garden Route & Big Five Safari 158

Classic South African Adventure 160

Under African Skies –Victoria Falls to the Cape 162

Madagascar – Red Island Wonders 164

Kenya Grand Safari 166

Kenya – Beach & Safari 168

Cairo, Luxor & Nile Cruise 170

Firstly, we can’t thank our guide, Jaco, enough for his invaluable information, guidance, and care. We have returned with so much more knowledge about South Africa, as well as wowed by the scenery and wildlife we have witnessed. Our driver, Tim, was also top quality, and we felt very safe as we glided from one stop to another. The highlight of the experience has got to be the game drives – we remain in awe of the animals we were so privileged to see.

Lucy – Cape Town, The Garden Route & Big Five Safari

On Safari in South Africa –Sebatana Reserve

Savour South Africa’s unique wildlife on this special trip, based at either the Rhino or Elephant lodge, both within the celebrated Sebatana Reserve.

Day One – Fly to Johannesburg Overnight direct flight to Johannesburg.

Day Two – Arrival Meet your local tour manager at Johannesburg airport for the scenic transfer to your selected lodge, where lunch will be served.

Afterwards, rest, relax and settle into your new surroundings, perhaps by taking a refreshing dip in the pool. This evening, enjoy an included welcome drink, followed by dinner and a short briefing about the week ahead.

Day Three – Sebatana Private Reserve introduction, including game drive After breakfast, venture out in 4x4s into the reserve with your guides, who will tell you about the fascinating different animals and plants that inhabit the area.

This afternoon, head out on a wildlife-spotting game drive. All game drives at Sebatana are done in open-air vehicles for maximum visibility. Head to Christina’s Wallow, a hide with wonderful views of the surrounding bush and waterhole. For a truly authentic wildlife-

spotting experience, part of your journey is on foot. Keep an eye out – and have your camera at the ready – for zebras, meerkats, giraffes, wildebeest and impalas!

After a wonderful day, return to the lodge to enjoy a complimentary wine-tasting before dinner.

Day Four – Included Big Five game drive and optional night safari After breakfast, venture out into the Welgevonden Reserve on a game drive in search of the fabled Big Five –the lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant. Access to the reserve is subject to extensive restrictions, so it’ll feel like you have the whole place to yourself!

At dusk, you could join the optional night safari, giving you the unique opportunity to witness how the bush changes as the sun goes down, and a different animal kingdom emerges. Keep an eye out for caracals, bush babies, porcupines and ant bears!

Day Five – Included bush walk, game drive and optional tribal evening This morning, join

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• The opportunity to spot the Big Five

• Four game drives in the Sebatana Private Reserve and one game drive in the Welgevonden Reserve

• Fascinating guided bush walk

• Traditional African champagne brunch

• Sundowner at Sunset Rock

• Wildlife talk, Wine-tasting & Welcome drink

• Johannesburg and Soweto tour, including a visit to the Apartheid Museum

• Optional game drives at Welgevonden Reserve and Pilanesberg National Park

• Optional night safari and tribal experience

• Seven nights’ carefully chosen full-board accommodation at either the Rhino or Elephant Lodge, plus two nights on the aircraft

• All-inclusive upgrade available in the resort

• Return flights to Johannesburg, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

travel tips...

Covered and sturdy shoes are recommended for safaris.

your guide for a gentle included bush walk into the Sebatana Private Reserve. Listen intently as your guide points out animal breeding areas and local plant life. After the walk, return to the lodge for some well-earned lunch.

After lunch, set out on your second game drive into the Sebatana Private Reserve for the chance to spot some spectacular wildlife, armed with the knowledge gained this morning.

This evening, you have the option to join the tribal evening to learn more about South Africa’s indigenous cultures.

Day Six – Optional Pilanesberg National Park excursion Today you have the choice of joining the optional excursion to Pilanesberg National Park, the third-largest of its kind in South Africa. The park covers over 135,000 acres and presents further opportunities to spot the Big Five as well as the endangered white rhino, giraffes and hippopotami.

Dinner will be served back at Sebatana, with a complimentary wine-tasting beforehand.

your hotel choices

Sebatana Rhino Lodge, Lephalale HHHHH

Set in a sweeping private game reserve, and with just 12 bungalows, the locally rated five-star Sebatana Rhino Lodge offers detached bungalow accomodation, featuring a balcony, air conditioning, tea/coffee-making facilities, a safe and a mini-bar. Ameneties include Wi-Fi, a restaurant, a bar (with daily happy hour), an outdoor pools, Jacuzzi and a traditional African boma.

Sebatana Elephant Lodge, Lephalale HHHH

Boasting just 12 rooms, all of which come with air conditioning, tea/coffee-making facilities, a safe and a mini-bar, the locally rated four-star Elephant Lodge is the perfect place to relax and unwind in the African bush. Other facilities at the Elephant Lodge include Wi-Fi, a pool, restaurant and bar.

Day Seven – Game drive with included champagne brunch

Rise and shine early this morning for a very special game drive, and the chance to spot herds of antelopes moving in the open.

Antelopes and other prey animals tend to move around in the morning, to find the best protection from predators.

Around mid-morning, you’ll stop at Kudu Rock for a magnificent, traditional African brunch with champagne.

Return to the lodge to rest and relax. If you want to carry on exploring, the guides will point out some gentle trails through the reserve. This evening, enjoy a complimentary wine-tasting before dinner. Day Eight – Optional Big Five game drive with included Sunset Rock safari

This morning, you’ll have the chance to join one last Big Five game drive. Later, in the midafternoon, enjoy a fitting finale to your South African adventure, as you join the included safari to Sunset Rock. Sip champagne from this

magnificent vantage point, looking out over the Waterberg Mountains as the sky turns a cascade of red and orange.

Return to the lodge for a farewell feast, no doubt reflecting on a wonderful break in the African wilderness.

Day Nine – Johannesburg and Soweto tour, followed by departure Say goodbye to your wonderful hosts as you depart for an included tour of Johannesburg and Soweto.

Visit Johannesburg’s Apartheid Museum, which documents South Africa’s troubled past and racial segregation, before exploring fascinating Soweto, home to Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Winnie Mandela.

After the tour, continue to Johannesburg airport for your overnight flight.

Day 10 – Arrive in the UK Arrive early in the morning after an amazing wishlist adventure.

Everything from start to finish was faultless, the staff were excellent, the food was delicious, and the safaris were fantastic. We saw so much wildlife out on the many safaris – the real highlight for me was the lions and the elephants.

An amazing experience all round!

Laura

what our customers say...

Sebatana Rhino Lodge

Sebatana Elephant Lodge

Leopard

Pilanesberg National Park

Bush Baby

On Safari in South Africa –Mabula Lodge

Spend an unforgettable week on safari in South Africa at the Mabula Game Lodge, home to a sweeping reserve inhabited by the Big Five.

Day One – Fly to South Africa Fly overnight to Johannesburg.

Day Two – Arrival Meet your guide at the airport for your transfer to Mabula Game Lodge. Upon arrival at the lodge, unwind and settle in, perhaps making use of the wellness and spa facilities.

This evening, dinner is served at the lodge, as you enjoy a first night under the starry African sky, looking forward to a wonderful break ahead.

Day Three – Safari and wildlife talk Rise and shine early this morning, grab a tea or coffee and perhaps some rusks then head out into the Mabula Private Game Reserve on the first of many wonderful safaris. All safari drives are in open-air 4x4 vehicles for maximum visibility. Keep your eyes open for the fabled Big Five plus hyena, jackal, antelope, the elusive cheetah and adorable honey badger. Upon your return to the lodge, enjoy a well-earned, leisurely breakfast.

This afternoon, you’ll enjoy a fascinating wildlife talk. Delivered by the resident

ecologist

reserve manager,

talk

60 mammals

reptiles that inhabit the reserve, arming you with some interesting knowledge for forthcoming week. This evening, after your first full day in your wonderful new surroundings, enjoy dinner at the lodge.

Day Four – Hornbill Project and safari This morning you’ll visit the Hornbill Project, located within the boundaries of the reserve.

Founded in 1999, the award-winning Hornbill Project aims to change the fortunes of this iconic, endangered species through a number of different evidence-based conservation techniques. The southern hornbill is a focal point in South African culture, and you’ll learn all about them this morning.

This afternoon, you’ll head out into the reserve on a safari, equipped with the knowledge from this morning’s visit and yesterday’s wildlife talk, before dinner is served under the stars at the lodge this evening.

and

the

will introduce you to some of the

and the 300-plus species of birds and

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Go in search of the Big Five on five included safaris into the Mabula Private Game Reserve

• Enjoy an expert-led wildlife talk and fascinating bush walk, a visit to the awardwinning Hornbill Project, a bush lunch, a night stargazing under the starry South African night sky and a sundowner in the bush

• Seven nights’ carefully chosen full-board accommodation at the Mabula

Game Lodge and two nights on board the aircraft

• Return flights to Johannesburg, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

travel tip...

Pack light and remember that many items can be purchased locally, helping the local economy and often small communities.

Day Five – Morning safari Rise and shine early this morning for an included morning safari, giving you the chance to spot herds of antelopes and other prey species moving in the open as they tend to move around more early in the day, to find the best protection from predators.

Return to the lodge and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps making use of the wellness and spa facilities or the leisure area, including tennis and cricket, before dinner is served at the lodge this evening.

Day Six – Bush walk, safari and sundowner After breakfast, join your guide for a gentle guided bush walk into the reserve. Enjoying the fresh air as you stretch your legs, giving you a different more intimate perspective of the reserve. Being closer to the ground also allows you to track the paths of animals including kudu, zebra and maybe even lions that have followed the same path just a few hours before you.

This afternoon, embark on another open-air safari into the reserve, keeping your eyes open for the Big Five. After the safari, you’ll stop a picturesque

your hotels

Mabula Game Lodge, Mabula HHHH

This wonderful, luxury family-friendly lodge is set amongst a sweeping 30,000 acre-private game reserve that provides the picturesque backdrop. Accommodation is in plush lodges, which feature air conditioning, TV and tea/coffee-making facilities. Traditional and international dishes are served at the hotel restaurant. Other facilities include an outdoor pool, spa and wellness centre, tennis court and childrens’ area called Cubz Club.

spot to enjoy a refreshing sundowner and some snacks as the sun slips behind the horizon and the sky turns a vibrant patchwork of red, purple, orange and yellow – a fitting end to a wonderful day.

Day Seven – Safari and stargazing Rise and shine early this morning as you head out into the reserve on your penultimate safari, hopefully spotting something new to tick off your list. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the lodge upon your return.

This evening, you’ll spend an unforgettable night stargazing. As the sun goes down, thousands of twinkling stars, including the Milky Way, reveal themselves to you, completely free of any light pollution.

Your guide will point out the different constellations visible as you spend a wonderful evening beneath the starry South African night sky, topped off by dinner at the lodge.

Day Eight – Safari and bush lunch Today, your last full day at the lodge, bring the chance to take one last safari out into the Mabula Private Game Reserve, giving you a final opportunity to tick animals off your list.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and morning before setting off into the reserve .

After the safari you’ll stop at a scenic spot in the bush to enjoy a delicious traditional lunch – a fitting finale to an exceptional week on safari.

Day Nine – Departure After breakfast, it’s time to say your goodbyes to the lodge and its staff. You’ll be transferred to Johannesburg airport for your return flight, bringing a wonderful week to an end.

Day 10 – Arrive in the UK After an wonderful South African experience.

What a great holiday! So much wildlife to see. We were lucky enough to even spot some wild dogs. The lodge was perfect, and the food was delicious.

Kate

what our customers say...

Mabula Game Lodge

On Safari Wild Dog

Antelope

Ground Hornbill

10-day escorted tour from

On Safari in South Africa – Kruger National Park

This very special tour includes an all-inclusive six-night stay at a luxury tented safari camp by Kruger National Park.

Day One – Fly to Johannesburg Overnight flight to Johannesburg.

Day Two – Arrival Upon arrival, meet your tour guide and transfer to your five-star lodge near Pretoria. Enjoy lunch, then perhaps join your guide for a brief tour of the sumptuous lodge grounds, before an included dinner.

Day Three – Transfer to Camp Bethel and optional night safari Make the scenic transfer to Camp Bethel, your home for the next six nights. When you arrive, you’ll have the chance to freshen up, followed by a late lunch and brief camp orientation.

At dusk, why not join the optional night safari, giving you the unique opportunity to witness how the bush changes as the sun goes down, and a different animal kingdom emerges? Keep an eye out for caracals, bush babies, porcupines and ant bears!

Enjoy a first night in the African bush, perhaps with a sundowner in hand, as the sunset turns the sky a vibrant patchwork of red, orange and yellow.

Day Four –

home to some truly majestic animals, including the iconic Big Five – lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalo – together with birdlife such as vultures and eagles.

Today you’ll explore the southern part of Kruger, which covers almost two million hectares of unspoilt terrain overall.

The south of the park is lush and green, with plenty of knob thorn and bush willow trees, whereas the north is arid and sparse.

We’ll stop to enjoy lunch at a rest camp, where you can choose from a delicious variety of meals.

A relaxing dinner will be served to an atmospheric campfire backdrop.

Day Five – Included wildlife rehabilitation tour and nature walk Head out to a local wildlife rehabilitation centre where they take

Included full-day Kruger National Park safari Rise and shine early this morning, for the short journey to Kruger National Park,

Leopard

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Three safaris in the Kruger National Parks

• Visit a wildlife rehabilitation centre

• Picturesque tour, of the Lowveld and the Blyde River Canyon’s best sights

• Guided nature walk at Camp Bethel

• Fascinating Nyani cultural village tour

• Traditional South African braai (barbeque)

• Nature walk at the Irene Country Lodge

• Exciting optional tours, including a night safari and boat cruise on the Blyde River

• Six nights’ carefully chosen all-inclusive three- and five-star accommodation, one night full board plus two nights on the aircraft

• 21 meals, including seven breakfasts, seven lunches and seven dinners

• Included water, coffee, tea, juice, with local beers and wines while at Camp Bethel

• Return flights to Johannesburg, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager and wildlife specialist

travel tips...

The temperature can drop in the evenings or early mornings, so remember to bring a fleece to stay warm.

care of injured and poisoned animals that, sadly, will not be released back into the wild.

Watch a film presentation before you head out into the centre’s grounds on a two-hour tour, where you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with animals including cheetahs, African wild dogs and vultures.

Later this afternoon, join your guide for a fascinating nature walk around the camp, which sits on its own private reserve.

Keep an eye out for wonderful creatures such as zebras, kudu, nyala and warthog that frequently wander through the camp.

Day Six – Included morning safari to Kruger National Park and optional Blyde River Canyon boat cruise Rise and shine early once again, as you head back to Kruger National Park for a wonderful morning safari.

Keep your eyes peeled for buffaloes and elephants, as your guide shares their expert wildlife knowledge. After an exciting morning,

a well-deserved lunch will be served in a dry riverbed back at camp.

This afternoon, you’ll have the chance to join the optional boat cruise, which will take in some of the Blyde River Canyon’s most picturesque sights, including the ‘living’ Kadishi Tufa Waterfall.

Snacks and refreshing soft drinks will be available on the tour, adding to the enjoyment of a wonderful afternoon.

Day Seven – Included panoramic mountain tour After a sumptuous breakfast, set out on a stunning panoramic mountain tour of the Drakensberg Mountain Range, taking in the Blyde River Canyon and God’s Window, named for its sweeping panoramic views of the Lowveld and lush forestclad ravines below.

We’ll make a lunch stop at Graskop, a small town known for pancakes and curio shops, before starting our scenic journey back to camp.

Day Eight – Included morning safari to Greater Kruger National Park and Nyani cultural village tour, followed by farewell dinner This morning,

enjoy a final included safari into a private game reserve that forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park as you savour every second spent in this unique natural paradise.

This afternoon, head to the Nyani cultural village on a fascinating excursion, where you’ll learn about the local culture as you watch a performance, featuring music and dance from local tribes.

Return to the camp for your final night in the African bush, where you’ll enjoy a braai – a traditional South African barbeque.

Day Nine – Departure Bid farewell to the wonderful staff at Camp Bethel as you transfer to Johannesburg airport for your return flight.

Day 10 – Arrive in the UK Arrive early in the morning after an unforgettable wildlife adventure.

African Pride Irene HHHHH Country Lodge, Pretoria night 2

This charming, five-star lodge is set amongst sweeping, private grounds and even has its own lake. Rooms are decorated in an English country style, together with a private terrace and a TV. The lodge also boasts an outdoor pool, hot tub and restaurant.

Camp Bethel, HHH near Kruger National Park nights 3-8

This family-friendly, tented safari camp features just six canvas-style tents and is located amongst the pristine African bush. From your spacious, well-equipped safari-style tents with private viewing decks, you’ll be surrounded by South Africa’s most astonishing nature and wildlife. Your stay at the Camp Bethel will be allinclusive, which covers all meals as well as water, tea, coffee, soft drinks and local beer and wines.

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Tented accommodation in Africa is, in my opinion, the best way to experience the destination and get in close contact with nature and its wildlife sounds. You won’t miss out on comfort and luxury either!

Camp Bethel Tent

Hippo

Kruger National Park

Meerkats

Camp Bethel

African Pride Irene Country Lodge

Kruger Safari & South

Mozambique Beach

A blend of thrilling bush adventuring and blissful beach lazing is up for the embracing on this familyfriendly escape.

Day One – Fly to Johannesburg You’ll fly overnight to Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa.

Day Two – Arrival and transfer to a five-star lodge After arriving, you’ll be introduced to your friendly tour guide before being transferred to your five-star lodge near Pretoria. This evening, dinner will be served in the comfort of the lodge.

Day Three – Transfer to a bush camp and optional night safari Following breakfast, you’ll set off on a journey to your tented safari camp in the heart of the bush, Camp Bethel. Take some time to freshen up, enjoy a late lunch and experience a brief camp orientation.

At dusk, you can opt to venture on an enrapturing night safari as the sun sets, transforming the sky into a patchwork of pretty colours. Those back at the camp can indulge in a sundowner (or two), and some snacks while taking in the beautiful backdrop. Before dinner, you’ll gather at the boma, where the firepit will be lit for an authentic African welcome. You’ll

then

Day Four – Included full-day Kruger National Park safari This morning, you’ll rise early, feeling rested and ready for the short journey to the Orpen Gate of the Kruger Natural Park, home to the famous ‘Big Five’ and a plethora of wildlife. After arriving at an idyllic spot for a picnic, you can enjoy on a packed breakfast prepared by the camp chef. A lunch stop will be had at the rest camp – with a tempting assortment of dishes on offer. After stops at several waterholes and lookout points, you’ll return to the camp in the afternoon.

An early night might be appealing to those feeling tired post-adventuring, following a relaxed dinner, which will be served by the campfire.

Day Five –Included wildlife rehabilitation tour and guided nature walk Fill up on breakfast before another day of exploring as the tour heads to a local wildlife habitation

sit down to a feast of locally inspired dishes spread across tables on an expansive deck, which looks out over the bush.

Cheetah Cub

South Mozambique Beach

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Venture in search of the ‘Big Five’ as you travel on three open-air safaris throughout the Kruger National Park

• Set off at dusk on an incredible night safari under the ever-changing African sky

• Experience an enlightening wildlife rehabilitation tour and a guided nature walk

• An optional Blyde River Canyon boat cruise

• Journey on a spectacular panoramic mountain tour, seeing the Blyde River Canyon’s best sights

• Visit Nyani cultural village and watch a traditional dance performance

• Enjoy a classic South African braai (barbeque)

• Escape to a dreamy coastal corner of Mozambique for a few days of beach bliss by the Indian Ocean

• Three guided safaris in the Kruger and Greater Kruger National Park

• 10 nights’ carefully chosen accommodation, plus two on the aircraft

• 29 meals, including 10 breakfasts, nine lunches and 10 dinners, with included water, coffee, tea, and juice, together with local beers and wines during your stay at Camp Bethel

• Private speedboat transfer and transfers throughout

• Flights to Johannesburg and from Maputo

• Fully escorted by a friendly, knowledgeable tour manager and wildlife specialist

centre. Here, you’ll watch a film presentation and then head out to the centre’s grounds on a two-hour excursion to see the resident animals and birds.

Later in the afternoon, you can join your guide for a nature walk around the camp, which sits on its own private game reserve.

Day Six – Included morning safari to Kruger National Park and optional Blyde River Canyon boat cruise Another morning safari presents an extra opportunity to seek out buffalos, elephants, and more as your guide shares their expert wildlife knowledge. A well-deserved lunch will then be served in a dry riverbed back at the camp. Once you’ve refuelled, you can choose to join an optional boat cruise along the Blyde River canyon. The main highlight is a sighting of the ‘living’ Kadishi Tufa Waterfall. Snacks and soft drinks will be available while you float along the water, adding to this unrivalled experience.

Day Seven – Included panoramic mountain tour Enjoy a delightful breakfast in the camp’s boma area, and then it’s time for a panoramic mountain

your hotels

Irene Country Lodge Hotel nights 1-2

This charming, five-star lodge is set amongst sweeping, private grounds and even has its own lake. Rooms are decorated in English country style, with wooden furnishings emphasising the lodge’s connection with nature, together with a private terrace and TV. The lodge also boasts an outdoor pool, hot tub and restaurant.

Camp Bethel nights 3-8

From your spacious, well-equipped safaristyle tents with private viewing decks, you’ll be surrounded by South Africa’s most astonishing nature and wildlife – it’ll feel like you have the whole place to yourself! Your stay at the family run Camp Bethel - where service is impeccable - will be all-inclusive meaning all meals as well as water, tea, coffee, soft drinks and local beer and wines are included.

tour – bringing your camera is recommended!

This tour travels to the Drakensberg Mountain Range, which stretches over 600 miles from the Eastern Cape toward Mpumalanga. Take in the impressive Lisbon Waterfalls, before lunch at Graskop. This small town, enclosed by pine and eucalyptus forests, and known for pancakes and curio shops, is the last stop on the tour.

Day Eight – Included morning safari to greater Kruger National Park and Nyani cultural tour, followed by a farewell dinner You’ll embark on the final included safari this morning in a private game reserve that forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park. A picnic breakfast stop will be followed by a talk about the plant life in the Kruger, which is vital to the park’s existence. A trip to Nyani cultural village is on this afternoon’s itinerary where you’ll learn about the culture while watching a performance in a traditional boma theatre. The safari will return to the camp for a closing dinner of a braai – a traditional South African barbeque.

Day Nine – Transfer to Maputo and travel by boat to a private beach resort An early breakfast will be followed by a six-hour journey to Maputo, the capital of Mozambique. You’ll then go to Maputo Marina, say farewell to your South African tour manager and board a private speedboat. A one-hour trip on the waters will take you to the Machangulo Beach Resort.

Day 10 – Day at leisure This isolated haven of seaside splendour calls for all the lounging, either by the pool, in the spa or the private beach area.

Day 11 – Day at leisure Spend your last day at the resort, making sure you take in a final sundowner overlooking the beach.

Day 12 – Return flight to the UK Today, you’ll be transferred to Maputo airport for the return flight to the UK via Addis Ababa.

Day 13 – Arrive in the UK Return home with a host of treasured memories after your African adventure.

Machangulo Beach Lodge night 9-11

Resting atop a sand dune with views of the Machangulo peninsula and neighbouring reserves, this boutique beach lodge, just a one-hour boat ride from Maputo, presents the perfect escape. Air-conditioned thatched bungalows, built across various levels, each offer a private deck and are all interlinked by walkways. Wooden furnishings and colourful fabrics, along with ceiling fans, safes, hairdryers, and mini-bars make for a comfortable and convenient stay. A casual restaurant serves up fresh seafood and local delicacies, and the sundeck bar by the pool has an unrivalled setting for sipping on cocktails. The sea-facing spa is a highlight of the lodge, and guests can embrace the surrounding nature and marine reserves with activities, like birding, fishing, snorkelling, kayaking.

All the handpicked properties are designed to really embrace nature and deliver the most friendly service.

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Camp Bethel

Machangulo Beach Lodge

Watching Elephants

Bee Eater Birds

10-day escorted tour from £2,899

On Safari in Victoria Falls

Follow in the footsteps of the explorer David Livingstone as you venture through veils of mist along the paths that fringe the mighty Victoria Falls.

Day One – Fly to Africa Board your overnight flight from the UK.

Day Two – Arrive at Victoria Falls Airport You’ll land at Victoria Falls Airport, meet your tour manager, and be transferred for about 30 minutes to the beautiful Lokuthala Lodge in the heart of the bush.

Unpack and tuck into a tapas-style lunch before exploring the grounds and perhaps musing over a refreshment by the pool.

In the evening, dinner will be served at the lodge’s award-winning restaurant MaKuwaKuwa, which looks out over a waterhole, teeming with wildlife.

Day Three – Included Victoria Falls tour with lunch and optional helicopter flight After breakfast, you have an exciting excursion on your itinerary – a tour of Victoria Falls. This resort town is set on the southern bank of the Zambezi River at the western end of the Victoria Falls themselves.

are one of the largest in the world.

Stroll along a forested path to soak up the views before enjoying lunch at the Lookout Café, with its unrivalled location on the banks. Those who want to observe the falls from above can join a once-in-a-lifetime optional helicopter flight, ‘The flight of the angels’, where you’ll circuit the national parks, falls, and Zambezi River below.

You’ll return later in the day to unwind and have dinner at the on-site restaurant.

Day Four – Included morning safari in the Zambezi National Park, and boma dinner and show experience Fuel up on breakfast and then go on a safari in the Zambezi National Park, which is positioned upstream from Victoria Falls.

Available Aug to Dec 2022, Jan to Jun, Sep to Dec 2023, Jan to Jun & Sep to Dec 2024

Fly direct (flight upgrades available). Prices from

• Heathrow £1,699 • Manchester £1,749* (UK connecting flights available – call us for details)

Personalise your holiday

• New Orleans City Tour (half day) – from £21 • Bayou & Alligators Tour (half day) – from £25

Victoria

• Memphis: Graceland & Sounds of the South (full day) – from £89

Morning

• Studio B & the Country Music Hall of Fame (half day) – from £45 Room for Sole Use from £592

Please

Please note: *Some departures from Manchester into the USA are via Houston instead of Atlanta and will follow a slightly different itinerary which can be seen on our website. All of the main tour highlights remain included. The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately three hours.

Discovered in 1855 by the Scottish missionary and famous explorer David Livingstone, the falls were named after Queen Victoria, and

Victoria Falls

Elephants

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Set off on a tour of the spectacular Victoria Falls and the surrounding area

• View the falls from above with an optional once-in-a-lifetime helicopter ride

• Embark on a morning safari in the sprawling Zambezi National Park

• Journey across the Zambezi River during a sunset cruise with a drink in hand

• Enjoy a special boma dinner and traditional performance by firelight

• Add optional morning and evening Zambezi National Park safaris to your itinerary

• Venture for the day into Chobe National Park on safari and spot elephants from a morning cruise along the Chobe River

• Observe hundreds of vultures feeding at the front of the lodge

• Experience a guided nature walk to the lodge’s bird hide

• Seven nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation, plus two nights on the aircraft

• Seven breakfasts, two lunches and seven dinner

• Return flights from the UK to Zimbabwe, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

Fronted by the mighty Zambezi River, this sprawling spread of savanna and mopane forests is home to an astounding array of wildlife.

As you’re driven deep into the foliage, keep your eyes peeled for elephants, lions, buffalo, leopards, and Zimbabwe’s national animal, the sable. After you’ve watched the sunset back at the lodge, with a sundowner in hand, you’ll be led to the boma for a dinner and drum show.

Day Five – Included Chobe River cruise and Chobe National Park safari with lunch Once you’ve had breakfast, you’ll switch up the dusty roads for the calm waters of the Chobe River on a morning cruise, which will provide a perfect opportunity to spot hippos and crocodiles in the water, as well as some colourful birdlife. You’ll then travel in a 4X4 open-air vehicle into Chobe National Park, located in northern Botswana near the Okavango Delta. Return to the lodge later in the day and enjoy another dinner at the restaurant.

Day Six – Optional morning Zambezi National Park safari and included sunset cruise with drinks

on Zambezi River This morning, after breakfast, you can choose to take it easy or join an optional safari in the Zambezi National Park, hopefully ticking any remaining sightings off your list.

You’ll have the rest of the day at your leisure to enjoy the scenery from the privacy of your balcony, take advantage of the swimming pool or book a treatment at the spa.

A sunset cruise along the Zambezi River is an ideal way to conclude the day, and you’ll board a five-star vessel, with three viewing decks to choose from. Sip on a refreshment while sailing and watch as the sky transforms into a patchwork of pretty colours. In the evening, you’ll be driven back to the hotel for dinner.

Day Seven – Optional morning Zambezi National Park safari, vulture culture experience, rest of the day at leisure and optional evening Zambezi National Park safari Arise and have breakfast before deciding if you want to join another optional Zambezi National Park safari.

At 1pm, you can witness the sight of hundreds of vultures feeding on leftover scraps in front of the

lodge. The rest of the day is free to further explore the quirky town of Victoria Falls at your own pace or you can partake in any of the lodge’s additional activities before dinner.

In the evening, it’s also possible to join a final, optional safari into the Zambezi National Park to see the nocturnal animals in their element.

Day Eight – Morning nature walk to the bird hide, rest of the day at leisure and farewell dinner It’s your last full day in the bush, and you can make the most of it by going on a guided nature walk to the lodge’s bird hide. Embrace an afternoon of free time to enjoy the lodge and the bush setting, and in the evening, join your fellow travellers for a special farewell dinner.

Day Nine – Transfer to airport and overnight flight to the UK Enjoy your final breakfast at the lodge before being transferred to the airport for your flight back to the UK.

Day 10 – Arrive back in UK Today, you’ll touchdown in the UK after your spectacular African adventure.

Lokuthula Lodge HHH

Scattered across bushland and perched on a plateau looking out over the Zambezi National Park in Victoria Falls, 31 thatched, air-conditioned two/three-bedroom chalets make up this charming lodge. In the centre of the lodge there is an outdoor pool, a paddling pool, and a bar, ideal for sundowners, can be found. Set within the garden and ringed by trees, the Boma Café is where breakfast is served every morning. The Boma area provides an authentic African dining experience under the stars, complete with a live drum and dancing show. There is also a communal lounge with a TV, a spa, a children’s playground, a volleyball court, an on-site waterhole, and two hides for discreetly watching the local animals and birds. Wi-Fi is available at the reception. Each chalet has a fully equipped kitchen, a lounge,

a terrace for wildlife viewing, and a barbeque area, as well as ceiling fans, safes, mosquito nets and tea/coffee-making facilities. African-inspired décor features wooden accents, soft cottons, and colourful fabrics.

Hippo

Zambezi National Park

Southern Carmine Bee Eater

Lokuthula Lodge

Lokuthula Lodge

Lokuthula Lodge

Cape Town, the Garden Route & Big Five Safari

Experience one of the world’s most beautiful cities, some startling scenery, and the giants of the animal kingdom.

Day One – Fly to Cape Town Fly from the UK, via Johannesburg, to Cape Town.

Day Two – Transfer to Hermanus Upon arrival in Cape Town, meet your guide and journey east to Hermanus, a famous whale-watching centre and year-round seaside resort (departures between September and November will include a whalewatching cruise). En route to Hermanus, you’ll call at Stony Point, home to a unique colony of African penguins.

Tonight, enjoy an included dinner at La Pentola, close to your hotel.

Day Three – Included game drive at the Garden Route Game Lodge This morning you’ll journey to the Garden Route Game Lodge, in the heart of a privately operated reserve where you’ll spend the next two nights. During your stay here, in the shadow of the Langeberg mountains, you’ll enjoy all the wonders of safari game drives to see the Big Five (lions, rhino, elephants, leopards and buffalo) while staying in comfortable lodges

and enjoying typical African dinners looking out over the reserve.

This afternoon, enjoy your first game drive, then perhaps enjoy a sun-downer beside the authentic Boma (camp fire) before dinner.

Day Four – Two included game drives A second day at the lodge begins with a prebreakfast game drive. Enjoy some free time for a siesta - perhaps by the pool - before setting off on a second evening game drive and enjoying another memorable dinner under the stars.

Day Five – Included visit to the Cango Caves and the Little Karoo Travel on to Oudtshoorn, the Ostrich Capital of the World, in the heart of the Little Karoo plain. The world’s strangest, largest and often most-valuable bird has been farmed here for 130 years – first for its plumage, and more recently for its high-protein, low-cholesterol meat. Enjoy a taste at your barbecue lunch, before visiting the worldrenowned Cango Caves, with their caverns of stalactites and stalagmites.

Elephants outside the Garden Route Game Lodge

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Three game drives in search of the ‘Big Five’

• Ride Table Mountain’s rotating cable car

• Two nights in the privately owned Garden Route Game Lodge

• Tour the beautiful Cape Peninsula

• Visit whale-watching town of Hermanus

• Discover South Africa’s Cape Winelands and beautiful Western Cape

• Wine tasting on a Franschhoek estate

• See the extraordinary Cango Caves and visit an ostrich farm

• Journey to Knysna, on the Garden Route

• Take a cruise on Knysna Lagoon

• Tour of Stellenbosch with included bubbly and nougat experience

• A spectacular whale-watching cruise (Sep to Nov departures only)

• Nine nights’ carefully chosen bed and breakfast accommodation, plus two nights on the aircraft

• Three lunches and four dinners

• Return flights to Cape Town via Johannesburg, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

Day Six – Knysna Lagoon and the Garden of Eden This morning, you’ll travel to coastal Knysna for a cruise on the beautiful lagoon, which hugs the edge of the fascinating Featherbed Nature Reserve. After the cruise, you’ll travel in a 4x4 up to the headland for some spectacular views, as your expert guide tells you about the local history, flora and fauna. A buffet lunch will be served at an outdoor restaurant under a picturesque canopy of milkwood trees.

After some free time to explore Knysna’s charming waterfront, enjoy a guided walk around the Garden of Eden in the Harkerville Forest before returning to the lodge. Tonight, you’ll enjoy a traditional South African barbecue (braai ). Day Seven – Included Winelands tour and visit to Franschhoe Head west into the verdant Cape Winelands region and to wine-producing Franschhoek for lunch (own account) and a wine tasting in the fabled Franschhoek Wine Valley, before continuing to Stellenbosch, deep in the heart of this scenic landscape.

your hotels

Marine Hotel, Hermanus night 2

Perched on top of the cliffs overlooking Walker Bay, this hotel has stylishly decorated rooms with magnificent views of the sea, and the mountains or the beautiful courtyard and gardens.

Garden Route Game Lodge, Albertinia nights 3-4

You’ll find a host of wildlife, including the Big Five at this private game reserve. The lodge has a restaurant, bar, pool and spa. The guest rooms are airconditioned and have either a balcony or patio, teaand coffee-making facilities, fridges and microwaves.

Ilita Lodge, Mossel Bay nights 5-6

This hotel boasts panoramic Southern Ocean views from its hill overlooking the Great Brak River. A sun terrace with sun loungers surrounds the pool. The guest rooms are air-conditioned, and

With its oak trees and picturesque, Europeanstyle Cape Dutch houses, Stellenbosch is a delightful place to spend a night.

Day Eight – Included Stellenbosch and wineries tour Enjoy a guided introduction to historic Stellenbosch, followed by a glass of bubbly and some local nougat. Lunch will be included in a wine estate.

This afternoon, you’ll journey to Cape Town where you will spend the next three nights. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure to start to explore the Mother City, with its renowned Waterfront and cultural landmarks such as the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa or vibrant Bo Kaap.

Day Nine – Included Cape Town city tour and Table Mountain Meet your tour manager for an orientation tour of the city. You’ll see historic landmarks like the Castle of Good Hope, the House of Parliament, and the leafy Company’s Gardens. You’ll also enjoy a stroll past the colourful Bo Kaap colonial district and, weather permitting, ascend Table Mountain in a rotating

cable car that offers a 360-degree panorama as it climbs to the 1000-metre high summit. You will return to the hotel in time for lunch.

After the tour, you’re free to relax in one of the world’s most stunningly located cities. Why not take a stroll along the redeveloped Victoria and Alfred waterfront or catch a boat to infamous Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned?

Day 10 – Cape Peninsula tour and Kirstenbosch Gardens Enjoy a fascinating full-day tour on which you’ll visit treacherous Cape Point, where the Atlantic meets the Indian Ocean, Kirstenbosch, famous for its Botanical Gardens, Hout Bay, and – weather-permitting – breathtakingly scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive.

Day 11 – Free time and return flight Spend the morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for your overnight flight home via Johannesburg. Day 12 – Arrive in the UK You’ll land back home this morning, at the end of a wonderful South African holiday.

have private balconies with sea views, seating areas and satellite TV. Each has a minibar.

Please note: On selected departures you will stay at the Premier Resort The Moorings, instead.

De Zalze Lodge Hotel, Stellenbosch night 7

This Dutch vernacular style lodge stands opposite a golf course. It has a pool, a restaurant and a bar, and all the guest rooms have private facilities, TV and tea- and coffee-making facilities.

Please note: On selected departures you will stay at the Stellenbosch Hotel, instead.

New Kings Boutique Hotel, Cape Town nights 8-10

A modern hotel in a seaside suburb with a cocktail bar boasting ocean views, and a wellness centre.

Please note: On selected departures you will stay in the Park Inn Foreshore, instead.

Ilita Lodge, Mossel Bay

Garden Route Game Lodge

Stellenbosch Cape Town

Knysna, South Africa

17-day escorted tour from £2,899

Classic South African Adventure

An all-encompassing South African encounter, illuminating everything from the country’s epic wilderness to its enrapturing coastline.

Day One – Fly overnight to South Africa Fly overnight to Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest and most vibrant city.

Day Two – Arrival and cultural evening You’ll arrive in Johannesburg, ready to kick off your African adventure and meet your tour manager. A transfer will then drive you to the Lesedi Cultural Village. This evening, after a gastronomic feast of African dishes under the star-speckled sky, you’ll receive the warmest welcome by your Lesedi hosts, Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Basotho, and Ndebele tribespeople.

Day Three – Guided visits to historic Lilliesleaf and the Apartheid Museum

After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll travel to historic Lilliesleaf, an award-winning national heritage site, which honours the South African liberation movement. You’ll be led around the property by a guide and pay a visit to Johannesburg’s moving Apartheid Museum.

Day Four – Transfer to the lodge in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and optional afternoon Kruger National Park game drive

Rise early, tuck into breakfast and bid farewell to your friendly hosts at Lesedi. The tour will then set off to a safari lodge in Mpumalanga, bordered by the vast Kruger National Park. Those who are eager to get out there can go for an optional game drive into the Kruger National Park in the afternoon.

Day Five – Full-day guided tour and drive along the Panorama Route Fuel up with a hearty breakfast and pack a charged camera as today you’ll be venturing along the spectacular Panorama Route, overlooking the Blyde River Canyon.

Day Six – In Search of the ‘Big Five’ in the Kruger National Park You’ll arise early, with a breakfast pack in hand, and be transferred to Malelane Gate of the Kruger National Park. Once here, you’ll be met by your friendly, knowledgeable ranger and an open-air 4X4 vehicle and then set off into the park for a full-day safari.

Day Seven – Optional early morning nature walk and scenic journey to Eswatini Those

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Spend two nights experiencing the traditions of the Lesedi Cultural Village

• Be led on a guided visit to Liliesleaf and the Apartheid Museum

• Set off on a spectacularly scenic drive along the Panorama Route

• Enjoy a full-day game drive in search of the ‘Big Five’ in the Kruger National Park

• Venture on an optional guided nature walk, followed by a drive to Eswatini

• Learn about the battlefields of KwaZulu Natal with an expert historian

• View the intriguing Cango Caves and visit an ostrich farm

• Opt for a cruise into Knysna’s Featherbed Nature Reserve

• Stay and sip on local labels in the heart of the Winelands

• Journey through the Cape Peninsula and embrace the splendours of Cape Town

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• 14 nights’ carefully chosen bed and breakfast accommodation, plus two nights on the aircraft

• Outbound flight to Johannesburg, returning from Cape Town via Johannesburg, an internal flight, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

eager for some more exploring can join a guided nature walk this morning. Otherwise, today, you’re in for a longer journey, but there will be lots to see along the way. En route, you’ll stop over at a collection of curio shops, and then continue into KwaZulu Natal to your delightful hotel in the countryside.

Day Eight – Drive from Eswatini to KwaZulu Natal The tour is back on the road again after breakfast for a visit to the Zulu battlefields area. You’ll stop for lunch and arrive at your next lodge.

Day Nine – Visit to battlefields of KwaZulu Natal After an early breakfast, you’ll visit the nearby battlefields of KwaZulu Natal, with lunch packs provided. Here, you’ll be met by a specialist battlefields guide who’ll introduce you to the tumultuous history of the Zulu wars.

Day 10 – Fly from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth Another early start this morning sees you return to Johannesburg airport and fly south to bustling, friendly Port Elizabeth. Upon arrival, you’ll meet your tour manager for the next few days and transfer to your overnight hotel.

your hotels

Lesedi Cultural Village, near Johannesburg nights 2-3

In the heart of the bushveld, the village offers a restaurant, bar and beautifully decorated rooms.

Protea Hotel by Marriott Kruger Gate, Kruger National Park nights 4-6

A lodge-style hotel looking out over the Sabie River, surrounded by woodland, and interconnected by walkways.

Foresters Arms, Eswatini night 7

Enclosed by the countryside, this charming hotel, rich with character, is ideally located between the Kruger National Park and KwaZulu Natal.

Grey Goose Game Lodge, Newcastle nights 8-9

This family-owned lodge is close to the city of Newcastle and set on a game farm.

Day 11 – Travel along the Garden Route and optional Featherbed Eco experience Port Elizabeth is the gateway to the Garden Route, which you’ll experience today. This incredibly picturesque drive will take three hours in total, concluding in the seaside town of Knysna. You can choose to take an optional cruise here, crossing the lagoon to the Featherbed Nature Reserve, riding a tractor around the reserve, and then stopping for lunch in the milkwood forest.

Day 12 – Included visit to the Cango Caves, heritage guided tour and Ostrich Farm Oudtshoorn, ‘the Ostrich Capital’ of the world, is on your agenda today. However, you’ll start by visiting the world-renowned Cango Caves, with their stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years.

Day 13 – Travel to Cape Town and visit to the Cape Winelands You’ll get your first taste of this sublime province with a tour of the verdant Cape Winelands region. Late afternoon, continue to Cape Town, and weather permitting, ascent

to the summit of Table Mountain in a cable car. Alternatively, you can visit the mountain on day 14. Day 14 – Cape Peninsula guided tour Today, the tour will travel along one of the world’s most dramatic coastal roads, Chapman’s Peak Drive, towards the Cape Point Peninsula. An included lunch stop will take place in Simon’s Town. On the drive home, you’ll have the chance to amble around Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Day 15 – Day at leisure with optional Robben Island tour The recommended optional excursion is to Robben Island, the ‘former’ home of Nelson Mandela.

Day 16 – Afternoon transfer to the airport Make the most of your last day before transferring this afternoon to the airport for the return overnight flight.

Day 17 – Arrive back in the UK Arrive back in the UK after an enlightening South African experience.

Kelway Hotel, Port Elizabeth night 10

A timber built-structure houses Kelway Hotel, which is just a three-minute walk from the beach.

Ilita Lodge, Mossel Bay nights 11-12

Positioned on a hill, above the Great Brak River, this casual lodge boasts panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. An outdoor pool, surrounded by a garden and a terrace with loungers, looks out over the sea, and there is a small fitness centre.

Aha Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites, Cape Town nights 13-15

The famed Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is close by, and the hotel is on the side of a canal. A glass-lined café and cocktail bar looks out over the canal and a rooftop pool is backed by Table Mountain.

This tour will allow you to explore the world in one country, from savannahs to winelands to vibrant urban life!

Kelway Hotel

Giraffe

Cape Winelands

Aha Harbour Bridge Hotel

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Under African Skies – Victoria Falls to the Cape

From the tumult of Victoria Falls and the serenity of Lake Kariba, to the landscapes of the Winelands, this is southern Africa at its finest.

Day One – Fly to Victoria Falls Fly overnight to Victoria Falls via Nairobi.

Day Two – Arrival Meet your guide and make the scenic transfer to the Hwange National Park, and your four-star tented safari camp. This afternoon, lunch and an included game drive will whet your appetite for the adventure ahead.

Day Three – Hwange National Park Join your guide for a full-day excursion into the park, with included picnic lunch. Hwange is Zimbabwe’s biggest national park, and home to over 100 species of mammals, including the Big Five, African painted dogs and 45,000 elephants.

Day Four – Travel to Lake Kariba Hit the road early this morning for the scenic transfer to Binga, the embarkation point for a three-night cruise. Lake Kariba was created by damming the Zambezi River to flood the Kariba Gorge, and is the largest man-made lake in the world. Settle into your cabin before lunch is served on board. This evening, board smaller boats to

experience the famous Kariba sunset, as the sky transforms into a vibrant cascade of red and orange.

Day Five – Lake Kariba After breakfast, choose from a series of exciting wildlife-themed activities. Smaller boats can take you close to the shore, where you may spot the diminutive klipspringer antelope, along with elephants. Alternatively, you could go birdwatching in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the black eagle, or you may choose to go fishing.

However you spend your day, finish it under a patchwork of vibrant colours with a sundowner in hand, as the sun gently fades away.

Day Six – Lake Kariba and Elephant Bay Make the most of your last morning on the lake as you choose from a similar set of wonderful wildlife-themed activities to yesterday.

This afternoon, cruise gently toward Elephant Bay, home to a remote Tongan fishing community. Head ashore for an unforgettable

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Hwange National Park

Victoria Falls

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Two game drives in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, famous for its elephant and African painted dog populations

• Three-night cruise on Lake Kariba, with a range of daily activities, including water safaris and birdwatching

• Tour of awe-inspiring Victoria Falls

• Walking tour of Franschhoek and winetasting on board the Franschhoek Wine Tram Experience, a visit to Rickety Bridge Wine Estate, with included lunch

• Tour of Cape Town and cable car ride to Table Mountain

• Cape Peninsula tour, including the penguin colony at Boulders Beach

• Explore Victoria Falls and Franschhoek

• 11 nights’ carefully chosen bed and bed breakfast accommodation, plus two on the aircraft

• 24 meals, including 11 breakfasts, five lunches and eight evening meals, including

a farewell dinner at the renowned Quay Four Restaurant

• Outbound flight to Victoria Falls via Nairobi, returning from Cape Town via Nairobi, an internal flight, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

view of the sunset, before a farewell dinner is served back on the boat.

Day Seven – Travel to Victoria Falls Disembark and transfer to the town of Victoria Falls.

Check-in at your boutique hotel and enjoy an afternoon at leisure, or choose from several optional activities available locally, including a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, a helicopter ride over Victoria Falls, or an extravagant dinner on the Bushtrack Express train.

Day Eight – Victoria Falls Today an undoubted highlight of your tour awaits: a visit to Victoria Falls. Wander the jungle-clad walkways to make the most of the different viewpoints.

Explorer David Livingstone rightly said of the falls: “No one can imagine the beauty of the view from anything witnessed in England.”

Return to town for lunch, followed by an afternoon at leisure.

Day Nine – Fly to South Africa Rise and shine early this morning to catch your flight to Cape Town. Upon arrival, meet your guide and

your hotels

Elephant’s Eye tented camp*, Hwange National Park nights 2-3

Offers guest accommodation in stilted chalets, all of which look out over a nearby waterhole. Facilities include a pool, spa and traditional African boma.

Zambezi Cruise Safari Houseboat, Lake Kariba nights 4-6

A stylish, small boat featuring just 10 airconditioned cabins, with a large dining area, boasting panoramic views. The boat also has an air-conditioned lounge and a pool.

Bayete Guest Lodge, or similar Bayete Collection, Victoria Falls nights 7-8

Set in lush gardens gathered around an outdoor pool. Rooms are well equipped and feature free WiFi and air conditioning. Facilities at the hotel include a bar, restaurant, outdoor pool and sun terrace.

transfer to Franschhoek, the culinary capital of South Africa.

Unpack and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 10 – Franschhoek Wine Tram Experience

Enjoy a guided walk of the town, before you board the Franschhoek Wine Tram. This open-air tram will take you through the rolling patchwork of vineyards that is the Franschhoek Valley, stopping at some of South Africa’s most distinguished wineries, including the Rickety Bridge Wine Estate, with wine-tasting and a two-course lunch.

This evening, enjoy dinner at your leisure in Franschhoek.

Day 11 – Cape Town and Table Mountain Transfer to Cape Town, where an included orientation tour will bring this fascinating city to life, followed by a cable car ride to Table Mountain, for a simply unforgettable view. After the tour, check-in at your new hotel.

You can spend the afternoon at leisure, or perhaps join the optional Cape Malay cooking experience in vibrant Bo Kaap.

Day 12 – Cape Peninsula tour Today, the tour will travel along one of the world’s most dramatic coastal roads, Chapman’s Peak Drive, towards the Cape Point Peninsula. You’ll go by the Atlantic Seaboard via Sea Point, Clifton, and Camps Bay, stopping at Llandudno look-out point. Next up is Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak, Cape Point and then the Good Hope Nature Reserve. You’ll also call at the penguin colony at Boulders Beach, where you can paddle with these wonderful animals. This evening, enjoy an included farewell dinner at the renowned Quay Four Restaurant on Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront – the perfect way to round off a marvellous adventure!

Day 13 – Free time and return flights Enjoy a day at leisure, or join the optional helicopter flight over Cape Town, before your overnight return flight, via Nairobi.

Day 14 – Arrive in the UK Arrive early in the morning after a stunning South African holiday.

Protea Hotel by Marriott Franschhoek, Franschhoek nights 9-10

This centrally located four-star hotel overlooks the majestic mountains and picturesque vineyards of Franschhoek. Rooms are tastefully furnished and feature free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Facilities at the hotel include an outdoor pool, bar and a New Yorkstyle restaurant.

Cape Town Hollow Boutique Hotel, Cape Town nights 11-12

The four-star Cape Town Hollow Boutique Hotel is located in the city’s historical centre, nestled in the shadow of Table Mountain. There are just 56 stylish, well-appointed rooms, in addition to a restaurant, which looks out toward iconic Table Mountain.

Zambezi Cruise Boat

Table Mountain Zebra

Franschhoek wine tram

Bayete Guest Lodge

Madagascar – Red Island Wonders

Encounter some of the earth’s rarest and most fascinating, colourful and unusual creatures as you journey through the captivating landscapes of the ‘Red Island’.

Day One – Fly to Antananarivo Fly overnight to the Malagasy capital Antananarivo, more popularly known as ‘Tana’.

Day Two – Arrival in Antananarivo Upon arrival in Madagascar’s bustling, colonial capital, meet your tour manager and transfer to your comfortable hotel, overlooking the city’s Lake Anosy.

Day Three – Included tour of Antananarivo Join your tour manager this morning for a guided tour of ‘Tana’, with the highlight being the colonial buildings of the upper town, crowned by the former royal palace, the Rova. You’ll then head south through the verdant highlands, stopping for lunch in tiny Ambatolampy. Continuing south, you’ll arrive in Antsirabe for two nights. Enjoy an introductory tour of this elegant spa city, and dinner at the hotel.

Day Four – Day at leisure in Antsirabe A relaxing day sees you take in the delights of the city and its surroundings, which include

‘take to the waters’ in one of the numerous natural spas that have drawn visitors to Antsirabe for years.

Day Five – Journey to Sahambavy Bid farewell to Antsirabe on a morning’s rickshaw tour, taking in some of the artisans’ markets before you continue through the highlands to the ‘City of Roses’ Ambositra. Following lunch, you’ll journey further south into an increasingly tropical rainforest, arriving by late afternoon in Sahambavy.

Nestled by a tranquil lake at the foot of Madagascar’s only tea plantation is your welcoming hotel for the next two nights.

Day Six – Included visit to to Ranomafana National Park Today sees your first encounter with Madagascar’s extraordinary wildlife, as you visit the famed Ranomafana National Park, home to the rare and endangered golden bamboo lemur and 30 bird species, unique to the highland region. One of the most picturesque

the terraced rice paddies and the ornate Lutheran church at nearby Betafo. There may be a chance to

Ring Tailed Lemur

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Included tour of colourful Antananarivo or ‘Tana’

• Enjoy a rickshaw tour of the ‘City of Water’ Antsirabe

• Discover the UNESCO -listed rice paddies of the high plateau

• See Ambositra’s ornate woodcarvings

• Visit the quiet town of Sahambavy, boasting Madagascar’s only tea plantation

• Take in Ranomafana National Park, a World Heritage of Humanity Site, home to some of the rarest lemurs

• Relax in laid-back, beach-side Ifaty

• Explore desert landscapes and big skies in Isalo National Park

• Entrance fees to national parks

• Fly back north from the southern capital Tuléar and crown your stay with wildlife encounters in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

• 13 nights’ carefully chosen bed and breakfast accommodation

• Return flights to Antananaviro, an internal flight, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

parks in Madagascar, this classified World Heritage of Humanity Site is enveloped in dense low-altitude and medium-altitude forests, a sprawling marshland, and a labyrinth of bamboo forest.

Day Seven – Journey to Isalo A longer day’s travelling brings you from lush Sahambavy, through the mountains and down into the red desert landscape of the south. Call en route at the charming town of Ambalavao.

Arrive by late afternoon at your spectacularly located hotel, at the gateway to the Isalo National Park.

Day Eight – Included guided tour of Isalo From your beautiful hotel base, join your guide for a day in stunning Isalo, with its savannah grasses, towering sandstone buttes, rocky outcrops, and hidden pools. Wildlife includes the fabled ringtailed lemur.

Day Nine – Journey to Ifaty After the second night in Isalo’s incredible surroundings – and perhaps a memorable sunrise – continue through the southwestern desert, with its ‘upside-down’ baobab trees, and arrive in time for lunch in Tuléar.

your hotels

Hotel Carlton, Antananarivo HHHHH

Full-Board nights 2 & 13

Boasting views of Lake Anosy, this hotel features airy rooms with TVs, mini-bars and tea/coffeemaking facilities. A modern restaurant, patisserie, bistro, bar, pool, casino, tennis court and beauty salon are also available.

Royal Palace Hotel, Antsirabe HHH

Full-Board nights 3-4

Offering an upmarket restaurant, a bar, and a pool. Air-conditioned rooms include a TV and a mini-bar.

Lac Hotel, Sahambavy HHH Full-Board nights 5-6 Overlooking a tea plantation and set by a lake, this small resort encompasses rustic, thatched bungalows enclosed by tropical gardens. Facilities include a bar, restaurant, beach, and a pool.

This afternoon, transfer along the dusty, shoreside track to your lagoon-side hotel in the fishing village of Ifaty.

Day 10 – Included excursion to Reniala Nature Reserve Rest and relax in the hotel, perhaps indulge in some watersports or snorkelling, watch the local fishermen at work, or take the optional excursion to Reniala Nature Reserve, with its baobab trees, spiny forest, and lemur rescue centre.

Day 11 – Included flight to Antananarivo After a restful stay ‘on the beach’, make the short transfer back Tuléar Airport and fly north to ‘Tana’ once again, from where you’ll make the journey east to the Vakona Forest Lodge, a gateway to the wildlife paradise of the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, Madagascar’s most celebrated, UNESCO -protected rainforest reserve.

Day 12– Included visit to Analamazaotra Reserve and Mantadia Park Spend the day exploring the national park, beginning with a guided visit to the Analamazaotra Reserve, home to several species of lemur.

After a visit to the glorious Mantadia Park, there’s the chance, on your return to the lodge, to explore Vakona’s own private reserve, completing a very special day.

Day 13 – Stopover at Peyrieras Reptile Reserve Leave Andasibe and return to ‘Tana’, calling en route at the famed Peyrieras Reptile Reserve. Enjoy a farewell dinner and last night at your hotel.

Day 14 – Transfer to airport Transfer today to the airport for the return overnight flight.

Day 15 – Arrive in the UK Arrive back in the UK at the end of an exceptionally memorable Malagasy experience.

fun fact...

Did you know that baobab trees can live for more than 2,500 years? Large baobab trees may contain more than 30,000 gallons of water at once too.

La Relais de la Reine, Ranohira HHH

Full-Board nights 7-8

Featuring a restaurant, bar, pool, massage room, tennis court and a stable. Spacious, stone chalets include terraces, looking out over lush gardens.

Les Dunes d’Ifaty, HHH Full-Board nights 9-10

A boutique-style hotel facing the Mozambique Channel and encircled by a tropical garden. Guests can enjoy a pool, restaurant, bar, and lounge, as well as activities like snorkelling and whale watching.

Vakona Forest Lodge, Andasibe HHH Full-Board nights 11-12 Perched on a hillside with views of a lake, this lodge of bungalows features mosquito net-covered beds and mini-bars. A restaurant offers an expansive veranda, and guests can relax by the pool.

Lac Hotel, Sahambavy

Panter Chameleon

Red Eye Tree Frog

Baobab Trees

Les Dunes

Kenya Grand Safari

Enjoy unforgettable close-up encounters with wildlife, the scenic wonders of the forested highlands and the teeming plains of the Maasai Mara.

Day One – Travel to Kenya Fly overnight from the UK to Nairobi.

a glimpse of Mount Kenya, often shrouded in cloud. Journey into the high plain, with its grasslands dotted with market towns, cross the equator and take in the panorama of the Laikipia plateau, before dropping down onto the arid lowlands for a two-night stay in the Samburu National Reserve.

Day Two – Travel to Aberdare National Park Upon arrival, meet your driver/guide and head north in your safari vehicle, passing Thika, with its acres of ripening pineapples, and climb through the forested hills and on to the Aberdare National Park. Relax and unwind this afternoon at this unique place and enjoy the magical sight of the animals that come to the floodlit waterhole each night.

Day Three – Journey to Samburu National Reserve After breakfast, begin the drive to Samburu National Reserve, perhaps catching

On the banks of the Ewaso Ny’iro River, rugged Samburu is one of Kenya’s most peaceful and beautiful locations, home to elephant, cheetah, leopard, crocodile, reticulated giraffe, the long-eared Grevy’s zebra, blue-legged Somali ostrich and the ‘giraffe-necked’ gerenuk gazelle.

After lunch, join your driver/guide for the first included game drive. Return to the lodge for, no doubt, a ‘sun-downer’, followed by dinner.

Day Four – Enjoy game drives in Samburu Today is spent in the reserve. Choose morning and afternoon drives, returning for lunch, or spend the full day out, taking a packed lunch, before enjoying a second evening at Samburu.

Samburu Women Kenya

Zebra

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• In the company of like-minded people, enjoy a perfect introduction to one of the world’s most fascinating countries

• Enjoy three game drives in the Samburu National Reserve

• Visit historic Nyahururu – formerly ‘Thompson Falls’

• Journey through the Rift Valley to renowned Lake Nakuru National Park – giraffe and rhino sanctuary

• Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Naivasha

• Visit to a Maasai village

• Spend two nights – and enjoy three game drives – in the famed Maasai Mara National Reserve, home to the Big Five

• Overnight in Nairobi – Kenya’s capital

• Seven nights’ carefully chosen accommodation, in game lodges on safari, with full-board arrangements on safari, bed and breakfast plus a farewell dinner in Nairobi, plus one night on the aircraft

• Return flights to Nairobi, travel and transfers by 4x4 safari vehicles throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

Day Five – Travel through the Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park Journey, via Kenya’s highest town Nyahururu (formerly Thompson’s Falls, named for the nearby waterfall), and enjoy lunch at the Thomson Falls Lodge before descending into the Rift Valley.

Enjoy an afternoon game drive en-route to Lake Nakuru National Park, a popular grazing ground for black and white rhino, Rothschild giraffe, buffalo, several gazelles and leopards. The lake is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with flamingos and pelicans, as well as fish eagles and herons amongst countless others.

Enjoy dinner and overnight in the Lake Nakuru Lodge.

Day Six – Continue through the Rift Valley to the Maasai Mara Continue south, pausing at spectacular, freshwater Lake Naivasha, one-time home of Born Free author Joy Adamson. Board a boat to cruise on the lake’s waters, home to wallowing hippos, and spot countless bird species as well as giraffe, zebra, waterbuck and wildebeest along the shore.

By early afternoon you will have entered the Maasai Mara, perhaps the world’s most famous protected game reserve, scene each year of the annual wildebeest migration and, thanks to a rigid conservation programme, a place where game might be seen in numbers little diminished from the pre-hunting days of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

For viewing giraffe, zebra, hippo, buffalo, elephant, ostrich, as well as lion, cheetah and leopard, the ‘Mara’ is an unparalleled corner of Africa, and your two-night stay here should provide indelible memories.

Enjoy an afternoon game drive en route to your lodge.

Day Seven – Game drives in the Maasai Mara Enjoy a last full day of game drives, whether you choose morning and afternoon safaris or spend all day in the reserve. During the day, you’ll visit a Maasai village, and will have the opportunity not only to buy a locally produced souvenir of your stay, but perhaps also to engage in conversation with the villagers. Enjoy a last dinner at the lodge.

Day Eight – Travel back to Nairobi Make the journey up out of the Rift Valley back to Nairobi for a short visit to the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, an engaging Giraffe Centre, with rare and protected Rothschild giraffes.

Your last night’s stay in Kenya is in the sumptuous five-star surroundings of the Fairmont Norfolk Hotel, an historic Nairobi hotel where you’ll enjoy a farewell dinner.

Day Nine – Travel back to the UK After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight, arriving late this afternoon.

fun fact...

Did you know that the Maasai Mara was named in honour of the Maasai people (the ancestral inhabitants of the area)?

your hotels extend your holiday special departure

The Ark Lodge, Aberdare National Park night 2

Inspired by Noah’s Ark, this unique lodge overlooks a large watering hole, which is floodlit at night.

Samburu Sopa Lodge, Samburu National Reserve nights 3-4 Offering panoramic views of the Samburu shrub land and has a bar, a restaurant and an outdoor pool.

Lake Nakuru Lodge, Lake Nakuru National Park night 5 Garden lodges with an pool, bar and entertainment.

Keekorok Lodge, Maasai Mara National Reserve nights 6-7 Bungalows overlooking a watering hole.

Fairmont Norfolk Hotel, Nairobi night 8 Perfect for unwinding after your safaris, offering gardens, a pool, restaurants, a bar and a tea room.

Mombasa Beach Extension Four-nights from £590 Seven-nights from £960

Complete your adventure with an all-inclusive stay at the popular, beachfront Voyager Resort Hotel. Set on the edge of the Indian Ocean, with an infinity pool, three restaurants and bars.

The Great Migration – Jul to Sep 2023 Coincide your safari with the annual Great Migration, the largest mass movement of mammals on Earth. Travel into Kenya’s Maasai Mara and witness over a million wild animals take the journey.

Buffalo and Zebra on migration

Elephant Safari Giraffe

Leopard in the Samburu National Reserve

Buffalo and Zebra on migration

Kenya –Beach & Safari

Combine the joys of a stay on the Indian Ocean’s shore with the exciting wildlife spotting in East Africa’s famous reserves.

Day One – Fly to Kenya Fly overnight from the UK to Mombasa via Nairobi or Addis Ababa.

Day Two – Arrive in Mombasa You’ll meet your tour manager on your arrival in East Africa, and transfer to the wonderful, all-inclusive Voyager Beach Resort, your Indian Ocean-side base for the beginning and end of your Kenyan stay. Settle into your surroundings, and switch into relaxation mode as you enjoy the pools, restaurants and colourful cocktail bars. Enjoy the comforts of your nautical-themed room and the pleasures of the nearby beach, and then spend the first of your balmy evenings under the Kenyan sky.

Days Three and Four – At leisure by the ocean Enjoy lazy days and warm nights as you soak up the pleasures of life by the ocean. The energetic might try their hand at water sports, others may take a stroll along the shoreline, while others may simply curl up with a book. At day’s end, sun-downer in hand, do nothing more than gaze out across the vast

expanse of the Indian Ocean, at the hotel’s doorstep.

Day Five – Begin your safari experience at an elevated, five-star lodge This morning, you’ll meet your driver/guide and board your 4x4 safari vehicle for the drive away from the coast to the private Taita Hills Sanctuary. Set in a dramatic, verdant landscape, the sanctuary is home to colourful birdlife and some large mammals, including lions and elephants. Enjoy an afternoon game drive through the sanctuary, and then continue to the five-star rated Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge. This imaginative collection of buildings is set on stilts above a series of waterholes – floodlit at night – to which the local animals come to quench their thirst. Settle into your well-equipped room, enjoy a candle-lit dinner in the dining room enjoying the panoramic views and the chance to watch for game from your lofty viewpoint. Hot and cold drinks are available all night.

Red Elephants

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• End a week’s rest and relaxation on an idyllic beach hotel with a four-night safari

• Enjoy blue waters and even bluer skies

• Stay in a Taita Hills private game reserve

• View wildlife from your elevated hotel

• Discover vast Tsavo West National Park, with its Savannah and scrubland, on included game drives

• Stay in a safari camp, enjoying three game drives in historic Tsavo East National Park, home to herds of elephants

• Experience a bush breakfast

• Seven nights’ carefully chosen all-inclusive accommodation at a beach resort in Mombasa and four nights’ full-board accommodation in game lodges on safari, plus one night on the aircraft

• Return flights to Mombasa, travel by 4x4 safari vehicles, with airport-hotel coach transfers

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

Day Six – Tsavo West National Park After breakfast at your lodge in the sky, this morning, you’ll re-board your safari vehicle for the short journey into the renowned Tsavo West National Park, a vast, protected area that features savannah grasslands, semi-desert scrubland, rocky ridges and extensive plains dotted with volcanic cones and low hills, and that supports an equally diverse variety of game and birdlife. Your destination is the sumptuous Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge and, after lunch here, you’ll enjoy a game drive. Later, as you enjoy dinner in the traditionally thatched restaurant or a drink in the bar, watch the animals arrive at the lodge watering hole – always a stirring sight. Day Seven – Bush Breakfast and Tsavo East National Park Experience the excitement of an early morning game drive and enjoy a bush breakfast – coffee and rolls in the wild – before you return to the lodge and bid farewell to Kilaguni to head towards the adjoining Tsavo East National Park. Enjoy a picnic lunch, and cross the highway and the railway line as you head into into the vast plain, upon which a variety of species can be spotted. Soak up the spectacular scenery,

your hotels

Voyager Beach Resort, Mombasa nights 2-4 & 9-12

This popular all-inclusive beachfront hotel is set right on the edge of the Indian Ocean. There are plenty of activities to keep you occupied including, an infinity pool, and a choice of two other pools and a watersports centre (water sports payable locally). You won’t go hungry either, with three restaurants and four bars.

Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge, Taita Hills night 5

Located in the heart of the private Taita Hills Sanctuary, which borders Tsavo West National Park, the unique and special lodge overlooks a series of waterholes. Built on stilts, including an elevated bar and restaurant, connected by suspended walkways, this is a magical lodge from which to see wildlife.

including towering Mudanda Rock, beneath which elephants can often be seen, and the vast Yatta Plateau, one of the world’s largest lava flows.

You’ll spend the next two nights at the Ashnil Aruba Lodge, overlooking the dam from which it takes its name. The lake formed by the dam is a magnet for wildlife in an otherwise dry landscape. This evening, enjoy dinner and your first night at the camp.

Day Eight – Included full-day safari Enjoy all the wonders of safari, as you take early morning and afternoon game drives in search of wildlife that might include plains animals such as elephant, buffalo, cheetah, lion, leopard and countless different species of bird.

Return to the lodge for a last evening under the bush stars.

Day Nine – Return to the Beach Bid farewell to the lodge and make your way out of the national park, enjoying a packed lunch and perhaps a last glimpse of game en route, before arriving back at

the Voyager Beach Resort, this afternoon, for a final four-night stay.

Days 10 to 12 – At leisure Enjoy welcome rest and relaxation on the shores of the Indian Ocean, with all the amenities of your hotel and the lovely beach to savour. You may like to explore colourful Mombasa and its Old Town and historic Fort Jesus, a 20-minute drive away, or to head north to some of the more remote beaches that dot the beautiful coast. The choices – and pleasures –are yours.

Day 13 – Return flight home Return to the airport for your flight home. Flights arrive later today or early the next day, dependent on flight times.

fun fact...

Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge,

Tsavo West National Park night 6 Perfectly positioned in the wilderness of Tsavo West with views of Mount Kilamanjaro, this lodge offers optimum opportunities for game-viewing. The classic stone lodge overlooks its own waterhole and boasts a pool, restaurant, and a bar.

Ashnil Aruba Lodge, Tsavo East National Park nights 7-8

Across from the famous Aruba Dam, a magnet for wildlife, in particular birdlife, the lodge also affords close-up encounters of wildlife from its own waterholes. Facilities within this newly renovated lodge include a pool, a bar and a restaurant, which serves a choice of local and international cuisine.

An ideal holiday for all the family, with plenty of wildlife, cultural diversity and lots of beach time too!

our product manager loves...

Did you know that Tsavo National Park is home to the largest elephant herds in the country?

Cheetah

Mombasa Beach

Tsavo East National Park

Ashnil Aruba Lodge

Voyager Beach Resort

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Cairo, Luxor & Nile Cruise

Discover and explore, in comfort and style, the mysteries of antiquity and the jaw-dropping riches of the pharaohs.

Personalise

• Sound & Light Show – from £78

• Alexandria (full day) – from £149

• Abu Simbel (full day) – from £129

Upgrade your cabin from £89

Upgrade

Upgrade your cruise from £1,250

Upgrade to the Mövenpick MS Royal

Day One – Fly to Cairo Fly to Cairo and transfer by coach to your five-star hotel in the shadow of the Pyramids at Giza, for a threenight stay.

Day Two – Included tour of the Pyramids and Cairo’s Egyptian Museum Enjoy a full-day guided tour, which will include a visit to the Pyramids - the vast, extraordinary monuments to the ancient Egyptians’ wealth and powerwatched over by the enigmatic Sphinx. Another highlight will be Cairo’s Egyptian Museum, with its fabulous treasures recovered from the tomb of the Boy King Tutankhamun.

At some stage during 2023, the Grand Egyptian Museum at Giza, containing many treasures of Tutankhamun, is expected to open. The tour will be adjusted to include the new museum when it is opened to the public.

This evening, return to the Pyramids on our optional Sound and Light excursion. On this mystical trip you’ll hear the tale of how the Pyramids were built and what life was like in

2611BC,

Day Three – Optional visit to Alexandria Spend another day uncovering Cairo’s treasures, or join today’s optional excursion to Alexandria. Once the centre of the Hellenistic world, and now a bustling port, Alexandria is a city that preserves an air of nostalgia - in its traditional coffee houses and cafes - for the “Alex” of old.

Visit the fascinating Graeco-Roman Museum, explore Egypt’s only Roman amphitheatre, wander the eerie catacombs at Kom El Shoqafa, discover the site where the Pharos lighthouse (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) once stood, and see the Citadel of Quilt Bay - a 15th-century fortress located on the coastline.

Day Four – Fly to Luxor and begin your Nile River Cruise Transfer to the airport for the short flight to Luxor, and board your magnificently appointed five-star rated river cruiser - your home for the next seven nights. After lunch on board, journey to the East Bank of the Nile to visit Luxor Temple with its

Ancient Egypt in

with a spectacular light show adding to the storytelling.

Abu Simbel

Great Sphinx and The Pyramids of Giza

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Explore Cairo and visit the Egyptian Museum, with its relics of Tutankhamun

• Discover Giza’s Pyramids and the Sphinx

• Optional excursion to ancient Alexandria

• Visit the Temples of Karnak and Luxor, the Valley of the Kings, the temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Horus temple at Edfu, and the ‘twin’ temple at Kom Ombo

• Optional excursion to the rock temples

• Visit the Aswan High Dam

• Sail on a felucca around Kitchener Island

• Three nights’ carefully chosen five-star bed and breakfast accommodation, plus one lunch

• Seven nights’ five-star full-board accommodation aboard HS Radamis

• Outbound flight to Cairo, returning from Luxor, internal flights, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

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colonnades and courtyards, and the staggering Temple of Karnak, where the vast columns of the giant hypostyle hall dwarf awestruck visitors. Later, enjoy a first dinner on board as your ship spends the night moored in Luxor.

Day Five – Included visit to the Valley of the Kings Cross to the Nile’s West Bank to visit the Valley of the Kings, where in 1922 Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon discovered the sand-blocked entrance to the tomb of Tutankhamun. You’ll also visit the temple of female Pharaoh, Hatshepsut, and gaze in awe at the twin “colossi” of Memnon. Return to your river cruiser for lunch, and begin your journey south, cruising through scenery seemingly unchanged in centuries, with fishermen sailing traditional feluccas and villagers washing their clothing in the river waters. Moor overnight in Edfu.

Day Six – Included visit to the Temple of Horus Visit perhaps the best preserved of all Egypt’s Pharaonic relics, the stunning Temple of Horus, before you return to the ship and cruise towards the magnificent riverside Temple at Kom Ombo, with its hypostyle halls, burial chambers and

mummified crocodiles. You’ll also visit the twin temple of pharaohs Sobek and Haroeris, before cruising on to Aswan, where you will moor for three nights, giving you the opportunity to explore this mesmerising city where the constant backdrop is the Aga Khan’s great mausoleum.

Day Seven – Included visit to Aswan High Dam

Today you’ll visit the extraordinary Aswan High Dam, which holds back the mighty waters of Lake Nasser, and see the granite quarries from where many of Egypt’s ancient obelisks were fashioned. Take a motorboat ride across the Nile to the great Temple of Isis on the island of Philae, and then join our included afternoon tour to enjoy a felucca ride around midstream Kitchener’s Island, with its botanical gardens.

Day Eight – Optional visit to Abu Simbel Explore some of the attractions of Aswan, perhaps visiting the Nubian Museum, which charts the history of one of Africa’s most ancient peoples, or wandering the colourful souks. Alternatively, join an optional excursion by coach to remote Abu Simbel, where the staggering temples of Ramses II and the goddess Hathor are carved out of the

mountainside. Rediscovered in the early 19th Century, the temples and their relics are among Egypt’s greatest treasures.

Days 9-10 – Return to Luxor Over two days, your river cruiser makes her lazy way north downriver once more, heading back past the sites at Kom Ombo and Edfu, and mooring for a last night in Luxor. Take the opportunity to spend two days enjoying the tranquillity of the ship, dipping in and out of the pool and making the most of the on-board amenities as the stunning scenery passes gently by. Day 11 – Fly back to the UK Bid farewell to your ship and your Egyptian hosts, and transfer to Luxor airport for your flight back to Cairo and your international flight back to the UK.

travel tip...

Always respect local people and their cultures, following rules in places of worship, dress codes, customs, and traditions.

your hotels upgrade your cruise

Hilton Pyramids Golf Hotel, Cairo nights 1-3

This polished property encompasses an expansive outdoor pool ringed by palm trees and loungers. Refined guestrooms feature private balconies facing the pool or garden, TVs, and WiFi. Two restaurants serve international dishes, four bars, including two situated by the pool. Guests can also relax in the on-site spa or keep up their health regime in the well-equipped fitness centre.

HS Radamis

nights 4-10

This traditional Nile ship has 75 cabins and suites. The large, attractive sun deck has a swimming pool, a pool bar and ample space on which to relax and take in the mesmerising scenery. Other amenities include the Orangerie Restaurant, which serves local and international cuisine, a library, a small fitness area and a bazaar. There is entertainment on board, including Egyptian-themed nights and a bar with nightly music. Each cabin is air-conditioned and comes with a large panoramic window offering Nile views, a mini-bar, TV, safe and a private bathroom with a bath and a shower. Upgrade cabins on higher decks are available at a supplement.

Mövenpick MS Royal Lotus from £1,250

On selected departures, you can further enhance your journey through Egypt with the option to upgrade your river-based accommodation to the luxury Nile cruise ship, Mövenpick Royal Lotus This premium vessel features 60 comfortable and well-equipped cabins, an on-board restaurant, two bars with panoramic windows, a spa, an outdoor swimming pool, and a gym.

Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour

Traditional Felucca sail vessel on Nile river

Mövenpick MS Royal Lotus

Entrance of Luxor Temple, Egypt Ruin of Karnak Temple

Nefertiti Guarding the Nile & the Dunes

Voyager Beach Resort

I’ve just returned from the Taj & Tigers trip and loved it! Anu, our guide, was fabulous, helpful and caring, and made sure we had an amazing time. The driver and assistant ensured we enjoyed ourselves and had a safe drive in the sometimes crazy streets of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra! I was a little unsure of a tour, however, I got to see the real India, and I can’t wait to book my next one!

Sam – India – Tigers & the Taj Mahal

Wooden Carving of Lord Krishna

Day One – Fly to Sri Lanka Fly Overnight to Sri Lankan capital Colombo

Day Two – Land in Sri Lanka Today, you’ll arrive at the airport in Katunayake, meet your tour manager, and be transferred to check into your hotel, overlooking Beira Lake.

Day Three – Included Colombo city tour and visit to Dambulla Cave Temple Following breakfast, you’ll set off on a tour to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s largest city and commercial capital. Perhaps visit the Galle Face Hotel, with dramatic views of the Indian Ocean, for afternoon tea or a sundowner (payable locally). The tour will then continue to Dambulla, which is home to the largest, best-preserved cave temple complex in the country. Your guide will lead you around the caves, with their carved and painted images of the Suddha. Continue to Habarana for a two night stay.

Day Four – Included excursion to Polonnaruwa and an optional climb up Sigiriya Rock Fortress After a leisurely

breakfast, board the coach to travel to the town of Polonnaruwa. The more energetic can choose to explore the area by bike.

This afternoon, discover another wonder –the amazing Sigiriya Rock Fortress, with its gardens and fabled Lion Rock. Climb to the 180-metre-high summit for spectacular views. Return to the hotel for dinner.

Day Five – Included visit to Matale, cookery demonstration, excursion to Kandy and tuk-tuk ride After breakfast, journey to Matale for a visit to a spice garden. Here, surrounded by fresh herbs and produce, you’ll sit down to watch a cookery demonstration.

This afternoon, you’ll arrive in the gorgeous city of Kandy, in its verdant, hillside setting. Enjoy an exhilarating ‘tuk-tuk’ ride through the bustling streets to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, one of Sri Lanka’s most important shrines.

Day Six – Guided walk through Royal Botanical Gardens, visit to Sri Lankan gem lapidary and optional culture show After

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Discover the charms of Sri Lanka’s largest city, Colombo

• Venture into the expansive Dambulla Cave Temple Complex

• Uncover the ancient sites and historic monuments of Polonnaruwa

• Watch a cookery demonstration in Matale and visit the 16th-century Temple of the Tooth in Kandy

• Visit to Sigiriya Rock and the option to climb to the top of the Fortress

• Enjoy a scenic drive to Nuwara Eliya and stop off at a tea factory

• Venture into Yala National Park on a half-day game drive in search of wildlife

• 11 nights’ carefully chosen dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation, plus two nights on the aircraft

• Return flights to Colombo, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

travel tip...

Make sure that you always ask permission before taking photographs of local people and don’t take photographs with animals as props – this encourages captivity.

breakfast this morning, you’ll join experienced botanist, Bandara Palipana on a guided twohour walk through Peradeniya’s beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens. Those intrigued by Sri Lanka’s fabled gem industry can take advantage of an opportunity to visit a local producer in the city.

Later in the day, return to the hotel to take things at your own pace before dinner. You can also opt to watch a cultural show of traditional dance and drumming this evening.

Day Seven – Included drive to Nuwara Eliya On a memorable day, journey after breakfast through the scenic Hill Country of tea plantations and tumbling streams, stopping at a tea factory to learn about ‘Ceylon’ tea. Arrive this afternoon in beautiful hill station Nuwara Eliya, with its red telephone boxes, Victorian Post Office; maintained golf course and your colonial-style overnight hotel, where dinner will be served.

Day Eight – Included ‘Toy Train’ ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella and drive to Yala After breakfast, step aboard the famous ‘Toy Train’ to

your hotels

Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo night 2

A five-star resort set around an expansive outdoor swimming pool, lined with palm trees. Dining options include three sophisticated restaurants, and there is a café, a lobby lounge, and a members-only library. An on-site spa and gym, as well as squash and tennis courts are available. Refined guestrooms feature views of the lake or city and TVs, mini-bars, tea/coffee-makers, and Wi-Fi.

Cinnamon Lodge, Habarana nights 3-4

Surrounded by a forested landscape, this wilderness retreat encompasses an outdoor pool, a two-story spa, and tennis courts. Spacious, air-conditioned guestrooms each have a private balcony, a TV, mini-bar, safe, tea/coffee-maker, hairdryer and WiFi. Two restaurants offer international and local dishes, and drinks can be mused over in the café that opens onto a veranda or the lounge bar.

make your winding way by rail through stunning countryside to idyllic hill village Ella.

Rejoin the coach to continue on to your next hotel, at the gateway to the famous Yala National Park, home to countless bird species, crocodiles, elephants, sloth bears and leopards.

Day Nine – Included half-day game drive in the Yala National Park and optional afternoon or night game drive Awake early and join your local ranger for a morning game drive into Yala National Park’s protected scrubland and forest. In the later afternoon or evening, you have the option to set off on another safari, in search of big cats and other wildlife.

Day 10 – Included visit to the elephant transit home, journey to Galle and tuk-tuk ride After breakfast, check out of your hotel and travel to an elephant transit home in Udawalawe, then on to Galle, Dutch colonial gem and UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its fortress. You’ll then travel to Beruwala and your final hotel on the shores of the Indian Ocean before dinner.

Day 11-12 – Days at leisure in Beruwala Rest and relax after the tour, making the most of the hotel, beach, spa and – each evening – the spectacular Indian Ocean sunsets.

Day 13 – Fly back to the UK Bid farewell to Beruwala today and transfer to the airport to catch your overnight flight home.

Day 14 – Arrive back in the UK You’ll arrive back in the UK at the end of a wonderful Sri Lankan adventure.

Cinnamon Citadel, Kandy nights 5-6

Positioned on the banks of the Mahaweli River and backed by verdant hills, promises an incredibly tranquil stay. An outdoor pool, enclosed by a terrace is situated alongside the calm waters of the river, as is the hotel’s restaurant, and a bar plays regular live music. There is also a fitness centre and a selection of indoor sports. Presenting garden views, the relaxed guestrooms have mini-bars, TVs, hairdryers, and free Wi-Fi.

The Grand, Nuwara Eliya night 7

This colonial-style property is a landmark of Sri Lanka, based in the Blue Mountains region. The plush architecture is embraced by tropical grounds, and facilities include a shopping arcade, spa, an indoor pool, and two restaurants, with local and international menus. Each regally decorated guestroom has a TV, mini-fridge, hairdryer, and tea/coffee-making facilities.

Cinnamon Wild Yala, Yala nights 8-9

Situated outside of the Yala National Park and only a few minutes away from the pristine beaches of the Indian Ocean. Each air-conditioned chalet, set in the jungle, has a private porch, a TV, minifridge, and tea/coffee-making facilities. A lounge, rooftop bar and buffet restaurant offer open-air seating, and guests can make use of the outdoor swimming pool, with a sundeck and sublimely situated spa.

Cinnamon Bey Beruwala, Beruwala nights 10-12

On the shores of the Indian Ocean, this resort, intermingled with palm trees, looks out onto a large swimming pool. Chic interiors, each room with a private balcony, mini-bar, tea/coffee-making facilities, a safe, and air conditioning. Four dining spaces offer a delightful host of culinary experiences and there is a gym and an Azmaara spa.

Tea Picker

Leopard

Sri Lankan Girl

India – Tigers & the Taj Mahal

Explore northern India’s greatest cities in this perfect introduction to one of the world’s most fascinating and alluring destinations.

Day One – Overnight flight to India Fly from the UK to Delhi.

Day Two – Included Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque visit Upon arrival this morning, meet your tour manager and transfer to your hotel where you’ll spend your first night. Later, after an included lunch and time to freshen up, join your tour manager on a guided tour to visit the ruins of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque and the ornate Qutb Minar tower that rises from them. Return to the hotel for dinner.

Day Three – Included Delhi city tour and travel to Agra Today enjoy a guided tour, which will introduce you to the vibrant Old City. Drive by the historic Red Fort, Jama Masjid Mosque and Raj Ghat, Gandhi’s cremation site close to the Yamuna River, and enjoy an exhilarating rickshaw ride through old Chandni Chowk.

You’ll also take in the grandeur of New Delhi, built by the British Raj to reflect the glories of the Empire. Highlights will include the historic India Gate war memorial and the vast

boulevard of the Rajpath. Later, journey to Agra, the fabled ‘City of Love’ and site of the exquisite, incomparable Taj Mahal. After a visit to the royal pavilions, palaces and courtyards of majestic Agra Fort you’ll make your first visit to the ‘Taj’, a monument to undying love, seen in all its glory at sunset.

Day Four – Included excursions to the Taj Mahal, Abhaneri, and travel to Ranthambore Awaken early to pay a sunrise visit to view the Taj from across the Yamuna River, and after breakfast, journey on to the ancient village of Abhaneri, home to Chand Baori, an astonishing example of a stepwell –extraordinary constructions unique to India and used to draw water from the ground. Lunch is taken in the sumptuous surroundings of the Umaid Lake Palace, a heritage hotel and ‘organic retreat’ that grows produce for the hotel’s fine restaurant, before you journey on to beautiful Ranthambore National Park, home to conservation programme Project Tiger, for a two-night stay.

India

Delhi Rajgarh

Agra Jaipur Ranthambore Ranthambore National Park

Nepal

China Pakistan

Ranthambore Tiger

Taj Mahal

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Discover New Delhi, the historic Red Fort, Jama Masjid Mosque, the India Gate war memorial and the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque

• Enjoy a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi

• A guided tour of Agra, the ‘City of Love’

• Marvel at the incomparable Taj Mahal

• See Chand Baori stepwell in Abhaneri

• Search for Ranthambore’s tigers on two safaris

• Ride to Amber Fort for exceptional views

• See Jaipur’s exquisite Palace of the Winds

• Stay in beautiful Vanaashrya

• Enjoy an Indian cookery demonstration

• Eight nights’ carefully chosen dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation, plus one night on the aircraft

• 22 meals including eight breakfasts, six lunches and eight dinners

• Return flights to Delhi, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

our product manager loves...

Take in all of the corners of the amazing Golden Triangle, and have a look into the tiger haunt, which is Ranthambhore.

Once the hunting ground of Indian princes, Ranthambore is covered with thorn trees, scrub and grasslands, and dotted with beautiful ponds, streams and lakes – a perfect habitat for the famed, endangered Tigers of Ranthambore and other species. This evening, enjoy a ‘tiger talk’ from a local naturalist.

Day Five – Included guided wildlife safaris Undoubted highlights of the holiday will be today’s two canter (open-air vehicle) safaris in the Park, taken in the company of a knowledgeable naturalist guide. With luck you may also see the tigers and other species.

Day Six – From Ranthambore to Jaipur Rest and relax this morning, or join the optional excursion to the ancient Ranthambore Fort, which sits atop the 600-metre-high hill range, and offers stupendous views of the park below (there is a gradual, 273step climb to the fort).

This afternoon, after lunch at the hotel, you’ll bid farewell to Ranthambore and will make the journey to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur for a two-night stay.

your hotels

Sheraton New Delhi, Delhi night 2

A beautiful hotel in central Delhi with a spacious restaurant and lounge bar. There’s an outdoor pool and gym. All rooms are well appointed with a TV, coffee-maker, mini-bar and fridge.

Trident, Agra night 3

Close to the Taj Mahal and laid out around its pool and landscaped gardens. The hotel has a bar and two restaurants, a spa and a fitness centre. Each room has air conditioning, a TV, mini-bar, and tea/ coffee-making facilities.

Hotel Ranthambhore Regency, Ranthambhore nights 4-5

A family-run hotel situated very close to the national park entrance. Set around a courtyard, the property encompasses a lawned area with sun beds, a pool, restaurant, bar, and a spa.

Day Seven – Included Amber Fort and Jaipur sightseeing After breakfast, visit former Rajput capital Amber and its vast 6th-century hill-top fort, climbing by jeep to visit the Royal Halls and to take in the magnificent views from the ramparts. After an included lunch, tour Jaipur, including the City Palace complex with its museums and ancient astronomical observatory, and drive by the 18thcentury Palace of the Winds, with its innumerable windows and screened balconies.

A special dinner is taken at the Nokha House, hosted in traditional Rajasthani style by the Rathore family.

Day Eight – From Jaipur to Vanaashrya Bid farewell to Jaipur and journey across the desert plain into the Aravali Hills to the jungle resort of Vanaashyra, calling en route at the ruins of 17th-century Bhangarh fort. This afternoon, enjoy a camel-cart ride and cookery demonstration before spending the night in an air-conditioned cottage – another unforgettable highlight of your visit to this amazing corner of the world.

Day Nine – Included Heritage Transport Museum visit Head back towards Delhi, calling en route at the fascinating Heritage Transport Museum, with its impressive collections covering the development of India’s road, rail and air travel industries, as well as transport-related toys and memorabilia. Spend a last night close to the capital.

Day 10 – Fly back to the UK This morning, depart for the airport and your return flight, arriving late this afternoon, after a wonderful ‘introduction to India’.

fun fact...

Shahpura House, Jaipur nights

6-7

A gem in downtown Jaipur, this heritage hotel has beautiful gardens, restaurant, bar, an outdoor pool and gift shop. Each room has air conditioning, a mini-bar, tea/coffee-making facilities and a safe.

Vanaashrya, Rajgarh night 8

Set in the foothills of Aravali ranges, around a lake, the cottage accommodation provides air conditioning, bathroom and private terrace. You’ll also find a restaurant, Bar, an outdoor pool and a spa.

Hyatt Place, Gurgaon night 9

Located in close proximity to Delhi International Airport, this comfortable hotel offers spacious rooms with modern facilities. The hotel also has a rooftop pool, gym, restaurant and bar.

special departure

Celebrate Diwali — India’s Festival of Lights

– 7 Nov 2023 & 29 Oct 2024 from £XXX

Experience one of the major festivals of Hinduism, which includes millions of lights shining on temples, housetops, outside doors and windows.

Enjoy Holi — India’s Festival of Colour & Love – 28 Feb 2023 from £XXX

Associated with Krishna, this Hindu festival celebrates the beginning of spring as well as the triumph of good over evil. Join in the fun spirit as coloured powder is thrown!

Did you know that the white Bengal tiger is a rare phenomenon owing to a gene mutation?

Palace of the Winds

Chand Baori Stepwell

Amber Fort

18-day escorted tour from £2,709

India’s Golden Triangle, Shimla & Amritsar’s Golden Temple

Embark on an enrapturing journey through the cities of the Golden Triangle, stopping by some of the country’s most holy sites and sojourning in the shadows of the Himalayas.

Day One – Fly to India Fly overnight from the UK to Delhi.

Day Two – Arrive in Delhi and day at leisure This morning, you’ll arrive in the Indian capital of Delhi, meet your friendly tour manager, and be transferred to your hotel for check-in.

Day Three – Included morning tour of Old Delhi and a visit to Qutub Minar Set off on an included morning sightseeing tour of Delhi and enjoy a rickshaw ride. You’ll then travel to the India Gate War Memorial and visit the Qutub Minar, the highest tower in India.

Day Four – Included train journey to Amritsar and Palki ceremony at the Golden Temple Transfer to the New Delhi Railway Station, the largest station in India. The tour will then switch the road for rails as you embark on a scenic journey to Amritsar. A post-dinner activity involves a drive to the breathtaking Golden Temple to watch the Palki ceremony.

Day Five – Included Golden Temple tour and visit to Jallianwala Bagh and the IndoPakistani border Today, you’ll get to see the

Golden Temple again. The next stop is the Jallianwala Bagh, a historic memorial park of national importance. This evening, you’ll make the short journey out to the Indo-Pakistani border crossing at Wagah. Here, every day as the sun sets, a military practice referred to as the ‘Beating Retreat’ border ceremony takes place.

Day Six – Included journey to Pragpur and a ‘Heritage Walk’ around Pragpur village Embrace a more relaxed morning and breakfast that will be followed by a drive to the small, pretty village of Pragpur. You can then venture on a ‘Heritage Walk’ through the medieval, elevated hamlet.

Day Seven – Included Dharamshala excursion Head off on an excursion to the city of Dharamshala.

On the outskirts of Dharamshala, you’ll find the Kangra Fort, the largest fort in the Himalayas and thought to be the oldest in India.

Day Eight – Included journey to Shimla and day at leisure Drive to Shimla, set in

Taj Mahal

Ranthambore National Park

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Discover the historical delights of Delhi and explore the city on a rickshaw

• Witness the special Palki ceremony at Amritsar’s Golden Temple

• Meander around the pretty cobblestone lanes of the ‘Heritage Village’ of Pragpur

• Explore the Dalai Lama Temple Complex and Kangra Fort in Dharamshala

• Explore Shimla, in the foothills of the Himalayas, a former British summer retreat

• Travel by ‘Toy Train’ from Shimla along a scenic journey to Solan

• Visit Jaipur’s City Palace, the Jantar Mantar observatory and the ‘Palace of the Winds’

• Join an optional walking tour through the atmospheric bazaars of Jaipur at night

• Search for Ranthambore’s tigers on two safaris

• Sail across the calm waters of the Chambal River by boat

• Partake in an optional tour to see the Ranthambore Fort, with its panoramic vista

• Watch the sunset over the Taj Mahal from the gardens of Mehtab Bagh plus enjoy a fully guided visit to the monument of love

• 13 nights’ carefully chosen dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation with six lunches and 16 dinners plus two nights on the aircraft

• Return flights from the UK to Delhi, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

the foothills of the Himalayas. Given Shimla’s hillside location, this is the perfect place to stretch your legs, and maybe explore the area on a gentle hike.

Day Nine – Included tour of Shimla Embark on your day of sightseeing in Shimla. The first landmark of interest is the famous Tara Devi Temple – a holy Hindu temple constructed within the Himalayan peaks in the 18th century.

Day 10 – Included ‘Toy Train’ ride to Solan, lunch at the local restaurant, drive to Chandigarh and flight to Jaipur Transfer to the Shimla Railway Station to board the ‘Toy Train’ to Solan. Sit back and soak up the scenery as you journey along the narrow-gauge route.

Day 11 – Included tour of Jaipur and visit to local market or optional walking tour Kick-start the day of sightseeing around the ‘Pink City’ with breakfast and then visit the former Rajput capital, Amber. After lunch, you’ll head off to the City Palace, a red-hued intricate complex of temples. Tonight, join an optional walking tour into the

your hotels

Sheraton New Delhi, Delhi nights 2-3

Tasteful guestrooms have tea/coffee-makers, TVs, and Wi-Fi. An on-site gym, spa and expansive outdoor pool are additional facilities.

Welcomehotel by ITC, Amritsar nights 4-5

Housed within a mansion dating back to the 1900s, offers sophisticated guestrooms with mini-bars, TVs, and Wi-Fi.

Judge’s Court, Pragpur nights 6-7

This 300-year-old heritage hotel is set within the medieval hamlet of Pragpur, backed by the Himalayas.

Oberoi Cecil Hotel, Shimla nights 8-9

Guestrooms have a sumptuous feel and feature marble bathrooms, Burmese teak floors and period trinkets, along with mini-bars, TVs, and free Wi-Fi.

labyrinth of Jaipur’s atmospheric antique bazaars and shops.

Day 12 – Morning at leisure and included drive to Ranthambore Breakfast will be more relaxed today before you start the drive to Ranthambore –one of the largest and most famous national parks in Northern India.

Day 13 – Included morning and afternoon jungle safaris Accompanied by a local, expert naturalist, you’ll go on two jungle safaris in an open-air vehicle.

Day 14 – Optional tour to Ranthambore Fort, drive to Dholpur and short cooking demonstration Partake in the optional excursion to Ranthambhore Fort. After an early lunch, you’ll be driven to Dholpur.

Day 15 – Included boat ride along the Chambal River, transfer to Agra and visit to Mehtab Bagh The tour will take to the waters of the Chambal River before travelling to Mehtab Bagh in Agra to see the Taj Mahal.

Day 16 – Included visit to Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal at sunset Venture on an excursion to the

majestic Agra Fort. In the evening, travel to the Taj Mahal at sunset and watch as this monument of love is dappled in different casts of colours.

Day 17 – Optional sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, drive to Delhi, and fly back to the UK Join an optional excursion to view the Taj Mahal at dawn. In the late afternoon, drive to Delhi for a final and celebratory dinner

Day 18 – Arrive back in the UK You’ll arrive back in the UK this morning after a once-in-a-lifetime Indian adventure.

fun fact...

Did you know that the pond surrounding the Golden Temple is called ‘Amrit Sarovar’, meaning ‘Pool of the Nectar of Immortality’? It’s considered sacred by devotees.

ITC Rajputana, Jaipur nights 10-11

With a city-centre location, this opulent, red-bricked property is structured around an outdoor pool and interspersed with courtyards and trickling fountains. Hotel Ranthambhore Regency, Ranthambhore nights 12-13

A family-run hotel situated very close to the national park entrance. Guestrooms are well equipped with marble floors.

Raj Niwas Palace, Dholpur night 14

A grandiose heritage hotel fringed by landscaped gardens with roaming peacocks and built from red sandstone.

ITC Mughal, Agra nights 15-16

This hotel is near the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort. Guestrooms come with tea/coffee-making facilities, TVs, and Wi-Fi.

Viceregal Lodge, Shimla

Golden Temple, Amritsar

Red Fort, Agra

Oberoi Cecil

Welcomehotel

Day One – Travel to India Fly overnight to Delhi.

Day Two – Included Delhi sightseeing Upon arrival, meet your tour manager and transfer to Delhi’s iconic, historic Maidens Hotel, a haven of old-world elegance and modern comforts. Join your tour manager for a guided tour of the Old City, before dinner at the hotel.

Day Three – Gatimaan Express to Agra and travel to Dholpur Early this morning board the train for Agra, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of majestic Agra Fort and take in the immortal Taj Mahal.

After an unforgettable few hours, board your private vehicle for the short journey to Dholpur and the Ras Niwas Palace, where accommodation is in beautifully appointed rooms within the grounds. Perhaps enjoy a ‘sundowner’ overlooking the lawns before dinner.

Day Four – Included Chambal River Cruise Rest and relax this morning in the hotel, and after lunch, enjoy a cruise on the Chambal River, with its birdlife, crocodiles

and endangered gharials. At day’s end, enjoy another splendid dinner at the hotel.

Day Five – Travel to Jaipur Journey today to the ‘Pink City’ for a two-night stay in a beautiful heritage hotel, a quiet oasis of calm close to the old city. Enjoy the hotel’s facilities, which include a garden terrace, pool and spa, before dinner.

Day Six – Included visits to Amber Fort and the City Palace, with special lunch Journey, by jeep, to towering Amber Fort with its Royal Halls, gardens, courtyards and stupendous views. See the fabled Palace of the Winds and after lunch at the historic Samode Haveli, former home of maharajas, visit the City Palace complex, with its museum, gardens, temple and ancient astronomical observatory. This evening, enjoy dinner in the hotel.

Day Seven – Travel to Deogarh Cross Rajasthan, the ‘Land of Kings’ dotted with historic palaces and havelis, and arrive this afternoon at the Deogarh Mahal Heritage Hotel. Upon arrival, join a local guide for a jeep ‘safari’ through the

Jaswant Thada Memorial & Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

Alsisar Haveli

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Journey through the heart of glorious Rajasthan

• Spectacular heritage hotels, enjoying exceptional dining and Golden Age service

• Discover the sights of Old Delhi by rickshaw,

• Explore Jaipur’s Amber Fort, famous Observatory and City Palace

• Tour Udaipur and cruise on Lake Pichola

• Stay at rural retreat Rohet Garh

• See Jodhpur’s Meherengarh Fort

• Experience an ‘Arabian Nights’ adventure

• Overnight at Alsisar, at the heart of the haweli- dotted Shekhawati region

• Stay in the luxury resort of Vanaashyra

• 14 nights’ carefully chosen dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation, plus one night on the aircraft

• Four lunches

• Return flights to Delhi, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

The hotels make this tour as you journey through gorgeous Rajasthan - you’ll stay in some real gems.

surrounding countryside and walk through the local village, before enjoying dinner at the hotel.

Day Eight – Travel to Udaipur Make the short journey this morning to the sublime ‘City of Lakes’ and a two-night stay overlooking Pichola lake. Explore the ‘Venice of the East’, with its exquisite marble palaces, and enjoy the hotel’s surroundings before dinner.

Day Nine – Guided tour of Udaipur Highlights today include the majestic City Palace and beautiful ‘gardens of the Royal ladies’. After a free afternoon, complete a wonderful day with an evening lake cruise.

Day 10 – See the Jain temples at Ranakphur en route to Jodhpur Head through the scenic Aravali Hills, pausing at the astonishing Jain temples at Ranakphur, before arriving by late afternoon for a two-night stay in yet another beautiful heritage hotel. Rest and relax before dinner, perhaps taken under the stars.

Day 11 – Included Jodhpur sightseeing Explore the extraordinary, desert-fringed ‘Blue City’ of Jodhpur, with its monumental Meherangarh Fort,

your hotels

Maidens Hotel, Delhi night 2

This iconic Delhi landmark offers old-world elegance, traditional service and every modern comfort, including a famously deep pool.

Raj Niwas Palace, Dholpur nights 3-4

Look out for peacocks as you explore the original red sandstone palace. The restaurant, splendid bar and guestrooms are located in separate buildings.

towering over the city from its sandstone butte. Discover the fort’s ornate palaces, courtyards and fascinating museum and visit the marbled Jaswant Thanda memorial, the vast Umaid Bhawan palace museum and enjoy an evening jeep safari to a Bishnoi village inhabited by perhaps the world’s first eco-warriors.

Day 12 – Included visit to Bikaner and dinner under the stars Drive into the sands of the Great Indian Desert to remote Bikaner, with its labyrinthine old city and ornate Junagarh Fort. Tour the fort and visit the fascinating, camelbreeding farm, before enjoying an evening amongst the dunes, with dinner in a desert camp and the opportunity to take a camel cart ride under the starlit sky.

Day 13 – Travel to the Shekhawati region Journey along an ancient desert trading route into a region where small market towns are dwarfed by richly decorated havelis, and where you’ll overnight in the sumptuous Alsisar Mahal heritage hotel, enjoying a talk from a local historian who

will bring to life the grandeur of the Shekhawati havelis, over a glass of champagne.

Day 14 – Stay in a jungle resort A last journey through Rajasthan’s exotic landscape returns you to the Aravali Hills, for a two-night stay in the luxury resort of Vanaashrya.

Day 15 – Visit to Bhangarh Fort and included camel cart ride A wonderful holiday is completed by a final relaxing day in Vanaashrya, with a visit to the ruins of ‘haunted’ Bhangarh Fort and a camel cart ride to the nearby village. A last evening includes a cookery demonstration and a final dinner.

Day 16 – Travel back to the UK Make an early start – a packed breakfast will be provided – and journey to Delhi Airport for the return flight to the UK, arriving this evening.

travel tip...

Alsisar Haveli, Jaipur nights 5-6

Stay in a beautiful former private haveli, close to the bustle of the old city, but serving as a quiet oasis of calm. Facilities include a pool and spa.

Deogarh Mahal, Deogarh night 7

This heritage hotel and former home to Mewar rulers has spacious a pool, outdoor terraces and gardens.

Trident Hotel, Udaipur nights 8-9

Offering beautiful décor and spacious lawns leading down to Lake Pichola, the hotel has an attractive outdoor pool, restaurant and bar.

Rohet Garh, Jodhpur nights 10-11

This heritage hotel is surrounded by manicured gardens, which invite a multitude of birds. Relax on the veranda or terrace and enjoy views of the pool.

Narendra Bhawan, Bikaner night 12

A stunning property which retells the story of the last reigning Maharaja of Bikaner. There’s a pool, bar and restaurant plus plenty of galleries.

Alsisar Mahal, Alsisar night 13

The 17th-century battle-hardened fort stands tall with its fabulous grandeur and here you’ll find grand courtyards and stunning dining rooms.

Vanaashrya, Rajgarh nights 14-15 Set in the foothills of Aravali ranges, around a lake, the cottage accommodation provides all modern comforts, including air conditioning, your own bathroom and a private terrace. You’ll also find a restaurant, bar, outdoor pool and spa.

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Alsisar Haveli

You’ll appreciate how vast the state of Rajasthan really is from the walls of Mehrangarh Fort.

Alsisar Mahal

Taj Mahal Amber Fort

Kerala & India’s Beautiful South

Explore an idyllic land of ancient ports, labyrinthine backwaters and forested uplands dotted with colourful temples and tea plantations.

Day One – Fly to India Fly overnight to Bangalore.

Day Two – Travel to your hotel in Bangalore Upon arrival, meet your tour manager and transfer to your welcoming hotel in the thriving city of Bangalore. Enjoy the chance to rest and relax and a first dinner at the hotel.

Day Three – Explore Bangalore and travel to Mysore Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Bangalore, where highlights will include the 16th-century Bull Temple. You’ll then journey across the plain to charming Mysore, where you’ll enjoy an evening at leisure.

Day Four – Explore the sights of Mysore Take in Mysore’s spectacular, domed, Maharaja’s Palace, then visit the Railway Museum. This afternoon, head to Somnathpur to see the Keshava Vishnu temple. Return to Mysore to enjoy the extraordinary sight of the illuminated Maharaja’s Palace – a tour highlight.

Day Five – Travel to Ooty Board the coach for the scenic journey into the foothills of the Western Ghat mountains. En route, travel past

the forests of the Bandipur National Park and by afternoon, you’ll arrive in famed ‘Ooty’ (a shortened version of its less pronounceable name Udhagamandalam).

Day Six – Ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway Board the historic, narrow-gauge Nilgiri Blue Mountain Railway to journey down through the spectacular hills to plantation town Coonoor for lunch. Tour a tea factory before an onward, steam-hauled journey brings you to Mettupalayam, from where you’ll transfer to your overnight hotel in nearby Coimbatore.

Day Seven – Rail travel to Kochi Transfer to Coimbatore Station to board the Ernakulam Express, which will speed you in airconditioned comfort into Kerala. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel in Kochi, where dinner will be served this evening.

Day Eight – Included tour of Kochi Today, you’ll enjoy an included guided tour of historic Kochi, including ‘Dutch’ Mattancherry Palace and enchanting Fort Kochi. This

Pancha, Ratha Temples

Kerala Houseboat

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Fly into modern Bangalore, India’s ‘Garden City’

• Cross the Mysore Plateau and visit ancient battle-site Srirangapatna

• See Mysore’s beautifully illuminated Maharaja’s Palace

• Journey through the idyllic foothills of the Western Ghats

• Ride from hill-station ‘Ooty’ through stunning scenery on the Toy Train and visit a tea plantation with lunch en route

• Journey to Kochi by Express Train

• See Kochi’s famous Chinese fishing nets

• Visit idyllic Periyars Wildlife Sanctuary

• Explore temple-town Madurai

• Enjoy a cycle-rickshaw ride to Madurai’s colourful markets

• Discover French colonial Pondicherry

• Relax in seaside resort Mahabalipuram

• Enjoy a panoramic tour of Chennai

• 14 nights’ carefully chosen dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation, one night’s full-board accommodation on a traditional Keralan houseboat, plus two nights on the aircraft

• Outbound flight to Bangalore via Dubai, returning from Chennai via Dubai, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

evening, experience a traditional Kathakali dance performance, a colourful spectacle.

Day Nine – Cruise on a traditional houseboat Travel to Alleppey to board a traditional, thatchedroofed kettuvallam houseboat to lazily cruise the labyrinth of waterways lined by coconut groves and dotted with temples. This evening, enjoy a guided walk through a traditional Keralan village.

Day 10 – Travel to Periyar and visit a spice plantation Journey up into a lush, rolling landscape to Periyar for a two-night stay. After check-in, join the guide to explore the spice plantation, then enjoy dinner and a cooking demonstration at the hotel.

Day 11 – See Periyar’s wildlife on an optional excursion This morning, rest and relax or join the optional excursion into the Wildlife Sanctuary. This afternoon, complete your visit to enchanting Periyar with a boat ride on serene Periyar Lake.

Day 12 – Travel to Madurai Journey east into Tamil Nadu, where you’ll spend the next two nights in Madurai, one of Asia’s oldest cities. Soak up the atmosphere of this unforgettable

your hotels

Radisson Blu Atria, Bangalore night 2

This hotel has a restaurant, coffee shop, bar and a pool. All of the rooms come with a TV, tea/coffeemaking facilities and a safe.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Mysore nights 3-4

The hotel has a restaurant, gym and outdoor pool. The rooms are contemporary and all have a TV, mini-bar and tea/coffee-making facilities.

Fortune Resort Sullivan Court, Ooty night 5

Surrounded by a pretty garden, this hotel has a restaurant and, in colonial style, a charming bar. All rooms have tea/coffee-making facilities and safe.

ITC WelcomHotel, Coimbatore night 6 Lovely new rooms with coffee-maker, TV and minibar while the hotel also has colourful restaurant with extensive buffet and a welcoming bar. There is also an outdoor pool, gym and spa.

metropolis, dominated by the vast, colourful Meenakshi temple.

Day 13 – Explore Madurai A guided sightseeing tour introduces the Old City, where the ornately carved façade, shrines and quartet of towering gopurams of the temple are the breathtaking highlights. This evening, journey by cyclerickshaw from the hotel to discover the city’s narrow, bustling streets and colourful market.

Day 14 – Journey to French-speaking Pondicherry A scenic journey takes you to Pondicherry, a decidedly Gallic-influenced town that boasts an authentic Hôtel de Ville, where French is still widely spoken. Enjoy an overnight stay in a place that formed a backdrop to Yann Martel’s seminal novel Life of Pi

Day 15 – Explore Pondicherry and travel to Mahabalipuram This morning, pay a visit to the Pondicherry Museum, with its outstanding collection, before you journey north to an elegant coastal resort Mahabalipuram for a last two-night stay.

Day 16 – Sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram A morning sightseeing tour includes a visit to the

extraordinary, 8th-century Shore Temple. This afternoon, rest and relax on the beach for a few hours before enjoying a farewell dinner at the hotel.

Day 17 – Explore Chennai before flying home Bid farewell to your hosts and transfer to Chennai, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of India’s fourthlargest city. After the tour you’ll be transferred to your hotel near Chennai Airport for a quiet evening before your early morning check out.

Day 18 – Arrive home You will check out from your hotel in very early hours for your quick transfer to the airport and an early morning day flight back home. Arrive back in the UK, at the end of a colourful, enthralling journey.

The sunrises over palm trees and languid lagoons are always a magical start to the day.

Trident Hotel, Kochi nights 7-8

Set around a central courtyard with spacious grounds and a pool, the hotel offers a restaurant, bar and Ayurvedic Therapy Centre.

Keralan Houseboat night 9

An authentic way to experience Kerala on a traditional thatched houseboat, they are simple, but comfortable, with private facilities, three crew members and a chef.

Greenwoods, Periyar nights 10-11

Close to the wildlife park, this hotel offers a restaurant, bar, pool and spa, as well as a tree-house coffee-shop. Well-appointed rooms are in small blocks in the grounds.

Courtyard by Marriott, Madurai nights 12-13

This modern hotel has a restaurant, lounge and bar. There is a gym and outdoor pool and all rooms are well-finished with modern facilities.

Atithi TGI Grand, Pondicherry night 14

The hotel has a restaurant, bar, spa and a rooftop pool. Rooms are well-equipped with modern facilities.

Welcomhotel By ITC, Mahabalipuram nights 15-16

Positioned on the shore of the Bay of Bengal, airconditioned guestrooms, feature safes, hairdryers, mini-bars, TVs, tea/coffee-making facilities, and Wi-Fi.

Trident Chennai Hotel, Chennai night 17 Dating to the colonial period, this polished property features an Old-World bar, an outdoor swimming pool, and a spa.

Did you know that Pondicherry is known for its French-inspired cafés? Many locals have croissants and baguettes with coffee for breakfast.

fun fact...

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Tea Plantations, Kerala Fishing Nets, Cochin

India & Nepal – Tigers, Taj & Temples

Discover the glorious Golden Triangle cities, Ranthambore’s protected tigers, and the ancient land in the shadow of the mighty Himalayas.

Day One – Fly to Delhi Your holiday begins with an overnight flight from the UK to Delhi.

Day Two – Included Delhi sightseeing tour Arrive in Delhi, meet your tour manager and transfer to your hotel for lunch. This afternoon, explore the ruins of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque and the ornate Qutb Minar tower on a guided tour.

Day Three – Delhi guided tour and Agra’s Taj Mahal at sunset This morning a guided tour of the Old City will reveal Jama Masjid Mosque and Raj Ghat, Gandhi’s cremation site. You’ll also see the Red Fort and take a rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk. Later we’ll plot a course for Agra, India’s City of Love and site of the exquisite Taj Mahal.

Day Four – See Abhaneri’s stepwell and journey to Ranthambhore Start your day with the unforgettable view of the Taj Mahal at dawn, seen from across the Yamuna River. Later, you’ll visit Abhaneri, a small town famed for its amazing baoris (stepwells) and

the mighty Harshat Mata Temple. Leaving Abhaneri you’ll travel to Ranthambhore

After lunch, you’re free to relax for the afternoon, then in the evening enjoy the ‘tiger talk’ with a local naturalist, in preparation for tomorrow’s adventure.

Day Five – Included Ranthambhore safaris This morning you’ll enjoy the first of two guided tours in search of some of the park’s most revered inhabitants; striped hyenas, sambar deer, sloth bears and of course tigers (and perhaps even a leopard). After lunch, there will be another chance to see these and many other wonderful creatures at close quarters, on your second guided tour into the park.

Day Six – Optional Ranthambhore Fort and travel to Jaipur An optional excursion this morning brings the chance to visit Ranthambhore Fort. We’ll then travel through Rajasthan to Jaipur, India’s ‘Pink City’.

Day Seven – Included visit to Amber Fort and Jaipur city tour Visit Amber, the ancient capital of the Rajput Empire. Climb by Jeep to the Fort,

National Park.

India

Nepal Delhi Agra Jaipur Rathambore

Kathmandu

Pokhara Chitwan Rajgarh

Nepal

Palace of the Winds

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Discover and explore Old and New Delhi

• Journey to the Taj Mahal

• Search for Ranthambore’s tigers on two safaris

• Two nights in Jaipur and visit the Amber Fort

• Stay in the jungle resort of Vanaashrya

• Fly to Nepalese capital Kathmandu

• Dinner in climbers’ restaurant Rum Doodle

• Journey to Pokhara, Himalayan idyll

• See the sun rise over the Annapurna range

• Two nights in Chitwan National Park

• Enjoy a canoe trip and jeep safari

• 15 nights’ carefully chosen four- and five-star dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation, a return internal flight between Delhi and Kathmandu, plus one night on the aircraft

• 8 lunches

• Return flights to Delhi, an internal flight, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

and marvel at the royal halls and the splendid views from the ramparts.This afternoon enjoy an included sightseeing tour of Jaipur, introducing the Palace of the Winds, the City Palace and the amazing astronomical observatory built by the city’s founder Jai Singh II. Dinner tonight is with a local family in Jaipur.

Day Eight – Visit Bhangarh Fort en route to Vanaashrya Bid farewell to Jaipur and journey across the desert plain to Vanaashrya. En route, you’ll make a stop at the atmospheric ruined fort of Bhangarh, dating from the 17th century, where you’ll enjoy a welcome tea or coffee. After a relaxing afternoon, hop onto a camel cart and visit the local village before a pre-dinner cookery demonstration with the chef.

Day Nine – Included Heritage Transport Museum Visit En route back to Delhi, for your final night’s stay in India, we’ll make a stop at the intriguing Heritage Transport Museum, which showcases the development of road, rail and air travel in India.

Day 10 – Fly to Kathmandu Early this morning, you’ll transfer to the airport for the short flight to

your hotels

Sheraton New Delhi, Delhi night 2

This beautiful hotel in central Delhi has a spacious restaurant and a lounge bar, an outdoor swimming pool and a gym. All the guest rooms are very well appointed, and each has a coffee-maker, TV, minibar and fridge.

Trident, Agra night 3

Close to the Taj Mahal and laid out around its swimming pool and beautifully landscaped garden. Each room has air conditioning, a TV, a mini-bar, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Hotel Ranthambhore Regency, Ranthambore nights 4-5

A family-run hotel situated very close to the national park entrance. Set around a courtyard, the property encompasses a lawned area with sun beds, a pool, restaurant, bar, and a spa.

the Nepalese capital Kathmandu. On arrival, your local guide and coach will be waiting to take you to visit Patan city where you can enjoy a walking tour before going to the hotel. Dinner this evening will be at the legendary Rum Doodle restaurant in the company of a Sherpa or Everest summiteer.

Day 11 – Travel to Pokhara Leaving Kathmandu, today, you’ll follow a scenic route through the Himalayan foothills to Pokhara on the shores of Lake Phewa.

Day 12 – Climb Sarangkot Hill and explore Pokhara Wake before dawn to drive a short way to Sarangkot Hill. Climb to the viewing platform, approximately 45 minutes up and at times steep but a safe walk from the halfway station. You’ll return to the hotel for breakfast before a fascinating day of visits to beautiful Davis Falls, the Tibetan Refugee Camp and the Gurkha Memorial Museum, as well as an afternoon cruise on Lake Phewa.

Day 13 – Travel to Chitwan National Park This morning your coach will take you west to Chitwan National Park and the Jungle Villa resort. Enjoy

Shahpura House, Jaipur nights 6-7

A gem in downtown Jaipur, this heritage hotel has beautiful lawns and gardens, a restaurant and a bar, an outdoor swimming pool and a gift shop. Each room has air conditioning, a mini-bar, tea/ coffee-making facilities and a safe.

Vanaashyra, Rajgarh night 8

Set in the foothills of the Aravali Range, around a lake, the luxury cottage accommodation provides all the modern comforts, including air-conditioning, your own bathroom and a private terrace.

Hyatt Place, Gurgaon night 9 & 16

Located in close proximity to Delhi International Airport, this comfortable hotel offers spacious rooms with modern facilities. The hotel also has a rooftop pool, gym, restaurant and bar.

fun fact...

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

Did you know that throughout the 1800s and the first half of the 20th century, Chitwan National Park was used by aristocrats and royals as a private hunting reserve?

lunch on arrival, before an afternoon ox-cart ride to a local Tharu.

Day 14 – Included wildlife tours Rise early this morning to join a guide for a canoe trip along the Rapti River. After a visit to the Crocodile Breeding Centre, return to the hotel for breakfast, followed by an exciting Jeep safari. This evening, end your stay with a traditional tribal dance performance.

Day 15 – Return to Kathmandu Returning to Kathmandu, you’ll spend a last evening in the Nepalese capital and enjoy your final dinner at a traditional restaurant with a cultural dance show.

Day 16 – Included Kathmandu sightseeing tour Enjoy a guided tour of the Nepalese capital. Highlights will include the UNESCO -listed Old City and the temples and pagodas of Durbar Square. Later you’ll be transferred to the airport for a flight to Delhi where you’ll spend your last night.

Day 17 – Fly home Transfer to the airport this morning and board your daytime flight home.

Yak and Yeti, Kathmandu nights 10 & 15

This centrally located city hotel has impressive grounds and a large swimming pool as well as a restaurant and a bar. All the guestrooms are stylish and have modern facilities.

Temple Tree Resort, Pokhara nights 11-12

In a beautiful setting with spectacular views of the Annapurna mountains, this rustic, yet modern resort boasts pretty landscaped gardens that lead to Fewa Lake. Facilities within the resort include a spa, a restaurant, a cafe and a bar.

Jungle Villa Resort, Chitwan nights 13-14 A cluster of well-furnished cottages, all overlooking the picturesque Rapti river and Chitwan National Park. The resort has a restaurant and a bar. If the weather is fine, meals are taken outdoors.

Kathmandu

Annapurna

Follow the Mekong –Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

Take a colourful journey of a lifetime through South East Asia’s verdant lands, experiencing unforgettable ‘must-see, must-do’ highlights.

Day One – Fly to Thailand Fly overnight on Singapore Airlines via Singapore to Bangkok.

Day Two – At leisure, or optional Thai dinner and dance excursion Upon arrival, meet your tour manager and transfer to your hotel. Relax and enjoy the hotel’s facilities, explore under your own steam or join this evenings optional Thai Dinner dance excursion.

Day Three – Included Floating Markets and Bangkok city tour This morning enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour, first visiting the colourful floating markets at Damnoen Saduak, before a guided introduction to the Thai capital, including Royal Island, where the Grand Palace adjoins the Wat Phra Kaew temple with its Emerald Buddha, the less formal Wat Pho temple, home to the gigantic Reclining Buddha, and the five-and-a-half-ton Golden Buddha at Chinatown’s Wat Traimit

Day Four – At leisure, or optional River Kwai excursion Enjoy the city, or join the optional excursion through a fascinating countryside of rice fields and sugar-cane plantations, and on into the jungle to explore the part of the

Day Five – From Thailand to Cambodia

An early start sees you journey through a stunning rural landscape barely changed in centuries, crossing into Cambodia to begin the second part of your adventure with a short onward journey to Battambang, an elegant, friendly French colonial city.

Day Six – Battambang to Siem Reap Today you travel to Wat Ek Phnom, a pre Angkor period temple situated on the banks of the Sandker River. Later, enjoy a ride on a ‘Bamboo Train’ through the Battambang countryside, before continuing to Siem Reap, gateway to the incredible complex of Angkor Thom.

Day Seven – Visit to Kok Sangke community Today, you’ll be driven to the Kok Sangke community to visit the home of a local family who’ll make you several traditional Khmer desserts. You’ll then learn about the village’s sustainable farming techniques, visit a

world forever associated with WWII – the construction of the infamous ‘Death Railway’ and the ‘Bridge over the River Kwai’.

Vietnam

Bangkok

Siem Reap

Thailand

Cambodia

Can Tho

Ho Chi Minh City Gulf of Thailand

Battambang Phnom Penh Chau Doc

Angkor Thom

Grand Palace

Thai Farmer

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Guided tours of the floating markets, the Grand Palace and the Golden Buddha

• Make the journey to French colonial Battambang

• Two full days at Siem Reap includes phenomenal Angkor Wat

• Visit to Kok Sange community and Wat Luang Proleung

• Tour of Cambodian capital Phnom Penh, which exudes French colonial elegance

• Cruise the Mekong River by boat

• Enjoy the floating market at Cai Rang

• Visit famous ‘HCMC’ – the former Saigon

• See the infamous Cu Chi tunnel complex, Viet Cong hideaway

• 12 nights’ carefully chosen bed and breakfast accommodation, plus two nights on the aircraft

• Seven lunches and dinner on eight nights

• Outbound flight to Bangkok, returning from Ho Chi Minh City, via Singapore, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

travel tip...

Purchase your meals from local restaurants rather than from big food chains and buy locally branded drinks rather than big brand imported ones.

community centre, which teaches local farmers about eco-friendly farming methods, see some nearby farms, and have lunch before travelling to Wat Luang Proleung and the village of Kampong Khleang.

Day Eight – Included Bayon Temple, Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat excursion Discover the astounding Bayon temple, with its four giant heads and countless other faces carved into the rock, and visit the breathtaking ‘lost city’ of Angkor Thom, the great Khmer citadel that once ruled half of SouthEast Asia for nearly six centuries.

Day Nine – From Siem Reap to Phnom Penh Journey to Cambodian capital Phnom Penh, a French colonial treasure-chest on the banks of the Mekong River, which exudes dusty, faded glory, except in its stupendous Royal Palace with its Silver Pagoda of priceless Buddhist artefacts. This evening, enjoy dinner at the famous riverside Foreign Correspondents’ Club.

Day 10 – Included Tuol Sleng Museum visit and Mekong boat trip to Vietnam Spend a sobering morning at the Tuol Sleng Museum, which chronicles the ‘Pol Pot’, Khmer Rouge years, then

your hotels

Rembrandt Hotel and Suites, Bangkok nights 2-4

Located on bustling Sukhumvit Road, with its many restaurants. Facilities include an outdoor pool, a choice of restaurants, a poolside restaurant and deli. Rooms boast views over the city.

Classy Hotel & Spa, Battambang night 5 Perfectly positioned in the heart of historical Battambang, the Classy Hotel offers a swimming pool, a restaurant and a bar.

The Aviary Hotel, Siem Reap nights 6-8

Located in central Siem Reap, the hotel has an outdoor pool area, restaurant, spa and bar. Rooms are well-equipped, with air conditioning and a TV.

The Sun & Moon Hotel, Phnom Penh night 9

Featuring a stunning rooftop pool and bar with views over the city. Rooms have air conditioning

visit Wat Phnom Temple, before you board the fast boat for the thrilling journey along the Mekong River, into Vietnam.

Day 11 – Included Nui Sam visit and travel to Can Tho Visit holy mountain Nui Sam, with its pagodas, temples and stunning views over the Mekong Delta, where you’ll head today, to overnight in elegant university town Can Tho, with its floating markets, bustling harbour and sacred Khmer pagoda.

Day 12 – From Can Tho to Ho Chi Minh City Enjoy another journey through the Mekong landscape of rice paddies, fruit trees, bougainvillea, farmers in conical hats, floating markets, and flat-bottomed boats. Take a fascinating boat ride to Cai Rang’s floating market, and visit delta town Vinh Long and Cai Be’s market, before arriving this evening for two-nights in Ho Chi Minh City, where every corner brings another sensory delight.

Day 13 – Included Cu Chi Tunnels excursion and Ho Chi Minh City Tour Journey to the 120-mile underground labyrinth used by the Viet Cong. Later enjoy a guided city tour of Ho Chi Minh City. Highlights include the grand General Post Office,

Reunification Hall, the Xa Loi Pagoda and – timepermitting – the War Remnants Museum. End your day with a celebratory farewell dinner.

Day 14 – At leisure Enjoy your final day relaxing poolside or exploring the city further before your afternoon transfer to the airport for the return overnight flight via Singapore.

Day 15 – Arrive back in the UK Arrive home this morning.

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To me, travelling means connecting with different cultures and people. In this tour, I’ve included a visit to the Kok Sangke community, which allows our customers to experience a day in the life of a Cambodian farmer. Not only is this a friendly initiative, but it’s also a way to support a little village sustainably.

and vibrant decor. Facilities at the hotel include a restaurant, spa and wellness centre.

Victoria Hotel, Chau Doc night 10

This colonial style hotel is located on the banks of the Bassac River, deep in the Mekong Delta. The restaurant has outdoor seating overlooking the river with a bar, outdoor pool and spa.

Victoria Hotel, Can Tho night 11 Colonial style hotel on the banks of the Hau River, amidst exotic gardens, all rooms have a balcony. Facilities include a restaurant, bar and spa.

New World Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City nights 12-13 Luxurious and centrally located in the heart of the city, featuring a roof-top pool, a bar and a choice of restaurants. Rooms boast a range of amenities.

Three-nights in Singapore from £589 Extend your Asia adventure and enjoy three nights in multicultural Singapore. Your Singapore stay includes bed and breakfast accommodation at the Orchard Rendezvous Hotel and a captivating half-day city tour includes a visit to Singapore’s Botanical Gardens.

Ho Chi Minh City

Angkor Wat Floating Markets, Bangkok

Orchard Rendezvous

Treasures of Cambodia & Thailand

Day One – Outbound flight Overnight flight.

Day Two – Arrival in Phnom Penh Transfer to your hotel.

Day Three – Phnom Penh city tour and Mekong River cruise Begin your tour of Phnom Penh with a visit to Phsar Thmey, an Art Deco landmark in the city centre that is home to a lively market. Continue to the sobering Tuol Sleng Museum, which chronicles the brutal Pol Pot and Khmer Rouge years, to learn more about Cambodia’s troubled – but nonetheless, important – past.

This afternoon, the tour continues to the stupendous Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda followed by a visit to the National Museum. A visit to the infamous Choeng Ek, better known as the Killing Fields, completes a fascinating, and at times, thought-provoking, tour.

This evening, enjoy a sunset cruise on the Mekong, perhaps with a cold beer in hand.

Day Four – Travel to Siem Reap via Koh Chen and Skun Transfer to Siem Reap,

Day Five – Temples of Angkor Spend an unforgettable day in the company of a knowledgeable guide, as you discover the astounding lost city of Angkor, the great Khmer citadel that once ruled half of South East Asia. Great ruins litter a vast area, the most aweinspiring of which is Angkor Wat, with its five great towers and huge bas relief.

Day Six – Visit to Kok Sange community Today, you’ll be driven to the Kok Sangke community to visit the home of a local family who’ll make you several traditional Khmer desserts. You’ll then learn about the village’s sustainable farming techniques, visit a community centre, which teaches local farmers about eco-friendly farming methods, see some nearby farms, and have lunch before travelling to Wat Luang Proleung, an ancient pagoda and the village of Kampong Khleang.

stopping at the villages of Koh Chen and Skun, the latter renowned for a unique local delicacy: deep-fried tarantulas!

Grand Palace, Bangkok

Wat Arun, Bangkok

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• An included tour of Cambodian capital Phnom Penh, with included sundowner

• A visit to Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields

• Explore the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor from your base in Siem Reap

• Visits to Kok Sange community and Wat Luang Proleung

• Experience the Maeklong Railway Market

• Two nights in Kanchanaburi, with entry to the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre

• Visit Erawan National Park and the Hellfire Pass

• Three days at idyllic Hua Hin and pay a visit to the Tham Rong community

• Explore Hua Hin with wine tasting

• 13 nights’ carefully chosen bed and breakfast accommodation, plus two nights on the aircraft

• Six lunches and one dinner

• Outbound flight to Phnom Penh, returning from Bangkok, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

travel tips...

Respect local people and their cultures, following rules in places of worship and adhering to dress codes, customs, and traditions.

Day Seven – Optional cycling and cooking tour then on to Battambang This morning you can chose to join the optional countryside cycling and cookery tour, where you’ll enjoy a guided, gentle bike ride into the surrounding countryside, stopping off at a cookery class.

This afternoon, transfer to Battambang, near the border with Thailand.

Day Eight – On to Thailand Bid farewell to Cambodia as you transfer to Bangkok.

Day Nine – Bangkok city tour and included Sky Restaurant dinner Enjoy a full-day’s sightseeing today as you discover Bangkok’s stupendous palaces. In the morning, you’ll see the Royal Island, where the Grand Palace adjoins the Wat Phra Kaew temple with its Emerald Buddha, as well as the less formal Wat Pho temple, home to the gigantic Reclining Buddha.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, before a gentle walking tour of Chinatown, considered the busiest area in the city and one of its culinary hotspots, home of the famous Wat Traimit, better known as the Golden Buddha.

your hotels

Paulo Wai Hotel and Apartment, Phnom Penh nights 2-3

Situated in central Phnom Penh, near the Royal Palace, the hotel and apartments feature a restaurant, outdoor pool and fitness centre. The rooms are air conditioned with Wi-Fi and a private bathroom.

Sakmut Boutique Hotel, Siem Reap nights 4-6

This five-star boutique hotel is nestled amongst a lush tropical garden. Rooms are modern, sleek and boast free Wi-Fi. The hotel also has an impressive eco saltwater pool.

Classy Hotel, Battambang night 7

Perfectly positioned in the heart of historical Battambang, the Classy Hotel offers guests a pool, restaurant and bar, together with comfortable rooms.

This evening, you’ll head to the 78th-floor Bangkok Sky Restaurant for an included dinner.

Day 10– Maeklong Railway Market and transfer to Kanchanaburi Rise and shine early this morning to visit the colourful Maeklong Railway Market, famed for its position – tightly hunched around train tracks!

The tour continues to Kanchanaburi, where more than 12,000 Allied prisoners perished in World War Two building the Death Railway.

Day 11– Erawan National Park and Hellfire Pass Explore the beautiful Erawan National Park this morning, as you enjoy a gentled walk to a stunning seven-tiered waterfall. Lunch is included at a local restaurant, before the tour continues to Hellfire Pass, cut out of solid rock by Allied prisoners during World War Two.

Day 12– Transfer to Hua Hin and visit the Tham Rong community Check out this morning and transfer to your idyllic resort in Hua Hin. En route, you’ll stop in Phetchaburi to visit the Tham Rong community and toddy plantation.

Day 13 – Hua Hin sightseeing and Monsoon Valley Vineyards After breakfast, set out on a sightseeing tour of Hua Hin, which includes a short climb up Monkey Mountain to see the Big Buddha and enjoy the sweeping views. Continue to Wat Huay Mongkol to see the statue of Luang Phor Thuate, Thailand’s most famous monk.

This afternoon you’ll visit the award-winning Monsoon Valley Vineyards, where you’ll have the chance to enjoy a glass of local wine and a tour of the facilities.

Day 14 – At leisure or optional tour to Sam Roi Yod National Park Spend today at leisure or join the optional tour to Sam Roi Yod National Park. Please note: The optional tour to Sam Roi Yod National Park involves trekking on uneven ground and over uneven steps - it is not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties or those who cannot climb steps.

Day 15 – Departure Transfer to Bangkok airport for your return flight.

Day 16 – Arrive back in the UK Morning arrival.

Ramada Plaza Menam Riverside, Bangkok nights 8-9

The five-star Ramada Plaza Menam Riverside is a great choice for travellers staying in Bangkok. Rooms are modern and the hotel boasts six dining options and a wellness spa.

Royal River Kwai Resort & Spa, Kanchanaburi nights 10-11

This beautiful hotel is set on the banks of the River Kwai and features spacious rooms and a pretty outdoor pool. Rooms benefit from air conditioning. The restaurant serves meals either inside, or outside on the terrace.

Avani+ Hua Hin Resort, Hua Hin nights 12-14

This idyllic five-star beachfront resort offers accommodation in either rooms or villas, the latter of which are set amongst landscaped grounds. The resort features a restaurant, bar, outdoor pool, spa and gym.

Royal Palace, Phnom Penh Maeklong Railway Market Hua Hin

Avani+ Hua

Borneo’s Orangutans & Rainforest Adventure

Discover Sabah, a breathtaking land of verdant jungle landscapes, precious wildlife and idyllic, white-sand beaches.

Day One – Fly to Borneo Fly overnight to Sandakan in Borneo via Kuala Lumpur.

Day Two – Arrival You’ll touch down in Sandakan around lunchtime, where you’ll meet your guide and transfer to the Sabah Hotel for a two-night stay.

Rest and relax after your journey, unwinding and settling into your spectacular new surroundings.

Day Three – Rainforest Discovery Centre and Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary Join your tour manager this morning for an included visit to the Rainforest Discovery Centre. Enjoy a guided walk along raised platforms on the rainforest floor.

After lunch at a local restaurant, the tour continues to the Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, where you’ll have the chance to observe the unique primates.

Look out for the distinctive males, who have potbellies and large dangling noses.

Day Four – Borneo’s orangutans, sun bears and a river cruise Today, an undoubted highlight awaits as you visit the world-renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.

Watch the feeding of the primates and stroll through the forest on the marked trails before visiting the equally fascinating Sun Bear Conservation Centre.

You’ll then head further into the jungle for a two-night stay on the bank of the languid Kinabatangan River, at the Borneo Natural Bilit Resort, with its hardwood walkways and its riverside cabins.

Enjoy lunch at the lodge, then rest and relax, perhaps taking a dip in the pool, wandering the boardwalks through the canopy and spotting wildlife from the viewing platforms.

You’ll see some young monkeys feeding and playing before returning to your hotel, where an included welcome dinner rounds off your first full day.

Kota Kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu

Sandakan Kinabatangan River Ranau

Borneo

Indonesia

Orangutan

Pygmy Elephants

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Sun Bear Conservation Centre

• Spend an unforgettable day at the Rainforest Discovery Centre

• Get to know the unusual-looking proboscis monkey at a local sanctuary

• Wildlife cruises on the Kinabatangan River and oxbow lakes

• Discover Kinabalu Park and Poring Hot Springs

• Stay at the Sabah Tea Plantation

• Look out for fireflies and pygmy elephants

• Four days in a luxurious beach resort

• 10 nights’ carefully chosen bed and breakfast accommodation, plus two nights on the aircraft

• Five lunches and five dinners

• Outbound flight to Sandakan and returning from Kota Kinabalu both via Kuala Lumpur, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

travel tip...

It can be humid in Borneo, so pack light, loose clothing and a pair of comfortable shoes to walk on uneven ground.

Day Five – Jungle cruises from the lodge

Awaken early to the sounds of the jungle, and spend another day discovering its wonders. Cruise to Pitas Oxbow Lake to watch pygmy elephants and monkeys at play and enjoy a second exciting sunset cruise.

Day Six – Transfer to Sabah Tea Resort Transfer to the Sabah Tea Resort, in Ranau, for a two-night stay amongst pristine nature, surrounded by unspoiled forest and a working tea plantation.

Day Seven – Kinabalu National Park and Poring Hot Springs You’ll have the morning to explore the tea plantation and learn about the production of rainforest tea before journeying to the famous Poring Hot Springs.

Enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant before spending an afternoon at the springs, where in addition to the chance to take a dip in the therapeutic waters, you can explore the jungle trail of walkways through the rainforest canopy.

Day Eight – Transfer to Kotu Kinabalu Journey deep into the UNESCO -listed Kinabalu National Park this morning, a forested paradise home

your hotels

Sabah Hotel, Sandakan nights 2-3

This charming rustic hotel has pretty gardens and a pool. There is a choice of restaurants, including a café serving international cuisine and also a Chinese restaurant.

Borneo Natural Bilit Sukau Resort, Sandakan nights 4-5

Located on the lower Kinabatangan River and an ideal base for an authentic jungle experience, this charming resort’s facilities include a restaurant. All the cottage-style rooms boast air conditioning and a shower.

Sabah Tea Resort, Ranau nights 6-7

Surrounded by pristine rainforest, this private hideaway boasts a restaurant and café. The airconditioned cottages come with a TV, kettle and private bathrooms.

to several unique species of orchid, 5,000 species of plants, over 300 types of resident and migratory birds, as well as 100 species of mammals, amphibians and reptiles.

Here you’ll enjoy a scenic hike before pausing at the park’s headquarters, with its beautiful Mountain Garden Collection, then continue to the Shangri La Rasa Ria Resort.

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure at the resort, perhaps spent lazing by the pools or on the beach, indulging in a spa treatment or two, enjoying the selection of water sports, or, a round on the championship golf course (activities payable locally).

Day Nine – At leisure or optional Mari Mari Cultural Village excursion Enjoy a day at leisure at the resort, or join the optional Mari Mari Cultural Village excursion.

Those who join the optional excursion will get a fascinating glimpse into Sabah’s past and the indigenous cultures that have shaped this fascinating place.

Five ethnic tribes call this village home and live, for the most part, as they did hundreds of years ago. Lunch is included on the optional excursion.

Day 10 – At leisure Spend another day at leisure, with a selection of dining options and the attractions of Kota Kinabalu, half an hour away, adding to the pleasure. Opt to go for another hike or nature trail walk, head to the waterfront for a stroll along the promenade, or take some time out to relax on the beach. Kota Kinabalu’s handicraft market is also ideal for picking up some souvenirs, and Chinatown is worth checking out too.

Day 11 – At leisure Enjoy a final day at leisure, no doubt reflecting on a wonderful adventure.

Day 12 – Return flight Transfer to Kota Kinabalu airport for your flight to Kuala Lumpur, where you’ll catch your connecting overnight flight to the UK.

Day 13 – Arrival Early morning arrival in the UK.

Shangri La Rasa Ria Resort, Kota Kinabalu nights 8-11

Overlooking the beaches of the South China Sea, this resort offers a wide choice of amenities. Leisure facilities include several swimming pools, a golf course and a whole host of water sports. Food and drinks from around the world are available in the choice of nine restaurants and bars. Rooms are luxurious and tasteful, with views of either the sea or the colourful, well-manicured resort gardens.

Sabah Hotel

Sabah Tea Resort

Shangri La Rasa Ria Resort

Sun Bear

Gibbon, Kinabalu National Park

Poring Hot Springs

Japan – Land of the Rising Sun

This tour is the perfect introduction to Japan, an enthralling mix of ancient shrines, modern developments and stunning works of nature.

Day One – Fly to Japan Overnight flight.

Day Two – Arrival You’ll meet your tour manager when you arrive in Osaka, and transfer into the city, heading to your hotel for a three-night stay. The rest of the day is at leisure, as you relax and unwind after the journey.

Day Three – Included Himeji Castle Board the coach and head to Himeji’s extraordinary White Egret castle – perhaps Japan’s finest fortified palace and certainly the bestpreserved feudal-era castle in the country. Enjoy a tour of the extraordinary 14th-century fortress and then take a relaxing stroll around the adjoining Kokoen gardens (entry included), before an included lunch and tour of a traditional sake brewery.

Day Four – Included Nara and Osaka sightseeing This morning you’ll board the train to Nara, Japan’s Sixth-century capital, where sights include Todai-ji temple’s Great Buddha, the sacred deer of the Nara Koen Park and Kasuga Taisha shrine, one of Japan’s most

important Shinto shrines and famous for its traditional lanterns.

Return to Osaka by train for a guided exploration of Dotonbori, known as ‘Japan’s Kitchen’, with its restaurants and street vendors.

Day Five – Included Kyoto tour Head to Kyoto for a one-night stay. Discover the highlights of Japan’s former imperial capital, including Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine’s red torii gates, the spectacular Kiyomizu-dera temple, which offers breathtaking views of the city and the famous Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion. After lunch, enjoy some free time wandering the lovingly restored streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka before you head to Arashiyama’s bamboo forest.

Day Six – Included Kanazawa sightseeing Journey to coastal Kanazawa today and visit the exquisite Kenroku-en Garden, one of the world’s great horticultural treasures. Here you’ll get a glimpse of Japan’s past at Nagamachi’s Nomura Samurai House and, if

Japan

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Mount Fuji

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Explore Himeji, Japan’s best-preserved feudal-era fortress

• Take the train to Nara, Japan’s 6th-century capital with its sacred deer

• Experience bustling Osaka, ‘Japan’s Kitchen’

• Head to Kyoto and visit the famous red torii gates and Arashiyama bamboo forest

• Journey to coastal Kanazawas

• Discover Shirakawa-Go’s traditional thatched houses and picture-perfect Takayama, gateway to the Japanese Alps

• Stay in modern Nagoya, home of the Toyota Museum

• Travel to Hakone National Park, and get a glimpse of fabled Mount Fuji, and enjoy a cruise on Lake Ashin

• Spend two nights in futuristic capital Tokyo, with an included tour, time at leisure and a sushi-making lunch offering the perfect mix of exploration and relaxation

• 10 nights’ carefully chosen four- and five-star bed and breakfast accommodation, plus one night on the aircraft

• 14 meals (10 breakfasts, three lunches and one evening meal)

• Outbound flight to Osaka, returning from Tokyo, with coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

time allows, visit the Higashi Chaya-Gai geisha district, followed by a gold leaf-decorating class. Overnight in Kanazawa.

Day Seven – Included Shirakawa-Go and Takayama sightseeing Board the coach for the scenic journey to the UNESCO- listed village of Shirakawa-Go, where several thatched gasshozukuri farmhouses, built to withstand the snows of winter, are beautifully preserved. You’ll visit the Wada-ke house, built by one of the region’s wealthiest families, then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before journeying to the pictureperfect surroundings of Takayama, a charming, laid-back gateway to the Japanese Alps, then continue to Nagoya for an overnight stay.

Day Eight – Included Nagoya and Fujinomiya sightseeing Join your guide this morning as you head to the nearby Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, which documents the fascinating history and development of Toyota, which began life as a textile machinery company in the 1920s.

your hotels

Excel Hotel Tokyu, Osaka nights 2-4

Located just 200 yards from the Namba Shrine, this hotel boasts modern spacious rooms with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi, as well as a restaurant, fitness centre and a lively bar.

Kyoto Tokyu, Kyoto nights 5

Boasting a wonderful location in downtown Kyoto, this hotel has three restaurants, a bar and a gym. Rooms are contemporary and spacious, and come with air conditioning and tea-making facilities.

Kanazawa Tokyu, Kanazawa night 6

This central, comfortable hotel provides guest accommodation in spacious, modern rooms with big windows. There are two restaurants, one Japanese and one French, to choose from.

Continue to Fujinomiya and the Mount Fuji World Heritage Centre, where you’ll visit the Fuyinomiya Sengen shrine, which sits in the centre of the town and dates back to the 10th century.

You’ll spend the night in nearby Mishima, where an included dinner and hot springs (onsen) await at your hotel.

Day Nine – Hakone National Park and Tokyo Journey north today to beautiful Hakone National Park, dominated on clear days by the cone of Mount Fuji. You’ll visit the atmospheric Hakone Shrine, shrouded in dense forest, near the shore of Lake Ashin, then take a cruise on the lake and ride the cable car above the Owakudani Valley. After the tour, travel through the volcanic landscape to Tokyo for the first of two evenings in Japan’s pulsating capital.

Day 10 – Tokyo city tour Join your guide for a fascinating day that will include Asakusa, ancient Buddhist Senso-ji temple and nearby, traditional Nakamise shopping street. Enjoy an entertaining lunch that includes a sushi-making experience, a bird’s eye view of the city from the observation

floor of Shinjuku’s government buildings, a stroll along the tree-lined avenues of Yoyogi park, the Meiji Shrine and a visit to world-famous Shibuya Crossing – a chaotic four-way sea of humanity.

Day 11 – Tokyo at leisure Make the most of the final day of your tour as you enjoy vibrant, cacophonous Tokyo at your leisure.

Day 12 - Fly back to the UK Transfer to the airport for your flight at the end of a fascinating adventure in Japan. Arrive home in the evening.

Fun fact...

Did you know that Tokyo has maintained the accolade as the city with the most starred restaurants in the world? It’s home to 212 Michelin-starred restaurants.

Nagoya Tokyu, Nagoya night 7

Rooms at this downtown hotel are contemporary and feature European furniture, along with air conditioning, a TV and mini-bar. Facilities at the hotel include an indoor pool, a fitness centre and three restaurants.

Fujisan Mishima Tokyu, Mishima night 8

This hotel is located close to the Mishima Taisha Shrine. Rooms are modern, with air conditioning and TVs. Amenities at the hotel include a traditional Japanese onsen (hot spring) and a restaurant.

Akasaka Excel Tokyu, Tokyo night 9-11 Located in central Tokyo, the rooms are comfortable and stylish, with air conditioning and tea-making facilities. There are two restaurants to choose from, along with a variety of shops.

I simply love Japan’s gentle nature. From its polite culture to its charming landscapes and gardens.

our product manager loves...

Excel Hotel Tokyu

Nagoya Tokyu Hotel

Kenrokuen Garden

Your Holiday Essentials

You’ve booked a holiday with us, or you are trying to decide where in the world to visit next, we’ve put together some essential information to help you before you travel, tips to help your journey run smoothly and some notes, so you know what to expect from your holiday.

Our experienced team of experts have put together all the practical information you need to make your holiday as relaxing and enjoyable as possible. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

Passports & visas

You’ll need a full 10-year British passport with at least six months validity outstanding and one that has been issued less than nine years and six months ago on the day of departure for your holiday. This applies to all European holidays, including air or sea travel. This is for all travel to the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. Commencing in 2023, all citizens of the United Kingdom will require a ETIAS electronic form completed prior to their arrival into the EU and Schengen member countries. The cost for this travel authorisation will be €7 per person with exceptions for under 18s and over 70s. Further details can be found atetias.com We’ll advise you of confirmed details prior to your tour’s departure. This excludes Ireland where current conditions apply and your passport is valid for its full term. Children require their own passport. The Passport Office may be contacted on 0300 222 0000. British Citizens do not require visas to enter Europe (except the countries listed below). Citizens of other countries should contact the embassy of the country they’re travelling to for clarification. Newmarket Holidays can’t accept responsibility for entry or travel being refused due to the failure on the part of any customer to produce correct documentation.

Turkey

British citizens travelling to Turkey are able to travel without a visa for a 90 day period. Passports must be valid for at least 150 days from your arrival date. We would recommend before you travel to check the latest requirements by visiting: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey/ entry-requirements

Health & holiday insurance

Following the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union, the current European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) remains valid although when this expires you’ll need to apply for a UK Global Heath Insurance Card (GHIC), which allows you urgent state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Note both EHIC and GHIC

are only valid in EU countries and not in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

If you have any concerns, or if you have suffered from a serious medical condition recently, it is suggested that you consult your GP about your fitness to travel about 12 weeks prior to your holiday departure date. We strive to give all our customers full care and attention, but we do need to know at the time of booking if there are any special needs or requirements. It is particularly important that we are advised of any disabilities and also if you intend to bring any specialist equipment such as a wheelchair with you.

We recommend Holiday Extras for travel insurance for our customers.

Health matters

When travelling to Georgia, Israel, Jordan, and Turkey, consult your doctor who’ll advise you on appropriate precautions and any recommended

vaccinations. It is suggested that you consult your GP about 12 weeks prior to travel.

Essential information for customers travelling within Europe before you go

Sensible prevention measures, such as high -factor sun protection, insect- repellent sprays and drinking bottled mineral water are also advised.

Money matters

Credit cards and debit cards are accepted virtually everywhere, but don’t forget to inform your bank if you intend to use ‘cash-point’ machines while away. Take some cash for use on arrival – we normally find the best rates are available at the Post Office, supermarkets and online. We also recommend a Pre-paid Money Travel Card - a cheap and safe way to spend money abroad.

your journey

Your flight & airline

UK & Irish holidays

Your airline requires valid photo identification, which must be either a valid passport or a valid European Economic Area (EEA) driving licence. Children under 16 require their own passport.

Flights with Ryanair

Please note that some of the holidays offered in this brochure use the services of Ryanair, who only accept a valid UK passport as ID for use when checking in. They’ll not accept a driving licence as ID on any of their flights, including UK domestic flights. For more information please visit ryanair.com Newmarket Holidays cannot be held responsible if you fail to meet the airline’s ID requirements. You’ll be notified of your airline at the time of booking.

Flight & rail seats

Our European-flight inclusive tours may operate on airlines that charge for seating. Details explaining how to book seats directly with the airline will be sent with your final paperwork. On rail inclusive journeys, we always endeavour to book seats located together on rail journeys but this cannot be guaranteed.

Luggage

You’re permitted to check into the aircraft hold one suitcase per person. This does not apply to our Christmas market and Lapland day trips. Weight and dimension limits will apply, and vary between airlines. We’ll send you up-to-date information about your hold and hand baggage allowance just prior to your departure. Keep your passport, important documents and medication in your hand luggage.

your holiday

Service with a smile

Our friendly, experienced tour managers are on hand to ensure you make the very most of your time away. They’ll meet you in the arrivals area of the airport and show you to your transport. They’ll usually accompany you to your hotel. All our tour managers have a passion for the country you’re visiting and will have good knowledge of the local language and be able to assist with any questions you may have.

Hotels

We’re proud of the hotels used throughout our tours, all of which are carefully selected. You’ll find a description on each holiday page. All our hotels will either have their own restaurant or be near to a choice of places to eat out. If you’re travelling on one of our resort-based holidays, our hotels are handpicked to offer you a choice of budget and taste – whether you prefer to be in the heart of the action or enjoy some ‘R&R’ in a quieter part of town. On occasions, for operational reasons we have to use alternative properties, which will always be of at least the same standard and in similar locations.

Please let us know of any special requests, such as adjoining rooms, high or low floor, at the time of booking; we’ll do our best to oblige but no guarantee can be made. Some facilities advertised at the hotels may not be available at certain times. Outdoor swimming pools and air conditioning are subject to weather conditions and it will be the decision of each individual hotelier as to when these facilities are available.

Meals

Unless otherwise stated, breakfast is provided on all our European escorted tours. Usually this is a continental buffet-style breakfast to get you ready to start a busy day of touring and exploration. On tours where other meals are not included, you can always rely on your tour manager to point you in the direction of a suitable restaurant. If you’re on an included or optional excursion over lunch time, we’ll always try to make an appropriate stop.

Tipping

A gratuity is an accepted form of appreciation and works differently from country to country. At the end of the day, do use your own discretion to tip for good service and do rely on the tour manager for advice. It’s also customary to tip your tour manager if you’re happy with their service!

Smoking

As is the case at home, smoking in public spaces is pretty much outlawed across Europe. Regular stops will be made for your comfort en route. The vast majority of hotels now have no or very few smoking rooms. In general, smoking outside is acceptable.

Essential information for customers travelling to the USA & Canada

before you go

Passports & visas

An electronic passport with an embedded chip, valid until your return to the UK, is required by all British citizens. If you’re unsure, please check with the Passport Office who may be contacted on 0300 222 0000

Entry into the USA & Canada

When travelling to both the USA & Canada action is required prior to travel. You should check your eligibility before booking your holiday.

For travel to the USA, British Citizens (and those from countries eligible to use the Visa Waiver Programme) MUST, as soon as you can, and at least 72 hours prior to travel, go to the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) website at cbp.dhs.gov/esta. This service costs $21 per person payable online, and is valid for any number of visits to the USA within two years of its issue as long as the passport remains valid. Enter some basic information about your visit. This electronic information is then transmitted automatically to the authorities and is used as part of the entry procedure once you arrive in the USA.

Canada follow a similar process, the eTA (Electronic Travel Authority) and you should apply at canada.ca/eta This service costs $7 per person, and is valid for any number of visits to Canada within five years of issue as long as the passport remains valid.

On arrival, your photograph will be taken and your fingerprints scanned.

Please Note: If you’re travelling on a tour, which includes both Canada and the USA, different rules apply. If your tour flies first to the USA, you should apply for the US ESTA only – and not the Canadian eTA. If your tour flies into Canada, you should apply for the Canadian eTA - and not the US ESTA. When entering the USA by land, formalities will take

place at the border where a fee of $6 (USD) is also payable (cash only). Passengers travelling on cruises, which involve a combination of USA and Canadian ports may be required to apply for both the US ESTA and Canadian eTA. This will be advised prior to travel.

Health & holiday insurance

If you have any concerns, or if you have suffered from a serious medical condition recently, it is suggested that you consult your GP about your fitness to travel about 12 weeks prior to your holiday departure date. We strive to give all our customers full care and attention, but we do need to know at the time of booking if there are any special needs or requirements. It is particularly important that we’re advised of any disabilities and also if you intend to bring any specialist equipment such as a wheelchair with you. No inoculations are required. Health care is very good, but expensive in North America, so please make sure you have very good, comprehensive insurance cover as detailed at the back of this brochure.

Money matters

Credit cards and debit cards are accepted virtually everywhere, but don’t forget to inform your bank if you intend to use ‘cash-point’ machines while away. Take some cash for use on arrival – we normally find the best rates are available at the Post Office, supermarkets and online. In the US be careful – all American notes are very similar at first glance. We also recommend a Pre-paid Money Travel Card - a cheap and safe way to spend money abroad.

Flexible arrangements

On some tours, we’re able to offer upgrades and flexible flight arrangements should you wish to stay on for a few days relaxation after your tour or maybe visit friends and family. Let us know what your plans are and we’d be happy to quote. Alternatively some holidays can be arranged without flights provided you join and leave the

tour at a pre-agreed point, usually the first and last hotels, and within the time restraints of the main group. We’re unable to tailormake other land arrangements before and after the tour for you. Our tour arrangements are made well in advance and in rare circumstances, contractual reasons or simple demand means we may have to make changes or even cancel specific departure dates. We cannot be responsible for costs for any additional items like flights or hotels you may have booked yourself in conjunction with the tour.

your journey

Your flight & airline

The holiday includes flights as detailed in Economy Class. As a very general guide, flights to the East Coast take around eight hours and to the West between nine and 11 hours. Meals will be served with, usually, lunch and a snack on outward flights and dinner and breakfast on the return. Some airlines will charge for alcoholic drinks. Your seats on the flight will usually be allocated by the airline who’ll make every effort to ensure you’re seated with your travelling companions. Some airlines now charge for allocated seating in Economy Class and, as you’re travelling on a group booking, this cannot be actioned more than three weeks prior to travel. Where available, details explaining how to book your seating directly with the airline will be sent with your final paperwork. All airlines are now required by laws introduced in the US and other countries to give border-control agencies access to passenger data. Accordingly, any information we hold about you and your travel arrangements may be disclosed to the customs and immigration authorities of any country in your itinerary. From time to time, an advertised airline may be changed due to reasons beyond our control. Airbus, Boeing and Embraer aircraft types are used for the vast majority of tours.

Luggage

You’re permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kgs per piece on flights to the USA and Canada. For your own comfort, hand luggage should fit in the overhead locker on the aircraft. Keep your passport, important documents and medication in your hand luggage. We’ll send you up-to-date information about your luggage allowance and what you can and can’t carry in it just prior to departure.

Avoiding jet lag

Importantly, drink plenty of water prior to and during your flight – if necessary buy it after airport security and take it with you. We’d also recommend a good night’s sleep prior to your flight, On board, avoid too much alcohol and caffeine and do try to rest. We recommend taking an easy walk or a swim on arrival and avoiding sleep prior to night time in the country you’ve arrived in. The next morning, do your best to rise at a time appropriate to the locality. On the return, with a morning arrival, we recommend a short sleep but do then get up and try to remain awake until your normal bed time. By the following morning it’s likely you’ll be back in your own time zone.

your holiday

Service with a smile

The majority of our friendly tour managers are local to the USA and Canada and will ensure you make the very most of your time away. They’ll meet you in the arrivals area of the airport and show you to your transport. All our tour managers have a genuine interest in the country they’re showing you and will be able to assist you with any questions you have.

Meals

The tours in this brochure do not generally include meals, as is the usual practice on North American escorted tours. Many people use hotel restaurants for breakfast, while others may use nearby diners. The same goes for dinner, especially when in cities where the choices can be endless. In more rural areas, hotels always have their own restaurant and will often offer a special or soup

Hotels

We’re proud of the hotels used throughout our tours, which are carefully selected, and usually meet a standard typical of a good three-star level in Europe. Rooms are generally larger than in Europe and each has, at least, private bathroom, a telephone and TV, while the vast majority also have tea/coffee-making facilities. There will always be a bar or restaurant on site or nearby. Rooms have two double beds or one king-size bed and, should you wish for three or four people to occupy a room, this will usually be within the existing two beds – rooms with three separate beds cannot be provided in North America. It is usual for rooms to be vacated by 12 noon. Where your departure is later, it may be possible to keep the room longer but this has to be at the hotel’s discretion. Let us know of any special requests, such as adjoining rooms, high or low floor, at the time of booking; we’ll do our best to oblige,

although no guarantee can be made. Also note that some facilities advertised at the hotels may not be available at certain times.

Outdoor swimming pools are subject to weather conditions and it will be the decision of each individual hotelier as to when these facilities are available. On some occasions, for operational reasons we have to use alternative properties, where possible of the very same standard and in similar, convenient locations.

Tipping

Gratuities are a way of life in North America, and it is generally accepted that they form part of a person’s earnings – to the extent that an assumed amount of income tax is paid. That aside tips will also ensure excellent service. Customary gratuity to a coach driver or tour manager is about $5 per person per day; in a taxi or a restaurant leave 12-15% of the bill and, in the bar, a dollar or so per drink as long as a service charge has not already been added to the bill.

Smoking

As is the case at home, smoking is pretty much outlawed in any public areas or on transport, including all flights. Regular stops will be made for your comfort en route. The vast majority of hotels in North America are non-smoking throughout too, including all bedrooms. Hotels will charge for cleaning a room in which a guest has smoked and this will be charged back for payment. In general, smoking outside is acceptable.

Helicopter flights

Sightseeing flights by helicopter are weight controlled and balanced. If your weight exceeds 300lbs you must advise us. As a seat may have to be left empty, some companies may charge a premium.

and sandwich menu for Newmarket Holidays’ guests, should you simply not feel like a full meal every night. At lunch time we’ll always try to make an appropriate stop – and your tour manager will always help with choices for you.

Essential information for customers travelling Worldwide before you go

Passports & visas

Visas are required by British citizens travelling to the following countries and must be applied for prior to departure. The charges shown below are current costs for British citizens and can change at any time. Citizens of other countries must also check for up to date requirements and costs may vary. We’ll send you details of how to apply for your visa about eight weeks prior to travel. If you prefer to use the services of a visa agency, who’ll help you complete forms and deal directly with the embassies for you, we can recommend CIBT or The Visa Travel Company. Note that they’ll make additional charges for their services dependent on the country and type of visa required. Look online at cibtvisas.co.uk/newmarketholidays

Newmarket Holidays cannot accept responsibility for entry or travel being refused due to the failure on the part of the passenger to produce correct documentation.

Cambodia

The current cost is £30. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date to the UK and contain one blank page for the visa. British Citizens travelling in this region do not require a visa for Thailand.

China

The current cost is £151. Passports must be valid for six months from the date of application and contain two blank pages for the visa. As part of the China visa process, you must appear in person at one of the China visa centres in London, Manchester or Edinburgh as part of the process.

Egypt

The current cost is US$25 (approx £19). You can obtain your visa on arrival and should make payment in Sterling, US Dollars or Euros. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date to the UK and contain one blank page for the visa.

India

The current cost of is £143. Passports must be valid for 180 days beyond the date of the return flight and contain two blank pages for the visa. Please check our website for further important details. Note the eVisa is not currently available for British citizens although may other nationals are able to use this service.

Jordan

British citizens require a visa, which can be purchased on arrival in Jordan. The currect cost is approximately £42.

Kenya

The current cost is US$59 (approx. £47). Passports must be valid for six months beyond the date of the return flight and contain two blank pages for the visa.

Laos

The current cost is US$35 and you can obtain your visa on arrival and should make payment in US Dollars or Thai Baht. You’ll also need to bring one passport photo. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond your return date to the UK.

Madagascar

No visa is required for stays of less than 15 days, however a €10 administrative fee is payable on arrival.

Malaysia

A visa is not required but your passport must be valid for six months beyond the date of entry to Malaysia and have one blank visa page.

Nepal

The current cost is £20. Passports must be valid for six months beyond the date of entry to Nepal and contain one blank page for the visa.

South Africa & Eswatini

A visa is not required but your passport must be valid for six months beyond the date of entry to South Africa and have three blank pages. Special entry rules apply for children under 18 years which are shown at southafricahouseuk.com

Sri Lanka

The current cost is US$35. British citizens use an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the country, which should be applied for online before travel, visit eta.gov.lk . Your ETA is valid for 30 days from your date of entry and your passport must be valid for six months beyond the date of the return flight with one blank page for the visa.

Vietnam

Single-entry visits to Vietnam may require a visa; this requirement was previously waived and, at the time of writing, no further definite information was available. If you’re entering Vietnam more than once during your tour, a visa is required. The current cost of a visa is £104 and your passport must be valid for one month beyond the visa expiry date.

Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana

When travelling on tours combining all or some of these countries, a KAZA Univisa is required which covers entry to all of them. The cost is $50 and the visa is purchased on arrival.

Please note: If you’re applying for any of the above visas, an additional charge will apply if you use the services of a courier agency.

Health & holiday insurance

Your doctor will advise you on appropriate precautions and any recommended vaccinations. It is suggested that you consult your GP about 12 weeks prior to travel. Sensible prevention measures, such as high-factor sun protection, insect-repellent sprays and drinking bottled mineral water are also advised. We recommend leaving contact lenses at home and using glasses due to increased dust in the air in some areas, and on flights.

Money matters

All required currency can be readily purchased at UK banks and airports, with the exception of the Chinese Yuan, Indian Rupee and Cambodian Riel, which should be purchased upon arrival at your destination. Hotels and airports all generally have exchange facilities.

Some people ask how much currency they’ll need. That depends on you! How much do you eat and

where do you want to eat; how many souvenirs or presents do you wish to bring back? Our suggestion is to change a little at a time. You can use cash machines and banks to withdraw cash now generally anywhere in the world although our experience says this is more likely to work in larger cities. Credit cards too are widely accepted, again in the major cities.

Flexible arrangements

On some tours, we’re able to offer upgrades and flexible flight arrangements should you wish to stay on for a few days of relaxation after your tour or maybe visit friends and family. Let us know what your plans are and we’d be happy to quote. Alternatively some holidays can be arranged without flights provided you join and leave the tour at a pre-agreed point, usually the first and last hotels, and within the time restraints of the main group. We’re unable to tailor make other land arrangements before and after the tour for you. Our tour arrangements are made well in advance and in rare circumstances, contractual reasons or simple demand means we may have to make changes or even cancel specific departure dates. We cannot be responsible for costs for any additional items like flights or hotels you may have booked yourself in conjunction with the tour.

your journey

Your flight & airline

Our flights are with some of the world’s most reputable airlines and all flights include spacious, ergonomic seating in the economy cabin, usually two complimentary meals en route and appropriate to the time of day as well as soft and alcoholic drinks throughout the flight. You’ll find seatback video with a choice of films, TV and music channels to help keep you entertained throughout the flight.

Your seats on the flight will usually be allocated by the airline who’ll make every effort to ensure you are seated with your travelling companions. Some airlines now charge for allocated seating in economy class and, as you’re travelling on a group booking, this cannot be actioned more than three weeks prior to travel. Where available, details explaining how to book your seating directly with the airline will be sent with your final paperwork.

Internal & regional flights

Internal and regional flights in India, Africa, South Africa, China and Latin America which, on the tours shown in this brochure, are operated by state

regulated private airlines. The on-board service is similar to European short-haul flights and all airlines operate modern, western type aircraft usually built by Airbus, Embraer or Boeing. Airports throughout India and China are usually modern with all of the usual facilities.

Luggage

We ask that you do not exceed one suitcase per person (with a maximum weight of 20kgs) as space on the coach when you arrive at your destination will be limited. Keep your passport, important documents and any important medication in your hand luggage and, for your own comfort, do try to minimise the amount you take into the aircraft cabin. We’ll send you up-to-date information about your luggage allowance and what you can and can’t carry in it just prior to departure.

Avoiding jet lag

Importantly, drink plenty of water prior to and during your flight. If necessary buy it after airport security and take it with you. We’d also recommend a good night’s sleep prior to your flight. On board, avoid too much alcohol and caffeine and do try to rest. We recommend taking an easy walk or a swim on arrival and avoiding sleep prior to night time in the country you’ve arrived in. The next morning, do your best to rise at a time appropriate to the locality. Avoid sleeping in as it will take your body longer to adjust to the difference in time. On the return, it is generally easier to adjust as you’ll be naturally tired by the reverse time difference. Try to sleep at normal UK bed time and by the following morning it’s likely you will be back in your own time zone.

your holiday

Service with a smile

The majority of our friendly, experienced tour managers are local to the destination and are on hand to ensure you make the very best of your time away. They’ll meet you in the arrivals area of the airport and show you to your transport. All our tour managers have a genuine interest in the country they’re showing you and will be able to assist you with any questions you have.

Hotels

There is no doubt, especially on a holiday that involves travelling and sightseeing, that a good quality hotel is important, which is why we spend so much time carefully selecting the places you’ll

stay – even if it’s only for one night. Chosen for a combination of location, welcome, comfort and the opportunity to rest and relax, our city-based hotels and touring and resort- based hotels are of an excellent standard and offer a range of modern conveniences and usually a choice of regional and international cuisine. Please let us know of any special requests, such as adjoining rooms, high or low floor, at time of booking, and we’ll do our best to oblige, although no guarantee can be made. Note too that some facilities advertised at the hotels may not be available at certain times. Sometimes local conditions or volume of tours means that we may have to use alternative properties, where possible of the very same standard and in similar, convenient locations.

Enjoying your stay

When travelling overseas it’s always wise to take simple and sensible precautions. Never drink water that is not bottled. Even then, make sure the seal is intact. Try to always eat cooked food, served hot and avoid salad or cold food. Eat fruit which has to be peeled first. Take a hand sanitiser to use frequently and before you eat. Take sun block if you’re travelling to a hot destination. Mosquito bites are common, especially after dark and can make a trip miserable. Cover up and use a readily available repellent spray or cream. Also, we recommend you take your favourite brands of medication for general ailments such as headache, stomach upset etc and some sticking plasters just in case. After all, holiday time is precious!

Tipping

A gratuity is an accepted form of appreciation and works differently from country to country. At the end of the day, do use your own discretion to tip for good service and do rely on the tour manager for advice. It’s also customary to tip your tour manager and drivers if service is good! In China and India, we now include some tips to cover the services of railway station, airport, restaurant and hotel bell staff. In South Africa and Costa Rica it is customary to tip around 10% when paying in restaurants and do check as, in some cases, it may have been added to the bill already!

Smoking

As is the case at home, smoking is pretty much outlawed in any public areas or on transport, including all flights. Regular stops will be made for your comfort en route. The vast majority of hotels now have no or very few smoking rooms. In general, smoking outside is acceptable. Please note that e-cigarettes cannot be purchased in or taken into India.

Your Newmarket Holidays Booking Conditions

Please read carefully

We want you to enjoy every minute of your holiday with us, and we’ll do our very best to try to ensure that it lives up to your expectations of it. We believe that our 40 years of tour operating experience, together with the reputation we have for quality and value, should give you the confidence to book with us. To give you further peace of mind, we accept your booking on the basis of our Terms and Conditions, which are designed to clarify the contractual obligations between us. Please spend some time reading them carefully, and please feel free to contact us should anything be unclear.

Your contract with us

1 Your booking

Your booking, once accepted and confirmed in writing to you, represents a contract between all persons named on the Booking, and/or on the Personal Details booking page, and/or on the Confirmation of Reservation, and Newmarket Holidays Limited (The Company). When you make a booking, you guarantee that you have the authority to accept and do accept on behalf of your party the terms of these booking conditions. The contract is based on the information given in the brochure or our website newmarketholidays. co.uk and the terms laid out in the following Booking Conditions. This agreement is governed by English Law and jurisdiction is conferred on the Courts of England and Wales only unless, in the case of Court proceedings, you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland. In this case, proceedings must either be brought in the Courts of your home country or those of England and Wales. If proceedings are brought in Scotland or Northern Ireland, you may choose to have your contract and claim governed by the law of Scotland/Northern Ireland as applicable (but if you do not so choose, English law will apply). We do not accept bookings from any unaccompanied customers under the age of 18.

2 Your payment

Your Confirmation of Reservation includes an invoice showing the deposit paid and the final balance due. The outstanding amount must be paid by the due date. Should we not receive payment by this date, we shall cancel your travel arrangements, in which case you could be liable to pay cancellation charges according to the scale set out in section 4.

N.B. 1: The person making the booking with us does so in accordance with these Terms and Conditions and with the understanding that the

information they provide is a requirement of the contract between us. The person making the booking becomes directly responsible to the Company for the payment of the total holiday price and if applicable, and where appropriate, for the cancellation charges and disbursements of any funds. The person making the booking does so on behalf of all persons named on it and is responsible for ensuring that all the Personal Data provided is accurate and for ensuring that all persons named on the booking are aware of these Terms and Conditions and that they consent to the person making the booking acting on their behalf in relation to this booking.

3 Your alterations

If you want to change any of the details of your booking, we’ll always do our best to help. We’ll however make amendment charges as follows: Change of name - £50 per person plus supplier costs

Transfer to another departure date or package prior to balance due date - £75 per person

Transfer to another departure date or package after balance due date - Cancellation charges will apply

Part cancellations follow the standard Cancellation charges. See Your Cancellations section, below, for details.

All amendments must be notified to us in writing, by telephone or by email to customerservices@ newmarketholidays.co.uk , by the person who made the original booking.

N.B. 2: If an amendment involves a change of name, insurance premiums are not transferable. Where any change is made to a booking involving travel by air, we reserve the right to make additional charges to cover in full any costs charged to us by our suppliers.

4 Your cancellation

You may cancel your booking or part of it once it has been confirmed but the cancellation will only be valid if made in writing direct to the Company or by telephone to our Customer Service team and having answered the security questions. If the cancellation results in a person travelling alone, a single room supplement is payable. The amount payable on cancellation depends upon when we receive your instructions - the more notice you give, the less we will charge. The different periods before departure date within which instructions are received by the Company and the amounts of cancellation charge (shown as a percentage of the total holiday price excluding insurance premium which is not refundable) are as follows:

Charge prior to Balance Due date* Deposit and any amendment fees incurred

Balance Due date –56 days 35% or deposit if greater

55-49 days 50% or deposit if greater 48-35 days 75% or deposit if greater

34-16 days 90% or deposit if greater

15-0 days before departure 100%

NB 3: If the reason for cancellation is covered under the terms of an insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges. You can cancel your booking without paying cancellation charges if the performance of your package, or the carriage of passengers to your destination, is significantly affected by restrictions on travel as defined by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. In such circumstances, we’ll arrange for your booking to be terminated and for you to receive a full refund.

*See Your Payment section.

5 Your complaints

In the unlikely event that you have problems whilst on holiday, you MUST report the matter to the hotel or our representative IMMEDIATELY during your holiday. If the matter is not then satisfactorily resolved, you must complete a written report. You must then follow up any complaint in writing within twenty-eight days of your return. We operate a strict code of conduct on package travel and take any complaints received seriously. If you fail to follow the requirement to report your complaint while on holiday we will have been deprived of the opportunity to investigate and rectify it and this may affect your rights under this contract.

6 Your travelling conditions

Whereas part of the holiday you have booked your travel by air, land or sea, such travel will be subject to the terms and conditions of carriage of the airline, shipping, rail or coach company providing the transport. In most cases, the conditions will limit the carrier’s liability to you in accordance with international law. Should anyone be refused boarding to the coach, ferry or flight, or entry to the destination country by the transport or government authority, then we’re powerless to assist and cannot be held responsible. This includes any passenger

who fails to advise us of any medical condition or disability. If you’re prevented from travelling as a result, our responsibility for your holiday thereupon ceases. Full cancellation charges will apply and we will be under no obligation whatsoever to provide any refund, compensation or loss you may incur.

Our contract with you

1 Our confirmation of reservation

When we have received your booking and deposit, we’ll send you a Confirmation of Reservation which details exactly what is booked for you. From this moment Newmarket Holidays has accepted your booking on the terms set out in this Contract.

2 The price of your holiday

Once you have booked, we guarantee to not change the price of your holiday with us, except in the case of a system error as defined below. The country you travel to may require you to pay fees locally. If this applies, we will tell you as part of the booking process.

System errors

We try hard to ensure that advertised prices are up to date and reflect the price you will pay when you book. However, prices can change and errors can occasionally occur. We reserve the right to change and correct advertised prices at any time before your booking is confirmed. In the event of your Confirmation of Reservation showing an incorrect price for your holiday, the price that will prevail is the price shown in our offline reservation system. Accordingly you may not seek to rely on system errors with a view to obtaining a holiday at less than the correct price, and any contract entered into upon a mistake, such as wrong pricing due to system errors, is not valid or binding.

3 Data protection

In order to confirm and process your booking, we need to collect Personal Data for all the people named on the booking. We reserve the right to process, store and share any and all of the information we collect with our suppliers as we deem necessary to fulfil the contract between us and to comply with national and international law. To find out more about how we use and protect your Personal Data, log on to newmarketholidays.co.uk/privacy

4 Our alterations

It is unlikely that we’ll have to make any changes to your holiday but we do plan your holiday

arrangements many months in advance. Occasionally changes may be made, which we reserve the right to do at any time. Most of these changes are insignificant and we’ll advise you at the earliest possible date. Examples of insignificant changes include: alteration of your outward/return flights by less than 12 hours, changes to aircraft type, a change of UK departure airport between Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton, Stansted, London City and Southend; between Birmingham and East Midlands; between Liverpool and Manchester; and between Edinburgh and Glasgow; or between the original airport and any other alternative UK airport within a 70-mile radius, changes of carriers, change of accommodation/cabin to another of the same or higher standard, cancellation of an optional excursion. A significant change is one that we make to your holiday arrangements before departure that involves, for example, changing your resort area, or time of departure or return by more than twelve hours, or offering accommodation with a lower official classification than that advertised (except the latter in the case of en-route tour hotels). If a significant change becomes necessary we’ll inform you as soon as is reasonably possible if there is time before your departure. When a significant change occurs you’ll have the choice of either accepting the change of arrangements, purchasing another available holiday from us (we’ll refund any price difference if alternative is of lower value), or cancelling your holiday and receiving a full refund of all monies paid (we’ll also provide a full refund of your travel insurance premiums if you purchased insurance from us). When a significant change occurs, provided it does not arise from circumstances amounting to force majeure (see below), we’ll pay compensation as detailed below, based on how far ahead of departure the change is advised:

Charge

28 - 15 days £10 per booking

14 - 0 days £25 per booking

N.B. 4: We’ll not pay you compensation where the significant change is due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances, which means a situation beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken. These can include, for example, war, riot, industrial dispute, terrorist activity and its consequences, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, adverse weather conditions, epidemics and pandemics, unavoidable technical problems with transport or where the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development advise against travel.

5 Our cancellations

We reserve the right to cancel your holiday and in this event we’ll return to you all money you have paid to us relating to the holiday package (insurance and ancillaries such as airport car parking, airport hotels and airport lounges are non-refundable) or we’ll offer you an alternative, available holiday to purchase of comparable standard.

6 Our complaints procedure

Newmarket Holidays Ltd is a Member of ABTA with membership number V7812. ABTA Members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist them when things do not go according to plan. We’re obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. We can also offer you ABTA’s scheme for the resolution of disputes which is approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. We can normally agree an amicable settlement of the few complaints we receive. However, if we cannot agree, disputes arising out of, or in connection with this Contract may (if the customer so wishes) be referred to ABTA. Go to abta.com to use ABTA’s simple procedure. Further information on the Code and ABTA’s assistance in resolving disputes can be found on abta.com

Our liability, except in cases involving death, injury or illness, shall be limited to a maximum of three times the cost of your travel arrangements. Our liability will also be limited in accordance with and/or in an identical manner to a) The contractual terms of the companies that provide the travel services that make up your package. These terms are incorporated into this booking; and b) Any relevant international convention, for example the Montreal Convention in respect of travel by air, the Athens Convention in respect of travel by sea, the Berne Convention in respect of travel by rail and the Paris Convention in respect of the provision of accommodation, which limit the amount of and conditions under which compensation can be claimed for death, injury, delay to passengers and loss, damage and delay to luggage. We’re to be regarded as having all benefit of any limitation of the extent of or the conditions under which compensation is to be paid under these or any conventions.) You have rights in some circumstances to refunds and/or compensation from your airline in cases of denied boarding, cancellation or delay to flights. Full details will be available from airlines. However reimbursement in such cases will not automatically entitle you to a refund of your holiday cost from us. Your right to a refund and/or

compensation from us is set out in these booking conditions. If any payments to you are due from us, any payment made to you by the airline or any other service provider will be deducted.

If it is impossible to ensure your return as scheduled due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances (for the avoidance of doubt, customers who test positive for Covid-19 before their return and who are denied boarding, is not defined as “unavoidable” or “extraordinary”), we will bear the cost of necessary accommodation, if possible of equivalent category, for a maximum of three nights. The limit doesn’t apply to persons with reduced mobility and any person accompanying them, pregnant women and unaccompanied minors, or persons in need of specific medical assistance, provided that you notified us of these needs at least 48 hours before the start of your holiday.

N.B. 5: This entire clause does not apply to any separate contracts that you may enter into for excursions or activities whilst on holiday.

7 Your behaviour

If in our reasonable belief or opinion or in the reasonable belief or opinion of any person in authority, your behaviour is jeopardising the safety of aircraft, people or property therein or good order and discipline on board; or is causing or is likely to cause distress, danger, damage or annoyance to any third party or property, or to cause a delay or diversion to transportation, we reserve the right to terminate your arrangements immediately. In the event of such termination our responsibilities to you’ll cease and you’ll be required to leave your accommodation or other service immediately. We’ll have no further obligations to you and will not meet any expenses, costs or losses incurred as a result. You may also be required to pay for loss and/or damage caused by your actions directly to the applicable supplier prior to departure from the service. If you fail to do so, you’ll be responsible for meeting any claims and costs subsequently made against us as a result.

Our responsibility for your holiday

1 Overseas holidays

(a) Special requests relating to your arrangements must be advised to us at the time of booking and confirmed to us in writing. Whilst we’ll try meet or arrange your reasonable special requests, we cannot guarantee that they’ll be fulfilled. If we’re able to specifically confirm a special request or requirement, we’ll do so on our confirmation but where requests or requirements have not been so confirmed in writing on our confirmation, a failure to meet them will not be a breach of contract on our part. If you or any member of your party has any precise medical problem or disability which may affect your chosen arrangements, please provide us with full details before we issue our confirmation. We’ll only provide precise information on the suitability of the trip taking into account your needs if you specifically request us to do so. Acting reasonably, if we’re unable to properly accommodate your needs, we’ll not confirm your booking and/or if you did not give us full details at the time of booking, we’ll treat it as cancelled by you when we become aware of these details.

(b) Although we have no direct control over services provided to you by independent suppliers we accept responsibility for the reasonable standard of the holiday which you book. We reserve the right to make alterations to itineraries should it be an operational requirement to do so.

(c) We accept responsibility if you or any person named on the booking suffers bodily injury, illness or death due to the negligent acts and/ or omissions of: (i) our employees or agents;

or (ii) our suppliers or subcontractors, servants or agents whilst acting within the scope or in the course of their employment to provide any service or arrangement forming part of the holiday that you have booked with us save that we do not accept responsibility for any air or sea carriers whose liabilities are limited by the relevant International Conventions. Any such claims will be subject to and dealt with in accordance with English Law, and will be subject to the jurisdiction of the Courts of England and Wales only unless, in the case of Court proceedings, you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland. In this case, proceedings must either be brought in the Courts of your home country or those of England and Wales. If proceedings are brought in Scotland or Northern Ireland, you may choose to have your contract and claim governed by the law of Scotland/Northern Ireland as applicable (but if you do not so choose, English law will apply).

(d) We shall give you assistance in the event that you suffer illness, personal injury or death during the period of your holiday overseas arising out of an activity which does not form part either of the holiday arrangement with us or an excursion offered through us. This assistance will include advice and guidance only.

(e) In the event of a claim under this clause against us by you or any person named on the booking we reserve the right to claim in your place against the person or corporation responsible for the act, default or omission giving rise to the claim and you hereby agree to assign to us all your rights under this clause and we’ll be subrogated to those rights and you hereby agree to assist us fully in the event that we enforce the rights, which have been assigned to us or to which we are subrogated.

(f) We take the safety and security of our clients extremely seriously. If the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises that people should not visit a particular country, then we would act on this. However, we’re sure you appreciate from press and television coverage that the political, economic and social conditions in many countries are not as stable as we are used to. Sadly crimes against both people and their property are a fact of life the world over, and when in a foreign country it is very important to be extra vigilant and avoid drawing attention to yourself by wearing expensive jewellery, carrying expensive camera equipment etc. Travellers have the same responsibility for their personal safety and that of their possessions, as they do at home. As situations in countries can change rapidly, we would suggest you may wish to visit the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Travel Advice website at .gov.uk/ foreigntravel-advice for up to date information and advice regarding safety BEFORE BOOKING YOUR HOLIDAY. Newmarket Holidays operate to many parts of the world, some of which do not conform to British health and safety standards. We request that all our hotels comply with the local regulations applicable in their country for health and safety but we cannot guarantee that these meet British standards.

2 UK holidays

We accept responsibility for ensuring that all component parts of this inclusive holiday are supplied to you as described in this brochure and to a reasonable standard. If any such part is not provided in the advertised manner, we will pay you appropriate compensation if this has affected your enjoyment of your holiday.

3 Travel insurance

Because of the importance of having adequate insurance cover, we make it a condition of

booking on all holidays that you’re covered by an insurance policy. If you elect not to take our insurance, you must ensure you secure adequate cover at the time of booking and you agree to indemnify Newmarket Holidays for any costs that arise which would otherwise have been met had Newmarket Holidays insurance been taken. Please note, if you take out our insurance, certain claims will be subject to an excess charge and that your insurance premium will be dependent on your date of birth. We have no liability for any loss or damage to luggage inflight or in transit. Any claims of this nature should be referred directly to your insurer.

4 Financial protection and repatriation Newmarket Holidays Ltd’s ATOL number is 2325. When you buy an ATOL protected flight inclusive holiday from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists the flight, accommodation, car hire and/or other services that are financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong. We, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL Certificate, will provide you with the services listed on the ATOL Certificate (or a suitable alternative). In some cases, where neither we nor the supplier are able to do so for reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may provide you with the services you have bought or a suitable alternative (at no extra cost to you). You agree to accept that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract to that alternative ATOL holder. However, you also agree that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled to make a claim under the ATOL scheme (or to your credit card issuer where applicable).

5 Passport, visa and immigration requirements

Your specific passport and visa requirements, and other immigration requirements are your responsibility and you should confirm these with the relevant Embassies and/or Consulates. We do not accept any responsibility if you cannot travel because you have not complied with any passport, visa or immigration requirements. Travel has changed since the UK’s withdrawal of the European Union and you must ensure you have a minimum of six months validity from your return date and that your passport is less than ten years old on your date of departure.

Travel agents

All monies you pay to the travel agent are held by them on behalf and for the benefit of the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust at all times. This is subject to the agent’s obligation to pay it to us for so long as we do not fail. If we fail, any money held at that time by the agent, or subsequently accepted from you by them, is and continues to be held on behalf of and for the benefit of the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust without any obligation to pay that money to us.

Please note: All information in this brochure was correct at time of going to print on 24 November 2022 and any errors are unintentional.

Important information

Your Newmarket Holiday

Your Holiday has been arranged by Newmarket Air Holidays. Part of the Newmarket Group, founded in 1983, the company has carried countless happy customers to many beautiful parts of the world. Of course, as well as our commitment to quality, you are assured of the full financial protection of our ATOL bond lodged with the Civil Aviation Authority.

Brochure details

All information in this brochure was correct at time of going to print and any errors are unintentional. The availability of some services, facilities and attractions may vary due to circumstances out of our control such as poor weather conditions, lack of demand and breakdowns. We cannot predict these things in advance, and do not accept liability if things are not open or available, although we will do our best to provide alternatives.

Booking

It is extremely important that you provide clear, correct information when booking, for it is from this information that we make your reser vation and our contract with you. The person to whom all correspondence, invoices and joining instructions are to be sent, should be entered as the first name. It is also their address and telephone number(s) that should be given. Other names are required by airlines, insurance companies, hoteliers etc, so please be accurate. For foreign holidays it is essential that these names match those on the passports. If any member of your party e.g. newly weds, changes their name between booking this holiday and travelling, it is impor tant to provide us with these details so that we can issue the tickets in the new name. If there is not time to amend the passport the marriage cer tif icate should be carried in the passport. We need to know the number of children under two, and those between the ages of two and 16 who may qualify for a 10% discount if they’re sharing a room with two adults where a specific child price is not shown. We do not accept bookings from any unaccompanied passengers under the age of 18.

Your financial protection

The air holiday packages in this brochure are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 2325. Please see our Booking Conditions for further information.

Your itinerary

You’ll receive your final Itinerary and final Travel Documents seven days prior to departure, provided all payments have been made. We endeavour to operate the itinerary advertised in this brochure although there are occasions when due to circumstances out of our control, we may have to change the order in which the itinerary is operated, or our day-by-day activities. On the rare occasion this happens, our tour managers will keep you fully informed, and where possible provide suitable alternatives.

Accommodation

Should you have special requests such as adjoining rooms, or high or low floors, make your request at the time of booking. The hotel cannot guarantee to meet all requests but will at all times do their best to oblige. Please note that at the beginning and at the end of the summer season, certain facilities advertised at hotels may not be available. Items such as outdoor swimming pools and air conditioning, for example, are subject to weather conditions and it will be the decision of each individual hotelier as to when these facilities are available.

Airport development charge

An Airport Development charge has been introduced at a few UK Airports. You’ll be required to pay a charge per passenger over 16 years old at the following airports prior to checking in for your flight: Durham Tees Valley, Knock and Norwich. The amount varies from airport to airport, but is generally between £5 and £10 per person. Please visit the airport’s website for further information.

Hotel room tax

Some countries have introduced a room tax of between €1.00 - €5.00 per person per night, payable directly by the guest to the hotel on check-out. You’ll be advised by your tour manager in resort if your particular hotel(s) is required to charge this.

Special requests

There are of course only a limited number of front seats on coaches, low floor rooms in hotels etc. Should you have special requests such as adjoining rooms, or for a high or low floor, make your request at the time of booking. We cannot guarantee to meet all requests but will do our best to oblige.

Delays

In the event of your outbound flight being cancelled by the airline, we’ll try to rebook to you onto an alternative flight departing the same day from the same departure airport. If this is not possible, we’ll endeavour to offer you an alternative flight departing the following day, which you may accept with a proportionate refund, or cancel with a full refund. Occasionally flights and coaches may be delayed due to circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, we’ll do our utmost to help you and keep you fully informed. In the event of extended overnight delays, depending upon circumstances, we’ll endeavour to provide accommodation. In the case of a major delay to your homeward journey, we shall endeavour to delay the depar ture from your hotel.

Optional excursions

Some optional excursions are subject to a minimum number of participants. In the unlikely event that minimum numbers are not reached and the tour is cancelled, your payment will be returned in full. Cancellation often takes place whilst you are already on your holiday. This is because some people like to wait until they are in resort before booking their excursions and this often increases the numbers. If minimum numbers are still not met, your tour manager will inform you as soon as possible.

Flight information

All prices in this brochure are based on air travel in economy class. We reserve the right to substitute an alternative airline or aircraft type if required to do so for reasons beyond our control.

Important note about flight timings

The flight information given is based upon schedules that were known at the time of printing, or upon expected airline schedules. Please note that timings may become subject to change at the airline’s discretion, and should any such alteration be significant, we’ll inform you. Final timings will otherwise be reconfirmed with your final Travel Documents approximately seven days before departure. We thank you for your understanding in this matter.

Special note on rail breaks

Unless a train journey is specifically described as being steam hauled, all rail journeys are on scheduled services using diesel powered engines. Where a steam hauled rail journey is included, we reserve the right to replace the steam engine with a diesel locomotive in the unlikely event of the former breaking down.

Fitness to travel

We strive to give all our customers full care and attention, but we do need to know at the time of booking if there are any special needs or requirements. It is particularly important that we are advised of any disabilities and also if you intend to bring any specialist equipment such as a wheelchair with you. Please tell us any special information and this will be acknowledged on your Confirmation of Reservation. If you have suffered from a serious medical condition recently, then you should consult with your Doctor about your fitness to travel.

UK, Irish & European holidays

Unless otherwise stated the price of the holiday applies to each of two people sharing a room. The majority of rooms are twin-bedded. Double beds can be requested but are not guaranteed. Most hotels have single rooms and a supplement is usually charged. The third and fourth bed in triple and four bedded rooms are usually only suitable for children. It is standard practice for rooms to be vacated by 12 noon. Where your departure is later, it may be possible to keep the room longer - your tour manager will give you assistance and advise of any extra charge that would be made. Breakfast is included on most holidays - details are in the brochure. Continental style invariably means rolls/croissants, jam, tea or coffee. If you have any special dietary needs, please let us know at the time of booking. Not all hotel rooms especially in overseas hotels have tea/coffee-making facilities –seasoned travellers take travel kettles with them.

America, Canada & furtherafield holidays

The majority of the rooms will have two double beds or one king-size bed. It is standard practice for rooms to be vacated by 12 noon. Where your departure is later, it may be possible to keep the room longer but this is at the hotel’s discretion.

Costing of holidays

The costs of your holiday have been converted into GBP using these exchange rates: EUR 1.07; USD 1.10; CAD 1.47; NOK 11.00; INR 93.00

Holiday Extras not booked with Newmarket Holidays

We cannot be held responsible for compensation in respect of any extras, which are booked (eg travel insurance, currency, theatre tickets) with a third party, if we subsequently cancel your holiday for whatever reason.

Call costs

All calls to our 0330 telephone numbers are charged at the standard local rate.